National Portrait Gallery
8 February 2012

With a degree in History of Art, it seemed only fitting that The Duchess of Cambridge made her first solo appearance visiting London’s National Portrait Gallery, of which she is royal patron. And if she was nervous at striking out on her own nine months after her marriage, it certainly didn’t show.

Kate was attending a private viewing of a new exhibition of portraits by the late Lucian Freud. After facing a large pack of photographers outside, she slipped into the gallery and mingled with arty types including photographer Mary McCartney, Bella Freud, the artist’s daughter, and Jefferson Hack.

It was also announced that the Duchess has agreed to sit for her first portrait. The artist is yet unknown. Perhaps the next time she visits the National Portrait Gallery, she’ll have one of her own hanging on the wall?…

Videos

• Telegraph: raw footage arriving, inside & leaving NPG
• America’s Today Show video report
• America’s ABC, video report

Articles with Pictures

• Telegraph: Duchess of Cambridge’s first solo outing at the NPG
• Daily Mail: Duchess of Cambridge carries out first public engagement without William
• What Kate Wore: Kate in defunct Jesire for the NPG

More Pictures: Getty Images | Rex Features

Action on Addiction + Alder Hey Kids
14 February 2012

It’s Valentine’s Day! And with her husband away in the Falklands, Kate wasn’t short of flowers or hugs in Liverpool. The Duchess visited to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and an Action on Addiction project, the non-alcoholic Brink bar for her second major solo public appearance.

At The Brink, Kate sampled a smoothie named the “Duchess” in her honour, and proclaimed it “seriously good.” She was then serenaded by a resident choir of recovering addicts called the Raucous Caucus Recovery Chorus. Outside, she met her valentine, 8-year-old Jaqson Johnston-Lynch, who presented her with roses, a card and a cupcake. Kate then revealed to the boy and his mother that she’s received flowers and a card from Prince William that morning.

Next stop: Kate wowed a 500-strong crowd by chatting to well-wishers outside Alder Hey Children’s hospital.  She was given a tour of Alder Hey’s burns and oncology units and also visited Ronald McDonald House, which provides free accommodation for the families of some of the hospital’s sickest children.  The visit proved a hit for everyone, as Kate gave children lots of hugs and stayed way past her schedule to give the kids individual time and greet the crowds, who showered her with flowers and gifts.

Videos:

Queen's Diamond Jubilee Gifts

• Telegraph: Cheers greet Kate in Liverpool
• BBC: Report on Kate’s Valentine visit to The Brink
• BBC: Kate taste’s alcohol free smoothie called the “Duchess” at The Brink bar
• BBC: Report on Kate’s Valentine visit to Liverpool (including Alder Hey)
• Guardian: Inside footage from Alder Hey
• CBS: Updates on Kate & Harry from Victoria Arbiter

Articles with Pictures:

• Daily Mail: Kate wins children’s hearts in Liverpool
• The Sun: Kate walks alone for Valentine’s Day
• Express: Caring Kate is the Queen of Hugs on Valentine’s Day
• Telegraph: The Duchess of Cambridge visits Liverpool on Valentine’s Day
• BBC: Kate a hit with Liverpool crowd as she visits charities
• Mirror: From the Falklands with love: William sends Kate card and flowers
• Telegraph: Kate sends Wills underpants (boxer shorts) for Valentine’s
• Telegraph: Could Kate’s Uncle Gary be her inspiration for taking up an addiction patronage?
• What Kate Wore: Kate in Hobbs & Oasis for Liverpool

More Pictures: Getty Images | Goff Photos

The Art Room
21 February 2012

Kate paints with children. Photo from Getty Images

The Duchess of Cambridge put her passion for the arts into practice on her first public engagement as royal patron of The Art Room, which encourages confidence in disadvantaged children.

As the Duchess arrived she was greeted by Juli Beattie, founder and director of The Art Room, who said: “You can’t fail to be charmed by her. She’s a highly independent woman who wants to make a difference.” Two youngsters gave the duchess an apron emblazoned with “Miss Catherine”, a bouquet of flowers, and some dog treats for her new pet. Inside, she was given a stuff animal – a dog, who she decided to name after her own cocker spaniel puppy. And alas, after 2 months of “puppygate,” Clarence House confirms that William & Kate’s dog is named Lupo (Italian for “wolf”)! Yes, it’s Lupo Cambridge, who already has 3 Twitter accounts (funny, active one here) and a website as of this writing.

At Rose Hill Primary School in Oxford, Kate joined eight children who will be working on The Owl And The Pussycat poem by Edward Lear.  The second part of the visit saw her visit the Oxford Spires Academy, where she joined a round-table discussion covering debriefing, training and supervision of all the charity’s staff in Oxford.

