Good evening, dear readers, we're back with a brief post sharing varied updates!
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will return to their former home Anglesey, North Wales on Thursday, 18 February to attend the Search and Rescue Force Disbandment Parade at RAF Valley - where Prince William served as an operational search and rescue pilot flying the Sea King helicopter for three years. According to Kensington Palace "His Royal Highness undertook a total of 156 search and rescue operations, resulting in 149 people being rescued".
More from the press release:
"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit Royal Air Force Valley on Thursday 18 February to attend the Search and Rescue (SAR) Force Disbandment Parade, honouring the end of more than 75 years of Royal Air Force (RAF) SAR UK operations.
The day formally marks the end of the RAF's provision of search and rescue in the UK. The events will commemorate the RAF SAR Force's exemplary service since its inception, and enable SAR members and their families to pay tribute to the Force's achievements."
William will have a chance to meet his former colleagues as they mark the end of an era. For over three decades the RAF SAR Force responded to more than 34,000 callouts and rescued over 25,000 people.
It's wonderful to see William and Kate returning to Anglesey, as it was their first home together and I would say, without question, a place they were incredibly happy in. The people there were very protective of them and afforded them a level of privacy and normality which would be impossible in London. In many ways, I think they've tried to recreate their life there by basing themselves in Anmer Hall in Norfolk instead of choosing to live at their apartment in Kensington Palace and William's decision to return to flying in favour of stepping up royal duties. Readers will recall William and Kate carried out an engagement to bid farewell to Anglesey back in 2013 shortly after Prince George was born.
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Speaking of William and Kate's life in Norfolk, the couple were spotted enjoying a relaxing meal at the The Crown Inn, in East Rudham, located just fifteen minutes from Anmer Hall. It isn't the first time the couple have dined there - Prince William has been spotted grabbing a spot of lunch several times too. A source told The Sun they were very casually dressed with Kate wearing jeans and a navy jumper for the outing.
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| The Crown Inn |
More from the regular who spotted them:
"They were very low key and it seemed quite a last minute thing. Maybe it was a rare night out since Charlotte was born. They were both dressed down – with Kate in skinny jeans and a navy jumper – and just wanted a quiet table out of the way.
After a quick drink at the bar, they were shown to their table. William, 33, who was off-shift for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, had a glass of wine while Kate appeared to opt for sparkling water. They were leaning into one another chatting away, laughing and joking. It’s nice for them to have a normal night out like any other parents of young children."
The Crown Inn is described as an "outstanding Norfolk country pub/restaurant" and combines traditional period features with stunning modern-day comfort and luxury hotel accommodation.
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| The Crown Inn |
All food is prepared to order using the freshest ingredients sourced locally from farmers, fisherman and traders. This allows for variety and constant change in the menu.
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| The Crown Inn |
Below, a look at a sample of several main courses on offer at the inn including wild mushroom risotto and beer battered fish and chips.
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| Crown Inn |
William and Kate reportedly stayed until 10.30 pm and enjoyed a drink after their meal. The Crown Inn is known for their selection of ales in particular. It sounds like William and Kate had a lovely evening!
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Next it's time for a little 'Tuesday Shoesday' segment, taking a quick look at Gianvito Rossi, the luxury Italian brand the Duchess has become fond of in recent months, leading many to ask, has Kate hung up her L.K. Bennett Sledges for good? I think we'll continue to see Kate wearing her tried and trusted labels, however, she's expanding her taste in terms of what she wears for public engagements.
Let's discuss the background of the brand first.. One could say designing elegant footwear was very much in Gianvito Rossi's blood, as his father, Sergio Rossi, the decorated Italian shoe designer, achieved global success and Gianvito worked alongside him until 2006 when he branched out on his own. Since then he has become a major player in the industry with flagship stores dotted around the globe in Hong Kong, Milan and Paris.
Rossi's shoes are designed to lengthen legs and minimise foot pain without sacrificing style or glamour - and this is a key selling point among customers. Below we see the brand's signature 100 Pumps - which Kate is fond of - in patent leather and blue suede.
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| Gianvito Rossi |
The brand's block-heeled suede pumps are a practical pair I can envisage Kate wearing for comfort (though, perhaps not the prettiest pair in the collection).
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| Gianvito Rossi |
For an evening look, the Elodie Pumps are an eye-catching pair. "Crafted of Flamingo (dark pink) macramé lace layered over beige mesh, Gianvito Rossi's Elodie pumps are styled with a suede pointed toe and slim stiletto heel."
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| Gianvito Rossi |
The Embellished Ankle-Strap Sandals are a fabulous pair of open toes with a slim ankle strap and killer heel.
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| Gianvito Rossi |
The Python Roma Pumps make a stylish statement with a four-inch, self-covered stiletto heel, smooth leather lining and leather sole.
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| Gianvito Rossi |
The very pretty Bow-Front Pumps are crafted of denim suede.
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| Gianvito Rossi |
The Crystal-Embellished Pumps and the Glitter & Satin Pumps have a very princessy look to them. We could go on and on...
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| Gianvito Rossi |
Finally a look at these beauties: "Gianvito Rossi's point-toe pumps have been hand-finished in Italy from velvety soft suede. This timeless pair is lightly cushioned for lasting comfort and detailed with delicate crossover straps."
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| Gianvito Rossi |
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Marc Jacobs' latest line of lipsticks includes a shade named after Princess Charlotte. Catherine Gore, global vice president and general manager of Marc Jacobs beauty, told WWD: "We wanted to commemorate this major brand milestone by creating a custom shade of Le Marc lip crème." She added the shade was "inspired by the deepest saturated pink tones of an English rose". The deep pink colour is exclusively available at Harrods for £24.
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| Marc Jacobs |
We'll be looking at potential royal tour designers next. :)
another shoe heaven. Thanks Charlotte. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the bright white of the Crown Inn pub. It looks clean, cozy, and inviting. Glad Kate and Will could get away for a bit and have a nice night out.They seem like such a strong, loving team together. =)
ReplyDeleteAny photos of Kate and William going to the Crown Inn?
ReplyDeleteThat would be nice. :)
DeleteIt would be another opportunity to see if she is pregnant, like we were having a discussion about on the previous post. :)
It sounds like they had a fun evening out. Good for them.
ReplyDeleteRegarding Anglesey ... a slightly bittersweet visit perhaps?
And the shoes...OMG! Most of them have that sexy edge I like, especially the ankle strap sandals. Love it!
I would love to see her in any of these shoes, something with a little youth, style, pizzazz! Do people say pizzazz anymore?? :) She could do so much better with accessories, really make outfits her own. Anyone with money can put on a designer dress, it's the accessories that bring it home.
DeleteAnd royalfan here I am again continuing a conversation from another post! (I never know if people move on right away to the new post or not) but I love the idea of hat shopping with Maxima - What a shopping spree that could be for Kate! I just haven't figured out what her style is, her level of confidence in fashion. When I looked up the early years that many of you talked about I saw a stylish, confident young woman so I think she has it. But she seems to have fallen off the wagon a little (in my opinion)
I say pizzazz occasionally. Does anyone say
Delete"cheerio" anymore?
Claudia, Kate does play it safe and I give her credit for a level of self-control I know I wouldn't have. :) And I do agree with you regarding the impact of accessories. IMO, Kate needs more variety in her evening shoes; the suede she is so fond of is not the best look.
DeleteSuede gives and is soft, therefore comfortable and pretty. It also withstands a bit of abrasion. Not the best choice for evening, but nice for daytime wear. I love Kate's suede pumps in interesting colors - dark green, navy, burgundy, dark brown - and wish she wore those more often.
DeleteAnonymous 15 February 2016 at 14:39, I so agree about suede. They are also so good to sensitive skin. :)
DeleteGoodness, the heels are all so high. It's hard to believe they could be anything near comfortable
ReplyDeleteA lot of people get used to high heels. Kate doesn't seem to wear them for more than a couple of hours, and she is driven to her engagements.
DeleteLove that they are going back to Anglesey. Whenever William and Kate are there, you can see how happy they are, and what lovely memories they have of their carefree days. Sounded like a romantic evening for them at the charming Crown Inn. What fun. Love the shoes, especially the ankle strap sandals, and the flamingo red macramé. Thanks for such a fun post Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteAlso the bow front pumps.
DeleteThe bow ones and the glitter ones are my two favorites. no surprise, lol.
DeleteMake that, the bow and crystal embellished ones, not the glitter ones.
DeleteSo excited to finally have my first post. I read and read each day and after seeing these gorgeous shoes I just had to post. And so glad for kate and william to have a date night.
ReplyDeleteWelcome and hope to see you here more :D
DeleteNothing like a beautiful pair of designer heels to help people comment for the first time. :)
Deletewelcome Cherie. Where are you from, if you don't mind my asking? I love that we are quite a cosmopolitan group.
A date night? Is Kate preggers? Another celebration dinner?
