British Royals

The Queen Turns 85

Apr 21

Posted by britishroyals in Carole & Mike Middleton, HM The Queen & Duke, Prince Charles & Camilla, Prince William, Princess Catherine | 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:

Wills & Kate for King & Queen

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.

Tags: , , , , , ,

Royal Wedding Countdown: 10 Days to Go

Apr 19

Posted by britishroyals in Prince William, Princess Catherine, The Middleton Family | No Comments

Only 10 days to go till Prince William & Kate Middleton tie the knot in what will surely be a massive historical event.

The Middleton Coat of Arms

St. James’s Palace announced three important bits of updates today:

(1) The Middleton Coat of Arms Unveiled: The three acorns represent Mike & Carole Middleton’s three children (Kate, Pippa & James). Acorns represent West Berkshire, where they grew up. Additionally, oak is a long-established symbol of both ‘England’ and ‘Strength.’

The gold chevron, which sits at the centre of the design, represents Carole Middleton, whose maiden name is Goldsmith. The two thinner chevrons represent hills and mountains and  outdoor pursuits that the family enjoy together.

After her marriage, Kate Middleton will place her father’s Arms beside those of her husband in what is known as an impaled Coat of Arms. This will require a Royal Warrant from The Queen.

(2) Official Souvenir Wedding Programme. An official programme of the Royal Wedding will be published and sold by Explorer Scouts and Cadets for £2 per copy at various London locations. It will include the full Order of Service, a personal message of thanks from Prince William and Kate, and a never-before-seen photo of the couple taken by photographer Mario Testino.

The Programme will also be available to download for free from the Official Royal Wedding website from 24 hours before the wedding.

(3) Online Coverage of the Royal Wedding.  How exciting!  A range of online platforms (Youtube, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr) are set to share the Royal Wedding to the world.

  • Broadcast footage of the Royal Wedding will be streamed live via The Royal Channel in YouTube accompanied by a live blog put together by St. James’s Palace.
  • Clarence House will tweet live updates on the day
  • The British Monarchy’s Facebook page will be updated hourly.  A Facebook ‘event’ has been added, and a ‘Stories’ app will be launched a week before the wedding, enabling the public to share their plans and experiences come wedding day.
  • The British Monarchy’s Flickr account will also release additional photos in the coming days
  • A Video Wedding Book has been launched. It invites anyone to upload their own video of congratulations to the happy couple
  • And of course, everything is tied up nicely by the Official Royal Wedding website, which will provide updates regularly, releasing invaluable details as the day comes — such as Kate’s mysterious wedding gown.

Read more about the Royal Wedding’s online presence.


St. James’s Palace also says that William & Kate are fully in charge of every detail of their wedding.  A spokesman said: “There are a few minor tweaks still happening to the service at the Abbey but pretty much everything has now been decided. The couple has really thoroughly enjoyed the process of creating their big day. The couple has been very much in charge of their day. They have been responsible for every detail, from smallest detail of the canapés that will be eaten at the reception to the venue and the carriages. No decision has been taken that hasn’t been passed by them and that they haven’t offered an opinion about.”

Other William & Kate News:

Wills & Kate for King & Queen

Tags: , , ,

Royal Wedding Countdown: 12 Days to Go

Apr 17

Posted by britishroyals in Prince Harry, Prince William, Princess Catherine | 2 Comments

12 DAYS to go…

Expect regular developments on the Royal Wedding now that we’re less than a fortnight away. The last major story was the release of the up-to-the-minute ceremonial timetable.

Kate, William & Royal Wedding News

Reform to Succession Rights possible? Kate and William’s first baby could be Queen

It is lengthy and complicated process involving several countries, but as the wedding draws near, legislators are looking into reforming 300-year-old rule of succession.

Prince William and Kate Middleton’s first child could take the throne regardless of their sex under changes being investigated by the Government. Nick Clegg is making inquiries into changing the rights of succession, which currently favour boys. The Deputy Prime Minister, who is responsible for constitutional reform, is looking into the possibility of removing ‘male primogeniture’. Currently the
first-born boy in a family takes precedence, even if he has an elder sister.

Article: Daily Mail

Snipes at the Middletons

Still trying to find skeletons in the Middleton closet, are we? Looks like the Daily Mail will just have to contend themselves with nonstories that, as usual, target Kate’s mum Carole and her “social-climbing” ancestry…

Other News:



And we end with a hilarious T-Mobile ad with their version of the Royal Wedding

Captain Harry Wales

Prince Charles visits Harry during his Apache training

After completing five years in the Armed Forces, Prince Harry has been promoted to rank of captain. Congratulations. A St James’s Palace spokesman said the former Lieutenant would now be known as Captain Harry Wales. “Prince Harry has been promoted to captain within the Army Air Corps.” The promotion will see his pay packet fatten from £37,916 to just over £45,000.

The prince has been forging ahead with his military career and is well on the way to realising his dream of returning to the front line in Afghanistan as early as Spring 2012. Prince Harry spent the final weeks of his Apache course flying in the French Alps – skills that would prove vital if he returns to Afghanistan where much of the fighting takes place at high altitude parts of the country. Harry would now enrol in an eight-month weapons handling course, with his training divided between Wattisham Airfield, Suffolk, and bases in the
United States.

Article: Daily Mail

Other Harry Tidbits:

 

Tags: , , ,

Royal Wedding Ceremonial Timetable Revealed

Apr 15

Posted by britishroyals in Prince Harry, Prince William, Princess Catherine | No Comments

This will be quick as I’m dead busy today….

