The Global Academy is a state school founded and operated by Global, The Media & Entertainment Group, designed to prepare students for careers in the broadcast and digital media industry, offering academic and vocational training. Ashley Tabor, Global’s Founder & Executive President, came up with the idea of the Global Academy to tackle the skills shortage and lack of diversity across the industry.
As well as giving young people a route into the media industry, the Global Academy gives students the practical and technical skills they need to succeed in the real world. This includes encouraging young people to talk about any mental wellbeing issues they may be facing, with an hour of mental wellbeing on the curriculum every week, recognising the issue and removing the stigma sometimes associated with it.
The royals met students training to be the next generation of production staff.
Kate discussed her shyness with a student. More from People:
'Speaking to a group of students, aged between 15 and 17, who have been working in the academy’s radio station on a series of packages focusing on mental wellbeing, Kate asked, “Is this an issue you knew about or had experienced before this? Have any of you spoken to your friends or family about issues that have been bothering you?”
Oliver Monger, 16, from Uxbridge, who hopes to go into the film industry, revealed he was shy to talk to “to someone so high.” Smiling Kate told him, “I’m shy as well, so don’t worry.’ Afterwards Monger told reporters, “That was just fantastic. It has really boosted my confidence. I had no idea what to say at first but she really put me at ease.”
When she caught sight of the young budding studio engineers working on some footage of William’s transatlantic chat with Lady Gaga she was seen smiling to herself.'
The Duchess was particularly interested to know from students how radio is incorporated into the mainstream curriculum. Below, a fantastic photo of Kate visiting the radio studio.
Kate was very impressed by the facilities on offer to students, saying: "It's just brilliant that they have the chance to put what they learn into practice. It's the best of both words".
Kensington Palace shared this video.
At @TheGAcademy The Duke and Duchess and Prince Harry find out how students are developing their skillset for careers in broadcasting pic.twitter.com/MC10WiFHv8— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 20, 2017
Global stations LBC, Heart and Capital broadcast shows from the new academy in Hayes, Middlesex. The shows each focused on the mental health of young people, helping to generate conversations with the Heads Together campaign in honour of the visit.
William, Kate and Harry visited the Heart Breakfast Show and LBC's Nick Ferrari Show – to see the programme in action and met students helping to produce the material.
Next, they enjoyed participating in a roundtable discussion.
They were joined by Global presenters, LBC’s Nick Ferrari, Heart’s Jamie Theakston and (former Spice Girl) Emma Bunton, as well as students and people who have taken part in the morning radio shows, talking about the importance of having a conversation about mental health.
Kate discussed how motherhood can be lonely and isolating at times. More from The Telegraph:
'After two mothers, supporters of the royal trio's Heads Together mental health campaign, discussed how they became friends after bonding through mutual loneliness, Kate replied: "Yes, it is lonely at times and you do feel quite isolated but actually so many other mothers are going through exactly what you are going through. "It is being brave enough, like you obviously were, to reach out to those around you."
Kate also suggested conversations about mental health should start much younger.
"Parents should be helped to start these conversations from a much earlier age but through play, even if their language hasn't yet developed".
William very much enjoyed listening to a short clip of a recording made by his great-grandfather, George VI - his message to the Empire on September 3 1939 after Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain had declared Britain was at war with Germany. More from The Telegraph "It was played to him by students who had made a documentary about vinyl recordings made by members of the Royal Family and held in the EMI archives. Actor Colin Firth featured in the audio programme, reciting part of the same speech in his role as George VI in the film The King's Speech. The Duke said: "It's fascinating, it really is. You can imagine Colin Firth sitting there trying to work out how on earth he's going to replicate it all."
The Duke listens as @TheGAcademy students explore past Royal broadcasts - including recordings of George V, George VI and Elizabeth II pic.twitter.com/uJU4OwHeGk— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 20, 2017
A group of Science students were delighted when Prince Harry popped in.
William, Kate and Harry watched performances inspired by the theme of mental health.
Prince William unveiled an EMI microphone which was created for King George VI in 1936.
The newly-built school is on the site of the Old Vinyl Factory in Hayes in Middlesex which was once the EMI Music headquarters and now houses a rich archive of vinyl and broadcasting equipment. The new four-storey purpose built school building has state-of-the-art TV and radio studios, flexible teaching spaces, informal learning zones, a dining area, a sports hall and a theatre.
A tanned Rebecca Deacon Priestley has returned from her honeymoon and is back to work. She also joined Kate at Kensington Palace yesterday. Perths Fashion noted her Ikat printed skirt is from J Crew. It's actually reduced from $120 to $18 at The Outnet.
The Duchess wore a smart red skirt suit by Armani Collezioni
Made in Italy, the $848 single-breasted suit features a dart-seam front zip jacket, round collar and pencil skirt. It's a classic Armani suit which could take Kate to a number of engagements.
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| Yoox |
More on Armani Collezioni:
'Armani Collezioni provides made-to-measure tailored suits and workwear for both men and women. Armani is renowned for soft silhouettes and smart tailoring, and each and every detail in this collection is carefully chosen and constructed. Collezioni focuses on more wearable designs for the working man or woman, rather than the haute couture-inclined pieces of its parent brand Armani.'
I've received several messages enquiring about 'Repli-Kate's' or similar styles to this look. The talented Kate's Closet has already found a brilliant alternative for those wishing to emulate the style. The $130 Tahari ASL Stretch Crepe 2 Piece Skirt Suit incorporates many of the elements of Kate's Armani suit. It's available at Macys.
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| Macys |
Kate teamed the vibrant suit with neutral accessories and her Rupert Sanderson Malory pumps.
The Duchess carried her new textured woven clutch by Etui Bags.
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| Etui Bags |
For jewellery, Kate chose her Mappin & Webb Empress earrings and pendant.
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| Mappin & Webb |
And completed the look with her trusty Cartier Ballon Bleu watch.
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| Saks |
You can view a video on YouTube.
We'll see William, Kate and Harry on Sunday morning for the London Marathon. The royals will be cheering on Team Heads Together runners and officially starting the race by pressing the big red button at 10:00 a.m. It promises to be a fantastic day!
Don't forget, part one of 'Mind Over Marathon' airs on BBC One at 9 p.m. tonight. Part one includes an interview with Prince William at Kensington Palace (a clip can be viewed here). I believe the training day William, Kate and Harry filmed footage for runs in part two, which airs next Thursday. For our friends across the pond, I expect it will be uploaded to YouTube.
Catherine rocks that suit! She looks uber confident. It fits her better than on the model. (It reminds me of the beautiful corporate clothes that character 'Alicia' wore in the TV series 'The Good Wife').
ReplyDeleteI couldn't have put it better Cara - she is seriously rocking this suit! She looks stunning today! What with Easter and now this, Kate is really starting to polish her look to perfection. This is now up there with the pale blue Catherine Walker from the Netherlands as my favourite suit in her wardrobe. If she keeps going in this direction I'll be one super-happy royal watcher!
DeleteCara & Helen - you said it! :) The suit looks wayyy better on Kate than on the model. Kate has certainly been looking good recently, the pale blue CW was pure class.
DeleteI agree too! She looks incredible here. Such a beautiful and flattering suit that fits her perfectly. I think this is her most flattering skirt length as well. Just perfect all the way around.I hope she invests in more Armani as she wears it so very well.
