Kate Middleton or Mary of Denmark
A number of Royal Anecdotes commenters have mentioned the similarity of appearance between Kate Middleton and Mary of Denmark. So here’s a little competition. Which is Kate and which Mary?
This is a real tough one.
LoL, the only thing Kate and Mary share are their ‘commoner’ middle class status and being brunettes.
Princess Mary played a better game when it comes to marrying her Prince, not to mention she’s a woman with a Master in Law & Business and has worked for a living since she was 18 years old.
Both are attractive woman, even though Mary tend to be photographed much better than Kate.
By Cy on September 22nd, 2007 at 3:56 pm
I think I would need to see them both wearing a tiara, before I can make a decision.
By Arthur on September 22nd, 2007 at 3:56 pm
Yeah, the one with the baby is clearly Kate, Arthur.
By John on September 22nd, 2007 at 4:00 pm
Well, John, we haven’t seen any current pictures of Kate in quite some time. Anything is possible!
By Arthur on September 22nd, 2007 at 4:05 pm
Are you guys serious that you can’t tell the difference? It is totally obvious to me even without the baby.
By Karen on September 22nd, 2007 at 4:27 pm
they are alike but Kate is better looking, Mary dresses impeccably though.
By Eliza on September 22nd, 2007 at 4:54 pm
Crown Princess Mary is the one with the baby as she has two children. I can’t wait for the time when K and W get maried and to see K holding one of their children
By Royalist on September 22nd, 2007 at 5:00 pm
If you want to talk about famous Kate look-alikes, she looks very similar (in my opinion) to the American Lauren Conrad.
By Caroline on September 22nd, 2007 at 8:07 pm
Okay, maybe they don’t look THAT much alike, but I stand by my opinion that they remind me of each other. And I promise you, when we start seeing Kate in tailored suits and hats in the future, people will remark about their resemblance.
By SadieBoo on September 22nd, 2007 at 10:35 pm
And by the way, I hope when Kate starts dressing up for Royal appearances, that she won’t wear predominately black and white ensembles. She does that now with her work clothes, or maybe she is just wearing those colors on the days she is photographed.
By SadieBoo on September 22nd, 2007 at 10:37 pm
Considering they are almost ten years apart in age they kind of look like sisters. They have almost the same hair and skin color and amazing bone structure. As you can see with Kate on the left she fresh and not in need of much make up. Mary uses more makup for that polished look of a professional person.
By Trudie on September 23rd, 2007 at 12:47 am
I didn’t know much about Mary and I googled her and she seems like a great person. I think it is a nice comparison. Kate has better hair.
By dally on September 23rd, 2007 at 2:30 am
Now there’s a story out that Kate is affraid of becoming Queen someday. What really really makes me sick is that people are just making up stories that really don’t make any sense. This story is not true at all and I think everyone should agree on it. If you haven’t seen it yet, you will soon. Completely ignore it.
By Claudius on September 23rd, 2007 at 3:16 am
This appeared in today’s press regarding CP Frederik and CP Mary’s just completed 4 day visit to New York City: “CP Mary, who has earned a reputation for enjoying regular retail therapy, lamented the lack of shopping time in New York.” It appears Mary and Kate are more alike than I thought!
By Arthur on September 23rd, 2007 at 3:13 pm
There’s a story out there today that Kate is close to size zero (American) or size 6 (British). Size 10 is said to be perfect, so 6 is very scary.
What’s caused this sudden plummet? Some say it’s because she’s taken up smoking again — hard to believe, though.
By John on September 23rd, 2007 at 4:25 pm
I can’t explain it, John. Kate looked the picture of health when she was training with the Sisterhood. Maybe some of those evil courtiers are, once again, whispering about Kate behind her back? That would certainly frazzle my nerves; however, I would end up eating and gaining weight, not loosing it.
By Arthur on September 23rd, 2007 at 5:12 pm
IMO, It seems to me that if Kate were William’s intended fiance he would not allow her to be subjected to such ridicule from the media or at least keep quiet while rumors and innuendo are spread. There’s something to be said for not dignifying criticism with a response, but you would think that William would protect her in some way. Maybe she lost that protection when they broke up because it seems like the press didn’t turn on her until things cooled off. This does not bode well for her if he cannot stand up for her and support her from these attacks. Or perhaps Mandy is right, maybe they aren’t seriously back together? I think that William would protect her if he truly felt that she was “the one” as everyone is saying.
By Grace on September 23rd, 2007 at 5:59 pm
I saw the article too, i think one of the pictures is an old one so i wonder if Arthur, you are right and it is just malevolent gossipers stirring it.
They do say though when you’re in the throes of love you lose your appetite; so many other things to do besides eating!
Another theory is the pressure of having your photo taken all the time, they say the camera puts on half a stone (7lbs) so she could be conscious of that.
Anyway I’m sure Kate has the common sense not to go down the very unattractive size zero route, another Victoria Beckham we do not want.
