Thursday 26 January 2023

The Prince & Princess Visit Community Lifeline Windsor Foodshare

The Prince and Princess of Wales visited Windsor Foodshare to hear more about their important work and the support they are providing to individuals and families in the area.

With soaring energy prices and dramatic increases in the price of essentials such as groceries, the cost of living crisis is the dominating concern in households across the country. An aspect of this conversation which often goes unheard is the ripple effect across the board throughout multiple areas in the lives of young families. I've been researching early years in the United Kingdom ahead of the launch of Kate's new initiative next week, and I've been struck by the rather stark disconnect between government and headlines and figures and the actual biting reality of years of underinvestment. We'll be chatting about it in detail next week, but I thought it noteworthy now to underscore the overlapping difficulties.

These community based engagements, whether it be near royal residences such as today, or 'away days' across the UK are a firm favourite of mine and a necessary staple in the royal calendar. The King and the Queen Consort prioritised these in their previous roles (and still do if the first months of the monarch's reign are any indication) and it is exactly the direction I hope to see the Waleses travelling in. This is a situation whereby people in the area may read a new story about the engagement and possibly discover the charity for the first time and do their bit to help out by donating. It's also an opportunity to celebrate grassroots heroes who quietly volunteer to make a difference.

The Prince and Princess arriving.

They were welcomed by the charity's team.

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Kensington Palace said: "Marking its tenth anniversary later this year, Windsor Foodshare provides short-term weekly help in the form of food parcels containing ambient foods, bread, eggs, fresh fruit and vegetables to any local household where there is a likelihood of an individual or family going hungry due to a lack of funds. Toiletries and cleaning products are also provided on a monthly basis. The organisation, which forms part of Windsor Christian Action, is completely reliant on monetary and food donations from individuals, businesses and local retail outlets."

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The Prince and Princess spent time with those operating the service and learned more about their work.

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Windsor Foodshare operates under the guiding principle: treat everyone as equals and make no judgements on their circumstances.

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A Palace spokesperson added: "Their Royal Highnesses also heard about the impact that the rising cost of living has had on the demand for the service, which operates on a referral basis from a variety of sources such as schools, doctors, social services, churches and community wardens. In 2022 the charity helped to feed over 7,000 local residents, an increase of 18% from the previous year’s support, meaning that on average 150 people receive food per week from Windsor Foodshare."

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The couple rolled up their sleeves.

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Hello! reports:

'As the Princess sorted tins of spaghetti she bombarded volunteers with questions, such as how how many clients are helped each week.

William stopped by and teased his wife: "There's too much nattering going on here! We need to speed things up a bit! I've already learnt who the chatty ones are here."

In return Kate teased him about his loading of the trolley. "It was a bit of a mess," her husband said with mock sheepishness. 

"This really is a wonderful place for bringing people together," the Princess remarked.'

A video from the visit.

Yahoo reports:

'Prince William jokingly chastised his wife whilst visiting a food bank to see how families are being supported during the cost-of-living crisis. The Prince of Wales interrupted a conversation between Kate and volunteers, quipping: 'Excuse me, too much nattering going on over here", before offering to come back and help "without the entourage"

For those in the vicinity, the charity accepts food donations at Dedworth Green Baptist Church from 9 am to 1.30 pm on Wednesdays; and 9 am to 3 pm on Thursdays. Below, locals dropping in trolleys of donations.

They also have an Amazon Wishlist.

If you would like to make a monetary donation please click here for details.

Kensington Palace shared a video, describing the visit as "wonderful".

We saw the Princess in familiar pieces today.

Kate wore her Hobbs Tilda coat.

Below, Kate wearing the piece during a visit to Harrow last November.

The piece is made from a biodegradable wool fabric. More from the product description:

'Immaculately cut, your forever wardrobe starts with our iconic tailored Tilda coat. Seam detailing creates a feminine shape, while the colour-matched piping and Melton undercollar showcase the attention to detail Hobbs is known for. We've also added a handy internal ticket pocket to keep your phone and cards accessible. This garment is made from naturally warm and biodegradable brushed wool fabric that's kinder on the planet with a recycled polyester lining to help reduce landfill.'

