Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Passing of the Prince of Camelot - 10 years later

It was 10 years ago today the Prince of Camelot - John F Kennedy Jr - along with his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and sister-in-law Lauren were tragically lost in a plane crash when the plane piloted by John went down in the Atlantic on the way to a wedding in Martha's Vineyard.

The Kennedy's were the closest thing America had to a Royal Family and to many John's death signalled the end of Camelot. But he was more than just the son of JFK, more than just the little boy who so famously peeked out from under his fathers desk, more than the figure that broke your heart when he saluted his slain father back in 1963. John-John grew up in the public eye, his every move scrutinised, every relationship examined and questioned by a public that felt some ownership over his life.

He was handsome & charismatic, had an easy charm and grace about him. He famously dated Sarah Jessica Parker and Daryl Hannah, and was even reported to have been involved with Madonna, before he married Carolyn Bessette in 1996.

I sometimes think about what he would have done with his life. Would Carolyn and he still be married? Would they have children? Would he have gone into public office? Everyone wanted him to go into politics, but would he? He seemed reticent to be in the public eye and seemed happy with his work on his magazine. How different the political landscape could have been if that plane hadn't gone down.

I like to remember him on that Seinfeld episode. You know the one - The Contest. Like Elaine, I would not have remained "Master (sic) of my Domain" if there had been a possibility of of a night with John-John. And yes, I am aware that he was never actually in an episode of Seinfeld. That is just my favourite reference of him.
Long live Camelot in the memories of those who loved him. 10 years. Hard to believe!
XO

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