DeleteIt really is very much a "political/working woman on tv" kind of skirt suit. And i love it. It's really nice seeing Kate embracing the skirt suits this year :)
DeleteI agree with all the comments regarding the suit. It is beautiful, well made suit. I really like it and hope she keeps up this way of dressing for the foreseeable future.
DeleteBeautiful color. This suit reminds me of the navy Amanda Wakeley outfit from "engagement era" Kate, but with a very fresh look! And her curls are picture perfect.
ReplyDeleteYes! This totally reminds me of the AW suit...& I loved that suit also, this shade of red looks great on her. The curls are gorgeous :)
DeleteIt reminded me of that suit also.
DeleteKate looked very sweet yesterday in her striped top - and that's an occasion I didn't mind the jeans. Lovely to hear how she spoke to people.
ReplyDeleteIn theory I like this new suit but it does seem to crease on the sleeves and skirt. But I'm glad to see her step out boldly in something new - after all the press stuff. Looks like a start of an interesting engagement - I'm never keen on all these celebrities but it is necessary to get the message out. It was nice Kate supported Harry in speaking out.
One of the sweetest things about William from this dog lover is the photograph of Wigeon he has on his desk.
I was looking at Sarah 's new blog on mental health and she has had excellent articles on what to say when these conversations start - that's more than half the battle to say the correct thing - so huge hugs to Sarah and everyone should pop over to - because we never do know when we will need those tools to help a friend. I've taken notes and find the advice so useful.
Thanks so much Julia! I'm trying to write posts that provide helpful information for these types of conversations. The "how" to have a conversation is what Heads Together has not discussed much at all, and I hope I have given everyone some valuable detail about how to have these conversations. It is important to know the best way to talk to someone about mental illness, so that the conversation will be helpful for the person who needs to talk. If you have any questions or topics you would like for me to address on the blog, please don't hesitate to share those with me.
DeleteSarah, what is your blog's name?
DeleteHere is the link: https://shatteringthestigmaofmentalhealth.blogspot.com/?m=1
DeleteThank you so much for providing the link!
DeleteLove Kate's suit! The fit and color are perfect.
ReplyDeleteKate, thank you for acceeding to the request for more skirt suits! What a gorgeous, sophisticated look for her today! And Armani no less, the girl ain't playing around.
ReplyDeleteThere's something so professional about a skirt suit and I'm glad that Kate has developed a more mature and elegant look. I do hope that those flimsy, wind-swept dresses are a thing of the past now.
Fantastic event today and so great to see the Heads Together campaign gaining such momentum. Well done to the three of them for really backing this campaign 100%. Keep it up guys!
Love Avee in SA
+ 1, Avee! Thank you for the first look, Charlotte, and looking forward to more!
DeleteAvee, I, too, hope to see more suits in her wardrobe. It's the perfect combination of professional and feminine and it eliminates the "great coat debate." 😊
Delete"Suits, Suits and more Suits", that's my motto. Love it. ❤
DeleteThank you for the quick post, Charlotte. I was just looking for the William/Lady Gaga interview to share with a friend and voila you have already done a quick update on their new visit! You are a marvel!
ReplyDeleteI like the suit although I don't like the purse and shoes with it--I don't like beige and red together, would prefer black or even white but what do I know? But just the very fact that she and William and Harry are out and about makes me happy. After your last post I am still riding on cloud 9. Finally, finally, to hear someone [William] say that it doesn't matter how long ago the trauma happened, it is still trauma. So vindicating.
Totally agree everything in this post, Jo! Not sure why the suit was paired with those shoes and that clutch (should have gone black). But as you said, in the grand scheme of things, who cares about those things when these three are promoting such a wonderful and important cause.
DeleteThe neutral accessories are a good fit for Spring. (I recall references to Santa when she HAS combined red and black.) ☺
DeleteI think black would have been way too dated and old looking. This is perfect and she actually looks professional and super sexy. I really like it. First time in a while LOL
DeleteHnm i love the royal trio love its fresh in morning good looking forward to updated version
ReplyDeleteJust googling around, I found another blog and was stunned at the cruelty about the way people spoke about William and Harry "using" Diana. This is so hypocritical! We have all said that Head's Together would be more meaningful if the trio spoke honestly about their own feelings, and when they do, there is the enormous criticism. It makes me glad for the supportive atmosphere of this blog - where we can speak honestly about concerns but there isn't this harshness. The idea that two men should be criticised for trying to support their mother's legacy absolutely shocked me. I didn't respond because I don't comment on blogs except here and OSS and didn't think my views would gain any respect.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that silence can say as much as speech - and I believe the silence about Charles here is deafening - basically his sons are saying (as many of us suspected) that he was not there for them during this period. I've long suspected William and Harry probably had little opportunity to speak about Diana and her loss - they instead were pushed into fun and games with Tiggy. Having heard the cruelty with which the old time royalists in support of Charles and especially Camilla - have spoken about Diana - I can understand very easily the frustration William and Harry feel about not being able to respond to this blame on their mother for just about everything - where she has no chance to answer back. By making her seem like the Mad Woman of Chaillot, the Charles-Camilla supporters are using her supposed mental state in the exact opposite way William and Harry are campaigning to say people shouldn't be stigmatised for having mental issues.
It's notable that it has been Charles' turn not to be able to answer back - but he has tried. There is quite good evidence even in supportive biographies that Diana kept photos of Charles around for the boys but Charles completely purged all mention of her. Now through Richard Kay we're hearing that this did happen but supposedly after her death, Charles returned pictures and encouraged conversations about her. I have severe doubts about this - it sounds like C&C propaganda which is becoming more intense as the queen ages. These statements go specifically against what Harry has said about not being able to remember his mum - because there wasn't talk about her.
I know some here have commented on my dislike of Camilla and I've said all along it wasn't because there was a divorce - from before Charles and Diana's marriage, I thought she was a toxic influence who needed to be purged or she was going to cause trouble - you could see that in photos of Diana with her. Having heard the absolutely brutal things some of her supporters say about Diana - I honestly think she is a very nasty woman behind that painted smile - or she wouldn't allow such talk in her own interest - against what must hurt her step-sons even if it was true. I believe William and Harry have felt caught about being able to speak freely and that Head's Together has given them the freedom to be able to move forward. Let us hope this new openness works for all of us. I've seen that support here = where people can speak of what's troubling them - terribly difficult issues - and know we all care.
I agree with all the points you made! I posted just a few minutes ago about the comments section being a community on this blog. We do care about each other's opinions and each other in general.
DeleteI believe the environment the boys lived in after Diana's death wasn't one conducive to grieving for their mother. If you don't feel safe, emotionally, to be open and honest you can't grieve. I can totally understand why Harry shut it out of his mind. For his sanity. It's very sad. I am glad William seems to be very different in terms of fatherhood and the belief that it is okay to cry.
I have to say that I agree to some extent about Charles' role - Julia. I am quite neutral about him usually. Obviously I thought Diana was mesmerizing, but she was well before my time as I started following Kate after she got married. But hearing about Harry's struggles I have to believe that there was no encouragement to talk about her, or else he would not have bottled up his grief for so long. Charles probably did not know better and thought that fun and games is how you get through these things.
DeleteAs for Camilla I was also quite neutral. I like the causes she supports but I agree that at some level she must not really have a strong ethical backbone. Because you don't hang around in another person's marriage for so long, even as a friend. She must have been frustrated in her own marriage with APB being what he was - completely unfaithful to her, and Charles probably satisfied her own ego, so she kept him around.
The hack job they are doing on Diana's reputation is rather horrid to watch. Sad that they can't just keep it together with some dignity. Makes me think that something inherently about the crown - through history coveting it has turned people into absolute pigs.
