It's nine more sleeps until Christmas! If you're not quite in the festive spirit yet, the perfect tonic for that came in the form of A Berry Royal Christmas which aired on BBC One earlier tonight. The one hour programme saw the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge team up with the Queen of Baking and national treasure Mary Berry for seasonal fun, visits to charities close to their hearts, and of course the obligatory spot of baking.
The documentary has been uploaded to YouTube (It may not be left up long though).
The programme opened with footage of Kate and Mary chatting at RHS Wisley about the inspiration behind the project and encouraging children to spend more time outdoors. "Being outside and being in nature is such a great environment for children to learn lifelong skills." Kate told Mary one of Louis' first words was "his version of Mary" because her cookbooks are at his eyeline at home. She added: "He would definitely recognise you if he saw you." Kate talked about growing their own vegetables and how much Louis loves beetroot and Charlotte is particularly fond of 'Charlotte' potatoes.
"Being outside and being in nature is such a great environment for children to learn lifelong skills." — The Duchess of Cambridge on her work in the Early Years sector. #ABerryRoyalChristmas pic.twitter.com/HEFGCrBNhb— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 16, 2019
As Kate and Mary iced cakes, Kate said she believes in the old saying, "it takes a village to raise a child". Parents, grandparents, the community as a whole and many others. The Duchess talked about making birthday cakes for the children. More from Hello!
"I love making the cake," she shared. "It's become a bit of a tradition that I stay up till midnight with ridiculous amounts of cake mix and icing and I make far too much. But I love it."
From there, Mary spent time with William at his patronage the Passage. The homeless charity supports 130,000 people through it's resource centre, homelessness prevention projects and two innovative accommodation services. William first visited the Passage with Diana as a child and became patron earlier this year. During a chat he credited Kate with steering their work towards mental health: "We share ideas, but she was the one who linked all the mental health stuff together. She realised that my work, her work and Harry's work were all headed in different directions, but all dealing with mental health."
"It had a profound impact on me." — The Duke of Cambridge on the visits he made in his youth to the @PassageCharity with his mother Diana, Princess of Wales #ABerryRoyalChristmas pic.twitter.com/LEsgUrbtnU— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 15, 2019
William spoke about the Queen carving her path as a young monarch, Charles' work with the Prince's Trust, and charity visits with Diana which influenced him. People reports:
'The royal dad said that when he drives Prince George and Princess Charlotte to school, they’ll notice people who are homeless on the street and ask questions.
“On the school run – I know it sounds a little bit contrite – but on the school run already, bear in mind 6 and 4, whenever we see someone who is sleeping rough on the street I talk about it and I point it out and I explain,” said William, who is patron of the homelessness charity Centrepoint. “And they are all very interested,” he added. “They are like: ‘Why can’t they go home?’”
William also praised his late mother Princess Diana for immersing him and his brother Prince Harry into the world of those who are less fortunate. Speaking during a visit to The Passage homelessness he told Berry, “It was one of the first places I came to actually. I must have been between 8 and 10, something like that. It had a profound impact on me.”
“My mother knew what she was doing with it. She realized that it was very important when you grow up – especially in the life that we grew up – that you realize that life happens beyond palace walls, and that you see real people struggling with real issues.”
Despite Prince George's enthusiastic cheers supporting Aston Villa, William revealed he is a Chelsea supporter. He revealed George wrote his Christmas list for Santa early: "He's a very good drawer. We might get him something for drawing or football."
Kate invited Mary to visit the Brink, a dry bar run her patronage Action on Addiction in Liverpool. They spoke to a group supported by the charity who openly discussed addiction issues and the journey to recovery. The Duchess talked about how difficult this time of year can be, with Mary opening up about losing her son. Kate added: "One of the things that really struck me was the inter-generational cycle", adding it's so important to include children in the recovery process. The pair made non-alcoholic drinks before departing. Kate shared memories from St Andrews as she served refreshments: "Reminds me of my university days when I did a bit of waitressing." "Were you good?" asked Mary, at which the Duchess laughed and replied: "No, I was terrible!"
Many of you asked about Kate's outfit when the above photo was released. Palace Avenue via Twitter identified it as the sold out Massimo Dutti High Neck Dress.
Mary asked Kate about the impact of working with organisations dealing with issues such as addiction:
"You've taken on so much interesting stories, quite traumatic stories. You have to allow yourself time to reflect and really take in what you've learned before you sort of dive into your own life and get into the school pick ups".
