Monday 29 July 2013

Prince Charles: "George is a very good name"

The Daily Mail reports that Prince Charles recently said that "George is a very good name", while attending an oyster festival in Kent with the Duchess of Cornwall.

I think Camilla looked quite lovely in her outfit at the event.






Prince Harry Out and About

The Daily Mail reports that Prince Harry and Cressida Bonas attended a music festival together over the weekend.





Duke and Duchess Moving To Norfolk Estate Sandringham

The Daily Mail reports that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (and baby) are getting set to move into Anmer Hall, a house on the Queen's Sandringham estate in Norfolk.






Wednesday 24 July 2013

Royal Collection Trust Shop: Commemorative Items

The DM tipped me off to this in an article that they had running on their site this afternoon, and so I went onto the Royal Collection Trust's website and looked up their items commemorating the royal baby - Prince George.

Here are some of my favourite items:





Follow this link to find these items and others: http://www.royalcollectionshop.co.uk/royal-baby.html

I also like the selection of other items that the shop has, visit their main home page here: http://www.royalcollectionshop.co.uk/





Interesting Article

This is an interesting article, and a very interesting perspective:

http://www.lifenews.com/2013/07/22/royal-baby-for-once-the-entire-world-knows-a-baby-is-a-baby/

Friends of the Duke and Duchess with Children

I was just thinking, who are Kate's friends? We know she is close to her parents and to Pippa and James, but I've also heard she doesn't have a lot of close girlfriends - and I can't say that I'm all that surprised. Her life is busy and she also has to make sure that those around her are loyal and that their lips are sealed when it comes to her life with William. 

But I did manage to find an article about who the Duke and the Duchess might turn to more, now that they have a child of their own.


The friends who will be part of Kate Middleton's elite baby club 

"When Kate Middleton and Prince William's baby makes its long-awaited arrival he or she will have plenty of playmates. Just as importantly Britain's most famous new parents will have support as they run the gauntlet of sleepless nights and make decisions on everything from when to introduce solids to picking a nanny.

In the last few years, many of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's friends have started families.


Chief among the Kensington yummy mummies is Rose van Cutsem, (above) founder of Maggie & Rose, a safe haven for sleep deprived mothers. Just down the road from Kensington Palace, the members club boasts a soft play area, cinema snug and activity classes.

She and husband Hugh van Cutsem are parents to Grace, five, Rafe, four, and an 18-month-old named Charlie.

As William's goddaughter, their little girl was invited to be a bridesmaid at the royal wedding in 2011. The Duchess was seen comforting Grace on the balcony of Buckingham Palace when she took fright at the fly past.

The friendship between their families goes back 40 years when Prince Charles was at Cambridge University with Hugh's father.
According to Tatler, Kate can also turn to Marlborough school friend Trini Foyle, who has an 18-month-old son named Alexander with her husband Ted Foyle. The close friends are often seen taking Alexander for a walk in Kensington Gardens.

Sam and Bella Waley-Cohen, parents of baby Max, on their wedding day
Even more recent additions to the new parents club are Sam and Bella Waley-Cohen. Their son Max is just two months. Kate was at school with Sam's brother Tom, who died in 2004 and has helped with fundraising in his name, most notably at a roller disco charity event.

Other key members of the future King and Queen's baby brigade are champion eventer Harry Meade and his wife Rosie. When the quartet went on a skiing holiday in March, expectant Kate stayed off the slopes in favour of cooing over their 18-month-old daughter.

It was at their wedding in 2010 that William and Kate allowed themselves to be photographed arriving together – the first time they had done so on such a public occasion. This relaxed new attitude and their broad smiles led to accurate predictions that the royal sweethearts would be next up the aisle.

The Cambridges were delighted when Rosie, a school teacher, gave birth to Lily Florence at the start of last year. 

Kate keeping a watchful eye on Savannah Phillips, the daughter of William's cousin Peter - relatives that Kate and William might also turn to

With regards to the trendiest kids' clothes and accessories the Duchess of Cornwall's daughter-in-law, Sara Buys – the wife of her son Tom Parker-Bowles – will be a useful source.