I so agree with you, Julia. From what I've read, Wallis Simpson was a terrible, toxic woman for Edward; I think Camilla is much the same for Charles. One can only wonder about the relationship between Camilla, William and Harry. Glad to see William and Harry doing so well.
DeleteJulia, I totally share your concern about the cruel and horrible way some people speak on social media - not just about the royals but in general. The tone and vitriol used in some people's Tweets and comments beggars belief sometimes. I am utterly delighted that William, Kate and Harry are championing this incredible cause, but at the same time, I feel such sadness that poor mental health is turning into an epidemic because of other people's nastiness. We badly need to get rid of 'compassion fatigue' and get back to caring about one another.
DeleteI honestly believe that anyone who accuses William and Harry of 'using' their mother did not even begin to understand what she was all about. She would have been so proud of her boys and what they're doing to try and make the world a kinder, less troubled place. In fact, if she'd still been with us, I have no doubt she would have been out there wearing the headbands with them!
As far as Charles and Camilla go, I'm not sure what to think. They both seem like nice enough people, but they're from a different generation; one for which, rather like the Queen herself, emotions are not aired in public. I can't imagine that Charles, in particular, had the emotional skills to deal with his sons' feelings after their mother's death. I am just very glad that, despite the terrible tragedy, Diana was a part of the royal family. If Charles had been allowed to marry Camilla initially, I don't think we would have the popular, modern young generation of royals we have today. It was said widely in 1997 that William and Harry are Diana's legacy; they are blossoming into a truly wonderful one.
With all due respect, Julia, but I do have to disagree with you. I did not once hear either William nor Harry say that Charles was not there when her mother died. They just say that it was an incredibly difficult time for them. If they sung the "high praise" of Charles, I assure you, we would have another discussion about Charles - instead of HeadsTogether, and that´s surely NOT what they wanted/want!
DeleteThe fact that Harry just "shut down" is a very common reaction, especially for boys, a situation that our dear friend Dee from Australia was talking about just a day or two ago. Her son is also more and more shutting down at the moment (his father is very ill with cancer), that´s why she´s decided to seek help now. It´s a protective reaction when you are so overwhelmed that you just can´t handle it. It takes a lot of know-how and skills to genly encourage a child to open up, and it is often too much for a parent that themselves are deeply affected. In Charles´s case, he was VISIBLY distressed (see footage/photos of when he brought Diana´s body home and when the coffin left London to be brought to Althrup) when Diana died and most certainly very overwhelmed by his own (conflicted) emotions. In his particular situation, with a long and bitter separation/divorce process finished not too long ago, it certainly was even more difficult to encourage the boys to talk about their feelings TO HIM. That doesn´t mean he didn´t do it - or tried to find someone less directly involved in the situation so that the boys would have someone to turn to.
I did not have the impression that the boys were PUSHED into "fun" activities with Tiggy. From a therapeutic point of view, I would have encouraged Charles to incorporate "fun" activities, just because sometimes you just need "a break" from everything, your mind needs it, your body, your heart. Please do also take into account that both boys were at boarding school most of the time. This doesn´t make it easier either, because the time for the "right moment to talk" is much more difficult to find when you´re just not around every day.
I have always been and still am an ARDENT fan of Princess Diana. But it takes TWO to tango - AND to have a good or bad marriage. It´s never only "his" or "her" fault. I am speaking from experience here. My daughter´s father who left us when my daugther was only a couple of month´s old, does almost anything "wrong" that´s possibly possible. It´s almost textbook-like. If I wrote a book about it, people would say "interesting read, but, come on, no father really is THAT "bad"!!!" STILL, it was ME who fell in love with someone like him, it was ME who let herself be deceived, it was ME who said yes when he absolutely urgently wanted to have a child with me, it was ME who agreed to joint custody, etc, etc, etc. Diana´s and Charles´s story is a LOT MORE complicated than just "black and white", believe me.
In my opinion, it was just a horribly complicated situation back in the day. I guess it doesn´t really help if you have lost your mother and the rest of the world is bashing your father... doesn´t really help your already hurt and confused mind. And if this wasn´t enough, the whole world is watching you... And, just for the record: the fact that Diana used William as a confidante in her struggles with his father is considered as "emotional abuse" today, and quite rightly so. So it wasn´t all "Diana the saint" and "Charles the sinner" - and I don´t want to minimize the many mistakes Charles has made - at least as far as we "know" them (or maybe simply BELIEVE we do....)....
I am personally the one, who gives the benefit of the doubt that Charles tried to help his kids to go through that very sad period. From my experience, at that age the boys were, it is not easy to talk to anybody, certainly you can't force such a thing, I think it was Harry or both mentioned how angry he/they was/were, mixed this with the tremendous loss they must have felt, and the lack of showing emotion in the royal family, this is what you get.
DeleteI find it very important to emphasize that they spoke about this to raise awareness. Kudos for them!
And here we are again, instead of talking about this issue,we comment on how C&C totally and single handedly ruined a marriage.
I agree with Eve, there is no evil or angel, or black or white, when we talk about Diana and Charles.
Eve from Germany: You are a very wise and compassionate woman and I admire and respect the articulate way you made your point. The details you shared about your own life, show how strong and mature you are.
DeleteRegarding the relationship of Charles and Diana, I feel they both had strengths and weakness in their personalities. They were simply mismatched...big age difference that meant they were at different places in their lives. Charles was well entrenched in all that being a Royal entailed and Diana was simply overwhelmed at adjusting to everything that was required of her. Had she had someone to talk to and guide her, it might have been very different. The adultery on both of their parts was a symptom of how unhappy they both were in the marriage. As Eve says, it is never just one person's fault.
Diana's legacy, beside her two wonderful sons, is that she woke people up to what caring and sharing emotions is all about. Her example of kindness became something that others could strive to do...and William and Harry are doing it. Diana's unique style not only helped to "modernize" the British Royalty, but it also helped them to know it is okay to add a human touch.
Yesterday I used the quote from Maya Angelou, "We do what we know. When we know better, we do better." I do think Charles is now doing a better job in relating to his sons. I also feel it is pointless to criticize Camilla. Charles obviously loves her and she makes him happy. That is something Diana was not able to do...although certainly not because of any fault of her own. Today's reality is, that Charles and Camilla are a couple and to have such heavy, negative feelings about Camilla accomplishes nothing.
Let's be very grateful for the strengths that William, Harry and Kate bring to the Royal family. We are in good hands going forward.
Julia, it won't shock you to hear that I agree 1000 % with your take on this.
DeleteEve, how could the boys express their true feelings? How could Harry have expressed his true reaction to his father's marriage to the woman who made his mother's life miserable? When he said we love her to bits, what else could he say without hurting his father feelings or reputation?
When judging the Charles, Diana and Camilla triangle, a key ingredient to consider is INTENT. Charles needed to marry, Diana had a young and hopeful heart, and Camilla was determined to protect her place in Charles' life...no matter what it took.
Eve, Thank you for your comments. Very well said.
DeleteFrom reading the comments on this thread one thing that pops into my head is that some people must have a different attitude towards infidelity than others. Camilla inserted herself into the marriage from day one. She never left. Yes, it takes two to tango, but some here are at more fault than others.
DeleteEven when marriages are unhappy some are unfaithful, some are not. Some cheat and others don't -
they leave honorably.
Charles could have asked Camilla to leave. Instead he kept her there and Camilla was - as royalfan says, very possessive of Charles.
