Engagement Announcement on Christmas Day?
Talk about chancing my arm, but the speculation on an imminent engagement between Prince William and Kate Middleton is so rife that, if it were not true, it would have been quashed by now.
Make no mistake, the Royal Family is much more clued up on these things than they were in the time of Diana.
Let’s not confuse the Queen’s dinner at The Ritz last night with the Princes’ party at the Crystal Club tonight (Wednesday). Both are private functions and probably just that — pre-Christmas bashes (with undertones).
As for Wills and Kate not being serious, it would be PR suicide for William if he let the speculation go on for so long then dumped her, or kept her hanging on for years until she’s an old maid. It would make him seem a ditherer — which he’s not.
No, I stand by the original story of a “pencilled in” wedding in May/June next year. My guess is that it could be announced on Christmas Day, which would be perfect — but I may be wrong about the timing.
As for the other speculation about Peter Phillips and Autumn, the trail has gone a bit cold now, but she’s still in there. Remember, if there’s a thronal engagement due, Peter’s will defer to it.
My guess is that he’ll wait till next year for a proper bash, or slip off quietly to a small Scottish church, as Princess Anne did second time around.
Other than that, we only have the feverish atmosphere in the Palace to go by. As Holmes might have said : “Something’s afoot, Watson. I can’t put my finger on it precisely yet, but I’ll be damned if a senior Royal personage isn’t hitched within months.”
And Sherlock was always right.
William is not a ditherer?Realy?Havent seen a more reluctant Royal,who doesnt seem eager to take any commitment on anything.By the way,William and Harry arent busy tonight?Heheheheh.Never busy for their own partying.I guess William is back healthie.Lets wait and see about the engagement.Its going to be so great.
By Shake on December 6th, 2006 at 10:40 am
He’s got his life sorted, Shake. His house in Herefordshire, his girl, his job in 2009, after the Army … what more could you expect from a man of 24?
By John on December 6th, 2006 at 10:59 am
Hahahha.You mean others sorted them out for him.I havent seen him doing anything.As for his house,you seem to be quite sure.I hear its going up for sale when its ready cause Charles is facing cash problems on his Prince Trust.
By shake on December 6th, 2006 at 12:11 pm
I would love to see an engagement and end the speculation once and for all!!. Shake I really do not believe that William is the ditherer his father is. But one thing is true other’s sort his life out for him since he is an heir.
By Trudie on December 6th, 2006 at 12:26 pm
The big house won’t be finished until 2010, and he hardly needs to sell it now. The two farmhouses on the estate will be ready sooner, and Kate has been decorating one of them. Work it out for yourself.
By John on December 6th, 2006 at 12:28 pm
Anyone ever think of PW and “Catherine” having a very, very long engagement? It does happen although I don’t think the length is the greatest sign of one’s intent or seriouness, however PW does have alot on his plate to fill. I hope something is announced before I leave on holiday- guess I’ll have to take my laptop to find out. Have a great day everyone!!!
By ann l. on December 6th, 2006 at 12:53 pm
John i dont have to figured out anything.William is a dissapoitment,and i guess thats another reason they are getting him married so soon,if this is true.He has done nothing yet.Compared to the other European heirs he is uneducated,havent done any real Royal duties,nor has he commit on anything.Kate seems as lazy as him,so i guess they fit each other.He doesnt seem in love with her,or even atracted to her,he always looks frustrated and uninterested when he is with her.So whatever happens i will love it.It will end up a failure.William doesnt have his heart set on being a working devoted Royal,he likes the perks and the lazy rich life of his set.As for the house,again i heard its another estate the Duchy bought will build up and then sale for profit.
By shake on December 6th, 2006 at 2:21 pm
I really don’t know what to say… I just hope they don’t rush it because of the pressure created by the press and their families… that never helps at the end.
By Ziny on December 6th, 2006 at 2:24 pm
William wont make the same mistakes as his father.He is different,he wont be pressured as poor Dad was.Isnt this the moto we hear for years?Unfortunately i think WIlliam will be worst than his father.
By shake on December 6th, 2006 at 2:38 pm
I have a question. I thought that because PW will one day become King, that he had to marry somebody of Royalty. From what I’ve read, Kate is an everyday girl. Am I wrong??? Sorry if I’m off the subject here….
