Kate Middleton on the town at Raffles
On Wednesday night, Kate Middleton and sister Pippa repaired to Chelsea’s upmarket nightclub Raffles for an evening with a gang of City traders.
Kate is reported as saying, “I’m having a great time, I am drinking shots and I’m dancing with my sister and having fun.â€
She was said to have knocked back shots of white rum and liqueurs made with rhubarb and apple, chased down with beer. She apparently ended up on her knees during a wild dance with Wiltshire-based fund manager Alex Boyd.
An onlooker said, “Kate was having a whale of a time, she seemed like a free spirit. She spent the whole night dancing with a group of male friends. She wasn’t just dancing but she was also knocking back strong shots and beers with them too. Kate seemed to be having a good time, at one point she was dancing with a friend to the Pussycat Dolls, she was telling them that they were her favourite band.â€
Kate and Pippa left at 3am, slipping out of the club’s back door to avoid waiting cameramen. Probably just as well by the sound of it. It was said she walked home unescorted.
But was that wise? Walking home unescorted at 3am in London is really asking for trouble. Prince William really does need to get his girlfriend some protection now, especially if she’s going to walk on the wild side.
Do you still think they are getting engaged? Whilst I’ve been in total support of an engagement between them, their behaviour is plain odd! Whether they are playing games with the press, public or between themselves, Kate out at a club behaving like she’s still at uni. I don’t know a single 25 year old my age who goes out to a club on a Wednesday and then to work the next day unless they are single and in desperate need of an escape! Well, not to those kind of clubs. Most 25 year olds who have found someone they are serious about frequent more low key establishments where they can share a quiet drink not drink the menu and try to prove themselves as if they are still at uni. Whilst I still go out most of the week, am the same age as Kate, I just don’t quite understand her tastes sometimes.
By charlotte on October 19th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
It is a little strange, Charlotte. William is away in the Army a lot of the time, so I suppose a night on the town with her sister fills the gap.
But all that booze can’t be helpful.
By John on October 19th, 2007 at 2:52 pm
[...] Continue Reading [...]
By LifeTimes Network Magazine » Kate Middleton at Raffles on October 19th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
First of all, I am not sure I believe all the elements of this story. The statements attributed to Kate sound decidedly suspicious. Secondly, if indeed Kate was at Raffles, she was with her sister, which does not signify that she is single. Thirdly, Prince William is on maneuvers with the Navy (there are photos today of him on the small boats dressed in Navy military gear) and I doubt he expects Kate to sit in her flat and read Lord Bryon while he is sailing the high seas.
I am not sure that I understand why some seem to have a problem with Kate being out on a week night. Is that so rare in Britain? Kate is from a well-to-do family and if she can afford to go to clubs, and do so on week nights, why is that threatening to others? From a strict business standpoint, the clubs would be in a bad way financially if their clientele only went to those places at the weekend. How is this materially different from going to a show, a movie, or out to dinner on a week night?
By Gigi on October 19th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
Fills the gap? In life, when you are living it properly, there shouldn’t be this ‘gap’. Especially if Kate is soon to be princess. Whatever we don’t know about her personal life and true intentions, there is no rational explanation for her to be clubbing on yet another weeknight and it being reported she was dancing with a group of men ‘on her knees’ etc. It obviously creates the wrong impression.
Maybe Kate has had good reason to be a bit lost in terms of career and direction due to her ongoing relationship with William, but how long does a rational woman allow a relationship to take such hold of her life? Either she is going a bit mad waiting or she is making excuses or a bit of both.
At 25 she needs to be focusing on establishing herself apart from being Williams handbag. We have seen she looks great as his handbag, but she can’t rely on that for status. I’d like to think she will blossom into this amazing person after she becomes princess, but as a wise 25 year old knows, you can’t just become someone hardworking and disciplined overnight. It takes time and if you are not moving forward you are only moving back!