Then it was time for a very special Christmas party at the Rosewood Hotel, celebrating those helping people in need over Christmas and representatives from William and Kate's charities. Nadiya Hussain was crowned winner of the 2015 Great British Bake Off , which mary judged. Nadiya is a lovely lady who has bravely spoken of her own mental health struggles. Following introductions it was time for competition as Kate and Mary went up against William and Nadiya to prepare a roulade. There was a bit of bending the roles on both sides before Mary declared a draw after which Kate turned to William and said: "I think you're going to have to produce one of these at home now."
It's getting competitive in the kitchen...#ABerryRoyalChristmas pic.twitter.com/OrDuFMK23e— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 16, 2019
More from Hello!
'Kate opened up about the couple's home life to Mary Berry during the upcoming Christmas TV special, A Berry Royal Christmas, with Mary asking if the Prince ever cooks for his wife. "He sometimes does actually," Kate revealed. "He's very good at breakfast." The royal then reflected on the early days of her romance with William, when they were both studying together at St Andrews. "In [our] university days he used to cook all sorts of meals," Kate revealed. "I think that was when he was trying to impress me, Mary. Things like Bolognese sauces and things like that."
Joined by the Irish Guards, Child Bereavement UK and volunteers from helpline Shout, they worked on a selection of roulades before sitting down for a chat.
The party concluded with a lovely performance of 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' by actor and singer Luke Evans. It was a heartwarming watch and a very timely reminder to remember all those giving up Christmas with their families and friends to look after others. I watched the programme live and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was fascinating to go behind-the-scenes with amazing organisations and hear Kate and William's personal takes on their work and of course to hear more about the children. I see requests for a Kate and Mary spin off already :)
To view Mary's recipes from the show, click here to visit the BBC website.
Rebecca English reports the Queen's pre-Christmas luncheon is on Wednesday. We should see arrival photos around lunchtime.
It sounds, based on your post, like a really well-thought-out, enjoyable, helpful show. I love that K&W gave so much of themselves in terms of also being "real" people, and I think the show was so much fun to watch that it was a good way to get in some lessons about caring. Seems like a great addition to the season!
ReplyDeleteChristmas came early! :D
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing this and the link to watch it on youtube. I'm inspired to think more about how to discuss the inter-generational issues of addiction, especially with the children of our church whose parents are struggling.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU ! 🎉🌹 Charlotte for sharing this online. What a wonderful Christmas Treat.
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome ladies. Enjoy it :)
ReplyDeleteI would recommend trying to watch it soon if at all possible, it will likely be removed from YouTube.
Just finished watching the video. The many guests are a true example of the saying, "it is better to give then receive".
ReplyDeleteWonderful that they are acknowledged in a special way by W&K. Many of the recipes looked very inviting but I must admit I would have an impossible time with the conversion charts to ounces.
I was thinking about the same thing with the recipes...and every time she would talk about putting something in the oven at 180 degrees my brain couldn’t help but think “but that will take forever to finish”...
DeleteThis was a home run for William and Catherine. They came off as humble, approachable, and funny. It’s clear they are deeply involved in their charities behind the scenes and are genuinely learning about the causes they support. It was interesting to hear about all of the work Catherine has done connecting charities. I think her ability to see the deeper connections between issues will go down as one of the most impactful things she’s done for the royal family.
ReplyDeleteI hurried to watch it before the link went away. It was everything that I had hoped it would be. It was lovely.
ReplyDeleteYes! It was really lovely from start to finish!
DeleteOn this has been so fun and enjoyable to watch and read. How lovely for William and Kate to team up with Mary Berry. I actually will have to try out her recipes. I've never had beetroot in a cake or put horseradish in my stew. Yum!!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful to see the on going work that William and Kate are doing.Oh and I love the green dress!
Lovely post Charlotte!!!
Thank you SO much for the video link -- I'm in the States and wasn't sure if I'd be able to watch it. What a wonderful show and insight into W&K's lives (and charity work).
ReplyDeleteJust got done watching it. Absolutely well done. They are such a relaxed, down to earth couple. I really enjoyed Mary as well. Mostly, it was wonderful how well they highlighted the work that the people running the charities are doing. So wonderful and inspiring!