The Tilda is available in multiple colours.


 Below, the style in 'Rhubarb Red'.

Once again, Kate teamed the coat with a piece from the Hobbs London Sustain Collection -- the Lara Merino Wool Roll Neck Sweater. The fine-gauge knit piece features gold button detailing on the sleeves and is crafted from merino wool certified by the Responsible Wool Standard. The piece is currently discounted from £160 to £125 on the Hobbs website.

Kate wore her wide-leg Jigsaw High Waisted Sports Luxe navy trousers.

It very much looks like Kate wore her Emmy London Josie shoes in navy.

Kate accessorised with her Orelia London Huggie Hoop earrings.

I anticipate we'll see several engagements next week to coincide with Kate's early years initiative. I'm also excited to share a new royal project of my own with you all later next week. If we don't chat before then, I hope you all have a great weekend!

56 comments:

  1. An appropriate outfit for the engagement -- polished but reasonably practical. I've always loved that intense pink shade and think it works well with navy. I have a J Crew short coat and a longer one from Reiss in a very similar color. (I've mentioned before, though, that I've had quality issues with Reiss. My deep-pink coat is fine, but other items I bought were very problematic. Buyers beware. I haven't tried Hobbs yet.)

    The New York Times published an article this morning concerning food insecurity in the UK, and of course we are facing similar problems in the US, especially as pandemic aid for low-income families is coming to an end. Food banks are a godsend, but long-term solutions are necessary, though it's difficult to get around small-government, pull-yourselves-up-by-the-bootstraps obstructionists in Congress when it comes to these matters.

    Speaking of the New York Times, and in keeping with my occasional contemptuous remarks about British tabloid culture, I thought some readers of this blog might be interested in Zeynep Tufekci's piece on the subject of the tabloids and the British royals. Tufekci is a sociologist and regular Times columnist. I hasten to reiterate that I have not read Prince Harry's book, but what I've read in reputable publications, like the Times, about the subject Tufekci is discussing has somewhat soured me on the royals. I note that a few readers of this blog have decided no longer to follow the Princess of Wales and the other royals. I doubt I'll go that far, but I am considering it.

    https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/25/opinion/harry-meghan-tabloids.html

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    1. I feel the same way as you Vittoria. When Meghan married into the family I was certain that she would not fit in very well, at least in the beginning. But at no point did I foresee this degree of unravelling and the actions by the rest of the royals that precipitated all of it. I am incredibly disappointed and feel no joy in royal watching anymore, even though I have been reading Charlotte's blog from basically the day she started it.

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    2. It's interesting that Americans rely on US media to determine our favorability of the Monarch and his extended family. Perhaps it makes us feel better regarding the lack of results from our leaders and their constant fighting. Or, perhaps we're finally processing the end of Queen Elizabeth II's reign. Our grief takes the form of disappointment, the tabloid issues have always existed. Perhaps they bother us more without the comfort of QEII. Perhaps it bothers us that the family dynamics are naturally shifting as when any matriarch dies and the grandkids scatter in different directions.

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    3. I shared your doubt about Meghan Markle's ability to adapt to royal life, and I certainly expected nothing good from the trashy tabloids. But never did it occur to me that members of the Palace machine and even members of the royal family itself might seek to undermine what could and should have been a golden asset, in an apparent belief that royal public relations are a zero-sum game.

      It should have occurred to me, though. While I was not a fan of Diana, the late Princess of Wales, I did recognize that she hadn't been well-served by royal staffers and her various in-laws. I suppose I assumed that some important lessons had been learned. It would seem I was quite wrong.

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    4. Thank you Vittoria for the link. I must say I think it disingenuous from the New York Times to say the British press is one of "its most revolting institutions." I suppose they think of themselves as the real deal, the ethical and truthful journalists, nothing in common with those atrocious tabloids. They wouldn't print unsubstantiated accusations, would they?
      Having read Harry's book, what is striking is that the RF has to live under constant scrutiny, constant criticism and lack of privacy. They found some ways to cope, the first being the advice King Charles repeatedly gave his sons, not to read anything about themselves. Or as Prince Philip put it do not make it about yourself. Praise or criticism are not about you. Do not explain do not complain. Because once you do, you open a door it is very difficult to close again, those are words of Prince William. We are seeing right now exactly that. In the last weeks there have been thousands of articles, interviews, social media posts targeting William and Kate. Revolting and atrocious ones. One could even call it a smear campaign. There hasn't been a single reaction, not a single statement issued.