Kate is patron of The Art Room. Photo by Reuters

Videos

• ITN: Duchess of Cambridge paints at Oxford school (lots of footage of her speaking)
• BBC: Duchess of Cambridge embraces art in school visit
• Telegraph: Raw footage from the day with students

Articles With Pictures

• Daily Mail: Duchess of Cambridge visits schools as patron of The Art Room
• Express: Kate supports youngsters in need
• Press Association: Kate praised by art charity chief
• Telegraph: Kate smudged in paint after school art visit
• Telegrapah: Duchess of Cambridge reveals new puppy name is Lupo
• What Kate Wore: Kate in Orla Kiely for The Art Room

More Pictures: Getty Images | Rex Features

Next up for Kate: Teaming up with the Queen on March 1 and March 8!

Related Posts:

• Duchess of Cambridge Announces Patronages
• Queen Elizabeth: 60 Pictures for 60 Years
• William & Kate Back from Summer Hibernation
• William & Kate Canadian Tour: Day 1 —(Ottawa)—
• Prince William Shows Off his Dance Moves at Centrepoint

On March 2 t0 8, 2012, Harry will travel to Belize, The Bahamas and Jamaica on behalf of The Queen as part of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee.  On March 9 to 11, he will travel to Brazil on the behalf of the British Government

Belize

• 2 March, Friday: Harry arrives in late afternoon; pay a call on the Governor-General; attend lively street party on a new road to be named “HM Queen Elizabeth II Boulevard”, (deliver first speech)
• 3 March, Saturday: visit to the Adjacency Zone on the border between Belize and Guatemala; tour an arts studio; visit to a Mayan pyramid in Xunantunich – climb the pyramid, view a Mayan dance and attend a festival of food, music and arts; canoe launching at the Macal River; visit to military barracks in Ladyville, including reception and wreath-laying

The Bahamas

• 4 March, Sunday: formal call on the Governor-General and the Prime Minister and Cabinet in Nassau;attend a Ecumenical Church Service at Christ Church Cathedral; tour photographic exhibition at Nassau’s central Rawson Square (deliver speech); board fast boat belonging to the Royal Bahamian Defence Force and join in a maritime security exercise.
• 5 March, Monday: attend gathering of young people at the national stadium in Nassau, including a march-past and a cultural performance.; lunchtime reception at the Sheraton Hotel for Bahamian young leaders; visit to the Royal Bahamian Defence Force Base at Coral Harbour, wreath-laying.

Jamaica

• 6 March, Tuesday: Kingston. Visit to Usain Bolt Track at the University of West Indies — meet young athletes and receive coaching from Usain Bolt; open building at the Law Faculty at the University of the West Indies (deliver short remarks); visit to Bustamente Children’s Hospital; private lunch at Devon House; visit to the Queen Victoria Jubilee Hospital to unveil Diamond Jubilee statue; visit Rise Life, an inspirational project for young people; attend a State Dinner hosted by the Governor-General of Jamaica
• 7 March, Wednesday: breakfast with officers of the Jamaican Defence Force; join JDF soldiers for a Close-Quarter Battle simulator, a 30-metre range, and a rapel tower; travel to Falmouth: view some of the tourism opportunities with stops at the William Knibb Memorial Church, St. Peter’s, and Water Square; visit to Good Hope Great House; travel by boat to the Sandals Royal Caribbean hotel in Montego Bay for a reception
• 8 March, Thursday: free day; depart from Jamaica to Brazil in the afternoon

Brazil

• 9 March, Friday: arrive in Rio de Janeiro early morning; attend an event on Sugarloaf Mountain to launch the GREAT campaign in the evening
• 10 March, Saturday: take part in a British-themed sports day on a city-centre beach in Rio — start a Sport Relief mile run; help coach touch rugby; view and take part in a beach volleyball match; community visit in the afternoon; depart for Sao Paolo State in evening
• 11 March, Sunday: play for the Sentebale Polo Cup in the municipality of Campinas; deliver a speech at a post-match lunch.

Prince Harry will then spend a couple of days in the interior of the country, where he will use the time privately.

Information extracted from a statement from Private Secretary Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton.

It was also announced that, due to his military commitments, Prince Harry will NOT be able to join Walking with the Wounded’s expedition to Mount Everest as previously speculated.  Source: Telegraph.  As you may well remember, Harry joined the group for a North Pole Trek last year.

Related Posts:

• Harry & Chelsy Updates: February 11, 2010
• Prince Harry News Bits: April 1, 2010
• Christmas 2009 for the Royals
• Prince Harry Updates: Lesotho and “Moving In” with Chelsy
• Prince William & Kate Middleton return to St Andrews

William & Kate at the War Horse premiere. Photo by Reuters

It is the first official engagement for the Cambridges for 2012.  And it was the Kate’s last night in her 20s, too.  So what did she do?  She joined her husband to their first film premiere as a married couple — War Horse by director Steven Spielberg.