By Eliza on September 23rd, 2007 at 6:03 pm
Eliza, I’ve been in love many times, but it never suppressed my appetite. I believe the old adage: “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” must have been written about me!
By Arthur on September 23rd, 2007 at 6:26 pm
Grace, when I wrote “Maybe some of those evil courtiers are, once again, whispering about Kate behind her back,” that was purely conjecture on my part. I don’t know if it’s true, I don’t have any facts to support my statement and I certainly don’t want to start a war, here on the pages of RA.
By Arthur on September 23rd, 2007 at 6:33 pm
Arthur, I understand that was purely conjecture on your part, and don’t fret, you haven’t started a war. What I was trying to say, from an objective viewpoint, is that most men that are in love will fight for their girl (or at least I hope that chivalry isn’t completely dead). William’s total silence while allowing all of this whispering (from courtiers, media, the world) to continue suggests to me that things may be a little uncertain. Especially if he plans to marry her, I should hope that he would be keen to place her on a pedestal, beyond reproach, and curb the rumors. I do think it is within his power to do this and the fact that the rumors persist suggests sends a signal. Sometimes silence speaks volumes.
By Grace on September 23rd, 2007 at 6:44 pm
The fact that Kate will be going to Balmoral next month to see The Queen speak at a high volume and soon things will change. These crazy rumors that is coming out is just a bunch of non-sense. I agree with Grace that William should make a move and protect her but he seems to be is taking those steps now.
By Claudius on September 23rd, 2007 at 7:49 pm
I certainly hope so, for her sake. Otherwise she really does come across as looking like a mistress a la Camilla. I suppose I have more traditional values about courtship and propriety. Living together and taking lover’s holidays is not what I would consider to be appropriate or mature courting for marriage. I have known people who have tried to “play marriage” and it rarely ever leads down the aisle.
By Grace on September 23rd, 2007 at 8:05 pm
I think that Edward and Sophie managed a long relationship/engagement just fine, and there is no reason that William and Kate can’t do the same. The only way to make that work will be for them to stay out of the spotlight. I don’t believe the article about Kate “having doubts” for one minute. If William responded to everything negative written about Kate, he’d have to quit the Army to have the time. He would be especially busy with the Kate-haters out there!
Reading that article got me thinking (uh-oh!) - what role would Kate have as Prince William’s wife? Queen Consort? Or Queen? Would Diana have been the Queen-Consort? Would the role be similar to that of Prince Phillip? And why is he not King-Consort? I have read a lot about the Royals, but I must have missed this topic.
By SadieBoo on September 24th, 2007 at 12:57 am
Hey Grace. Gotta secret for you. William and Kate are together. They are both keeping their silence, and low profieles and a distance from each other publicly. I would think William an idiot if he says one word about her, knowing how that will only fan the flames of speculation.
But keep wishing they aren’t together. Gigi will be here with a nice cup of hot tea for you to ease your pain when their engagement is announced in a couple of years.
By Positive on September 24th, 2007 at 1:57 am
The way they are conducting their relationship is very definitely modern and mature. What would be immature on Kate’s part is to play maniuplative schoolgirl games like hard to get and withholding sex to prove she’s a “good girl.” If she did that, I would hope that he dropped her like a bad habit.
By Positive on September 24th, 2007 at 2:01 am
I do not “hate” Kate or dislike her and am sorry if that is how I came across. I am simply more sparing with my praise, reserving my good opinion of heads of state, first ladies and potential figureheads of former empires for accomplished persons of dignified character. To name a few great and self-poised ladies deserving of such praise and emulation: First Lady Jackie Kennedy, First Lady Laura Bush and Princess Grace of Monaco. I would also probably include QEII and Princess Diana.
By Grace on September 24th, 2007 at 2:39 am
Oh, I’m sorry and ultimatums are not manipulative or immature? I wouldn’t encourage teasing or playing hard to get but at the same time desperation and availability aren’t exactly the way to engender respect. And since when did chastity or at the very least discretion become so devalued? It’s just been my experience that a gentleman should respect a lady enough to treat her as such. That’s all I’m saying.
By Grace on September 24th, 2007 at 2:51 am
John, I think she has lost any weight since she left the university (when she was heavier). Kate has always been very thin, it’s one of the reasons clothes look so beautiful on her.
Her sister Pippa is also slender. It’s part of being an It Girl, a modern girl-about-town.
You can always put to two pictures next to each other and make it look like someone has lost weight. Different clothes, lighting, time of month can all change a person’s perceived weight.
I wouldn’t worry about it, she looks great.
Although an extra 15 pounds and she would look super sexy!!
By Alicia on September 24th, 2007 at 3:31 am
To Caroline - I agree completely - Kate reminds me of Lauren Conrad too! For those of you who are not addicted (like I am) to bad American reality television, Lauren Conrad (LC to her friends) is the long-suffering heroine of the shows “Laguna Beach” and “The Hills.”
Someone on a gossip site put their pictures together and in certain instances, they could be sisters! They both worked in the fashion industry too.
