Zara Phillips models designs from her collection, "ZP 176", for Musto

Watch out Stella McCartney! There’s a young upstart thundering through the strata of stylish, functional sportswear design: Zara Phillips.

“Oh god, don’t call me a fashion designer!” she laughs, as she talks through her first-ever fashion collection for specialist sports brand, Musto. Despite her modesty , the royal equestrian is well-placed to boast when it comes to designing for the arena – she is the current Eventing World Champion, no less.

“I tried and tested everything. With design, the products were already there – I just tweaked a few things, like put in a longer cut for the riding jackets, so it won’t expose the back if you’re riding in the elements,” she explains. “It’s less to do with mainstream fashion and more about practicality and engineering something that works in training, but which you wouldn’t be embarrassed to be seen in, in public.”

Two years in the making, the cryptically-named “ZP 176” collection (a combo of her initials and British Eventing number) consists of fleece-lined waterproof and windproof jackets, padded gilets and super-soft fleeces designed with the latest technology. The collection will span the label’s equestrian, shooting and country lifestyle ranges.

Articles with more pictures: Daily Mail | The Telegraph
Behind the scenes video from photo shoot: Musto
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A mock wedding picture of Prince William & Kate Middleton

The title sounds negative, but it illustrates a very real picture on why Prince William will most likely end up with Kate Middleton.  Unlike widely thought, there aren’t a lot of alternatives. As proven by Prince Charles, it’s difficult for a future king to find a proper wife.  Aristocrats in his circle don’t want to be princess.  Random commoners simply aren’t suitable.  Other European royalties are either too un-British or Catholics… Read the article below, by society & royalty aficionado Nadine Jolie.

It goes without saying that Prince William is considered by many to be the most eligible bachelor in the world. He’s handsome; he’ll inherit the Crown Jewels; the Queen is his granny; Prime Ministers and Presidents will bow before him. Clearly, he’s a catch.

And yet, he’s stuck with Kate Middleton.

Waity Katie—with so many secrets locked up behind that glossy mane—has steadfastly watched and learned, thwarting the notoriously stubborn English class system to brilliantly rise above her station. She’s proven to be the rarest of companions: somebody loyal who is also willing to play the same game that unhinged (or disinterested) so many before her. And unlike Diana, she’s been granted nearly a decade to fully understand what she will be marrying into.

There is nobody else. Catherine Middleton it will be.

Article: Taki’s MagazineRelated Posts:

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The Queen, the Duke, with their young children - Prince Charles & Princess Anne

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II may be 84 but she still has plenty of byte – as she’s shown by joining the photo-sharing website Flickr.

The Queen has already uploaded more than 600 snaps, many of which are very rare, and she plans to write a frequently-updated diary of the Royal Family’s engagements.

The pictures include historic shots of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert from the early days of photography, plus the Queen as a child with her parents and in early royal duties.

The launch follows that of royal.gov.uk, the monarchy Twitter account in 2009 and the Royal Channel on YouTube in 2007.

A Palace statement said: “The Flickr photo site is the latest way the royal household is engaging with technological innovation.”

Article: The Sun
Link: The British Monarchy’s Flicker account
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Among the highlights of the trip will be two parties to celebrate the 60th birthday of The Princess Royal next month and the 50th birthday of The Duke of York earlier this year.

Bathed in glorious sunshine, an excited Royal Family arrived en masse at Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis to begin their holiday.

The Queen, dressed in a lime green trouser suit and pastel headscarf, boarded the luxury Hebridean Princess, which will be their home for the next ten days. She was joined by the Duke of York and his daughters, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice.

The Princess Royal, boarded with a backpack and wearing cream trousers and a jacket, followed by her husband, Vice-Admiral Tim Laurence, who was carrying two bags. Viscount Linley, Princess Margaret’s son, was present with his wife Serena Stanhope and their two children, Charles and Margarita. The viscount’s sister, Lady Sarah Chatto, her husband, Daniel, and their sons, Samuel and Arthur, appeared cheerful as they boarded.

Among those due to join the trip later are the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex, with their children, and Peter Philips and his wife, Autumn.