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    5. I had also read the NY Times opinion piece and found it credible and disturbing. However I do not subscribe to the "either-or" approach of being Team Kate or Team Meghan. As women, we readers can empathize with the unfair difficulty they each face and stay agnostic about the very different choices they have each made in the face of intrusive media.

      Even though Kate was white, I remember that she had years of having to rise above unkind tabloid attention as did her family. That doesn't belittle Meghan for making a different choice. I continue to find this blog very interesting and I continue to respect Kate as well as wanting to see what she wears and learn about what she does and why. I admire Kate's commitment to the path she has chosen and her grace under international pressure. Thank you Charlotte!

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    6. I have read both articles in today's New York Times that Vittoria cites, and share her concerns, both about the issue of food instability and its impact on early child development and the tabloid skewering of the Duchess of Sussex. I hope that, going forward, there's more focus on the intersection of poverty and early child development and efforts to address this. A visit to a more economically challenged part of England than Windsor would be important to highlight needs in those areas, where volunteer donations may not be as abundant as they are in today's visit. It's fine for the Wales to banter between themselves, but wouldn't demonstrating some level of concern that food banks like this need to exist be more appropriate?

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    7. Hi Vittoria, I'm one of those people who just was plain overwhelmed & had their interest in Royal Watching turned inside out, after reading the book. It is very well written, but it brought into question all that I thought I knew about the Family & had seen with my own 2 eyes...... it made me feel like I had been fed a storyline that in truth didn't exist! It made me feel like "all the world's a stage", when it came to the BRF & that they were putting out what they wanted us to see, even if it was the complete opposite of what was truly real. My feelings about W&K were severely brought into question.... something that truly rocked my world! Finally, the idea that they would all (even H&M) throw each other under the bus, to get their side front & center..... at what cost, I asked myself? I too didn't want to feed into this "game" any longer, not even realizing that I had been a willing/if naive participant.

      However, after stepping back from it all..... something happened that I did not expect. I actually felt differently, after having allowed myself to process everything, during my "time out".

      I am back.... albeit, not as naively as before..... I see them all in a different, more balanced light. I see them more as human beings, living in a given situation & fulfilling roles that have value & doing the best they can each day, just like the rest of us.

      I have a feeling that true & positive growth can come out of this difficult time... & I think it will. After I began to come out of my negative funk, I looked at W&K & thought about how hard they've worked to break many of the molds, in the way they are raising their family. I also educated myself, as to how many of the European Royal Houses conduct themselves, with regard to their greater extended Royal Families. I think we are going to see something entirely different from W&K, as they get closer to their reign & that they already have in place a definitive plan, to allow for Charlotte & Louis to live fully informed & fulfilling lives, even if not serving the Crown directly.

      I find myself actually excited now, to see how things will unfold for the Wales Family!

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    8. Hello dear Vittoria, greetings from a very hot Australia. I love to read your posts, and having been blessed during my life to have had a wonderful career in the media. Unlike working for elements of the British Press, I was grateful to work for an amazing Australian based media company, with strong standards & disciplines both on-air & off-air. About 2 months ago, I did mention on Charlotte’s other blog that may be the time had come for me to take a break from the noise that was surrounding H & M. Then an unexpected serious cancer diagnosis through a little spanner into my world. As I lay in hospital, I thought of both couples & decided that life is indeed too short to hold grudges, develop view points when we don’t know the whole story, or like or dislike one or the other because of what we we were reading. Because, that really is our only filter to make these judgements. So, I decided this … I would read Harry’s book for myself, and make up my own mind. I can safely say, it is very different than how it was sensationally described. I also believe, that like his dear Mum before him, both he & Meghan have been blinded & tainted by the memories of his recent history this has added to their sadness & difficulties. Both sides have faults, both sides have made poor decisions, and I would hope that both of them have the maturity to make amends. I won’t be leaving either of Charlottes wonderful blogs, and if I had a dream - it would be that 2023 is a year of reconciliation for all of them.
      I totally agree - our gorgeous Princess looks stunning in this shade of red, it’s one of my favourite colours on her & a wonderful charity to help people most at need, during this difficult time for our world. I urge us all to remember that when we make comments, to show kindness, understanding and empathy. Let’s not blindly believe everything that we read - and life is too short, not to make up with those that we love. Sending you all lots of love from Australia, and thank you to so many of you that sent me through most heartwarming messages. As I lay in my hospital bed, I shed many tears, and am so grateful to know that we are all here for each other. And, that’s a truly lovely feeling. Thank you xx

