Royal Predictions for 2007
It’s always difficult to predict the future, especially if you have a cloudy crystal ball like mine. However, I’ve been digging round my extensive contacts list and produced the following likely events :
1. Prince William will announce his betrothal to Kate Middleton between now and the end of March. We hear that his Private Secretary has been nagging him about this as he believes more of the same will be counter-productive — as do I. A wedding could be arranged quickly, we’re told, so may already be “pencilled in” at the Abbey, or even St George’s Chapel, Windsor.
2. Prince Harry will not follow his regiment to Iraq in the spring, although he’ll be given a role which will take some of the sting out of the situation. He’s doing the arduous para course in February, so maybe they’ll shunt him into the SAS — desk job, of course. Harry is unlikely to welcome whatever they give him and may well decide to cut short his Army career.
3. Zara Phillips will become engaged to rugger man Mike Tindall, and may even marry this year. However, the Queen’s Diamond Wedding celebrations, set to continue for much of this year, and William’s prospective plans, could make it a low-key affair.
4. Zara’s brother, Peter Phillips, could also be tying the knot this year to Canadian Autumn Kelly. This will be an even lower profile event than Zara’s, we suspect.
5. Kate Middleton will be give a fashion makeover by Sarah Buys, Fashion Editor of Harper’s Bazaar, who just happens to be married to Tom Parker Bowles, her possible future step-brother-in-law.
6. Apart from the Queen’s Diamond wedding, this will be the Year of Kate Middleton. Her modest, very English, demeanour will endear her to a world audience, which will build her up as a new Diana. She will keep her feet on the ground, however, and William will guide her through all the pitfalls. He has already pushed her into the job at fashion house, Jigsaw, as he was unhappy about her increasing “Footballer’s Wife” shopaholic reputation.
7. Prince Harry could just conceivably become engaged to Chelsy Davy, although there will be obstacles to overcome. The wedding would most likely occur next year when the schedule will be less crowded.
Lovely predicitons, John, and I hope they all come true! Nothing could be more fun than a year of Royal weddings! Does anyone know what the plans are for the celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Wedding Anniversary? If there is a schedule, I have not seen it published anywhere.
By Gigi on January 3rd, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Well, it’s in November, but there will be events leading up to it. The Royal Mint has produced a specially-struck £5 coin too. But it won’t be as full a year as the 2006 80th birthday or the Jubilee.
By John on January 3rd, 2007 at 6:04 pm
Now that I am back from the holiday I was anxious to keep up with the latest news. I hope Zara and Mike do marry soon! They both are obviously good for each other while being supportive and encouraging each other to do their personal best. Good news regarding PW and Kate, too. I wonder how well she will hold up when others notice she is not as accomplished and educated as other future Queens of Europe. I would love to see her volunteer time at least once a week to teach youger children the fun things about art. Hopefully she will branch out soon. I am deeply saddened that Peter will marry his Canadian friend. She seems so unsuitable, unaccomplished, uninvolved with any activities with the exception of clinging to Peter. Seems to me she is not suited to Peter’s interests in sports and challenging himself to grow. It can be most unfortunate when one settles for what is rather than what one’s true desires are. I am relieved no engagements were announced during the holidays! People put so much pressure on that instead of what the true meaning of being with family, etc. Good for Will to announce in his own good time and not be “guilted” into others’ and the media’s wants. Other good reasons no engagements should be announced if things were to go wrong- that holiday will cast a shadow on future holidays or birthdays. I hope everyone had as wonderful holiday as I had! I wish all of you a very, very happy and healthy New Year!!!
By ann l. on January 3rd, 2007 at 6:35 pm
P.S. I really wish everyone would stop comparing Kate to Diana. It is not helpful nor justified. Each lady is their own person.
By ann l. on January 3rd, 2007 at 6:37 pm
Kate has a good degree, Ann, and a sensible head on her shoulders. Hardly without accomplishment.
By John on January 3rd, 2007 at 6:39 pm
How is she less educated than other future/potential Queens of the European countries?
By Lauren on January 3rd, 2007 at 8:20 pm
Ann I have to totally disagree with you regarding Kate not being educated enough. While you can’t compare her to Diana the difference is Diana was very successful in her role as Princess of Wales and could hold her own on the world stage without any sort of degree. Even HM does not hold a university degree and had led the nation for fiftyfour years quite successfully. I think your assessment of Autum Kelly is also off the mark. I think these women would fit in quite nicely and HM is a very astute judge of character and if HM approves who are any of us to argue?.