Royal-watchers might recall the couple watching the award-winning play on a date night back in December 2009.  Now turned into a film, the star-studded premiere was a fundraiser for The Foundation of Prince William & Prince Harry.  Hundreds of military personnel were also invited to the event. Ironically, it started pouring moments before William & Kate walked the red carpet, prompting them to share single transparent umbrella under the rain.  The Duchess once again wowed in black lace by Alice Temperley.

After the movie, there was a private reception at Buckingham Palace with William, Kate, cast members and other notables.  The price for mingling with royalty? £10,000 — for charity and the princes’ foundation, of course.

The next day, director Steven Spielberg said in an interview with BBC that Kate teared up during the movie (his wife had to pass her some Kleenex).  It tells a story of a boy and his deep love for his horse Joey (who by the way, also walked the red carpet during the premiere) set against the backdrop of World War I.  No word on William’s reaction on the heart-tugging film.

The Duchess of Cambridge celebrated her milestone 30th birthday privately.  It was reportedly a low-key dinner with William, family and close friends in the grounds of Kensington Palace near their London cottage.  None of those Pippa-and-Harry planned karaoke party stories turned out to be true.

From CBS about Kate’s year + interview with Victoria Aribiter:

The Duchess of Cambridge turns 30. Photo: Getty Images

Other Videos:

• CNN’s report by Max Foster
• Robert Jobson on Sunrise Australia about War Horse, Kate’s birthday
• Steven Spielberg interview (talks about Kate tearing up starting 6:00)

Articles:

• Chivalrous Prince William shields his Duchess from the rain at War Horse premiere
• Duchess of Cambridge wins fashion stakes at War Horse premiere
• Prince William’s speech after the movie
• Steven Spielberg honoured to meet the royals
• Duchess of Cambridge moved to tears by War Horse
• What Kate Wore: Alice Temperley black lace
• Kate enjoyed quiet 30th birthday dinner with William, family & close friends

Pictures:

• Getty Images
• Daylife
• My Royals (large pics)

Other Links:

• War Horse (movie) website
• The Foundation of Prince William & Prince Harry

• William, Harry & Kate Sneak Into Sherlock Holmes Premiere
• Fergie & Daughters Attend ‘Young Victoria’ Premiere
• Kate Middleton at “Tenacity on the Tasman” Premiere & After Party
• Chelsy Davy Back in the UK
• Royals at Work – Oct/Nov 2009

My thoughts on the choices? — Very fitting and very well thought out.  They seem to fit her interests (the arts, children & the outdoors) and complement William’s work nicely.  Very promising start!

Here are the lucky selected ones:

Action on Addiction

• What they do: Addiction is the biggest preventable killer in the UK.  Action on Addiction is the only charity working across the addiction field in research, prevention, treatment, professional education, support for families and children and campaigns. Their vision is to free people from addiction and its effects.
• Announcement of Kate’s involvement:Action on Addiction is delighted to announce the patronage of HRH The Duchess of Cambridge
• Website:http://www.actiononaddiction.org.uk
• Accounts:Twitter | Facebook

The Art Room

• What they do: The Art Room offers art as therapy to children and young people between the ages of 5 and 16, to raise their self-esteem, self-confidence and independence.
• Announcement of Kate’s involvement: HRH The Duchess of Cambridge becomes Royal Patron of The Art Room
• Website: http://www.theartroom.org.uk/
• Accounts: Twitter | Facebook

East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices

• What they do: EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. They provide care and support wherever the family wishes – in families’ own homes, in hospital or at one of their hospices

• Announcement of Kate’s involvement:EACH is extremely honourned & proud that The Duchess of Cambridge has accepted the honorary position of Royal Patron
• Website:http://www.each.org.uk
• Accounts:Twitter

National Portrait Gallery

• About the NPG: Founded in 1856, the aim of the National Portrait Gallery is “to promote through the medium of portraits the appreciation and understanding of the men and women who have made and are making British history and culture, and … to promote the appreciation and understanding of portraiture in all media.”

• Website:http://www.npg.org.uk
• Accounts:Twitter | Facebook | Flickr | Youtube

On top of these four charities, Kate has volunteered her private time for the Scouts, and will be working with the younger group – cub and beaver scouts – during her private time in North Wales and other areas when situations permi

Scouts

• About Scouts: The Scout Association provides adventurous activities and personal development opportunities for 400,000 young people aged 6-25. Internationally, they have over 28 million young people enjoying the benefits of Scouting  across 216 countries. Personal development means promoting the physical, intellectual, social and spiritual well-being of the individual, helping them achieve their full potential.
• Announcement of Kate’s involvement:Meet the Scouts’ latest volunteer!
• Website: http://www.scouts.org.uk
• Accounts: UK Scouts

Other Videos featuring Kate’s chosen charities:

Prince William & Princess Catherine Royal Wedding Souvenirs

• Sky News
• Daily Post UK
• Today Show
• ABC News

Articles:

• Press release from Clarence House
• Guardian: Duchess of Cambridge announces which charities to support; undergoes criminal background check to volunteer for Scouts
• Daily Mail: Ex-Brownie Kate to help with cooking & campfires as package of royal patronages is unveiled
• Express: Why Kate chose her charities
• East Anglia Children’s Hospices parent says Kate will make a “natural mother”

Related Posts:

• The Duchess of Cambridge Shines in First Month of Solo Engagements
• Kate Shines in First Military Role as Royal
• Royal Wedding: A Day to Remember
• The Duchess of Cambridge Does First Solo Engagement
• ROYAL WEDDING DAY!