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    9. Natacha, I really don't want to get into a wrangle with anyone on the subject of the royal family's relationship with the tabloids. I've said what I have to say about that for the time being.

      However, on the subject of the New York Times, as a newspaper baby who grew up surrounded by reporters and editors and who acquired a deep familiarity with newspapers both here and abroad, I can confirm that it is "the real deal." As the national paper of record here in the US, it employs a battalion of fact checkers and researchers and has bureaus around the world. It is not flawless, but when it makes an error, it publishes easily-accessible corrections, to which readers are directed on page 2 of every issue. Any comparison between the Times and the Daily Mail & Co is simply laughable.

      I might also point out that Tufekci's is an opinion piece, not an editorial position paper. Opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of a given newspaper, and frankly, I rather doubt that the NYT will ever assume an editorial stance on the British or any other royals, beyond stating, should it ever need stating, that the US doesn't need or want a monarchy.

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    10. Agree, Vittoria, that the NYT is the real deal. If that becomes inaccurate, there is little hope in the world for truthful reporting.

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    11. Dee, sending you lots of love and good wishes today!

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    12. New York Times takes an objective view of news. Opinion pieces - such as the one Vittoria cited above - are opinions of writers. The writer cited actual sources and facts when putting forth her claim - which is what you are supposed to do. Tabloid trash in the media, the likes of Express, Daily Mail etc. are not objective narrators of truth. Natascha - I do not know whether you are from the USA or not, but it would help to argue about the facts rather than trash the messenger, in case the writer of the opinion piece. What exactly is your point?

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    13. 17:41: I am not from the USA. I thought the opinion piece subjective and manipulative. In that sense not very different from the tabloids who also cite sources and facts. That's why I thought it was rather ironic. Perhaps I am being cynical. Anyway this isn't about the reputation of the New York Times and I am happy and ready to
      trust your word and that of Vittoria that the paper is a paragon of objectivity.

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    14. There is no such newspaper that takes an objective view these days. The NYT is no different. They are so far to the left and woke it's laughable. There are so many articles that show this bias and not just opinion pieces. I don't think it's fair to Site them as fact when they aren't. They are one side of the coin and they find things to match that agenda. There is always a flip side to the coin. So I would take them with a grain of salt like any newspaper. I'm also actually shocked people are believing H and M so easily. There are always 2 sides to every story and this is theirs. Having said that so much of things they have said has proven to be lies so it's hard for me to believe anything they say. Once again they are pushing their agenda. It makes me sad that people so easily give up royal watching based on one's person's very biased view which may or may not be true. Will and Kate have their faults but basing them on other people's opinion isn't fair. That's just my two cents.

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    15. First, best wishes for your recovery, Dee. I'm sorry you are going through a terrible time. I've followed this blog forever, but rarely comment. It's been interesting to see a relatively more serious tone of the comments in recent weeks. Perhaps the tenor of the times along with the new positions for W&C. In any case, I'm appreciating it along with still wanting to follow the fashion. More is more ... on that note, I'm also very eager to see what Charlotte has in store for us soon.

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    16. NC, I think people are believing Harry (it's just his book, not his wife's) because he has not had a voice for 38 years. This is his turn after everyone else has spoke for him and about him. And according to the MW dictionary, Woke is now defined in this dictionary as “aware of and actively attentive to important facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social justice)." Not so bad. :)

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    17. Allison. That's actually pretty funny. That may be the true definition of woke but that isn't at all how it is in the real world. It's been twisted into something that isn't very good and part of cancel culture. Another example is feminism and how that has been twisted from the true definition into something more volatile. And the more I think about people believing Harry I think it's just the people who where already fans of theirs. To me their actions speak louder than words and there is so much hypocrisy and falsehood that I don't trust them.