ReplyDeleteTropical Yankee
That was one of my first thoughts, especially with the sparkling water. They usually go out for dinner to celebrate pregnancy news, right?
DeleteId say not pregnant - for all we know she was driving!
DeleteThis yr is v busy up to the Summer with India, Bhutan, HMQs 90th celebrations.
Post Summer - then possibly.
The innoculations and possible HG makes it even less likely.
You only expect date nights when she is pregnant? Yikes!
DeleteAnd I am amazed the number of people who think what they see/know about is all there is. Someone spilled the beans on this night out - when the press say "rare night out" it means they don't know about the rest!
Good point about the innoculations. It must be weird to read about such a private matter being discussed by the world. Harry may never find a bride who is willing to put up with the circus.
DeleteI hope she is pregnant
DeleteI refuse to speculate about a possible pregnancy, but I can't imagine that the Duchess would undertake a trip to India and high altitude Bhutan if she were. The flights are long and she may need medication to offset unfamiliar microbes and altitude sickness. If Kate is pregnant, there will likely be another travel cancellation, but at the moment it sounds as if the trip is on.
DeleteOr maybe they were planning on when to get pregnant again. There is no way she is pregnant now. Not with the tour in the next few months and the queens big birthday bashes coming up.
DeleteAnoynous 21:36,
DeleteI agree with you that she may not be pregnant, let's not get hopes up, although she may be, and I hope she is. :) One other reason that she may not be pregnant now, is that Charlotte is so little, only 9 months and 11 days old. I believe that she would wait until Charlotte was at least 1 and George was very comfortable at school. But, accidents do happen.
As far as the driving goes, she still may be pregnant, even if you are pregnant, you can still drive. I understand that it is a less likely possibility of her being pregnant and driving, but, still possibly.
Let's not let our hopes down yet! There's still hope!
I'm sure we will see her out again soon, maybe more of a visible baby bump then. (hopefully) :)
I personally hope that they have a large family, but Kate's already 34, so I don't think they will have more than 5/6.
I read somewhere that Kate wanted big family, William wanted small, is that true?
Thank you,
And remember, there's still a chance! {*_*}
It seems surprising that so many people want Kate to be pregnant. I hope she is not, since I would rather see her on the Asian trip.
DeleteAnonymous 14:07,
DeleteIt does seem surprising the varied opinions about her being pregnant, but as for me, I am really hoping that she is!! I understand why some people would want her pregnant and others would not, but I personally would rather see a new royal Baby than an Asian trip.
I also have one more question, when is the next engagement for Kate? I certantly hope it's not the trip in April!
A pregnancy now would mean more HG and a difficult time for Kate, as well as for Princess Charlotte, who is not old enough to understand several weeks of her mother's illness. Not to mention the loss of a very interesting trip. I hope that if Kate and William want another child, they will wait at least until summer.
DeleteDon't know whether she is pregnant or not - happy either way, but I can't imagine if she is, she would announce it today - it would pull attention completely away from the cause.
Deleteoh I love the late night dinner date they look so romantic restaurant fine dinning I lot man these days don't do that... good too see them they are talking to one other when the children are in bed hmm any lady who love that shoes will see duke and duchess in feb 18 these first time they joint official duties
ReplyDeleteI'm am wondering now if Kate really is expecting another child as she opted for the sparkling water at dinner, especially as we haven't seen much of her of late.
ReplyDeleteThat is another reason I'm thinking she's pregnant. :)
DeleteShe was photographed pouring herself a white wine from the bottle, while William was drinking red, on the pub night before they announced she was pregnant last time. So no, I don't think sparkling water means anything.
DeleteI don't believe she is pregnant, I am tired of magazines repeatedly announcing celebrities are having twins. Has anyone noticed how often they do that? Almost every starlet has been pregnant with twins, almost always girls. The media loves women, thinks men are boring. And with Kate? They want more chances of another Diana, and twins gives two.
There will never be another Diana. The closest we have to Diana today is Harry, and even Sophie. And its likely the best we will get. I hope the media will leave William's daughter(s) alone.
I am very much looking forward to Feb 17. I am a psychiatric nurse and I work in child and adolescent psychiatry, so this topic is EXTREMELY close to my heart. I hope she does her new cause justice and has become more knowledgable since her speech last year.
So glad they had a chance for a casual night out. The trip to Anglesey will be bittersweet, but nice that they get to reconnect with the friends from their first home. Can't believe any of those shoes, no matter how lovely could be comfortable
ReplyDeleteLOVE the shoes! My daughter was in heaven scrolling through the post. All the styles are beautiful and ones I can see Kate wearing. As beautiful as they are, I could cry at the thought of having to walk in them. Ha!
ReplyDeleteI love that Will and Kate are headed back to Anglesey. We all know Anglesey holds a very special place in their hearts. I hope they enjoy the day and it will bring back sweet, sweet memories for them. I also love they had a night out. Sounds like a fun and refreshing evening for them. As a mom of 4, a night out does a world of good! The menu looks so yummy! There's nothing better than a British pub drink and dinner!
The shoes are "to die for!" How they could possibly be comfortable I haven't a clue!! How good for them to have a date night and have an engagement in one of their favorite places. I will look forward to that. The lipstick looks like a lovely color. I would like to try it out.
ReplyDeleteOnce you start wearing heals, you can't wear anything else! It's the first few days or only if you wear them once in a while that gets you. I have a friend that can not wear tennis shoes, it has to be heels :)
DeleteI was browsing the Gianvito Rossi site the other day and several of the styles you showcased jumped out at me as shoes I would love to wear and shoes that Catherine would look smashing in. I would love to see her wear more daring footwear simply because she plays it so safe with her clothing.
ReplyDeleteThe ankle strap shoes are just amazing and look like they would cradle her feet perfectly. They would jazz up any evening outfit in a classy way. Other good night, or date night, shoes would be the crystal embellished pumps, the satin glitter pumps and the Elodie pumps.
Other versions of the mentioned pumps:
http://www.mytheresa.com/int_en/crystal-embellished-pumps.html?catref=category
I love the block heel shoes and think they would be a perfect day time shoe for the Duchess. They would still give her the formality she desires but in a more comfortable pump which provides a different look. They also have block heel boots that are beautiful. I think a new pair of black suede boots are in order and the block heel boots might offer similar comfort to her current favorite boots. They also offer a lower block heel boot as well in both ankle length and knee length.
Boots: http://www.mytheresa.com/int_en/suede-ankle-boots-501946.html?catref=category
http://www.mytheresa.com/int_en/suede-boots-426269.html?catref=category
There are also some really cute patchwork pumps that I would love to see on Catherine. There are also a pair of t-strap pumps and a pair of pumps that tie that I like. I am linking them. I understand she has a set "uniform" she likes to stick to but maybe she will feel able to branch out soon and the shoes might be just the trick.
Other shoes:
http://www.mytheresa.com/int_en/jo-431953.html?catref=category
http://www.mytheresa.com/int_en/patent-leather-pumps-456515.html?catref=category
http://www.mytheresa.com/int_en/crosby-leather-pumps.html?catref=category
http://www.mytheresa.com/int_en/jolene-velvet-pumps.html?catref=category
If you couldn't tell I am quite the shoe horse!
Kate wore a pair of block heel pumps when she was first married, on a day when she had to do something on damp ground, something sporty I think. I don't recall that she has worn them again.
DeleteCourtney, I love your shoe taste! If I had a say, I would suggest you as Kate's personal stylist. The black-and-white patent leather pumps and the white-grey suede pumps are my absolute favourites. Gianvito Rossi creates shoes that are simply “to die for”, what a great designer.
DeleteMarion - I don't know that I am enough of a fashionista to be a stylist. I just know what I like. I think Catherine walks a fine line and wants to not make anyone mad so she dresses very safely. I understand that. I think amazing shoes and jewelry can take an outfit from a five to a ten as well as make a repeated outfit look new and fresh. I am in love with all of the shoes I posted.
DeleteAnon -- I remember the shoes. I wish she would wear them more often.
Anonymous & Courtney, are these the block heels Catherine wore for her pre-marriage visit to Darwen Academy (and in 2012 visiting the British Olympic Hockey team & accompanying the Queen to Nottingham)? I like those ones.
DeleteAlso, I am really happy they are headed back to Anglesey for an engagement. I am sure it will be a nice change for them and lovely to be back where they have so many lovely memories.
ReplyDeleteLove almost all the Gianvito shoes. The heel height for me is great:):). I think they are beautifully designed shoes. Will look for them to buy. Hope they have fun at Anglesey but how bitter sweet that it is the end of an era. Ali
ReplyDeletehow nice for them to go back to there formore home what a wonderful treat im also glad they had a night out they probley don't get much alone time are there any pics the green jacket she has on in the photo i just love and her top goes nicely with it her hair is fablous she just looks so good in that photo as for the shoes omg the ankle strap sandles are just to die for but i like all of the others to thanks for the post charlotte
ReplyDeleteI also very much like her hair is like this. :)
DeleteThank you for the informative post, Charlotte! Makes me want to go shoe shopping...