The Queen shows a brave face at Sandringham this Christmas as her husband
(pictured this month) continues to recover in hospital. Pictures: PA

In the absence of his father, Prince Charles leads the walk to St Mary Magdalene Church.
Picture: Reuters

It was the largest Royal Christmas for decades as a crowd of 3,000 — three times the size of last year (partly due to better weather and undoubtedly inspired by their latest addition, the Duchess of Cambridge) — gathered at Sandringham this year to greet the Royal Family.  All of the family was expected to be there, too — Her Majesty, all her children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, plus the 2 latest additions – Kate and Mike Tindall.  Sadly, on 23 December, the head of the family, the Duke of Edinburgh, had to be rushed to a hospital for an emergency heart stenting after experiencing chest pains. He missed Christmas this year.  And for the first time in 55 years, the Queen spent Christmas apart from her husband. The Duke remained in “high spirits,” “anxious to leave”, and insisted that the show must go on.

In an unexpected move, the whole family attended an earlier service on Christmas morning (thought to be fore communion)  before heading back, changing clothes, and returning for the formal Christmas service.  In the absence of his father, Prince Charles & Camilla led the walk to St Mary Magdalene Church, followed by William, Kate and Harry.

It’s the Duchess of Cambridge’s first Christmas at Sandringham — and she was a hit!
Pictures: Alan Davidson, Reuters

A crowd of 3,000 — 3 times the size of last year — gathered to see William & Kate
Picture: Alan Davidson

The royal newlyweds Zara & Mike Tindall, and William & Kate (dressed down for an earlier service that morning)
Pictures: Getty Images, Ken Goff

After the service, the family received (an unusually large number of) flowers, cards, gifts and well wishes from the crowd.  A lot of them, of course, are there to see Kate for the first time. Veteran royal-watcher Mary Relph, said: “I have never seen queues like this on Christmas Day before, I have never seen this amount of people here since Diana was alive. People obviously came to see Kate Middleton. And she was fantastic.“  Journalist Alison Croose agreed: “I have not seen crowds like this since back into the Diana days. It reminded me of the Diana years – when Diana introduced Prince William to the crowds when he was about seven or eight. It was touching. Diana used to have her hand on his back. Now you see William with his hand on Kate’s back. It was really nice.”

Prince Harry, the most eligible royal bachelor, brought cheers when he kissed a girl on the cheek.  When her friend asked for a peck too he replied with a grin: “I can’t give you a kiss, I just kissed her.”

After Christmas lunch, all of the Duke’s grandchildren — William, Harry, Beatrice, Eugenie, Peter and Zara — drove to Papworth Hospital to visit him.  Her Majesty and their children — Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward — had seen him the day before.  And then it’s back to Sandringham to continue with the holiday plans, including the traditional Boxing Day shoot.  On with the show without a lot of fuss — just as the Duke would have wanted it.

Update: The Duke of Edinburgh was released from hospital on 27 December.  He spent 4 nights in Papworth Hospital.

Other Videos:

• Sky: Video recap of Christmas with royals (best, most footage)
• Raw video: Royals at Sandringham (arriving/leaving church, meeting crowd)
• Video from Sandringham spectator (shows royals passing, including, Harry, William & Kate)
• BBC recap (Prince Philip in hospital, royals in Sandringham, Queen’s Christmas messsage)

Queen's Diamond Jubilee Gifts

Picture Sets:

• (Christmas gathering):  Getty Images | Rex Features | Isopix
• (Royal grandchildren visiting Prince Philip): Getty Images

Articles:

• Daily Mail: Prince Philip in hospital as Kate spends first Christmas as a royal
• The Sun: Kate’s great, but Prince Philip waits
• Sky: Royal grandchildren visit Duke in hospital after Sandringham festivities
• Mirror: Kate in mulled wine outfit for first royal Christmas
• Prayers for Philip as thousands gather to see the Queen, William & Kate on Christmas Day (includes small videos)
• Kate opts for festive berry shade to celebrate first Christmas with the royals
• Kate dazzles in gold drop earrings at Sandringham Christmas
• On 24 December, William played football (team won) at Sandringham. (Harry & Kate appeared at the end according to a few spectators but weren’t photographed)
• Prince Philip’s life-saving heart procedure

