Camilla party goes ahead
The Royals are a hardy breed. Never mind a near-Biblical Deluge that threatened life and limb and centred on Gloucestershire and Highgrove, the show went on with just a few hiccups.
In the event, the Duchess of Cornwall’s 60th birthday, black-tie dinner party for 200 was moved indoors out of the raging torrents.
Zara Phillips and craggy Mike Tindall arriving at Highgrove
On Friday, the celebrations had seemed in some doubt with road and rail access blocked. Camilla had hoped the party — organized by Michael Fawcett, and Camilla’s sister, Annabel Elliot — would feature a three-course organic dinner in the open air. But that was replaced by champagne and cocktails in the gardens, with the meal moved indoors.
Prince William was present but there was no sign of Kate Middleton, who was smuggled into Highgrove for the evening.
Also invited were Dame Judi Dench, David Frost, Prunella Scales, Joanna Lumley, Stephen Fry and Lord Puttnam. Camilla’s ex-husband Andrew Parker-Bowles attended with their children Tom and Laura.
As for presents, Prince Charles had commissioned a dazzling piece of jewellery from diamond specialist and newly-appointed Crown Jeweller, Harry Collins of G. Collins and Sons of Tunbridge Wells in Kent.
He had saved the best for last as, on Monday — Camilla’s actual birthday — he had given her two sheep (one pictured) and some potted plants for her garden.
I’m sure the Duchess would have been satisfied with that.
The photograph I saw of a sheep ( in a British online newspaper) was very beguiling! It probably wasn’t one of the very sheep Charles gave Camilla, but it was quite attractive and looked as if it had dredlocks! I was not raised on a farm but I adore horses, cattle, sheep, goats and pigs as well as dogs and cats. I think getting two sheep as a gift (and such sheep!!) would be lovely. In the fullness of time there will be fluffy lambs prancing about the barnyard and that will be even better! Not a baaaad idea, Charles!
If anyone should find a photograph of the actual sheep, or of the jewelry Charles gave Camilla for her birthday, please post. Also, if the sheep have been given names, I would be glad to know this. I was once given a creamy white skein of wool from a beautiful ewe named Guinevere which I have displayed on the antique carding wheel my Great Great Grandfather made and I inherited.
By Gigi on July 22nd, 2007 at 4:21 pm
Gigi, I’ve put a picture of one of the sheep — a local, rare-breed Cotswold — in the post.
Enjoy the dreadlocked beauty.
By John on July 22nd, 2007 at 4:55 pm
Thanks, John! Very fuzzy, furry and adorable!
By Gigi on July 22nd, 2007 at 5:08 pm
According to The Sun this morning – Kate did indeed make it and her and William spent the night “smooching†before heading upstairs at “2:30amâ€! However, I am becoming a little pessimistic about these two – where are the public pictures? Besides the grainy Sun one after the Diana do when they were hardly amorous we have seen nothing. Surely the public “together†picture will have to come soon?
By SuffolkSim on July 23rd, 2007 at 6:13 am
You’re right, Sim. I had heard she was back from the Caribbean, but assumed the weather had prevented her from going Highgrove. They’re certainly going out of their way to stay in the background.
By John on July 23rd, 2007 at 9:56 am
But the fact she was there is enough. so really it is a bit senseless all this hiding around. Why don’t they just chill out and enjoy themselves? The press take her as the girlfriend anyway.
By Eliza on July 23rd, 2007 at 10:15 am
John, regarding the idea Kate would allow the weather prevent her from going to the party, i think come Hell or high water she wasn’t missing that party. Sneaking in or not it was a declaration and a girl trying to improve her position was not going to let that opportunity go even if she had to wade there!
By Eliza on July 23rd, 2007 at 10:28 am
I have posted on Kate’s presence at the party. It does seem a little dotty when everyone knew she was invited by William, with the approval of Camilla.
By John on July 23rd, 2007 at 10:32 am
I agree John. though i suppose what they are saying loud and clear is ‘leave us alone, we are not courting the press so the press should leave us alone’. A nice thought but very very unlikely
By Eliza on July 23rd, 2007 at 10:41 am
William and Kate are inviting more attention by sneaking around than if they just get it back out into the open. Oh and I read that Guy Pelly was on the guest list was this to keep William amused and happy if Kate couldn’t make it?.
By Trudie on July 23rd, 2007 at 1:34 pm
I was surprised to see that Guy Pelly was invited, also. Either he is a very close family friend of whom Charles approves, or, as Trudie suggested, Camilla was so eager for Prince William to attend that she invited a friend for him in case Kate was unable to come.
I am elated that Kate and Prince William are a couple again! I also think it is clever that they are avoiding the media glare as they are. Any ruse is justified to keep those publicity photographer pitbulls at bay!
By Gigi on July 23rd, 2007 at 3:17 pm
I wonder which of the guests blabbed to the press. Someone who doesn’t like Kate perhaps.
By John on July 23rd, 2007 at 3:21 pm
Or somebody who could do with the money!
By Eliza on July 23rd, 2007 at 3:36 pm
Or it is a source that was invented by the reporter to further an agenda. In any case, the quote is in poor taste and printing it is in worse taste. Are there ANY adult professionals employed by these media corporations and if so, will they please identify themselves?! Reading a newspaper these days is like reading a volume from the Fiction section of the local library.
(Snarl)
By Gigi on July 23rd, 2007 at 4:11 pm
We’ll never know. The press never reveals its sources.
By John on July 23rd, 2007 at 4:39 pm
By Gigi on July 23rd, 2007 at 4:56 pm
I agree Gigi.
By mandy on July 25th, 2007 at 9:13 pm
[...] The Duchess of Cornwall, just turned 60, and was given some jewelry and a couple of sheep (!) by her husband Prince Charles. To celebrate the birthday (not the sheep), [...]
By Back from Vacation, and Look What’s Happened! on July 27th, 2007 at 3:27 am