The Royals: Lady Katie Percy celebrates fairytale wedding to Valentine at Hogwarts
Carl De Souza / AFP / Getty Images
Greace Van Cutsem (L), also to be in Prince William’s wedding.
Elspeth Lodge February 28, 2011 – 4:19 pm
Wedding bells are ringing in Britain’s aristocratic circle, not only are we looking forward to Prince William and Kate Middleton’s marriage, but also that of Zara Philips and Mike Tindall — and this weekend Lady Katie Percy finally got her Valentine, even if a little later than February 14.
A crowd gathered at St. Michael’s Church to celebrate the union of Lady Katie Percy, daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, to city banker Patrick Valentine on Saturday, reports the Sun.
The wedding was truly one of the storybooks: an antique carriage pulled along by two white horses deposited Lady Katie at the church; the bride stepped into the building, which was decorated inside with cream and green lilies, jasmine, hydrangeas and roses, beside her father; she then strode down the aisle in a long white dress of lace with an over-sized collar and a sparkling tiara; then, finally, reverend Canon Michael Webb wed the bride and groom in front of 300 guests, reports the Sun.
As the new couple left the church they were showered by the crowd with yellow rose petals and the reception party was taken to Alnwick Castle to celebrate, the home of Lady Katie’s parents’. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because it doubles as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.
High profile guests included Pippa Middleton, who arrived without Kate Middleton and Chelsy Davy who showed up sans Prince Harry. Members of the media were everywhere due to speculation Prince William and Kate Middleton would make an appearance, as they are close friends of the marrying couple. But, predictably, there was no sign of Wills or Kate who probably wanted to keep the focus on the bride and groom. There were rumors that they might have slipped in the back door, but if they did, no photographers caught a glimpse of them.
Prince William’s god daughter Grace, daughter of close friends of the Prince’s Hugh and Rose van Cutsem, was a brides maid for Lady Katie — the same role she will play at the Royal Wedding in April, reports the Express.
Prince William’s friend Thomas van Straubenzee was a groomsman, despite reports that he recently ended his relationship with the sister of the bride.
And now Lady Katie and her Valentine are living happily ever after…for now…
Christopher Furlong / Getty Images
Katie Percy arrives for her marriage to Patrick Valentine at St Michael’s Church in Alnwick, Northumberland by coach on February 26, 2011
Christopher Furlong / Getty Images
Katie Percy arrives for her marriage to Patrick Valentine at St Michael’s Church.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Katie Percy arrives by coach with The Duke of Northumberland.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Katie Percy and Patrick Valentine leave after getting married at St Michael’s Church.
Christopher Furlong / Getty Images
A general view of Alnwick Castle
Christopher Furlong / Getty Images
Chelsey Davey (L) and unidentified guests attend the wedding of Katie Percy to Patrick Valentine.
Carl De Souza / AFP / Getty Images
Grace Van Cutsem (L), Prince William’s god daughter
Carl De Souza / AFP / Getty Images
Chelsy Davy arrives for the wedding of Lady Katie Percy.
Paul Ellis / AFP / Getty Images
Pippa Middleton, the sister of Kate Middleton, fiancee of Britain’s Prince William, arrives for the wedding service of Lady Katie Percy.
As for Prince Harry…
Eddie Keogh / Reuters
Britain’s Zara Phillips (L) talks to Prince Harry before the Six Nations rugby union match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium in London February 26, 2011.
So, everyone is probably wondering where Prince Harry was while Chelsy Davy was busy partying at Lady Katie Percy’s wedding reception at Alnwick Castle . Well, he was seen in the stands that very day with his cousin Zara Phillips at a rugby game.
The royal cousins were there to watch Zara’s fiancé Mike Tindall captain England in the Six Nations match against France, reports the Express. The two royals sat side-by-side in matching red and white flat caps.
It wasn’t all fun-and-games though, the prince he appeared pitch-side at half time to promote a charity run.
Some other Royal news…
Phil Noble/Getty Images
Kate Middleton at a lifeboat naming ceremony at RNLI Lifeboat Station in Anglesey, Wales.
For all the fashionistas out there keeping abreast of Kate Middleton trends “butter London” is soon to release a limited edition nail lacquer called “No More Waity, Katie.” The color is an interesting mix of gray, beige and lilac glitter, which the company’s website calls “soft” and “elegant”— presumably like the future royal.
Could you too snag a prince with a royally polished touch? The company’s website reports the limited edition shade (that comes out March 1) has already sold out through pre-orders.
Kate Middleton fans devastated by the news can try visiting B-glowing.com who is also in possession of the shade.
Posted in: Posted, World Tags: Alnwick Castle, Chelsy Davy, Duke of Northumberland, Harry Potter, Harry Potter (film series), Kate Middleton, Mike Tindall, Prince Harry, Prince Harry of Wales, Prince William, Prince William of Wales, Royal Wedding Watch
Photos: Kate, William visit university where they first met
ANDREW MILLIGAN/AFP/Getty Images
Elspeth Lodge February 25, 2011 – 1:45 pm
After their visit Thursday to Anglesey, north Wales, the Prince William and Kate Middleton helped launch the 600th anniversary celebrations at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland — the place where they first met.
