Kate Middleton out of Channel race
There’s nothing on the Sisterhood’s website (sisterhoodchallenge.com) as I write, but Richard Kay is breaking the story that Clarence House has at last intervened and put an end to Kate Middleton’s brief cross-Channel rowing career with the all-women team of adventurers.
I can reveal she has abruptly dropped out, leaving her fellow amateur rowers high and dry. Officially her decision was taken because of security fears that her high-profile presence might jeopardise the safety of the other girls. But I understand she was ordered to drop out by Royal aides who fear Kate’s continued role was in danger of becoming a major media event.
Despite support from Prince William, Kate has been strongly advised by senior courtiers (presumably Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, aide to both William and Harry) that her presence in the cross-Channel boat race on August 25 would not only turn it into a media circus, but also endanger her fellow rowers.
Sensibly, Kate has complied, although reportedly deeply upset at having to let down her friends.
I fear this was inevitable given the views of the Coastguard (see below) and the security issues surrounding Kate. This news certainly answers those who still refuse to believe William and Kate are back together again.
Why was this prohibition necessary? Royal Anecdotes has warned previously that crossing the English Channel in a flimsy dragon boat is not a voyage for the fainthearted — and could end in disaster. The British Maritime and Coastguard Agency has said attempting to cross the Channel in a fibreglass boat designed for use on lakes and rivers is “highly irresponsibleâ€.
Mike Toogood, spokesman for the Coastguard said: “This is the most dangerous shipping lane in the world. We have 500 vessels making this crossing every single day. You can’t just turn up and set off. You need permission. Not getting this will put lives in real danger — not just theirs, but everyone in the Channel that day. Also, a dragon boat has a flat bottom so it tends to go through the waves rather than over them, meaning their craft could quickly become swamped with water.â€
And they may not even get permission for “an unorthodox crossing” from the Coastguard.
Now if they just switched the venue to the Serpentine in Hyde Park, or even Lake Windermere in Cumbria, we could all go along and watch — and Kate could show her paces free of Palace complaint.
The Serpentine, Hyde Park, London
Im sure this comes from Charles. I couldnt explain why but Im sure it’s because of Charles.
Anyway, even if they put a banner “They r back together” in front of Buckingham Palace, there will always be stubborn people who will not want to believe it, but it’s funny.
Anyway, what she was going to do was very good for her image, and I hope, for herself. She was not forced to listen the “courtiers” and could stay with her friends. Why now? So they have let the photocalls and now that it’s time to do it they want her to cancel. How cool.
The Channel is so dangerous. As if this was new. Why realising it only now?
Anyway, “This news certainly answers those who still refuse to believe William and Kate are back together again.” Good sentence John
I hope they will open their brain and let admit it finally
By Lilyfromfrance on August 7th, 2007 at 10:02 am
One thing that puzzled me, Lily, was how the rowers were going to take “comfort breaks”. The crossing will take seven or eight hours, maybe longer, so do they intend to get up close to the support boat and lift oars while a rower takes a break? If the sea is anything like the Channel I know, that could be an impossible manoeuvre.
By John on August 7th, 2007 at 10:15 am
If anyone would like a clue as to how fabulous Kate’s rowing skills are, just take a look at the Sun’s article on how she dropped out –the oar, with which she is supposedly rowing (for those of you who say she really is, as opposed to posing…) is *backwards*. In my opinion, they are better off without her if she can’t even hold as oar in the correct position. That shows just how much “training” she really has done…
By Elizabeth on August 7th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
I don’t know what powers the Coast Guard has in Britain, but here in America, the Coast Guard can arrest anyone who violates boating safety rules on the inland and coastal waterways. They have full authority to board any vessel sailing in US territorial waters (or to board any US Flag registry ship sailing in any waters) and exercise full police powers at all times. If The Brotherhood and The Sisterhood do not, as the Daily Mail asserts, have Coast Guard permission for this charity race, it needs to be cancelled or the venue switched immediately before they all wind up in the Old Bailey! John, what on earth is going on with this?
By Gigi on August 7th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Unfortunately, in Britain nowadays EU law interferes with almost everything we do and complicates them beyond resolution.
