British Royals

Trooping the Colour 2011

Jun 11

Posted by britishroyals in HM The Queen & Duke, Prince Charles & Camilla, Prince Edward & Sophie, Prince Harry, Prince William, Princess Anne, Princess Beatrice, Princess Catherine, The Wessex Family | 4 Comments

Another glorious day for the Royal Family as they come out to celebrate the Queen’s official birthday with the annual Trooping the Colour parade. The Queen’s actual birthday is April 21, but for decades the event has traditionally taken place on the second Saturday in June.

This year was extra special as Her Majesty turned 85. It was also Prince William’s first trooping parade, having been appointed Colonel of the Irish Guards this year ahead of his wedding. He rode alongside Prince Charles and Princess Anne behind the Queen’s carriage. His new wife, Kate, also participated in her first ceremonial function as a member of the Royal Family. She joined Camilla, Prince Andrew and Prince Harry in a carriage to Horse Guards Parade where hundreds of soldiers paraded in honour of the Queen. Kate wore a dress coat by Alexander McQueen and an elaborate black hat.

The senior royals present were: The Queen & Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales & the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York & Princess Eugenie, and the Earl & Countess of Wessex with their daughter Lady Louise.

After the parade, in a scene reminiscent of the recent royal wedding, everyone returned to Buckingham Palace and watched a flypast in the balcony. Big cheers for the birthday pair (the Queen, who turned 85, and the Duke of Edinburgh, who turned 90 yesterday), and even bigger cheers for the newlyweds


Also do not miss the video of the Royal Family’s balcony appearance via Sky News (scroll down)

Articles: Daily Mail | Sky News | Telegraph
Pictures: Getty Images | Isopix | BBC | Wenn

William & Kate Overseas Memorabilia

After the Trooping the Colour parade, Kate had a quick change of clothes and drove herself to west Berkshire to attend the wedding of good friend Sam Waley-Cohen to Annabel Ballin. Although he denies it, Sam has been credited to help William & Kate get back together after their split in 2007. He was also the mastermind of the charity Roller Disco where Kate was (infamously) pictured falling on her back side. Kate recycled an old dress for the event and was there with sister Pippa. All in attendance was Princess Beatrice with her boyfriend Dave Clark.

Articles: Daily Mail
Pictures: Getty Images
Video: Kate (trying very hard to keep a low profile) & Pippa at Sam Waley-Cohen’s wedding

Other News:

William & Kate

Chelsy Davy

For the Harry-watchers, there’s big news.  After a month-long road trip around Europe, Chelsy Davy is back in London!  Wonder if she’ll make an appearance at Sunday’s polo.

Pippa Middleton

The Yorks

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William & Kate Dazzle at ARK Charity Gala

Jun 10

Posted by britishroyals in HM The Queen & Duke, Prince Harry, Prince William, Princess Catherine | 1 Comment

Absolutely sparkling! Prince William & Princess Catherine stepped out in their first public function as a married couple in support of the 10th Anniversary Gala for the charity ARK (Absolute Return for Kids). The children’s charity benefit took place in a custom-made marquee at Perks Field, just a stone’s throw from Kensington Palace, where the couple are set to have an apartment as their London home. The charity went on to raise £17.2m by the end of the night.

Prince William made his first public speech since his wedding, launching a four-year collaboration between his own charitable organization, the Foundation of Prince William & Prince Harry, and ARK.

Fashion: William looked smart in his tuxedo, but all eyes were on Kate, who was literally glowing in a powder pink sequin-embellished ballgown by British designer Jenny Packham (website).  You can get the dress here (update: Sorry, already sold out!).  She paired the dress with a pair of pink LK Bennett Agata sandals and carried a Prada clutch.  No doubt her latest choices are currently flying off the shelves.

William & Kate arrive at the ARK charity gala

Another Video: Prince William’s speech at the charity.  Hilarious intro!