Andy Buchanan / AFP / Getty Images
Britain’s Prince William and his fiancée Kate Middleton, are pictured during a visit to St Andrews University in Scotland, on February 25, 2011
The couple joined Prince Harry in signing a book of condolence for victims of the New Zealand Earthquake, in London, reports the UKPA,”The trio attended the country’s High Commission in Haymarket to pay their respects to the 113 confirmed dead so far.”
Prince William and Ms. Middleton signed their condolences on a single page, while Prince Harry wrote his on another.
David Parker / Getty Images
Prince William signs the book
David Parker / Reuters
The fiancee of Britain’s Prince William, Kate Middleton, is watched by the Prince, as she signs the book of condolence
David Parker / Getty Images
Prince Harry signs the book of condolence
David Parker / Getty Images
Prince William with Kate Middleton’s signatures are displayed in the book of condolence in memory of those who lost their lives in the Christchurch earthquake
Posted in: Posted, World Tags: London, New Zealand, Papal Bull, Prince Harry of Wales, Prince William of Wales, Royal family, UKPA, University of St Andrews
Prince Harry devises Will’s stag do: wild watersports, BBQ and pub crawling
Lewis Whyld / Reuters
Lewis Whyld / Reuters
Britain’s Princes William (R) and Harry (L)
Elspeth Lodge February 23, 2011 – 4:38 pm
Royal Wedding Watch — In the weeks and months leading up to the Royal Wedding Posted will keep you up to date on all the latest Royal news. Today, the stag party:
Reports say Prince Harry has held secret talks (not so secret anymore) with one of Britain’s top watersports firms on the South Coast, in preparation for Prince William’s upcoming Stag-do, reports the Sun and ABC.
The two princes and 20 of their closest mates will spend a day racing through the English channel together on speedboats, wake boards, water skis, surf boards, wake skates, wake-surf boards and more.
There is only one water rule: no mixing booze while water sporting — the combination could lead to some unhappy accidents. But, not to worry, there is planned to be much drinking later in the day.
The sporting will be followed by a barbecue and a private pub crawling adventure, to bars that can only be reached by water and on foot.
“They’ve put a lot of thought into choosing the right place for the stag and one of the concerns that they had is being too public,” said ABC News’ royal contributor, Duncan Larcombe.
“One of the other plans they looked into was to rent or stay in a French ski chalet in the French Alps,” Larcombe said. “I think William’s made it quite clear that while Harry’s doing the plans in secret and it’s all a surprise for William, he has set ground rules: not too lavish, nothing that’s going to get him criticism at home and abroad for spending too much money when the economy is not rosy.”
Reports say three weekends have been booked with the watersports firm, so that there is room for altering the stag date, as details are still falling into place. The total cost of the wild weekend is not anticipated to exceed £2,500, the Sun said.
Posted in: Posted, World Tags: Bachelor Party, English Channel, French Alps, Prince Harry, Prince Harry of Wales, Prince William, Prince William of Wales, royal wedding, Royal Wedding Watch, stag party
Love is noble: Valentine’s royal round-up
Reuters/ Darren Staples
Britain’s Prince Harry kisses his on-and-off girlfriend Chelsy Davy.
Elspeth Lodge February 14, 2011 – 4:01 pm
Will Chelsy Davy be Prince Harry’s date to the Royal Wedding AND his Valentine?
Rumours have been flying for months that Chelsy Davy will accompany Prince Harry the royal wedding on April 29, but are they rekindling their romance in time for Ms. Davy to be Prince Harry’s valentine?
The evidence is shaky — the rumor mill started turning last week when they were seen clubbing, dining at a romantic restaurant and out on a Pizza date. However, Sunday, right before Valentine’s day, Ms. Davy hit the streets of New York, reports Vanity Fair. The same day the Prince was seen partying sans Ms. Davy at a female friends birthday party, in a gay night-club, reports the Mirror.
He drank more than a little alcohol, saw a burlesque show, and then left with his armed protection officers, reports the Mirror.
One clubber said: “Harry was with girls and fellas, having plenty of laughs. He was more than a little the worse for wear by the end of the night.”
About the alleged dates:
- The two were spotted together recently holding hands over braised rabbit legs and duck breast, at one the most romantic restaurant locations in the U.K. a source told PEOPLE.
- The Prince and Ms. Davy dined at Clos Maggiore, located in London’s Covent Garden.
- “They booked under a secret name,” said a restaurant source to the Telegraph.
- Later they were seen partying at a private night club called the Beaufort House, a private members’ club in Chelsea, and they left via the back door and climbed into the trunk of a Jaguar around 4 a.m., according to the Times.
- Friday the couple were seen at PizzaExpress on Greek Street in Soho, central London, with four friends, reports UKPA, and just last weekend the two were spotted together at one of the most romantic restaurants in the U.K.
Prince William gets first honorary appointment in British Army, changes wedding uniform possibility
A fit announcement in light of Valentine’s day, Prince William could be wearing red at Westminster, as he has just received his first honorary appointment in the British Army.