One thing’s for sure, if they don’t have that permission, the Dover police would probably be called to prevent them starting. If they managed to get to France, they could end up like the Man in the Iron Mask, imprisoned for years on Mont St. Michel.
Thank heavens, Kate won’t be with them or William might have to lead a squad of the Blues and Royals to rescue her.
Actually, Kate’s departure gives them a good excuse to call the whole thing off — even though belatedly, I was beginning to look forward to it.
By John on August 7th, 2007 at 3:04 pm
LOL! John, let us all find something to look forward to that is less fraught with danger!
Why can’t they just move the venue? My goodness, these people need to listen to us. If they would just heed the sensible advice posted daily on Royal Anecdotes, they wouldn’t be getting into muddles. I am relieved that Kate is extricated from this event, but I do not want any of her team endangered. Unless they cancel or change the venue to a more benign body of water, this event shall become far more than a tempest in a teapot.
By Gigi on August 7th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
Speaking of muddles, Matt Drudge has a link to the American magazine Radar showing a cover featuring Prince Harry in his under garments. I do not know who publishes that magazine, but whoever he is, he has just crossed over to the cranky side of my personality.
What a tasteless thing to do! Someone pass the aspirin, please.
By Gigi on August 7th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
I’m sure Kate understands that it would have been a huge security risk. I’m very glad that William is by her side no matter what. I think she now realize that dating a prince comes with it’s limitations.
But since love is there, she can walk away fro the race with her haed up high and still support the Sisterhood from the sidelines.
By Claudius on August 7th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
Sounds like Clarence House is letting the press know they want no part of Kate’s PR stunt. More details will arise in coming days, this is just the beginning of what has been a terrible PR few weeks for Kate, she files a PCC report for the press reporting events concerning her appearance at the Diana Concert, then she courts the press by posing blatantly for HELLO, her crewmates involvement in a sex company emerges in the press,then the Queen’s courtiers or senior advisors leak tidbits in the press how she has mixed feelings about Kate. Now she backs out of the Rowing event, if people think for one second that any of this ridiculous Press,is getting her closer to becoming a bride in the House of Windsor, they must be dreaming. Clarence House is letting it be known they want no part of this and neither does the Queen. Kate was shown to be a bit of a hypocrite, courting the press on one hand and filing PCC complaints when it suits her. This is hardly a PR win for Kate on any level and not one single indication that she is on with William, rather another attempt to keep herself in the limelight through her now questionable on/off ,where does she stand situation, it is still just a mess for her. Now we’ll here how it is the Royals fault Kate had to drop out, it is Kate’s fault from beginning to end, she courts the press and then complains when they show up at an inconvenient time for her.
By mandy on August 7th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
“Now we’ll here how it is the Royals fault Kate had to drop out, ”
Hear, hear! Witty enough for you, John?
By Marie on August 7th, 2007 at 6:31 pm
Kate having to drop out was only a question of when. Kate is still popular for press stories and the paparazzi would have made it impossible for both sides to concentrate on navigating such dangerous waters. Many will blame CH/ and the Palace but the reality is Kate knew this may happen and went ahead anyway now leaving her team high and dry. Mandy is absolutly right on this point.
By Trudie on August 7th, 2007 at 11:57 pm
LINK
“Royal watchers have said her initial involvement in such a high-profile event was only viable when she thought her relationship with the royal heart-throb - and public interest in her - had cooled.”
As in, she only joined up to do this thing after she and William had broken up. But then they got back together and she was a relevant press story again.
But you can go on thinking this is a big publicity stunt if you want.