Yes, nothing is ever black or white, but this particular situation was less grey than some people like to believe - that is my opinion.
Diana did not have a chance, no matter how much of a saint she was. No woman had a chance to make that marriage succeed. Because Charles was not in it with his heart and Camilla was determined to be present in the marriage. The magnitude of their fault is simply not the same.
I think it has been wonderful for the William and Harry to open up about their feelings regarding the loss of their mother. They are both clearly moving into the acceptance phase of grief.
DeleteWhen I think about the loss of a loved one and the stages of grief, I am reminded that we each go through. Regardless of what Charles did immediately after the death of Diana there were some pretty hard lines drawn before hand that just don't magically disappear after death. William was Diana's confidant and was privy to information that he should not have been able to know. Presumably W/H knew how their dad felt about Diana with removing all of her from the house after the divorce. Plus you had him fully royal engagement schedule, an upbringing in a time when you weren't overly affectionate, probably didn't make for the best experience for how to deal with the death and aftermath.
I'm sure he did the best he could the best way he knew how. Charles is not a therapist but a father, had his own emotional baggage to deal with, and did the best he could at the time. Losing a parent at any age is traumatic and add to that the circumstances and public opinion/access and it's an amazement that W/H are as well adjusted as they are today.
There is no time frame to deal with grief and move through the stages (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance). It seems that William was able to move to acceptance sooner than Harry and maybe Harry was 'stuck' at anger and depression for over 20 years. But I don't think you can pin that back to Charles as we are all unique and deal with it in our own way. It just is what it is. How Harry chose to deal with the loss of his mom has shaped him into the man that he is today. If he is finally able to move to acceptance and his life at this point, that is wonderful and should be celebrated.
I think it is very smart of Charles to remain quiet on the subject. I'm sure in private he has told both W/H that he is very proud of them. I would bet that they all talked about Diana and revealing feelings as a part of this campaign to begin with as a family should. I think in his way he contributed to the campaign too by revealing he had been in therapy for 40 years. If he entered the conversation now, it would become all about him and Diana and the focus should remain in W/H/K.
When evaluating other blog comment sections it is useful to know which comments are made by the regular commenters on the blog and which are made by transient, anonymous visitors. Usually their comments are one-liners that incite controversy over known polarizing subjects. Some blog administrators seem to filter out these remarks, while others allow even personal remarks about the blogger.
DeleteI don't like the narrative of Camilla as the evil one. I have great sympathy for them all - C&C, Diana and their children (including Camilla's children who must not have had an easy time either). That was one messed up situation for all involved.
DeleteI think it was a lot of factors coming together. Obviously C&C are responsible for their own behaviour and I don't condone cheating. The right way to do it when you realize that you don't love your spouse but do love somebody else would be to get a divorce and THEN get together with that person.
But I can still see how it all came to be. Princess Margaret said of Charles and Diana that they were two very needy people, which is a very unkind way to say that they both had issues and needed someone to support them, to help them and be patient with them. I think that's what Camilla has done for Charles, what Kate has done for William and I would hope that if Diana hadn't died so young, she would have found someone to do it for her. I think Diana's situation was very tragic in that the world loved her but who was there to love her as a person not an icon? No one.
Then of course, there are all the other factors. The fact that Diana was so young and romantically inexperienced. Someone with more experience would have run the other way when Charles couldn't even say that he loved her but said 'whatever love means' instead. Yet a girl with no experience was what the royal family wanted. Then there's Charles' issues from childhood, to do with the Queen and mainly Philip (who I'm sure had their own reasons to act the way they did - the Queen doing her duty and Philip never having had loving parents either) and bullying at his boarding school. The fact that neither Diana nor Charles received good advice when they voiced doubts shortly before the wedding, Diana's sisters apparently telling her 'your face is on the tea towels, it's too late' and Anne telling Charles 'close your eyes and think of England.'
That's not to say that C&C don't bear responsibility for their actions but to think that they don't feel any guilt themselves would be to consider them very inhumane.
I can't see Camilla as the evil one because in their pictures, you can see that she and Charles genuinely love each other and because I very much appreciate her charitable efforts for victims of rape & domestic violence, which is not a nice and fluffy cause and not one that I think the royal family had touched before; I don't think that she schemed her way into becoming royal because she never seems perfectly at home on the world stage.
What some people say about Diana is horrible but so are many comments on Camilla (one can consider what she did morally wrong but doesn't have to put it quite so crudely) and of course there are those kinds of comments about Kate as well (her weight, her 'social climbing' and the ridiculous assertion that she lets her skirts blow up on purpose - all worded not quite so nicely). I shudder to think of the comments Charlotte must get to read that we thankfully never get to see. It makes this blog a very nice place to be indeed :-)
Eve, please don't say that. When you write " STILL, it was ME who fell in love with someone like him, it was ME who let herself be deceived, it was ME who said yes when he absolutely urgently wanted to have a child with me, it was ME who agreed to joint custody, etc, etc" you are just stating you were trustful and were betrayed, he lied and you believed etc...two persons may be needed for that but that doesn't mean blame should be shared equally by both. You have nothing to be ashamed of, please don't think you are to blame.
DeleteI don't know much about Diana's history but considering a 19 years old in love with a 30+ old man that makes her believe he loves her when he knows he doesn't, are the two of them dancing tango at the same rhythm? IMO what Charles did was objectively wrong, whatever his motives. He lied from the beginning. And the fact that she believed him at first only proves she was a trustful young girl, not that she shares the responsibility of having married a liar.IMO
Diana was only NINETEEN! Who has wisdom at that age?
DeleteEve, I think you are a wise woman. I agree with you that two people make a marriage and each contributes to it. It's very easy to turn one person into the devil and the other a saint. Happens all the time in every day people's relationships, but it's rarely the case.
DeleteArthur Edwards himself said that when Diana was first photographed with Charles fishing on the River Dee in Scotland she was savvy enough to turn her back on them but look to see who was photographing her with her compact mirror. So she may have only been 19, but she showed a media savvy very early on.
Rosman, I think you did a great job in expanding on the differences involved in this scenario. And my goodness this was a unique scenario, no matter how hard folks try to dismiss it. Thank you.
Deletebluhare, but if a marriage begins on the wrong footing - one person in love with her husband and the husband in love with another person, does that mean they are equally to blame?
DeleteSee, I don't agree that just because marriages fall apart both people are equally to blame. Some people are just jackasses and some are unfortunate to get married to them. That does not mean that there were two people tangoing. One person is more at fault than the other. Charles would have failed at any marriage. Diana may have succeeded had she been married to a man who truly loved her.
And what does the mirror story have anything to do with anything? How savvy can a 19 year old truly be ? Seriously?
Eve if you have been holding yourself accountable for your role in the marriage that is great, but if you think that you and this man are equally to blame maybe you could use a fresh perspective. You say you are a therapist, but you seem to be an absolutist as well.. I don't have experience with therapy but I would be skeptical that a therapist would hold you as responsible as a husband who has done one wrong after another. Frankly, what you wrote above shows that you may not have objective judgement about your own situation at all.
Rosman: exactly. By the way, you made me reflect on my take on infidelity. I think I see it as a form of dishonesty.And I can't stand falsehood. As you say, there are ways and ways to handle an unhappy marriage.
DeleteI don't think the playfulness of a nineteen year old - who had no doubt been told to be discreet, playing games with a press photographer is precisely the same as dealing with the thirty-four year old experienced mistress of your future husband. I know at nineteen, I would have been hard put to deal with that - and I had a supportive family.
