From America with kitsch

Quintet of royal wedding fans brings a sense of wonder to London for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

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Royal enthusiasts Mari Boepple, Marcia Anderson, Denise Callegari and Michelle Bordelon visit Westminster Abbey in advance of the royal wedding in London.

Linda Davidson / THE WASHINGTON POST

Marcia Anderson shows off her special-made rosette that she will wear the day of the royal wedding. The friends brought tents, chairs, bunting, posters and special royal wedding decor.

Linda Davidson / THE WASHINGTON POST

Denise Callegari chats with a heavily armed law enforcement officer about the fastest route to Westminster Abbey after arriving in London with friends.

Linda Davidson / THE WASHINGTON POST

Callegari takes a photo of Boepple, left, and Anderson with a trooper of the Household Cavalry.

Linda Davidson / THE WASHINGTON POST

Boepple reads through a royal wedding publication while waiting over an hour to visit Westminster Abbey.

Linda Davidson / THE WASHINGTON POST

The friends share a laugh while waiting in line to see Westminster Abbey. The quintet of women is well versed in royal history.

Linda Davidson / THE WASHINGTON POST

The women show off their knockoff Kate Middleton engagement rings.

Linda Davidson / THE WASHINGTON POST

Duty chaplain Rev. Martin Hume describes the procession route outside Westminster Abbey. The women plan to spend the days preceding the wedding sleeping on the parade route — in shifts, in sleeping bags — to secure a good spot.

Linda Davidson / THE WASHINGTON POST

Callegari, left, and Bordelon unpack handmade posters they plan to hold while watching the royal wedding.

Linda Davidson / THE WASHINGTON POST

Anderson, right, and Boepple unload their celebratory hats and luggage after arriving in London. Americans bring to the wedding a sense of wonder. And kitsch.

Linda Davidson / THE WASHINGTON POST

Callegari shows off some USA posters for the royal wedding procession.

Linda Davidson / THE WASHINGTON POST

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