Following their successful appearance at the annual St. Patrick's Day parade at Mons Barracks, Aldershot, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined Prince Harry at Buckingham Palace Monday night where they attended their foundation chairman's dinner. The Duchess wore a long white dress, thought be her Roland Mouret 'Ella' Gown. It was a private event, therefore the Palace did not release photos nor were members of the press invited.
In other news, the Duke and Duchess personally donated £5,000 towards the Rhyl Flood Appeal. The surprise donation has helped boost the fund‘s tally to £50,000, which will be put towards helping families piece their lives back together after freak waves battered the town last December. Rhyl, located in North Wales, is just an hour from William and Kate's former home in Anglesey.
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| Wales Online |
More from The Daily Post:
'Cllr Rutherford said he is "touched" by the fact that money is still coming in three months after the deluge and was "gob smacked" to receive a personal donation from Prince William and Kate.
A direct quote from the letter sent from Kensington Palace says: "The Duke and Duchess realise that it is a long, slow and painful process for the many people displaced from their homes and as a token of their support, and to show the people of Rhyl that they are in their thoughts, Their Royal Highnesses would like to make a personal donation to your Rhyl Town Mayor's Flood Appeal.'
Anyone wishing to donate to the appeal can find out more here.
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Prince William carried out an investiture on behalf of The Queen and dubbed the man who delivered Prince George, Sir Marcus Setchell, a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, an honour personally bestowed by The Queen.
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| PA |
More from The Mirror:
'Afterwards, Setchell said William told him George was a "bouncing baby". He said about working for The Queen and her family: "Well of course it's a great honour and it's very nice that I was able to serve her for 24 years and that the culmination of it was that Prince George should be born.'
Speaking of Prince George, the little Prince has started crawling, a huge milestone indeed. The news has led to speculation William and Kate may have missed their son crawling while they were in the Maldives.
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| Richard Palmer Twitter Feed |
I do hope they didn't miss George's first crawl. All the 'firsts' are incredibly special for parents.
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For the remaining portion of the post we'll be taking a look at tour style possibilities from labels favoured by the Duchess (we'll be looking at New Zealand designers shortly). First up, a designer we mentioned earlier - the supremely talented Roland Mouret. I'm very excited about the designer's latest offerings. Below we look at the Pariba Wool-Crepe Dress and the Pink Afyon Dress. The colours of both of these dresses are just beautiful.
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| Net-A-Porter |
Roland Mouret's designs are all about exquisite tailoring and structuring whilst complimenting the female figure. Five excellent examples of this are the sharp and sleek Sirus Dress, the elegant Wezen Dress, the one shoulder Pernice Dress, the Abbotsford Crepe Dress and the Auriga Wrap Dress.
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| Net-A-Porter |
As we previously mentioned this tour is a rather informal one, with a number of receptions which will require smart dresses and Roland Mouret's pieces would be very much ideal choices for these. Let's take a look at the multicoloured Alsafi Dress, the Navona Dress, the vibrant Cajeput Dress, and the Electra Dress.
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| Net-A-Porter |
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| Farfetch.com |
There's endless potential from the designer's evening wear, too. Wouldn't Kate look fantastic in the Phoenix and Henderson gowns?
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| Net-A-Porter |
Finally from Mr. Mouret, the Mirah and Hexam gowns. The lace detail adds a lovely touch to these designs and they would work very well in a variety of colours.
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| Net-A-Porter |
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Next we look at spring styles from L.K. Bennett. The Duchess is a huge fan of the brand and not just because of their very comfortable sledge pumps. The brand is a go-to for so many women, whether they're searching for a professional yet chic working wardrobe or sophisticated workwear. Below we see the Mason Event Coat, the Houston Lace Trim Dress, the Armol Event Coat, and the embellished sleeveless Embu Dress.
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| L.K. Bennett |
The current collection includes pretty colours and floral prints. The Malone Dress is a '60s style, square-neck dress with a punchy print. The £275 Bally Dress is also '60s inspired and comes in coral pink and yellow, and the Denver Print Dress is a silk frock with stripes and floral print.
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| L.K. Bennett |
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| L.K. Bennett |
New arrivals in the brand's footwear section offer a selection of court shoes, summer sandals and stylish wedges. The Floret Saffiano Patent Leather Point Toe Shoes and the Estela Peep Toe Wedges would both be good choice for the Duchess.
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| L.K. Bennett |
We leave you with a link to Popsugar's 'Which Royal Are You?' Quiz. One of our regular commenters, Bluhare, kindly shared it a few days ago and it's excellent fun! I came up as Kate; which royal are you? :)
A surprise donation to help the needy after a lovely vacation in the Maldives! What thoughtful generosity and how kind of the PR team to publicize it. Here's hoping all the fans will follow their lead and help out too. The Maldives economy and the people struggling in Britain. In which ever order you prefer.
ReplyDeleteHas it occurred to you that they publicized it to make the public aware of the situation....and to encourage people to donate? Other royals have done the very same thing. And I'm sure they've gone on vacations too.
DeleteHonestly.....if you have such a negative opinion of W&K, why do you bother to follow Charlotte's blog? And this isn't about a difference of opinion (we ALL have a right to express one), it's about your consistently negative one.
Probably you realize that people wealthy enough to make large charitable donations enjoy lives most of us can only dream of, including fabulous getaway vacations. So from one Maryland girl to another, what's your point, hon?