DeleteWhat is clear, from photographs, from statements even from "objective" writers is that Camilla was in the marriage, even if you call her a "friend" and she made every effort to insinuate herself with Diana. So I don't think we can say for certain how the marriage would have gone without Camilla's presence. Diana never had a chance. What advice Camilla might have given to her friend Charles about Diana can only be imagined.
I've also had the dubious pleasure of hearing the borderline slander about Diana (and her family) from friends and supporters of Camilla especially and Charles. These are the type of people who talk to authors of books. Their comments go directly against the goals of Heads Together to treat mental issues with respect - and whether their claims are accurate or highly exaggerated is again impossible to say. William and Harry can't speak too freely without harming their father - but at all times they have shown the love and warmth they feel for their late mother. I don't think they should be criticised for that (as happened on the other blog.) This sort of nastiness - even if every claim was true is why I can't see Camilla as some sort of victim - the campaign of Charles and Camilla to get her where she is has been ruthless about Diana, (making Camilla's work with abused women seem hypocritical - since verbal abuse to one who can't defend herself is a type of abuse.)
I have said before I admire Charles' passion to help his nation - and wish William would stand as heir to those causes - although I'm starting to realise there seems to be no closeness between father and son. It's a shame because Charles could have drawn William into his causes - but from all reports his main interest was introducing them to Camilla - with great reluctance on their part - in 1999.
As for Camilla, she is patron of some of the causes I'm most interested in. That's life.
If Charles truly struggled to help his sons, Harry could have mentioned that - as Kate has often mentioned family support. He didn't. Maybe he will be pressured to do so later - but for now - his silence speaks for itself.
THANK YOU SO MUCH TO EVERYONE for having such an open discussion, including, of course, our DEAR CHARLOTTE, for giving us this place (PLUS monitoring the discussion which is by no means an easy task!!) to do so!!
DeleteIt is so refreshing to be able to discuss things that obviously matter to us in such an open and respectful way. I am deeply grateful for that...
@Natacha: I thank you for your concern and I can assure you, I do not BLAME myself- but I do take over my share of RESPONSIBILITY. No one forced me to do anything, but very much like Diana I DID NOT LISTEN TO MY GUT and did not act accordingly. Like her, I had doubts, and for good reason. And like her I "felt the pressure" (albeit it was not "the public" and having to cancel "the wedding of the century", I must admit..) and feared what would happen, if I said "NO" at any of the many moments my instincts told me "NO!! THIS is NOT ok!"
Given a certain upbringing, it´s "easy" to fall in love with a "dream", rather than using your brain and take a long and hard look at REALITY. You think you just can´t STAND another one of your "hopeful dream-come-true-plans" going wrong. She desperately wanted someone to love and protect her, a feeling I only know too well. It helps a lot to avoid further "mistakes" in that department if you acknowledge the facts (and yes, I agree, she was very young at the time and the circumstances made it VERY hard to "back out")and take over responsibility, WITHOUT blaming yourself, that´s very true.
And last, but not least: THANK YOU all for your positive feedback during the last days. I´m only human, too, and we all like some good proper praise (and don´t even get me started about all the love, understanding and compassion you showed) from time to time, don´t we? ;-))) I am truly grateful for having you all in my life!!
I have thought about what you said about silence with regards to Charles being there for them, Julia, and I tend to agree on that.
DeleteI think one lesson that we can draw from this (and I will do so for myself) is that if you wish you could cancel the wedding beforehand but don't dare, it is better to do so. It might be bad at first but what will happen otherwise is surely worse. I do have one such case in my circle of relatives as well, where a man realised shortly before the wedding that it really didn't feel right. He went ahead with it anyway as he didn't dare call off the wedding. Now 30 years later they are still married but it is a most unhappy marriage. They are two deeply unhappy people, you can tell just by looking at them. I don't think a marriage can ever turn out to be a happy one, if you're already unhappy before the actual wedding when people are usually still in the 'madly in love' phase.
Still, like others have said: don't blame yourself, Eve! Sometimes these things just happens and sometimes we just don't know any better. I haven't been in any situation like that but there are things in my life that I wish I had done differently but obviously you can't go back and it's precisely because I did what I would now consider the wrong thing that I now know better ;-)
What I wonder because I wasn't around back then - and perhaps someone who was can shed some light on this - from what I gather everyone considered Charles & Diana's wedding the fairytale wedding. Did nobody think: oh my god, what is this 19 year-old girl doing marrying a 30+ man?
I think it's very understandable if Diana's fans, friends or family members dislike C&C for cheating on her. Likewise, I understand that Camilla's family and friends have great sympathy for her role in it all. I would be the same. If what happened to Diana happened to my sister or best friend, I would hate those two for a very long time. If, on the other hand, Camilla was my sister or friend, I would do my best not to judge her. I do have a friend who has been with a married man and while I did gently say to her, 'imagine if you were the wife, how would you feel?' I also know her many good characteristics and would never judge her very harshly. Is that hypocritical of me? Perhaps but loving people usually means standing by them where such issues are concerned.
Rosman et al, I'm not saying i am the same as anyone else. However, when you look back at the time, they were pretty much entering into an arranged marriage. Diana knew it before she got married, too. Hence the comments about wanting to back out and face on the tea towels. Also, Charles told friends he thought he could love her, that she was lovable and that he would try his best to make things work. Not exactly the love story of the century, to be sure, but they both played parts in that drama.
DeleteThe Charles/Diana story played out publicly because Diana wanted it so. She wanted everyone to know how Charles had failed her. And I in no way say he did not. But no one ever asks how she failed Charles. As much as he couldn't figure out how to deal with her, I don't think she ever figured out how to deal with him either. And from all accounts neither of them did until after they divorced. And then they started to get along.
Hi bluhare I see what you are saying. But I am not sure whether it was entirely as arranged as you think. From Charles' perspective it was, but from Diana's -was it really ? I will point out that although Diana had many doubts about the marriage and knew about Camilla at that point, she did enter it while being in love with Charles. Charles, on the other hand was not. That itself changes the dynamics entirely. It was a one-sided relationship until she started her affair. Her well-being and mental health was far more dependent on Charles than vice versa. That made her much more vulnerable than Charles. And that damaged her much more than it did to Charles. She was basically the most beautiful charismatic woman of her generation whose love was completely unrequited. A tragic love story . No wonder it drove her batty. As a youngster I had an unrequited passion for someone for several years (before he started returning it) and I know how sad and tragic it feels. For Diana that must have felt hundred times worse because it was all in public and the man married her, while having a mistress. It was insulting, cruel and hurtful. I can't even begin to imagine starting one's romantic journey in life on that footing. Sure to mess with your mind. Many women would have fallen victim to mental illness under those circumstances, and resorted to affairs, don't you think? I might have !
DeleteFor sure Diana failed Charles. But that was an inevitable consequence of the initial conditions of the marriage. Had it been more equitable where neither side had any real feelings for the other, then I would have been more inclined to agree with you. Diana cared about Charles deeply. The emotional burden in the marriage was not equitably distributed. And the blame lies entirely at Charles' door for that, bad upbringing notwithstanding. He should have told her no and done it before she was so enmeshed in the relationship that she had no way to get out.