By charlotte on October 19th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
Gigi, I’m not sure how it is materially different from going to a movie etc. All I know is when your average 25-year-old finds someone to love, they normally don’t enjoy frequenting clubs as much. Not because they don’t know how to have fun anymore, because clubs are superficial. The only status you have in one is your looks and it’s easy to gain status. After a while, the whole thing becomes boring. ie you tend to grow out of it. I’m only airing the views of most people I know. Personally, I love to dance and so I still enjoy an occasional night at a club with my sister for that reason. But if I were a princess-in-waiting, I might be concerned about the negative publicity and perhaps refrain from dancing with groups of men when my partner was away. Even in a trusting relationship, it’s not that common.
Then again, perhaps Kate is out and about enjoying her last days of freedom before the announcement
By charlotte on October 19th, 2007 at 3:12 pm
Speaking of Lord Byron: “…On with the dance! Let joy be unconfined!…”
However, in other particulars, we don’t want Prince William and Kate emulating George Gordon, Lord Byron’s personal life, which, to be kind, was ‘unconventional.’
By Gigi on October 19th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
ps Gigi, having known many people from well-t0-do backgrounds, work ethic is crucial to gaining status and long term respect from your family, friends and society. Otherwise, you are kind of throwing the money your parents worked hard for back at them.
By charlotte on October 19th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
In my world it’s very normal for a young woman to go out on a Wednesday or Thursday night. Sometimes you go with your boyfriend, sometimes with your girlfriend(s). You can go clubbing with your friends on Wednesday and share a quiet drink with your boyfriend on Saturday. Very normal behaviour in my opinion. I’m sure it’s not that different in London.
It’s seen as important for a young couple not to do everything together. To be able go out and have fun with your friends is nice and a sign that your relationship is a healthy one.
This has nothing to do with social background, work ethics , how much you love your partner or anything else.
I don’t see anything odd in KM’s visit to Raffles.
By daggy on October 19th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
She was said to have knocked back shots of white rum and liqueurs made with rhubarb and apple, chased down with beer.
If I drank a mixed variety of liquor like that, I, also, would be on my knees, but it would be in front of the altar of the porcelain god! What was Kate thinking? At this stage of the game, Kate must be careful about how her actions are going to be perceived. I’m sure this story, if true, did not make the Queen very happy.
By Arthur on October 19th, 2007 at 4:57 pm
If I got to get hammered and grind on the dance floor with random members of the opposite sex, I’d go out to “a show, a movie, or out to dinner” more often!
charlotte, please allow me to present you with an Invisible Internet Trophy of Win.
By ClassyCanuck on October 19th, 2007 at 6:43 pm
Oh Kate, not a good one!
It’s only a short while that you complained that William was drinking and dancing with several young women until the early hours. You then went home on foot, not a good move.
To keep you up to date Prince William was eating and drinking in my neck of the woods, Melton Mowbray, until late on Tuesday and Wednesday accompanied by two or three friends. John will know the area, The Stilton Cheese Inn. This was reported in the local newspaper. This area was a favourite watering hole of King Edward VIII and Mrs Simpson in the 1930’s so is the wheel going full circle.
It seems that what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander, or the other way round
By Royalist on October 19th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
When and if Kate becomes a member of the Royal Family, she will be working hard, never fear. Her life will never be her own again.
By Gigi on October 19th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
Another poisonous article — someone out there sure doesn’t like Kate.
I doubt that she engaged in dirty dancing in public with someone who isn’t William … and I don’t believe the quote in the article. It sounds written not spoken.
By Alicia on October 19th, 2007 at 8:41 pm
Well said, Alicia, I don’t believe it either. Someone is trying very hard to undermine Kate and Prince William. I, for one, am getting very tired of it.
By Gigi on October 19th, 2007 at 10:10 pm
Richard Kay has an interesting article on William & Kate in Saturday’s Daily Mail. The future may not be as settled as some of us would like to believe.
By Evelyn on October 19th, 2007 at 11:11 pm
I see absolutely nothing wrong with Kate going out with her sister and having fun with friends. I am about the same age as Kate Middleton, and although I work daily M-F 9 to 5, I have gone clubbing both with friends and with my husband on a weeknight, and I certainly see nothing shocking about it. I don’t go out clubbing on a weekly basis, but if I wanted to I certainly would, and no one I know would think badly of it.