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of shoes, whatever happened to the pair designed by a student some years ago that won a contest? I think they were blue and white, and I thought Kate was supposed to wear them, but maybe I'm remembering things wrong...
I remember this! The shoes were a beautiful blue with white details. She was going to wear them at some point, but we've never seen them.
Deleteshe was supposed to wear them. I don't think she did.
DeleteI am sure William & Kate's return to Anglesey will bring back many happy memories but will be tinged with sadness at the ending of the RAF provision of SAR.
ReplyDeleteReferring back to Kate's use of a helicopter for the engagement in London she clearly did this in order to do it in one day. It would have been virtually impossible by train. Sunday train services are not reliable and quite often run late as a lot of maintenance work is carried out on Sundays even if they ran to time I very much doubt she would have been able to get to London & KP to change & arrive in time for the service. I think she is being very unfairly criticised. They may have to use a helicopter for the Anglesey trip as it is a 4 hour journey by train from London. Members of the RF frequently use this method many times unnoticed but also quite often criticised but I am sure usage is strictly controlled.
The queen took the train on the exact same day.
DeleteI quite agree. Plus, let's not forget HM the Queen is nearly ninety and was supposedly advised by doctors to travel by train rather than by air.
DeleteZora from Prague
I really don't think Kate can just decide to take the helicopter on her own. I don't believe that the average person believes that either.
DeleteYeah, anon 19.59. And personally I don't think the royals themself do the travel planning either. It's decided in beforehand and has to be approved. The security people have a big say in it and then the assistants consider scheduels and such. So I think in cases like this it's not so much the royals choice and more a "Here's your helicopter/car etc" kind of thing.
DeleteThe queen mother traveled by helicopter when she got older because it was easier for her not the other way aroubd so sorry can't use the queen's age as an excuse
DeleteThe Express printed an article about the "thrifty" Queen and "extravagant" Kate but one commenter noted that Kate was on an official (timed) engagement while the Queen was returning home (not an official engagement.) And the amount of planning that takes place for the Queen to take the train (doubt she sits near anyone in First Class, train must be cleaned, not only is there her ticket but her security detail, etc., etc.) As well, the helicopter is leased, not hired for the day.
DeleteAnonymous, 10 February 2016 at 18:56, I don't want to be impolite but what you wrote ("The queen took the train on the exact same day.") is wrong information. HM traveled back to London on the 10.54 from King's Lynn on MONDAY morning. This information can be found online.
DeleteIn case you are interested to know, there is one single train available on SUNDAY (the day Catherine had her engagement) that arrives in London before 11:00. It is the 8:27 from King's Lynn, arriving at London King’s Cross at 10:09. This information can be found in online timetables.
I love to "read" timetables like other people love to read novels. :)
The Queen took the train on Monday--Catherine was travelling on Sunday---vast difference where public transport is concerned.
DeleteThe queen has leased the helicopter for the family's use on a yearly basis and the pilot would be on a salieried basis so the only expense would actually be the petrol used. I know it would not cost £3k for the petrol for such a trip. I think that the Express insulted it's readers intelligence by writing such a story meant only to again critizise Kate.
DeleteThere are trains on the hour at quarter past from King's Cross in London to Kings Lynn Norfolk this Sunday, Valentine's Day. 1 hour 38 minutes, and you can get first class for £55 one way. You can even find one from King's Cross to the Kings Lynn bus station. I also found trains running on the hour at 37 past from Kings Lynn to King's Cross this Sunday too. Also the 21st. I'd say that train service on a Sunday is pretty good.
DeleteAll that being said, it's appearances isn't it? It's not that Kate took a helicopter because they all do. She just took it on a day that HM chose to ride the train instead. It just looks bad, given that Kate doesn't work that often, to do so when she could have easily taken the train and saved quite a bit of money. It's not like she had to race home to get to somewhere else. The helicopter and crew are leased/paid for. But the fuel isn't, and I'd bet it's more than £55 one way.
But it's all appearances. None of them are particularly frugal; they just don't want you to see it. The queen remembers when she got a lot of heat (the time that Britannia was decommissioned)about her expenses. She wanted more money and parliament stood up to her and told her to make better use of what she had. The younger generation don't remember that, but it's not always sunshine, roses and lollipops between the sovereign and government.
Even better Kate could've stayed in London on Monday and actually have done a public engagement during mental health week!
Deletebluehare, it is not just the cost of the ticket for Kate, but also the cost for how many more security detail and staff, plus all the overtime for police to secure the train on a Sunday. The Queen did not t.ravel on the same day, she traveled on Monday. I will bet the cost of the petrol does not add up to the cost of her traveling by train with all involved on a weekend.
DeleteI do not know whether anyone realised this but there is an engagement on 16th for William so she has on the 17th. Kind of a pattern, if he comes to the city, probably she comes too. Let's see how the future events shape up.
DeleteNice shoes but can't image her wearing them, she is not a shoe person. Having said that it would be so nice to see her wearing somethig other than ever boring SUEDE.
They usually do that Anett. Makes very much sense to do them in bunches when William doesn't have his other work. Wouldn't make sense to move the household for Kate for 2 days and have the kids with her or him. Makes more sense that he works his job, they are in anmer and George is in school. Then they go to london with the whole household for a few days and bunch together engagements. That has been my reasoning behind why they dont spread out their engagements so they "look like more". Because it would be a logistic nightmare unless they all of a sudden made bunches of engagements in norfolk :P
DeleteIt's optics. I won't argue your points about cost, even though I don't think you're correct. Security on British rail is a very real threat, and not just on a Sunday and not just because HM's on the train. Do you think they don't provide it on the weekends for everyone else who rides the train? Train stations are a huge terrorist threat every single day.
DeleteThe queen's savvy enough to realize she has to connect with her people every now and then, vis a vis a trip to London on the train or a birthday tour of Britain. And I doubt she'll be doing all that by rail.
And it was just reported that the corgis travelled by chauffeur driven car back to London. Train ticket definitely not as cheap as originally made to seem. Also once saw an article on the lengths the rail system goes to making sure that everything is just right for when the queen takes the train. Cleanliness is beefed up as well as well as everything else.
DeleteAccording to The Westminster Dog Club, the corgi is a breed that has been in the British Isles since the 1300's. I thought that was an interesting little tidbit of corgi history.
DeleteAre the Queen's corgis and Oprah's pups the most pampered pups in the world or what?
DeleteSome of the photos of the Queen with her corgis are some of the most poignant photos of the Queen IMO. The love between them is almost palpable.
Anonymous 15 February 2016 at 13:34, thanks for sharing. Are you perhaps refering to this one?
Deletehttp://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/557125/Queen-Her-Majesty-TLC-Train-Carriage-London-Kings-Cross
Those first pumps, with the clear sides, must be the ones Queen Maxima wore in Pakistan.
ReplyDeleteWilliam has lost a lot of hair in just a few years!
Great collection of shoes! Different and funkier types than the classic one Kate likes to wear all the times and always the same in different colors. I would love to see her wearing one of them above!
ReplyDeleteI think the shoes are too narrow and small around the toe for Kate's height. I agree with Mary ^: I can't imagine those could be even wearable. But, then again, we're back to "Tammy's a horrible dresser" so, there ya go...
ReplyDeleteDear Charlotte, I shall never know how you manage. Thank you for yet another interesting fun and well researched post.
ReplyDeleteRemember when William was sporting a beard a few years back? ...I thought he looked great with it. I think he should bring it back. What do you all think? Wishing Kate the best of luck with her editing duties next week. Such an important issue.
ReplyDeleteHaha, yeah. He looked really nice with it. But I couldn't stand all the "He's trying to be like Harry" talk that would come up :P
DeletePersonally I do think William should grow a full beard as beards look so good on balding men.
DeleteI guess the boys also want a change every now and then. We girls can let our hair grow, change the colour, use some different lipstick and so on. It must be quite boring being a male regarding styling.
DeleteI personally like bald headed men; they appear somehow stronger and more masculine to me (whereas there are also very handsome men with hair). I think glasses suit William very much; I really like it when he wears them. And, of course, a proper uniform is also very welcome (that is true for Harry as well). ;-)
On the subject of beards, I will age myself here, but it's a worth cause! Rex Harrison in "The Ghost and Mrs Muir" anyone?
Deletehttp://imgc.allpostersimages.com/images/P-473-488-90/67/6716/ONKA100Z/posters/the-ghost-and-mrs-muir-gene-tierney-costume-designed-by-oleg-cassini-rex-harrison-1947.jpg
On the subject of bald... Bruce Willis, anyone?
Me thinks I need an iced tea, despite the frigid temps outside! ;)))
I also love when William wears his glasses :) Fits him very well!
DeleteI loved the beard on William. Very handsome with a beard.
DeleteRoyalfan - I'm with you, esp Bruce Willis and I remember him when he had hair!