Until recently, royal watchers have predicted Prince William will arrive at the Abbey on April 29 clad in his spiffy Royal Air Force uniform. But, Thursday, February 10, Buckingham palace announced that Prince William has been named Colonel of the Irish Guards in the British Army, a decision that could effect his choice of wedding dress. Now, experts speculate the prince might wear the ceremonial uniform for the Colonels on his big day reveals CNN International.
“Seeing as the appointment has just been made, he jolly-well ought to wear [the colonel uniform],” historian Hugo Vickers tells PEOPLE of the new choice.
“One of the “guests” at the royal wedding will be the television cameras and they will love the red,” says Vickers. “The uniform is very smart.”
The very young, very royal wedding party
Released this weekend was a list of page boys and bridesmaids for the Royal wedding party to commence in 74 days time. On April 29, the official wedding party at Westminster Abbey will be made-up mostly of children, as royal tradition dictates— And most of the little ones will be of royal lineage.
“Adam Gabbatt, of The Guardian newspaper, said royal marriages tend to include younger people in the wedding party.’It is the tradition to have them quite young and when you look at the spread and where the bridesmaids come from and who their parents are, a lot of them are very close to the royal line,” he told CTV’s Canada AM.’”
A source confided to the Daily Mail that Princess Sophie, Louise’s mother, has been very helpful to Kate, advising her on all the do’s and don’ts of Royal life:
“Sophie and Edward are both really pleased to see how happy this has made Lady Louise,” said a source to the Mail.” She really is the loveliest, kindest, little thing. Edward and Sophie have always been terribly protective of her but she is now at school. They know she is going to have to get used to being in the limelight. And you couldn’t deny her this chance. It is the perfect age to be a bridesmaid – not too old to be intimidated or embarrassed. She is so, so excited and they are all going to look terribly sweet walking down the aisle.”
A royal source said: “Louise is thrilled to be chosen. She is absolutely cock-a-hoop and can’t stop chattering about it. She’ll look absolutely radiant on the day. Her mother is so proud,” reported the Mirror yesterday. Included:
- The Hon. Margarita Armstrong-Jones: granddaughter of Princess Margaret and great-granddaughter to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
- Miss Grace Van-Cutsem: William’s goddaughter.
- Miss Eliza Lopes: the three-year-old granddaughter of Camilla, Duchess of York.
- Master William (Billy) Lowther-Pinkerton: The ten-year-old son of Billy Lowther-Pinkerton, the private secretary to William and Harry.
- Master Tom Pettifer: The eight-year-old grandson to the Prince, is the son of the princes’ childhood nanny Tiggy Pettifer.
Posted in: Posted, U.S. Tags: British Army, Chelsy Davy, CNN International, London, Peptide, Peripheral nerve, Prince Harry, Prince Harry of Wales, UC San Diego School of Medicine, Westminster Abbey
This entry was posted on February 14, 2011. It was filed under Breaking News, Royal Ruckus, The National Post . Edit this entry.
Son of Queen’s treasurer almost played Prince William in Lifetime film
Elspeth Lodge February 4, 2011 – 1:30 pm
The character of Prince William was almost played by a man of real royal connections in Lifetime’s new film Will and Kate. But, Richard Reid, 26, the son of the Queen’s treasurer Sir Alan Reid, instead will play the role of “Ian,” a character based on the Prince’s close friend and nightclub impresario Guy Pelly, reports CNN and UKPA— though, it was originally tempting, he admitted, to go after the role of the Prince:.
“I saw that they called me in for an audition and I guess it’s every British man’s dream to actually be a prince,” he told E! online. ”I think we’re all pretty jealous of them.”
However, in the end “It probably wasn’t a role I’d be able to do at the end of the day,” Reid told E! Online of playing Prince William. “I think my dad would have stepped in and put the brakes on it … I think my dad is happy and a lot more comfortable than he would have been if I had been playing William.”
Reid told E! Online that he would love to spend a night drinking with Mr.Pelly:
“He sounds like a lot of fun. He’s definitely the kind of person I would like to spend a night with drinking. I think it can be quite an incredible night.”
The Lifetime film documenting the royal love story of Prince William and Kate Middleton is slated for filming next week and set to “heir” the week before the wedding on April 29.
Posted in: Posted, World Tags: Royal family, England, Prince William, Kate Middleton
February 5, 2011 | Categories: Breaking News | Leave A Comment » | Edit
Speculation Prince William has chosen what to wear at royal wedding
Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images
Prince William
Elspeth Lodge February 2, 2011 – 4:17 pm
As the April 29th royal wedding gets closer, royal watchers are speculating what Prince William and Kate Middleton will wear. Most of the attention has been on Ms. Middleton’s wedding dress, but attention has turned to the prince. Most want to know: will he follow tradition?
There are three reasons (in order) to predict Prince William will be sporting his RAF military garb on his big day.
1) Kate Middleton thinks Prince William’s RAF uniform is “very sexy.” It is pretty safe to say the Prince wants to entice Kate Middleton down the isle to say “I do.”
2) It is a long-standing tradition of British royal military men to wear their uniforms during their nuptials: the Prince’s father and grandfather both wed in their military garb, reports UKPA.
3) He wants to be viewed as a dutiful citizen not a posh society boy.