By Marie on August 8th, 2007 at 4:48 am
She obviously let everyone down. If she had to drop from the race without being officially dating William again, can you imagine what will become of her once it’s official? She wants to enjoy the limelight when it’s convenient for her, she poses for the camera even when rowing, and then complains about the press. After she broke with William she did TOO MUCH CLUBBING and partying and drinking in my opinion for a future queen. She should have kept a low profile and she would have had a more favorable opinion of her. She is a social climber. William beware of this one!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Marilyn on August 8th, 2007 at 4:59 am
I agree with you, Marie. As for Kate being a social climber, I must disagree. Kate is not a social climber and the way you know that she isn’t one is that she did not attempt to ingratiate herself with Prince William’s friends. While they were together and for that period when they were apart, Kate did not attempt to carve a social niche for herself with the nobility or the Royals, as a social climber would have done. As for the drinking and partying, the Royals have always engaged in these pastimes, including the young Queen Victoria (who was scolded by Lord Melbourne for consuming an entire bottle of wine herself at dinner) and the majestic Queen Mary who even in her old age was known to arrive at parties with two enormous bottles of sparkling hock for her own private consumption. Social consumption of alcohol does not make a queen declasse. Elegance and regality come from within and shine forth in any atmosphere.
By Gigi on August 8th, 2007 at 3:45 pm
No mention of Long Island Ice Tea there, Gigi. How strange.
By John on August 8th, 2007 at 4:04 pm
By Gigi on August 8th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
John, Richard Kay has stated in another of his articles that Prince William has slipped off on a private holiday with Kate Middleton. Kay’s article says that this time they have taken their holiday completely alone, without the usual contingent of friends and hangers on.
By mapleleaf on August 8th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
Yes, I saw that this morning, Mapleleaf. They’ve gone to Teapot Cottage on the Balmoral Estate. Let’s hope they have a great time.
By John on August 8th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
John,
What is your opinion of the Richard Kay article — rather damning to Kate, don’t you think.
I keep getting the feeling that there is great resistance in the Household to Kate and they are disappointed that she is still with Wills.
By Alicia on August 8th, 2007 at 5:31 pm
Alicia, part of it was written by Geoffrey Levy, another long-time Royal observer, so it didn’t totally hang together.
The bit about the Queen, though, was clearly Richard Kay’s writing. I think he’s trying to hard to come down on Kate’s side, but his contacts are giving him some bad vibes. Tough call for a journalist.
The fact that Wills and Kate are off the Teapot Cottage for some quality time, says it all though.
By John on August 8th, 2007 at 5:48 pm
John, where is the Richard Kay article about Prince William and Kate being at Teapot Cottage? I would like to read it online, if it is available.
By Gigi on August 8th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
Gigi, the article doesn’t mention Teapot Cottage by name, but it was planned quite a while ago.
You’ll find the article in today’s version of the Daily Mail, under something like, “Can Kate escape the shadow of Diana?”
Link to Daily Mail
By John on August 8th, 2007 at 5:59 pm
Thanks so much, John! I read it with great interest.
I also read that the Queen is leaving Balmoral early to attend Princess Diana’s Memorial Service. I am very pleased that the Queen is doing this. Now I just wish Camilla would find an excuse–any excuse–not to be there.
By Gigi on August 8th, 2007 at 6:20 pm
“his contacts are giving him some bad vibes”
John,
I get that feeling too. Earlier you mentioned that the person talking to the press probably had an agenda — maybe a promoting girl deemed more suitable as a bride for Wills. The more I think about it the more I think there may be something to this.
Right after the breakup, there were several reports about another girl - very vague, but the reports agreed that she was in her early 20s, of aristocratic lineage and wanted to maintain her involvement very secret.
Then … nothing. All articles dropped mention of this shadowy girl. It makes me wonder and this only speculation, that perhaps Wills’ relationship with Kate was seen by the Palace as a college romance that would run its course. And, that Wills would then marry an appropriate girl to be Queen.
Wills became interested in such a girl, was pressured to break with Kate, but then had a change of heart and went back to Kate.
Because “Kate seeing off a secret rival” would explain the events of the last few months very neatly: Wills’ aboutface, the wrong-footed responses of the Palace, the initial stories about Kate’s lineage and the recent negative stories in the press about her.
By Alicia on August 8th, 2007 at 6:56 pm
I get that feeling too, Alicia. I was convinced that there was an other girl from the start. He may have lived what he wanted to live with that girl and got back to Kate when it was finished, like a stopgap solution. Maybe hence the sudden hard partying. Maybe she wanted to prove herself that she could still have fun, what the press called “her confidence”. But I may be wrong
By Lilyfromfrance on August 8th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
Lily,
Sometimes this makes me think of the old kings of France and their mistresses, where different factions and courtiers would support one girl or the other.