DeleteRoyalfan, I'm very late with a reply to your "Ghost and Mrs. Muir" reference, but O! I loved that movie. Rex was yummy in it. I do like a well trimmed beard. Scruffy ones not so much.
DeleteAnon 1:12, I too remember Bruce when he had hair, and I think he looks even better without it. It gives him a certain "edge".
DeleteAnd Marci, "yummy" indeed! I also agree about trim vs. scruffy beards. I like neat and sexy, not Santa-like beards. :)
I have always thought Anglesey was their "Malta Moment" as people like to say, and when you read what the Queen's experience was like living in Malta, it's very similar to how the Cambridges seem to have lived in Anglesey. Similar time frame as well.
ReplyDeleteAs for the sparkling water and pregnancy talk :) I will just say that the two weeks between the middle of your cycle (ovulation) and the end of your cycle (new cycle starts or pregnancy) can be the longest weeks of your life! And if you are trying to get pregnant you will "behave" in those two weeks in case you did conceive, especially if maybe you've had some early miscarriages before.
As I've said, if and when they decide to have another child it may not happen on command. You have to keep going about life and work as usual and see what happens. But a woman who is trying, and paying close attention to her cycle, will always be more cautious the last two weeks of the month than the first two!
My opinion is if they want more it will happen sooner rather than later as I'd imagine the Queen's age is a great consideration to them. My biggest regret is not having children sooner so I could have had more, so I truly wish them (and every couple trying to conceive) the very best.
Even in corporate, the transportation contingency takes care of the schedules of the corporate helicopters and jets. I would think security also has a huge say in the particulars of transportation. It isn't just like us getting in a car and driving two hours from King's Lynn to London and returning the same way.
ReplyDeleteDon't know why anyone would assume it is. We are not high profile targets. Thank God.
Ummm the queen took the train so let's stop saying this was a security issue and that's why Kate had to fly
DeleteAnon 01.19. Different people, different parts of the country, different days. I'm not saying this is the case but the queen probably had a whole cart for "herself" and her staff but if Kate travel by train they usually sit with others. So that is a different security aspect. Also, we have no insight at all into the threatlevels of the different royals. Just because the queen is the queen doesn't mean that at all time she has the highest threat level. For all we know Kate could right now have gotten credible threats on her life. I don't say that it's true. I have no clue if it is. Just like you have no clue on if it isn't.. So I think the security people that are in charge and in the know on that can continue making those choices ;)
DeleteYes Anon 01:19, the Queen did take the train for £54.90. But what was reported was how many security detail, plus how many staff also had to have train Tickets. How about the sniffer dogs and handlers and others that had to be paid to make sure the train was secured. Plus all the security at the other in London. Luckily the Queen made it back to London with out incident. Many more opportunities for a terrorist to attack her on the train vs the helicopter.
DeleteKate would have had a car to herself (and her staff) too. She wouldn't have had to sit next to a member of the public.
DeleteAs to the security threats, do you really think that they'd have let Her Maj take the train if there were credible security threats against her? If there's a threat against one, there's a threat against everyone. There are such things as decoy threats to get people focused in one direction while the real target is not as protected. If there were credible security threats, we wouldn't have heard or seen anything about any trips anywhere.
The fact is Kate took a helicopter home. Which meant going from base to Anmer to pick her up then to London. Then reversed. That's quite a bit of fuel and those helicopters are huge. They're also reinforced. So they aren't exactly economical to operate. Even going by helicopter in the morning and taking the train back would be more cost conscious. The helicopter only saved about an hour's time per trip vs the train too. Not a great use of funds or crew time. In my opinion, of course.
I think that Kate taking the helicopter was as feasible as any other royal who has used the helicopter.
DeleteNo one is saying that the queens security detail did not exhaust due diligence or put anyone in jeapordy beyond their adjusted statistical probabilities. However, the list of security variables to consider traveling by train versus helicopter is far greater. And tallied up, logic would dictate that in addressing those increased number of variables, the expense of train travel would inherently be more costly than a commute by helicopter. From a standard security model, one does not typically move a high profile target by train, particularly openly.
DeleteOne thing about the royal family is that they generally don't make an issue of security (William's letter about George was a rare exception.) The fact is we all face danger every day, and the royals normally set an example of going on with their duties without a huge security presence when at home.
DeleteThis is why they were so admired and loved during the war. It is different from the US president where security is very obvious - but there have been more assassinations and attempts on presidents. There have been various security breaches over the years, as well as the attempting kidnapping of Anne and the blanks fired at the queen - but the royal family has managed still not to put the emphasis on security.
Oh the security is there, I assure you. And not sparse security either. They have been doing it long enough they know how to keep their presence unknown.
DeleteIt is ALL over the web back here in America that she is pregnant with twin girls and will name one Diana. Not saying that's true, just saying.
ReplyDeleteIt's always all over the web and tabloids in the US. If they were all true she would have about 50 kids by now. And like 10 misscarriages. And around 30 Dianas.
DeleteI have seen no such rumor, but then I don't read tabloids, online or in the supermarket. Apparently the Queen Mother had to advise the government that she was not pregnant in February of 1952, when she was past 50 years old. Kate will no doubt be considered pregnant for the next twenty years or so!
DeleteI don not believe that trash. They have a big tour coming up tha she would not be able to go on if she was pregnant. If you believe everything that is written thye would already have 4 or 5 kids in a short time.
DeleteThis is nothing but a bunch of trash.
Quite so, Rebecca - plus at least a dozen twins! :)
DeleteZora
Since twins do run in Kate's family, future twins would not be out of the question. Kate's paternal grandmother, Valerie, was a twin. She had a twin sister.
DeleteYeah, your right about the 50 kids!
DeleteI'll have the shoulder of lamb, thank you, sounds like William and Kate had a wonderful evening (and am sure there are others we don't hear about.) And no, although I have sparking so Mr Leo can enjoy his pints or wine, no need to alarm the spaniels - I'm not pregant. It would be an interesting parallel if Kate was, because of the dinner out last time, but I'm assuming for now, it's a coincidence.
ReplyDeleteLovely shoes and I hope Kate choses some of them - the red lace and the one with bows are my favourites but I like them all, except not so keen on snakeskin. Kate wore a dashing snakeskin pair once in Canada, but changed out - she became more conservative on shoes after that - perhaps they pinched after hours on her feet. ButI would love to see her be a bit more daring shoe-wise - even the queen was when she was younger. I loved the leopard skin ones Mary recently wore- although not with those trousers.
As for transportation, it of course makes sense to use the royal flight to Anglesey. I actually have seen more negative comments about Charles and Camilla than William and Kate on the royal flight - his enviromental remarks have left him particularly vulnerable. I did notice comments on either Sophie or Anne too, not sure which, so this is a bigger issue than one journey by Kate. My feeling is that those who make such arrangements, private secretaries and the like - should all sit down together and set guidelines as firms do (royal schedules being so variable, it would have to just be guidelines.) But this sort of unified action is not how the royal family works - why I think the queen isn't planning what William and Kate do - it is very decentralised. So I just will express a note of family-wide caution - when we enjoyed Charles and Diana honeymoon reports on Britannia in the eighties, who would have imagined it would be gone just over a decade later.
Erika, I think, mentioned don't we want to see Kate enjoy special privileges - and that's a difficult one to answer as some here may well. But most traditional royalists follow the queen's "dog leads cost money" feeling that the most successful royals give and outward appearance of modest living, (which we know contrasts with their private life) but the idea of tatty carpets at the palace somehow put them in a different class than the glossy rich and celebrities.
I will just note one time reading of a Hyatt in the US - not sure who is was - who queued up with others at reception at his own hotels, instead of asserting privleges he would have easily been entitled to. I was travelling myself a lot on business then, with much time spent in queues, and I thought "that's so nice". This isn't targeted at William or Kate or any particular royal - Charles may live the most lavishly - it just is why I rather like seeing the queen on a train platform - it's no doubt because she doesn't want to fly but it still feels comforting.
Julia, I really don't think there is a comparison between the expense of the Britannia and the Royal Helicopter! One pilot (possible two) compared to all the staff it took to operate a cruise ship of that size. The amount of fuel it takes to operate a helicopter is minuscule in comparison to what it would be for the Britania. I can not see what the uproar is all about. If they are to do more and more apparences they will need to get places more quickly and securely especially in today's terrorestic threats. The Express story was so obvious just another attempt to critizise Kate.
Deletehmm I don't think the duchess is pregnant again maybe we don't see her often maybe she doing behind the scene works know everyone people many saying she lazy and she always put nice things people just love hating
ReplyDeleteWell said Bluefire: people love hating. It is sadly true, this sort of oxymoron. I don't think that all criticism in this forum is always hate: but sometimes it looks like. Criticism itself is more complex than hate. I am interested in criticism, because I see in it many components which are not all to blame; but there are moments in which I can't but say: it's just too much!