By Adriene on December 6th, 2006 at 2:40 pm
That’s rubbish, Shake. William has a good class degree in a difficult scientific subject from one of the top universities in Britain. He has successfully completed a year of officer training that’s known to be the toughest in the world. And all at 24.
If that’s lazy, I can’t imagine what your idea of busy actually is.
By John on December 6th, 2006 at 2:56 pm
Adriene, that’s not true. Hardly any of the recent Royal spouses have been anything other than commoners, even Diana and the Queen Mother were not Royal.
Some continental countries still follow the Royal to Royal rule, but that’s led to serious inbreeding. The enlightenened British Monarchy has drawn in robust fresh blood to invigorate its bloodlines. HM is a knowledgeable horse breeder, so she would undoubtedly approve.
By John on December 6th, 2006 at 3:04 pm
Yeah a geography degree thats difficult,after dropping even more difficult history of art.I said John compared to the other Young European Royals who have studied so many other subjects and have been involved from a very young age to duties and charities,he has done nothing.As for Sandhurst,he got too many leaves to go and see football and rugby matches and i bet special treatment,so i dont think it was so tough.His father said he is lazy,he must know something.He has done nothing John,come on.After Camilla joining the Royals i think anyone can marry in the Royal family.
By shake on December 6th, 2006 at 3:12 pm
John,
That makes good sense to me. Thanks for the response.
One thing tho- Diana was Royalty…this taken from the Wikipedia entry on “Diana Spencer.” :
Diana came from a royal and aristocratic background. On her mother’s side, Diana was partially American in ancestry; one of her great-grandmothers was the American heiress Frances Work. On her father’s side, Diana was also a direct descendant of King Charles II through two illegitimate sons and King James II through an illegitimate daughter.
By Adriene on December 6th, 2006 at 3:14 pm
There are many British families who consider themselfs far more regal that the German Windsors.
By shake on December 6th, 2006 at 3:18 pm
The Spencers are aristocrats whose title was given in Elizabethan times when they were large sheep famers. They’ve never been Royal. Many people have bloodlines into the Royal Family, but it doesn’t make them Royal.
By John on December 6th, 2006 at 3:33 pm
So, because the title was GIVEN to the Spencer’s, they are not Royal, correct? You actually have to be a blood descendant, is this correct? Please excuse my lack of knowledge, here.
By Adriene on December 6th, 2006 at 3:42 pm
Queen Victoria’s Mother was Victoire of Saxe Coburg Gotha (German) and her Father was the Duke of Kent (English.) She married Albert of Saxe Coburg Gotha (German). Their heir, Edward VII, married Alexandra who was a Danish princess. Their heir was George V (after his older brother died) and he married Mary of Teck, whose father was German and whose Mother was English, being a granddaughter of George III. Their heir was first Edward VIII who abdicated to marry Walis Warfield Simpson and they became Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Their second heir was George VI, who married Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the daughter of a Scottish peer. Their heir is the present Queen Elizabeth II who married Philip of Greece, who is the son of Alice of Battenberg (who had an English mother and a German father) and also the son of Andrew of Greece whose lineage is Danish. Their heir is Charles who married Diana, who was the daughter of two British parents. So while there is a German strain to the British Royal family, there are also Scottish, Danish and English strains present as well. Going all the way back to the very early days of the monarchies members of the Royal Houses of Europe have often married outside their nationality. It does not make them less regal. It does not even make them less British. Nor does it make them less worthy.
By Gigi on December 6th, 2006 at 3:45 pm
Diana did have Kings and Queen’s blood lineage running through her family veins, she was related to many of the British Monarchs and Queen Mary, Anne Boelyn, King James, on and on, Diana had Royal lineage , yes she was an Earl’s daughter, she was an Aristocrat. Kate is a Commoner. Why the press builds Kate up, because she the future heir’s girlfriend, the press wants a Fairy Tale. But…I must add I don’t believe that William will ever get engaged to her, why does he need to now. She is working and he’s going off to MIlitary. If no engagement comes at Christmas, Kate should concentrate on her job, because William will not be pushed, by anyone, the press, Kate’s mother ,or Kate. I doubt his own Family wants him to marry at 24 or 25. An Engagement most like won’t happen. It’s the press pushing it.
By mandy on December 6th, 2006 at 4:35 pm
Whatever your lineage, if you don’t have HRH before your name, you’re not Royal. I’m descended from King Henry VII, but I’m not Royal.