Sara is a fashion writer who is credited with introducing Kate to fashion house Alexander McQueen, which created both their wedding dresses. Camilla dotes on their children, six-year-old Lola and Freddy, three.

Her daughter Laura Lopes also has three children with her husband Harry – Eliza, five, another royal bridesmaid, and three-year-old twins Gus and Louis.

Lord and Lady Frederick Windsor

The other birth expected in the Queen's family is that of Lord Freddie Windsor's child, due in August. Kate will have an ally in his wife actress Sophie Winkleman when it comes to finding a quiet room to breastfeed or change nappies at family gatherings."



Also, view the entire slide show of all the couples mentioned, and more, here: http://ca.hellomagazine.com/royalty/gallery/2013060512892/kate-middleton-pregnant-friends-parents/1/




Royal Baby: Prince George of Cambridge!

We didn't have to wait long, thankfully, to find out the name of the royal baby! His name is George Alexander Louis - Prince George of Cambridge!

I have to say that I'm quite excited! I do like the name George, and my middle name is Alexandra - and the baby's middle name (or one of them) is Alexander! It's the next best thing to having him born on my birthday!

I wonder if Will and Kate were at all miffed when a reporter told them to just call him George already? I thought I noticed a certain expression on Will's face, could it have been a look of slight annoyance that the media had guessed it? Surely they would have known that George was being floated around as a top contender though. And at the end of the day, all is revealed anyways, so who really cares?

According to the DM, "Royal sources say the baby's names are not supposed to be symbolic but that the couple just like them." Nice!

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2376774/Royal-baby-Prince-George-announced-days-birth.html


Middleton Inspired: My Birthday Mani and Pedi

So after much consideration (it's kind of sad really), I've decided that for my special treat to myself - my birthday mani and pedi - I'm going to get my fingernails done in a nude/pale pink colour and my toes done in a more bold and summery pink.

Kate's hand (of course - who else has a ring like that?)

My inspirations? Kate and Pippa of course! I've noticed that they keep their finger nail polish very low-key and natural, but they've been known to splash out on their toenail polish. And so I intend to follow-suit!

Pippa's feet

I think half the trouble is planning ahead with polish. Especially if you get a professional manicure or pedicure. You want the polish you choose to be versatile enough (or I do anyway) so that it goes with almost anything in your closet. And I don't think you can go wrong with these choices!




The Middleton Eyeliner: A Closeup

I just came across this really good close up of Kate's eye makeup! I know I seem obsessed with this, but I just really want to know how it's done - even if I don't necessarily do it myself :)

It is from a while ago, I believe, as I don't think she quite does this look any more (although it does seem to be making somewhat of a comeback, but it's been updated a bit).

I would also like to comment on how beautiful her skin is here! I mean, it doesn't seem like she has issues with her skin in general (but makeup can hide a multitude of sins), and she does have the money to spend on making sure she's flawless. Regardless though, whatever she's doing her skin looks great!

Here is the picture I'm talking about:


Kate Middleton (The Duchess of Cambridge): Stats

Born: January 9, 1982 (age 31), Reading, United Kingdom
Height: 1.78 m
Full Names: Catherine Elizabeth Mountbatten-Windsor (formerly Middleton) Catherine Elizabeth Middleton was born to Michael and Carole Middleton at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, on 9th January 1982. The Duchess is the eldest of three children.

The Duchess of Cambridge was christened at the parish church of St. Andrew’s Bradfield in Berkshire on 20th June 1982.

In May 1984, at the age of two, The Duchess moved with her family to Amman in Jordan, where her father worked for two and a half years. Her Royal Highness attended a nursery school in Amman from the age of three.

In September 1986, the Middletons returned to their home in West Berkshire, and Her Royal Highness started at St. Andrew’s School in Pangbourne, where she remained until July 1995. The Duchess went on to Marlborough College in Wiltshire, where she studied Chemistry, Biology and Art at A-level. Her Royal Highness also took part in sport on behalf of the school, playing tennis, hockey and netball and participating in athletics, particularly high jump. The Duchess completed her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award at Marlborough.