Related Posts:

• Sandringham Officers Seize Cameras During Sunday Church with Royals
• Christmas 2009 for the Royals
• Christmas 2010 for the Royal Family
• The Royal Family’s New Generation
• William & Kate Dazzle at ARK Charity Gala

Photo by Harriet Armstrong, Centrepoint

Photos by AP/Getty Images (left) & Geoff Pugh (right)

Need proof why William will make a good king?  It’s right in his dance (and his ability to reach out to people of all classes)

During the 2-hour visit William invented the ‘swag dance’ which involves brushing imaginary dust off your shoulders to signal you have trendy clothes. He was asking Vanessa Boateng, 18, about his wedding suit. The teenager, a trainee nursery nurse who moved to the Foyer after family problems, said: “William asked us what we thought about what he wore to his wedding. He said, was his suit dapper? “I said: ‘No, your swag was on point.’ He repeated my words and said ‘swag’, then he started doing this dance.” Later during a reception for many of the Foyer’s 80 residents the royal called Miss Boateng over.  William and Vanessa performed the dance to screams and cheers.

Kate made her own impact on another teen.  While William & Kate joined a group decorating biscuits, Kate made a heart shape cookie from icing and covered it with sprinkles. She presented it to Tasha Barbi, who was celebrating her 18th birthday, saying: “This is for your birthday – a birthday cookie.” Miss Barbi, a travel and tourism student, said: “Catherine made me this birthday cookie – it’s beautiful. I’m going to cherish it – it really means a lot to me. I’m never eating it”

Photo: Getty Images

Other Videos:

• Sky News (includes William’s swag dance)
• BBC News
• Telegraph

Exclusive Pictures: From Centrepoint (must see)
Picture Sets: Getty Images (outside) | Getty Images (inside)
Large Pictures: My Royals

Articles:

• Daily Mail: Duchess of Cambridge chic as she and William visit homeless shelter
• Mirror: William & Kate visit Centrepoint homeless refuge for cookery lesson
• The Sun: William & Kate visit homeless shelter
• Like father, like son. William is a chip off the old block as he shows off his urban swag moves
• What Kate Wore: Kate in Ralph Lauren for Centrepoint visit
• Fashion verdict: Kate at Centrepoint

Related Posts:

• Prince William Celebrates with Centrepoint
• Prince William Slept Out in London Street at -4C temperature to Raise Awareness
• Royals at Work: March 2010
• Prince William an Inspiration to Young Homeless
• Prince William Photo Collaboration for Homeless Charity

William, Kate & Harry at the Sun Military Awards, 19 December 2011
Pictures from Getty Images

The 2011 Sun Military Awards (Millies) was given a HUGE royal treat — William, Kate & Harry together, dressed to their nines.   For many royal watchers, nothing beats the charm of this dynamic trio. The Awards were held at the Imperial War Museum, honoring the nation’s military as well as civilians involved with the armed forces.  Prince Harry gave a moving speech, while William & Kate presented an award to Sgt. Ryan McCready for Most Outstanding Solder.Videos below.

More Videos:

• Footage of William, Kate & Harry from the VIP reception
• Footage of William, Kate & Harry from the after party
• Video: the Royal arrival

Kate dazzled in a black velvet, strapless (wow!) McQueen gown, which showed off her gorgeously toned arms and shoulders.  And a pleasant treat — she wears some serious bling for the first time!  A matching set of diamonds & rubies glittered from her neck and wrist.  They’re said to be part of her “personal collection,” a gift for her wedding.  More fashion details from What Kate Wore.

Queen's Diamond Jubilee Gifts

• They cried with pride: royals & celebs moved by heroes (remember to click on “Slide Show” for some exclusive pics)
• Duchess of Cambridge brings festive sparkle at bravery awards
• Kate’s black gown strikingly similar to what Diana wore 30 years ago
• Kate shows super fit arms & shoulders at Millies
• Prince Harry is ready to fight in the front line for the second time
• Kate chats with David Beckham at the Millies
• Kate is a fan of Military Wives track
• Kate shows she hasn’t fallen behind in the bottom stakes against Pippa

Picture sets: Getty Images | Zimbio
Large pics: IB Times | Duchess Kate blog

Related Posts:

• William and Harry Attend Military Awards
• William Passes Flying Exams
• Gossip, Rants & Magazine Covers
• Prince William Shows Off his Dance Moves at Centrepoint
• William & Kate Attend War Horse Premiere on the Eve of her 30th Birthday

Pictures by Arthur Edwards (left) & Reuters (right)

Take That’s Gary Barlow performed a pop concert in aid of  The Prince’s Charities & The Foundation of Prince William & Prince Harry — and two pairs of royals came out to show their support. The gigs are raising funds so that the Trust can invest £2.5million in helping five areas that were hit the hardest during the August riots in London, Manchester and Birmingham.