Articles: Daily Mail | Telegraph | The Sun
Pictures: Getty Images | My Royals | Rex Features

 

Prince Philip turns 90!

A big, warm birthday greeting to the Duke of Edinburgh, who turns 90 today!  A steadfast beacon and silent partner to the Queen.  Truly a remarkable gem of a royal!

It’s work as usual today for the Duke of Edinburgh. His birthday will be celebrated on June 12 with a church service with the royal family followed by a champagne reception.

Send him a birthday message!

Prince Harry & marriage: “Not for a long time”

Blushing Prince Harry was put on the spot over his intentions towards on-off girlfriend Chelsy Davy (are they currently on or off? Latest reports say off). Harry was attending the annual Founder’s Day parade at London’s Royal Hospital – home to the world famous Chelsea Pensioners – when he was caught out by cheeky former soldier William Titchmarsh, who asked: “So when are you getting married then?”

“Not for a long time,” Harry replied. “Who put you up to do that to me?!”

Article: Daily Mail
Pictures: Getty Images

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A Starter Home for William & Kate

Jun 9

Posted by britishroyals in Carole & Mike Middleton, Fergie, Pippa & James Middleton, Prince Harry, Prince William, Princess Catherine | 2 Comments

Goodbye Clarence House. Hello Kensington Palace! Must be an exciting time for the royal couple as they establish their first household.

Kensington Palace

The dominant royal news in the past few days focused on the official London base of Prince William & Princess Catherine. They are to take a “small” apartment at Kensington Palace, which was recently renovated to rid of asbestos and poor wiring. William spent much of his childhood at Kensington Palace — where Princess Diana also lived, though it should be pointed out that they had occupied a different (and much larger) apartment. William and Kate’s new London base is temporary, according to the Palace. They plan to move in this month and are expected to stay there for about a year or two, or until a more suitable place is available.

Article: Telegraph
Article: More about Kensington Palace

In accordance to the move, the royal couple is in search for one staff member. (This corrects previous reports that falsely said they are advertising for four… how typical of tabloids to sensationalise things!) According to the palace, the position open is for a housekeeper/dresser. Take note that a dresser is not a stylist. So Kate will continue to pick her own clothes. The dresser helps keep her wardrobe clean, ironed and in order.  With official functions and a sprawling overseas tour requiring 3 wardrobe changes a day, how can Kate do without one?  The position is only based in London.  William & Kate will continue to NOT have household staff while in Anglesey.

Article: People

Princess Catherine’s bridal gown to go on display at Buckingham Palace

William & Kate Overseas Memorabilia

London tourists rejoice! Kate’s Sarah Burton wedding dress, along with her shoes,earrings and the magnificant Halo Tiara, will be part of the special exhibition at Buckingham Palace this summer. The royal wedding cake by Fiona Cairns will also be on display. With the popularity of the recent Royal Wedding, Buckingham Palace is expected to draw large crowds.

The special exhibition will run from 23 July to 3 October 2011.

Source: The Royal Collection

Other William & Kate News:

We are heading toward a very busy few days for the royals.  It kicks Thursday with the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge’s attendance to the ARK charity gala.  Stay tuned.  But in the meantime…

Prince Harry

Harry to teach Kate how to fly.  Allegedly, William’s schedule is manic, so Harry has offered to teach sister-in-law how to fly in Anglesey.  Hard to believe, actually, that Harry could do something like this when he trains hundreds of miles away.  Besides, similar stories of Kate learning to fly & sail (she’s already an accomplished sailer!) have been reported before.

Harry in Polo match. On Sunday, Prince Harry led his team to victory for a charity polo match in aide of the Centrepoint at the Cirencester Park Polo Club.

Gym buddy: Cameron Diaz.  Fan: Adele.  Hollywood star Cameron Diaz is said to have run treadmills alongside Harry after joining a swanky gym.  Meanwhile, singer Adele sets her sight on the ginger prince.