I am absolutely sure that the similarities end there!
Positive, you and I are of the same mind this evening - there is more than one way to be in a relationship, and I would imagine the ship has sailed on either Kate or William’s virtue. I think that as long as two people respect each other and themselves, things work out okay. I haven’t seen Kate acting desperate, just the opposite. Keep in mind that as far as she knew, her long-term relationship with Prince William was over, and try not to judge her too harshly.
Any treatment she gets from Prince William, chivalrous or otherwise, is their business. What I consider MY business is what she chooses to wear now and speculation about what she might wear in the future. (I would love to put a smiley face here but I can’t figure out how - mine aren’t working with this page!)
By SadieBoo on September 24th, 2007 at 4:13 am
“Or perhaps Mandy is right, maybe they aren’t seriously back together?”
In the dreams of more than a few.
If Kate is my kind of girl, and I think she is, she is encouraging William to be silent and to ignore what people are saying. Except for the people in their lives they know personally and who they respect.
By Positive on September 24th, 2007 at 4:30 am
What I meant by that comment is all this premature speculation is just that - premature. William’s love life is no business of mine unless he gets engaged and then, well, she has to be able to measure up in the eyes of the public as a public figure, role model and representative of the UK.
By the way, I would like to point out that the very same sources that are reporting that they are keeping a low profile (which they probably are) are also the sources being dispelled selectively on this blog. Let’s not be revisionist here and only believe flattering reports. Of course, I am a little more cynical and slightly less idealistic than most.
I think that if they went public or announced their engagement and just got on with their lives without all of the “drama” the media wouldn’t have a story. But sadly I guess that’s not possible in today’s society.
By Grace on September 24th, 2007 at 4:54 am
We here are pretty even keeled. We take Kate’s good press along with the bad. I certainly don’t go around accusing the press of lying or fabricating stories to sell paper. That’s really childish and just plain loony.
The great thing about this place and the annoying thing to those who tend to deny any and all things positive about Kate Middleton, we here tend to give Kate Middleton the benefit of the doubt. We also tend not to be negatively judgmental of her because probably most of us here don’t know her personally.
Even if Kate marries William, she has nothing to prove to me other than the ability to avoid making me cringe by off-the-cuff offensive remarks, you know, sort of like the “slitty eyed” quips Prince Philip has a penchant for; or embarrassing the Queen by disparaging her royal in-laws to reporters posing as someone they are not; as long as she doesn’t promise William she won’t follow Harry around with a camera crew then turn around and do just that; and oh…as long as she doesn’t carry on an affair with a married man under the nose of his wife. If Kate can steer clear of those quirks, I think she’ll be a great asset to William’s family!
By Positive on September 24th, 2007 at 5:20 am
I thought the purpose of this discussion group was to “discuss” and critique the British monarchy and that’s all I was trying to do. Apparently I got lost on the Internet and landed on a fan club site. Although, SadieBoo has a point. I will give her the benefit of the doubt during the break-up.
Positive, you are right. The bar has been set so low for the monarchy that all Kate has to do is avoid partying and smoking too much like Chelsy Davy and she’s an instant asset. I’m American and we subject our politicians and celebrities to rigorous scrutiny and standards and are a lot less forgiving, so when I cross the pond from now on I will remember to dismount from my high horse.
By Grace on September 24th, 2007 at 5:52 am
I am also going to clarify the point I was attempting to make earlier. I was trying to make a comparison between what I perceive to be patterns in media coverage of the royal family. When Diana separated from Charles, she felt the glare of the media outside of the fold and the royals used the media to discredit her. While I am not suggesting that William is trying or has tried to discredit Kate Middleton, it appeared that during and around their split the media turned on her. Coincidence? You tell me. I’m not a conspiracy theorist but I read somewhere that some of these rumors were originating with CH. I’m sure the royal family has influence over the media to some extent so it just makes me wonder.
By Grace on September 24th, 2007 at 7:30 am
Sadie, Diana would have been crowned Queen alongside Charles (in other circumstances), but she would in law have been Queen Consort to distinguish her from a Royal blood Queen, like Elizabeth II.
It doesn’t work the other way round, though. Albert was Prince Consort, not King Consort. The only dual Monarchy we have had was Willam and Mary, but Mary was the daughter of the previous King, James.
Prince Philip is not even Prince Consort for rather complicated reasons. He was not liked by the Court in the early days and had little Royal blood apart from the usual lineage through Victoria.
By John on September 24th, 2007 at 9:20 am
Grace, the only “selection” I employ on this site is to eliminate reports that can’t be verified, or are clearly untrue. There’s a heap of rubbish out there, especially on blogs, so I never use them.
By John on September 24th, 2007 at 9:28 am
Grace, Royal Anecdotes is not a “fan site”. It looks at developments objectively. In the absence of real facts, it’s always best to give people the benefit of the doubt, otherwise it becomes a rant site.
As I always say to people who question our methods, okay, go and write your own site if you’re so sure you can do it better.