DeleteThis remark is personal to me - and Charlotte can not print it if she thinks best- it is directed as much to native English speakers as to the very impressive non-native speakers here. Since Paola is discussing meanings, this is just Julia's take on the English tongue.
DeleteHate - as implied to a person is an exceptionally strong word. We can say we hate spinach or hate it when the trains are late but when you say you hate a person, that implies you would be indifferent or even happy if they came to harm - if Kate lost a baby or a royal plane crashed. I have to say I have never seen one example of hate on this blog - sadly there is so much of it in the world at large, perhaps the term should be reserved for those who delight in causing mayham and pain.
Contempt is a word that carries a sense of extremely harsh criticism - for instance if someone says they have no use for Kate because she is a lazy thing, that is contempt. I've rarely seen it here but have heard such remarks elsewhere.
Dislike means you don't care for something - it is more accurate to say you dislike spinach than hate it. If someone says they just cringe everytime Kate smiles, that's dislike.
Jealously or envy, means a person feels anger that someone has things they don't. It can be mild or strong but it has been overused here. If someone praises Kate's hair and someone else says well, it's all extensions, that might be jealously - but it can be very hard to tell on a blog where everyone is discussing things.
Criticism is what we mostly see here. If someone says they don't like how Kate dressed or spoke - that's criticism. Some people here, myelf included, can be over-critical at times- but that doesn't carry a deeper emotion.
Critical thought implies a deeper, more analytical, reasoning - when I'm concerned that Kate may be getting too close to biased politics with her relationship with Huffington Post, that's critical thought.
Nit-picking means being critical of some small details - saying Kate's earrings don't match her dress - it ubiquitous here and on every blog where fashion is discussed.
I'm not saying the above to be pedantic - but more because I think loose use of terms is causing people who express opinions to be judged. I've noticed the absence of Bluhare and others recently - people get discouraged because any time they say anything remotely critical, even if it's thoughtful - they are accused of hate or envy. On the converse, there are people here and people who have left - who don't like any criticism - who just want to enjoy Kate without issues.
I suppose this is a plea for a happy balance and for everyone, regardless of their opinions, to use language carefully and save the strongest terms for those such as ISIS who have earned it.
I see your point Julia. But word changes meanings over generations. Hate is a word (like love) that has lost a bit of the heaviness of it's original meaning, sadly. Hate, is used as a word for critic and dislike. When you're sad you're depressed, when you're happy you're dead, and when you dislike something you hate it. Especially young people use the words with an exagerated feeling to say something. "Her eyebrows are on fleek. I hate her" for example means "I am jealous that this woman has pretty eyebrows". "OMG he's so cuuuuuuute I'm DEAD!" means something is sweet etc. So while people complain about hate it doesn't necessarily mean that they are complaining of pure, animalistic, furious hate. They probably just mean that they think that Kate is getting too much harsh critisism or that the critisism here is too frequently repeated. Just a thought.
DeleteI sign under on the want for balance though :)
//Your resident "young person"
Thank you Julia for all of it. I think everybody can decide which catagory each commenter falls into. It was truly entertaining and very welcoming, at least from my part. Thanks!
DeleteJulia, I understood the reference to "hate" as pointing to the *persistently* negative comments. The "Kate can never do enough", "she can never get it right" variety. Call it what you like, but there are examples of a strong dislike and disrespect towards Kate in every post.
DeleteAnd when that is the *running theme* one brings to the blog, it is not difficult to come to the conclusion Blufire came to, and Paola expanded upon. I third it.
And I'm sorry, Julia, but *those* types of comments could ever be categorized as "remotely critical". There's noting remote about them.
Ever was a typo ... I meant never
DeleteVery well said Julia. Despite the fact that Charlotte herself has said repeatedly (in the short time I've been here) that she enjoys the various debates in the comments sections, and welcomes "critical observers", that does not seem enough.
DeleteThere are some who seem to want a gushing fan zone only, and seem to take the boot on the neck approach to squeeze out anyone who thinks otherwise. It is off-putting at best.
Kate & William are on a long journey. There's a lot to discuss. Have any opinion on that you like, but I wish too that readers could refrain from casting aspersions on other people or their opinions. Disagree with an opinion certainly, don't make pejorative judgments about why someone came to that opinion. It does nothing for the discussion.
It's rather like going to a vegan restaurant and complaining there's no cheeseburger on the menu. You're visiting a blog that welcomes different and yes critical points of view, so don't complain when you see it! I resisted commenting for a while when I first started reading, until I saw that Charlotte welcomed more than fashion talk.
I don't know what the answer is, I was on the "ignore and move on" train but it just gets tiresome. And I know age and maturity are factors, Kate fans tend to be young and it gets a little school girlish here. Sorry, maybe I'm the one offending now, but the best thing about getting older is this petty back and forth goes out the window after 35 and certainly after 40!
Hi Julia, I'm around. Haven't been posting much because it's been really busy at work and i've been reading but not commenting. Too much energy when I'm tired and I'd rather curl up with a book!
DeleteA couple of years ago that wouldn't have happened though. I think my interest in Kate is waning. If she doesn't start being present publicly this year, then I probably won't bother any more. As much as it may surprise some here, I actually would like to be writing gushing praise; she just hasn't given me much cause to write it.
Julia, excellent explanation not only for non-native speakers as myself but for all commenting on this wonderful blog. Well said, thank you!
DeleteOh no Bluhare. I hope Kate keeps you interested so I can get to keep you!!
DeleteClaudia
DeleteYou last paragraph,takes it all, I love it. You have lots of wisdom, worth noting truly. Thanks!!
I wish everybody who is after 40 would be that wise but as it is perfectly clear, one has still a lot to do. After 35, this is me, take you advice seriously.
Bluhare, any good reading material nowadays?:-)
Rebecca, if there's anyone who entertains me here it's you. So thank you for that; we can take the Becks 'n blu show on the road!
DeleteAnett, you entertain me too, except your entertainment gains me 10 pounds! :) No great reads to offer. I've been reading my guilty pleasure which is trashy novels. I do have some good reads on deck, but haven't got to them yet. I did read The Lovely Bones not too long ago, and enjoyed that. Interesting story. Oh, yes, and Lady Colin Campbell's bio of the Queen Mother. Highly entertaining!
I agree RF.
DeleteAlthough Kate might be mighty relieved at that Bluhare, :), I would miss you very much (even given the fact that I often disagree with you). You been here since the git go. Don't wander off now.
DeleteThank you Anett but not wise at all, just old :) The one thing raising daughters (and often having a house full of their friends) made me realize, how much time is wasted on such silly matters. I urged them again and again to walk away from the drama and those instigating it! It's truly something you will regret wasting time on, not to mention energy, emotion and head space!
DeleteI'd say I was in my late 30's early 40's when I finally realized I didn't care what other people thought and I wasn't going to waste time on small, petty issues, life is too short! It was very liberating I must say. I will be 55 this summer (yikes) and it gets better and better, trust me :)
And when it comes to royal comments, well people have had different opinions about the royal family for centuries, sometimes with very dire consequences! So having different and even critical opinions is nothing new, they did before us, they will again!
Bluhare
DeleteIt goes without saying I agree with Rebecca and Anon. Some would be relieved, but some like me would be truly disappointed if you didn't share your opinion in the future too.
With the extra pounds, happy to help:-)))
Also thanks for the QM reading, I find it so difficult to choose from the books on royals because I am not familiar with the authors, so thanks for helping me out, I will check on that one.
See you on the other site too.
Bluhare - glad you're still here - when you go, I think I will go. And you spoke so wisely - like you, I want to be able to praise Kate, and when there is the slightest chance to do so like the engagements last autumn, I was quick to jump forward. I'm pleased to see there is a specific area of need - a fine one - she is now embracing.
DeleteBut at the end of the day, the monarchy is what interests me -and I remain uncertain about Kate's development towards the future - when youth and beauty are less relevant and when her work will be the main focus.
Rebecca, young thing that you are, I see your point about modern language, but remember us old biddies - out there - I hate the use of "haters". Hate is a term perhaps best used when speaking as you described in the first person, but not in print referring to others whose feelings may be more nuanced. What about Whingers or Grumblers - that's more accurate.
Because I don't think people here hate Kate or even dislike her - it's more an analysis of her actions or non-actions. It's like someone saying they thought Daniel Craig was awful in that last James Bond film (sorry, Bluhare - this is just an example.) And someone else saying, "ah, you must hate Daniel Craig!"
And the response might be, "no, I loved him in that film about Sylvia Plath..." or, "he's not my favourite actor, but I don't hate him, I'm sure he's a fine person..."
That's what's going on here for some of us with Kate, especially those of us looking at the monarchy as a whole. We are looking at what she is making of being a princess. Some are happy, some think she could do more with the role granted her - but it's not about her as a person.
