British Royals

William & Kate 2011 Canadian Tour: Day 4 (Quebec)

Jul 4

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Links to Previous Days: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3

Day 4: 3 July 2011
Quebec & Prince Edward Island, Canada

What was anticipated to be the tricky leg of the tour (with anti-monarchist protesters expected), turned out to be a massive success — with protesters kept at bay and an overwhelmingly adoring crowd not usually seen in Quebec

Morning Prayer. Upon arrival in Quebec by warship, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined the crew of HMCS Montréal in worship.  Kate stepped out in another stunning Erdem “Jacquenta” dress — blue to symbolize Quebec colors.  More about her morning look here.

La Maison Dauphine with street youth. What mirrors Centrepoint, which William is patron,William and Kate met the staff and young people in the facility.  They interacted as equals, enjoyed juggling and magic tricks, and William even engaged in a game of table soccer.  In the end, they impressed the street youth for being so down-to-earth.  Read about the experiences.

Freedom of the City Ceremony at Québec City Hall. A ceremony that acknowledges the relationship of trust and friendship between Québec City and the Royal 22e Régiment service members.  Protesters of about 200 people were kept at bay as William inspected the regimen and gave a speech in full French!  And the people loved it.  Even with an accent, many say his French is better than many of their politicians.  At the end of the ceremony, the nearby crowd was treated with an impromptu walkabout.  Certainly a triumph!  At one point, Kate met the father of a “beautiful” 2-year-old.  He wished her luck in starting a family, and she said: “Yes, I hope to.“  And that, my friends, stirred a flurry of “Broody Kate reveals plans to start a family” stories.  Ok, whatever…  Broody video here.

Lévis Community Celebration. And they changed for more casual outfits!  William took off his jacket and Kate dazzled in a cream “Vanessa” dress by British label Joseph… and according to experts, the dress sold out online in 8 minutes!  More about Kate’s afternoon look. Anyhow, the event at Forts-de-Levis was essentially a massive walkabout.  And what a walkabout it was!  The best so far. I haven’t seen more screaming & yelping & grownups who wouldn’t let go of William & Kate’s hands.  And I certainly didn’t expect it from Quebec.

 

William & Kate on a walkabout at Forts-de-Levis, Quebec

 

Then it’s off for a plane ride to Prince Edward Island, where the press pack is already waiting…

Arrival in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. The royal couple were welcomed in the airport with bagpipes and flowers.  Kate has thrown on a light salmon colored jacket over her dress (their office wouldn’t reveal any details of Kate’s dress, except to say it’s an old one from Kate’s existing wardrobe) and William put his coat back on.  They then headed for an off-the-record reception with members of the media.

Tomorrow, the fun begins!

General Articles from Day 4:

William & Kate - Canada Memorabilia

Pictures: Getty Images | Rex Features

Videos

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William & Kate 2011 Canadian Tour: Day 3 (Ottawa & Montreal)

Jul 3

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Links to Previous Days: Day 1 | Day 2

Day 3: 2 July 2011
Ottawa & Montreal, Canada

It was a busy day for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge today, as they started the day in Ottawa, headed to Montreal, and ended the day on a ferry en route to Quebec.  Highlights below…

Tree-Planting Ceremony. William and Kate continue the great Canadian tradition of planting a tree in the Royal Grove area at Rideau Hall, just as William’s parents did back on 26 June 1983 – his first birthday.  Both got their hands on the shovel, planting a sapling that would symbolize their love.  They then met with other couples sharing their April 29 wedding date — some having been married for 50, 60 or 70 years.  Also there was Terry Joyce, 47, a cancer victim with only weeks to live.  William told him to sit down and relax so as not to burden him.  Then Kate said, “Let’s get you out of the sunlight, Terry.” He burst into tears after meeting the caring couple.
>> Article about encounter with Terry.

Reception at the Canadian War Museum. An hour of interaction with veterans and their families.  Praises all around on how easy they are to talk to.  William was overheard asking veterans about their military experiences and Kate spoke about her grandfather.  She also revealed her worries for William’s safety every time he goes on a mission as an RAF pilot.  The royal couple ended the visit by unveiling a mural.
>> An account of a family’s conversation with Kate.