By John on September 24th, 2007 at 9:36 am
I’d like to comment on the view expressed at the beginning that Mary played a better game in catching her Prince. I think it is a little unfair on our lovebirds, Frederick and Mary were in their late twenties when they met so naturally things moved faster, they were both ready to settle down, also i get the impression that the Danish press are much easier on their royals than the British redtops.
William and Kate have been dating since college so obviously things are happening more slowly with more time for stops and starts, all in the glare of the media.
Kate is actually playing an excellent game because it is by far a longer one with much dissection of every move.
Also, Mary worked because everybody works and she had not met a Prince, she was a private citizen, Kate hasn’t worked very much because she is essentially trying not to blot her copybook and if she worked in the open market there would be inter alia undercover journalists trying to embarrass her so cut her some slack I say.
By the way I like Mary, she is great I just think she had an easier ride when it came to becoming a Crown Princess.
By Eliza on September 24th, 2007 at 10:51 am
In a way I have to agree with Eliza Mary had an easier ride but I think that was due to the fact when dating Frederic she lived in Australia and was very much under the radar. Kate met William in school and the press were quick to pick up on them. Whether Kate works or not I think is a conscious decision made by her that if she did the press would turn up and disrupt things and follow her every move right down to going to the loo. Kate is in a no win situation.
By Trudie on September 24th, 2007 at 11:12 am
Okay Grace, I apologize to you. I often come across — in the words of my beloved “Silvio” (for you Sopranos fans) — as a bit “overstated” because I am highly suspicious of those who come here to make mischief. Call me the Royal Anecdotes German Shepherd I suppose.
Anyway, I think you’re off the mark about Kate Middleton. Of course I have no proof, but I think those who do not find her suitable or underestimate her worthiness as a princess solely because she does not work are sorely underestimating her. At a very minimum she seems to be a team player, she seems to be devoted to William, and she seems extremely dignified. The rest of the princess thing I think she’ll handle easily.
By Positive on September 24th, 2007 at 11:12 am
Grace, the ladies you picked are legendary; they are also from a completely different generation. I don’t know that they would be viewed as such stellar “ladies” today, or that any of them have enviable marriage. I know that Laura Bush is much admired by some. To others, she seems to be a depressed and repressed nice person who stoically stands by while her husband self-immolates.
By marie on September 24th, 2007 at 12:48 pm
Lay off Laura Bush! (j/k) If she does “stoically stand by” while Bush is, well, who he is, I think it is because she is a product of her time too. I know she is from a different generation than Princess Grace and Jackie, but among a certain set, those ideas are still strong, especially in the South (Southern girl talking, I see it all the time - by “young, modern” girls!) Not saying it is healthy, by any means.
Grace, this isn’t a fansite, unless you consider the fact that we are all fans of the monarchy. Some of us are not fans of ALL the members, but I think it’s safe to say we are all supporters. I, personally, am a fan of Royal weddings and births and pictures of Royal women in great clothes.
Positive is just protective of us - I am sure if you have surfed the internet you have seen the sites with ugliness directed at Kate Middleton. None of us want to see posts containing any ugliness to anyone, and when people try to bring it here, they usually start in a subtle fashion -so some of us are sensitive.
I’ll let you in on something - I have NO IDEA if they are together or not. I would imagine that they are, because all signs point that way. But I don’t know FOR SURE. Please join in the conjecture but remember, John is very good about weeding out the junk reporting so we here only see the stuff that is well-founded!
By SadieBoo on September 24th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
I’m with you SadieBoo. Laura Bush is a true “Steel Magnolia!” She has grace, style, intelligence and she’s nobody’s patsy. You will never see Laura being dragged before a Grand Jury, to answer questions about her shady business practices!
By Arthur on September 24th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
I hear you, SadieBoo. And I agree that Laura Bush is a product of her generation. I just wouldn’t want to be her. Right now. Maybe not even for a while.
I actually don’t want this site to become a place where we can’t have some dissenting opinion. That’s just my two cents, and, mixing metaphors, you can take that with a grain of salt! I appreciate the fact that some people don’t like Kate Middleton. I view this dislike as not being the same thing as senseless I-want-Wills-for-myself Kate bashing. I just think it’s healthy for us to have different opinions in the comments section. Come to think of it, the delusional girls who hate Kate because they “want” Wills for themselves are also a reflection of what it means to be a royal watcher. So, in some ways, it isn’t really fair to leave them out either.
Grace sounds very articulate. And while I don’t agree with her, I do think there is value in contemplating what it means to be a “lady” in this day and age, and looking at past women as examples. Girls, after all, have undergone so many social changes in the past decades, and they are still judged so much more harshly than men, in many circumstances.
Grace, I hope you come back. It isn’t easy to hold a dissenting viewpoint, but it’s healthier for us to have a different point of view in our midst. It makes us all think about our “positions” and clarify how we feel and why. Isn’t that partly what it means to be an adult? To be able to agree to disagree?