Prince Charles, Camilla, William & Kate (the first time all four appeared together publicly) were guests of honour for the charity concert in Royal Albert Hall last night.  They met with Gary Barlow before the show started, and spoke with performers after.

The singer told William: “I hope you enjoy tonight and I hope it’s not too loud.” William replied joking: “The louder the better, the louder the better.”

The Duchess of Cambridge looked stunning in a short black and tan dress costing just £69.99 from Zara.

Videos:

Queen's Diamond Jubilee Gifts

• Telegraph: purpose of concert + footage with royals
• CNN: includes footage of backstage meet & greet
• Good Morning America: pregnancy speculation continues
• Today Show: includes Christmas at Sandringham report
• Early Show: straightens Pippa-Sandringham rumors
• Press Association: raw video of royal arrival

Articles:

• Daily Mail: Leggy Kate’s all dressed up for Royal Albert Hall charity concert
• Daily Mail: Prince Charles left amused with Peter Kay’s jokes (includes pictures of backstage meet-and-greet)
• Mirror: Kate flashes her legs at Gary Barlow gig in Zara dress
• The Sun: Gary Barlow’s show gets royal approval
• Express: Kate is a mini marvel on a royal date with Gary Barlow
• What Kate Wore: Kate wears Zara mini dress & Ralph Lauren jacket

Pictures: Zimbio | Getty Images | Rex Features

Related Posts:

• Kate Middleton Attends Christmas Carol Charity Concert
• May Wedding for Zara Phillips & Mike Tindall?
• Fergie & Daughters Attend ‘Young Victoria’ Premiere
• William & Kate 2011 Canadian Tour: Day 2 (Canada Day)
• Prince William Visits New Zealand

The Queen & The Duchess of Cambridge, both in green as they meet the media.
Pictures from Getty Images

Queen's Diamond Jubilee Gifts

Articles with Pictures:

• Royals meet the press in preparation for HM’s Diamond Jubilee next year
• What Kate Wore: Kate wears Mulberry to meet the press
• Kate and her Mulberry peace & love dress: fashion verdict
• Why Camilla is fit to be Queen (opinion of Express correspondent Camilla Tominey)

Video:

• Raw video of the royals’ interaction with the media: includes conversations with Her Majesty, Camilla, William & Kate

Olympic Role for William, Kate &  Harry

Watch out for the Olympic power trio!

Prince William, Kate, and Prince Harry are joining forces in promoting the 2012 Games. All three young royals, who enjoy playing and watching sport, will help to rally public support for Britain’s athletes before, ­during and after the Olympics and Paralympics.

William, Kate and Harry are expected to visit team training camps in the run-up to the Games, attend some of the main events in London next ­summer, and champion the search for future Olympic stars. They join an elite group of 27 of this country’s most inspirational medal-winning Olympians as official ambassadors for Team GB and Paralympics GB.

Article: Express

Prince Harry & Chelsy Davy together in 2010

Prince Harry Meets up with Chelsy Davy

Back from training  in the US, Prince Harry bumped into ex-girlfriend (???) Chelsy Davy at The Henry Van Straubenzee Memorial carol concert at St Luke’s Church in Chelsea, London. The pair were seen greeting each other with a friendly hug and kiss as they attended the event of which Harry is a patron for the charity. A large gathering from the royal circle was there. Carole and Pippa Middleton were also present.

After the charity event, Harry & Chelsy met up at The Brompton Club until 2:30am. They went home separately.

Article: Daily Mail
Pictures: Celebrity-GossipRelated Posts:

• Royals at Work – Oct/Nov 2009
• Prince Charles & Camilla’s Official Visit to Portugal, Spain & Morocco
• Kate Middleton & Camilla Have Lunch
• Royals at Work – Oct 2009
• Trooping the Colour 2011

Remembrance Sunday

Her Majesty leads the nation in commemorating the war dead. Pictures by Reuters

The Foreign Office balcony with the Duchess of Cornwall,
the Duchess of Cambridge, & the Countess of Wessex
Photo by Getty Images

• BBC: Queen leads tributes at Cenotaph
• Mirror: Kate at Whitehall as Queen leads nation in honoring the fallen
• Daily Mail: Queen leads tributes to fallen heroes on Remembrance Sunday
• Daily Mail: Duchess of Cambridge attends first Remembrance Sunday as member of the royal family

Pictures: Getty Images | Zimbio

William & Kate Appearances

In between this month’s appearance in Copenhagen with the Danish royals for Unicef and Remembrance Sunday, we saw the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge in 2 events: (1) a black tie gala for the National Memorial Arboretum Appeal, and (2) a meeting with The Prince’s Charities.