Deleteroyalfan, don't tell me you've had to resort to "why are you here?"
DeleteAll right. I'll get serious for a minute. The only thing I see wrong with Moxie's comment is its positioning, which she had no control over as we don't know if anyone else has posted before. I think her point is worth discussing which I see as whether it's a PR move to offset the vacation discussion.
BUT this is a fan blog. I've waffled a time or two myself and I'm going to ask the people here who may not be the biggest fans on the blog if we can agree to wait until some comments have posted before we post a not so positive one. I don't want to turn this into a war zone, and a not so positive comment right up top sets a negative tone, which even I don't like.
So, not the biggest fans on the blog, do you think we can all agree to post the discussion items a bit farther down and let this be a fan blog with some discussion in it? I think that's only fair and I'm totally OK with moderating myself. I'll be even more OK if Charlotte lets me be a guest moderator for a day, but I'll stick with self moderating for now.
Negativity is in the eye of the beholder. I merely pointed out coincidences and facts. It is thoughtful to give 5,000 pounds to any cause - it is interesting that they thought to do it right after they got blasted in the press for being out of touch. Has it ever occurred to you that fairly criticizing the royal family encourages them to be more in touch and generous? Would we have seen that donation without all the fuss people made about their vacation? Some working and poor people in Britain are homeless from floods, other nonworking people have multiple homes and take luxury vacations with security supported by taxpayers, people who lost their homes in floods. These are facts, not opinions. I enjoy healthy debate about the royal family and Charlotte's blog is informative and interesting and the commenters are not all sycophants.
DeleteI guess I should have asked if you were responding to me, Moxie!! Oops!
DeleteI expect you're right Moxie. The donation probably is a mixture of a desire for image manipulation and also a genuine caring for the people who are really suffering. I suspect it's difficult for the Royal Family to do anything from a completely altruistic viewpoint. They know that every action they take is dissected in the press a thousand ways, and that they will always be "damned if they do, damned if they don't". So I guess we should be grateful that they are making a donation at all.
DeleteFair enough, except your defense of your comment was far more elegant than the original comment itself, which was entirely sarcastic and bitter, hence drawing the ire of some. (And that's a fact! ;)
DeleteMaybe you are right, Moxie, but I remember William and Harry going early in the morning, hoping no paparazzi were coming, to shift sandbags… If they do something they are wrong, if they don't they are wrong too, If they let know what they are doing there are critics, if they conceal it there are critics… All they do is wrong: that's the Impression I've got from your post.
Deletebluhare, I wasn't resorting to that at all; I even stressed that we all have a right to express an opinion. And I also don't think that positive opinions should somehow take precedence over negative ones.
DeleteBut as a general statement, I do not understand the motivation of following a blog such as this if the opinions shared are consistently (key word) negative. And the idea of wanting to encourage them to do better well....yeah, okay.
But I'll have to think about how I am a "sycophant" if you and I agree so much! :)
The comment I was referring when I said I guess I should have asked if Moxie was talking to me (which I now suspect she wasn't) got caught in the world famous spam filter. It was bloody brilliant too. ALL my best comments get sucked up by that #$!!$# filter. I didn't know it has discernment!
DeleteBluhare: Discernment? Filter no; bluhare yes.
DeleteRoyalfan: If the negative begins to drown out the positive, I will lose interest. But then, we get all wound up in what is positive and what is negative. Meat/poison argument. And that will be enough of my mixed metaphors for today. Oh, did I mention Gulliver? Sometimes a whole lot of gnats can annoy more than one big bear. I won't mention who the bear is, but it rhymes. And you know who the gnats are.
DeleteRoyalfan, as I've said before, I don't think any of us on this blog really want to be negative. But William and Kate has given us so little to work with this year. I hate to say but they have done themselves and the royal family a lot of damage, even among supporters. Other royals, even young parents, have managed to strike a better balance.
DeleteI think Australia will hopefully cure all for now, but fairly soon, William and Kate are going to need to step up to the plate and give those of us who want this blog to be about their royal activities, not their jet set life, something to work with.
In my opinion, the duke an duchess have been making some disappointing decisions this year. So uf negative responses are a result of that, that's perfectly fine. For moxie, it doesn't mean she despises the couple or hates them. She has just been disappointed lately as some of us have been since January. When the couple improves a little more, positive comments will cover the blog.
DeleteI've been a big fan of Kate from the start, waiting to see what charities she would take on, what good work she would do. And while she's done some of that, it's been less than it seems most of us were expecting. Now it seems about the only thing we have to discuss in regards to Kate is what she wore, what she might wear and Prince George. I do enjoy looking at what Kate wears, but I think we would all be happier fans if we had more to discuss then who made her dress.
DeleteRNN: Thank you. I told my mother you said I'm discerning. She's still laughing.
DeleteJust spent an hour and still cannot think of a diplomatic way to phrase my response to some of the most self-righteous comments I have ever read. I will say, please read " vermont's " remarks for an example of cautious optimism. I would hope that is what you were aiming for.
Deletebluhare, before you have to go out and buy new hats, read my 19:50 comment. Guess who the. bear is.
Delete@Anon 00:09... I too hope this tour will be the start of a new chapter for W&K. Yes, it is important for the public to see more of them, definitely, and I've said that before. I'm just not prepared to dismiss them as being lazy or unwilling to do more; IMO there's been a method to the madness, whether we agree with it or not.