I so much agree with you Julia... I think exactly of the same thing...But I don't speak well enough English to express myself so !!! I love the relationship which they have, all 3 ❤❤❤!!! Really touching, Diana must be so proud of them !!! (Sorry for my English... 😟😟😟)
DeleteMy friend Eve from Germany, thank you for your sweet words. The friendship of this blog is wonderful, and Julia is so right - Charlotte has found a wonderful balance of views, comments and opinions, and this year in particular it feels even closer. A group of like minded friends who appreciate each other from all over the world. I remember Charles haunted face that tragic day in Paris ... I remember too that there was no mention of Diana at the Church service the day she died. I can still hear William saying "thank you very much" to people who left flowers when they did a walk about a few days after she died. The courage to do that is just incredible. Last night my son opened up to me, and my heart swelled. It was like he had listened to Harry's words, and to talk about his Dad was what he wanted. He didn't want me or him to be sad ... and we talked about happy times and how loved he was from the minute he was born. We talked and laughed ... and he told me he didn't want to be sad, he didn't want to stop talking. I thought of W and H and wondered what support they were given. My heart ached when Harry said he didn't want to remember and get sad, and I think of those many times he did silly things, and to me, it was his way to have a laugh and shut out the reality. I am a little surprised that Prince Charles hasn't found a way to congratulate them all on this wonderful initiative.... he needs to, and we need to hear his support. I am so proud of them, this has been so beautifully executed and promoted, it is by far the most wonderful thing they have ever done. Our monarchy is in good and safe hands, I love that they are involving themselves in initiatives, just like Diana did, that desperately need support and understanding. (And on a fashion note, she looks just gorgeous - from top to toe!). ❤❤
DeleteGreat to see the trio again.
ReplyDeleteAnother suit. Yay!!! Love it and it's perfect for Spring.
Home. Run. 10/10. Love this suit! If it wasn't sold out I would acquire one myself.
ReplyDeleteShe looks lovely today. The red looks bright and cheerful, and the suit fits her well.
ReplyDeleteHmm i love the duchess red suit thank you quick. Post im love the prince william with. Lady gaga talking and love the royal trio looking forward roo that too
ReplyDeleteI love the suit, classic, timeless and elegant. The color is wonderful as well!!
ReplyDeleteI have been side lined with some health issues the past 5 days and had a lot of reading time. I went back to the very beginning ofor the blog and read every post from the beginning to May of last year. Things have really changed in the comments section!
ReplyDeleteOne constant is the tireless work and effort put into this blog by Charlotte. The blogs you write, Charlotte, are arguably the best written blog posts I have ever read. The love and passion you put in to each and every post shines through and delights us with researched background information and comprehensive engagements overviews. They call this the Bentley of blogs but I like to refer to it using terms us Duchess Kate fans yearn to see: jewels. You've turned this blog into the Cullinan diamond.
The comments section has gone from very quiet to hugely busy. Despite some growing pains it is consistently welcoming and inhabited by an amazing group of ladies and gentlemen from all walks of life from all over the world. From Royalfan's ardent support, Florida girl's positivity, Rebecca's balanced opinions, Moxie's statistics to Bluhare's promises to eat her hat. There are so many others, anons and named, who make this community into just that.
Where else could I find a group of people who were concerned for my health last year when I had surgery? Especially ones I've only met online? Very, very few places! Thank you to everyone that makes this blog what it is. Especially to Charlotte!
What a wonderful comment Courtney, thank you! I think the comments section has come a very long way this year thus far. It's brilliant to see so many on board with using monikers as it creates a much stronger sense of community.
DeleteI hope you feel better soon Courtney :)
I was just looking at my hat the other day, Courtney, and quite pleased that it's still in one piece and I haven't had to eat it yet. :)
DeleteSpeedy recovery Courtney!! Completely agree about this comment section being a wonderfully interesting and supportive community. There are a few other Kate blogs out there that claim to be positive but they are only positive about Kate while posters are particularly nasty to others who don't agree with them. This is the only one I have found in which participants at least try to walk the talk. Its such a nice respite from life to come here talk to all of you.
DeleteCourtney, you take care of yourself and I hope you feel better soon. 💐XX
DeleteCourtney, these are such lovely and positive words for our dear Charlotte!!And she is worthy of it all :-)
DeleteBest wishes for your return to full health, Courtney! I agree with your observations about this blog. It is a wonderful treat to have it. (Thank you Charlotte!)
DeleteThinking of you Courtney. And a lovely comment
DeleteWelcome back Courtney. I hope you are feeling much better every day until you return to full recovery.
DeleteHope you are much better soon, Courtney.
DeleteYesterday's outfit: I actually really like this new variation of the casual Kate uniform! The sweater looks very nicely made and went well with the jeans. Her hair looked great and she looked vibrant!
ReplyDeleteI love the red Armani suit from today! I love the seams detail and front of the top. Red is always a fabulous color on Kate.
I still can't reiterate how glad I am that they are pushing Heads Together and mental health in general.
I am sure they appreciated seeing that historical mike. How cool that it is still around and in such good condition. It immediately reminded me of the movie "The King's Speech". Kate looked beautiful today, even with the slightly wrinkled suit. Her hair was so glossy and picture perfect. I was thinking when I saw the photos of Harry sitting on the sofa when they presented the historical microphone, how much he would love having Meghan sitting there with him. I think they are certainly changing the fabric of the monarchy and validating the struggles their mother experienced. And in a way, as someone here mentioned already, they are continuing the conversation their mother pioneered all those years ago. And, I agree with Paola, the "work shy" conversations truly not longer have any valid place here. And, another British word? "Pillar" for mailbox? :)
ReplyDeleteJulia, do you say "pillar" or "mailbox". What is more common there?
DeleteI say postbox as do most people I know.
DeleteDo you mean in the UK? Postbox. I've never heard 'pillar' used in that context.
DeleteOh, hang on. You mean 'pillarbox'. Yes, that does get used, as well as 'postbox'. Sorry for confusion!
DeleteThanks Cath. :)
DeleteThanks Julia.
DeleteOn a less serious note, but as we know a cup of tea is good for well being, "Royal Teas: Seasonal Recipes from Buckingham Palace" is to be released in May, with HM's personal drop scone recipe. And on another frivolous note saw a tweet of Sophie in patterned dress pants for an engagement, for me not a good look and I think it is because patterns can give the impression of heaviness of leg. So maybe Kate is better to stick with what works. And I did like the new top and skinny jeans and the suit today is such a classic, elegant look. Thank you Charlotte for great blog-always a pleasure to read. I am thrilled with the traction Heads together is gaining. Mental health is going to be a defining issue for this generation and the Royals are up there with it. One day serotonin will be allowed out at the dinner table.
ReplyDeleteA good cup of tea has restorative properties. At least I think so. I still drink a lot of tea (with milk and sugar); the one vestige of my British upbringing.
DeleteIt's also an excellent gossip inducer too, I've found.
Oh, I agree, a cup of tea is a fantastic thing! As I don't like coffee, tea had become my daily treat years ago and my love of it has been growing ever since :). Sometimes I drink it with milk and sugar, sometimes just with sugar, sometimes without both - it depends. It is always both refreshing and calming. My husband and sons are tea lovers too. I'm really excited about the Seasonal Recipes from Buckingham Palace. When I was in London last June for HM 90th birthday celebration, I brought home a box of "Buckingham Palace English Afternoon Tea" :). Thank you, alimai, for putting us on alert!
DeleteBluhare, you haven't lost your British personality! :-) And which hand holds your fork when you are eating?