Article: Telegraph
Pictures: ZimbioRelated Posts:

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Prince William - an additional £1.4m for his protection

Prince William is under fire again…

Prince William’s decision to live outside his RAF base will cost the taxpayer £1.4 million a year, it has been revealed. As second in line to the throne, the prince is classified as the highest security risk and has round-the-clock armed protection.

A 15-strong unit of armed officers from North Wales Police has been set up to protect the Prince as he undertakes a three-year helicopter pilot training course at RAF Valley on Anglesey. The bill for providing round-the-clock armed protection at the island retreat means North Wales Police will lose 15 frontline officers unless it is given additional public funds.

William is renting a secluded country cottage near the port of Holyhead rather than living at the heavily protected RAF base so he can spend more time with his girlfriend, Kate Middleton, and their friends.

The extra cost of protecting him outside the base has infuriated police chiefs at a time when force budgets are being slashed and royal protection funding is under intense scrutiny.

A spokesman for Clarence House refused to discuss policing arrangements. He added: “Prince William has lived off-base for almost two years now and he’s lived in this particular cottage since about March. It isn’t new. For an officer of his age and rank it is quite normal to live off-base for reasons of privacy. Obviously if you live on base, when you are off-duty you only have your room to go to. This is what most officers do, especially when they become operational which the prince will be in the autumn.”

Articles: Daily Mail | The Express

Prince William is tickled by Rory Bremner the racy court jester

Princes William and Harry are amused as Rory Bremner makes them the butt of his jokes at a charity event.

At a fundraiser for the Great Western Air Ambulance last weekend, the television impressionist joked that William was interested in air ambulances only because he liked to use the helicopters to drop off his girlfriend, Kate Middleton, who was also present.

The fancy-dress event at the Beaufort Polo Club had a cowboy theme and Bremner lamented that Harry could not wear his Nazi uniform.

Paul Weir, the charity’s chief executive, says: “How refreshing that Princes William and Harry were able to share in Rory Bremner’s jokes, even if they were at the expense of their Royal Highnesses. Their sense of fun and good humour really put the seal on a wonderful event.”

Article: The Telegraph

While Harry was at polo, Prince William played charity cricket

He’s second in line to the throne… but Prince William was third to bat at a cricket match on Saturday. William got nine runs at the charity game organised by a pal in Bledington, Oxon, before being caught.

Article: The MirrorRelated Posts:

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Prince Harry & Chelsy Davy during less rocky times

Watch out, Arizona girls!  Prince Harry might be heading there…

Prince Harry’s high-flying military career is putting a new strain on his long-distance relationship with Chelsy Davy. Not only are the couple living on separate continents, it’s possible Harry’s training will take him to the other side of the Atlantic later this year or in early 2011 to learn to fly Apache helicopters in Arizona. The couple are trying to make their on-off relationship work following Chelsy’s move back home to Africa.

An Army source said: “Harry was all ready to fly the Lynx and when he found out that the training was in Africa, his mind was made up. He would have gone to Africa for at least a month because of his limited experience of desert flying conditions, particularly night-time landing in dusty conditions. He would also have been able to have a week to ten days’ leave afterwards, with his commanding officer’s permission, so he could have had a reas­onable break in Africa. When Harry found out he had got the Apache, he was delighted because it is a great achievement, but it changes things as far as Chelsy and Africa are concerned.”

Within the next fortnight, Harry will start an eight-month Apache conversion course at RAF Wattisham in Suffolk.

Article: Daily Mail

Prince Harry chats with Ronnie Wood at polo

One’s famous for being a hellraising rock ‘n’ roller, while the other’s known for being one of the more rebellious royals. But despite coming from very different worlds, perhaps Prince Harry and Ronnie Wood had plenty to talk about thanks to their reputations for being naughty.

In between the Prince’s games at the Asprey World Class Polo match in Surrey, the two men crossed the generation gap to share a joke together.

While the 25-year-old royal was playing polo to raise money for his charity Sentebale, the Rolling Stone, 63, was strictly a guest, enjoying the matches and food on offer.