If the Prince does indeed wear his uniform many officials say details will be of the utmost importance:
As a Knight of the Order of the Garter he is likely to wear the Order’s blue sash, with its attached badge, and star, the UKPA reports. He has received one military honor and there are reports he will proudly wear his Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal.
This entry was posted on February 2, 2011. It was filed under Breaking News . Edit this entry.
Actress Camilla Luddington to play Kate Middleton in Lifetime film
Camilla Luddington
Elspeth Lodge February 3, 2011 – 5:08 pm
Last week, the shoes of Kate Middleton had yet to be filled, but, today, the fairly unknown actress Camilla Luddington has put on Ms. Middleton’s glass slippers and is ready to go from a commoner to future royal in Lifetime’s new made for television film Will and Kate. This means the actress has one week to prepare for filming.
Sister Amy told the Sun “Camilla is very excited. She has always followed the Royal Family and never dreamt she’d be playing in a movie about them.”
According to Hello Magazine, Ms. Luddington, 26, was educated at Oxford University and grew up in Berkshire, just a few miles from Ms. Middleton’s home. Though she now lives in L.A., she has only held small roles in U.S. dramas and soap operas — including Days Of Our Lives and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, said Metro U.K.
Nico Evers-Swindell of Law & Order and NCIS: Los Angeles is set to play Prince William, while Ben Cross of Chariots of Fire has been cast as Prince Charles.
February 4, 2011 | Categories: Breaking News | Leave A Comment » | Edit
Company launches royal wedding souvenir condoms
Elspeth Lodge January 31, 2011 – 12:22 pm
Kate and William have already had to switch the order of their initials on royal commemorative china (W.C., for William and Catherine, was a little too close to “water closet,” or toilet). But even worse than loo-themed souvenirs? Royal wedding themed condoms.
Produced by Royal Jewels Condoms of Distinction, the products have the classy catchphrase: “Like a Royal Wedding, intercourse with a loved one is an unforgettable occasion.”
Hugh Pomfret, a spokesman from Crown Jewels Condoms of Distinction, said in a statement:
“Crown Jewels Royal Wedding Souvenir prophylactics are a unique way to remember this great British occasion. All at Crown Jewels have worked tirelessly to craft these heirloom quality love sheathes. In years to come, they will be a timeless memento of a magical wedding day.”
Poor taste aside, people who purchase the condoms should be sure to read the following disclaimer: “Crown Jewels Royal Wedding Souvenir Condoms are a novelty condom not suitable for contraception or protection against STDs.” Meaning a few more heirs — royal or otherwise — might soon emerge if consumers don’t read the fine print.
Posted in: Posted, World Tags: England, Kate Middleton, Prince William of Wales, Royal family, royal wedding
Royal wedding save-the-date faxes sent out
Mario Testino
Britain’s Prince William and Kate Middleton pose in one of two official engagement portraits.
Elspeth Lodge January 26, 2011 – 3:29 pm
While swanky, hand-written, gold-embossed invitations make their way to royal wedding guests, the Queen is relying on 1992′s favorite technology, the fax, to make sure Europe’s crowned heads don’t make other plans for April 29th. She instructed her personal secretary to fax save-the-date letters to the most important European heads of state.
“It’s a sort of pre-invitation, asking them to keep the date free. It’s been done because of their diary commitments, but they haven’t received a gold embossed invitation yet,” a senior Buckingham Palace official told the Daily Express.
Protocol dictates that European heads of state are given earlier notice than foreign heads of state and non-VIP guests, writes the Telegraph.
A Buckingham Palace courtier explained to the Mail: “Faxes have been used before for large-scale events. They are an efficient and polite way to inform people as quickly as possible.”
The “real” hand-written, gold-embossed invitations will delivered to all 1,800 guests by the Lord Chamberlain’s Office in around three weeks’ time, revealed the Express.
In the past few days, spokesmen have been responding on behalf of the families who received the faxes and several guests have already been confirmed, including the royal households of Spain, Holland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Belgium.
The Express reports the first household to respond was that of the Crown Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia (the godson of the Queen). His representative said: “Their Royal Highnesses are delighted to attend the marriage and are very happy for the young couple.”
Posted in: Posted, World Tags: Alexander Crown Prince of Yugoslavia, Daily Mail, Kate Middleton, Lord Chamberlain’s Office, Prince William, Royal family, royal wedding, The Queen
Read more: http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/01/26/royal-wedding-save-the-date-faxes-sent-out/#ixzz1CFsfbbbA
January 27, 2011 | Categories: Breaking News | Leave A Comment » | Edit
Canada Post rains on royal wedding day
Phil Noble, Reuters
Mugs in Britain mark the engagement of Prince William to Kate Middleton. The Monarchist League of Canada is criticizing Canada Post for its decision not to issue a stamp commemorating the April 29 royal wedding. Canada Post says the turnaround is too tight.
Elspeth Lodge, National Post · Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011
A group celebrating the country’s loyalty to the British Crown is asking for a stamp honouring the upcoming wedding of Prince William to Kate Middelton, but Canada Post said it has no plans to commemorate the royal nuptials.