William’s family would love to see him settled and producing an heir. This gets more difficult with age, so it’s best to get it over with — at least Diana understood that.
By John on December 6th, 2006 at 4:42 pm
Yeah she understood that surely.She was a breeding machine andf nothing else for Charles.
By Shake on December 6th, 2006 at 5:08 pm
The Queen has said William’s too young for marriage, she said that last summer. I really doubt the family wants William to marry at 24 or 25 or before 28-30. Kate can hang in there all she wants, if William isn’t asking, oh well. He already said he doesn’t want to marry until 28-30, even if Kate is in the picture,it doesn’t mean that he will choose her. William was just kissing some girl two weeks ago, she’d be crazy to marry him now,if he hasn’t gotten all of that out of his system. I just don’t see an engagement, if it doesn’t happen Christmas, the press will say New Years, if it doesn’t happen then, the press will say Valentines day, if doesn’t happen then , the press will say Easter, meanwhile Kate holds on and William lives his life in the Military.
All I’m saying is Diana was an Aristocrat, she was a Aristocrat descendant from Kings and Queens. Diana was an Aristocratic girl. She was from a Aristocratic family, her father was an Earl.
By mandy on December 6th, 2006 at 6:55 pm
When did the Queen say that, Mandy? Ten years ago?
Believe me, they’d love him to marry next year and produce an heir in 2008. The Royal business is not like your’s or mine. It’s about doing your duty, not having fun.
And don’t believe all the tittle tattle by the anti-Royal brigade.
By John on December 6th, 2006 at 7:04 pm
We understood Mandy.And titles or not titles Diana had the special something,grace,a mystery,charisma.She didnt needed Titles as her brother said.Kate is absolutely plain and so uninteresting.
By Shake on December 6th, 2006 at 7:05 pm
As i said,The Queen probably wants William to marry,cause she sees he has no other potential.I doubt Charles though wants Wiliam to get married.
By Shake on December 6th, 2006 at 7:06 pm
Shake I have to agree with you Diana was used as a brood mare by Charles but Diana was only 20 and naive. I doubt that Kate is that naive and at 24 If they want to marry that should be their decision. My own son is 23 and being married next April and I am thrilled his choice is lovely. The point I am trying to make is they have already lived together as students and she must have something or William would have dropped her after graduation. I really think John is on the money here.
By Trudie on December 6th, 2006 at 11:02 pm
William himself said HE DOESN’T WANT TO GET MARRIED UNTIL He’s 28-30. I believe him, the press chooses not to listen , but instead create the fantasy that William is ready to marry at 24. I still think a engagement is the fantasy of the pushy press. I don’t believe the wedding hype for these two. If they get engaged by Christmas, John, my hats off to you for your predicition, but sorry I don’t believe any of it. I’ll wait for the official announcement, from the Palace.
By mandy on December 7th, 2006 at 1:29 am
(Shake, you were thorough in your knowledge of the guests at the Queen’s (Party , Autumn was there.)
Arriving in the company of the Duke of Edinburgh, the Queen was joined by a string of family members and others at the hotel, which is close to Buckingham Palace in central London.
The Queen paused briefly on the steps to wave at a small crowd of wellwishers gathered on the street before going inside to meet the guests.
These included the Earl and Countess of Wessex, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie – the Queen’s grandchildren, and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Princess Alexandra and Peter Phillips with his Canadian girlfriend Autumn Kelly were also present, as was Lord and Lady Nicholas Windsor, and former King Constantine of Greece, who lives in exile in London.
(The Telegraph)
By mandy on December 7th, 2006 at 1:38 am
Prince William may have said that he does not wish to marry until he is 28-30 to get the press off his back. (Cleary that scheme did not work as he had planned.) Nevertheless, two people make the decision about when to marry, in this case Kate Middleton and Prince William. Prince Charles apparently had a chance to marry Camilla when they were in their twenties but he claimed he wasn’t ready–and that set off a series of PR and personal catastrophes. I married at 22 and have never regretted it (my husband and I are married 36 years this December 26th) so if William and Kate feel they are ready, I hope they go for the gold ring and make the best of it. I believe that the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh have serious doubts about the advisability of Prince Charles and Camilla coming to the throne (doesn’t everyone?) and would prefer that Prince William to be married and settled with an appropriate wife before the Queen dies/retires. John is right, as usual. The duty of the heir is not merely to succeed to the throne, but to marry well and to secure the succession by siring an heir and a spare, as beloved Diana did.
