Kate Middleton professional photographer
Katie Nicholl is reporting that Kate Middleton is leaving her part-time job at the Jigsaw fashion chain to become a professional photographer.
The History of Art graduate is interested in taking shots of “abstract” subjects and is said to be preparing her first gallery exhibition.
A friend has said, “Kate has become increasingly frustrated working at Jigsaw. She really wants to move and is seriously thinking about a career in photography. She loves cameras and has a great eye. She has already started putting an exhibition of her work together.”
However, were she to join the paparazzi, what on earth would she do when she was the story? It would give new meaning to the phrase “self-portrait”.
As the old saying acknowledges, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.
I’m still trying to figure out what “abstract” subjects are. Not people, not landscapes. Will she be shooting in a studio? If this is something that will take Kate out and about to photograph the subjects, it would seem prudent to have a protection officer go with her. It may be a little less sheltered than working in the Jigsaw office.
By Evelyn on September 2nd, 2007 at 11:59 am
I suppose it means arty shots of leaves against the sun, that sort of thing, unless she’s going in for Photoshop manipulation.
I can’t see a great deal of money in that, though. It’s probably just an extended hobby.
By John on September 2nd, 2007 at 12:03 pm
But it would be something that Kate could continue doing once she marries William. She won’t be allowed to actually run a business then, as Sophie found out, so her mail order business scheme wouldn’t be possible. But sport and art are regular features of royal life. Like Charles’ paintings, art photos could support charity work.
By Evelyn on September 2nd, 2007 at 12:10 pm
I was thinking that Kate did wait until after Diana’s memorial service. I’m guessing that career options was one of the big topics she and William discussed on their island holiday. If so, she waited more than a week after returning for this new plan to get to the media. I would guess that timing has William’s blessing– to help everyone move on and let Diana rest in peace.
By Evelyn on September 2nd, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Here’s what I see about the Harewood Park house (from January 2007):
“There are six reception rooms downstairs and six bedrooms upstairs – five of which are en suite. On the ground floor there is also a 25ft dining room and 18ft sitting room, as well as a kitchen, drawing room, library and orangery.”
By Evelyn on September 2nd, 2007 at 12:33 pm
There are rumours that the Harewood Park eco-mansion has now been fast-tracked, after a bit of a slowdown. It’s a good indication of how things are between them. My guess is a wedding in spring/summer 2009, after William finishes his three months in the Navy and three months in the RAF.
Zara will wait until after the Olympics next year, so could have a 2008 wedding, celebrating her Gold Medal.
I suspect Peter and Autumn will marry spring next year at the very latest. As for Harry and Chelsy, he wants to wait until she finishes her (presumably) two-year Masters degree, which means spring 2010 for the wedding. So Wills could tie the knot before his brother.
By John on September 2nd, 2007 at 1:06 pm
Why this attitude towards Kate’s ability to do/learn things? We don’t have the information to back that at all. What do we know about her knowledge of photograhy? We haven’t seen her taking photos. So she hasn’t taken any. Great logic. We have seen her shopping. So that is all she does? We see pics of what she’s doing maybe five minutes of her day, and we see those kind of pics maybe two or three times a week. At best. But we still know all about her, at least enough to judge her the way some always do. We have no idea what she’s doing the rest of her time , do we! We don’t know what her hobbies are, do we! We have no idea about the quality of her photograhps. do we! We don’t know the slightest thing about her thoughts and feelings, do we! Honestly.
And please don’t try to make up some sort of competition between Kate and Chelsey. There isn’t any as far as we know. And hopefully there won’t be any, They will need each other as friend in the future if they are going to marry their present boyfriends.
By daggy on September 2nd, 2007 at 1:13 pm
If she turned out to have an artistic streak, it would, at least, make her more interesting to me. Though I agree, the girl-who-runs-from-the-paparazzi (sp) picking up a camera is pretty funny.
As for a wedding, I’m guessing there won’t be a long public engagement. People will go bonkers. And it doesn’t make sense to get married before 2009, when William is finally out of the Army. Who wants to see a stranded Kate in a repeat of the Fergie and Andrew disaster? So, I don’t know that we’ll hear anything official till next year, at the earliest. Instead, we’ll be looking for subtle clues.