So while I, personally, feel protective of Kate–an emotion which I freely admit is based on . . . nothing but a “hunch”–I think people should be able to come here and say why they don’t and/or are unimpressed by her.
“I’m sure the royal family has influence over the media to some extent so it just makes me wonder.”
This, to me, is the scariest thing about the royal family. The minute anyone leaves, they are really and truly fair game. I understand it in a way; look at how many ex-help “turned” on their employers. Then again, I think it was really sucky the way that the RF left Burrell out to hang until the Queen suddenly “remember” that Diana had left him a number of her things. That was no way to treat a previous employer. I’m not a huge fan of Burrell–I once saw him in NYC at the Four Seasons Hotel standing in the lobby looking incredibly puffed up and like he was out to just conquer the world–I kind of can’t blame him for what he did.
Kate’s choices look very binary. It’s a scary prospect.
By marie on September 24th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
Marie, writing about the Monarchy is not easy, since it’s part constitutional practice and part fairy story. Each will emphasize the bit they prefer.
Non-Brits tend to go for the romance — either passionately for, or passionately against. Informed locals — including this site — will emphasize the constitutional elements and the advantages of a non-political Head of State.
We will respect William’s girlfriend (especially if she behaves well) because she may well one day be our Queen. But those who demand a kind of Congressional bear-baiting contest of each new member, whether for personal or practical reasons will be regarded as not understanding the institution at all.
Many of us think that the broad Royal Family idea is out of date, and that the Monarch and his/her heir and/or potential heir should be the focus of discussion. While we no longer have the deference of the 1950s, we still believe that the British sense of fair play should rule discussions of the Royal estate.
They are people, not politicians (note the distinction).
By John on September 24th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
Absolutely, Arthur - I will take Laura and her situation over her predecessor’s any day! Ugh - nothing like being publicly humiliated by your philandering husband, all in the name of your OWN political career!
But that’s for another forum.
John, I think the thing I like about this forum is that there seems to be a balance of British/non-British people here. It helps someone like me, who likes to talk about clothes and weddings, to understand the greater picture. Since I don’t live in the UK, it is hard for me to get my head around the practical elements of the Royal family. (Remember my consternation about what the PM and the Queen have to do with each other!) It is nice to have a place to ask my questions. Keep up the good work!
By SadieBoo on September 24th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
Fair enough, John!
By marie on September 24th, 2007 at 4:23 pm
John, you make a good point, and apparently I don’t have a firm grasp on the British constitutional monarchy system. An American virtue is respect/deference is earned and sparingly given based on merit and accomplishment. I do, however, understand the respect due the institutions of government. I realize they are people and not politicians but bear with me while I try a comparison. For example, here in the US we respect the office of the President even though we may not necessarily “respect” or esteem the person. Clinton is a good example - not respectable as an individual but the office deserved respect.
I digress now but, as I previously stated, I am more traditional. I tend to lump Kate and Chelsy in with other so-called celebutantes and socialites, which often make poor role models for young women. Again, I reiterate my view that respect is earned and not a birthright.
By Grace on September 24th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
I understand what you are saying, Grace. However, Kate and Chelsy are not meant to be role models, they are simply dating men who are Princes. Until the few weeks right after their breakup, most pictures of Kate also included Prince William. She kept an extremely low profile for years. And the girl has NEVER opened her mouth about William. For all of her partying ways, Chelsy is the same with Harry. She smokes and drinks, yes, but her academic accomplishments deserve respect.
I don’t know how the Brits on this forum feel about her, but I like Chelsy. I have no idea if they will make it or not, or if she will be considered wife material by the Queen. I just see that she is a constant in Harry’s life and she is discreet about them, from everything I have seen. I know there are some grumblings about her father and some shadowy business partnerships, but that is really all that she might have against her. Or is the fact that she isn’t from the UK a big deal?
By SadieBoo on September 24th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
I actually kind of like Chelsy, despite the dangerous binge-drinking. She’s interesting and comes across as a little more genuine. I see her as more of a free spirit, maybe like Fergie. I only recently became interested in following all of “this” when the US media picked up on it. My first impression of Kate was a CNN or MSNBC news anchor reporting on the split and describing her post-breakup antics as “campaigning” for the Prince. I suppose you could say that I was biased from the beginning.
Well, I will continue to read the comments on this board as I find them interesting and amusing. I typically don’t indulge in celebrity gossip, but I have an affinity for British culture stemming from ancestry, I suppose, and upbringing. SadieBoo you are quite right, those ideas persist in the South. I am Southern, born and bred, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and all. However, as much as I relish a good debate (over anything), I am taking a hiatus as law school beckons! Or, at least until a new report grabs my attention.
By Grace on September 24th, 2007 at 5:57 pm
I have made previous comments before about Kate not working, and have been critized for it. Now that I think about it, made in England that is common, but here in America you are expected to work after you graduate from college even if you are rich like Kate. People like her because she is to loyal to William? There are more qualities needed to be a Queen than that.