“It would be a nice gesture towards Canada’s future king and queen. It would also be a best-seller, no doubt,” said Robert Finch, Dominion chairman of the 10,000-member Monarchist League of Canada.
Canada Post requires two years’ notice to issue a stamp and its 2011 stamp program was finalized last March, said Jim Phillips, director of stamp services at Canada Post.
“Physically, I don’t even think we’d be able to do it,” he said about issuing a William and Kate stamp in time for the April 29 wedding.
Canada Post receives as many as 600 stamp ideas from the public each year, Mr. Phillips said, but this is the first time he has heard a request to commemorate the royal wedding. There have, however, been about 15 requests to recognize Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, a stamp that is in the works.
Most new stamps need to be about something Canadian, Mr. Phillips said, although Canada has produced stamps to honour the monarchy as Canada’s head of state since the reign of Queen Victoria.
Mr. Phillips said he hasn’t even heard an announcement from The Royal Mail, the British postal service, about a royal wedding stamp. But if the United Kingdom issues a commemorative stamp, Canada Post will try to make some available for Canadian customers since they would likely be collectors’ items.
Mr. Finch said Canada Post has been good about producing new stamps honouring Queen Elizabeth over the past few years. “It used to be that we monarchists would have to mount campaigns to have a Queen stamp produced. That’s not the case today. So, we’re happy in that sense,” he said.
Nathan Tidridge, author of the upcoming book Constitutional Monarchy, was disappointed by the postal service’s decision not to honour the upcoming royal wedding given the importance of the monarchy in Canada.
“I believe it stems from a lack of education,” he said of the Canada Post decision. “When we create a stamp we’re not doing it to celebrate the British monarchy, we’re doing it to celebrate the Canadian monarchy.”
elodge@nationalpost.com
Read more: http://www.nationalpost.com/Canada+Post+rains+royal+wedding/4078584/story.html#ixzz1AZ0g3zgb
2010 in Review: The year in royalty
Elspeth Lodge December 29, 2010 – 8:10 am
They may be members of the leisured classes, but the world’s aristocrats stayed plenty busy in 2010. From shacking up to hits in the “crown jewels,” broken legs, peeing snakes and snake-clad “glamour models” — oh, and apparently some sort of engagement — we present the year in royalty.
January 6: The first-ever joint portrait of Princes William and Harry is displayed at The National Portrait Gallery. Prince Harry complains that it makes him too “ginger” and that it gave his brother more hair than he deserved.
January 15: Kate Middleton watches William’s graduation ceremony (reportedly, he passed with “flying colours”) from a Royal Air Force advanced helicopter training course (skills which include: night handling, advanced and emergency handling, and formation flying).
Dylan Martinez/ Reuters
Britain’s Prince William’s girlfriend Kate Middleton (R) smiles during the Sovereign’s Parade at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, southern England December 15, 2006. Prince William, eager to draw a line under a decade of conspiracy theories about the death of his mother Princess Diana, graduated as an army officer on Friday to launch his military career. REUTERS/Tim Ockenden/PA/WPA/Pool (BRITAIN)
William gets one step closer to his goal of becoming an RAF search and rescue pilot, and Kate’s attendance sparks speculation of an impending engagement.
January 17: Prince William arrives in Auckland for an official visit to New Zealand. (He flies business class in an attempt to be a “regular guy.”) While playing rugby with Auckland’s under-10 rugby squad, he’s hit in the groin with the ball; a youngster says proudly afterwards: “We got him in the crown jewels.”
Jan.25: Prince Harry reportedly moves in with long time girlfriend Chelsey Davy, with Ms. Davy giving him a key to her London flat for weekend visits.
CHRIS RATCLIFFE/AFP/Getty Images
(FILES) Photo shows Prince Harry and his girlfriend Chelsea Davy laughing before the Investec Challenge international rugby match South Africa vs. England in Twickenham, west London, on November 22, 2008. Prince Harry, third in line to the throne, has split with his girlfriend Chelsy Davy after five years, British media reported on January 24, 2009.AFP PHOTO / Chris Ratcliffe (Photo credit should read CHRIS RATCLIFFE/AFP/Getty Images)
February: Asked about the prospect of an invite to the Royal wedding, William says “Oh, you’ll have to wait a while yet.”
March 17: Prince William and Kate holiday with Kate’s family on the slopes of Courchevel, France. Rumors of an impending engagement grow stronger.
March 25: Prince Charles visits troops in Afghanistan. The prince, an honorary colonel of 10 regiments, reportedly laid a wreath at Camp Bastion in memory of 276 members of the British forces who have died; he spent the night with troops at a camp in Helmand province, after visiting Kabul.
April 8: Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, breaks her leg while hiking in Scotland.
April 9: It comes to light that Prince Carl Philip of Sweden began dating glamour model Sofia Hellqvist, known chiefly for her skill at posing alluringly while wearing only a snake.
April 15: It’s announced that Prince William is to be posted to Anglesey, North Wales as a search and rescue pilot.
April 25: Princess Beatrice becomes the first royal to complete the London marathon. And it was as part of a “human caterpillar.” According to the Telegraph, the 21-year-old princess joined her American boyfriend David Clark and 32 other people to run the length of the 26.2-mile course tied together with bungee cords.