Royalfan, if I dislike Kate, where does that leave my feelings for Camilla? One reason I know I don't dislike Kate is because I DO dislike Camilla. I certainly respect those who disagree with me, I respect her work, but I don't think underneath, she is a nice or good person. What she does doesn't affect my feelings about that, (and lately she has been doing a lot of fine work - multiple engagements in January.) Some would say I'm not forgiving and that's true. I understand why people do like her or forgive her but there is just too much in the past for me.
But I put this out as an example because I don't have this feeling at all about Kate. I think she is a nice woman - my only question is how good a princess she will turn out to be. And I feel the comments on this blog may have some impact on that - that her advisors might take note - along with many other sources. So I believe if people express honestly how they feel, without a sugar coat, that might actually be of long-term help to Kate.
Claudia and Julia, I'm actually surprised that you ladies felt that the topic of this thread applies to you in any way. I have agreed and disagreed with both of you at times, but I would not put you in the same category. Not at all. My two cents on that, for what they are worth! :)
DeleteClaudia, I do beg to differ with you regarding Kate's fans being young. Some may be, of course, but there are plenty of others like myself who were around in the Diana days (I was a bit younger than her). I believe we base our more favorable opinions on what came before. We see William doing his best to avoid the pitfalls of the past, and strive to make his wife's experience a different one compared to Diana's. It makes me sad to see him not get the credit for that. And I find the criticism of him (and Kate) to be unfair when a very significant chapter of the BRF is not considered as part of the equation. I don't get that, frankly. People make references to European monarchies but, they completely overlook far more relevant issues when talking about W&K.
Regarding the "gushing fan zone", well, not exactly. But being impressed with nothing, day after day, is depressing. To use your example, it's sort of like going to a vegan restaurant, repeatedly, and *continuing* to complain that there's no cheeseburger on the menu. :)
Julia, regarding Camilla...you know I share your view on this subject, but I'm not sure that's a relevant comparison here. Do you follow a blog devoted to her and post your "admiration" for her on a daily basis? ;) I know I don't. I believe we both discuss her if/when the subject comes up or when she is relevant to the discussion here. And as the next Queen, she is relevant.
Again...my two cents... :)
William is "trying to avoid pitfalls of the past and make his wife's experience much better than Diana's". I thank you for stating that. He is doing an excellent Job of that. The critics don't even seem to care about accomplishments. To them, W/K do nothing. That is absurd. Huge bias there. And, so weird, it is like they don't even hear information otherwise.
DeleteRoyalfan I do think we're in the minority though - from the writers of the blogs, to the readers, to the fans on social media, they do tend to skew young - and not all are as mature and eloquent as our charming Rebecca :)
DeleteAnd I've been on the receiving end once or twice here, to say the least! Sometimes not just for a comment but for daring to bring up a line of discussion. As I've said, William and Kate are one of the most famous couples in the world, straddling an odd world of celebrity and publicly funded officials. There's a lot to discuss in how they're handling that, dealing with the media, choosing engagements, etc. I'm frankly fascinated by what the next decade will bring.
People have been discussing the royals for centuries, and if the monarchy continues, they will for years after we're both gone!
Anon 1:29, I stated it and I believe it. :) This belief is at the core of my support for W&K. The phrase "everything happens for a reason" has never been so fitting, IMO.
DeleteClaudia, how times have changed. I recall being delighted with a newspaper or magazine (even better!) article covering one of Diana's engagements, etc. And while I do recognize the benefit of having access to news 24/7, there is a downside to it; in today's world of smartphones and social media, people almost expect to be entertained by it. And perhaps some of the comments on this blog are a shining example of that.
Do the British still say, "cheerio"?
ReplyDeletegood question.
DeleteJulia, Charlotte?
DeleteHello!
DeleteI have a close friend (who is 24) who finishes every phone conversation with Cheerio :) It's still used quite a bit.
Thank you Charlotte. For some Anglophile reason or something, that was really important to me to know whether that had faded from use or not. Thank you. :) Now I can even more authentically use that word around my family to totally bug them with my love of all things British.
DeleteIt has complicated overtones. Some of us never use it, or only in very limited situations.
DeleteThat's okay Cecilia. Trust me. The complexities will be totally lost of my very busy family. They will take it in the the light hearted way it was given, albeit with the usual amount of grumbling and teasing me about it. (It is a tough job, but someone has to introduce culture into the family, right?)
DeleteNo matter how much cushioning, there is no way any of those shoes can be comfortable! It is not natural for a person to be standing on her toes all day. I have never understood why women are willing to do permanent damage to their feet and ankles in the name of fashion. Particularly fashion that a man designs, and will therefore never know what it's like to wear.
ReplyDeleteAmen, eelady! I so agree with you and Mary, Anna May, Kate from Texas, Darla, and Tammy. High heels and pointed toes are damaging to natural, normal, healthy feet.
DeleteI personally see no need at all for any woman to wear shoes that are optically lengthening their legs but in reality shorten their calf muscles. Celebrities wearing killer heels often have the strangest feet postures, looking as if they had a knock knees condition or desperately needed to go to the loo. (I applaud Heidi Klum for championing Birkenstock.)
As part of their apprenticeship, every shoe designer should do what some of the brokers did for ICAP day: wear stiletto heels. Male footwear designers-to-be would gain great insight if they wore them for the periods of time women normally do. (… "I really don't know how you women do it!" Nigel told reporters after the royals had left. "Kate told me she was impressed because they were so high and said I should put my feet up the minute they had gone. I certainly took her advice on that one." … http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2015120928711/prince-william-kate-middleton-stop-flirting/ )
Among the shoes shown above, I like the block-heeled suede pumps best. To my taste, they are the most beautiful pair by far. I find them to exude balanced & calm elegance but they are too high to wear them all day long.
I appreciate that Catherine often wears flats for sports-related engagements. I’d really be pleased if she became a worldwide role model by returning to lower heels for public engagements. As I said in another post, I don’t want Catherine’s toes (and those of the women copying her) to end up like this: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3256914/Amal-bunion-brigade-Mrs-Clooney-s-not-star-tootsie-trouble-cure-bugbear.html
Anonymous 11 February 2016 at 00:11, what you wrote is so true. How can it be that modern educated Western women choose to wear footwear that results in them not being able to do sports properly? http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/beauty-style/13-cute-shoes-are-good-your-feet gives interesting insight
“Wearing shoes is like dieting... You can wear a bad shoe, just like you have dessert, but you don’t need dessert at every meal,” (Hillary B. Brenner, DPM, podiatric surgeon, NYC and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association)
I wish that the media would stop jumping to conclusions that Catherine is pregnant. She chose to drink sparkling water during her evening out with William, but that doesn't mean she is pregnant or even trying to become pregnant. If they want to have another baby, they will try when they are both ready. I suspect that they have their hands pretty full at the moment. George is a toddler and Charlotte is nine months old. They have a long distance royal tour coming up this Spring and numerous events surrounding the Queen's 90th birthday. That doesn't include their regular engagements and philanthropic investments. I also believe that Catherine would not try to get pregnant prior to a royal tour, given the likelihood she would have to endure weeks of hyperemesis gravidarum and traveling would be out of the question. I would love for she and William to have another child, but that will be their decision. I think the media needs to back off and let them be a family. I think the press would have been delighted if Catherine had become pregnant a month after Charlotte was born. It is ridiculous! Let her be a mother, a wife, and the compassionate woman she is. I think William and Catherine are a great team, as partners, as parents, and as two people who care deeply for others.
ReplyDeleteI don't think she's pregnant either but she did get pregnant before a royal tour last time, and she did have to cancel. Not out of the realm of possibility.
Deleteexactly, 00:40. And, a pregnancy announcement was made after a pub dinner, so that is not out of the realm of possibility either.
DeleteI agree that people need to let her be who she is and her and William make that deccision, but for me, I hope she's pregnant.
DeleteI don't think she is pregnant. They have a tour coming up and with her being terribly sick with the first two children I doubt she would take any chances.
DeleteAnd it really is not any of our business.
I agree, none of our business. It is exciting though!
DeleteYou know how sweet but annoying it can be when your parents and in-laws keep asking for grandchildren. Now think about a lot of the population of the world doing that and imagine how William and Kate must feel about all the pregnancy speculation, lol. Heaven help them.
DeleteWho, in their right mind, would ever want to be in their position. I think they handle it superbly, thank God, and kudos to them for that.
Charlotte, are you okay?
ReplyDeleteWhy would Charlotte not be okay?
DeleteWe just hadn't had any comments posted for awhile that's all. Not typical for Charlotte.
DeleteOh, yeah, I was thinking same thing. Just wanted to make sure it was nothing else. :)
DeleteWhew. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's Day, ya'll. If you are feeling down or all alone today, know for sure, that God loves you bunches. You are NOT alone. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
DeleteHappy Valentine's Day!
