British Royals

Posts Tagged wedding

Zara & Mike’s Wedding

Jul 31

Posted by britishroyals in HM The Queen & Duke, Prince Harry, Prince William, Prince William & Catherine, Princess Anne, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, The Duchess of Cambridge, Zara Phillips & Mike Tindall | 1 Comment

 

 

Another glorious day for the Royal Family under beautiful Edinburgh sunshine as Zara Phillips, the Queen’s eldest granddaughter, marries rugby captain Mike Tindall. This year’s second Royal Wedding couldn’t be more different than the global April 29 event, but it was equally beautiful and executed to perfection.

6,000 people lined the streets of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile to catch a glimpse of the bride, groom, the royal family and a host of sporting personalities as they came in and out of the Canongate Kirk church. It was a very private wedding, but the UK media did their best in bringing the goods.

Zara wore a romantic full-length ivory silk gown with silk tulle detail, designed by the Queen’s favourite couturier Stewart Parvin. Her blonde hair was swept up, and her head sparkled with diamonds from the Greek Key tiara lent by her mother.

 


The radiant bride and her proud granny 

 


Princesses Beatrice & Eugenie both wore Angela Kelly.  The Duchess of Cambridge, keen not to upstage the bride, recycled almost everything she wore (except the hat).  The champagne brocade coat dress was first seen on her during Laura Parker-Bowles’ wedding back in 2006.  Complete details on Kate’s look on What Kate Wore. 

 


Zara & Mikes official wedding photo 

The happy couple left the Kirk in a Bentley for the 400-yard journey to Holyroodhouse for the reception. For the newlyweds, there will be no immediate honeymoon. Instead, in keeping with their down-to-earth approach, they will go back to work – Zara will head off to the Gatcombe International Horse Trials while her husband will return to training.

Also announced: Zara Phillips is to retain her maiden name for public sporting purposes.

Congratulations to Zara & Mike!

 

 

Articles:

Pictures:   BBC | Day Life | Getty Images | Rex Features |

Videos:

The Day Before the Wedding…

On Friday morning, dressed down Zara & Mike were at Canongate Kirk for a wedding rehearsal. In the afternoon, they hosted a pre-wedding cocktail party aboard the Royal yacht Britannia.  Britannia was decommissioned in 1997 and is now a museum.  The younger royals — William, Kate, Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice (who brought boyfriend Dave Clark), and a dateless Prince Harry joined in the celebrations.


A kiss before parting after the wedding rehearsal.  Zara & Mike disembark from the Britannia after their pre-wedding cocktail party 

 


Single file: the young royals headed the Countess of Wessex.  Check out Beatrice’s butterfly belt!  Right: Radiant newlyweds William & Kate were keen not to steal the spotlight from the bride & groom.  And once again, Kate recycled her green DVF dress 

 


Prince Harry was dateless for his cousin’s wedding.  William & Kate — who are known as the Earl & Countess of Strathearn when in Scotland –  arrive for pre-wedding cocktails. 

Article: The day before the wedding (includes pictures)
Pictures: Rex Features | Getty Images
Video: The day before: boarding the Britannia + rehearsal

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The Monarchy’s Finest Month

May 22

Posted by britishroyals in HM The Queen & Duke, Prince Andrew, Prince William, Prince William & Catherine, Princess Beatrice, Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of Cambridge | No Comments

 


Photos: Crowds from the Royal Wedding; The Queen gets a standing ovation in Ireland

Nothing sums up the triumph that was the last 30 days as well this Express article: The Monarchy’s Finest Month.   True, after years of struggling with what was a faltering public image, the Monarchy packed up a bravura double punch, starting with Prince William’s glorious wedding to university sweetheart Kate Middleton on April 29, and ending with Her Majesty’s historic state visit to the Republic of Ireland on May 17-20.  In the last 30 days, the Royal Family has won global acclaim.