DeleteI have no idea what you are talking about. Sorry. Wasn't quite sure about the comment I responded to as well, and interpreted it positively. Perhaps I erred.
DeleteMy comments were not aimed at any particular person. I find it peculiar when people insist Kate is hardworking, when she is not. I think it is silly to insist that being hosted by a country for 18 days is exhausting - they are not exactly going over there to build Habitats for Humanity. All that is required of them is to be nice to people who are being gracious to them. They will be comfortable and well fed and meet interesting people. If it is hard to be kind under those conditions, well, God Bless 'em. I think they are going to have a blast and really enjoy themselves - as they always do. I think it is also absurd to attack a commenter for expressing the reality as they see it - and not the fantasy and adulation you wish them to provide. The comments are not required reading, skip my posts if they cause you distress.
DeleteOK., mox, but you don't really believe that, do you? You were just trying to stimulate discussion, weren't . you?
Deleteroyalfan- agree there is a plan by someone, even if it is just to spread the fun and glory around. .
DeleteI will never understand how someone who has never made that horrendous flight to Aus ,who has never been dissected with every public appearance, who has never had weeks of following someone else's dictated plans, without being able to just stay home,order in and watch a movie.....I just realized that I am preaching to the choir. To a person without empathy, this will be meaningless.
Empathy. Bingo.
Deletebluhare 1516- if you are talking to me, I meant what I said about discernment. Forget the bear stuff. Sometimes I get ridiculous when I try to be clever.
Deletebluhare 1516: Discernment.My spelling is terrible. I try to check, but missed this one, I think
DeleteThe dress is perfect for my sisters! I was worried about sizing because they are adults. I used the sizing chart provided by the vendor and they fit everyone very well.
ReplyDeleteHaha! I'm Prince George
ReplyDeleteMakes two of us. Must have been the gin. Or the giggling.
DeleteI picked gin and giggling and I was the Queen. Go figure.
DeleteI picked gin and I was Kate!
DeleteI think Kate clues are: tropical vacations and talking to your family all the time. I picked both of those.
I am about ready for some gin and giggling right now.
DeleteGreat post!! I cane up as Kate also! What fun that was!!!
ReplyDeleteWe do love Kate's style in the Heartland, Vonnie.
DeleteLovely dresses to chose from. I love the long green evening dress and think Kate would look lovely in it.
ReplyDeleteThe Royal quiz was fun! Thank you bluhare for sharing. I got Harry (hehe :)
Have a great day everyone!
I also came up as Kate...
ReplyDeleteLove your blog! Always fun to read and very informative:) However, I think it's safe to say that William and Kate did NOT miss Prince George crawling for the first time. The average age that babies begin to crawl is 5-6 months and George is now 8 months. I'm sure he began some time ago
ReplyDeleteOne of my daughters crawled at five months, with her. little blue nightie trailing after. She would bite my ankles for attention. The other one never did crawl-she rolled! over and over on her side. I don't think the Cambridges missed anything. Quite honestly, I think his remark was nearly as inflammatory as the trip one. We'll see.
DeleteRNNOKC, I agree about it being an inflammatory remark. How would anyone know?? And how pointless to speculate.
DeleteThat's our Richard. I'm not sure his tweets are always worth repeating...
DeleteLove the Auriga crepe wrap dress!
ReplyDeleteThe Auriga wrap dress is stunning. I am actually coveting it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous bouquet of color and style!
However, the Duchess could wear yesterday's newspaper and still look smashing.
The quiz looks fun, but I am sure I will end up Princess Anne.
"Acrossthepond" has stepped out for awhile.Hope you will welcome her grandmother, "overthehill."
It turns out I'm like price william lol
ReplyDeleteI was Kate too, Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteLove Roland Mouret. I would buy a lot of those if I had the money!! Especially the grey striped dress (lovely with a cardi in the spring too) and the first blue one. Joan Collins should order the black and white one; looks just like the ones she wore on Dynasty!
Oops; I guess the striped one's LK Bennett. Wish it was still stocked; that one is lovely.
Deletebluhare, the black and white is my favorite! That's too funny that you mentioned it. I don't think it's Kate's style (too much of a power-dress), but it's stunning.
DeleteJoan,
DeleteAgree re Kate's style. You should get it, though.
Love,
Krystle
The dresses are lovely, but I don't care for the exposed zippers up the back. Makes the dress look unfinished. I feel that if you are going to buy designer garments, the tailoring ought to be exceptional, with the fastening blended or hidden in the design.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I hate exposed zips
DeleteBoth the Mirah and Hexam gowns would make exquisite wedding dresses! - Mrs. T in Chicago
ReplyDeleteLove the LK Bennett 'Dallas' Stripe dress, such an elegant shape and length. Considered buying it, but it's out of stock in most sizes already! Shame.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous dress. I can definitely see Kate in that.
DeleteLovely post Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteWe keep hearing little bits about George's progress---look forward to seeing pictures of him on thee tour.
I note the nanny has been named today and is Norland trained, so he will be in good hands.
You fund some pretty dresses--hope we see Catherine in some of them.
If Charlotte is funding dresses, put me down for the Auriga. I don't mind being a diva.
DeleteJean , I hope we get to see pictures of George crawling around like William did on his first tour of Australia :)
DeleteI like the way you think, overthehill. I'd like the Dallas, please!