By Trudie on January 3rd, 2007 at 8:50 pm
These are nice predictions. However, I doubt there will be 4 engagements, a wedding, the diamond wedding anniversary celebrations, the memorial concert for Princess Diana and her 10th year remembrance service–in addition to the royal family’s normal responsibliltes and events. I think these are rather things that could happen rather than predictions. Nice thought though and the sentiment goes far! Happy New Year!
By Pri on January 3rd, 2007 at 9:30 pm
I should have known how quickly everyone would jump at my comments! Regarding Kate’ education; yes she is educated, however in comparison with future-modern queens she lacks in several areas which would be most helpful in her future as a royal. Each of the 3 future queens- Sweden, Norway, and Spain have accomplished internships- real jobs (although I’m glad Kate has one- let’s say it is not of the norm), as well as other involvement with various groups such as Sweden speaks 4 languages, interned at EU and Sweden’s government while Norway is presently in school yet active member of UNAIDS, special representative, and interns with her government. Then Spain- she is a respected anchor and still active with journalism while Kate has none of these people skills. Diana was a fluke where she was able to have excellant people skills. Kate’s skills are limited not as evolved. Typically the future queen is viewed as a “breeder”, however presently all signs indicate the important role education/accomplishment will play for future monarchs. I truly adore HM!! She is intelligent, properly educated (from tutors) yet she has the ability to deal with things in such a manner- that all of us would benefit from following her lead. She is a rare exception! Recent conduct by Kate reveals less than satisfactory public behavior- at least in my opinion. I agree with Pri with all the events planned- adding several quick weddings of members of the royal fam would not be celebrated as much. The world has watched PW throughout his life and has such high hopes for him it would be disappointing to not have the entire nation- and world celebrate in his wedding. Besides weddings are what Brits do best! Trudie as far as HM’s approval- she never truly approved of Camilla either, yet I am most certain she wants all of her children to be happy- and have a successful marriages. Where Autumn is concerned I find her to be a bit odd not just from a few people who have seen/heard her .I witnessed on a 2005 equestrian event recording where she was playing up to the cameras, half hiding and peeking around a tree for attention from cameras- quite reminiscent of a Lady Di photo/tape. There are several things about her that people don’t know. Her background is hardly up to royal standards. She copies Zara in every fashion sense including hair color as if she is incapable of her own independence- as long as she has Peter. He is a great match for any girl! He deserves better and appears to be settling for less than now that he is approaching 30. Look what happened to Paul McCartney- his wife has a very dark past. I certainly wish all well, but I cannot tolerate someone who is not on the level. How important is family to her? Apparently not as strong as Peter’s values. I am not trying to convince anyone she is a bad seed, however no one really knows much about her- there is very little substance to her.
By ann l. on January 3rd, 2007 at 10:33 pm
P.S> I am not suggesting she will turn out to be like McCartney’s 2nd wife, however it does make one wonder!
I always considered weddings to be a joyous and celebrated event. If one wishes to have a wedding much planning takes place and it should be looked forward to- not a penciled in job.
Why is Kate getting a make-over? Isn’t that what she has been doing/grooming for these past 18 months- especially from her future step-mother’s side. Kate should look to other royal ladies for advice not from others who will no doubt profit from her.
By ann l. on January 3rd, 2007 at 10:43 pm
I looked up the educational qualifications and work experiences of future queen consorts (Europe only), using Wiki:
Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark completed her studies at the University of Tasmania which she attended from 1989 until 1994, when she graduated with the combined degrees of Bachelors of Commerce and Laws (BCom.LLB). Mary later qualified for professional certificates in advertising and direct marketing. Prior to her marriage, Crown Princess Mary worked for advertising agencies. Mary also worked as the sales director at a high-end real estate firm. In France, Mary taught Business English at a language school.
As a part-time student, Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway took longer than usual to complete her high school education before going on to take preparatory university courses at Agder. She then worked for a year at a café in Oslo. In the late 1990’s, Mette-Marit frequently attended the Quart Festival, Norway’s largest rock festival, in her hometown of Kristiansand. As a result, she met Crown Prince Haakon, since he used to attend the festival as well. They were introduced by mutual friends.
