British Royals

Posts Tagged queen

Ireland Prepares for Queen’s Historic Visit

May 16

Posted by britishroyals in HM The Queen & Duke, Pippa & James Middleton, Prince William, Prince William & Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge | No Comments

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh make a historical visit to Ireland

The streets are closed;  police are sweeping the area; the media pack has already arrived… Tomorrow will be a historic day.

The Queen’s four-day visit to Ireland will be first by a British monarch since George V almost 100 years ago. Her visit has been hailed as an “extraordinary moment” in the history between the two countries as unprecedented steps were taken to ensure all runs smoothly. Demonstrations are expected and the government has instituted a huge security operation, targeted dissident republicans and borrowed water cannon from the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Naturally, security measures are very, very tight.

Articles: The Guardian | Daily Mail

Prince William & Princess Catherine News:

Behind the scenes at the Royal Wedding. Lovely insider accounts on what went on behind the scenes at the Royal Wedding — from reporters, to Kate’s hairdresser to the royal harpist.

Speculations on Princess Catherine’s future patronages. Over the weekend, people have been reporting 2 potential patronages for the in-demand new princess. One of them is Starlight, a charity that grants terminally ill children wishes. Kate and her family has already been supporting Starlight’s party programme over the years through their business Party Pieces. Another is Wimbledon, which is sorely in need of some glamour. As everyone knows, Kate is a keen tennis player and competed while in school.

No frills Princess Catherine says she doesn’t need a lady-in-waiting. Breaking royal tradition and continuing with her no-fuss tendencies, Kate will try NOT having a lady-in-waiting on her first overseas tour to Canada & California. She and William only plan on bringing an entourage of up to 10 people (the Queen brings 30).

Why William struggled fitting the ring on Kate’s finger. Kate apparently ordered the ring a size too small for fear of it slipping off

Prince William was a real party prince. Tales from childhood parties with a prince

Excerpt from William & Catherine: Their Story.  The latest book written by Andrew Morton, famous for exposing Diana’s unhappiness in a biography.  His new book delves into William & Kate’s relationship – its beginnings, highs and lows, and concludes with their wedding on April 29.

Video: Lady Gaga dedicates song for Will & Kate. The singer rewrote the words to Orange Coloured Sky, made famous by Nat King Cole, and said the track was for “sweet Miss Middleton and Prince William.”

Other News:

Pippa & George Percy. Photo by Bauer Griffin

  • Pippa Middleton in Madrid. The focus on Pippa Middleton, now nicknamed P-Middy (how silly is that?!) or the “Royal Hotness” by the press, continues as she’s followed on a trip to Madrid with university flat mate (some say ex-boyfriend) George Percy – son of the Duke of Northumberland – and some friends. She’s been photographed at the airport, shopping, rowing, in a restaurant, outside a nightclub… Seriously, the press needs to leave her alone!

Daily Mail: Article 1 | Article 2
Pictures: At the airport | Boat Ride | Shopping & clubbing

 

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The Queen is the Second Longest Reigning Monarch

May 12

Posted by britishroyals in HM The Queen & Duke, Pippa & James Middleton, Prince William, Prince William & Catherine, Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of Cambridge | 3 Comments

Long to Reign Over Us

Queen Elizabeth II is now officially the 2nd longest reigning monarch in British history, surpassing George III.  Her Majesty has reigned for a total of 59 years and 110 days – or 21,645 days. She now ranks second only to Queen Victoria, who died in 1901 after 63 years and 7 months on the throne.

The Queen, who celebrates her Diamond Jubilee next year, is set to overtake even Victoria’s record in September 2015. She will then be 89.

Still healthy and active, we think and hope she’ll break that record, too. Remember that the Queen Mother lived till the age of 101.

Article: Telegraph
Pictures: Queen Elizabeth II over the years

How did the Queen celebrate?  By engaging in her favourite pastime — horse racing!

She spent the last two days at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, an equestrian event held annually at Windsor Home Park.  And to Her Majesty’s delight, her horse won a few events.

The Queen also toured the events with daughter-in-law Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.  Lovely and rare pictures of them smiling and interacting have been snapped.

Article: Daily Mail
Pictures: The Queen & Camilla, Royal Windsor Horse Show

Also released recently was a wonderful picture of Her Majesty riding with Prince Edward’s children — Lady Louise (a recent bridesmaid at William & Kate’s wedding) and James, Viscount Severn.

Stories about the Royal Wedding just won’t end…

Prince William & Princess Catherine — Duke & Duchess of Cambridge — are on their honeymoon, reportedly in the Seychelles.  No updates or pictures of their whereabouts so far, as Seychelles police vow to protect the royal newlyweds.