By Marie on September 2nd, 2007 at 1:17 pm
Right, Daggy, and she does have a good degree in the history of art, which would almost certainly have included photography.
Another point is that if she now has a definite commitment from William she will begin distancing herself from business and jobs completely. She won’t follow Sophie’s line.
There’s a long tradition of photography in the Royal Family too. Andrew is a good photographer, Prince Philip has been one most of his life, and Sarah Chatto is also an artist with an interest in it. Kate will certainly slot in nicely there however good she is.
Maybe we’re misinterpreting the word “professional” here.
By John on September 2nd, 2007 at 1:19 pm
“Another point is that if she now has a definite commitment from William she will begin distancing herself from business and jobs completely. She won’t follow Sophie’s line.”
Yes! I was thinking this. It makes sense. If she really is going to marry William, then she has to find a way out of working a normal job. Basically, what she’s picked up is a hobby, which, like Charles’ landscape paintings, is fine and non-threatening. It’ll be interesting to see if she really does quit the Jigsaw gig and how her lawyers spin that.
Unless, of course, Mandy can tell us more about Prince William’s trip to see Jecca Craig.
By Marie on September 2nd, 2007 at 2:19 pm
In spite of the paparazzi following Kate all these years – no one can really “know” Kate just from what they read. Even this story about becoming a “professional photographer” is just another piece for the rags. If she wants to do this – then good for her – she can afford to. If she is good at it – all the better. If not – oh well.
I do believe she is the real deal. If she makes William happy and he her – then I will wish them all the best.
By On The Outside on September 2nd, 2007 at 2:51 pm
“This year, William didnt see her during the entire Christmas holidays, nor for her birthday not for the Valentine’s day and didnt spend many time with her. He prefers spend the weekend with his army pals rather going to London to see her. If you compare with Harry and Chelsy or Zara and Mike, then William and Kate’s relationship is not something that I would call love. His real true love was Jecca Craig, not Kate. They even played a fake wedding ceremony at her parent’s home while they were together.”
And you build this knowledge on what information? And please don’t say the tabloids or any internet forum.
By daggy on September 2nd, 2007 at 4:57 pm
Of course after threats like this I will not comment here any more. My God, it’s not worth it. Never seen anything like this.
And you ask me if I don’t have any better to do. Yes, I do. I’m not obsessed. I have a healthy interest in European royalty. Meaning I maybe spend an hour every week reading about them.
Just one thing, don’t throw stones while in a glasshouse. English isn’t my first language and I may have mistakes in both grammar and spelling. But so do you. Is there a law against that?
By daggy on September 2nd, 2007 at 5:31 pm
Hmmm… Where is Gigi when we need to have a really nice tea? I think I still have some Earl Grey in a cupboard somewhere….
Back to the new house being built at Harewood Park, if Kate were to have a photo studio there, I’d expect it would be a separate building. If she’s going to do developing, it might be best to have those chemicals in another room, and make it more difficult for future young children to gain access. There is plenty of space, and maybe one of the current outbuildings could be converted to this purpose.
I don’t think Kate has need of a job that actually will support her. She needs something meaningful in her life, with a schedule she can control. It would work quite well with raising a family. It sounds to me like William and Kate have found a good solution to this situation.
By Evelyn on September 2nd, 2007 at 5:33 pm
Daggy, I do apologise for that rant against you. The implied threats were unprovoked and unreasonable. I have banned Lilyfromfrance from the site.
Please feel free to comment as normal.
By John on September 2nd, 2007 at 5:36 pm
I’ve now removed the offending conversation from this thread. My apologies to anyone who has had their comments removed.
Let’s move on.
By John on September 2nd, 2007 at 6:29 pm
MY WORD!! What happened ?! I am sorry I was missing for a while, I was washing my convertible by hand and then waxing it, which isn’t the work of the moment. What in the world has caused such bitterness to implode Lily?! At any rate, Evelyn is right. I am serving tea immediately, my dears. Evelyn, if you will pour, I will pass the sandwiches and tea cakes. I am so astonished at the transformation in Lily, I can barely believe it was she. Daggy, I assure you, this site is a very nice one with very nice people posting. John never allows any inappropriate remarks. Please do relent and continue posting. I am sure we all appreciate your insight. If you will come back, we will add your favorite dessert to our Royal Anecdotes Reconciliation! Tea Menu and will serve it forthwith!