Letizia, Princess of Asturias completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism as well as a Master’s Degree in Audiovisual Journalism. During her studies, Letizia worked for various newspapers. After completing her studies, she spent some time in Mexico, working at yet another newspaper. After returning to Spain, she worked for the Spanish version of economic channel Bloomberg before moving to news network CNN Plus. In 2000, she moved to TVE, where she started working for the news channel 24 Horas. In 2002, she anchored the weekly news report program Informe Semanal and later the daily morning news program Telediario Matinal on TVE. In August 2003, a few months before her engagement to Felipe, Letizia was promoted to anchor the TVE daily evening news program Telediario, the most viewed newscast in Spain.
Princess Mathilde of Belgium studied speech therapy at the Institut Libre Marie Haps in Brussels from 1991 to 1994, from where she obtained a diploma with “grande distinction” (magna cum laude). Mathilde then worked as a speech therapist at her own practice in Brussels from 1995 to 1999. She also studied psychology at the Université Catholique de Louvain and gained her diploma in psychology with “distinction” (cum laude) in 2002.
Princess Máxima of the Netherlands graduated with a degree in economics from the Universidad Católica Argentina in 1995 before working for companies in Argentina, New York and Europe as an investment banker.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attended Mon Fertile, a finishing school in Switzerland. In her youth she worked for a year at the London decorators, Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler.
By Christine G on January 4th, 2007 at 12:54 am
Wonderful predictions John!! The Queen’s silver wedding anniversary should be a lovely celebration, and of course many of us are looking forward to the Concert for Diana. If your wedding predictions come true, then 2007 will be a banner year!! I’m still not convinced that Prince William will announce an engagement so early in the year, but I do think that he might announce an engagement before the year ends.
By mapleleaf on January 4th, 2007 at 1:02 am
i’m in agreement that not all four weddings will happen… however, i think we’ll get one or two to keep us happy…
i don’t understand what someone would have against autumn. granted, i haven’t read much about her, but everything i have seems positive. i can understand her clingy-ness when i take into account that the whole royal thing is probably overwhelming. but it appears that she has now been accepted by the royals. i believe that her and the queen have been seen together (please correct me if i’m wrong… i thought i saw a picture of both of them on a boat…maybe someone else?), so she must be doing something right.
as for kate not being accomplished, i disagree! like john said, she has a good degree and a job. but i’m sick of this comparison to diana… or the picturing of her to be the new diana. granted, she could (and probably will) be queen someday. other than that, i just dont see the similarities. if i was kate, i might be flattered at first, but as the flattery wore away i think i would get sick of it. she is a unique individual and probably wishes to be painted as such. not as another diana - or a new one. and the makeover… i’m afriad that i’m as confused as ann. are you talking about after the wedding? or the big day itself?
agree about the possibility of harry cutting his army career short. he seems like a very headstrong young man. which leads me to the possibility of an engagement… i don’t think it will happen. if it does, i see many, many problems arising. which is really unfortunate because chelsy seems like such a nice girl. yet she is always painted as a wreck and party “princess”. from the stuff thats written and the pictures that are shown it would be easy to believe. but i find it hard to believe when i consider the fact that she is pursuing a very difficult and plans on continuing her education. but who knows?
the queens diamond wedding anniversary is exciting!! i expect that there will be more updates as it approaches.
By s.s on January 4th, 2007 at 1:55 am
**oops!
i meant to say all four engagements. not weddings!
By s.s on January 4th, 2007 at 1:58 am
I have to admit I do not know much about Autumn. However, Peter Phillips is the Queen’s favorite grandchild and also the favorite of Prince Philip, who refers to him as “a winner” and “the real deal.” Since the hyper-critical Duke of Edinburgh almost never says anything positive about anyone, this is high praise indeed. Peter is known to be highly intelligent, a leader and very pragmatic. My guess is that if Peter Phillips feels Autumn is qualified to be his wife, than she is just that.
By Gigi on January 4th, 2007 at 3:30 am
Well, let’s hope it’s not “Four Weddings and a Funeral”, or they’ll have to draft Hugh Grant in to give them a hand.
I agree the weddings are hard to predict, and there is a lot going on this year. But the last 10 years have been packed with big Royal occasions and deaths, so it could all be packed in.
By “pencilled in” I meant that someone may have had the foresight to provisionally book a handful of dates at the Abbey from May through to September just in case it happens. William’s Army training will have taught him that he can’t hold things up forever, so I’m guessing he’s settled on a date by now, especially as his PS is warning him of the dangers of procrastination.