Pippa Updates!

Pippa Middleton was spotted leaving Richard Ward’s hair salon a few days ago, quenching the media thirst of photo updates for her.  Here’s another picture from the same day.

With much ado about nothing, the press reports that internet fans are already worried that like her sister, Pippa’s shedding weight, which will endanger losing her famous backside.  The first Pippa Middleton A** Appreciation Day is scheduled for September 9.

And the proof that Pippa has truly gone global?  She’s currently on the cover of People Magazine.  Kate and Pippa are also on the cover of Us Magazine, citing a friendly sisterly rivalry, where they reportedly fight over weird things like “who had the worst headache or period pain.”  Right…

Fergie on Oprah

And I leave you with a video of Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, who did an interview with Oprah to promote her upcoming reality segment Finding Sarah.  In it she revealed that she wasn’t invited to the Royal Wedding, and it was “difficult.”


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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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Site on Short Holiday

Apr 5

Posted by britishroyals in HM The Queen & Duke, ~ BLOG INFO ~ | 2 Comments

Site Notice:

After a nonstop ride for the last four months, a holiday for British Royals!  I shall be away, so there won’t be updates for a week. Will hopefully be back by April 11, in time for William & Kate’s official engagement in Darwen, Lancashire.

When I get the chance, I might tweet (http://twitter.com/britishroyals), update our Facebook page or add news links to the comments section.

For now, I leave you with a teaser of the Queen’s Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, set for June 3, 2012.  (c/o the Official Website)


 

See you in a week!
- Dash

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Royal Wedding Updates: Ringless William Plus Revelations from Harry

Apr 1

Posted by britishroyals in HM The Queen & Duke, Prince Harry, Prince William, Prince William & Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge | 11 Comments

It’s getting crazy in the Royal Wedding world as we are only exactly 4 weeks until the big day!

NO Wedding Ring for William

One big piece of news is the fact that William will NOT be wearing a wedding band, while Kate will have hers traditionally cast from Welsh gold given by the Queen to William.  Why not?  A palace spokesperson says William has never been one for jewelry.  He doesn’t even wear a signet ring (like his father and uncles who wear their wedding bands beneath signet rings in their pinkies), and the couple has decided to only have one wedding ring.  Articles: Daily Mail

Surprising?  It was for me at first.  Mad research drove me to some revelations:  (Click on links to find proof on videos or pictures)

  • Prince Andrew (video) & Prince Edward (video) did have wedding rings slipped into their signet rings during their wedding ceremonies
  • Prince Charles (picture) wears a wedding ring under his signet ring with his marriage to Camilla
  • Prince Charles is said to have worn a wedding ring under his signet with Diana, too (article), although this video (start at 7:20) from their wedding ceremony shows that no ring was slipped into his finger
  • The Duke of Edinburgh does NOT wear a wedding band

Further research showed that many of the younger social / aristocratic grooms, however, did NOT have wedding bands (or did not wear them).  These link to pictures to their weddings or appearances after:

On a bright note, Peter Phillips wears a ring!
I’m still trying to figure out if Freddie Windsor wears one.

So much for wedding ring obsessions…

Lovely Words from Harry

Prince Harry gave an interview while on his arctic charity trek.  In it he mentioned that Diana would have very proud of William, joked that they never thought he’d marry, that he thinks his brother and Kate are a “perfect match” and that Prince Charles is “over the moon.” Also hinted was the story that if it were not for media pressure and scrutiny, William & Kate could have been married 2 years ago.  Best to see the entire video interview.  Article highlights below.

William shows the Queen around RAF Valley; gives an interview

Despite the gusty winds in Anglesey, Her Majesty held on to his hat, as reporters traveled far to see Prince William show his grandparents around RAF Valley where he works are a Search & Rescue pilot.  Yesterday he gave a helicopter demonstration and an interview, talking about the importance of his work and admitting to wedding jitters.

William admitted he had had sleepless nights about “the whole thing”, that his knees “started tapping quite nervously” during rehearsal, but that it was “very exciting” and he’s looking forward to his big day.  He has invited his colleagues to the wedding.  They, in turn, poke fun at him by buying him Will & Kate memorabilia: a mug, tea towel, pillow…

The royal, who joined C Flight, 22 Squadron in September, has already participated in 12 operational search and rescue missions – a similar amount to any of his contemporaries.  He has completed around 35 operational SAR standby shifts at RAF Valley – each shift lasts 24 hours.

View the complete Video: BBC

Related Articles:

Pictures: Getty Images

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