DeleteIt should not have been made public how much (or how little) they have spent. After such a holiday this doesn`t look to good... They seem not to get it right this year. Hopefully the tour is going to be a success for them!
ReplyDeleteGood points, they're going to have to do something because the public seems quite down on them.
Deletethey didnt make it public. The Mayor of Rhyl made it public, it was then spread across local papers in Wales and then the national press asked for confirmation. They couldn't deny it as the evidence was public knowledge..
DeleteIf they're smart they will ask for anonymity from now on. But I think it's a big disingenuous to think they had no idea it would be made public.
DeleteA large amount offered by an anonymous hasn't the same strong capability of attracting offers from a large audience as a WK's one.
DeleteGood point, Paola. But they don't need to donate to do that. They could make a speech, volunteer, etc. My point was aimed more toward the flak it's generating. Although your point is a very good one.
DeleteWilliam was volunteering with sandbags: in fact, he made a complete range of activities about flood…
DeletePaola, they did volunteer for flood relief and, as you said above, they didn't want to be photographed. While I applaud them for doing something, if you want to publicise something it probably should be photographed. :)
DeleteGreat post so looking forward to the tour and your coverage. I did the fun quiz by bluhare and I was "The Duchess of Cambridge" yeah :D
ReplyDeleteFirsts are important to parents with the first child but it's not really important. Think of all the parents who have to work or are at war. They miss a lot and their children survive. Sadly, the flood donation is too late to help with PR. The vacation was a mistake. They should've gone somewhere in England and helped English tourism and if Kate can go to Mustique and Maldives she could've gone to say a few words of comfort to the flood victims. Hopefully the tour will make up for the misteps lately.
ReplyDeleteThe Prince of Wales went to see the flood victims and William and Harry helped with sandbagging until a Guardian reporter turned up and spread the news.
DeleteIt isn't necessary for every royal to turn up.
Please lets move on from this bashing...
DeleteAnonymous, if you're going to bash the bashers, come out of hiding and pick a name. Anonymous makes it too easy to say things with no accountability.
DeleteI came up as Queen Elizabeth! I thought for sure I would have been Kate - lol :)
ReplyDeleteJet - USA
I could see the duchess wearing the LK Bennet "Annai" or "Houston," but I predict we will not see bare shoulders or open-toed shoes on the tour.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone figured oyt who all the options are? I was Kate, we've heard Prince William, Prince Harry, and Prince George. From the corgi question, I am guessing the Queen might be an option. Anyone else?
ReplyDeletePrince Charles, Prince Philip and Camilla I think. (I really wanted royalfan to be Camilla, but she's the queen. Figures.)
Deletebluhare, if I *had* been Camilla, I'd need a lot more than gin to make me giggle about it. :)
DeleteBut *my* life would have been complete, royalfan. You're so selfish sometimes.
DeleteLOL. :)
Delete@bluhare & royalfan Maybe I should be Camilla as I am hated by some on this blog....LOL
DeleteI came up as Queen Elizabeth too and I didn't even pick the corgis. Regret to say Mr Anonymous is not terribly impressed by my regal bearing.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, that is so funny how Kate wore the green hobbs coat you predicted among others! It makes you wonder if she waits until she reads this blog to before deciding what to buy!
ReplyDeleteLovely edit today Charlotte, good evening!
I created my own pinterst board pin, for the Royal Tour, mainly out of boredom , but also b/c I do love beautiful clothes... if anyone's bored..,, http://www.pinterest.com/bonnieux/royal-tour-2014/
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. :)
DeleteGreat picks, bonnieux! I especially like the cutting-edge, yet sophisticated, look of the green "Gem" dress by Burberry. I wonder if the Duchess has all her outfits picked out for the tour...
DeleteVictoria, Oregon
I would imagine so, it's just around the corner so close yet so far away as they say . I'm happy u enjoyed!!!
DeleteDear Charlotte, I have enjoyed your blog so much. But I am so disappointed in William. I loved him because of his mother who was my contemporary and a most admired lady. She left us too soon -- her children most of all. I'm so sad for that loss but can no longer ignore the signs of entitlement. Only 5,000 long after the event. Published after the ultimate of luxury vacations? Good luck to the pair of them. I'm sure the tour will bring much adulation. Hopefully though, somehow, they will see the light and opportunities to truly serve people. Thank you for the lovely blog and all your hardwork. I'll check back from time to time.
ReplyDeleteDenise from Florida.
The L.K. Bennett dresses are my favorite! If I was my former young, thin self, I would buy one in a minute. Alas, I was born around the time of Princess Diana and would no longer look good in the pretty dresses. I could picture myself wearing them "once upon a time." The other reason, having followed the Princess of Wales, I enjoyed seeing what she wore over the years, and now, love seeing Catherine's style.
DeleteDiana was very special. Her diligent work, bringing important causes to the limelight, sympathy for the sick and MOST IMPORTANT, was her desire to bring up her boys to understand the lives of people all over the world. Many of us watch to see if her efforts as a role model, have been carried on by William and Harry.
While this is a style blog, we see the clothes and the LIFESTYLE of the Duke and Duchess. People are concerned about their reputations. Many of us, want them to be admired for many of the same reasons as Princess Diana. While their royal roles may be different, Diana started when she was extremely young, had two little children right away, came into her role without guidance/support and had the eyes of the world watching her every move, since the day she looked into her tiny mirror on the riverbank at Balmoral.