:)
DeleteThe variables for security during boarding, traveling on, disembarking and to and from the train are myriad. I am very amazed that they let any of the royals travel that way, let alone Phillip and the Queen who are among the highest of high profile targets. (not speaking anything bad over them, btw) couple that with the fact that the trains run on published schedules and that there are collateral train cars and other passengers and personnel to consider and you up the ante even more. Why they even allow them to travel that way with all the prep, risk, etc. is astonishing to me.
ReplyDeleteI kind of agree. That is why I say that it is probably 99% PR stunt at minimum. It looks good. But no waaay that it's cheaper. Maaaaaybe when they travel in the royal train. Which is not a train per se but rather a wagon they latch on to already available trains. But there are still many variables. I understand how William and Kate might be able to do it and fly commercial since they can go rather "under cover" until they enter the viechle. But the queen with that whole photo op and stuff and everyone knowing that she will be travelling that way.. It must be a big security thing. But I see why they do it. It looks good.
DeleteI agree, 17:17. With an automobile, you can, if necessary and feasible, do evasive tactics. On a train, you are on tracks with your course clearly defined. And, as you said, there are all of the collateral considerations. I think they might have a special Royal train unit, but I haven't heard about that being used for years. Her security detail has obviously covered all the bases, thankfully, although those bases are many. Let's keep our prayers going up daily for all who God has put in leadership positions worldwide. They certainly need prayer coverage for sure.
DeleteGreat Idea 16:43. As God would have it, our leaders are supposed to be first on our prayer list anyway. Definitely, they need our prayers. If we all prayed faithfully for our leaders, think how much the world would change for the better.
DeleteActually, the queen rides in a regular first class carriage coming back from Sandingham. She gets a special rate as a pensioner like everyone else.
DeleteToday, the royal train is used primarily for overnight journeys and is used cautiously. Just looking at Wiki, it says it was used fourteen times in 2011 - ten times by the Prince of Wales who is its greatest user and four times by the queen. I suspect she will use it some this year as she plans extensive travel around the country for her birthday.
The cost of the royal train remains very much an issue and I suspect once the queen is gone, it will be no more. There has been a recent push to emphasis how ordinary it is - no Orient Express - to keep public opinion in support. In the meantime, use is limited to the Prince of Wales and the queen and their spouses. A good artilce on it is:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/queen-elizabeth-II/10380230/Is-the-royal-train-grinding-to-a-halt.html
Julia, how does the Queen travel between London and Balmoral? I know, previously, it was partly by cruise ship on the way up. I have also seen a picture of her, beautifully dressed, with the corgis on the tarmac, I think after she landed in Scotland. And years ago, getting off of a train on her return to London, likewise with the corgis on leads. Obviously she flies if she goes to the continent of Europe, which she still does occasionally. I am just wondering if the royal train or royal flight takes her to Scotland and back each year.
DeleteSome high end, (pardon the pun), designer heels are ergonomically more comfortable than heels designed at, say $39 or so, thus the elevated (again, pardon the pun) prices. Jimmie Choo, Stuart Weitzman, Amalfi, etc.
ReplyDeleteRoya Nikkah (an excellent correspondent) has a report on the HuffPost engagement in today's Sunday Times which seems to say Kate will be part of a press conference. Here are tidbits from the piece:
ReplyDelete"As guest editor of the website, (Kate) has written a blog in which she will call for an end to the taboos and stigma attached to children's mental health problems. She is expected to refer to her role as a mother.
Kate has commissioned articles, blogs and videos from leading figures in the mental health sector.
She will be joined at the palace (KP) by reporters and the authors of the commissioned articles, before taking part in a news conference and participating in the website's planning and publishing process."
That last bit intrigues me, it certainly suggests Kate will answer questions from the press, which would be fantastic. And frankly it's necessary for their coverage, why she chose these articles, what she's hoping to achieve etc. I wish they took questions or had some brief chat with the press at all engagements so I think this a terrific step. That is if it includes the royal press corps and not just some HuffPost staffers!
Thought you all might be interested in this. I still don't think it's the best partnership, but c'est la vie.
Thanks for sharing this. It is in deed an event to look for.
DeleteClaudia@18:12,
DeleteMy comment @23:55 was meant a reply to yours. You shared an interesting information which makes me look forward to it much. Even if Kate's media participation won't happen the exact way, the detail is a reminder of what is to take this place this week, Wednesday.
Glad you both liked the piece, she's an excellent royal reporter and known to be exceptionally accurate. So I'd say her reporting is correct, but my interpretation may not be! I hope it is, we'll see.
DeleteJust curious Charlotte, could you do another post with a voting link attached for who hopes that she is pregnant and who would rather her not be?
ReplyDeleteI just though of that, maybe it would be a good idea to see the varied oppinoins. :)
I doubt she will do that since that will encourage speculation on her being pregnant or not. I personally, while I sometimes think "Oh, might she be pregnant" don't like speculating on peoples babymaking and babyhaving. As they say over at "the fug girls", it's a persons uterine secret.
DeleteI don't think you should do that Charlotte it's none of our business. We will know when they want us to know.
DeleteI agree Rebecca. It is a very personal thing.
DeleteI'm with you on that Rebecca.
Deletesorry to say, but ... how important is it that we "hope" ? it is not an information, it rather sounds like a tabloïd poll ... to my eyes, anyway, sorry if I sound rude to some of you, whose words I always read with great interest !
DeleteYou are all right.
DeleteI don't think it would be wrong, but it is a personally matter. Charlotte, what do you think?
It is very common to guess, chat and speculate about pregnancy of others, but playing games of speculation is a bit too much, out of line? too sensitive? IMO, yes.
DeleteThe video with Kate, the children and her statement in place2be this year itself looked like a promising journey, and much better than the speech at the same place late last year. Whatever the expectation for the February 17 HP participation of Kate, I wish her the best for it to go well and bring out the best of her. That means among other things an excellent day, resourceful, hopeful and authentic.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Charlotte, for all your hard work. Happy Valentine's day (a little late)!
ReplyDeleteI loved the shoes, although I do agree with someone's post about how lower heels would be a great thing for someone of Kate's influence to set an example of wearing so that more girls and women would have healthier feet longer. I myself am a sufferer for having worn too-high heels for too many years, and cheap ones at that. Now I do my best to find attractive flat shoes, and it is not always easy, especially as my feet are stupidly small.
Just a note about helicopter expenses. My son had a medical condition earlier in his life that caused him to have to be "life-flighted" to hospitals numerous times. We were given a tour of the Life-Flight helicopters one day when he was well, and they told us at that time (this was 15 years ago) that the first five minutes of flying cost about $1000 per minute. After that the cost dropped, but his longest flight, 20 minutes, still cost $12K. I do not know whether this is because of the cost of the medical facilities and personnel aboard, or the pilot's fee and fuel, or a combination of all those factors. But I would bet that the cost of operating a royal helicopter in the UK with the security and clearing airspace for it and everything involved is similarly expensive. There simply must be many factors we on the outside do not know about in the making of the decision as to how a royal will travel to an engagement. And one of those factors may very well be personal convenience or preference on the part of the royal. Or not.
I don't understand the uproar over Kate thaking the helicopter home. It is on lease so they pay for it even if it is not used. But more Charles, Camilla, Sophie or any other royal that uses it never receives the crap Kate is getting.
DeleteI think people just want to complain about Kate no matter what she does.
I think people are simply more likely to complain about someone taking a helicopter to work when that someone rarely works, versus other royals who work constantly.
DeleteI was thinking that George and Charlotte might be playmates with their next door neighbors the Chondeley twin boys. (remember the lady in the tiara and ice blue gown at the state dinner?) She lives next door and has twins boys. The queen is very close to the boy's father, David, as she was also to his parents and perhaps his grandparents.
DeleteI would be surprised if the twins were not frequent visitors to Sandringham and Amner Hall.
For Anonymous, 19:45, respectfully, you are wrong. There has been considerable criticism of Charles and Camilla and their use of helicopters as well as their use of other transportation. There has also been discussion of this with other royals, Andrew (aka Airmiles Andy) and either Sophie or Anne - right now I can't remember which royal lady but it was one of them. This is not something just involving Kate.
DeleteCharles has in fact been particularly hit with this criticism, because of his environmental work, as has Camilla. It goes beyond helicopters to all forms or royal travel.
William and Kate are "soft targets" because their name sells, because they don't do much royal work and because William hasn't cultivated a good relationship with the press, but the subject of transportation costs has been family-wide. Kate just had the misfortune this time to go home by helicopter just before the queen took the train - which made a good contrast - the sort of negative publicity the royal family doesn't need, regardless of the actual comparative costs.
To all reading here, it's easy to see Kate in a vacumn but many issues from royal parenting to royal transportation - are better seen in the context of royal famlies at large - all of whom - large and small- must demonstrate their relevance in today's world.
I think William and Kate are doing an excellent job of "demonstrating their relevance in today's world" and a welcome and significant relevance it is. Some people here make it sound like they do nothing at all. That is a tellingly biased perspective IMO. Most all who do that are anything but royalists IMO, regardless of how much they may claim to be such.