National Memorial Arboretum Appeal

Kate wears a grecian gown for the National Memorial Arboretum Appeal dinner

William & Kate attended a black-tie reception in aid of the National Memorial Arboretum Appeal at St James’s Palace. The Duke launched the appeal, which aims to raise £12 million to develop the Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire, into a world-renowned centre for remembrance

• Video of William’s speech with footage of William & Kate mingling with guests
• Article: Kate dazzles in Grecian gown at St James’s Palace dinner

The Prince’s Charities Forum

The following day, the Cambridges attended The Prince’s Charities Forum at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly. It is the first time Kate has attended the forum.  It gathers every 2 years.

• Pictures from The British Monarchy Flickr site

Prince William to be Posted in the Falklands

We knew it was coming next year, and now it’s confirmed.  The Ministry of Defence announced that the Duke of Cambridge will complete a routine deployment as a RAF search and rescue co-pilot in the Falklands for 6 weeks on February to March 2012.   This will help him obtain his goal of captaincy by next year.  (Article)

The announcement as ruffled feathers in Argentina ahead of next year’s 30th anniversary of the war over the Falklands. (Article)

Kate will not be able to join him for this posting.  However the newlyweds are slated to spend Christmas with the royals at Sandringham (another first for Kate) and celebrate her 30th birthday on January 9.  William will also be back in time for the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations in June 2012.

Pippa Middleton & Alex Loudon Broke Up

Pippa & Alex kissing after the Boodles Boxing Ball last October

It’s true.  Kate’s little sister is back on the market!  Pippa has reportedly split from financier boyfriend of one & a half years Alex after weeks of blazing rows, including a recent public one during a friend’s wedding. (Original article from The Sun)

The papers are having a field day playing the who-dumped-who game.  Most say it’s a matter of quiet Alex not being able to handle Pippa’s sudden fame after she’s thrown into the international spotlight following her sister’s wedding.  The Daily Mail even wrote a rather snarky article saying Alex’s very discreet parents thought Pippa “sweet” but “not wife material” (I take this article with a grain of salt, as those really in the know would never talk to the press).  On top of that, there are rumblings of a 3rd party in the relationship (Pippa’s side). (Article)

Either way, Pippa is said to be finding comfort from Will & Kate.  She joined Will, Kate and her parents at Birkhall last weekend, where Kate was said to have been practicing her hunting skills in preparation for Sandringham.  And last weekend, word has it that Pippa joined old pal (ex-boyfriend) George Percy on a shooting party in Northumberland.

What’s next from this frenzy? Without a doubt more Pippa-Harry nonsense…

Mike Tindall Sacked from England Rugby Team & Fined £25k for “Serious Misconduct”

Queen's Diamond Jubilee Gifts

However, after a Rugby Football Union investigation of the said night, Mike was slapped with a heavy fine and kicked out of Elite Player Squad.  This will very likely mean the end of his career.  Mike is said to be trying to appeal the fine.

Article: Telegraph

For video summaries of the latest news from last week, here are reports from US morning shows:

• Video: Today Shows report
• Video: Early Show with Victoria Arbiter, separating fact from fiction (Falklands, Pippa, pregnancy rumours)

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• Weekend Royal Recap
• Cambridge Withdrawal? — Reliving Canada as William & Kate Go “Under the Radar”
• The Duchess of Cambridge Shines in First Month of Solo Engagements
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The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge with Denmark's Prince Frederik & Crown Princess Mary. Photo from Getty Images

It certainly was a significant day as William & Kate joined Danish Royals Prince Frederik & Crown Princess Mary (who many have likened to Kate for her commoner roots, dark hair, and restrained demeanor) to highlight a crucial cause: the crisis in East Africa.  So before going further, it would be lovely to contribute your bit to Unicef’s fight here: www.eastafricacrisis.org.  Millions of children still need life-saving assistance as famine & disease continue.  Anyone with a credit card can donate.

A day trip to Copenhagen brought the Cambridges with their Danish counterparts.  After lunch at the palace, the royal couples headed to Unicef’s Emergency Supply Centre, a warehouse the size of 3 football pitches that sources, packs & distributes essential supplies for children in East Africa.  There they were briefed about the crisis, helped pack supply kits, and toured the warehouse.

After visiting the Emergency Supply Centre, William & Kate headed to the airport to tour a British Airways plane packed with the said supplies and see it take off for Africa, straight into the children who needed them.

William & Kate were shown this video about the East Africa crisis.  William tastes a peanut butter paste multivitamin given to malnourished children.  Picture: Reuters

Hard hats! A rite of passage for every royal. Photo by Arthur Edwards.

Video Summary of William & Kate’s visit from Unicef: 

Royal things to note:

• Another step forward for Kate as she gives her first interview since their engagement almost a year ago.  Still clearly nervous, but not bad… As William did, she’ll eventually master it with practice.  Video links below.