Leaving Marlborough College in July 2000, The Duchess of Cambridge undertook a gap year in which she studied at the British Institute in Florence, undertook a Raleigh International programme in Chile, and crewed on Round the World Challenge boats in the Solent.

In 2001, The Duchess enrolled at the University of St. Andrews, Fife, from where she graduated in 2005 with a 2:1 in History of Art. Her Royal Highness continued with her interest in sport at University, playing hockey for the University team. The Duchess first met The Duke of Cambridge when studying at the University.

Since completing her degree, The Duchess has worked for Party Pieces, a company owned and run by her parents. Alongside her work for the family business, The Duchess worked in London as a part-time buyer for the clothing company Jigsaw Junior.

In 2008, The Duchess launched First Birthdays, a junior brand to Party Pieces. Her role within the family business included catalogue design and production, marketing and photography.

On 29th April 2011, Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton were married at Westminster Abbey. The couple are now known as The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

On 3rd December 2012, St James's Palace released a statement that Their Royal Highnesses were pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a baby.

The Duchess’s hobbies include recreational sports such as hill walking, tennis, swimming, sailing, and the arts such as photography and painting.



Pippa Middleton: Stats


Born: September 6, 1983 (age 29), Reading, United Kingdom
Full Name: Philippa Charlotte Middleton
Height: 1.75 m
Siblings: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, James William Middleton
Parents: Carole Elizabeth Middleton, Michael Francis Middleton

Philippa Charlotte "Pippa" Middleton (born 6 September 1983)[2][3] is an English socialite. The younger sister of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, she appeared as the maid of honour at her sister's wedding to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge. Middleton has also received much media attention for her fashion sense and personal relationships.

Middleton is the second of three children born to Michael Middleton, a former British Airways flight dispatcher, and Carole Middleton(née Goldsmith), a former flight attendant.[4][5][6] Her father's family came from Leeds, now in West Yorkshire,[7] and her paternal great-grandmother, Olive Lupton, belonged to a business family which had been active in Leeds for many generations. Carole Middleton's family are from London. Her ancestors worked as labourers and miners in County Durham.[8]

In the mid-1980s, when her two eldest children were at a nursery school and the family was living at Bradfield Southend, Carole Middleton set up Party Pieces, a company that began by making party bags and went on to sell party supplies and decorations bymail order. By 1995 the firm, run by both parents, was so successful that it moved into a range of farm buildings at Ashampstead Common,[9][10] and since then the Middleton parents are reported to have become millionaires.[11] While at Bradfield Southend, Middleton and her sister were members of the local St Andrew's Brownie pack.[12]

In 1995, the family relocated to Bucklebury, Berkshire.[9][13] Like her sister, Middleton was first educated at St Andrew's School,Pangbourne and Downe House School, a girls' day and boarding school in Cold Ash. She attended Marlborough College on a sports/all-rounder scholarship.[14] Middleton then graduated from the University of Edinburgh with an English literature degree,[15] where she shared a house with Lord Edward Innes-Ker, a son of the Duke of Roxburghe, and with Earl Percy, heir apparent of the Duke of Northumberland.[15]

Following graduation, in 2008 Middleton briefly worked at a public relations firm promoting luxury products, then she took on an events management job with Table Talk, a company based in London that organises corporate events and parties.[14][16] Also in 2008, Tatler magazine named Middleton "the Number 1 Society Singleton", ahead of singer-songwriterJames Blunt and Princess Eugenie of York,[17] although in the same Tatler article she was described as someone who "goes to a lot of parties, but mainly as the caterer." Since then, she has often been described as a socialite.[18] As part of a duo with her older sister, Middleton has received wide press coverage, focusing on her social life and her lifestyle.[19][20] In April 2012, Time magazine listed Pippa as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.[21]

Middleton currently works part-time for her parents' company Party Pieces, editing the web magazine Party Times.[14][22]

Penguin Books paid Middleton a £400,000 advance for a book on party planning. The book, entitled Celebrate, was published in autumn 2012, and had lower than anticipated sales as many reviewers mocked it for the obviousness of its content.[23][24] Middleton said that she was not using a ghost writer.[25] In March 2013, Middleton parted from her literary agent.[26]