DeleteWell, at least for me, I'm very much a royalist, just a long time and experienced one who has seen princesses and princes rise and fall - some who were once as popular and attractive as William and Hate - and who thus takes a thoughtful view on all individual family members,while very much supporting the institution and hoping it survives. And I believe it will, but I also believe there are challenging times ahead.
DeleteFrankly the republicans I know are not shy about saying what they believe - maybe anon 23.31 doesn't know any. Once, a republican would have to be careful about speaking out or people would be shocked - today it can feel a bit the other way around at times - I think the vast majority still support a royal family but are more cautious about talking about it.
Do I think William and Kate are doing an excellent job of demonstrating the relevence of the monarchy at the moment - no, I wouldn't go that far, but I have hopes they will in the near future.
What a strange place the UK is.. Has being a wife and mother really been so de-valued? So Kate should just let a nanny raise her kids and do what the british public wants. I truly hope that William tells everyone to mind their own business and puts his wife and family first. What a loving and courageous act that will be.
ReplyDeleteAmen, 12:59.
DeleteIt's not a strange place at all Anon, honest! Being a wife and mother is incredibly important, but it's generally been understood that when you marry into the RF you become one half of a working partnership, a partnership that represents the country and promotes national interests.
DeleteI understand Kate wanting a quiet, upper class country life. But then she married the wrong man. It's why the royals often explain long courtships or extended time before an engagement/wedding is announced by saying "I wanted to give her time to understand what she was getting into and walk away if she wanted."
A royal life has many perks and possibilities, but it is not always your own.
Nobody expects that. At the same time, most mums today have to work, and the royal family has always been at its finest when it haa kept a connection with the lives of its subjects. Kate married a job. She accepts its benefits and is expected in return to assume a certain amount of responsibity.
DeleteNo one suggests Kate is supposed to work full time - however no one should think that one or two or even three engagements a week is going to harm her relationship with George and Charlotte and turn them over to be raised by nannies. Kate could do three engagements a week and still have more time with her children than most mums who have to work as well as run a house.
As for your hope that William tells everyone to mind their own business, that is the day he assures he will never be king, nor will George. Edward VIII did that and ended up leading a fruitless life. Far from being a loving and courageous thing, if would risk destroying the monarchy and be the worst possible turn he could serve George. The best thing he can do for George is to make sure there is a strong and popular monarchy for him to inherit so George doesn't have to go out and sing for his supper like other former royals.
For all here, I'm sorry the Royal Digest is not presently active. Looking at European royals - little Estelle beaming at a game with her parents - Victoria keeps a quite full schedule and yet Estelle is clearly a very happy - even precocious child, close to her parents. Likewise, Mary, Maxima, Mette-Marit, Mathilde all seem to have close and happy families. Even in troubled monarchies like Jordan - the queen seems to have done a fine job of raising her children. The idea that an active royal life and parenthood are incompatible is quite frankly outdated.
The greatest royal supporters have traditionally been women, especially young women. And these young women, young working mums, are the ones who will decide whether Kate will one day be queen - the idea that she would suggest to them them that the only way to be a successful wife and mother is to stay home, play tennis and shop, is an insult to all those who don't have that opportunity.
Kate's work will give her a better relationship with her children as they grow up, it will give them a sense of responsibility to a greater world - that their privileges are not just handed to them - that their mother goes out to give her time to help others. My mother did that as a humble volunteer - it did no harm to my relationship with her - in fact, it helped it - and created subjects for us to discuss. I can't begin to see why it would harm George and Charlotte.
When William becomes full time then she will do more, otherwise I don't think that she should imo
DeleteI like to look at life as a process. From this perspective, and acknowledging Catherine as a member of the BRF, I think the number of her engagements has been influenced by several of the following over the last years (in chronological order):
Delete- the choice of being eased into her new role after marrying into the BRF and of learning the ropes at William's side (contrary to Diana, Princess of Wales who seems to have felt rushed)
- a willingness not to overshadow William, the Prince of Wales or HM (given her own enormous presence in the (social) media, cf. her late mother-in-law)
- a preference to thoroughly research first in order to understand crucial needs and then step by step build up a network to collaborate with longterm and help to bring lasting change (cf. scandals in the world of charities)
- having had to cancel, not to be able to attend engagements due to (I suspect unexpected) Hyperemesis Gravidarium (Malta, ICAP, The Art Room, etc.)
- the choice of spending a LOT of time with and care for a baby, now for a baby & a toddler, during their early lives (knowing of the beneficial effects of secure bonding for mental health in adults)
- taking over patronages from more senior members of the family when those see fit (as opposed to solely taking on new ones)
Some of the best childhood memories I have are coming home from school and knowing that my mom would be there waiting for me. The security that it gave me is priceless. My mom had a teaching degree but decided that once she had her own children she would be a stay at home mom.I would hate to think that she was not as worthy a person because she did not work outside of the home. Every kid in our neighborhood adored her because she was their second mom. I read somewhere that at one time Diana and Charles employed three nannies to care for William and Harry. That seems very sad to me.
DeleteAs far as George is concerned, if he is given a good education he should be fine. There is no guarantee that the monarchy will still exist when he is an adult so he should be prepared for that as should Charlotte. It probably would not be a bad idea for William to be prepared for such an event given the political climate in the UK.
I hope we can respectfully agree to disagree. I am not saying Kate shouldn't work at all only that she should be allowed to decide how much and when in consultation with William and the government. Not public opinion.
Claudia, you are assuming that Kate is *unwilling* to do more. Yes, she was given the opportunity to see what she was getting into, but she isn't calling the shots in that family. How unfortunate that Diana isn't around to chime in on that one.
DeleteJulia, no one has ever suggested that G&C would suffer if Kate did more engagements. People are simply aware that she is concentrating on raising her children at this time. There's a difference there, no? And the other royals you like to reference are Queens or next in line. Kate is not Queen, nor is she next in line.
"stay home, play tennis and shop"???????
DeleteI don't think for one nano second that she is that obtuse or selfish. I seem to recall she has done speeches, appearances, tours, videos, Royal outings, etc.
Francis, thank you for the "big picture" missing in much of the discussion here.
DeleteRoyalfan I actually make it a point to never assume anything :)
DeleteI wouldn't say "unwilling" because I don't believe she is, or he is. I've never used the word lazy (even though some jump to that) because I don't believe she is or he is.
I have said and do believe they tend to be homebodies, and were probably given a wide berth in the beginning that they've perhaps taken advantage of, or have just become too comfortable with.
I do think Diana's influence is missed here but not for your reason, I actually think she would give William a bit of an earful. She had complex feelings about the monarchy, but knew the only way forward was being involved and in touch. In my opinion she would be the first to say get in the game, if you stay on the sidelines you'll risk getting stiff ;)
They are NOT "staying on the sidelines.
DeleteAnd I think Diana would be tickled pink at the way William is balancing family life and work.
wow. I agree 23:25
Delete"stay home, play tennis and shop"???? WHAT?
Claudia, if Diana was alive, me thinks some things would be different. Definitely. But I also agree with Anon 17:05 that Diana would be tickled pink with the way William is balancing family life and work. She wanted her sons to experience what she did not, and it's happening in William's case. Harry, hopefully, will be equally fortunate.
DeleteStephanie, you're probably right.
ReplyDeleteJulie from NC wrote in the last post that she hopes that Catherine would record a video for Children’s Hospice Week. I was curious to know about the top regrets people have at the end of their lives. Bronnie Ware, an Australian nurse, worked in palliative care. She witnessed these top five regrets:
I wish ...
... I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
... I hadn't worked so hard.
... I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
... I had stayed in touch with my friends.
... that I had let myself be happier.
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/feb/01/top-five-regrets-of-the-dying shortly explains each regret and ends asking: What's your greatest regret so far, and what will you set out to achieve or change before you die?
For train rides: Bronnie Ward "The Top Five Regrets of the Dying", Inspiration and Chai (Bronnie Ware's blog)
just a thought on the helicopter issue, who's to say that it wasn't used for Prince Philip to return to London, notice he didn't return on the train. Its quite possible it was sent for him and kate just hitched a ride.
ReplyDeletevery plausible, 19:35
DeleteI don't like any of the Jenny Peckman dresses for Kate on this particular blog. Although Kate would look great in any dress or gown, but sometimes I've noticed her clothes are a bit doughty or too conservative. Does she have to dress a certain way because of the Palace rules? I wish someone would let me know. A little lower heel would be nice too since she's so tall.
ReplyDeleteI don't think there are real palace rules (exceot for wearing tights to banquets apparently - and hats to church)but royal women are professional women and are expected to dress appropriately for an engagement - which makee for a more conservative look - finding interesting clothes that are wind-safe and long enough so no child is going to look up a skirt is the challange. Most royal women don't wear trousers routinely but I don't believe there is any firm rule - nor do I believe the queen is dictating what Kate wears or making comments about her shoes!
Delete