By Gigi on December 7th, 2006 at 2:16 am
gigi, the real reason why charles did not marry camilla before was because, correct me if I’m staken John, she was divorced and the public were (and many still are) not very keen to her, what she she was that she actually introduce Diana to Charles thinking that Diana was easy to manipulate(and clearly people liked her more!) and that way they could have their affair, but it all went wrong… royalty is no happily ever after, or at least it seems it isn’t… Prince William might not be the Prince Charming we all want him to be and perhaps (or most probably) if he gets engaged to Kate within this month is because he is being pressured, not only by Kate (who is being pressure by her mother), but from his dad, and the press.. I know (or I atleast hope) the Queen does not want a repeat of the Charles & Diana marriage…
By Ziny on December 7th, 2006 at 2:22 am
I’ll wait for the Palace announcement.
By mandy on December 7th, 2006 at 2:22 am
oops.. I meant mistaken… sorry for the typos, I’m moving on monday so I’m in the middle ofpacking LOL… this helps me to take some stress off.. LOL
By Ziny on December 7th, 2006 at 2:24 am
I thought Charles and Camilla’s romance predated her marriage and divorce from Parker-Bowes, whom she married on the rebound when Charles dumped her. Are you saying that Camilla was married and divorced to another man prior to her marriage to Parker-Bowes? Or am I getting confused?
By Gigi on December 7th, 2006 at 5:22 am
John–that Holmes quote was hilarious, that really made me laugh. : )
By Lauren on December 7th, 2006 at 5:37 am
I mean Parker Bowles. Everytime I get on this site to post, I can’t spell!
By Gigi on December 7th, 2006 at 5:40 am
I’m almost certain, that the next wedding announcement will be that of Peter and Autumn, not PW and Kate.
By Slyvia on December 7th, 2006 at 6:02 am
Seriously Shake–only people who haven’t been to uni would think that geography and art history are blah/easy subjects. Look at what/where you studied–we probably won’t believe whatever you will tell us you did, so just look at it honestly yourself and ask how you can criticize these people who, I venture to say, really did work harder than you did?
By And then she on December 7th, 2006 at 6:03 am
Camilla passed many Aristocrats before she ended up with Apb her relations with one of the Rotchilds and the Astors are pretty known.She wasnt something special though,always considered a mistress,so she didnt got to marry any of them.She slept with Charles too,but it was clear her big love was her ex-husband,she was trying to get him for 5 years.Charles never thought of marrying her,she was never an option she was a secured married woman.Dont believe the spin now,that there was the great love affair.Camilla was desperate for APB.Trudie i hear what you say,but William had two other girlfriends at Uni,Kate wasnt the only one when Anne Sloan dropped him and another local girl from St Andrews he then turned to Kate who was easy and available,she is only the one who accepted the cheating and his bad behaviour.Even recently he was kissing another girl.Kate seems desperate to become a Princess so i guess she will allow the cheating.Lets wait and see for the mariage.
By Shake on December 7th, 2006 at 6:20 am
And now, a moment of reality from our sponsors:
You are sloppy with facts.
We will now return you to “As The Lies Spin.”
By Positive on December 7th, 2006 at 6:30 am
I’ve been mistaken before (taken a bit by surprise by Charles and Camilla’s announcement, actually) but I think William will wait until he’s at least a bit settled into his military service before he gets married, so I give it 1-2 years, during which time anything can happen between him and Ms. Middleton.
And as much as he admires and respects his cousin Peter Phillips, I believe he’ll actually want to clear the way for Peter and Autumn to get married next year without any distractions. If we have any announcement, I expect Peter Phillips’ first.