Middleton has contributed articles to The Spectator magazine since December 2012,[27] and in June 2013 she was named a contributing editor of Vanity Fair writing a series of columns for the magazine.[28]

The official announcement of her sister's engagement came on 16 November 2010. Middleton served as the maid of honour.[31] At the wedding, Middleton's white figure-hugging dress, which, like the bride's, was created by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen, was highly praised in the media. Made of ivory crape fabric, it was styled with a cowl at the front and organza-covered buttons at the back. Copies of the dress were soon available in the high street[32][33] where there was a great demand for them.[34][35][36]

Middleton's ancestors most probably include Sir Thomas Fairfax (1475–1520). Proven ancestors include the Rev. Thomas Davis, a Church of Englandhymn-writer, whose granddaughter Olive Christiana Lupton was the paternal grandmother of Michael Middleton.[37][38] Her maternal great-great-grandfather John Goldsmith was married to Esther Jones at St John's Hoxton in 1850.



James Middleton: Stats


James William Middleton (born 15 April 1987)[1][2] is an English businessman and member of the Middleton family. Bakeries run by his Cake Kit Company make themed cakes and cake-making kits for birthdays and other occasions. He is the brother of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and read the lesson at her wedding to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge.

James was born in 1987, the youngest child and only son of Michael Middleton (b. 23 June 1949) who was then a British Airways flight dispatcher,[3] and Carole Goldsmith (b. 31 January 1955), a former flight attendant.[4][5][6] His father came from a long line of solicitors who resided in Leeds, in Yorkshire, and one of his great-grandmothers, Olive Lupton, belonged to a business family active in Leeds for generations.[7] Carole Middleton's mother's family were labourers and miners from County Durham.[8][9][6][10] His elder sisters areCatherine Elizabeth (born 1982) and Philippa Charlotte (born 1983).[11]

Prior to James' birth, his parents were based in Amman, Jordan, working for British Airways from May 1984, to September 1986, where eldest sister Catherine went to an English language nursery school,[12] before the family returned to their home in Bucklebury, Berkshire.[13] After the birth of her third child (James) in 1987, Carole set up 'Party Pieces', a company which began by making party bags and which now sells party supplies and decorations by mail order.[14] By 1995 the firm, run by both parents, was so successful that it moved into a range of farm buildings at Ashampstead Common.[14]

James was educated at St Andrew's School, Pangbourne, followed by Marlborough College. He started a degree in Environmental Resources Management at Edinburgh Universityin 2006 but left after one year to start his business.[15][16]

Middleton's cake-making business was inspired by reading that a mother’s baking is a highly evocative childhood memory – he wanted to supply baking kits so home bakers would be able to get all the ingredients in one place for adventurous creations such as "football cakes". He started baking himself, using the family kitchen, then expanded into a freight container and his business now bakes in converted barns. Themed cakes are baked for companies such as Jigsaw, 3 and Ralph Lauren.[15] "The entrepreneur was said to have caused 'shudders' at Buckingham Palace" after taking part in the Hello photoshoot and making 21 different cakes for them. "Each was iced with one of the magazine's memorable front pages, several of them depicting members of the Royal family, including, Diana, Princess of Wales".[17] Birthday cake baking kits are created for the domestic market with themes such as dinosaurs and football, which are then distributed through his parents' company, Party Pieces.[15][18]

Middleton's Cake Kit Company business has been nominated for several awards and won Smarta 100 and Haines Watts Young Entrepreneur awards. In April 2011 he registered three more businesses: Nice Cakes, Nice Wine and Nice Group London and has indicated that he plans to further expand the Cake Kit Company.[15][17]

The Daily Telegraph describes Middleton as a "young entrepreneur" who regularly puts in 14-hour days.[19]

As well as Cake Kit, he launched three other ventures – Nice Cakes, Nice Wine and Nice Group London.