She can work in a private office where she won’t be seen much, or maybe to volunteer work, or work part time , but not like the joke she had a jigsaw.
Besides, once they are engaged so will be photographed constantly. She must be used to it by now.
By Marilyn on September 24th, 2007 at 6:20 pm
PS. I really like Chelsy a lot.
By Marilyn on September 24th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
Marilyn, I guess the reason that I don’t have an issue with Kate’s lack of a job is because we all know the alternative - Paris Hilton, anyone? Or that British girl, Tara Palm-something. I saw a picture of her that showed that her NOSE had collapsed from too much cocaine use. And this was a girl who was reported to be friends with the Royals!
Also, after college, I moved to a ski town in Colorado for a few years and saw firsthand what some wealthy kids do after they receive their expensive educations. It’s not pretty.
I think I give Kate a pass because as Prince William’s girlfriend, she is in about the least ‘normal’ situation she could find.
But I agree - it seems like there has to be something she can do. If for no other reason than to keep her from losing her mind!
By SadieBoo on September 24th, 2007 at 6:49 pm
I don’t understand why Kate even needs to be evaluated. As long as William loves her and the Royal Family accepts her, that should be it.
I think she’s lovely woman. I don’t care is she works or not … she’s what used to be called “a glamour girl,” or today, an It Girl. Her job is keeping herself beautiful, dressing elegantly and leading in a dazzling social life.
Moreover, a career would be very difficult for her … too much press attention, too many chances to be trapped in some sort bogus moneymaking situation or be used by craven opportunists like she was during the rowing incident. She needs to focus on the prince and stay out of trouble.
She’ll a make a wonderful Queen Catherine - beautiful, elegant and graceful. What more do we need?
By Alicia on September 24th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
I think there is a similarity in Princess Mary and Kate’s look. Also Princess Mary has been compared in looks to Pr. Joachim’s new girlfriend Marie Cavalier. I am partial to Mary, I like her look the best out of the women, maybe because she came on the scene first. Just think the Royal house in Denmark might have a Princess Mary and a Princess Marie.
Concerning the new rumours about Kate being petrified of being Queen, well, I’ll just say there is more to come in the coming weeks with these newest stories. The articles clearly say someone close to the Middleton’s are the source. I think there is some PR going on for Kate to save face because the writing is on the wall. People have their own views as to which way it will go, so I’ll say we shall see.
By mandy on September 24th, 2007 at 9:46 pm
Well, first of all we really don’t know Kate. We have never heard her speak in public, we don’t hang out with her nor do we know what she thinks about all the attention. We really have to go with William’s judgement. What we do know that William is a deep thinker, his mother even said that in a interview. He never wants to around someone who like him because who he is and he is never pressured into anything. The fact that William is back with Kate really does tells us that she has all the qualities that he likes not just because she is loyal to him. There is love there that not even the media can break and you can tell that his family recognize that. But I as I said before, William & Kate need our support. That will help ease their journey into marriage. I remember The Late Princess of Wales once said in a speech that the love and support that she was given from the public, helped her through the journey she went through during the breakdown of her marriage. This the kind of respect they should be given.
By Claudius on September 24th, 2007 at 10:05 pm
Sadie Boo, was that ski town in Colorado Aspen?
By Arthur on September 24th, 2007 at 10:37 pm
John, I read somewhere that Queen Elizabeth was thinking about bestowing the title “Prince Consort” on Prince Philip as a 60th wedding gift. Is that still in the pipeline?
By Arthur on September 24th, 2007 at 11:31 pm
I think that is true. Prince Philip truly deserves it. He is dedicated to The Queen and has been her loyal companion.
By Claudius on September 24th, 2007 at 11:36 pm
SadieBoo, Paris Hilton is not the alternative. There are many other girls out there. That will be awful.
By Marilyn on September 25th, 2007 at 1:28 am
“I have made previous comments before about Kate not working, and have been critized for it.”
Here, you can challenge what people say, without being accused of attacking anyone. Just as it’s your right to make statements criticizing Kate’s work ethic, it is the right of others to question the basis of those statements. Such is the give & take here.
“Now that I think about it … here in America you are expected to work after you graduate from college even if you are rich like Kate. ”
That is false. And I’m an American.
By Positive on September 25th, 2007 at 1:43 am
“I don’t care is she [Kate] works or not … she’s what used to be called “a glamour girl,†or today, an It Girl. Her job is keeping herself beautiful, dressing elegantly and leading in a dazzling social life. ”
I agree Alicia. As long as she has the means, her parents don’t mind, and she’s not breaking any laws, I wish her the best.
Lady Diana Spencer was marking time at what my friends and I all knew were menial, babysitter, jobs. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but I was not impressed. And I somehow figured that daddy’s coins were backing that teacher’s aide salary and her share of the rent and her living expenses in the tony area of London she and her gal pals were living.
Now I WAS impressed with the woman Diana became after she grew into her role as “People’s Princess.” No one will ever come close to that. Somehow I don’t think babysitting at a pre-school prepared her for giving speeches, meeting heads of state, etc.
