World Notes Royalty

The thoroughly modern Sarah Ferguson, fiancee of Britain's Prince Andrew, may not be so modern after all. The princess-to-be has chosen a traditional 1662 marriage rite for her wedding on July 23. While Sarah's close friend Diana, Princess of Wales, promised in 1981 to "love, honor and keep" (but not obey) her husband Prince Charles, Sarah will swear to "obey" not once but twice during the service.

Andrew also favors a traditional wedding script. Charles vowed to "share" his wealth with his bride, but Andrew will undertake to hand his over, declaring, "With all my worldly goods, I thee endow." Inevitably, there is speculation about whether Fergie or Andrew is getting the better deal.