By Gigi on September 2nd, 2007 at 7:25 pm
Gigi, as I recall, it started with a disagreement about Kate Middleton, and progressed to a war of words. I think that’s as far as I should go into it.
Yes, tea would be nice. Between conjecture about Prince William & Kate’s relationship, stress surrounding Diana’s memorial service, and opinions related to Charles & Camilla, I think it’s high time for tea. I’d be happy to pour, Gigi. I certainly hope that your special chocolate cake will be served, and Balmoral cake would be especially appropriate, given that the Queen is in residence now. What time (GMT)?
By Evelyn on September 2nd, 2007 at 10:11 pm
Let’s not forget about Lord Snowden. He is/was quite an accomplished photographer while married to the late Princess Margaret and continued to photograph the Royal Family after his divorce. Also, just because something isn’t reported in the tabliods, doesn’t mean it can’t exist. Kate may have been taking photographs for years and might have an interesting portfolio. I’m sure she wasn’t going to hype her interest in photography by wearing a camera around her neck while clubbing! Hopefully, this venture will be fulfilling for her and will silence this young lady’s critics who call her a lazy party girl. It can’t be easy having a regular job while dating an heir to the throne. What business or employer wants the tabloid press hanging around outside all the time.
As for Gigi’s tea, what about Dundee cake. I understand The Queen brings it with her when she travels?
By Arthur on September 3rd, 2007 at 12:02 am
I hope I haven’t been banned, too! I can’t post my comment.
By Alicia on September 3rd, 2007 at 12:05 am
BTW, I thought yesterday, when Charles was heckled as he arrived at the memorial, that this sort of behaviour is shameful. Being an American, I have never seen the Diana crowds, so I was completely shocked.
It’s one thing to have an opinion about the matter, it’s quite another to insult the man to his face. However, it made me realize how careful we should all be with our comments (me included!), you never know when they may affect an unstable person.
By Alicia on September 3rd, 2007 at 12:07 am
John, we could be seeing one royal wedding a year for the next five years: Peter and Autumn, Zara and Mike, William and Kate, Harry and Chelsea and Princess Beatrice and her beau! It should keep the souvenir makers very busy.
By Arthur on September 3rd, 2007 at 12:24 am
Wow. I missed all the excitement.
I owe John and the forum an apology for having egged on some of the controversy in the first place by bringing up Jecca Craig and Mandy. This has been a fun place to visit, and while the difference of opinions at times does amuse-and at times-confound me, I wouldn’t want this to become a hostile environment for anyone.
By Marie on September 3rd, 2007 at 12:26 am
Wow could you please refresh me about Jecca Craig…It seems
he has these make believe weddings. Didn’t I just read he did
the same thing with Kate while they were on their vacation.
But getting back to Kate; here we go again, another venture
and how long will this last. Can’t this girl do something and stick with it other than being a door mat for William?
By Judy on September 3rd, 2007 at 1:49 am
From what the article in the Daily Mail said, it’s been hard for Kate to find something that will work, given her royal beau. After graduating, she really was keen on starting a mail-order business, but that hit financial trouble before it was off the ground. The Jigsaw position was never really serious, just something that was available when William told Kate that she needed a job. It’s likely that the owners, as friends of Kate’s parents, were willing to put up with any hassles that would arise because of Kate’s relationship. It could be that they created a position for her, perhaps because of the PR value of having the heir’s beau as an employee.
My intuition tells me that a big part of William & Kate’s recent holiday was spent strategizing for the future– near and far. In my book, if Kate has interest in photography, this is something she can develop now (no pun intended!) and carry into the future. Even if her primary interest at this point is “abstract” photography, the skills she learns could be used in different ways in the future–landscape photos from their travels, casual photos of their children. They’d be great fundraisers for charities. Even if it’s only for their family’s pleasure, if it gives Kate a sense of purpose, if it makes for a happy marriage and family life, that would be enough.