Going out dancing at a club with my husband or my friends is fun and a great way to mentally relax and throw off stress. As far as I’m concerned, as long as a person doesn’t going out every single night, or go out 2 and 3 nights in a row each and every week, I don’t see anything wrong with it. Kate Middleton doesn’t go out 2 and 3 days in a row, she doesn’t even go out each and every week of the month.
By mapleleaf on October 19th, 2007 at 11:19 pm
Judging by the articles and photos I’ve seen, Kate has established the habit of going out to a club on either a Wednesday or a Thursday night, in the company of either a female friend or friends, or her sister Pippa. I noticed the article mentioned that Kate was dancing with some male friends, but it didn’t say that the friends were strangers to Prince William.
I think it’s very probable that Prince William knew the guys Kate was dancing with, because Kate seems to have been careful to confine her company to either friends that are known to William, or her own relatives. I think Kate was smart to dance with a group of male friends rather than one particular person. That way no one can claim she was singling out any one particular guy for attention.
By mapleleaf on October 19th, 2007 at 11:23 pm
Also, I noticed that the article didn’t say she was bumping and grinding with anyone, nor did it say she was drunk and falling down, nor did it claim she was walking in an erratic or ‘tipsy’ fashion when she left the club with only her sister for company.
I noticed that Kate went to a club she normally isn’t mentioned as attending, and she left by the back door. That shows that she was trying to avoid the paparrazzi. Her sister was her companion when she left, and that certainly doesn’t sound like she was indulging in any inappropriate behaviour to me.
And I’d like to paraphrase what Gigi said above; if no one goes to the clubs during the week, wouldn’t those clubs have gone out of business by now? What club can sustain itself financially if their only clientele frequent their establishments only on the weekends? And since Kate and Pippa weren’t the only people frequenting the club on Thursday night, are we going to berate the other patrons in the club for daring to go out on a weeknight also?
I know what should be done! Everyone who frequents a club during a weeknight should be sent to bed without supper as punishment.
That’ll teach them to stop that naughty practice of minding their own business and enjoying themselves while they’re young, won’t it?
By mapleleaf on October 19th, 2007 at 11:35 pm
Dancing on your knees is a stunt worthy of Fergie. Kate needs to be more like Sophie if she wishes to succeed to the throne.
By Mrs. Peperium on October 20th, 2007 at 1:59 am
What does Richard Kay’s article say?
By Alicia on October 20th, 2007 at 2:19 am
At this point in the game she needs to be more careful with her image. IMO all she does is go to clubs or travel. Kate, is there space for work in your schedule? This is certainly bad PR for a future queen.
By Marilyn on October 20th, 2007 at 2:26 am
There is nothing wrong with frequenting clubs during the week or weekend. What is sad is waiting around for an engagement ring and putting your life on hold. At first, you could understand her life being affected by Wills breaking up with her so publicly and then getting back together and needing time to sort that out. But now it’s clear to everyone that Wills is going to take his time, he has already penciled in more commitments to keep himself occupied for the next year or so. Now Richard Kay is reporting that Prince William is likely to be confused in his relationship with Kate, that both sets of parents and the palace are still confused as to where it is heading. Take the hint Kate, don’t allow a man to waste your life’s potential and ruin your reputation. Just as all of you, I want to see genuine romantic feeling but how can a man string a long the woman he claims he loves? We all know, William could be engaged and still carry out his military duties over the next couple of years at the same time. That part is obvious.
By charlotte on October 20th, 2007 at 3:43 am
Richard Kay’s article says without saying/implies the courtiers may be pushing the relationship on the basis that if it doesn’t work out it will make the prince look really bad in the eyes of the public and remind them of how his father acted toward Diana.
He implies it is foolish of them to awkwardly meddle in the life of a prince who is clearly confused with a stubborn streak. Apparently, noone wants to admit William may be like his father. Frankly, why wouldn’t he be, he is quite literally his father’s son.
Why I fear for Kate, what is she doing with someone who does not want to commit to her when his entire family and courtiers are all in favour of him doing so.