Article: Daily Mail

Chelsy Davy’s cousin is  meow meow dealer

We all have bad seeds in our families.  This time, it’s revealed that Chelsy’s cousin is a drug dealer.  Another family scandal to talk about now that Kate Middleton’s drug-shamed Uncle Gary has been forgiven.

A cousin of Prince Harry’s girlfriend Chelsy Davy has been arrested for drug dealing. Cops caught Jordan Heppell, 18, with meow meow – mephedrone.

Heppell, of Crowthorne, Berks, bragged to The Sun: “I was probably selling 20 to 30 grams at £20 a go to about 20 people every week. I only did it to support my weed habit.” He said of Chelsy, 24: “I think she’ll be shocked.”

Police in Camberley, Surrey, also found horse tranquilliser ketamine and marijuana when they searched Heppell’s car. He was arrested for intent to supply class B and C drugs and released on police bail until September.

His dad Ian Donald is the brother of Chelsy’s mum Beverley.

Article: The Sun
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What does a person do when they have debts of around £2million and have just laid off their loyal staff? For Sarah Ferguson, the answer was to take off to the Caribbean to party with billionaires. On Thursday, she boarded on the Gulfstream private jet owned by her longtime friend Peter Brant, the U.S. newsprint tycoon. She was then flown in habitual luxury from his Connecticut home, where she has been staying for several days, to the 60th birthday party of Sir Richard Branson on his private Necker Island in the Caribbean.

Article: Daily Mail

And more about Kate Waddington, Fergie’s public relations consultant for 20 years, who last week was reportedly sacked with the rest of her staff…

Interestingly, the Daily Mail says humiliated Kate called Fergie to quit a while back – while she was in the US trying to salvage her image from the Cash for Access scandal.

“Kate plays with a straight bat and was horrified that Sarah had kept such an important thing from her,” said a source. “She felt her loyalty to Fergie had been rewarded with an almighty slap in the face.”

Article: Daily Mail

Can it get any worse for Fergie?

As Sarah Ferguson is forced to make her staff redundant, those who know her most intimately admit that the Duchess faces an uncertain future.

Sarah Ferguson has enjoyed her share of ups and downs during her royal and post-royal careers. Well – downs, mostly.  Duchess of York is one of the great loose cannons of the Hanoverian-Windsor era. Cut away from the Royal Family, which once greeted her, like the young Lady Diana Spencer, as a breath of democratic fresh air, she has spent the last two decades seemingly rolling around the deck, smashing into this and that, leaving a trail of wreckage, usually financial, strewn in her flame-haired wake.

Article: The TelegraphRelated Posts:

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Prince Harry & a puppy in Canine Partners Training Centre

Prince Harry visits Midhurst ’superdog’ charity

Prince Harry got a first-hand glimpse of “superdogs” which carry out everyday chores on behalf of disabled people during a visit to West Sussex.

The prince watched puppies being trained to help wounded military personnel and civilians carry out routine activities.  He also saw fully trained dogs in action at Canine Partners in Midhurst.

A spokesman for the organisation said: “The dogs are carefully matched to the applicant’s needs and lifestyle, no matter how challenging. They are trained to help with everyday tasks such as opening and shutting doors, unloading the washing machine, picking up dropped items, pressing buttons and switches and getting help in an emergency.”

“The charity aims to train dogs to meet the needs of people with even the most complex disabilities, including members of the Armed Forces.”

Article + Video: BBC News

Fearne Cotton gets a royal kiss from Prince Harry

For most, it was a swift handshake and a ‘how do you do?’ lasting a few seconds from Prince Harry. But it seems he could not let an awards do he was hosting last night pass without sharing a sneaky kiss with Fearne Cotton.

The royal gave the Radio 1 presenter a warm reception as he greeted her at The Royal British Legion’s Friends of the Forces Awards in London. The event celebrates the efforts of those who have made an ‘exceptional contribution’ to the well-being of the Armed Forces and their families.

