Royal Wedding: PR Firms Jump Right In

Press releases have come flurrying in once the engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton this week.

Within minutes of the announcement that Prince William and Kate Middleton were engaged to be married, PR companies across the country jumped into action by using the engagement to publicise their travel clients. Here are a few of the travel offerings and wedding related press releases the couple has received thus far.

Kate and William: Dublin's on your doorstep, says Irish Ferries

"To celebrate the news that William and Kate are to marry and live in north Wales, Irish Ferris is offering the happy couple free crossings to Dublin."

"Dublin's bright lights, great 'craic' and top class shops are less than two hours from Anglesey, where William is based," says Irish Ferris Declan Mescall.

This makes the Irish capital closer and easier to reach than London's West End - perfect for Kate's girly weekends when William is flying, or a romantic break for the couple themselves.

Irish Ferris is giving Kate and William unlimited Holyhead to Dublin travel, in Club Class, as long as they live in north Wales."

Royal retreat fit for a King

"Finally, it's the news we've all been waiting for, Prince William and Kate Middleton have announced their engagement! Following the recent royal proposal in Kenya where should the couple celebrate their honeymoon? Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa in the Philippines, of course!"

Celebrating the Royal Engagement

"Today's announcement of the royal engagement is a cause for celebration, not just for the royal couple and their family, but fro the whole of England.

The engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton is wonderful news, and all that Visit England join the rest of the country in congratulating the young couple on their impending marriage.

The happy couple have yet to announce the location for the ceremony, or the honeymoon - and although traditional locations such as Westminster Abbey have been suggested, there are many other options to be considered.

Attached: 10 Alternative Locations for the Perfect English wedding."

With news of a royal wedding, try amaging retreats for your very own special day

"News of a certain engagement today will get many thinking of their own specila day and Amazing Retreats can offer a venue to make you feel like royalty! From a Scottish Castle, which has played host to many a celebrity bash, to country manor houses and even a fort in the Soleng Amazing Retreats has secluded wedding venues aplenty!"

Following in the footsteps of Prince William and Kate Middleton and propose to your loved-one in Kenya

"Folowing the exciting announcement of Prince William and Kate middleton's engagement, Kuoni has selected a range of romantic Kenya holidays that provide the perfect setting to propose to your loved-one."

Calling all Kate and WIlliams to Ten Manchester Street, Marylebone

"Ten Manchester Street is offering all engaged couples called William and Kate a complimentary afternoon tea with chilled bottle of champagne."

Complimentary Room for Newly-Engaged Couples at The Landmark London

"Marylebone's regal 5-star hotel The Landmark London are offering any couple who have become engaged in the last month a free night's stay at The Landmark London complete with a bottle of chilled Champagne in the room to celebrate their engagement."

Fit for a King - free overnight stay and spa treatments at The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate

"For happy couples that have become engaged this week - The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate, a 43 acre woodland retreat and luxury hotel are offering a free overnight stay and a his and hers spa treatment."

Obama's PR Efforts to Assure War in Afghanistan is on Track

This week the Pentagon will attempt to convince the American people that the war in Afghanistan remains on track, despite the mess in military leadership.

Tuesday, General David Petraeus, head of US Central Command, was expected to testify before a Senate committee. This would be his first appearance on Capitol Hill since being picked to lead the war in Afghanistan following Obama's firing of General Stanley McChrystal for criticizing the administration.

Mourning over what he called "a lot of obsession" about the July 2011 withdrawal for US troops, Obama on Sunday defended his war strategy and said the US would assist the Afghans "for a long time to come." When asked about a five-year exit strategy endorsed by the Group of Eight major industrial democracies, Obama told reporters at the economic summit in Toronto, "I don't have a crystal ball." Obama added "I think that right now the debate surrounding Afghanistan is presented as either we get up and leave immediately because there's no chance at a positive outcome, or we stay basically indefinitely and do quote unquoted whatever it takes for as long as it takes." He repeated his view that beginning to pull out troops next year doesn't mean the US will "suddenly turn off the lights and let the door close behind us."

Obama's pick, Petraeus, is a signal that there won't be significant change in strategy. Everyone will be watching carefully to see what other changes might be in store.

The PR effort comes amid mixed reviews on US success in Afghanistan. Obama is advancing a risky new war plan that relies on some 98,000 US troops to prop u the Afghan government and prevent al-Qaida from returning.

This is an important issue for Obama because he said during his 2008 campaign he would end this war and bring troops home. However, he probably did not fully understand the complexity of this war and how hard it would be to suddenly pull out. Obama will need to find a balance between assuring the American people that he is making change and settling down our presence in the Middle East, yet make those who feel nervous about us a retaliation from al-Aida is we abandon the area.