We’ll only be able to judge at the end of the year, when I’ll hold my hands up to the wrong ‘uns.
By John on January 4th, 2007 at 10:29 am
Funny John- I thought of the 4 weddings and a funeral too! However I for one would not wish for any more funerals for a very, very long time! It is strange that Kate finally started some sort of work- especially before preparing/planning a wedding.I agree with Mapleleaf about the timing of a wedding. I do think she and PW are going to marry- best wishes to them! My point regarding other future queens really do indicate how much things have changed while one needs to be involved to develop, grow, and contribute to the monarch as I wrote earlier and Christine G. has contributed to. Thanks Christine- I was not about to look up any info- I only wrote what I knew for certain. I do believe PW will help and support her in a way that was completely foreign to his father’s treatment of Diana. I think in time Kate will have to prove herself before comparisons of her to Diana begin to fade. Yet people are so hopeful for PW and Kate I hope time passes quickly for her to be her own person. One thing about PoW and Diana- they are the ones who sabotaged their relationship- NOT the Royal Family!! I think Kate will have a very solid support from the royal fam.
By ann l. on January 4th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
I have to make assessments on people and their behavior at work- regarding Autumn I saw she was photographed standing behind and to HM’s right on the ship. Since I adore HM I would have to say it would be a great honor to be in her presence, but it does not mean someone is stamped approved by HM. She was not with the Royal Family during Christmas/Church services- yet. I know a few people who have been around her pre- Peter and after. I know several intelligent men who have married and fooled by their wife(s). It does not mean it will happen in Peter’s case, but the public knows little about her. From what I know she is uninteresting. She is not involved with her own interests- other than what she has done to get Peter. Peter obviously values family and is a great guy, but she has demonstrated in the past she was out for herself first. People said these things about Sophie, but she was involved with charity groups and activities prior and after Edward. Autumn appears unchallenging- in my opinion I am stunned Peter would settle for second-rate rather than someone as dynamic and interesting as his mother and sister.
By ann l. on January 4th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Re: the comparison of Kate to the other “future Queens”, how fair is it to compare a woman in her 20s, less than 2 years out of university, to a group of women in their 30s? Nevermind the fact that these women had a chance to establish lives for themselves well outside of the spotlight, while Kate has had to deal with media scrutiny pretty much from the minute she left St. Andrews.
By KS on January 4th, 2007 at 5:50 pm
True.
By Lauren on January 4th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
Well said, KS. In addition, I would like to offer the observation that while it may be modern and politically correct for a woman to have a resume, it is not necessarily the key to success in the Royal Family. As Sophie Wessex discovered, there is no room for personal careers for Royals. When someone marries into the Royal Family, especially to someone high in the line of succession, that person’s ‘career’ becomes and must remain, supporting and promoting the agenda and business of the Royal Family. The fact that one does not need experience in the business world to achieve success in that arena is proved by Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and many others.
By Gigi on January 4th, 2007 at 7:22 pm
KS I understand your point of view and in some ways I agree with you, however Kate is 24 years old, a Art major who has chosen not to make use of her education. She has made the choice to be in the spotlight. She has to prepare herself for her role. She really has wasted time (18 mo.)She will be modern, educated monarch vs. lacking in skills, experience, and what I find offensive a “breeder” as a future monarch. I guess I sound harsh, but it appears she will be less educated/experienced to some degree in comparison to the rest of the world’s future monarchs. She needs to find her strengths and begin some effort into where she intends to stan;ifthe monarch is to continue and be successful. If she starts small projects such as volunteer once a week working with kids and explaining the importance of art it would be a good start as well as prevent her from being overwhelmed when she becomes part of the royal family.
By ann l. on January 4th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
She will have a lot of years from now until then to gain education and experience. I think she’s been put in a very difficult position these last 18 months - having all the attention that comes along with being royalty, without being able to take advantage of any of its privileges or protections. I think the choices she’s made have been made with the intent of protecting her privacy and freedom as much as possible under the circumstances, and have been fully supported by her parents and William. My only criticism would be that she and those close to her realized a little too late in the game how much her public image was suffering as a result. (Whether or not someone ought to have a public image they need to protect simply as a result of being a prince’s girlfriend is another question entirely.) And the Jigsaw job is a little too blatant of an attempt to address that image problem.
I don’t see an engagement announcement in March, though. Maybe May or June, after William is done with this training he has to do in Dorset. And they may be planning to wait even longer than that.
