Watch Royally Mad

Royally Mad is a 4-episode television series that originally aired on BBC America in 2011. The show follows five American women who are all self-proclaimed "royal enthusiasts" as they embark on the trip of a lifetime to London during the week leading up to the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Allison Lackey, Holly Passalaqua, Nikki Pennie, Rachel Antin, and Amanda Downes are the five women featured on the show. Each of them has a unique background and story, but they all share a common obsession with the British royal family. They all come from different parts of the United States and have different levels of knowledge and experience with British culture and traditions.

The show begins with the five women arriving in London and immediately immersing themselves in all things royal. They visit iconic royal landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and Westminster Abbey. They participate in traditional British activities like afternoon tea and pub trivia. They even take part in their own faux British citizenship ceremony, complete with swearing allegiance to the Queen.

Throughout the show, the women are accompanied by two British hosts, who serve as their guides and provide insight into British culture and the royal family. They also have several celebrity guests who make appearances throughout the series, including Victoria Beckham, Princess Diana's former butler Paul Burrell, and fashion designer Bruce Oldfield.

One of the central themes of the show is the women's obsession with the royal family and their desire to be close to them. They camp out overnight on the streets of London to secure a prime viewing spot for the wedding procession. They squeal with delight at the sight of Prince Harry running past them during a Royal Air Force ceremony. They even try to crash a VIP party at the palace in hopes of meeting a member of the royal family.

But the show also explores deeper themes, such as the women's personal connections to the royal family. One woman lost her father on September 11th and found comfort in following Prince Harry's military career. Another woman struggled with infertility and saw Kate Middleton as an inspiration for other women facing similar challenges. The women also discuss their opinions on the monarchy itself and the relevance of the institution in modern times.

Overall, Royally Mad is a fun and light-hearted show that offers a unique perspective on the lead-up to the royal wedding. It combines elements of reality TV with a travel show, offering viewers a glimpse into the lives of five American women who are living out their royal fantasies. While the show may not be groundbreaking or particularly insightful, it is an entertaining watch for anyone who loves the royals or is interested in British culture.