British Royals

Archive for The Middleton Family

All articles related to Kate Middleton’s family — parents Michael and Carole, sister Pippa and brother James.

New Controversial Diana Documentary Set to Screen at Cannes

May 10

Posted by britishroyals in Pippa & James Middleton, Prince Harry, Prince William, Prince William & Catherine, Princess Diana, The Duchess of Cambridge | 6 Comments

A shocking paparazzi photograph of a dying Princess Diana is to be screened for the first time in a documentary about her fatal crash.

Unlawful Killing (watch trailer here), which will be shown at Cannes this week, is backed by the actor Keith Allen and Mohammed Fayed, whose son Dodi died with Diana. The 90-minute film will include a graphic black and white close-up of Diana taken moments after the Mercedes carrying the couple crashed in a Paris underpass.

The documentary also suggests foul play from the Royal Family surrounding Diana’s death. “It reveals a cover-up by the British Establishment culminating in a six-month inquest. Keith Allen’s ground-breaking documentary recreates key moments from the inquest and demonstrates how vital evidence of foul play was hidden from public scrutiny, how the royal family were exempted from giving evidence and how journalists, particularly those working for the BBC, systematically misreported the events and in particular, the verdict itself. This is the story of how the world was deceived.”

A spokesman for St James’s Palace declined to comment but royal sources said Diana’s sons would be sickened by the news.  They have long since made it known that they want their mother to rest in peace.

Article: Daily Mail

Harry has been surrounded by blondes lately…

Prince Harry was spotted leaving on-off girlfriend Chelsy Davy’s flat on Saturday, but she was nowhere to be found during his 2-day charity polo matches over the weekend. Chelsy and Kate had been spotted cheering on their boyfriends in the same event years before. Instead, Harry was seen hugging a blonde in day 1… and chatting up with the Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron on day 2…

Articles: The Sun | Daily Mail
Pictures: Zimbio: Day 1 | Day 2 (with Charlize Theron)

Prince William & Kate are finally on their honeymoon

Prince William and Princess Catherine departed on their honeymoon on Monday, their spokesperson confirmed. The exact destination remains undisclosed. “They have left for their honeymoon and the couple have asked for their privacy to be respected.” They were seen driving from their Anglesey home followed by Range Rovers packed with suitcases.

“William is determined to give Kate the holiday of a lifetime,” says a source. “The past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind. They’re looking forward to some quality time together. Kate doesn’t know where she’s going, but Wills is confident she’ll love it. It’s a dream honeymoon location – one of the most romantic places in the world.”

Bets on the Seychelles seem accurate. The Indian Ocean tourism spokesperson confirmed that the royal couple landed on their main airport at 7:20am local time on Tuesday.

The UK press have agreed to give the couple the privacy they desire. Now hopefully the rest of the world would do the same.

Articles: The Sun | Telegraph

More William & Kate tidbits:

Pippa Middleton

Other News:

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Pippa Dominates Media as William & Kate Settle Into Married Life

May 8

Posted by britishroyals in Pippa & James Middleton, Prince William, Prince William & Catherine, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of Cambridge | 4 Comments

Kate shopping at Waitrose

After their weekend mini-moon, Prince William and Princess Catherine — officially the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge — are back in their remote North Wales hideaway.  William has gone back to work, and has scored 3 rescues thus far in the week after his wedding. (Read about his first double rescue, & third rescue).

New wife Kate, meanwhile, was spotted grocery shopping in Waitrose in Menai Bridge near Anglesey.  Pictures of the future queen pushing her own trolley left people gobsmacked, making it to the front page of at least four major newspapers.  Kate had 3 bodyguards with her, but did her own shopping.  She was seen examining packs of chocolate biscuits, bottles of cordial, washing powder, bags of pasta and browsing the fruit and vegetable section, and hovering over a pizza section. She left with 5 bags of groceries.  It has been known that William & Kate refuse to have servants while in Anglesey and want to live as normal a life as possible.  Hopefully after the Royal Wedding frenzy has died down, the photographers can leave them alone.  Articles: Daily Mail | The Mirror

Read more about Anglesey and why it’s the royal couple’s perfect little hideaway.

Prince William & Princess Catherine are expected to head out for their honeymoon very soon.  A secret destination, but most bets are on the Seychelles, where they allegedly made a pact to marry 4 years go.

More about William & Kate’s Canada / California Tour

As you now know, Prince William & Princess Catherine are heading to California on July 8-10, right after completing the official tour of Canada.  What will they do in California?  Despite the Palace not announcing their itinerary yet, America is abuzz that the couple will hit Los Angeles and meet former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.  The visit will be connected with William’s charities, it seems.  One article says they’ll stay at the Beverly Hills Hotel.  And others speculate that they could be the first visitors of David & Victoria Beckham’s new baby, due in July.

As for their Canada tour (June 30 – July 8), the couple is speculated to visit a Calgary airfield which was once where Kate’s late RAF hero grandfather, Peter, was stationed to train wartime pilots.  Peter Middleton died shortly before William & Kate announced their engagement last year.