By Evelyn on September 3rd, 2007 at 3:31 am
Wow I’m sorry I missed the fireworks too. But glad I wasn’t around to probably have been banned. Daggy, hang in there. John, you’re the best for handling that nonsense. Thank you.
By Positive on September 3rd, 2007 at 5:21 am
Thanks, everyone.
It seems “Lilyfromfrance” was not who “she” claimed to be, but a number of commenters on this site. I’d been suspicious about “her” for a while when “her” tone changed sharply a few weeks ago. Then this strange snarling aggressive character emerged.
For what it’s worth, I think there’s a strong connection with the Shake business.
The only names to have been banned are Lilyfromfrance and “Elizabeth” who seemed to be another identity.
Now where’s that Balmoral Dundee cake, Gigi?
By John on September 3rd, 2007 at 8:29 am
High Drama at RA! I must say that i had noticed a marked change tone in Lily in the last few weeks too.
John, you run a tight ship and we all appreciate it.
As for the subject at issue, i think it is a great idea for Kate to pursue her photographic interest, as everybody has said, it is the perfect occupation for a royal consort. It would be wonderful if she was good too.
I’m intrigued with William and his pretend weddings, how elaborate are they? It seems a strange way to pass an afternoon but it certainly exposes his fixation on the matter.
By Eliza on September 3rd, 2007 at 9:39 am
Thanks, Eliza (not to be confused with “Elizabeth”).
I agree on your William point. He does seem to be fixed on the idea of making absolutely sure someone’s right for him before making a commitment. The People had a short piece yesterday claiming he had rung the Queen from Birkhall saying the week’s holiday had convinced him Kate was “the one” and he intends to “propose” soon — although they must have discussed this at some length by now. The Queen was said to be delighted.
How the People got hold of that is a mystery — or a wild guess, which may turn out to be right.
By John on September 3rd, 2007 at 9:47 am
John I read the story about the pretend wedding ceremony with Kate on the island of Desroches, the online story I read gave quite a few details; but since the original source for that story was quoted as the American tabloid rag the’Globe’ I have a hard time believing it. Here is the link to that story, but I’ve removed a part of the address.
I’d love to read that this telephone conversation actually took place if the source were one that was considered more reliable and truthful than the People. They are not exactly known for their scintillating in-depth and accurate news pieces! Wild guess indeed. Let’s hope that their guess (or gamble) turns out to be an accurate one.
By mapleleaf on September 3rd, 2007 at 1:20 pm
Mapleleaf, the link doesn’t work. They may have taken it down.
By John on September 3rd, 2007 at 1:34 pm
Interesting. I did notice that there were a handful of identities who wrote run on sentences and seemed allergic to either a period or a semi-colon and insisted on capitalizing key words, as though to popularize German. It seemed bizarre. Sorry you had to put in the extra effort to keep things clean.
By Marie on September 3rd, 2007 at 2:01 pm
True, Marie. I’ve had my doubts about a few of them. They all seem to have an agenda of some kind. Weird way to waste time, what ever they think they’re doing.
By John on September 3rd, 2007 at 2:17 pm
John these same people have taken to attacking Kate Middleton in the comments section of The Sun. Just wait for the next article on Kate Middleton in The Sun, then read the accompanying comments section. These few posters deliberately flood the front page of that comments section with attacks on Middleton to lock other comments out. It’s really sad, pathetic, and kind of sick. Most of these same people are all from a few forums where the Kate bashing is rampant. They have tried to bring that here as well, albeit using different and/or sharing screen names and by trying to temper their libel — at least in the beginning. This is why sometimes I have been rude to some posters whom I suspected were attempting to bring that nastiness here. They will try to bring this site down with their lies and the bitterness and it would be a shame.
Based on some of the things those posters say about her at those forums, I truly believe that Kate Middleton needs protection, paid for by her parents, of course. And I understand William’s obsession with playing down his relationship with her. I would be terrified for her if she were my daughter.
By Positive on September 3rd, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Whoa! I’m glad I missed the fireworks too. Too busy at Redneck Camp and having a good time celebrating an early Labor Day!