April 30: “The Prince’s Foundation for Integrated Health,” a charity founded by Prince Charles, closes just days after a former official was arrested for money laundering.
May 7: Prince Harry graduates from an army pilots’ course at the Army Aviation Center in Andover, England. Chelsy Davy attends.
May 9:Princes Harry and William’s favorite polo pony, Drizzle, dies of a heart-attack at a charity polo match. The princes are said to be “very upset.”
May. 20: Prince Harry celebrates his qualification as helicopter pilot by going to Africa with Chelsea Davy and backpacking through Botswana and South Africa.
May 23: Princess Eugenie has a new boyfriend, soon after break-up with Otto Brockway, the nephew of Virgin tycoon Sir Richard Branson. (Apparently, completing a marathon tied together doesn’t cement relationships). Her new beau is barman Jack Brooksbank.
June: The official announcement that Prince Albert of Monaco is engaged to his long-time girlfriend Charlene Woodstock, a South African who swam in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.
June 15: Prince Harry threatens William with a python (as a joke) at Mokolodi Wildlife Foundation near Gaborone. The snake, clearly not impressed by royalty, then pees next to William’s feet.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Prince Harry and Prince William hold an African rock python during a visit to Mokolodi Education Centre.
June 17: The two princes visit orphans in Lesotho.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Prince Harry and Prince William talk to children as they visit the Mokolodi Education Centre.
June 19: Princess Victoria of Sweden marries Prince Daniel, Duke of Vastergotland in a traditional ceremony at Stockholm Cathedral. In a previous, less heavily titled life, Daniel was the princess’ personal trainer.
June 20: Wild-fire rumours that Chelsea Davy and Prince Harry have split because Chelsy has decided to move back to Africa.
June 24: The Queen visits Wimbledon and reveals she’s not a huge tennis fan when she asks nine-time champion Martina Navratilova if she played in Wimbledon often.
July: The 22nd official royal visit to Canada by the Queen. She gets that most Canadian of tributes: an exhibit at the Hockey Hall of Fame, with PM Stephen Harper telling her: “You are not only victorious, happy and glorious, you are also Canada’s most valuable player.”
July 4: Countryside fund started by Prince of Wales to raise millions of pounds for depressed rural areas.
July 6: The Queen addresses the UN for the first time since 1957. The U.S. ambassador had more pressing issues to deal with and skipped the event altogether.
July 10: Buckingham Palace announces that Peter Phillips and his Montreal-born wife, Autumn, are “delighted to confirm they are expecting a baby” — a child who will be 12th in the line of succession, and the Canadian believed to have the best chance of someday assuming the throne
Jul.25: The Queen opens her photographs up to the world on Flickr—more than 600 pictures of the royals, both archival and new.
August 6: The Danish Court announces Danish Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary are expecting twins, due in January 2011.
August 7: The Duchess of York faces a reported US$8-million in debt. One key adviser reportedly tells her that declaring bankruptcy may be the only way out.
August 25:Prince Nikolaos of Greece marries Tatiana Blatnik, an even planner for Diane Von Furstenberg.
October: Prince William is in Africa on holiday. At some point, he proposes to Kate Middleton in Kenya; the world is kept in the dark about the engagement until November.
October 23 :Kate and William are photographed attending the Gloucestershire wedding of a friend, again sparking rumors of engagement.
November 2: Kate Middleton’s parents visit Balmoral, the Royals’ country estate. Many believe this is the definite sign that the couple are engaged.
November 7: The Queen joins Facebook. Anti-monarchist comments appear on her wall, and are quickly quashed.
November 16: Clarence House officially announces the engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton. The world goes insane, and Kate Middleton’s blue engagement dress is the subject of a £25 supermarket knock-off.
Reuters / Suzanne Plunkett
Nathalie Atkinson thinks the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton could be a marketing coup for the royal family
November 19: Prince Charles suggests in a television interview that the Duchess of Cornwall could become ‘Queen’ Camilla when he becomes king.
November 20: We have a venue: it’s announced that Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding is to be in April at Westminister Abbey.
Paul Hackett/Reuters
Ding dong the bells are gonna chime? Will Kate Middleton and Prince William marry at historic Westminster Abbey?
November 21: Prince William’s former nanny says the royal engagement is “fan-flaming-tastic!”
November 23: David Cameron confirms the royal wedding will be a public holiday. Businesses warn that the long weekend will cost the economy £5-billion.
December 2: Snoop Dogg’s royal tribute is announced: a “perfect anthem for Prince William or any playa to get the club smokin.’” Snoop expresses his desire to perform at the royal stag party, but his invitation must still be in the Royal Mail.
December 10: As many as 20 protesters fighting education price hikes surrounds the car of Prince Charles and Camilla, smashing its windows and throwing white paint. Some yell “Off with their heads!” The couple still makes it to a planned charity event, but makes the return trip in a police van.
December 21: It’s announced that Zara Phillips is engaged to her rugby playing boyfriend, Mike Tindall. Ms. Phillips is the eldest granddaughter of the Queen, who is reportedly delighted by the news.