DeleteHaha, Patricia. I guess I have two things left over. I eat with my fork in my left hand and knife in my right. :)
DeleteWow, that was a lot of catching up to do after my holiday (I put myself on a no-Internet-fast and this blog was one thing I really missed. Facebook&Co - not at all). Whenever the withdrawal of Kate news became too much, I did some colouring in my Duchess Kate colouring book :D I bought it more as a joke, but ended up really enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteBack to what really matters - the amazing buzz that has surrounded Heads together in the last weeks. Harry's interview made the front page in our local German newspaper (of course it focused more on the Diana bit, but Heads together and their cause was mentioned). I'm so happy and proud of these three and everyhing they've accomplished. William's trip to the nightclub put me off a bit, but at least for me he has redeemed himself during the last week.
On to the fashion - the suit today looks like straight out of Queen Letizia's playbook. I couldn't help but feel like "Yes girl, you rock that suit"!
I'm really looking forward to the next events!
Wow!! What a beautiful suit! As someone else commented, it looks better on Kate than on the model; fits her like a glove. I also think she looks extremely confident today. Nice to see.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant to see the Heads Together campaign working tremendously well this week building up to the Marathon - it's been very high profile across all media at most levels. It seems they've caught the public's imagination now with their simple message of not keeping the stiff upper lip. As a man it's difficult to talk openly about feelings in some instances and the Princes have been instrumental in helping us all start that talk about our mental fitness.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to have just clicked into place this week and I just hope that the passion and drive continues from here on. Harry in particular is shaping up to be a very eloquent, relaxed and media savvy ambassador -partly due to his experience in the invictus programme I dare say. Hopefully this will be a good grounding and focus for W&K to spearhead further work not just with this particular cause.
Fashionwise this was a real winner for me - classic and elegant but with a contemporary twist, bold and bright and her hair back to bouncy gloss. Thanks Charlotte for such a great post as always. And just to reiterate a comment from above - thanks to all the bloggers, the quality and respect from people on the blog now is lovely to see x
They really have managed to get the story out, haven't they? I even saw that they have a temporary snapshat filter now! All these things they do to spread the message is one more thing that has potential to reach someone that really need it and generally just make mental health talk a subject present in peoples day to day life.
DeleteI liked this look, new but still classic. I'm wondering what it would have looked like paired with navy shoes, bag, etc. but I still loved it.
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking that navy accessories would look great with this orange-red shade, I don't think the nude really went with it.
DeleteWhat is Rebecca Deacon Priestly's role with KP now? Perhaps I missed an update, I thought she was moving on. Will be very happy if she is, in fact, staying-- think that is lovely for Kate.
ReplyDeleteHello,
DeleteRebecca is moving on in the late summer I believe.
Do we know she's gone double-barrelled with her surname? It's not standard in the UK.
DeleteIs it just me or does the Duchess look absolutely super-radiant and relaxed and happy these days? For the first time I get this "I feel good"-vibe (:-))) ) from every photo I see every day. She really seems to be totally comfortable right now. What a wonderful thing to see, especially at the moment, when Diana´s sons both start to speak so openly about their own problems that were so deeply intertwined with her mother´s struggles. I´m SO glad, just "watching" her being so obviously happy and at ease. Plus: the three of them are super cute together. The picture where Harry desperately tries to "look around" Kate in order to get a glimpse of William unveiling that mic? Priceless!
ReplyDeleteI hope that, should Meghan "join the team" one day, they all get along really well, it would be such a boost for the monarchy! (Yes, I gladly admit, I can´t wait for another royal wedding! SOMETHING to look forward to in this crazy world!! Sigh....)
I think the Duchess looks really relaxed and happy too. She looks healthy.
DeleteHmm everybody. Has a flaws in childhood i myself im bully by classmates in college and high school but I proved by myself to them now im wrong i have. a job. By the way rebecca deacon. Is there
ReplyDeleteI don't like the skirt length it looks odd. Additionally I don't like the detailing along the ribs because it just looks like the whole outfit is wrinkled. y
ReplyDeleteBased on the tweets I saw they stayed less than an hour at this engagement. I mean come on guys can't you stay at least an hour! If they had more engagements that day I would understand but they don't and since this is in support of their big campaign I would think they would put more of an effort in.
Not a huge fan of the outfit and the hair was off for me today. She needs to go back to the darker color and the big blow out she had in Jan.
Also, I wish people would stop attacking Prince Charles. He did the best he could with a full time job and as a single parent.
Nice to see a mention of Rebecca Deacon here, but I thought Rebecca was not working for Kate anymore? What is her job now that she's back from her honeymoon?
ReplyDeleteI must say Kate's quotes were outstanding today. I'm so glad she's given her input. Motherhood can be very sad and confusing, especially with raging hormones and uncertainty. I think everyone who's been there has felt it, but are afraid to get help because they're desperately trying to do it all as a mother.
ReplyDeleteAlso Kate's quotes on teaching children about expressing their feelings early is golden. They often do not have the language skills yet, but behavioural reinforcement and expression is key in developing a healthy emotional state from a young age.
And, Kate was in the farmhouse in Wales when George was a baby. Granted she had a lot of help at first while in Bucklebury, but when she first was in Wales she was by herself. Then she asked her mom to come up and then received the help of William's former nanny. But for a while there in Wales she must have have experienced that isolation and loneliness. And, even with household help, parenting is still a very demanding, albeit great, thing.
DeleteI agree so much with her. Emotions and talk should not be something that suddenly get's incorporated at school age. It should be something that is a present thing from the beginning, including in how the parents talk to each other and with the kids.
DeleteTrue, surfer girl, plus William's job at the time, flying a rescue helicopter, was more dangerous than we give him credit for. In our little town here in Ireland, we had a memorial this past weekend for 4 RNLI rescue helicopter pilots who crashed off the coast of Mayo in March. Reading the memorial in the RNLI office, it hit me what a terribly dangerous job rescue work is. Hearing their last call-out "We're gone" was shocking. Kate knew the risks that William faced in Wales. And with a new baby, with all the emotions, it must have been very difficult indeed.
DeleteFor younger children the use of dolls and puppets to act out feelings is a very useful tool in encouraging expression of feelings. A few words can be taught early to communicate. Happy and sad are usually understood. A yes or no nod. I always thought the Punch and Judy productions were a great way of dramatizing emotions. They certainly demonstrate unacceptable was of expressing feelings. :+) I do miss Mr. Rogers. He was a prince himself in his dignified and honest approach to talking about feelings. Reading to/with children who have not fully developed speech is a wonderful teaching and bonding activity. It helps to build a relationship of sharing. Perhaps most importantly, children need to SEE their loved ones showing and dealing with feelings in a constructive way. Most of the projects WCH are involved in also provide a source other than the child's own home as recourse when home is not the best teacher.
DeleteTrue Jo, and thank you for reminding us. The precariousness of William's job has been brought up here before but honestly, in my opinion, many chose to overlook that for some reason. The airspace in Wales can be treacherous for fixed wing, let alone helicopters. (not speaking anything bad over anyone flying there, btw.) Even flying out of Norfolk, rescue helicopters airlift people out of areas that no one else can access. Not the easiest or always safest thing to do. I think those experiences will only enrich his life and his reign as king. (Now if he can just get his ski weekends tamed down.... :) )
DeleteExactly, surfer girl, William has said that a large part of what he has learned about coping with trauma is through his work. He has talked about how his rescue training focused on coping strategies, the importance of sharing with colleagues after a particularly difficult day, etc.