By On The Outside on September 3rd, 2007 at 3:19 pm
Just read your last comment Positive – and I too would be terrified for Kate’s safety if I were her parents. There are folks out there who would do anything to hurt the RF and one way to do that is to take out those they hold dear to their heart. (remember Lord Mountbattan)?
Once (if they do) get officially engaged, then she should have her protection paid for by the RF, but for now – private bodyguards would be better than nothing. She might better get used to it now. Poor thing. What a position to have to be in.
By On The Outside on September 3rd, 2007 at 3:22 pm
John, here is the link in it’s entirety: LINK
I was able to pull up the webpage, maybe I wrote the link incorrectly the first time? And I certainly agree that perhaps Kate Middleton’s family needs to pay for bodyguards for her.
She seems to be in a very vulnerable position, and some of the things that are written about her on other forums are atrocious, and sometimes even frightening. If I were her parents/family I would be concerned.
By mapleleaf on September 3rd, 2007 at 3:32 pm
I can understand some people won’t like her, as is their right, but the constant bitter attacks on her by the same people, who can cite with perfection what she wore six months ago, who actively try to track her whereabouts, who have made phone calls to the PCC, news outlets, the Seychelles resort, etc. There are truly some disturbed people in this world.
By Positive on September 3rd, 2007 at 3:35 pm
Thanks for the link, mapleleaf. If William has promised Kate that he’ll protect her for the rest of his life, he’d better start right away!
By Evelyn on September 3rd, 2007 at 4:32 pm
Whoever are these awful people? I am very glad that you were vigilant and aware, John, and cleansed the site of their bombast. As for tea, we are having both chocolate layer cake and Balmoral Dundee cake and of course, scones, Devonshire cream and jam. After the stress and drama of Princess Diana’s Memorial Service and the treachery of that claque posting as Lily-from-France, we could all do with a hearty tea, I am sure. I am also serving raspberry/blueberry trifle to add a little patriotic red/white/blue to our tea table.
By Gigi on September 3rd, 2007 at 4:38 pm
Gigi, the raspberry/blueberry trifle sounds particularly splendid.
Daggy, glad you weren’t forced off by louts. Good to see you back.
By John on September 3rd, 2007 at 5:07 pm
Hi John! hi everybody!
I read the posts and I was quite shocked! can you explain me what was wrong? Who was Lily?
What kind of photographer want miss middleton to be?
By serenity on September 3rd, 2007 at 7:15 pm
I read in a tabloid article about this subject that Kate Middleton wants to specialise in Abstract Photography. Abstract photography is supposedly a popular form of art. I was interested in this so I read a little about it. It seems that art buyers will pay large amounts for good abstract work.
So if Kate has any talent and she does get together enough work for an exhibit, this could actually be a nice career for her. The plus side is that if she and Prince William get engaged, she will be able to continue in this line of work.
If they don’t get engaged and the relationship ends, she will still have her professional career as an artist to focus on.
By mapleleaf on September 3rd, 2007 at 7:29 pm
“but the constant bitter attacks on her by the same people, who can cite with perfection what she wore six months ago, who actively try to track her whereabouts”
Jealousy?
“why would His Highness love a girl like Kate, a girl who’s merely luscious”
“why wouldn’t the fellow ever once prefer some jealous shrews like us.”
By Alicia on September 3rd, 2007 at 7:51 pm
John,
I noticed that as well. She went from be relatively sweet to very agitated.
The hatred towards Kate on other sites is amazing, the bile the posters spew out is shocking. And, I agree completely with Mapleleaf about the possible danger.
Some disturbed individual could easily freak out reading the posts and do something. If I were her parents, I would be worried about her walking down the street unprotected.
By Alicia on September 3rd, 2007 at 8:11 pm
I keep thinking how awful it would be for something to happen to Kate now– for Kate’s family, for William, for the royal family. If William loses Kate (to an attack or accident), it would take him a long time to mourn her loss and be ready to look for another relationship.
I understand that royal protection officers won’t be offered until there is an official engagement, and that official RF engagements tend to be shorter. But it would be a terrible blow to have anything happen to Kate at any time, especially if it could have been prevented by bodyguards.