The Queen is surely pleased in what would have been one of the best months of her reign.  A PR triumph, and media popularity for all the right reasons.  Long may it continue…

William & Kate:

Prince William & Princess Catherine are back from their Seychelles honeymoon. The royal couple is back in the UK after a very successful private honeymoon.  “They left happy and clearly content with their stay,” said the head of the Seychelles tourism board, Alain St Ange, who saw the couple leave Friday. St. James’s Palace said the couple “thoroughly enjoyed their time together, and they are grateful to the Seychelles government for their assistance in making the honeymoon such a memorable and special 10 days.”

Now that they’re back, details are starting to emerge about their honeymoon.  The Mirror reports that the couple enjoyed diving with sharks, watching fish and turtles, torch-lit beach dinners, and an excursion to nearby islands.  On their departure, they were presented with a “love nut” – a rare giant aphrodisiac fruit – and a painting.  Source: The Mirror

Although they’ve largely succeeded in maintaining their privacy, someone managed to stumble upon their private little island… the accidental invaders were, of course, sent away.

Royal Wedding & beyond:

California official tour:

Her Majesty & Prince Philip

The Yorks

Pippa Middleton

 

 

 

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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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Pippa Dominates Media as William & Kate Settle Into Married Life

May 8

Posted by britishroyals in Pippa & James Middleton, Prince William, Prince William & Catherine, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of Cambridge | 4 Comments

Kate shopping at Waitrose

After their weekend mini-moon, Prince William and Princess Catherine — officially the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge — are back in their remote North Wales hideaway.  William has gone back to work, and has scored 3 rescues thus far in the week after his wedding. (Read about his first double rescue, & third rescue).

New wife Kate, meanwhile, was spotted grocery shopping in Waitrose in Menai Bridge near Anglesey.  Pictures of the future queen pushing her own trolley left people gobsmacked, making it to the front page of at least four major newspapers.  Kate had 3 bodyguards with her, but did her own shopping.  She was seen examining packs of chocolate biscuits, bottles of cordial, washing powder, bags of pasta and browsing the fruit and vegetable section, and hovering over a pizza section. She left with 5 bags of groceries.  It has been known that William & Kate refuse to have servants while in Anglesey and want to live as normal a life as possible.  Hopefully after the Royal Wedding frenzy has died down, the photographers can leave them alone.  Articles: Daily Mail | The Mirror

Read more about Anglesey and why it’s the royal couple’s perfect little hideaway.

Prince William & Princess Catherine are expected to head out for their honeymoon very soon.  A secret destination, but most bets are on the Seychelles, where they allegedly made a pact to marry 4 years go.

More about William & Kate’s Canada / California Tour

As you now know, Prince William & Princess Catherine are heading to California on July 8-10, right after completing the official tour of Canada.  What will they do in California?  Despite the Palace not announcing their itinerary yet, America is abuzz that the couple will hit Los Angeles and meet former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.  The visit will be connected with William’s charities, it seems.  One article says they’ll stay at the Beverly Hills Hotel.  And others speculate that they could be the first visitors of David & Victoria Beckham’s new baby, due in July.

As for their Canada tour (June 30 – July 8), the couple is speculated to visit a Calgary airfield which was once where Kate’s late RAF hero grandfather, Peter, was stationed to train wartime pilots.  Peter Middleton died shortly before William & Kate announced their engagement last year.

William & Kate Tidbits:

New Emerging Star: Pippa Middleton

Pippa Middleton

The world can’t seem to get enough of Kate’s younger sister Pippa.  After she performed her maid-of-honour duties to perfection (not to mention showcasing her similarly perfect backside in a Sarah Burton dress), foreign media, particularly the US, have been featuring her nonstop.

After having Facebook fan sites and webpages launched to hail Pippa’s perfect bottom, out came old pictures of partying Pippa — one with her dancing in a purple bra, another with her making a dress out of toilet paper.  The latest: 2006 pics of Pippa, Kate and William on holiday in Ibiza, with Pippa watering down her bikini top.  These are NOT new pictures, by the way.  Royal watchers and the British press have known them for years.  The world is simply catching up.

Latest news suggest that the Middleton family are taking action over the supposedly private photos and have successfully had them withdrawn from circulation.