By Positive on September 25th, 2007 at 1:51 am
Positive, maybe in your neck of the woods people don’t work but most rich kids do work or get an internship or something. Only very very few do not. Even Paris Hilton works. LOL
By Marilyn on September 25th, 2007 at 2:01 am
You’re enormously articulate, Grace, so it’s good to see that you will pop over occasionally.
“The articles clearly say someone close to the Middleton’s are the source. I think there is some PR going on for Kate to save face because the writing is on the wall.”
A big “I agree,” Mandy. I think a repair campaign is going on–restoring the view of Kate pre-breakup. I think it’ll probably work. Mostly.
By marie on September 25th, 2007 at 2:16 am
To answer my own rhetorical question, no it really isn’t weird. In fact, it’s so predictable. And….sort of sad, really.
By Positive on September 25th, 2007 at 2:24 am
Most wealthy kids I know do get jobs–in some industry. I think it’s a little different in California (I’ve lived in both NYC and CA) among children of actors. But most kids who are children of business people, bankers and other elites are expected to get jobs.
By marie on September 25th, 2007 at 2:41 am
And many wealthy ones I know do not necessarily go run into the job market immediately after school. Some travel, some further their education, some try to start their own businesses, and perhaps some work for their parent’s businesses until they become engaged to their prince.
There is nothing wrong with any of those choices, as long as it is something they love. And it’s not illegal. If Kate wants to be a photographer, I’m sure she will excel at it.
By Positive on September 25th, 2007 at 2:52 am
And if Kate wants to do nothing because she can, I’m for that too. She should enjoy her life as a carefree young woman now, because in a few years her life will not be her own. So Kate, have a drink for me while you do lunch.
Gigi, please pick a menu. I know you won’t disappoint.
By Positive on September 25th, 2007 at 2:55 am
“She should enjoy her life as a carefree young woman now, because in a few years her life will not be her own.”
Very, very true. I’ve always thought she loved William for who he is–as has been reported. But I’ve believed that. But it can’t be easy facing the prospect of marrying into his family. It does seem like she has a good family of her own–emotionally sound and supportive (unlike Diana)–which will really be important. I think they have a shot at happiness, actually. And it would really be wonderful for them both. It’s hard for me not to be optimistic about the royal family’s chances for the future, in that case.
For the record, I have no problem with Kate’s choices thus far–was simply stating that in my experience, it isn’t generally accepted for children of the wealthy to “do nothing.” That’s point A.
Point B: Kate has not “done nothing.”
By marie on September 25th, 2007 at 4:31 am
I am just back from a weekend up north to my hometown and I do believe that it is time for tea! Dear Positive, if you will be good enough to pour, we can all relax around the tea table. Today I am serving carrot cake, raspberry tart, scones with jam, assorted tea sandwiches, crusicki (also known as ‘bowknots’, a light , delectible pastry covered in powdered sugar) and cream horns. To favor John, we will also offer Blamoral Dundee cake, and for our chocolate lovers, we are serving Dutch chocolate crowns.
By Gigi on September 25th, 2007 at 5:07 am
Wonderful, Gigi, except it’s early morning here. I’m not sure I can manage all that for breakfast
By John on September 25th, 2007 at 9:02 am
Arthur, I’ve not heard the Prince Consort story, but, if it’s true, it’s perfectly timed.
The Queen has really given nothing to the old boy over 60 years. We know they had a big falling out over the Mountbatten name and he went off round the world for months in Britannia. But, apart from his penchant for pretty blondes — perfectly understandable
— he’s been loyal all these years, much against his roving nature. That would be a terrific gesture to celebrate the occasion. I hope it’s true.
By John on September 25th, 2007 at 9:07 am
I must say, I’ve always found this obsession with Kate working in a normal job very odd. Over here, most young kids want to do something out of the ordinary, like working in TV, being a pop star, or a fashion photographer. No-one wants to work in an office 9-5 anymore. Kate’s move to be a photographer is very much in line with her generation.
I find the chorus of disapproval strange because I’ve never done a normal job either. I’ve worked for a broadcaster in Australia, a marketing outfit in London, edited national magazines, written for the press, now run an internet publishing business.
How weird is that?
By John on September 25th, 2007 at 9:23 am
Marie, I agree!!
Gigi!! That sounds like heaven. I can’t even imagine what we’ll have to celebrate engagement announcements!!
By Positive on September 25th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
Hi Arthur - I lived in Vail, not Aspen. Aspen is for celebrities, Vail is for skiers!! (Regional prejudice, I know.) And I saw plenty of trust funders from all over the country, and several were from families whose names are recognizable. Not too many children of celebrities/actors, but again, Vail is not that kind of place. My own circle of friends had backgrounds similar to my own, but our extended “going out” group included some of the wealthier kids.
I am not saying that wealthy kids in America don’t ever work, I am just saying that the clock is not ticking for them and they have a little more time to play around before deciding what to do with their lives. That is the way I see Kate - she has the time and the resources to do whatever the heck she wants right now.