Kate doesn’t seem to have the support of the Royal Household, though. Makes one wonder, who does?
By Alicia on August 8th, 2007 at 8:21 pm
To Gigi, Kate IS a social climber. After they broke up she went partying with all of Wills friends. And sister Pippa too.
By Marilyn on August 8th, 2007 at 9:36 pm
Carving a social niche is what I said would constitute social climber behavior and she did not do that. Partying with Prince William’s friends and her sister does not equal carving a social niche. She did not start dating another member of the Royal Circle, in other words. She did not attempt to become a best friend of those in the Royal Circle. Instead, she brought her sister with her. She is not going on holiday with the in-crowd, she is not going to weekend parties at their country estates.
By Gigi on August 8th, 2007 at 9:57 pm
Excellent observation Gigi, I must agree with you there. John, thank you for reminding me that Prince William and Kate Middleton were previously said to be taking a holiday break at Teapot Cottage in the month of August. I hope they have a wonderful time and they are able to put all of this media speculation behind them.
By mapleleaf on August 8th, 2007 at 10:14 pm
“To Gigi, Kate IS a social climber. After they broke up she went partying with all of Wills friends. And sister Pippa too.”
How DARE a girl in her 20s go off to a party with friends of an ex! The very thought! She must only be with them because of their connections, and not because she shares interests with them, genuinely has a relationship with them . . . or only broke up with William for a short time as has been stated and speculated elsewhere.
By Marie on August 9th, 2007 at 12:06 am
John: “They’ve gone to Teapot Cottage on the Balmoral Estate. Let’s hope they have a great time.”
John, Teapot Cottage is under construction @ the moment. Not to mention, Kate was pictured yesterday shopping around London and arriving home with grocery bag. While the rumors goes William went with friends to a secluded holiday since last week.
By Elizabeth on August 9th, 2007 at 7:06 am
[...] Lita bit: RoyalAnecdotes [...]
By Kate Middleton no longer in the race « Bits on the Side on August 9th, 2007 at 7:18 am
It was a shrewd move. One of William’s close circle has said : “If she had dated anyone else it would have been over between them.” But she just kept close to his friends.
I remarked on this at the time. It seemed to me that William’s pals were acting like a Pretorian guard, which is why I believed it wasn’t over. Now it seems she deliberately chose to stay close to them. Interesting.
By John on August 9th, 2007 at 8:46 am
I hate to break this news to you all but according to sawf.org Kate was pictured in London yesterday going to work, wearing the same dress as she had on the day before and there were pictures of her sister Pippa leaving Kates home in the early morning. I wonder who William really has at Balmoral?
By Trudie on August 9th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
Trudie, I’m sure the South Asia Women’s Forum is an impeccable source of Royal news, but if that is the case, then they simply haven’t set off yet. They’ll be there by the 12th as sure as a grouse is a grouse.
By the way, these Asian sites, like many others, just scrape the tabloid sources in Britain and are usually two or three days behind the news.
By John on August 9th, 2007 at 1:13 pm
Sorry John but the articles came at the same time as Richard Kays that they were already there. I wonder if teapot cottage has a backdoor?
By Trudie on August 9th, 2007 at 1:27 pm
Does SAWF.org have a correspondent in the Balmoral heather, Trudie? Royal Anecdotes’ Hamish McTavish is already up there with his long lens.
By John on August 9th, 2007 at 1:36 pm
Now I’m intrigued!!! has Hamish turned up anything yet? If the household is in a state of resistant against Kate and she knows it she just might not go. The household is known for leaking bad things about those they deem not worthy to the royal presense especially a potential bride.
By Trudie on August 9th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
Well, we’ll know soon enough. If Kate and Prince William are at Balmoral, someone I am sure will find a way to take a photograph. If that does not happen, we will know what the status of the relationship is at Princess Diana’s Memorial Service. If Kate is there and if she has priority seating, then we will know that Kate and Prince William are together. The fact that Kate was wearing the same dress as she wore the day before seems to indicate to me that the dating of the photograph may be inaccurate. Few girls in Kate’s financial circumstances wear the same dress two days in a row. I don’t do that either, come to that.