The Middletons

The Middleton family (sans Kate) at a beach party at the Goring Hotel.  Pippa joined parents Mike & Carole and brother James (though not photographed) as guests of honour for the summer beach party of Jeremy Goring.  The hotel, where the family stayed during the Royal Wedding, launched Basil’s Bar — a replica of the famous bar in Mustique where the Middletons frequent.  ( More pictures )

Pippa loses to Carol Vorderman for Rear of the Year award.  She’s only had 6 weeks to rack up the votes, and so loses to 50-year-old TV presenter.  Ugh, so?

The Yorks

Sarah Ferguson’s reality docu “Finding Sarah” airs on Oprah’s OWN network starting June 12 in the US.  Her book — a memoir of the journey to self discovery, also launches on the same day.  So TV alert: Fergie’s promoting.

Video: Amidst regrets, Sarah Ferguson is proud of her girls: 

 

 

Other Royal News:

A Day at the Races

Jun 5

Posted by britishroyals in Chelsy Davy, HM The Queen & Duke, Pippa & James Middleton, Prince Harry, Prince William, Princess Beatrice, Princess Catherine, Princess Eugenie | 6 Comments

The Royal Family came out in full force to support the Queen’s horse Carlton House at the Epsom Derby yesterday.  Her Majesty has never won the Derby before, and yesterday, despite Carlton House having top betting odds, it was the 10th time unlucky for the Queen.  The horse lost a shoe during the race and finished 3rd.  Bummer!

Top: the trio arrive to cheers; the Queen is not amused with the derby loss
Bottom: Harry leads the royal cheerleaders; picture perfect Princess Catherine

Despite the loss, it was a triumph for the royals, who showed a relaxed and united front.  Best of all was the surprise attendance of so many of them!  Prince Andrew, his daughters Princesses Beatrice & Eugenie, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie arrived at the same time with the Queen and Prince Philip.  Then more than an hour later, the crowd cheered wildly as the coveted trio — William, Kate & Harry — joined them.  Everyone was in good spirits.  The ladies looked beautiful; the men dapper in top hats.  And Princess Catherine, once again, proving an absolute thoroughbred!  To know what Kate wore to the races, follow this site.

Also present (but not in the royal box, of course) was Carole Middleton.  Kate’s family is invested in another horse, Sohraab, who competed (and also lost) in an earlier race.

Got to love this family!  So I got a little carried away with the pictures…

And the newlyweds…

Articles: Daily Mail | News of the World
More Pictures: Getty Images | Rex Features | Zimbio | Belga | MyRoyals

William & Kate

Prince William & Princess Catherine Royal Wedding Souvenirs

Trooping the Colour rehearsal.  The morning of the Derby, Prince William participated in the Colonel’s Review — a rehearsal for next week’s Trooping the Colour at Horse Guards Parade.  He’s dressed in complete guardsman’s attire — red suit, bearskin hat and all.  Quite a sight for tourists, as hundreds of soldiers were there for the rehearsal.  ( Article | Pictures )

Kensington Palace as London base.  The new Duke & Duchess of Cambridge are moving into a “small” apartment in Kensington Palace (Diana’s former home) temporarily as their London base.  They’ll eventually want a bigger place for the long term.  Their main residence remains their cottage in Anglesey. ( Article )

Pippa Middleton

Fit for a triathlon. While sis and mum were at the Derby, sporty Pippa ran and finished the GE Blenheim triathlon.  She was joined by two male friends, who did the swimming & cycling part.  ( Article & Pictures )

Still with Alex Loudon. According to the Telegraph, rumours that Pippa has split with her boyfriend are just “unsubstantiated gossip” and “inaccurate.” ( Article )

A few articles concerning Pippa this weekend: Pip-pip Hooray (this one actually makes sense)! |  The rise & rise of her Royal Hotness | The Pipparettes — about Pippa’s friends

Chelsy & Harry

Chelsy Davy in Ibiza

Chelsy in Ibiza. We’ve heard that Prince Harry’s on-off girlfriend is on a European road trip with friends while Harry trains as an Apache pilot.  Well, the paps have finally spotted Chelsy — in Ibiza — having lunch with friends.  Red sundress, brown bag, sunglasses, cigarette and all.  ( Pictures: Popsugar | Celebrity-Gossip ).