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  2. I know not the most important thing but... love Kate's outfit. It's something I could copy😃.

    This couple is so amazing. They are such an example on living with grace, dignity, and class. Despite all the personal stress and sadness they have, they consistently put on a happy face show love to others. Love their interactions with each other too. So cute! The publicity they give to these charities makes a big difference just by showing up.

    And Charlotte, your write ups are so helpful too! Thanks for the links! You are making a difference too!

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  3. I’d like to share something. Part of my life story . I’ve been an advocate for food banks and food sharing programs for a long time. As a child we qualified for boxes of generic food marked “US Surplus”. If anyone has head the slang expression “gov’ment cheese” it was a reference to the orange colored cheddar block from these boxes. Fast forward in years . . When I was a young adult, I fell on hard times and had to sign up to take a box of food from a food pantry.

    It’s very humbling, humiliating and difficult for many people to sign themselves up even if they are referred by doctors and social services. The people running these programs are kind and treat those in need with dignity. The best thing in that box was name brand of crackers. It made me feel better.
    If you can give to pantries , please read their lists and get nice things for the people. I’m in a great place in life now where I can and do give back.

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    1. It was very generous of you to provide this information and tell of your experience. You reminded me today that helping others in small ways are appreciated. Thank you.

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  4. Susan in Florida26 January 2023 at 17:35

    The writer of the food box story was me , Susan in Florida. I forgot to put my name in first before writing the post . I hope everyone has enough to eat and will get help to supplement their household if they do not. There’s no shame trying to stay healthy.

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    1. Susan, thank you for sharing your story with us! It is very true that reaching out for help is a brave act. It is humbling but there is absolutely no shame in it - plus there are people who are really happy to be able to help. Zora from Prague

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    2. Valerie in Arizona26 January 2023 at 21:23

      Susan in Florida, thank you for sharing! Tacking on a bit to my comment about substitute teaching in the other post, we have seen the number of families/homeless shelters with children asking for the food bags we send home to tide students who rely on free school lunches over the weekend more than double in number—from 100 to 250. We are so grateful to our volunteer led “pantry”—mainly staffed by 65 and older retirees—who fill the orders for weekend food and deliver them to each school each week. We are grateful to the people who donate money and the local churches and grocery stores who also help out. It’s good to see the Wales’ highlighting these issues in the UK; we don’t have that kind of publicity here in Arizona just an overall grumbling about schools and taxes.

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    3. Susan, It must be hard to ask for help, but I'm very glad you did. My parents barely survived and I know they did with the help of relatives. I was hungry at times and, looking back, wish they had asked for help. I know so many people who regularly use foodbanks -- a friend of mine gores for food for herself and her children's families and she goes with her neighbor. If they get too much, they give to others or to their church.

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    4. These two just make me smile. :) I love the look and color of the jacket. She looks beautiful. Thank you to Susan for sharing your story. My school does Blessings in a Backpack (no perishable good for weekends) and it’s really helpful to hear stories. I saw somewhere that this food bank had an Amazon wishlist for food items. I also heard that some will take cash and then can buy food items cheaper in bulk. Thank you Charlotte for your post & I’m looking forward to your new project. Sue

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  5. You're exactly right, Charlotte, about the benefit of this sort of visit. Brings attention to the charity, and makes people more likely to donate. Looks like people can give in grocery stores, which certainly increases donations. I remember reading years ago about food bank networks in the US. Coordination enables the movement of excess potatoes from Idaho to the south, for example. During the pandemic, there were massive amounts of food being distributed, although you had to have a vehicle to get to the source. People were allowed to pick up bundles for others, which was good. Also, sometimes a person will reach out through our town Facebook page and ask for food. In that case, people are eager to bring their extra food. I usually place a grocery store order for the person to pick up. One person asked on Christmas day if anyone had extra food -- he and his wife were older and sick and had nothing. A family said they were leaving on vacation and literally had the equivalent of a whole Christmas dinner and brought that over. I think people are eager to donate if the cause seems real and not abstract.