December 28: Alas, a wax Kate Middleton won’t appear at Madame Tussaud’s until after the royal wedding, Reuters reports. Once Ms. Middleton agrees to pose, the wax sculpture will take up to four months to complete. The museum is waiting to hear if the future royal will donate an authentic “Kate Middleton” dress for the statue. Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip, Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, and Princes William and Harry have already been modelled in wax.
With files from National Post staff
Read more: http://news.nationalpost.com/2010/12/29/2010-in-review-the-year-in-royalty/#ixzz19ZbC2LVz
Post Primer: The royal engagement photos
Elspeth Lodge December 13, 2010 – 12:12 pm
The official engagement photos of Kate Middleton and Prince William were released to the world on Sunday. Below, the portraits demystified.
Were the photos airbrushed?
Mario Testino, the photographer of the two “official” engagement portraits, freely admitted to airbrushing the shots. However, sources say he only touched-up the pictures minimally and nothing was done to change the physical appearances of either the Prince or Ms. Middleton.
OK. So what, exactly, was done?
“There was a minimal amount of airbrushing done,” said one insider to the Telegraph.“The final portraits amount to a piece of art, rather like the official paintings that would have been done in previous generations, and so they were touched up a little to get them just right.”
The source told the Telegraph that nothing had been done to alter the couple’s features, such as thickening Prince William’s hair, and that the fixing up had more to do with background colour contrast.
What else?
Miss Middleton, who had never posed for an official studio portrait before, did her own hair and make-up; she also insisted on choosing her own clothing — two of the outfits were reportedly from the mid-level U.K. chains Reiss and Whistles.
ElleUk.com calls Miss Middleton’s style in both photos “luxurious, but accessible.”
In the less formal, more intimate photo Miss Middleton wears a cream coloured Whistles blouse that retailed for £95 when on sale. It was from the brand’s first collection—apparently the blouse is two years old.
How are companies cashing in?
Whistles plans to bring the blouse back so fans can buy it. Said a Whistles spokesperson:
“We are delighted that Katherine has chosen to wear Whistles in her engagement photographs. Whistles is known for its vintage inspired silk blouses which are currently best sellers in its stores. Due to a surge of customer interest we will be re-releasing the ‘Kate’ blouse as a limited edition in early 2011.”
In second, more formal picture Ms. Middleton is in a cream colored dress with a ruffle up the side— a ‘Nanette’ dress from Reiss’s current collection, which would have retailed for £159 when it was in stores last year and Links of London earrings.
So what message is Ms. Middleton sending?
According to ElleUk online, Reiss Brand Director Andy Rogers commented on Ms. Middleton’s wardrobe choice:
“I take it as a real endorsement of the British brand — she went for a premium British brand, rather than a British designer. I think that’s important; she could have gone for any designer in the world. I think she went for us because it meant she was able to wear something luxurious, something of a good quality, that’s appropriate for the current climate.”
Posted in: Posted, World Tags: Mario Testino, Photography, Royal engagement
Read more: http://news.nationalpost.com/2010/12/13/post-primer-the-royal-engagement-photos/#ixzz185rkUp39
U.S. celebs swarm Prince Andrew for invitations to royal wedding
Elspeth Lodge December 8, 2010 – 3:38 pm
Getty Images
“No you can’t have an invite!”
Prince Andrew was seen recently at the New York house party where he was badgered by A-list celebrities – including actor Woody Allen and CBS News anchor Katie Couric – for invitations to the the upcoming wedding of his nephew Prince William and Kate Middleton.
“Most of the chat started off about trade but by dessert, everybody could not hold back and asked him about the wedding. Everyone at the table, including Woody Allen, jokingly asked him for an invite to the wedding, but he just smiled,” a source told the Mail Online.
Ms. Couric pushed the topic and said she would be broadcasting live from outside Westminster Abbey, she half-joked with the prince that she should mail him a Blackberry, so he can report to her what’s happening inside.
Prince Andrew didn’t extend any invitations to the eager celebs at the high-powered party, hosted by his long-time friend, hedge-fund tycoon Jeffrey Epstein.
A source said to the Mirror:
“Prince Andrew was amused his dinner companions were so interested in every detail. What would Kate wear? What would the Queen wear? Would his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson be invited?
“But he politely batted it away and said, ‘I do not know, I have been away on business’.”
Posted in: Posted, World Tags: Kate Middleton, Prince Andrew, Prince William, Royal weddings
Did Snoop Dogg write a song for Prince William’s bachelor party?
Dario Ayala/Postmedia News
Could rapper Snoop Dogg be a performer at Prince William’s upcoming bachelor party.
Elspeth Lodge December 1, 2010 – 3:34 pm
American rapper Snoop Dogg has created a PR field day by announcing his new song was written especially for Prince William’s bachelor party. But has the rapper actually been invited to the event?
There is speculation that Prince William has asked Snoop Dog to perform, but ABC reports it was Prince Harry who is trying to get the well known American rapper (once banned from Britain) to perform at the event.
Eonline.com and Aceshowbiz.com both reported that Snoop admits he has yet to be approached with an invitation to perform at the Prince’s bachelor party. According to these two sources the rumors of an impending invitation led him to the studio to write the new bachelor party anthem, for William.