William & Kate Tidbits:

New Emerging Star: Pippa Middleton

Pippa Middleton

The world can’t seem to get enough of Kate’s younger sister Pippa.  After she performed her maid-of-honour duties to perfection (not to mention showcasing her similarly perfect backside in a Sarah Burton dress), foreign media, particularly the US, have been featuring her nonstop.

After having Facebook fan sites and webpages launched to hail Pippa’s perfect bottom, out came old pictures of partying Pippa — one with her dancing in a purple bra, another with her making a dress out of toilet paper.  The latest: 2006 pics of Pippa, Kate and William on holiday in Ibiza, with Pippa watering down her bikini top.  These are NOT new pictures, by the way.  Royal watchers and the British press have known them for years.  The world is simply catching up.

Latest news suggest that the Middleton family are taking action over the supposedly private photos and have successfully had them withdrawn from circulation.

Related Middleton Articles:


Other Royals:

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie to be stripped of 24-hour protection. Can this be true? Prince Andrew’s daughters are to be stripped of their 24-hour police protection after a growing row over the £500,000 annual cost. The York sisters are the biggest losers of a Scotland Yard review of security for the Royal Family. As 5th and 6th in line to the throne, will be given protection only when they attend official events on behalf of the Royal Family. Prince Andrew’s wish that his daughters follow him into public life has also been thwarted with his family’s recent scandals.  According to the Express, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward may also lose 24-hour protection.

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Naming dilemma: What to Call the Girl Formerly Known as Kate Middleton

May 5

Posted by britishroyals in Chelsy Davy, Pippa & James Middleton, Prince Charles & Camilla, Prince William, Prince William & Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge | 10 Comments

GLORIOUS NEWS for AMERICANS:
William & Kate are visiting California in July!

The Name Debate

It’s been barely a week since William & Kate tied the knot in front of a global audience.  While the honeymoon destination remains the top question, another significant dilemma the world faces — this blogger included — is  what to call Prince William’s new wife.

Princess Catherine

Prince William will always be Prince William.  But what about Kate?

 

Sure, her official title is HRH the Duchess of Cambridge. Or make that Her Royal Highness Princess William, Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Strathearn, Baroness Carrickfergus…. (whew!)

But what to call her informally? In this internet age, where keywords mean everything, a simple “Kate” just wouldn’t do. A google search of “kate middleton” used to give complete news coverage on Kate, but after her marriage, the media is scrambling on several monikers: Princess Catherine, Princess Kate, Duchess Catherine, Duchess Kate, Kate the Duchess… The world hasn’t come into a consensus on what to call her.

I personally like the sound of Princess Catherine. It isn’t an official name, for sure, but definitely sounds more youthful and accessible than Duchess of Cambridge. Besides, Prince William will always be known as Prince William to the world, no matter how many titles are given him. So, when strung into the same sentence, it simply sounds fitting that his wife be informally called Princess and not Duchess. (I know Camilla has never been called Princess but I think global popularity will make this young couple an exception). Also, it has been suggested that William himself preferred that he stayed known as Prince William and that his wife be Princess Catherine. A quote from the Telegraph:

In an attempt to get round the issue, the Palace let it be known that people who wanted to call Catherine “Princess” were welcome to do so. After Friday’s Royal wedding, Paddy Harverson, the Prince of Wales’ communications secretary, suggested the public be encouraged to use the names Prince William and Princess Catherine if they preferred. He said: “I think it’s absolutely natural that the public might want to call them Prince William and Princess Catherine and no one is going to have any argument with that.”

So for this confused royal blogger, unless I see a different trend, it’s PRINCESS CATHERINE.

Another interesting thing: The Palace says Prince William will NOT change his name to William Cambridge at work. He will remain Fl Lt William Wales, as he’s been known in school and on the job. He also, interestingly, introduced Kate as “Mrs. Wales” at the Buckingham Palace reception. But Kate can not technically take on the Wales surname, and neither should any of their future children. All the more reason why I’m sticking with Princess Catherine for now…

Any thoughts?

Prince William back to work. Prince William, looking good with his spectacles, has been snapped behind his Audi returning to work in RAF Valley in Anglesey, North Wales.  Poor guy can’t escape the paps, can he?

UK Tabloids pledge to leave royal honeymooners alone.  Good on them if it happens.  Although foreign photographers may still go after them.

Sarah Burton breaks her silence.  Kate’s acclaimed wedding dress designer says the new princess is “one of the most lovely women she has ever met” and described her as “low maintenance.”  The dress has “a lot of her personality in it” and they collaborated 50-50.

Interview of the Bridesmaids dress designer.  With video.  Mother and daughter team Nicki and Charlotte Macfarlane spoke to Entertainment Tonight.  Princess Catherine was heavily involved and was present in all fittings.

Other Royal News:

Prince Charles met President Obama yesterday in Washington and gave a speech at Georgetown University regarding sustainable agriculture.