    I read that Kate had a "Barbie" look today so I was happily surprised that her outfit was berry red and not bubblegum pink!! Looks very nice.

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  6. I never thought I would say that but Kate has bad hair days too! I am not the biggest fan of the outfit either. Love the Waleses poking fun at each other and giving a hand to such a good cause tho!
    Ella

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  7. I have very important question...What brand of shoes of the lady Kate is speaking with? The shoes with the eyes???

    Can't wait to see what this year has to bring!

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  8. I prefer how the coat and jumper were styled last time we saw them. Good cause though and lovely to see them both. Hope you have a good weekend, too, Charlotte (and other readers) and I look forward to your posts next week.

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  9. A fantastic charity. Well done to all those people who are working for this cause and also those who support it. Unfortunately food banks are a much needed help for many more people this year. Sadly a lot of people won't ask for help out of pride and do without. I'm a great supporter of giving to charity but also that charity begins at home. Those tinned products are vital for some be it a warm bowl of soup or hot snack like beans on toast. In my local supermarket, they leave a empty trolley by the door for people to leave food donations. They are always over flowing with food. It goes to a fantastic local charity who will give a hot dinner to anyone looking for it for a penny. Great to see The Prince and Princess of Wales supporting them. As he is now The Duke of Cornwall, the Prince has a lot of farms. It would be good to see some of that produce going to a charity like this. Charlotte both you and the Princess are keeping us on our toes waiting for yer announcements . 😂... S.😄

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  10. Sarah from California26 January 2023 at 19:33

    A wonderful out reach to so many in need during these difficult times! I love Kate's jacket! Beautiful!

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  11. Love the color of the top and sweater. Catherine looks great. Ali

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  12. This is such important work. I respect the Princess of Wales more than ever.

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  13. This is a fabulous charity that provides a marvellous, much needed service. Wonderful that the Royal couple are highlighting the efforts and effort of this charity, hopefully this will motivate people to donate. What a worthy cause, well done to them. The Princess looks lovely, the navy pants are a great fit. Love the splash of hot pink color. She looks splendid.

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  14. Thank you for a lovely post, Charlotte, and I'm very much looking forward to your new project!!! Zora from Prague

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  15. I hope they do return frequently without the cameras and in casual clothes and do a full shift and hand over food parcels to people who need them. So many people in the uk need food banks and struggle to heat their homes.

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    1. They have proven to be very true to their word. I wouldn't be surprised if they had done a large shop online either before or after their visit. S.😀

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  16. I know many others have mentioned this before.... but today, when I first saw your post (Charlotte) I thought how much Kate reminds me of the Queen Mother & how she met the people where they were, during WWII. I believe Kate is going to be remembered, for always entering in to help everyday people, when/how they need it most!

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  17. Dear Charlotte
    I love you posts and your interesting articles. I have also been reading your posts from day 1 and really appreciate it. I don’t comment much and of late have very little interest in reading the comments. Many comments are lovely however lately the comments have become picky, nasty and unnecessary. I understand there are also males commenting however I find the need for women to pull apart and criticize Catherine’s length of hair and cut off clothes and even sometimes her body shape disturbing. Why as females do some people thinks this is acceptable. Catherine always has a smile and engaging personality. She is very warm comfortable and obviously love talking with people of all ages with genuine interest and kindness. The world today is such a cruel, harsh unsafe and uncertain place. Kindness and compassion are free for all of us to use daily. The Royals aren’t perfect. Who is? Nobody that’s the answer. The world needs more love, kindness and compassion and way less negativity. Lastly none of us know the behind the scenes of the Royal family. That is private and should be private just like we all deserve privacy in our home life.
    Catherine looked lovely as usual and William and Catherine were both fun and engaging in what is an important organization that needs promoting. Thanks Charlotte

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  18. Anna from France27 January 2023 at 12:02

    I believe that this is the way I prefer to see her : commitments on the ground, doing something concrete.