• It’s the first time the Cambridges have collaborated with their Danish counterparts.  Much excitement focused on Mary & Kate, who are both commoners marrying a future king; both brunettes; both deemed classy & dignified; and both fashion icons.  And it looks like they hit it off splendidly!
• Hints of a trip to Africa next year!  Articles point to June, when William is expected to join a charity marathon in Lewa.  How busy can 2012 possibly be?

Other Videos

• The crisis in East Africa (must see), as shown to William & Kate
• BBC’s summary: most complete interview with William & Kate
• Telegraph’s summary: includes interviews with William, Kate & CP Mary

Pictures: DayLife | Getty Images | MrRoyals (big pictures)

Articles:

• Duchess of Cambridge hints on plans for an Africa aid visit
• Duchess of Cambridge joins war on famine
• Chic Duchess of Cambridge in Copenhagen for first humanitarian mission with Prince William
• What Kate Wore: Red LK Bennett for UNICEF

Related Posts:

• Busy Week for the Royals: Remembrance Sunday, Appearances, Deployments, Breakups & Fines
• Prince William Photo Collaboration for Homeless Charity
• The Duchess of Cambridge Does First Solo Engagement
• Duchess of Cambridge Announces Patronages
• William & Harry Plan Joint Official Trip to Africa

The Duchess of Cambridge stands in for Prince Charles on her first solo official function

With only 24 hours’ notice, the Duchess of Cambridge represented her father-in-law at a dinner for the charity In Kind Direct, because he was suddenly called to Riyadh to pay his respects to the Saudi Arabian Royal Family following the death of the Crown Prince.Guests at the dinner, held at Clarence House, were informed that Charles was sorry to miss the dinner but was sending his “darling daughter-in-law.” (How sweet of him!) Some sources say he had asked both William & Kate, but William was unable to join due to his RAF duties.

So Kate steps in… and surprises the royal watching world for going solo much earlier than anticipated (we expected next year).  She wore an aqua Amanda Wakeley gown that showed a little bit more skin than we’re used to.  Her hair was half-up, half-down.  She looked sensational!

“You would never know it was her first solo engagement. It was as if she had been trained by the Prince of Wales,” the charity’s chief executive Robin Boles says. “She was completely natural, professional and charmed everyone. She spoke to every single guest and was genuinely interested, and interested in continuing to help.”

“She was unbelievable. It was as if she had been doing this her whole life. She charmed every person in the room. I took her round and she spoke to everyone. She is as lovely as she is beautiful. She hadn’t known about In Kind Direct but she was already willing to be an advocate for our work.”

In Kind Direct was founded by Charles to encourage companies to donate surplus goods to charities, either for use by them or for their charitable work.

“She said she had already called her mum to tell her about us in case Party Pieces [the family's children's party company] had surplus products.”

Adds a Palace aide: “She was so pleased that her first solo engagement was for the Prince of Wales, who has shown her so much support over the years.”

Articles: The Standard | People | Mirror

Two “side plots” evolved around Kate’s first solo engagement: (1) revelation that she has a childhood surgical scar in her left temple, and (2) survival from the first pregnancy rumour.

Childhood Scar. What’s that 3-inch line on Kate’s head?  Her half-up, half-down do revealed a white line that prompted the Daily Mail (rather insensitively & irresponsively) to call out that she was wearing hair strip extensions to give it more volume.  Clarence House clarified this.  No, they were not hair extensions.  The line on Kate’s left temple is in fact an old scar from a “serious childhood operation.”  Some reports say it was a childhood injury that resulted in an operation.  Either way, glad to see that Kate survived that.  Head/brain surgeries are always delicate as they run the risk of permanent damage.  To match, Prince William also has a scar  in his left forehead — sustained from a golf club at the age of 13.  What are the chances of that?!!  (Article)

Pregnancy Rumour. The US tabs have been throwing nonsense pregnancy stories for months, but yesterday, UK’s royal reporters went into a tizzy for the first time.  The source? Photog Niraj Tanna, or @IkonPictures in Twitter, who said his source (who “has never been wrong”)  has told him that William & Kate are expecting their first child.  After other royal reporters mentioned the editors’ code of conduct of not speculating on pregnancies until it’s announced, and waiting for at least 3 months before even speculating, @IkonPictures deleted his tweets.  Besides, judging from the pictures last night, Kate definitely did NOT look pregnant.  It would be brilliant if the rumour turned out to be true, but for now, I suspect it’s just the first of many pregnancy false alarms.

Next Up for Willliam & Kate:

• 2 November:special visit to UNICEF’s Emergency Supply Centre in Copenhagen, to be joined by fellow royal couple Frederik & Mary of Denmark
• 10 November:A reception and dinner in aid of the National Memorial Arboretum Appeal at St. James’s Palace, London.  William is patron.

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• The Royal Wedding Guest List
• Royal News Roundup: Take a Tour of Westminster Abbey
• How to Get Kate Middleton’s Engagement Picture Wardrobe
• The Duchess of Cambridge Shines in First Month of Solo Engagements