By KS on January 4th, 2007 at 9:18 pm
I agree wth KS….
By Ziny on January 5th, 2007 at 12:05 am
I agree with KS also. Nevertheless, if we don’t have at least one Royal wedding this year, I will be sadly disappointed.
By Gigi on January 5th, 2007 at 12:06 am
OK, here’s a look at a royal woman who is nearer to Kate in age and has also studied Art History:
During the autumn of 2001, Princess Madeleine of Sweden (born 10 June, 1982) lived in London where she studied English. Then in the spring of 2002, she continued with a basic course in law and studied for the European Computer Driving Licence. During the autumn of 2002, the Princess prepared for her coming university studies by deepening her knowledge in various subjects. In January 2003, the Princess enrolled at the University of Stockholm where she studied the History of Art. In the autumn of 2004, the Princess began a course in ethnology at the same university. She speaks English, German, and Swedish fluently, and it is rumored, French as well. As of January 2006, she is living in New York City, working for UNICEF.
By Christine G on January 5th, 2007 at 2:29 am
There’s more to life, Ann, than being a wage slave. Getting ready for Royal engagements, learning to handle the media etc is just as important.
Most academic degrees are platforms for other types of career, not training for one. Kate’s “career” of a Royal Duchess and future Queen will be served well by a good history of art degree.
By John on January 5th, 2007 at 10:51 am
Well at least Christine G. understood what I was trying to convey. My opinion was with regard to Kate doing a better job (than Diana.) It would have been (and still could be) to her benefit to be better prepared and the importance of public speaking, being well- read/educated to play her role in the royal family as well as up-to-par with other royals. Why is it if I question or suggest anything immediately it is considered so negative?? That’s probably one reason Shake left. I will reiterate that I have nothing but the highest regard for HM. As far as I’m concerned Princess Ann is the epitome of what a monarch should be- not a whining, self-absorbed PoW (I do realize he does some good, but he has contributed a great deal to many of the shameful image problems.) What suggested for Kate would only enhance her skills, better rep, and come out from Diana’s shadow. I am more than aware there is far more to life than being a “wage” slave- which is exactly why I use my education (and continuing) to something I want to contribute as a member of society. My goals are to make my aging father see he will never have to worry about me. I am quite capable of taking care of myself and to stop encouraging me to marry someone. That’s why I started college when I was in high school, worked hard, a B.A. in nursing & sociology, working on a higher education, bought a brand new house- by myself by the ripe age of 22. I get tired of having to prove myself to my family since my mother died- those are my reasons I am a “wage slave.” Several years ago my mother gave me a book by Judge Judy. I have never read it because the title says it all-Pretty fades, but stupid lasts forever. I have 2 older sisters who did what Kate did (minus the prince) and they are stuck. I only would want someone from my generation to show how intelligent women can be and Kate is a potetial shining star who is capable of anything. I do not want her to waste her time. Read what I wrote before perhaps with an open mind one will be able to understand.
By Ann l. on January 5th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
Ann, I am sure none of us wish to convey that we believe your assessments to be negative. As John has said repeatedly, everyone’s opinion is welcome. As for the Princess Royal (Princess Anne) it is no secret that just about everyone within the Royal Family (and, I am guessing, in the Government) wish fervently that she had been born first and been a boy so she could be the heir instead of Charles, whose faults and failures have undermined the credibility of the monarchy for years. It appears that the women rather than the men in the recent generations of the Royal Family are those who have the qualities of loyalty, duty and leadership. Fortunately, we have a marvelous Queen who is soldiering on and has no plans to step down. We also have an heir presumptive who has the qualities and potential to be a splendid King in the fullness of time. As for Kate Middleton, the proof of her qualifications will be evident as she takes her place in the Royal Family after she and Prince William become engaged and marry. We can all speculate and opine as much as we please, but the truth of the matter will only be seen when those events occur. Call me an optimist, but I am banking on Kate being a winner, because she is Prince William’s choice and I feel sure he will love and support her in her new role.
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I know Autumn, I dated her twin brother and knew the family, to all who DO NOT KNOW HER, she is a very loving and caring person, she is as beautiful inside as out. She is sooo in love with Peter, when they come to Montreal, HE is the clinging one. They have lots of fun and you can see how much they both love each other, so for all the jealous ones….too bad !!
Congrats Autumn and Peter, good luck on May 17th, from Montreal !!
By Debbie Schetagne on April 9th, 2008 at 2:23 am