As the only brother of the Duchess of Cambridge, Middleton attracts significant media attention in the UK and worldwide. He has stated his intention not to cash in on his royal connections in an interview with the Sunday Times, "I've won awards for my own efforts because I am young and good in my own right. It's not just because of my family that I've been getting attention. I want to be known for my own contribution, not for being a 'relative of' - that's boring".

Middleton read the lesson at the wedding of his sister Catherine to Prince William. This was the Romans chapter 12, verses 1–2 and 9–18. The reading was from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible rather than the traditional Authorized Version of King James.[20] Due to his dyslexia, he had to learn the lection off by heart, in order to not mix up the words.

He appeared with the bridal party, the Royal Family and the rest of the Middletons on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the wedding ceremony.

He has since appeared at a number of royal events, including the River Pageant at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. In 2012, he appeared with his sister, Pippa Middleton at theWimbledon Championships, sitting in the Royal Box.

James shares ancestors with his brother in law, Prince William; the closest relationship is via Prince William's mother and James' father through a common descent from Sir Thomas Fairfax and his wife Agnes (or Anne) Gascoigne[better source needed], daughter of Sir William Gascoigne and his wife, n̩e Lady Margaret Percy.[22] This makes James and Prince William fifteenth cousins.[23] Sir Thomas Fairfax and Agnes Gascoigne are through Catherine's great-grandmother Olive Lupton, daughter of a Leeds cloth merchant Francis Lupton and his wife Harriet (n̩e Davis) РFairfax being an ancestor of Lupton. In turn Lady Margaret Percy[better source needed] is descended from Edward III.

Mike and Carole Middleton: Stats

Just for fun I thought that I would share some Middleton family statistics. We'll start with the parents in the family, Mike and Carole.

The Middletons have been described by the British press as "minted" and "moneyed middle class, with a smattering of blue-blooded antecedents".[18][19]

Michael Francis Middleton was born in Leeds in 1949, and was the son of a pilot instructor / aviator. His grandfather Noel Middleton was a solicitor. Michael Middleton was educated, like his father and grandfather at Clifton College.[20] At Clifton, all three Middleton men boarded at Brown House. Carole Elizabeth Middleton (née Goldsmith) was born on 31 January 1955 at Perivale Maternity Hospital inEaling.[21][22][23] The daughter of a builder, Ronald Goldsmith (1931–2003), and his wife, Dorothy Harrison (1935–2006), she was raised in a council flat in Southall, and attended the local state school.[24]

The couple met when they both worked for British Airways; Carole as a stewardess, Michael as a steward.[20] In 1979, Michael Middleton was promoted within BA and became a flight dispatcher at London Heathrow Airport, where he kept track of the airline's fleet on the ground. The couple were married on 21 June 1980, at the parish church of St James in Dorney, Buckinghamshire.[25] They bought a semi-detached Victorian house in Bradfield Southend near Reading, Berkshire.[20]

Middleton coat of arms

The couple have three children (two daughters and one son). Following the birth of their daughters Catherine Elizabeth (born 1982) and Philippa Charlotte (born 1983),[26] the family briefly moved to Amman, Jordan where Michael Middleton worked from 1984 to 1987.[27]

Updates on Baby Cambridge

From the Daily Mail today:

"Baby Cambridge was taken to see his grandparents on his first afternoon out today as it was revealed the Queen and Prince Harry have now met the royal baby for the first time.

Kate and William smiled broadly and waved from their car as they were driven away from Kensington Palace by security, where they had spent their first night together as a family.


Both the Duke and Duchess looked happy and fresh-faced, with William sat in the front passenger seat and Kate in the back with their child in his baby seat.

They left their west London home shortly after the Queen had visited her new great-grandson and potentially discussed names with the parents.

Kensington Palace officials would not confirm where the young family were going this afternoon, but their black Land Rover was later seen arriving at grandparents Carole and Michael Middleton's mansion in Bucklebury, Berkshire.

Her Majesty, who will travel to Balmoral for her summer holiday on Friday, spent 30 minutes with the Duke, Duchess and Baby Cambridge from 11am.

It has also emerged that Prince Harry, who is said to be thrilled to have become an uncle, may have been there last night after the trio left hospital, having raced back to London from Wattisham airbase in Suffolk where he is on duty with the RAF.