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you Charlotte for posting the video link! I live in the U.S. and was wondering how I would be able to watch it, envying my English friends in front of the telly. I had a 7-hour drive today from a pre-Christmas family weekend in Santa Fe and as soon as I got home I told my husband "I promise I'll unpack in an hour but I have to watch this show NOW before it disappears!" It was wonderful and uplifting. I don't think anyone should fault any aspect of it or they stand accused of being the Grinch; hearts were in the right place and that is truly all that matters. I couldn't make Mary's recipes even if I could remember how to convert measurements (watching that roulade rolling, mine would be all over the paper in pieces) but this coming week I will be making the traditional Canadian goodies that my American grandchildren so love--tourtiere, Nanaimo bars and butter tart squares. Was wondering what Christmas food traditions others of us on here have?
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas from Canada. Our British traditions we brought with us to Canada include mince pies, and Plum pudding and Yorkshire Puddings (these are savory and served with the main course) The traditions we've aquired since we arrived are pumpkin pie and cornbread with Christmas Dinner. I love Tourtiere but my husbands not so keen. I hadn't realised that it was just in Canada.
DeleteThis was the BEST Christmas show I’ve ever seen. I think the movement between highlighting the plight of people in need (whether emotionally or physically) mixed with how to celebrate within your family and then combined with tidbits of the life within the Cambridge life was JUST WONDERFUL. Mary Berry is such an excellent interviewer! She is such a calm presence who brings just the right tone of seriousness to the heavy issues and a light time to the light issues (how to cook!). I CAN NOT say enough how much I loved this piece. The Christmas Spirit personified!
ReplyDeleteHi Granny, I am an American who lived in Ireland and Scotland. There are some very easy conversion tables on the internet. I love to bake and changed my baking to ounces/grams instead of cups, as the measurements are much more accurate. Now, back in the US, my little kitchen scale does both oz and grams and I find I use grams more often now. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteLoved it, thank you Charlotte for the special Christmas treat❤️
ReplyDeleteThe idea of this video is applauded. I remember the duchess choosing Action on Addiction as her 1st patronage, and the awareness it has brought to this knotty problem is immeasurable. Kudos duke and duchess of Cambridge.
ReplyDeleteWe need a British to USA translator for the cake recipe... so many questions. I assume beetroot is the same as what we call beets in the USA. Is the beetroot fresh, or is it roasted, steamed, baked, or boiled before shredding it? I guess I need to purchase a scale because when I bake I measure by volume instead of weight! I really want to try that chocolate cake. We grew beets a couple of years ago beside the sidewalk in our yard and we ate beets all spring and summer.
ReplyDeleteHi fellow Arizonan, Arizona Girl :) Yes, beetroot are beets. They need to be cooked. I have used canned beets in a recipe for chocolate cake years ago because, much as I love beets, they are a mess to cook (purple hands for days.) The cake came out dense and delicious. Similar to using zucchini if you've ever done that?
DeleteUse raw grated beets- like you would for a carrot cake. It will cook during the baking process. Wouldn’t recommend canned beets as a substitute in this case, they are already steamed, and would give way more moisture and less texture. Good luck!
DeleteWhat a special treat! I just finished watching the video and feel like I'm friends with William and Kate! I admire them even more for their work and am now a fan of Mary Berry! Thank you for sharing this link with us. It makes me want to go out and volunteer. Although, as a preschool teacher and dealing with children from broken homes or addicted parents or incarcerated parents, etc and getting paid a preschool teacher's wages I feel like my job is a calling and a ministry. I loved Kate telling about forgetting to put the top on her blender and getting spinach soup on the ceiling. Sounds like something I would do! Ha!
ReplyDeleteThis was wonderful to watch thank you so much for sharing Charlotte. Kate looks lovely.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and all your readers
Absolutely delightful! I'm going to try Mary's version of beef stew- hope I can remember the recipe.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the link before it goes away. This was a lovely special - W&K seemed warm and knowledgeable, and Mary and Nadia were fabulous as always.
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly as brilliant as I expected. What stands out to me is how "normal" Kate seems. Sometimes you can tell she is not trained in public speaking or acting and she is just very natural - she occasionaly makes a facial expression that is not "controlled" (e.g. letting go of a smile, expression of thinking etc), she looks around a bit nervously or cautiously, she pauses in her gestures or hesitates in her motion... Her speaking/acting (I don't know how to call it) is not perfect and it makes her seem very relatable and down to earth, unrehearsed.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the reader who called the show a homerun. The only think I don't like is the Massimo Dutti dress, lol.