 

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Royal Wedding: Celebration Hightlights & Tidbits

May 1

Posted by britishroyals in Carole & Mike Middleton, Chelsy Davy, Pippa & James Middleton, Prince Harry, Prince William, Prince William & Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge | 2 Comments

Two days after the William & Kate’s big day, and tidbits are just starting to come in manageable trickles.  The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are currently in an undisclosed UK location (not their honeymoon yet).  Prince William returns to work next week.

First, a great video recap of the day after the wedding:

Tidbits on the receptions

William & Kate: what are they saying? AP Photo

Both receptions were private events, but tidbits have been spilled from various guests.  From the sound of it, they were both a gigantic success.  The Queen’s hosted wedding breakfast for 600 seemed more “informal” than expected, while the evening party was a riot!  Prince Charles gave a very moving speech, describing Kate as William’s “soulmate,” and calling her “daughter.”  Prince Harry’s best man speech was “hilarious” as he joked about his brother’s balding, among other things.  Read on to get all the details…

Overall, sounded like a day to remember.

Just as there have been many different accounts on the receptions, many articles are also focusing on lip reading the key moments of the whole day.  How else would we know how the royals were feeling?  None of these have been confirmed, and some are conflicting, but here they are…

Other Royal Wedding Tidbits:

So what’s up with Harry & Chelsy?

Chelsy Davy attends William & Kate's wedding

It seems clear that Prince Harry & on-off girlfriend are back together.   Chelsy was at the evening reception and spent much time with Harry.  Harry was eve spotted leaving her flat on Friday morning.  However, their future is still being questioned.  What’s funny is that after Pippa Middleton’s stellar performance as maid-of-honor, the press seems to think she and Harry make a good couple!  Harry & Chelsy articles below:

A new star is born: Pippa!

And a new media star?  Pippa Middleton, who rocked in her figure-hugging Sarah Burton maid-of-honor gown!  She sent Twitter & Facebook ablaze and threatened to steal the bride’s thunder, according to reports.  Facebook’s Pippa Middleton Ass Appreciation Society almost has 90,000 fans as I write this

 

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The Queen Turns 85

Apr 21

Posted by britishroyals in Carole & Mike Middleton, HM The Queen & Duke, Prince Charles & Camilla, Prince William, Prince William & Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge | 2 Comments

Born April 21, 1926, Queen Elizabeth II turns 85 years old today.  Although her “official birthday” is celebrated yearly in June with the Trooping of the Colour ceremony.

Happy 85th Birthday to the Queen
- the Monarchy’s lighthouse & touchstone
Long may Her Majesty reign!

The Queen & the Duke are currently in Windsor Castle.  She’ll be in Westminster Abbey later today for the Royal Maundy service. No news on how Her Majesty will be celebrating her landmark birthday.

Yesterday, however, the Palace confirmed that the Queen & Prince Philip hosted Kate Middleton’s parents – Michael and Carole – to a private lunch.  It is believed that it is the first time they have met.  Previous reports insisted the Queen had no plans to meet them before the wedding.

Buckingham Palace says: “The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh hosted Mr and Mrs Michael Middleton at a private lunch at Windsor Castle today.”

According to a royal source: “It was a lovely lunch, very warm with lots of laughter and I think helped put everyone at ease.” The meal started at 1pm and lasted just under an hour and half – Her Majesty has never been one to linger long over lunch.

Also present were a handful of household staff including the Queen’s private secretary and equerry. Neither William nor Kate was invited to the gathering.

Article: Daily Mail

Kate Middleton on a 2-day Shopping Spree

With only 8 days to go before her wedding, Kate Middleton hit the shops at King’s Road 2 days in a row shopping for what appears to be her honeymoon wardrobe. On the first day, she stopped at Warehouse (who unprofessionally tweeted her appearance & later released what she bought to the press), Banana Republic and Zara. She also stopped to have her hair done. On day 2, Kate, snapped looking super slim in a black Issa dress, hit Whistles and Peter Jones.

And once again, the press managed to expose what Kate bought — pants, tops, sunglasses, bikinis, and even bras and panties on bargain.  Seriously, it’s great to know this “commoner” future queen shops like an ordinary girl and buys things that are accessible.  It’s nice to know the shop assistants think she’s lovely and friendly.  But to reveal every bit of clothing she bought?  And her dress size?  It’s all a bit too much, in my opinion.  If the world has learned anything from what happened to Diana, it is to give the royals a little bit of space.  Here’s hoping Kate will continue to shop in high street for years to come!

Articles: Daily Mail | Mirror

Pictures:
Day 2, King’s Road: Socialitelife (most complete) | Laineygossip
Day 2, in car with protection officer (not mum): Zimbio
 Day 1, after visiting hairdresser Richard War: Popsugar

As for Prince William, he was spotted playing football Monday night in Battersea, where his team won 5-0.  Luckily, he finished unscathed. The football-mad prince often joins friends for a competitive game when he’s in London on Monday nights.  Article: Telegraph

Other William & Kate Updates:

And another milestone:  Prince Charles is now officially the longest heir-in-waiting in British history.  And with the Queen strong at 85, looks like it’ll still be a long time until he’s king.

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