Catherine may have social media nipping at her heels on a daily basis, but she has support from her family of origin, the love and support of her husband, a changed royal family (which was trailblazed by Diana) and she came into her role at a mature age. I think those of us who come to this site really root for the Cambridges. While some of the comments appear negative, I think some are based on concern for their reputations. We want to see the hard work started by Princess Diana, to continue through her sons and Catherine.
I agree with the above posting, where the writer states they hope the Cambridges will see the light and truly serve the people. Diana managed to combine motherhood and a busy work schedule. Remember, she used to say the clothes are for the job. My husband likes me to look smart.
Anon 15:15 you said that perfectly. Have started many a post the past 2 weeks since the "vacation furor" to try to put into words what you just did. We are disappointed because we care, many of us care because we saw what could be made out of this position and opportunity by the POW and since she left far too soon we want desperately for her boys to carry it on. Perhaps it will come with age and wisdom....and perhaps there is still time. Diana was no saint - as she would be the first to say - but she had a rough road and I think it gave her some grace and perspective on top of many natural talents. William has had hardship too, but we are not seeing what we hoped...yet....I for one will try to be patient, and hope that he comes to a place where all of it - including his public life - is seen by him as an opportunity and a blessing and not so much something to be managed and often avoided - part of a complete life that includes family and service...Still hoping and cheering when I can (and shaking my head the other times). And as always - thanks to Charlotte for her marvelous work - Follower in Vermont
DeleteActually, Vermont, you were indeed eloquent and managed to bridge the gap between two sincere factions, without that Vermont syrup we hear so much about.
DeleteI have to admit I agree with Denise. The donation is a lovely thought but a trifle awkward given the huge amounts that resort is said to have cost. It would barely cover one of Kate's dinners if the amounts given are true. They may not be but it is very hard to say.
DeleteFreebies are awkward too. There has been quite a lot of press about Charles' birthday party at the palace and the benefits he takes from his rich friends. Apparently, quite a lot of that goes on with the royal family.
One has to admire the queen who stays at her own homes for the most part on holidays so the price is not as speculated about and security costs are not so much an issue since those homes are protected anyway. (It is said that even Camilla's private home which she rarely visits has police protection.)
In today's world, where so much is known and speculated on, it has become a tightrope walk for royal members. It should be noted that both the Danish and Norwegian royal families had Maldives holidays too but because they were work continuously and openly (Mary was doing charity work in Cambodia in January) there was much less criticism. Hopefully, William and Kate will take heed and realize their private lives will be less scrutinized if they undertake a reasonable amount of public duties.
Anon 15:15, I am applauding you from my house!
DeleteI think you have hit on something VERY important that a lot of people may not understand and/or that we have not explained. We WANT William and Kate and Harry to succeed! We really do! Our dismay is that they are not at all.
We want them to remember the wonderful example set by their mother and be active and engaged and not afraid to get their hands dirty doing real work that brings attention to those groups and causes that need it - for Diana that was AIDS and sick children and people who were marginalized by their societies.
We want them to be less self-indulged and spoiled aristocratic playboys and more down-to-earth royals, able to step across the barriers of rank and have the same common touch with ordinary people that their mother had. We want their wives to be more helpmates in that same vein and less the mute, gorgeous, well-coiffed clotheshangers.
But more and more, we are saddened and dismayed as William and Harry seem to be forgetting those wonderful lessons she taught them, the wonderful example she set just by being herself and standing up for what she believed in and the causes and people she championed.
We see them turning more into the old-style royal playboys, spoiled, arrogant, lacking in any kind of empathy or sensitivity toward the common people, intent upon satisfying their own desires and whims, regardless of the cost.
To be fair, it's not just Will and Kate and Harry, it's the entire generation of young Windsors, the grandchildren of Elizabeth II, who seem to be turning out this way.
Nobody begrudges the royals a vacation once in a while but to take repeated vacations when they're not doing any royal duties and at the taxpayer's expense (for security, both for them and for Prince George at his grandparents' home) is so completely ridiculous. And then the Palace spin on it was that they took the Maldives vacation as a second honeymoon - when they've only been married just under three years - or to "recharge" - and here one would have to ask recharge from what?
We wanted to see a reflection of Diana in her sons and it's just not happening and that is so, so sad.
Their mother left a hopeful legacy in her two boys, that they would be kind and compassionate, that they would have her common touch, and want to draw attention to those who are hurting and in need, that they would continue the work she started. And it seems it's not happening and, in fact, the opposite is coming true.
For those of us who watched the wedding of the century in 1981 and who followed that lovely fairytale princess all through her life and troubles and triumphs and tragedies, that is the hardest part of this whole Will and Kate show to watch.
Thanks to all who added insight after my original post. I am the anon 15:15. As a new viewer to this great sight, I was worried about some of the backlash so frequently seen other places. Thank goodness, I have found a friendly place which combines comprehensive information on Duchess Catherine. Her style, family life and public duties have been fun to watch over the years.
DeleteCharlotte (love the name) does a wonderful job keeping us up to date, but clearly wants this site to be a place where we can fawn or "thumbs down" the latest royal fashions worn by H.R.H. Duchess Catherine. Having observed how friendly and civil this group is with each other, has given me a fun place to check in several times a week. Thanks Charlotte!