By charlotte on October 20th, 2007 at 4:04 am
While Richard Kay does encourage us to have some caution and not get our hopes up too high, he also says there does seem to be real love in William & Kate’s relationship.
I think William is one of those men who is able to focus really well– whole mind on work when that’s the task at hand, whole heart adoring Kate when the two of them are together, as evidenced when they have dinner in public restaurants.
One question Richard Kay floats is whether William & Kate will set up housekeeping together in one of the royal residences. He says Edward and Sophie did that at Buckingham Palace before their engagement. But with William’s military commitments, how often would they really be able to be together?
On the other hand, we know that Kate has been given a security key to Clarence House. We’ve discussed here that she may move in at CH. That also would help with issues related with her security.
I suspect the Queen’s advice to W&K may be the same as to Edward & Sophie– be really sure of your relationship. The Royal Family doesn’t need any more divorces. Given the complications of William’s destiny, it may take time before both William and Kate are convinced their relationship will stand both the test of time and the pressures of royal life.
By Evelyn on October 20th, 2007 at 4:08 am
Love is love. When you’re in love with someone, it gives you enormous strength and courage, you can easily recognise what it adds to your life and you want to hold on to it. Royalty or otherwise. In everyone’s ‘destiny’ there will be complications foreseen and unforeseen. Unfortunately, it hasn’t played out as the great romance of our time. He has money/wealth and could make arrangements for Kate to be by his side IF she is willing to follow him wherever he goes and give up her freedom for him.
By charlotte on October 20th, 2007 at 4:16 am
I would have less respect for Kate if she simply followed William around. No matter how much they love each other, they need to be their own persons.
It seems William has slowly started to do more royal engagements. I’m wondering if this is because he needs to start doing some so that at some point Kate can start doing some. It would not be good for Kate to be a working royal with William doing nothing at all.
By Evelyn on October 20th, 2007 at 4:24 am
Well said, Evelyn!
By Gigi on October 20th, 2007 at 4:27 am
Here is the link to the Richard Kay article:
LINK
I don’t see how this article can be positive and the timing is terrible!
By charlotte on October 20th, 2007 at 5:46 am
Let’s remember one thing: William is just about to start his period with the other Services. This will be new and exciting for him. New information to learn, new skills to master — he’s bound to be a little distracted at the moment and unable to think of anything else. I’m sure Kate understands that. She seems that sort of girl.
However, it will be mostly inshore training, possibly based at an RAF College and Dartmouth Naval College just down the road from where I live in Devon. Kate will be able to see him on a regular basis, and his weekends will be free. There’s no reason why they shouldn’t spend much of their week together.
No-one knows what goes on inside a close relationship, not even the estimable Richard Kay. Kate seems quite happy at the moment and probably setting up her photographic practice. We just don’t know what they do when out of the public gaze, so it’s idle to speculate.
It doesn’t stop us having a go though.
By John on October 20th, 2007 at 9:27 am
I meant to write RAF instead of Navy above. I’ve corrected it now.
By John on October 20th, 2007 at 9:32 am
I have a question. Sophie’s dad worked for a tyre firm. Is that tyre the same as tire in the US? What is tyre?
By Marilyn on October 20th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
Yes, Marilyn, as in car wheels. I think Sophie’s father was an executive in a tyre/tire manufacturer, possibly Dunlop.
By John on October 20th, 2007 at 1:47 pm
I hate to sound cranky, but right now I would be grateful if Richard Kay kept his gloomy speculations to himself. If he can’t think of anything helpful and intelligent to write, then let him find something else to do. The very least he could do to redeem himself is to go to Paris and cheer for England!
By Gigi on October 20th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
Gigi, he did write that the Queen seems to be supportive of Kate now, as Charles and Camilla are. Whenever there’s a hiatus in this relationship people start to predict gloom and pestilence. That’s not always the case, though.
By John on October 20th, 2007 at 2:37 pm
I still wish he would be quiet, John. I am tired of naysayers constantly doing mischief, stirring negative feelings. If Kay does not mend his ways, he will not be offered a glass of champagne at our Royal Anecdotes Gala Engagement Tea to celebrate the engagement of Prince William and Kate, when that happy event occurs. Yes…I am cranky!