Off Again? Moreover, several reports claim the on-off couple are, once again, off.  According to Katie Nicholl, Chelsy has been “wild” in Ibiza, and telling people she’s “young, free and single”

The Yorks

Princess Eugenie has orthopaedic surgery at 12.  She underwent an 8-hour operation to correct severe scoliosis.  ( Article )

Saving Sarah Ferguson from herself, Oprah style. A preview & behind the scenes article on  Fergie’s upcoming reality series, “Finding Sarah,” which airs June 12. ( Article )

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The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee (Details)

Jun 2

Posted by britishroyals in HM The Queen & Duke, Pippa & James Middleton | 2 Comments

Queen Elizabeth II during her coronation

Today the palace announced details on the much anticipated celebrations of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee.  Queen Elizabeth II will celebrate 60 years on the throne this time next year with a 4-day bank holiday weekend from June 2 to June 5, 2012.    The planned events:

Saturday 2nd June, 2012

  • The Queen will attend the Epsom Derby

Sunday 3rd June, 2012

  • The Big Jubilee Lunch: People will be encouraged to share lunch with neighbours and friends in the form of a traditional street party or a picnic lunch.  Organisers: the Big Lunch.
  • The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant: A flotilla with up to 1,000 boats on the Thames, with the Queen leading in the Royal Barge.  Organisers:  Thames Diamond Jubilee Foundation

Monday 4th June, 2012

  • BBC Concert at Buckingham Palace:  A televised Diamond Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace.  Tickets are available to UK residents by public ballot. The programme is still under works and is expected to include musicians from the UK and the Commonwealth. Organiser: BBC
  • The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Beacons: A network of 2,012 Beacons will be lit by communities & individuals throughout the United Kingdom, as well as the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Commonwealth. The Queen will light the National Beacon. Organiser: Diamond Jubilee Beacons Ltd.

Tuesday 5th June, 2012

  • Service of Thanksgiving & Carriage Procession: A Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral and a formal carriage Procession by The Queen.

Further details on Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee will be released in early 2012
Source: The British Monarchy’s website

Other Royal News:

Pippa Middleton at the French Open 2011

The Duke of Edinburgh’s 90th Birthday.  Prince Philip turns 90 on June 10, 2011.  A church service and reception is scheduled for June 12 at Windsor Castle.  Send him a birthday greeting through the British Monarchy’s website.

Pippa & the Middletons.  Pippa was in the spotlight again earlier this week when she was photographed watching the French Open and clubbing in Paris.  And as expected, the Daily Mail is trying to stir a scandal out of digging into a Middleton employee’s Twitter account and accusing Pippa of exploiting her royal connections for a Paris tennis freebie.  Some tabloids are just ridiculous!

Princess Catherine & Fashion. Another silly point for the Daily Mail for trying to stir a Kate Middleton vs Michelle Obama fashion rivalry, pointing out that Kate’s winning in sales.  Plus how Kate has catapulted the Reiss brand.

Prince William plays polo.  The Duke of Cambridge led his team to victory at the Audi Polo Challenge for charity in Chester yesterday. Pictures here.  Wife Kate chose to stay at home.  William, England’s Football Association president, also released a statement supporting the delay of the FIFA presidential election.  Alas, his efforts were in vain.

Prince Charles & Camilla in Scotland.  The pair is in Scotland visiting various charity projects.  Pictures of Prince Charles in the Scottish Borders & Ayrshire.  And pictures of the Duchess of Cornwall.

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