From now on I will be brave and post my comments under G.Allyn.
G. Allyn- Haven't seen a post from you since this one. Perhaps the natives aren't as friendly as you thought. Give it another try.
DeleteCharlotte, I think Mouret just became my favorite Kate designer. I picked the evening gown as my favorite in your year-end polls and these exquisitely tailored day dresses are perfect for our conservative Kate. Hope she follows your advice.
ReplyDeleteThose gowns are lovely. Not crazy about a couple of the colors, but the gowns themselves are nice. I can see Kate wearing them.
DeleteBeautiful, beautiful clothing you featured here. Classic but with slightly edgy modern design twists and colors.
ReplyDeleteI took the "which royal are you" quiz and came up as Prince Harry. Ha! Silvia
I got Prince William :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the fashion predictions Charlotte. I think there's a good chance Kate will wear something you featured here. Lets hope this tour goes well so it boosts their PR. The donation they made is just embarrassing. Their getaway cost more than that per night! I know that's not the only money they give to charity, but they should have ensured it was a private donation so as to not draw too much attention after their luxury holiday. Anyway, I'm very much looking forward to the tour and hope it goes well for them both :-)
How many people actually donate more to charity than the live on? I would say that a donation of $5000 out of their own pockets was very generous-and why are folks still bashing? Charlotte you work so hard on this blog- but the drama and the bashing sound like one of the online sites like mailonline--I loved coming here to read all the good things being posted- now we have the bashing. So, I am going to stop reading and posting- I can get that bashing on most any site that allows comments. Thanks for all of your hard work.
DeleteI'm not bashing them. I'm a real fan of Kate and William, I just think they've made some bad moves this year. It's not usual for a donation like this to hit the papers which makes me suspicious that it was leaked purposely as a way to get them back in favour with the public. This was another bad move as from what I've read on a lot of comments people think £5000 doesn't cut it. Especially when most articles are quoting their holiday to be over £6000 per night. I think if the holiday wasn't in the way people would be quite happy with the £5000 they donated.
DeleteIf they wanted to pick up their image they could do that by making a few appearances before their tour, charitable ones. Like someone said in a comment earlier - why didn't Kate and/or William actually go and visit the flood vicitims? It would have boosted PR and increased awareness about the situation, and hopefully more people would have donated to the cause. Sending a cheque is just plain old lazy (in light of their recent activities).
Kate! And I didn't cheat ;)
ReplyDeleteThe dress is really gorgeous. Just gorgeous! I was kind of nervous to order my dress through internet, but I am glad I did it. This dress is so perfectly beautiful!
ReplyDeleteJust love looking through your fashion predictions Charlotte, and these are great!
ReplyDeleteI particularly like the Roland Mouret Abbotsford Crepe Dress with the little black ring halterneck (maybe a bit edgier than Kate usually wears, but I think she'd look fantastic in it), likewise the Hexam evening dress. I also love the Houston Lace Trim Dress and the lace Annai dress from L.K. Bennett - those two have Kate's name all over them! Can't decide about the Bally Dress, but I do think Kate always looks so radiant in yellow - it's a great colour on her and would be highly appropriate for Australia too!
My best guess for the Australia trip from this bunch would be the Houston Lace Trim Dress from L.K. Bennett - I wouldn't be surprised if you score another prediction hit with that one, and I'd love to see her wearing it.
Keep up the good work!
I'm beginning to feel quite sorry for our US bloggers---no maternity leave, but not allowed care for their babies either---what do they do with them whilst at work?
ReplyDeleteNo holidays either---unless, of course, you are Mrs. Obama, who has just arrived in Vietnam on hols with her daughters and her mother.
In the UK Civil Servants and most professionals have 6 weeks---know that for a fact.
The leave year follow the financial year, from April 1st to March 31st.
I strongly suspect that the Duke and Duchess's office staff have the same conditions of service---but you may note that William and Catherine have had only the two recent weeks since April 1 2013..
Well no. There was spending a month at the Middleton's after George was born. Then Balmoral for I believe 2 weeks in September. Christmas holidays, about 1-2 weeks. And in general, taking most of the last year off from royal duties.
Delete"Holidays" or "Mat leave" don't just mean leaving the country. It is anytime you are not doing your job. This includes just staying at home.
For these two, that is most of the time. Which. Is. The. Problem. People. Are. Having.
Actually, Jean, we do have the Family Medical Care Act which allows for up to 12 work weeks of unpaid leave per year to take care of a family member, baby, or your own illness. It's only required of employers who employ 50 or more employees, and requires them to maintain benefits and hold the job for the person's return.
DeleteEmployers of less than 50 people are not subject to it, but most allow 6 weeks of normal maternity leave with the person returning to their job after 6 weeks, but they are not required to continue (translate: pay for) benefits.
Jean. What? Ms. Obama is not on maternity leave and why bring her into it? Maternity leave in the US is separate from holiday and involves long-term sick leave. In the eighties I worked alongside nurses who went into labor and were rolled off to the ER, leaving me short-staffed. Thankfully, new legislation was.passed, allowing longer leave with job security.
DeleteJean, PS. Ms. Obama is on a good will tour in China, similar to THR trip, also bringing family; not Viet Nam. CP Haakon and wife are in Viet Nam ;, perhaps that lead to your confusion. Your comment did not sound like the usual Jean to me.