Prince Harry, who previously served in Afghanistan, said the ‘thoughtfulness and love’ of the public had a huge effect on soldiers’ morale. “Much has rightly been made of the extraordinary valour and professionalism of our Armed Forces serving on operations overseas. Less has been made of the magnificent response to that contribution by the British people. From my own time in Afghanistan, I believe I have a genuine feeling for just how much the support, thoughtfulness and love of those left back home means to our men and women in uniform overseas. The award winners tonight need to know – if they don’t already- quite how fundamental an effect what they do has on raising the moral of those in harms way, far from home.”

The Prince kicked off the evening by presenting an award to two youngsters who raised more than £400 for charity.

Article: Daily Mail

Prince Harry visits RAF base

Prince Harry was shown a state-of-the-art armoured vehicle used to detect deadly gases on the battlefield as he paid a visit to an RAF base on Wednesday.

Harry was briefed on the capabilities of the German-made Fuchs vehicle as he toured the RAF Honington base in Suffolk.  He also watched a training session, met with servicemen’s wives and opened a new mess while he was there.

Group Captain Nick Bray welcomed Harry’s visit to the Honington base.  “It was an exciting visit for everybody, a huge shot in the arm for people’s moral. We were very interested to meet him and benefitted immensely from his enthusiasm and good humour,” he was quoted as saying the Bury Free Press.

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Gary Goldsmith, Kate Middleton's uncle

Has Uncle Gary been forgiven?

He was the black sheep of the Middleton family, but Kate’s uncle Gary Goldsmith has been welcomed back into the fold. Exactly one year ago, Ibiza-based Gary was in the doghouse for supplying drugs and setting up prostitutes.

But after he bombarded Kate’s mother Carole with countless apologies he was forgiven and invited to dinner at the family’s Berkshire home.

“Gary is Carole’s younger brother and they have always been very close. She used to take him under her wing when they were youngsters and she loves him dearly,” says a friend. “She couldn’t bring herself to speak with him for several months because of the damage he caused to Kate and Prince William’s relationship. But she gave in two weeks ago and invited Gary for dinner.”

But they’ve decided that he should stay away from Kate to prevent further embarrassment.  “He loves his niece and wants her to be happy so he will keep away – although they have spoken on the telephone.”

Article: Daily Mail

Spotlight on Pippa Middleton

Time to get to know the little sister!

Now that she’s taken the position of events manager at Blue Strawberry, Kate’s younger sister Pippa is the center of some media ink.  This article talks about her life, her ambitious nature, her friendly rivalry with Kate while growing up, her years at Edinburgh university, her choice of friends… how she mingles with the right crowd, and how she currently acts as Kate’s “gatekeeper.”

The article also says Pippa is currently single.  It mentions the high profile boys she’s dated, including JJ Jardine Paterson, Billy
More Nesbitt,  Simon Youngman, Charlie Gilkes, and even Guy Pelly.  (Other than ex-boyfriend JJ, who knows if any of this is true)…

Article: Daily Mail

Prince William to Wed Kate in Private

A mock-up photo of what William & Kate's wedding might be like

And now the highly improbable story…

Prince William has amazed aides with a bid to marry his bride-in-waiting Kate Middleton in a “private” family wedding.  The prince wants the Queen’s permission to wed at the ­royals’ own personal church, St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

William has made it plain to royal planners that he considers the wedding “very much a private family ceremony”. He wants to restrict media access to the “bare minimum” with more emphasis on families, friends and supporters.

“William knows he has public responsibilities and that it will look very small compared to his parents’ wedding. But these are different times and a lot of people out there are suffering. He thinks the sight of all that royal extravagance would revolt ordinary, hard-working people who struggle to raise their families and pay their bills,” said one aide. “We’re not talking about a quickie service and a tray of vol-au-vents but we are talking smaller, less glamorous and more family centred. William is not yet in the same position as his father was. He isn’t yet the heir to the throne and he lives as ordinary a life as possible with a real job in the real world.”

William and Kate are due to make an announcement about their future later this year with a possible wedding date as early as 2011.

Article: Daily StarRelated Posts:

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Fergie lets go of Kate Waddington, her PR relations adviser for 10 years

Fergie Sacks Staff to Prevent Bankrupcy

The cash-strapped Duchess of York has been forced to sack her entire team of seven full-time staff to save money. In another blow, the Duchess has also parted company with Kate Waddington, her long-suffering public relations adviser who worked hard to improve the Duchess’s battered public image.