Ella
Yes! I totally agree and love that about Kate because it is SO real. Real people, especially when talking about things that mean a lot to them, stumble over their words or use their hands to explain or hesitate to find the word they are looking for. I see so much of myself in the way she speaks and interacts with people. She seems so lovely and down to earth. What an amazing show!
Deletei just love them they are just normal COUPLE
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Charlotte - a heartwarming read! (Can’t access the video though - drat!)
ReplyDeleteLeahmaria, try this link. The first video I posted has already been removed. This one is still active though https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTO_0kG8dog
DeleteProgramme shows how William and Kate are passionate about their charites and it offers insight into works which they make far away from spotlight. It makes us more aware how their work connects and I believe that it 's the next step to develop awarness about mental health.
ReplyDeleteAlso film brings a really christamsy atmosphere. I enjoy so much their quotes about family and children. Absolutely it 's a fantastic project.
Would be really helpful if they added subtitles for the hearing impaired !!!!
ReplyDeleteThere is an option on Youtube that allows you to add sub titles. Try hitting the letter c while the video is playing. If that doesn't work try clicking on the little cog/settings icon below the window you can set subtitles to on. They are a little disjointed! and appear to miss some of the quieter spoken moments which I found quite frustrating - but you can get some of the conversations. Hope that helps.
DeleteReally loved watching this with a cup of tea and (large) tub of scorched almonds. My son and I will be making the stained glass window biscuits for Christmas this year. Mary has a lovely way of making people feel comfortable while being open and honest, and there was genuine warmth between her and William and Catherine. A great show that highlights the achievements and wins for people who have struggled and overcome issues with the support of professional organisations.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely agree :) Mary is so lovely and warm! And William and Kate are so down to earth. Well done to them for highlighting these important causes.
DeleteWasn’t Luke Evans singing at the end a real treat? 😍 Really loved the programme and seeing William and Kate getting competitive over roulade! They’re such great sports :) Mary and Nadiya are such warm people...lovely to see all kinds of people coming together to enjoy beautiful food and drinks. I’ll have to try out some of the delicious recipes Mary made 😋
ReplyDeleteI will be in a stark minority of one here, but this was too much icing on the cake for my taste. I felt like I was in a Christmas dream from the 50ies - softly, softly modulated accents, hair and dress, all empathy and kindness. A Hallmark moment :-)
ReplyDeleteThe important message is of course the work they do, so no problem there.
Hey, Scrooge, it's Christmas! No room in this show for anything other than softness, empathy, and kindness. This is why I love Kate. She emanates pure kindness and joy. She is the epitome of what "Hallmark" means and I think that's fantastic.
DeleteIs it really possible? Can you have too much empathy and kindness??? I think not in this day and age.
DeleteAs William said in Pakistan, they’re happy people. It seems being happy and kind is considered from the 1950s now, we are not used to uncontroversial and relaxed people it seems...
DeleteNo one else thinks it's a tiny bit strange to talk about William and Kate's "work" attending a party for people who are actually working on Christmas... while William and Kate will be in country manors being taken care of by servants? I'm not sure the word "ironic" even fits. I'd be happy too if that was my life.
DeletePam, Caroline and Anon 20:48, I agree with all of your points. Such moments of pure empathy and kindness are very needed nowadays. Plus, W and K are happy (and I dare to say lucky) people, they have family, health, each other, and let´s face it, wealth. They are in a position to try to give back and spread empathy and kindness and they seem to be very happy doing so.
DeleteBut, the programme also dealt with child bereavement, including Mary´s and William´s own painful past, etc. It was not all unicorns and rainbows. It is just that they set the general tone of the programme as christmassy and positive and they did not let the sad things stand out or prevail. Which, for me as a viewer, is the perfect approach.
Ella
Florida, your reasoning applies to any royal attending anything. Their average of work is spectacularly smaller than any people they ever visit so maybe it’s time for everybody to accept that and judge what they do from a different perspective.
DeleteAnon 20.48
Florida Moxie, this is too ad absurdum IMO. We will alle be consuming electricity and water coming from man-operated plants on X-mas. We will be relying on policemen and firemen to come to help even on X-mas day, too. Should we feel bad about it?