By Gigi on August 9th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
Sorry, Trudie. Hamish had too many wee drams with his haggis last night and reported in sick today. I hope we’ll have more by the weekend though.
By John on August 9th, 2007 at 1:53 pm
John I hope he gets well fast!!!! have you any news on whether Harry is going to spend time at Balmoral this year?
By Trudie on August 9th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
I would think he’d put in an appearance at some stage, Army duties allowing, Trudie, but the Palace tries to keep itineraries a close secret.
By John on August 9th, 2007 at 2:23 pm
Hope Hamish can get pictures of Harry!!!!
By Trudie on August 9th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
Don’t bank on it. He’s usually looking in the wrong direction or in the bar.
By John on August 9th, 2007 at 2:42 pm
John, have your advance men find Hamish a nice space on the highlands of Balmoral with a clear shot of the castle, give him a tall thermos of Long Island Iced Tea and we’ll send him a picnic hamper of food from the Royal Anecdotes Stealth/Surveillance Tea Menu to sustain him while he snaps away with his camera. Let us hope he has his long lens handy.
By Gigi on August 9th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
Elizabeth, all that’s old news.
By John on August 9th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
Great Idea GIGI!!!!! not only will Hamish be totally looped but very well nourished!!! and this my dear British friends is the American way guaranteed to chase away the bordom while trying to find your subject LOL
By Trudie on August 10th, 2007 at 12:38 am
LOL
He’ll probably be so schnockered that he won’t recognize Prince William if he stepped directly in front of him, but at least we are offering Hamish all the hospitality we can muster ‘by yon bonnie banks and yon bonnie braes.’ 
By Gigi on August 10th, 2007 at 12:56 am
Thank you, ladies. The last time I heard, Hamish had fallen into a large clump of thistles and had to be airlifted to Inverness to have the thorns removed from his sporran.
But enough Scottish jokes, or we’ll be accused of “racial” harassment.
By John on August 10th, 2007 at 6:56 am
Ive just seen an article on the Daily Mail showing Kate partying last night. So she is not with Wills at Balmoral at the moment. I begin to be suspicious. Since they are back together and since she is followed by the paps 24/7, where are the photos? I doubt you can have a relationship just by telephone
By Lilyfromfrance on August 10th, 2007 at 11:19 am
LOL John you are a riot. I cannot be accused of racial harrassment in this instance since I am of Scottish lineage. I am the great great grandaughter of a man surnamed Stewart and his wife who was surnamed Scott! I still have distant relatives living in Edinburgh, Scotland. However, dear Lily is anxious about who is or is not at Balmoral, so we should turn our attention to what is really happening in Scotland. Maybe the vacation at Teapot Cottage was delayed for some reason. Didn’t someone say that renovations to the cottage were not as yet completed?
By Gigi on August 10th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
The renovations were last year, Gigi. Maybe they’ll go up today. The alternative is that they’ve changed their minds — but I doubt that.
By John on August 10th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
John:
There is a facebook group for the sisterhood (called SISTERHOOD + GROUPIES). The ONLY pictures that have Kate Middleton in them at all are from the Hello! shoot. These are pictures of training going back to the beginning, up through most recent times. Now, why would our Princess only have been pictured recently, when the paps were tipped off of her presence? Why was she not ever pictured as part of the “team”, on this group or on the Sisterhood’s official website? Really, I would like to believe that she was doing something good, but I can’t help but still feel this is a major PR blurb that backfired.
This is not the same Elizabeth who asked the question about Balmoral.
By Elizabeth on August 10th, 2007 at 9:09 pm
Elizabeth, I did wonder why Kate wasn’t on the Sisterhood website. She was their biggest asset after all. I guessed she must have laid down some rules at the outset, or maybe the website just wasn’t updated quickly enough — a bit of an own goal if it wasn’t.
By John on August 11th, 2007 at 7:11 am