The cutbacks will also affect three more staff who were on temporary contracts and worked for the Duchess on an ad-hoc basis. In total she should save an estimated £700,000 a year. Fergie made personal phone calls to each of her 12 tearful flunkies to explain why their jobs had gone.

But despite being £2million in the red, next week she flies to Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson’s luxury home in the British Virgin Islands.

Articles: Daily Mail | The Sun

Princess Beatrice looks Bea-utiful after training for London marathon

Svelte and far from shy, Princess Beatrice shows how marathon training has transformed her figure from the curvy one that in the past drew unflattering comments. The 21-year-old, said to have shed a stone and a half, displayed her new slimline look as she showered on the back of a luxury yacht in St Tropez. With her on holiday is boyfriend Dave Clark.

The fifth in line to the throne had been mortified by pictures of herself in a blue bikini during a beach holiday on St Barts in 2008 and admitted being ‘terribly upset’ by unkind remarks.

Follow the link below for pictures of Bea looking great in a bikini, including a comparative shot of unflattering pictures in the past.

Article: Daily Mail

Queen’s visit to Canada a royal success story

The Queen’s visit to Canada visit was a roaring success, drawing record-breaking crowds eager to see the monarch in the flesh in what may well prove her valedictory tour.

Article: The Telegraph

Chelsy Davy

Chelsy heading for Johannesburg?

According to Katie Nicholl, Chelsy Davy is giving up previous plans to train as a solicitor in London, will be traveling through December, and moving to Johannesburg in January.

‘She doesn’t want to live in Cape Town because all her friends have moved to Jo’burg,’ says a friend.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry did not relish being the butt of the joke himself. The Prince apparently had a ’sense-of-humour failure’ at his friend Mark Dyer’s wedding in Wales when chums continually ribbed him about his on-off relationship with Chelsy.

‘Quite a few people kept saying “you’ll be next” to Harry, and making remarks about “walking the plank” with Chelsy,’ says a spy. He laughed along at first but it wore thin pretty quickly.’

Article: Daily Mail (scroll down)Related Posts:

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Kate Middleton watches William play polo. Click to see more pictures from Getty Images

**Updated with link to more pictures below** Finally!  An appearance from Kate this polo season!

Kate Middleton was all smiles yesterday as she watched Prince William take part in a polo match.

The 28-year-old beamed as she chatted with a male friend in the glorious sunshine at the Beaufort Polo Club in Tetbury, Gloucestershire. Wearing a belted light green summer dress and carrying an enormous bag, she was there to watch her Royal boyfriend and his brother Prince Harry compete in a charity event.

William, 28, and his 25-year-old brother were taking part in the Chakravarty Cup and were left with big smiles on their faces after their team won the match. It was put on to raise funds for charities including the English Schools’ Swimming Association and Wellchild, which helps sick children and their families across the UK.

Last year the event, which is named after Saroj Chakravarty, a patron of The Prince’s Trust, raised more than £50,000.

Article: Daily Mail
Pictures: Getty Images
Pictures (Kate with arm around William): Profimedia (search Kate Middleton & browse)
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Peter Phillips & wife Autumn Kelly are expecting their first child

The Queen is said to be overjoyed after learning that she is to become a great-grandmother for the first time.

Princess Anne’s son Peter Phillips and his wife Autumn are expecting their first child in December, Buckingham Palace confirmed yesterday.

Mr Phillips and his Canadian-born wife, both 32, said in a statement: “Peter and Autumn Phillips are delighted to confirm they are expecting a baby in December. ‘The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh as well as Autumn’s family have been informed and are delighted with the news.”

The couple are living in Hong Kong where Mr Phillips works in the sponsorship division of the Royal Bank of Scotland. It is not known if they will return to the UK for the birth.

The couple wed in May 2008.  Their decision to accept £500,000 from Hello! magazine for exclusive use of photographs of their wedding ceremony – featuring the Queen, Prince Charles, Prince Harry and royal girlfriends Kate Middleton and Chelsy Davy – caused some controversy.

Article: Daily MailRelated Posts:

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