By Evelyn on September 3rd, 2007 at 8:23 pm
I never look at those forums, they’re used by aliens, probably from a planet of insects.
It always astonishes me how much venom some people have for people they don’t know. Our wired world is creating some depressing situations.
As for Kate’s protection, maybe the mock wedding was meant to switch on the protection button. I would be amazed if Kate doesn’t have a squad around her now. At least she won’t have to leave her house at 8 each day to go to work. As a photographer she’ll be self-employed, presumably.
By John on September 4th, 2007 at 8:31 am
I had actually wondered if lily was having a nervous breakdown or on drugs because she really had lost any sense of perspective; talking about dreaming about the royals etc. It still seems beyond odd that person or persons unknown would devote so much time hating people they don’t know at all.
By Eliza on September 4th, 2007 at 2:16 pm
Eliza, “Lilyfromfrance” has sent me an email claiming the computer was hacked into. Lilyfromfrance sends apologies to Daggy for the insults and threats.
I make no comment on this, but the ban remains.
By John on September 4th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
Well i don’t know enough about computers to say if that is likely except to say that if it was being hacked into on an ongoing basis wouldn’t you know?
I didn’t read the abusive comments to Daggy as you had removed them before i logged on so i can’t comment if they were noticeably different in tone to lily’s more recent comments.
If it is true i’m all for peace and reconciliation but i’ll be led by you and your experience in these matters – i’m new to this. Your site is the first and only one i go into.
By Eliza on September 4th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
Well, there were other indications too, so let’s leave it at that.
By John on September 4th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
John How come my comments on this thread are not here?
By Trudie on September 5th, 2007 at 1:49 am
Trudie, I’ve no idea. I don’t remember you getting involved at all with this one. They’re certainly not in the moderation panel. Maybe you just skipped the photo session.
By John on September 5th, 2007 at 7:27 am
I’m very sorry for causing so much drama on this board! I really didn’t think my comments would upset anybody as much as they did. I found this site not so long ago so I didn’t understand how certain posters could react. If I had known I probably wouldn’t have commented on her post because I don’t want to be the reason why somebody gets banned from here. It’s a bit embaressing really to be new and to be part of so much trouble and drama. Sorry everyone. From “daggyfromnorway”
By daggy on September 5th, 2007 at 2:35 pm
Do not be embarrassed, Daggy. This has happened before with another poster whom John warned and then had to ban. It is not your fault, especially since the person assailing you was not who we all thought! John has the right to ban anyone whom he feels is not posting in the appropriate spirit or attitude, and ban he does when it is needed.
I wondered if your real name was Dag! How nice to have a Norwegian among our merry group! My daughter speaks Norwegian and minored in Scandinavian Studies at unviersity.
By Gigi on September 5th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
As an additional note, I will never wash and wax my car again without periodically checking the RA site! I missed the entire hergang and thus had no opportunity to offer tea when we needed it.
Timing, as they say, is everything. Location runs a swift second.
By Gigi on September 5th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
Okay Hi, I was away doing work for a news channel for a few days, but now , yes , I’m back at the beach, it’s 85 today. I had to go to Las Vegas to send in some” on the scene reports” to a news channel I work partime for.
Why do you feel the need to attack me personally just because I don’t think William and Kate are back together, I don’t believe the Kate-William press hype. I don’t think they are together seriously at all. I actually enjoy reading all of your posts and I adore John, he’s great, (but I put my accuracy rate against his anyday, because there was NO engagement as he predicted last year. I said there would NOT be one.) I don’t think William will ever marry Kate. I don’t think she was at the party, most sources are from one or two outlets just repeating what the others have said, I don’t think William has any intention of getting engaged to Kate or is even seeing her seriously now. Here is where I saw the party photos….
http://www.pressdisplay.com/pressdisplay/viewer.aspx
By mandy on September 19th, 2007 at 9:27 pm
oops I meant to post this on the other Balmoral meeting story…..sorry, but it’s a repsonse to the other story from a few days ago…I’ve been away.
By mandy on September 19th, 2007 at 9:31 pm