DeleteThe conditions of Kate's maternity leave are so different from the vast majority of working women that it seems ridiculous to call it a leave. I worked up to and including the day I went into labor, with both of my kids, and came back full time after 6 weeks. Juggling day care, pumping milk in the restroom on my breaks, etc. etc. Kate will never face the reality of all that. I don't expect her to because I know that's not the life of a royal. But her publicists should never pretend that she is experiencing a working motherhood like the rest of us.
DeleteI follow this blog to get a bit of escapism. It's fun to fantasize about all the jewels, clothes, servants. I don't begrudge any of that to Kate. But just don't pretend she is really working!
Actually, not every British mother can take the year available. I have two friends in Britain and both were back at work within a couple of months. One had her husband lose his job and the other has her own business and had barely a month off even though her baby was premature. Since that is just a sample of two this year, I suspect there are many, many more who can't take a full year or even six months. Just because a year is available technically, doesn't mean every mother can use it.
DeleteMaternity leave varies a lot in the States but again, it quite often depends on how much time the mother feels she can take with regards to her career. Generally, US vacation time starts at two weeks and builds up with length of employment.
Quite honestly, Catherine is very pampered. Throughout her twenties, while she may have worked some for her parents, she was mostly free to do as she wished when she wished, which is unusual for young women, even wealthy ones, in the US or Britain. That's why people are getting impatient.
If Catherine were merely a rich young woman, no one would care, or care about her. And she will always have more free time than most of her future subjects will ever enjoy. It is the unique position that she married into with its strong emphasis public work, that has raised feelings on both sides of the pond, and in Commonwealth nations as well.
Hopefully, one who criticises Kate's work ethic would not follow and post on DK whilst at work. If so, I have a glass house I would like to sell to you.
DeleteYou are of course free to speculate, but what do you know about her not pumping breast milk? That makes me laugh. One one hand you are saying she has not had a regular year of maternity leave - we have actually seen her A LOT this past year considering the birth of baby George - but on the other hand you are complaining of her needing to step up and being pampered. ??? She has. a baby, and that's full time work. Why is that so hard to understand? Every appearance she makes this year is a bonus, think of it that way instead!
DeleteThe point of my comment was that people really shouldn't think of Kate as the typical working mother. I have no idea whether she pumped or not, but I guarantee she didn't have to sneak away and get it done in some restroom at work. (I worked in an all-male environment that had very little support for women's issues which is why I had to "sneak away").
DeleteI don't understand the rest of your statement about me saying she has not had a year of maternity leave. My point is that there is no such thing as taking maternity leave, when there's no real job to take leave of. A few appearances here and there don't constitute work.
And the truth is, I don't care whether she works or not. But if she is not working, she shouldn't be presented as taking a leave from work. It's kind of insulting to all those women who actually do juggle full time jobs and full time parenting (without any nannies to help!)
I hear you loud and clear. But this blog is about duchess Kate, not about women's maternity leave. So why do you post here?
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DeleteFlorence, I so agree with you and I regret that the term "maternity leave" was ever used. My interpretation of it was as a general statement that motherhood would be her priority, and a way of keeping options open in case of depression or other complications. Instead, it turned into a debate about how she doesn't qualify for maternity leave and that it doesn't apply to her.
DeleteMy old company had Lactating Rooms, with a nice reclining chair. Very handy for a lunchtime nap for those of us who didn't pump.
Deletebluhare- so funny! My.imagination's going wild. I will self-censor.Is there such a thing as a dirty old lady?
DeleteI am so far off-topic I'm back on topic.
OMG, bluhare, my old company had a room like that. It was great when I was pregnant and feeling horrible. Instead of a recliner, it had a futon bed and a lamp on a dimmer. Ahh...
DeleteVictoria, Oregon
I also wish that they hadn't used the term maternity leave. I'm happy that Catherine is prioritising George and William, and I can't wait for their tour. Enough said!!
DeleteI agree. What is £5000 to them. I feel public support ebbing away if they don't turn it around soon. Shame is hoped for a more modern feel to our royal family but I don't think it's changing. Just the same us and them and want the adulation when it suits them. Ann London
ReplyDeleteNot sure how but I came up as Prince Philip.....yikes.
ReplyDeleteLOL
Mel in ontario
That's okay, Mel. I really like Prince Philip--but I came up as Queen Elizabeth, so I guess it figures! :)
DeleteMy gosh where is 2014 going? Not long until the tour begins now. Looking forward to seeing all three of them. My Mum has a Kate and William calendar at home and leaves it on the page with the christening picture where Kate is smiling at George and he the same- such a wonderful picture capturing the mother and baby bond. I do wonder if we'll see William and Kate together at any of the Football World Cup events?
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for them to come to NZ. I read earlier on in the week that the Duchess was sent this beautiful jacket http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/fashion/9853907/Trelise-Cooper-now-a-Dame in hopes that she would wear it over here but she has decided not too. I think it would look amazing in her! Hopefully she may wear something else by Trelise Cooper
ReplyDeleteI love the Delphinus and Hexam dresses!
ReplyDeleteVictoria, Oregon
Maybe the Hexam in red? I am re-thinking the LKB Annai in peach or pastel blue. Kate looks. wonderful in pastels.
DeleteCharlotte, is there a prize for guessing one of her choices? How about a year's free blogging on DK? Ha!
I love the idea of a prize for guesses!