Then it’s off to the airport to board a plane to Montreal, where they were welcomed by protesters and fans in both of their engagements.  The French-speaking regions of Canada have long been largely anti-monarchists, so this was no surprise.  Amusingly, opposing regions of the crowd tried to drown each other, with one end chanting “parasites” and the other “Wills & Kate.”  Unfortunately for the monarchists, no walkabouts occurred due to security concerns.

Visit to Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre.  It is the largest mother-child hospital in Canada.  William and Kate had a private viewing of the neonatal intensive care unit, and participated in art therapy with sick children, often speaking to them in French.  They accepted drawings and flowers.  Video footage of their entrance/exit

Cooking Workshop. William and Kate donned chef’s whites (their gowns say Cambridge!) in a culinary institute and had fun in the kitchen.  On the menu: lobster soufflé. William showed his competitive attitude by joking that his cooking is better than the institute’s master chef.  Lovely pictures came out of this engagement.  Video footage.

Who stole Kate's food? The Duchess of Cambridge in a cooking workshop in Montreal, 2 July 2011

Then it’s all aboard the frigate HMCS Montréal for an overnight voyage across the St Lawrence river to Quebec….

Add-ons:

  • Kate had only one outfit today — a beautiful and understated Catherine Walker “Kensington” dress. More details from the fabulous site What Kate Wore.
  • It has been revealed that William & Kate had some alone time last on Friday afternoon (in between the Canada Day shows).  William rowed his wife along Harrington Lake to a secluded cabin for a romantic island picnic offered by Canadian Premier Stephen Harper. They were completely alone for 4 hours, having been given radios by their guards.  Where do they find the energy to do such things?!  Articles: the Mirror | News of the World


General Articles from Day 3:

Pictures: Getty Images | Rex Features

Videos:

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William & Kate 2011 Canadian Tour: Day 2 (Canada Day)

Jul 2

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Links to Previous Days: Day 1

Day 2: 1 July 2011 (Canada Day)
Ottawa, Canada

Citizenship Ceremony. The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge started the day by attending a citizenship ceremony. They handed out Canadian flags and spoke with the 25 new Canadians.

Then it was off for the biggest event of the tour — Canada Day

Canada celebrated its 144th birthday today, and one of the largest crowds in history — around 300,000, triple last year’s number when the Queen was in attendance — gathered in Parliament Hill to catch a glimpse of the royal couple.   People roared their approval and chanted “Will and Kate” as the newlyweds arrived in a state landau.

The roars didn’t seem to stop.  During the Prime Minister’s formal welcome of the royal couple… every time William mentions his wife’s name in his speech… during their walkabout… At one point the roaring went on and on it caused William to blush, prompting a pat on the knee from Kate.

For his speech, once again with some French, Prince William extended greetings from his grandmother, “the Queen of Canada,” saying she’s keeping a close eye on their tour.  He paid tribute to the Canadian troops, who are returning home from Afghanistan shortly.  And most touchingly, he spoke of Kate’s grandfather, a “wonderful man who passed away last year,” and how he shared his love for Canada with Kate.  He trained in Calgary as a young pilot.

For the fashion watchers, Kate paid tribute to Canada on this special day — recycling the white Reiss dress she wore for her engagement photos with Mario Testino, and pairing it with a red hat with maple leaves, red shoes, and a maple brooch lent to her from the Queen.

William & Kate, Canada Day 2011. Photo from the Canadian Heritage

After enjoying the Noon Show at Parliament Hill, the couple went on a walkabout.  After taking the afternoon off, they returned for a short time for the Evening Show.  Kate by then had changed into a purple Issa dress and an updo.  After 30 minutes, they left the crowd for a private reception to watch the fireworks.

Make sure you check out the videos below…


Articles:

William & Kate Overseas Memorabilia

Pictures:

Videos:

 

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William & Kate Canadian Tour: Day 1 —(Ottawa)—

Jul 1

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

 

So the madness has started…  Yes, it is MADNESS…

Day 1: 30 June 2011
Ottawa, Canada

Snippets of what Happened:

William & Kate depart Heathrow Airport in London. The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge boarded on a Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft to start their first official overseas tour as a married couple.  Focus on Kate as she mixes it up with a navy Manon dress by French designer Roland Mouret, topped with a Canadian label Smythe vest, and Manolo Blahnik Calogera shoes.  As far as we know, the Smythe vest has sold out and the website crashes.