The Palace has announced the ceremonial timing (up to the minute) of the Royal Wedding:

  • Between 8.15am and 9.45am: The general congregation will arrive at the Great North Door of Westminster Abbey.
  • From 9.50am: Governors-General and Prime Ministers of Realm Countries,the Diplomatic Corps, and other distinguished guests arrive at the Abbey.
  • 10.10am The Bridegroom and Prince Henry of Wales leave Clarence House for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.15am.
  • 10.20am Members of Foreign Royal Families arrive at Westminster Abbey from Buckingham Palace.
  • 10.20am Mrs. Michael (Carole) Middleton and Mr. James Middleton leave the Goring Hotel for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.27am.
  • 10.25am Members of the Royal Family (except those listed below) leave Buckingham Palace for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.30am.
  • 10.35am The following Members of the Royal Family leave Buckingham Palace for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.40am:

- The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence
- The Duke of York
- Princess Eugenie of York
- Princess Beatrice of York
- The Earl and Countess of Wessex

  • 10.38am The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall leave Clarence House for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.42am.
  • 10.40am The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh leave Buckingham Palace for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.45am.
  • 10.48am The Bridesmaids and Pages leave the Goring Hotel for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.55am.
  • 10.51am The Bride, accompanied by Mr. Michael Middleton, leaves the Goring Hotel for Westminster Abbey.
  • 11.00am The Marriage Service begins. The Marriage Service will be relayed by audio speakers along the Route.
  • 12.15pm The Carriage Procession of the Bride and Bridegroom with a Captain’s Escort of the Household Cavalry, followed by The Queen’s Procession with a Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry, leaves Westminster Abbey for Buckingham Palace.
  • 12.30pm The Bride’s Carriage Procession arrives at Buckingham Palace.12.40pm Members of the Royal Family and Members of Foreign Royal Families arrive at Buckingham Palace.
  • From 12.40pm: Other guests for the Reception arrive at Buckingham Palace.
  • 1.25pm The Queen and the Bride and Bridegroom, together with their Families, appear on the Balcony.
  • 1.30pm Fly Past by the Royal Air Force and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Things to note: William will be at the Abbey 45 minutes before Kate arrives.  Kate will indeed spend her last night as a single woman at the Goring Hotel with her immediate family.

Source: Official Royal Wedding Website | Daily Mail

Kate & Harry’s Wedding Rehearsal at the Abbey. Prince Harry accompanied the bride-to-be on a 30-minute rehearsal at Westminster Abbey today.  Notably absent was Prince William, who was on duty at RAF Valley.  Also present were the bridesmaids and the page boys.

Kate was said to be “relaxed and excited” as she was guided through the service by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Rev Dr John Hall.  More rehearsals are scheduled in the coming days.

Article: The Telegraph

2 WEEKS TO GO!

Tags: , , ,

15 Days till the Royal Wedding

Apr 14

Posted by britishroyals in Prince William, Princess Catherine | 4 Comments

Fifteen days to go until Prince William & Kate Middleton tie the knot!  (Have you sent your charitable present yet?) Prepare for a circus — not that it hasn’t been one already since their November 16 engagement announcement.  So any recent major royal wedding news?  Honestly, not really.  Where are the scandals?  The topless snaps (as in the case of Sophie Wessex 3 weeks into her wedding)? More Uncle Garys?  Skeletons in the closet?  …  Perhaps in the case of this royal couple, there are none.  Which is probably why there’s overblown fuss about little things — Kate’s weight, the number of exes invited, etc.

Kate Middleton in Lancashire. Photo by Reuters

“Shrinking” Kate Middleton. I have to admit.  I am sick of the weight loss articles.  Those who trumpet Kate’s “dramatic” or “scary” weight loss have not been following Kate for years.  The princess-to-be has always been extremely slender.  While I am not one for an eye for meticulous weight watching, I hardly think Kate’s weight loss, if any, can be called dramatic. She does look slightly thinner on the face during their Lancashire engagement to me, but her hairstyle could have contributed to the sculpting of the face.  Besides, it’s common for brides to shed a few pounds, especially considering what incredible stress she must be in at the moment.  And to suggest she might be developing an eating disorder is beyond ridiculous — once again a desperate attempt of the media to compare her with Diana.

In this light, Duncan Larcombe of The Sun reports that Kate has had her engagement ring shrunk to fit her slender finger as she slims down for her wedding day. She has asked Royal jewellers to fit two beads inside the £32million sapphire band to stop it slipping. She is terrified it will fall off as she marries William.  A Royal source said: “The band was turning. Kate absolutely adores it and didn’t want to cause a fuss. A bride’s worst nightmare is looking down and seeing her ring has fallen off. One can only imagine how this is magnified when you are marrying the future King of England.”

As part of her marriage preparation, Kate was confirmed in the Church of England on March 10.  Although baptised as a baby, Kate has never been confirmed.  The Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Richard Chartres – who confirmed Prince William when he was 14 – carried out the confirmation in a ceremony attended by William and her family.  It is said to be her decision due to her personal journey into faith.  After all, she’ll be the wife for the future Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

Princess Transformation Articles.  Kate Middleton – an English Rose: Judy Wade’s glowing Hello! blog entry on how well Kate is transitioning to public life.  A Regal Reinvention – more poised, stylish & slender: Kate’s transformation into a polished, more formal, more confident princess-to-be.  Why we are all falling in love with Kate: columnist opinion on why she’s succumbed to Kate’s charm.

Other William & Kate News:

Tags: , ,