Deletehttps://mobile.twitter.com/heads_together/status/855369516230074368?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet
DeleteLadies it's like the duchess heard you! Listen to this amazing first ever chat between them - Kate talks specifically of Anglesey time as steep! I'm so happy they have talked here & Kate leading.
Wow....
Theresa Australia
wow. that is so cool. It is like they heard us. lol
DeleteWow, there is so much to enjoy about this event today! The cause, wonderful; the trio, engaging; Kate's suit, smashing!! The smiles abound whenever the three are together and really love the pictures and little insights their comments give us. The positivity is very uplifting and has left me with a smile on my face to start my work day!! cc
ReplyDeleteI am sure William enjoyed hearing his great-grandfather's and the young Queen's speeches. Very nice that they included those. And, very thoughtful of William to consider the efforts needed by Colin Firth (love Colin Firth) to bring that to life on the screen. I also loved Colin's comment upon winning the award for that performance. He laughingly hesitated and said reflectively, "Funny, I think my career just peaked." Hopefully it won't wane, lol, but will only get even better. :)
ReplyDeletePerfect look for Kate. Love the suit, the color and cut are chic and professional, yet youthful. She looks gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteAs I wrote in a previous post, it is just brilliant what the 3 are doing to support the cause of mental health. Harry's interview was very courageous, and insightful. He spoke so openly about his emotions, and that was so affecting. For people to hear a high profile person speak about feelings and doubts that plague everyone at some point, is invaluable. It gives them hope, and the knowledge that they are not alone, and, gives them the courage to speak about their own demons. I can't praise Harry and William enough for speaking out about their own problems, and their mother's loss.
The stiff upper lip generation will be replaced. To encourage young children to keep it together and carry on is so detrimental. Poor George VI, or Bertie, as he was called by family. He was cowed by his own father, and was bullied because of his stutter. His solace was his beloved family, or "we four", as he referred to them. I imagine it must be very emotional for William and Harry to listen to their great grandfather struggle. Of course we cannot truly know what went on behind closed palace doors, but at least now, the stuffiness and closed off emotion generation, has been replaced with a more open and sympathetic one.
I applaud all the efforts to open the doors, and shine the light, and better understand our fellow human beings.
Love the suit. So glad it isn't another dress. She looks so sharp and elegant. I hope to see more suits in the future!
ReplyDeleteI am not a fan of the suit. I do not like the color on its on or on Kate. Maybe better in person? I also am not a fan of the jacket styling. The style is not a good look on Kate. Wonderful cause and lovely to see the three of them out together.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I had mentioned that William, Kate, Harry, Sophie, Anne hadn't been trained as psychiatrists, psychologists or even counselors. Some further thoughts. Those who are trained as such often feel a calling to do that. And in pursuit of that they are usually very closely vetted to make sure they are going along the right vocational path. Those vocations are not for everyone. So, with those things considered, I think the "Royals" are all doing a superlative job at supporting others and absorbing some of the brunt of people's adversity. And, they are doing that with the world watching and scrutinizing their every word and their every move. No pressure there, lol. Kudos to them. :)
ReplyDeleteHas anyone seen the new two-minute video that KP just tweeted in support of the marathon? It's delightful - nice to hear Kate speaking so confidently, and Harry was a hoot when he said (paraphrasing here) to 'put the Heads Together headband on. You'll look cool as hell.' :-D
ReplyDeleteThis week has been wonderful and so very interesting to see all the different engagements and ways of spreading the Heads together campaign. So great and heart warming to see the embrace that it is getting.
ReplyDeleteThe school seems really interesting and a cool experience for those that can attend. I would love to learn more about film and radio even now in my adult life.
I have loved all of Kate's outfits this week. The sweater yesterday was lovely and I especially loved that she wore a mic and we could actually listen to her during the engagement. that was such and treat and confirmed what I long expected is that she is actually better at small talk and conversation than the limited quotes published by the media. It will be interesting to see if there was some additional filming or not.
He suit is perfect today and she looks gorgeous. I loved everything about this look.
Looking forward to the marathon this weekend. I am wondering what it will be like afterwards if they continue with the campaign and progress it to the next level like so many have been asking or if it takes some other shape/path. I would hate to think they would stop it just because the marathon is over.
This quote from Kate today is so good, and so educated. You can really tell that she's studying up on these issues, and someone involved with many of the charities said that this is very much the kind of talk you hear from the people involved with Place2be and Anna Feud. Good for Kate. And I agree with her so much on this issue!
ReplyDelete"‘It’s having those age-appropriate conversations and bringing in the topic of mental health really at different levels… It’s the same with younger children, and even helping parents to start these conversations from a much earlier age but through play even if their language hasn’t yet developed. Very young children actually don’t even have the language to express how they’re feeling, so it comes out in behavioural problems."
Some very thoughtful posts today. I appreciate that this is a safe place for expressing different points of view in a measured kind manner.
ReplyDeleteI just love the Duchess in bright colors and this red suit, for me, is perfection. Perfect fit. Length etc.hair gorgeous.
Super smart look for Kate today! Did she get a haircut? Also,,I though Rebecca Deacon was quitting her job in the summer??
ReplyDeleteNot a fan of this suit at all --- the pleated side darts just look wrong to me going in that direction and the color is not what I think of as a pleasing shade to wear - it's a dull orange - red would have been better in my book.
ReplyDeleteHello everyone. The Duchess is "rocking" in the most professional way. I appreciate the bold stand The Duchess and Princes William and Harry have taken on talking about mental health. As humans, we are spirit, body and soul (mind, emotions, intellect) and each entity has to be healthy to be a whole happy individual. Great job, Royals. God continue to bless your work on behalf of mankind.
ReplyDeleteLove. The. Suit. I know not everyone will agree but I think she looks terrific in it. She is wearing the suit, it's not wearing her. And I think it is also her confidence and passion for this. Eve said it earlier, it's an 'I've got this' confidence. Personally, I love the detailing on the sides. Embellishment but not ruffles or cutsy bows(I know many love them, just not my thing). I like the nude, I agree that black would have been dated.
ReplyDeleteI don't quite understand the Global Academy. It seems to be giving young people an opportunity to gain skills they need to become productive workers, but also provides opportunities for emotional expression and health?
ReplyDeleteThe Armani suit is a very nice, innovative design, and the sort of bright color in which Kate looks best. But the Tahari suit, typically of that brand, is better made. Tahari suits are moderately priced and intended for working women. They tend to be sturdy, well constructed, and also elegant in a quiet way. The Armani could use a lining, and enough ease in the skirt to allow walking without all the creases. Some of its seams are puckered. Though I think Kate chooses very interesting clothing, she needs someone in her dressing room to make sure that such visible details are noticed and corrected.
Im not sure what it says about me but I like the pulling/creasing. It adds a tiny bit of slinkiness to her look imo.
DeletePatricia, you mean, like a proper stylist? (sorry, couldn't resist. You know me and the whole proper stylist mantra I have.) Yes, she does need and deserve a proper stylist. :)
DeleteActually, I was thinking more of a dresser who would concentrate on good construction and fit, but a stylist could be a good idea during the shopping phase of things. I do think, though, that no stylist will satisfy everyone, given all the different opinions even here! I am sure we are a microcosm of Kate's entire audience.
DeleteYour idea of a dresser is incorporated into my definition of a stylist. :)
DeleteLOVE the suit and the dart detailing. Very flattering with the coloring and styling. Personally, I like the beige shoes and clutch, more neutral and spring-like than black.
ReplyDeletebtchili