DeleteSuch a positive reaction to Roland Mouret, I really would love to see Kate in more of his designs. They're sophisticated yet youthful
I keep forgetting it will be autumn in AU/NZ, so red would be a great choice, overthehill!
DeleteMaybe I'm liking the Roland Mouret because although it has lace, it's not "frilly" or "foofy," but sophisticated, classy and feminine. It's not a 1980's lace dress, lol... Yes, as you say, Charlotte, "sophisticated yet youthful." Thanks for all your research to bring us these designs!
Victoria, Oregon
Mudslides- bluhare, please report in!
ReplyDeleteAbout 20 miles north of me. We're good! Thanks for thinking of me.
DeleteSo glad to hear it. Thought of you right way.
DeleteGlad to hear you're ok, too.
DeleteVictoria, Oregon
Happy to hear it, bluhare. :)
DeleteThanks you guys. If we ever have one by me, we're one house away from the edge of a hill (with no one underneath us), so hopefully, we'll just sail down the hill. Actually, here, we'll be in trouble if the volcano ever erupts. Our hill is on the edge of where the big lahar will flow.
DeleteWas just browsing through this post and noticed the new shoe selections. My best friend's daughter is getting married in December so I'm trying to come up with some winter in the northern U.S. appropriate wedding shoes.
ReplyDeleteBut the lovely ideas did start me thinking - we rarely see the royal ladies in open-toed shoes or sandals. With the exception of a couple of instances with her Jimmy Choo stilettos, we've rarely seen Kate wear open shoes. Is there some sort of prohibition against commoners gazing on the royal toes or is it not considered formal enough to wear an open-toed shoe or do they just all have non-photogenic feet? Anyone have any insights into this?
I also was watching "Monarchy," the excellent BBC documentary of the royal family at work in different scenarios.
The documentary was made at about the time William graduated from Sandhurst, in fact, the filmmakers filmed the graduation AND Kate and her family at the graduation ceremony. But there's also a clip of William visiting Centrepoint with Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton. And it does seem like things were much more focused and down-to-business when Lowther-Pinkerton was on board William's team.
It does seem that Lowther-Pinkerton was someone, because of his age and his military experience, that William looked up to and respected, listened to and, actually, obeyed or at least took the advice that was offered. It doesn't seem like William has that steadying, older, wiser influence on his and Kate's team anymore and it's definitely showing in the recent laundry list of ill-timed trips and horrible PR blunders.
"Monarchy" also includes clips of Charles and Camilla visiting a farm and areas in the north of England and it talks about Charles's commitment to the environment and organic farming and agricultural issues in the UK. The film also notes that Princess Anne is the hardest-working royal, with hundreds of royal appearances each year.
It outlines what area or specialty that each of the queen's children has with patronages and appearances. And each of them seems very dedicated and focused on those areas. That makes William and Kate and Harry's - and all of the younger royals for that matter - lack of focus even more glaringly obvious.
For all the criticism on here of her, I do have to say that Camilla appears to be very warm and genuine and down to earth in her public visits - more so than Kate appears to be in the films, both professional and amateur, of her walkabouts and public visits. Ironically, Camilla brings to mind Diana and that same ability to talk to and listen to people easily, without any regard to rank, and the same human touch.
Sad to say (and to see) but William and Kate seem to be drifting into the same sort of aimless, aristocratic playboy, rich kid lifestyle that plagued Charles in the 1970s and that was the trademark of Edward VII, the playboy prince, and Queen Victoria's son and heir.
Elizabeth,great post.
DeleteRoyal protocol says women wear closed toe shoes and hose at engagements, which is why you don't see royal women in open toed shoes or sandals. I think Kate's the only one who has breached this, and even she only does it with longer gowns. The only time I recall her bare legged at an engagement was over here in California at a polo match on their first trip.
I so hope you're wrong about William and Kate. I'm afraid you aren't, but I hope you are.
PS *whispering* I think Camilla is engaging as well. :)
bluhare, no need to whisper :) I would never suggest that Camilla isn't engaging. Clearly, she is. It's the one quality she has to offer and she makes the most of it. Can't fault her for that.
DeleteElizabeth, I don't think W&K are lacking in that department (being engaging). Not judging by the reactions they get from people or the coverage of their engagements. But I agree about JLP. W&K need an advocate. Someone who puts THEIR best interest first.
The countess of wessex has worn open toed shoes and sandals and trousers too. Anna London
DeleteElizabeth: I.just can't figure out if.you are really Ms.JLP,or Camilla., whose grandmother was well-acquainted with said playboy prince.
ReplyDeleteOh, I loved these possible tour choices so much better than the last post. I think my favorite is the Henderson gown. I can definitely see Kate in that with some of the Queen's diamonds! :) I also loved all the LK Bennett! The bright colors are gorgeous! I am looking forward to seeing Kate's choices!
ReplyDeleteIt was a kind gesture for Will and Kate to donate to the flood victims. My thoughts and prayers are with the families during this trying time. Here's to a brighter and better spring and summer after this difficult winter here in the US and for our friends across the pond.
Royal Tour 2014 - 15 days and counting! :)
Kate, great post! Charlotte's coverage of the 2012 tour added sparkle to my days. It was timely, well-presented, and professional.
DeleteYour post is a bit of healing balm to me, after reading some of these posts. Mine included.
How about the Henderson gown with the Cambridge emeralds? Or do they even exist now as such?
Delete