By Nancy on December 7th, 2006 at 7:26 am
Positive,baby Camilla was spending summers in the Rotchilds home at Corfu since the lates 70s until before she married Charles,everybody knew who she was and what she was for Mr Rotchild.You can believe what you want,and state what you want.As i do.As for William,iam sure you can find easily the stories,at the Times,Telegraph and Scotsman where there are articles in the archives talking about Williams relation with two other girls except Kate,and one of the relations was almost at the same time he was supposed to be with Kate.And we keep forgetting Kate before William,was with a close friend of his,she had a full sexual relation with him,from when she was 17.When Arabella broke it off with William,cause of his roving eye,Kate made herself available breaking it off with Willies friend.They date each other,sleep with each other.Arabella now is with another close friend of William,as Jecca,and if Kate wont become the Princess will probably be passed on to another friend.A very cosey affair.And by the way,if we are supposed to believe she and William are together for 4 years now,we are talking for a full sexual relationship since they lived togethere and freely sleep together in her apartment.If he drops her,i see a huge harm on her reputation especialy after the way she dropped her ex boyfriend too.
By Shake on December 7th, 2006 at 8:19 am
Charles was away at sea when Camilla decided to marry APB. He was by all insider accounts devastated by the news. He knew he had dithered too long and lost the prize.
But some things have a way of catching up with you. Call it “cosmic ordering”, if you want. Now he’s got it, and seems to be happy enough — for a man pushing 60.
By John on December 7th, 2006 at 10:23 am
Actually even though Charles dithered during his relationship to Camila in the early 70’s He could not marry her as she was not A a virgin, B not aristrocratic enough,and C. Her opening line to him at their first meeting ” My great grandmother was the mistress of your great -great grandfather so how about it” shows that her only interest then was to aspire to be a mistress. As for Kate if she wants to become a Princess than Shake all the power to her as I have said she is not naive and if that is the life she wants knowing all the sadness Diana went through then who are we to judge her.
By Trudie on December 7th, 2006 at 11:38 am
Charles doesnt seem happy to me.And yes John,he is getting what he deserves.And i agree Trudie,thats why i wont say,ohh poor Kate if and when she becomes miserable and unhappy in that family.She knows the game.
By shake on December 7th, 2006 at 12:06 pm
There have been reports of blazing rows between Camilla and Charles because Camilla only wants to do exactly what she chooses to do, and that is a privilege Charles reserves solely for himself. There have also been reports that Charles resents Camilla spending so much money and that he further is angered that she does not take enough Royal engagements to justify her position. I think Charles has truly gotten what he deserved this time. He never deserved Princess Diana. She was miles above him in every way.
By Gigi on December 7th, 2006 at 2:35 pm
Yep.I quite enjoy seeing him appearing with Camilla.They deserve each other.They made Diana look even more unique.
By shake on December 7th, 2006 at 2:52 pm
Camilla was with alot of men prior to APB- didn’t she seduce him away from Princess Anne while Charles was in the Navy? I think Camilla has wanted it all- but chose the back stairs to get there while stepping on everyone to get to the top. She knows too much about Charles’ extramarital activities and would no doubt hold that info above his head. He used to complain about Diana’s spending too much and the cost of the engagement ring while Camilla has out done the spending & with a ring that is valued 2 1/2 times Diana’s ring. The Queen is trying to secure the monarchy’s future- PW is going to get engaged. I saw a photo of Peter and Autumn at the Ritz- at first I thought it was from several days ago from Zara’s last award because she was wearing the exact same outfit. Did Zara go th the party at the Ritz? Did PW & PH have their party Wednesday night- any news on it?
By ann l. on December 7th, 2006 at 3:00 pm
Interesting article in the Daily Mail.
At the end there is a Clarence House quote.
Clarence House says talk of an engagement between Prince William and Kate is “all hot air”.
article.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=421367&in_page_id=1770
By mandy on December 9th, 2006 at 1:21 am
Who can believe that the Queen who was in heavy pain in these recent weeks saw Kate in private and they even rided together?The Queen was advised to take it easy and rest,and she was out riding?Who believes this stuff?I also like the part where Camilla has taken Kate under wings,hahahahhaa.Camilla the professional Royal who just recently it was admited she suffers from nervousness and receives treatment.I hope Kate learns well from Camilla.
By shake on December 9th, 2006 at 6:58 am
And who can believe now that William isnt influenced by Camilla and her clan when he is pictured partying with her son and his wife?Oh its just my imagination/
By shake on December 9th, 2006 at 7:00 am
[...] The national press has picked up Royal Anecdotes’ story of a Christmas engagement for Prince William and Kate Middleton. The UK Daily Mail has the headline : “At the Palace, senior courtiers are convinced there will be a Christmas engagement.” [...]
By » Royal Anecdotes - Royal Secrets on December 9th, 2006 at 2:53 pm