    We are going through a difficult and painful period for many people, here too in France, where precariousness invites itself into homes that were spared.
    It is important, I think, to remember that solidarity and mutual aid are necessary. Because we can all need it one day, and that was my case. I do not forget it and I help as much as I can.

    On a fashion note, I am not very excited about Kate's look today. Something more casual would have been more in line with her engagement : her turtleneck with a jean for example. But I love the color !

    The end of January is approaching and finally we are going to know what you are concocting for us, Charlotte. I always look forward to it ! :)

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  19. Becca, I found your comment to be very interesting. Although I am always a firm H&M fan, before Meghan appeared, I had a happy storyline set for the RF. After Meghan appeared, I did not understand why I didn't see what I expected. I kept thinking "Why don't they do this or say that?" I believe Harry's account, but it is a freeing revelation. I was a fan of Kate because she was not the RF (until she married, of course). I have no particular interest in the other members, although I think Eugenie is an exceptional person. I have a lot of sympathy for the heir's lack of freedom. And I think that the truth will end up being a plus rather than a negative. Kate has brought many good things to the RF; it's history as a family and an institution is far from ideal. Kate and Meghan are not mythical creatures -- they are human like all of us, with difficult jobs not of their making.

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  20. I have been following both blogs for a long time.I was never a fan of princess Diana , I found her unstable and have felt sorrow about William whom Diana saw as a friend and not a son.I felt really happy for William and Kate because I felt that William became part of a real family, the Middletons, something that he had missed for sure.Chronicling Kate is now the only blog I follow. American sensationalism and reality shows aren't my thing.Thank you Charlotte for your fabulous work.

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    1. Efstathia, Although I am mainly a H&M fan, you say what I think has been a huge problem in the life of William and Harry. It's not a new problem for the RF, but I don't feel William and Harry had a home life except for a few years. Diana apparently had her mother leave home, so she was a little on her own. Diana had an amazing situation that no young woman could deal with. And she had no family like the Middletons to help. I always thought she should have either kept the boys in a home with her or, at least, made them spend weekends with her. William was lucky to have met Kate early and spend (with a teeny break) 20 years as part of a real family.

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  21. I think they need better PR people. They could have come with a donation from Duchy foods. The next day, Kate could have done quick zooms with 4 or 5 other foodbanks, to which Duchy donations also arrived. I think that would have been a great event and not taken up much extra time for Kate. Their staff is supposed to plan visits and such for them.

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    1. I agree. It’s a little late to just show up and lend vague support, they need to do more.

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    2. Very pretty outfit.

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    3. What an excellent idea they could pledge and publicise to donate to each county in the uk on a rotating monthly basis duchy foods to food banks

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    4. I am sorry but the role of monarchies is representative. It is not their job to give money or goods.

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    5. Why make this about PR?

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  22. Charlotte I have read many comments about Williams and Kates visit to the food bank. And most of it is very negative. Many are saying that they did not bring any donations. I believe just because it did not show them carrying anything in does not mean they did not make a donation, either my food or a personal check. Do you have any information on this. I hate to see them get bad press, they do so much that we never hear about.

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    Replies
    1. Even if they didn't bring anything I don't get the criticism. Has any other royal around the world done it? It seems to me that most people criticizing has no idea about monarchies. Sofia from Spain for example is a regular in food banco and I've never seen her bring anything.

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    2. With all due respect why should they do as other monarchies do ? Why not do something different The Duchy of Cornwall has a surplus of £20m per year why not use some of it to provide food for food banks and help the many people in the UK who can’t afford to eat . Actually materially help the people you serve and show you have an understanding of what people are going through? Did the King not provide a fridge to someone recently?

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    3. King Charles has donated money to Food Banks for them to buy 800 fridges and freezers. He has given the profits from a one billion pound windfarm for the people of the UK. He has spent his lifetime giving and helping charities beginning with using his severance pay from the Royal Navy when he was 21 to start up the Princes Trust which was originally to help poor young people (mainly black) start up their own businesses and now it helps approximately 60,000 young people each year in the Uk and the Commonwealth countries. There are way too many items to mention here but if you are going to be critical please do your research first.

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    4. I was saying William and Kate should be donating as The Duchy of Cornwall is now his I wasn’t criticising King Charles

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