It is understood that James Middleton and Pippa Middleton were also at Kensington Palace yesterday evening.

Their were clear hints that Kate and William were off to Bucklebury after heightened police presence was in evidence around the £5million home of the Duchess of Cambridge's parents this morning.

Yellow police cones with a 'no waiting' symbols lined both sides of the road every few yards for around a mile either side of majestic Bucklebury Manor, West Berkshire.

A bright yellow sign stuck to a road sign confirmed an 'emergency' three-week bylaw prohibited any form of waiting in the road while a pair of police officers stood at both entrances to the Grade II listed Georgian pile, while marked police cars swept past the entrances every couple of minutes.

A large police horsebox marked 'Mounted section' arrived in the picturesque village at lunchtime and a small marquee surrounded by marked and unmarked police cars was visible in a nearby field.

Prince William said yesterday they were 'still working on a name' for the future king, reportedly because he and Kate wanted to see their baby’s 'little face' and get to know him before choosing one.

After he left hospital at around 7pm his aunt Pippa and brother James were waiting for him at Kensington Palace for a cuddle as the little boy is introduced to his family..

The Cambridges were safely tucked away in a small cottage in Kensington Palace's grounds today, with the only sign of movement this morning being a royal protection officer walking their dog Ludo nearby."

Tuesday 23 July 2013

Pippa Travels to Kensington Palace for a Visit

The DM reports that Pippa Middleton traveled to Kensington Palace this evening to visit her royal nephew with her boyfriend Nico Jackson. It is thought that other family members, like James Middleton perhaps, would also be there to meet the new member of the family.

That would be quite exciting! And what a great way to end the day! I would be so thrilled to be home and somewhat "back to normal", if I were Will and Kate.







Read the full article here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2375316/Meet-Auntie-Pippa-Kates-sister-travels-Kensington-Palace-boyfriend-Nico-cuddle-newborn-nephew.html


I Wonder How Pippa is Feeling Today?

Probably a mixture of emotions I would imagine. I would be excited, but I think I would also be taking stock of my own life. It would feel like a bit of a circus, and I'm sure that could make a person feel a bit icky at times. I know even I feel a bit all over the place emotionally - and I've just been witnessing everything with the rest of the world online and on TV!

Here's a tribute to Pippa on this day:






Returning Home to Kensington Palace

Here is an interesting article about the "cottage" that Will and Kate (and baby) will be returning home to today: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2018127/William-Kate-starter-home-Kensington-Palace-grounds.html


Video of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Presenting the Baby

Kate's Hair Colour

We've known (I believe) that Kate gets her hair coloured, and certainly her hair colour is much different now than it was in November of 2010, when the couple announced their engagement. Back then it seemed like it was her natural dark brown colour. Now it is warmer and blonder. Take a look:



Personally I would love to see her go back to her roots, no pun intended - I think it actually makes her look younger.





More Pictures of Baby Cambridge



Kate looks pretty tired here - but understandably she must be quite worn out




Kate looks a little strained here as well












REVEALED!

It's hard to believe that this baby is the future King of England! It's absolutely surreal! Kate looked lovely in her pale blue dress with the polka dots by (apparently) Jenny Packham - and the hairdresser coming in definitely paid off :) HOW EXCITING!!!! :)





Read the full article here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2374931/Kate-Middletons-parents-beat-royals-family-members-visit-new-baby.html



Update

Kensington Palace confirmed: 'Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge will be discharged this evening.

'The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their son will travel home to Kensington Palace.




Update

We think we'll be told very soon whether the couple are leaving tonight. Hospital staff are still being brought out. Signs of a departure?

Watch Live: The Lindo Wing


Watch Live:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2292995/Question-Time-How-Labour-Party-planted-diehard-supporter-audience-attack-UKIP-panellist.html



The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall Arrive at St. Mary's




Article #1: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/royal-baby-prince-charles-and-duchess-of-cornwall-arrive-at-st-marys-hospital-8727931.html

Article #2: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2374931/Kate-Middletons-parents-beat-royals-family-members-visit-new-baby.html