Related Middleton Articles:


Other Royals:

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie to be stripped of 24-hour protection. Can this be true? Prince Andrew’s daughters are to be stripped of their 24-hour police protection after a growing row over the £500,000 annual cost. The York sisters are the biggest losers of a Scotland Yard review of security for the Royal Family. As 5th and 6th in line to the throne, will be given protection only when they attend official events on behalf of the Royal Family. Prince Andrew’s wish that his daughters follow him into public life has also been thwarted with his family’s recent scandals.  According to the Express, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward may also lose 24-hour protection.

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Naming dilemma: What to Call the Girl Formerly Known as Kate Middleton

May 5

Posted by britishroyals in Chelsy Davy, Pippa & James Middleton, Prince Charles & Camilla, Prince William, Prince William & Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge | 10 Comments

GLORIOUS NEWS for AMERICANS:
William & Kate are visiting California in July!

The Name Debate

It’s been barely a week since William & Kate tied the knot in front of a global audience.  While the honeymoon destination remains the top question, another significant dilemma the world faces — this blogger included — is  what to call Prince William’s new wife.

Princess Catherine

Prince William will always be Prince William.  But what about Kate?

 

Sure, her official title is HRH the Duchess of Cambridge. Or make that Her Royal Highness Princess William, Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Strathearn, Baroness Carrickfergus…. (whew!)

But what to call her informally? In this internet age, where keywords mean everything, a simple “Kate” just wouldn’t do. A google search of “kate middleton” used to give complete news coverage on Kate, but after her marriage, the media is scrambling on several monikers: Princess Catherine, Princess Kate, Duchess Catherine, Duchess Kate, Kate the Duchess… The world hasn’t come into a consensus on what to call her.

I personally like the sound of Princess Catherine. It isn’t an official name, for sure, but definitely sounds more youthful and accessible than Duchess of Cambridge. Besides, Prince William will always be known as Prince William to the world, no matter how many titles are given him. So, when strung into the same sentence, it simply sounds fitting that his wife be informally called Princess and not Duchess. (I know Camilla has never been called Princess but I think global popularity will make this young couple an exception). Also, it has been suggested that William himself preferred that he stayed known as Prince William and that his wife be Princess Catherine. A quote from the Telegraph:

In an attempt to get round the issue, the Palace let it be known that people who wanted to call Catherine “Princess” were welcome to do so. After Friday’s Royal wedding, Paddy Harverson, the Prince of Wales’ communications secretary, suggested the public be encouraged to use the names Prince William and Princess Catherine if they preferred. He said: “I think it’s absolutely natural that the public might want to call them Prince William and Princess Catherine and no one is going to have any argument with that.”

So for this confused royal blogger, unless I see a different trend, it’s PRINCESS CATHERINE.

Another interesting thing: The Palace says Prince William will NOT change his name to William Cambridge at work. He will remain Fl Lt William Wales, as he’s been known in school and on the job. He also, interestingly, introduced Kate as “Mrs. Wales” at the Buckingham Palace reception. But Kate can not technically take on the Wales surname, and neither should any of their future children. All the more reason why I’m sticking with Princess Catherine for now…

Any thoughts?

Prince William back to work. Prince William, looking good with his spectacles, has been snapped behind his Audi returning to work in RAF Valley in Anglesey, North Wales.  Poor guy can’t escape the paps, can he?

UK Tabloids pledge to leave royal honeymooners alone.  Good on them if it happens.  Although foreign photographers may still go after them.

Sarah Burton breaks her silence.  Kate’s acclaimed wedding dress designer says the new princess is “one of the most lovely women she has ever met” and described her as “low maintenance.”  The dress has “a lot of her personality in it” and they collaborated 50-50.

Interview of the Bridesmaids dress designer.  With video.  Mother and daughter team Nicki and Charlotte Macfarlane spoke to Entertainment Tonight.  Princess Catherine was heavily involved and was present in all fittings.

Other Royal News:

Prince Charles met President Obama yesterday in Washington and gave a speech at Georgetown University regarding sustainable agriculture.


 

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