A recent press release from Allhiphop.com claims Snoop will be definitely be performing at the party.
Entertainment Weekly said recently that “though it’s been rumored, we’ve got no clue if Prince William of Wales has invited hip-hop royalty [Snoop Dogg].”
Snoop said in the Allhiphop.com press release “When I heard the royal family wanted to have me perform in celebration of Prince William’s marriage, I knew I had to give them a little something, ’Wet’ is the perfect anthem for Prince William or any playa to get the club smokin’,” he said.
While some sources claim the song was especially tailored for William, MTV says the song was already “slated to be featured on Snoop’s new album” called Doggumentary, which will appear in March 2011.
The lyrics of the song have nothing to do with William or the Royal family — in-fact, they might be a little too racy for a Royal event —”Can you be my doctor?/ Can you fix me up?/ Can you wipe me down?/ So I can lick you up?” The rest of the song can be found on Snoop Dog’s website .
December 1, 2010 | Categories: Breaking News | Leave A Comment » | Edit
Royal wedding to go 3D?
AFP Photo / Ben Stansall
Just think, you could see this in glorious 3D: Westminster Abbey, the wedding venue
Elspeth Lodge November 30, 2010 – 9:00 am
British broadcasters including Sky, BBC and Virgin are rumored to be seriously considering broadcasting next year’s royal wedding in 3D.
Jana Bennett, director of BBC Vision, confirms that meetings have taken place with other broadcasters and that there has been interest in airing the event in 3D,” to CNN.
But don’t rush out and buy that 3D TV just yet. Ms. Bennett tells CNN: “Our responsibility is to bring things everybody can see on air and 3D has a very limited footprint.”
According to The Daily Beast, Sky already has had success broadcasting such events as the Ryder Cup in three dimensions. But lack of 3D equipment is a definite barrier — a BBC executive told the Beast “the solution could be to pipe the 3-D broadcasts into public places, like pubs and movie theaters.”
Read more: http://news.nationalpost.com/2010/11/30/royal-wedding-to-go-3d/#ixzz16s9r1iEC
Post Primer: Kate Middleton’s engagement ring
Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images
Kate Middleton shows off her bling.
Elspeth Lodge November 16, 2010 – 3:28 pm
Last month when Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton, he did it “the right way,” CBS reports. He asked Kate’s father for his daughter’s hand before proposing to her. And he admitted to being nervous about popping the question. “I was not sure she would say yes,” he said. “How could I be?”
While William won’t say if he got down on one knee to propose, Middleton calls him “a true Romantic,” Cover Media reports. Nothing demonstrates this more than the engagement ring he gave her last month when he popped the question to her on a quiet holiday in Kenya.
The 18 carat oval blue sapphire ring William slipped on Kate’s finger is surrounded by 14 small diamonds in a cluster setting. And that’s not the only impressive part of the ordeal:
“As you may have recognized it’s my mother’s engagement ring so it’s very special to me. As Kate’s very special to me now, it’s the two put together. It’s my way of making sure my mother didn’t miss out on today and the excitement and fact that we’re going to spend the rest of our lives together,” William said at his press conference.
Diana was originally proposed to without an engagement ring in February of 1981. She chose from a selection of engagement rings provided by Garrard, the official crown jeweler of the monarchy since 1843. Garrard is responsible for maintaining the British crown jewels and resetting stones as needed.
Since the ring was from the Garrard catalogue, not specially designed for her, there was no speculation in regards to the price of the ring. In 1981 the ring was worth 28,000 British pounds ($65,000).
It was Diana’s ring that paved the way for non-diamond engagement rings in the market. It represents her timeless, elegant style.
UKPA reports that the wedding will take place in London in the spring or summer of 2011. After getting married the couple will live in north Wales, where the Prince is serving as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot.
Posted in: Posted, World Tags: Jewellery, Kate Middleton, Prince William, Royal weddings, United Kingdom
Marriage rumours swirl after Kate Middleton’s parents visit Balmoral
Carl de Souza/AFP/Getty Images files
A file photo of Kate Middleton, long-time girlfriend of Prince William, right.
National Post Staff November 2, 2010 – 6:00 pm
By Elspeth Lodge
Rumors of an impending royal engagement between Prince William and long-time girlfriend Kate Middleton are swirling in Britain, again, after Kate’s parents attended a private shooting party at Balmoral, the private residence of Prince Charles.
The Daily Mail claims that the visit to the property is especially symbolic, since it had to be approved by both Prince Charles and the Queen. The Mail printed a Photo of Carol Middleton, Kate’s mother. She is lying in the grass, learning how to aim a rifle, while Kate’s father watches. They claim it is “the clearest sign yet that Kate and Prince William are poised to announce their engagement after a marathon eight-year courtship.”
AFP throws a wrench in that theory, reporting that a royal source says Prince William often spends time at the residence with his friends “and this was just another one of those occasions.”
People magazine predicts that William will pop the question in February of 2011. Ingrid Seward, a royal expert, tells People “There won’t be an announcement before Christmas because William has got to ask the Queen first, and they will get married soon after.”
Posted in: Posted, World Tags: Prince William, Kate Middleton, Balmoral, Prince Charles