DeleteMy job doesn't require my presence on X-mas day, so I might be mistaken, but I think it is nice to think of those who work that day even if you yourself don't. I wouldn't condemn the party even if I understand your view in a way. But we live in a capitalist world and I am sure people working for the RF are doing it voluntarily, for let's say competitive salary.
Ella
I don't think it is irony. It is giving back, as William said. He cannot change who he is, he knows he is very lucky ,can he can try and give back. What I think is ironic, many people don't realize how lucky we all are who do not have to work on Christmas day, and have warm homes and plenty of food. I will shock you but I think it is ironic there is so much depression and mental health issues in the West, when all basic needs are fulfilled. Perhaps realising howl we are and trying to give back would help not only others but ourselves.
DeleteI will be working this Christmas Day and I think it would be lovely if someone like Kate and William recognised my effort. I am absolutely happy for them to go to their country manor and be waited upon by servants! I personally would not cope with the Queen’s Christmas, I prefer my peaceful life!
DeleteI loved it! And everyone-apart from the usual haters-on twitter loved it too, I was reading that it trended yesterday in the UK and everyone loved Kate and William. I think this show has been one of their best ideas ever. Beautifully done and not about them at all. When all the quotes about their children and themselves started to surface before the show I was worried, but after watching it there were just a couple of comments here and there and the charities and workers were actually the focus of this project.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I watched it last night on You Tube before it got pulled off. I loved every second of it. I have always wondered what Kate is really like, her real personality, because we don't get to see much of it. What impressed me most strongly is how she emanates pure happiness. I have always had that general impression of her, but seeing her on this show has really shown that is what she seems to truly be....I loved how her conversation was frequently peppered with laughter and smiles.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Charlotte, for posting the link to YouTube!!! I was really hoping to be able to see the special but (living in the US), don't have access to BBC One. I have been a Great British Baking Show fan for years and love Mary Berry and was so excited to see the announcement for this holiday special. I love the idea hind this special and how each of the patronages and volunteers/workers were featured. William and Catherine are so relatable and I loved watching them interact with each other and with others, including the focus they give to the people they are speaking with.
ReplyDeletePBS (who airs Great British Baking Show) always shares recipes from each episode and I've made several. Google helps a lot with measurement and temperature conversions and a good friend of mine who is English answers any other question I may have related to ingredients.
Border Terrier lover :-)
This was such a treat! So wonderful to hear more about the charity work that they do and how passionate both of them are about it. William and Kate's interactions with each other and with Mary were so fun to watch. The love between this couple is truly evident. Thank you for posting the program for us!
ReplyDeleteI feel like this showed the real Catherine, as she sometimes comes across as stiff at her public appearances. Though I do think that has improved over the past year or so. This is in no way a criticism of her. I truly thing she is quite shy/introverted, so being in the spotlight is most likely quite stressful. Mary seemed to put her at ease, and who wouldn't be as she is lovely! The thing that surprised me most is William. I love his banter and how he teases Mary a little, and seeing his interactions with Catherine are fantastic as well. I stayed up way past my bedtime last night watching as I was worried that it wouldn't be available tonight! This is home run for me from both William and Catherine. The only way it could have been better would to have included the children!
ReplyDeleteHope from USA
I only go to to watch the first 30 minutes before it was removed. I enjoyed what I saw! I’m curious to try the chocolate beetroot cake.
ReplyDeleteTry the second link that Charlotte posted above (in the comments). It is still viewable. When I watched this morning, it only had 700+ views and is now over 7,000!
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTO_0kG8dog
Border Terrier lover :-)
Thank you! The link worked and I was able to watch the second half.
DeleteI thoroughly enjoyed the show. It gave a nice glimpse into the support Catherine and William give their charities. Both of them came across as relatable and caring.
Fabulous show Highlighting all the good causes and an insight into behind the scenes Kate & Will are so natural and genuine They also come across as very down to earth and well grounded Which is why they are so likeable
ReplyDeleteBrilliant! Absolutely brilliant. The story this video told was meaningful, authentic, and heartwarming all at once. I felt there subtle invitations throughout for those who are watching to consider how we can be a part of change-not just admirers of the royal family. Mary's own story dovetailed beautifully with the causes. And of course, William and Kate's participation, good humor, and depth of understanding about the charities they support was really impressive. I wish this was a special they offered every year-almost like another version of the Queen's Christmas message. Thanks for the write up and the link to watch! It made this American very happy. :)
ReplyDeleteLacy, you said it all so well, and I completely agree. The show has made this Czech very happy too, what a treat!! Just what I needed. Thank you so much, Charlotte, and thank you all who have commented, I've really enjoyed reading the comments today! 😃🎄⭐️
DeleteLucy and Zora you could make something like this a special, it could be Will and Kate with a variety of folks and they might just introduce or be part of the whole show but focus on causes, a few celebrities, some Christmas themed activities and songs. They might not do much every year except act more as the host. Most of us love a traditional TV event and something like this could be worked into that for a long time and with an emphasis on the causes.