Articles: Coordinated William & Kate in navy as they board plane to Canada
Pictures: Getty Images
 Videos: Reuters
 About Kate’s Wardrobe: Heathrow Departure

Canada's love affair with the Cambridges has started

William & Kate - Canada Memorabilia

William & Kate Land in Ottawa. On the plane, Kate managed to change into figure-hugging navy lace dress by Montreal-born designer Moralioglu. Royal fashion watchers are pleased.

Wreathe Laying at National War Museum.  Per tradition, the couple paid their respects with William laying a wreathe and Kate some flowers at the National War Museum.  But significantly, it was where their love affair with the Canadian crowd began.  It’s Diana-mania once again, as some reporters recall.  Screams of “Kate, Kate, Kate” and “Will, Will, Will.” The couple took their time to work the crowds on separate sides.  Who cares if they were behind schedule?

Official Welcome at Rideau Hall. The Governor General and Prime Minister make speech.  But it was William’s speech (half in French) that stole the show and people’s hearts.  “It will get better as we go along,” he laughed (about his French).  He revealed that he and Kate have longed to visit Canada even before they married.

Youth Barbecue reception. A private event with Canada’s recognized youth who have contributed to society.  Rain pushes the event indoors.  Kate changes to a recycled outfit she’s owned for years — a Bird Issa dress — best known as the dress she wore the day during her wedding.

Articles:

Pictures: Getty Images | Rex Features

Videos:

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William & Kate Reign at Wimbledon

Jun 28

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

To the delight of the crowds and royal watchers, the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge made a surprise visit to Wimbledon  today.  Both are tennis fans — particularly Kate, who has been to Wimbledon a couple of times.  A “private” visit, the newlyweds look happy smiley as they sat on the royal box watching British #1 Andy Murray beat Richard Gasquet in straight sets.  The couple also saw part of the Nadal-Müller match.

In the sweltering heat, Princess Catherine looked fresh as a daisy  in a white, sleeveless Alice Temperley “Moriah” dress with pleats (Sorry, already sold out online, as expected).  William wore his usual blue suit.  Must have been hot!  Nevertheless, the royal pair looked to enjoy their tennis date and even joined in on the Mexican wave.


Now, bring on Canada!

Articles:

Pictures: Getty Images | Rex Features | Isopix | Zimbio (many funny facial expressions from Kate)

William, Kate, Harry NOT going to New Zealand for Rugby World Cup this year.   A palace spokeswoman says:  “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry were all very pleased and honoured to be invited, in a private capacity. They have considered the matter, and with regret, they’ll be unable to attend owing to their military pressures. The Duke of Cambridge will spend the autumn concentrating on his search and rescue career, as he builds up flying hours and passes the necessary examinations to allow him to obtain captaincy at some point in 2012, and Prince Harry’s course at Wattisham and in the USA doesn’t really afford him any time to attend.“  NZ Prime Minister John Key said he’s disappointed with their absence but understands and welcomes them in a future time.

Newsweek Cover: Diana at 50.  The late Princess Diana would have turned 50 this July 1, and as a (tacky) tribute, Newsweek has a photoshopped cover of a digitally aged Diana alongside daughther-in-law Kate.  The article includes hypothetical stories of what would she be like had she lived — living in New York, Tweeting, Facebooking, reconciled with Camilla, married twice more, initially threatened by Kate’s popularity but now a BFFs with Carole Middleton…  Seriously, the article is neither flattering nor tasteful.  On the flip side, here’s a better tribute to the Princess of Wales and what would have been: Diana: forever young and beautiful.

William & Kate - Canada Memorabilia

Prince Harry is 100% single!  Ring out the bells.  According to the Mail, Harry has declared he’s not dating anyone at the moment and is 100% single.  He also says he’s too busy with work for love.  So I guess this confirms his off-again status with Chelsy Davy.  Funny enough, the media is making a bigger deal of him confirming that he isn’t dating Pippa Middleton than confirming he’s broken up with Chelsy.

Other Tidbits:

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