And Marilyn, I didn’t mean that Paris Hilton was an alternative for William, I meant that Kate could be living her life like Paris lives hers -shudder!
By SadieBoo on September 25th, 2007 at 12:31 pm
Sadie Boo, I’m probably dating myself, however, I first skied in Aspen when it still resembled the old mining town that is was. Locals wore cowboy hats while skiing on Aspen Mountain, dressing up for dinner meant putting on a pair of fancy cowboy boots and a “limousine” was a horse drawn sleigh! Over the next twenty years, Aspen slowly became a haven for the glitterati, who were more interested in showing off their chichi ski outfits than hitting the slopes. As far as I’m concerned, this transformation ruined one of the most beautiful places on God’s green Earth.
I apologize, John, for going waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay off topic.
By Arthur on September 25th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
Gigi, you should visit your hometown more often! Today’s tea menu is your most ambitious one to date. I can’t wait to try the carrot cake. Does it have cream cheese frosting?
By Arthur on September 25th, 2007 at 2:42 pm
The carrot cake does, indeed, have cream cheese frosting, Arthur. I can hear John groaning about the calories, but, after all, we can diet later, can we not? We must keep up our strength, at all costs. While in my hometown, cheering on the Steelers football team and the Penguins hockey team, I used the penalty periods and halftimes to flip through the recipe files in my memory bank and find a few new items for our Royal Anecdotes Tea menus.
My dear John, let us not be fainthearted, especially at breakfast time.
My own dear paternal grandfather ate pie for breakfast every day of his very active life and died at the age of 87 without ever being ill. My husband’s maternal grandfather ate a pound of bacon every morning of his life, consumed eggs and real butter daily, and died at age 88, still working a full day and walking six miles daily without ever sustaining an illness or an injury of any kind. It was an inspiration to see a man enjoy his food as he did and I have never seen anyone partake of more dairy products on a daily basis! His secret to good health was, I believe, that he also consumed large quantities of garlic and onions. I should add that neither of these men were overweight.
Arthur, I agree with you about Aspen. The same thing, to a slightly lesser extent, is happening to Park City, Utah.
Dear Positive, I am searching for something sinfully rich and even decadent for Marie’s Royal Anecdotes Gala Nuptials Tea and the engagement teas that we hope are forthcoming! If anyone has any requests, I am all ears!!
By Gigi on September 25th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
Gigi, I’m heading to your hometown area next week. My cousin is getting married, at the Heinz Memorial Chapel, over the Columubus Day weekend. While there, I will cheer for the Steelers and Penguins. Just don’t tell the Patriots or Briuns!
By Arthur on September 25th, 2007 at 6:27 pm
Excellent, Arthur! That Chapel is very lovely and I am sure the wedding will be wonderful! We had great seats for both the games and the weather was superb all weekend. Heinz Field is a marvelous venue. The current venue for the Penguins’ games (the old Civic Arena that was originally built for the Civic Light Opera when I was in high school) is outdated but a new one is being built for the Penguins. I promise not to breathe a word to the Patriots or the Bruins.
By Gigi on September 25th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
I feel I must mention sports from this side of the world to keep the side up. The Rugby World Cup is on at the moment in France, Ireland is doing atrociously badly unfortunately - for the first time ever we may not get out of the group stages and this for a team we thought could win! The country is in semi depression.
England are doing well though my husband tells me they have a crunch game coming up. (he is the real rugby fan, i only got into it when we began dating and Munster were doing so well in the European Cup).
By the way just to sneak the above in as on topic William and Harry are serious rugby fans! Slight I know!
By Eliza on September 25th, 2007 at 7:08 pm
…….and Zara must be paying close attention, since her mate is a Rugby player.
BBC News:In 2005, she’s dating Gloucester and England rugby player Mike Tindall. They’ve been spotted out together at the Cheltenham Festival.
By mandy on September 25th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
Rugby World Cup is wonderful! I am profoundly depressed about Ireland, but will not give way to unbridled hysteria for the time being, as long as England is holding up their end. In English Premiere League, Tottenham Hotspur need to energize and advance! Nevertheless, my husband and I shall still bellow loudly, not unlike the Hound of the Baskervilles, while cheering them on.
I wish I understood cricket, but thus far I have not mastered the intricasies of that game to the point where I can call myself a fan.
By Gigi on September 25th, 2007 at 7:23 pm
I don’t think Diana had to pay rent. She owned her apartment in London. It was purchased for her when she turned 18 with money she inherited from her American great-grandmother. I seem to remember reading that her roommates paid rent to HER. But I do agree, she was just biding her time with the babysitting jobs. Her ambitions were a little more complicated than that of the typical career woman.
By AnnRG on September 29th, 2007 at 7:02 am
I don’t know about Mary of Denmark, but I think that Kate looks a bit like Charlotte Casiraghi….
By Keira on December 28th, 2007 at 9:21 pm