DeleteI would really like that, ali! Let's hope we'll see something of this kind next year as well.
DeleteMary Berry's Christmas specials are ALWAYS my favorite and this one was extra fun. I loved getting to see William and Kate interact a bit (I've often felt there was just something a little off about William) and to see them more relaxed. Kate seems like a lovely person, someone shy who ended up in a very visible role. I can't help but think that Mary's warmth helped both William and Kate relax. I'd so love to bake with her! The idea of featuring the important charity work in the midst of the feel-good Christmasy bits was fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI've often felt that Will & Kate remind me of George V & Queen Mary, as well as George VI & Queen Elizabeth.. as lovely no fuss couples who just happen to have found themselves in very public roles. :) xx
DeleteHonestly, this had made my week, if not my month, really. Such a delightful watch last night, and I feel like we got such a great feel for what our Kate is like in her downtime. Such a homerun for these two, and I'm so proud (as a long time fan who doesn't know them haha). Thanks for sharing Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteMary's recipes from the show are now available on the BBC website.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.bbc.co.uk/food/programmes/m000cfrm
Thank you! I definitely want to try the beef stew!
DeleteThank you, I'm definitely going to try 2 of those recipes!
DeleteThank you for sharing the link to the recipe...I'm quite intrigued by the beetroot cake!
DeleteWhat a treat. I am most pleasantly surprised by Wiliam. Did not expect to like this bits of his personality quite so much. The mix of banter, competitiveness, genuine interest and slightly awkward jokes (just 1 or 2) painted a great picture.
ReplyDeleteWhat I most like about Kate is her voice. It’s very calm and always a bit darker than I remember it. This program shows her as a calm and relaxed person.
The only one I am not a big fan of is Mary Berry (hopefully I am still allowed to return to England after this revelation). I cannot really put my finger on it though.
This was great to watch. I would love to see the Cambridge’s go a route like Swedes with their yearly documentary. Maybe more focused on their patronages as they have a different approach in terms of how they approach the public and the media with their children. Thinking about it- while Estelle is definitely more in royal training already we still don’t know much more about their private life. It just feels as if.
C.
I agree. William seem much more approachable and relaxed than I imagined. I previously felt that his parent's very public disagreements had made him very media adverse. However the couple seem to have now struck on the right formula to allow us a glimpse into their public lives without sacrificing their personal privacy. Seeing them with their family at the Chelsea Flower Show showed the close family bond without hordes of photographers. Now this latest video shows that they are not just paying lip service to their patronages but taking a real interest and getting to know the people involved in their charities.
DeleteI am also more and more pleased with William's role in this special. He added a bit of levity and male ineptness with the roulade making! I was also struck by how much he sounds like Charles especially with his laugh!!! He's turned into a real Windsor now!!! I loved Kate's small quips of family life- I'm sure as any proud mum, she would love to share more. Plus, these charities got a 2 for 1 bonus- a royal visit in real time, and a special tv advert for the work that they do. And Mary Berry is a treat unto herself as well. Loved it...
DeleteAnd another thought.... Perhaps William is more comfortable, because his wife and family are more adept in the media spotlight. He was just as fierce with the media about Kate as Harry is for Meghan. The Sussexes are still figuring out their own family dynamics- they'll get their groove just like Will and Kate.
DeleteI agree, ladies. William and Kate seem content to have found the balance they need. And they are such kind, caring people, witty, calm and realistic, I'd say. Good for their children and good for the monarchy!
DeleteHoosierLori, I love your insight about William's apparent increased comfort level. Your matter of fact point about H&M was so refreshing. I think we forget the learning curve W&K were on over the years, even with all those dating years together under their belt. They totally have hit their stride. I think with H&M, considering they were older & more established & media savvy as individuals, my take is they possibly underestimated the requisite & natural growing/transition period that just can't be jumped over.. I think with patience & a deep breath they too will grow into their own style & over time will find & hit their own stride. :) xx
DeleteJust watched it. Absolutely wonderful. Thanks Charlotte. I am impressed but not sure if I would try those recipes.
ReplyDeleteI hope this stays up long enough for me to see it. It sounds like it was a wonderful show.
ReplyDeleteJust finished watching the youtube link Charlotte provided (thank you very much)!! This special not only highlighted the charities and the wonderful people involved but, for me, it truly captured the Christmas spirit!! They really seem like genuinely happy people trying to live their life doing their sincere best to make a difference. Really appreciated the insights into the charities as well as William and Kate's personalities. I read an article where Mary Berry commented on William and Kate's interaction with each other..."Describing the royal couple, she said: 'They really are a pigeon couple. It was just lovely observing them for those three days. When they are together, he is constantly touching her arm and looking over at her smiling and she is the same with him. It was very sweet to see because it was so natural.'" Heartwarming all the way around. I agree with others that this should be an annual event for the Cambridges and that the children should be involved in the future! Great post. cc
ReplyDeleteDon't have my EarPods with me & I'm not in a location where I can play the link out loud. Can't wait to watch it asap tonight! I just love everything I'm reading hear so far, both Charlotte's coverage & all the wonderful responses! I too already agree that it would be lovely & so heartwarming (& so great for the UK) for this to be an annual tradition, & eventually introducing the kids into a segment of the program. How wonderful for the country to get to know their future monarch & family! (actually 2 future monarchs counting in George).
DeleteWouldn't it also be wonderful to eventually have a companion "A Very Berry Christmas Cookbook"! With photos & commentary featuring Will & Kate & possibly Kate sharing a few of her favorite recipes!? (the marketing/PR angle of my brain is tingling) lol
I hope everyone is enjoying this lovely Holiday Season! Over here in the states, it seems coast to coast many are fighting off a pesky several week long respiratory thing that knocks one sideways. I ran into it whilst working out in LA & came home to it in Chicago & have friends fighting it out in NYC! Hopefully all will be feeling better by Christmas!
I Count you Charlotte, your blog & all of our family here at DKB as one of my great blessings each year! Wishing you all a Very Happy Christmas & A Peaceful New Year! :) xx
I couldn't wait to get home to watch...so glad the link was still up. I loved this SO much. Will and Kate are awesome together. Their banter back and forth was so funny and they just look like a couple not only who love each other, but truly LIKE each other. They came across as genuine, approachable, humble, and you could tell how interested they were in their guests. And Mary Berry is just wonderful and her recipes look delicious. I might have to try the cake with the beets!!
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, when do you think we might see the Cambridge Christmas Card? I can’t remember when they announce that and I can’t wait to see how little Louis has grown!
ReplyDeleteTammy, my guess is today or tomorrow before the family disperses for Christmas break.
Deletenice
ReplyDeleteAlso, is Mary Berry really 84? I can´t believe it. She looks fantastic, moves with such ease and seems very quck-witted and up to date with today´s world (I hope this doesn´t sound offensive, it is not meant to be).
ReplyDeleteHonestly, if she was 64, I would still think she is great.
Ella
Merry Christmas from all of us! Here's to a season of love and harmony for everyone, especially you
ReplyDeleteI was able to see much of it before it was blocked. So charmed by Kate’s natural, compassionate, graceful way with everyone she met. It bodes well for her future as queen. She will be splendid.
ReplyDeleteYou can still find it on YouTube!
DeleteThank you, Charlotte, so much! ~~Love this post, and ALL your posts. Truly exceptional.
ReplyDeletePatricia, Minneapolis
Thank you so much Charlotte for posting the link to the "Very Berry Christmas" special. This may seem silly, but I felt so moved watching it & got quite choked up at parts. It was all such a feast for the eyes, I can't wait to try the recipes.... but it was just the bringing forward of all these people working behind the scenes to help so many who are suffering.... then to see how important it is to Will & Kate to have them in their lives & how much it means to both sides... I just found it so moving... there is so much we can do with so little, in each of our days that can mean so much.... just a smile & a kind word can touch someone who is having a tough time. Blessings to you all during this special season & may we hold on to these feelings all the year through. xx
ReplyDeleteIn the 1990s, well-known American sports franchises have actually likewise contributed to the appearance of cheap streetwear with their caps, coats as well as their extra-large jacket goods.
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