By Gigi on October 20th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
I’m with you, Gigi! Right now my head is spinning: they’re getting engaged, they’re not getting engaged; they’re moving in together, they’re not moving in together; they’re fighting, they’re not fighting. I feel as though I don’t want to read another article about William and Kate, unless it begins: “The happy couple smiled broadly as they walked, arm in arm, up the aisle of Westminster Abbey!”
By Arthur on October 20th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
The problem is, nobody really knows, not even their friends. But both seem to be happy about it. Why don’t we take that at face value and let them get on with their busy lives?
My own view is that there are great advantages to announcing an engagement sooner rather than later. Dithering, real or imagined, doesn’t play well in a 24-hours news culture.
After 5 years together, both should now have settled views of their future. Nothing is perfect in this world, so best to make it official. Then there’s no going back — they simply have to make it work.
By John on October 20th, 2007 at 4:17 pm
I agree with Arthur. After 5 years, you really should know if the person you are with is “the one”. Then again, We’re talking about the future King and Queen of England. So that throws an entirely different element into the equation…one all of us won’t ever experience!
By KM on October 20th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
Rather, I agree with John…sorry!
By KM on October 20th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
Charlotte, thanks for the link.
After reading Richard Kay’s article closely, I concluded that he is merely repeating the worries of the “grey men” at the palace. There is no new information about the relationship, just that the courtiers/advisers are worried about what to do if it goes wrong.
It also contains one glaring inaccuracy - he implies that Kate/Will got together after the Diana concert. But, we know that what made the reconciliation public was their amorous activities one month earlier at custume party for Wills’ army troop.
By Alicia on October 20th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
COMPLETELY OFF TOPIC.
John - perhaps you explain this - why do so many English tabloids have this fierce class orientation. It seems as though they take anyone with the least privilige to task. Just vicious criticism of real or imagined undeserved perks.
I thought England is a class-oriented society that feels fine about its different castes, so the mud-slinging always surprises me.
By Alicia on October 20th, 2007 at 5:25 pm
Alicia, we have had a Labour government for 10 years that is so politically “correct” you can hardly breathe without the thought police pulling you up for something. Most of us ignore it and get on with our lives.
By John on October 20th, 2007 at 5:28 pm
I agree with John. The perception that Kate Middleton is being led on or that she is waiting on pins and needles for Prince William to propose is nothing more that that: A perception!
As John said above “The problem is, nobody really knows, not even their friends. But both seem to be happy about it. Why don’t we take that at face value and let them get on with their busy lives”
I do feel that we should take that at face value.
I absolutely agree with this. No one really knows what is going on in their lives, but neither Prince William or Kate Middleton is complaining!
By mapleleaf on October 20th, 2007 at 5:34 pm
Richard Kay’s most recent article mentioned that when William and Kate were at dinner at that italian restaurant a couple of weeks ago, they were holding hands and that at one point William cupped her face in his hands. Obviously he cares for her and she cares for him, or else they would not have resumed their relationship. That’s good enough for me.
By mapleleaf on October 20th, 2007 at 5:34 pm
Spot on, Mapleleaf.
By John on October 20th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
Excellent comments, Mapleleaf! I agree with you and for me, there’s an end. I shall have to be an aghast eye witness to blood in the marketplace with Capulets and Monagues at swordpoints to believe otherwise.
By Gigi on October 20th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
“Never was a story of more woe, than this of Juliet and her Romeo!”
By Arthur on October 20th, 2007 at 10:06 pm
True, and as I well recall, the parents of the lovers were to blame for their tragedy! Let us hope this Royal romance is quite different from the sad tale of warring households in Verona!
By Gigi on October 21st, 2007 at 1:27 am
I hope that William listens to his feelings and does not doubt them. I suspect he is highly scrutinizing his feelings because of other royal family divorces….and the pressure from courtiers. He shouldn’t be held to any standard other than his own. I suspect the meddling has made this a bigger issue than it should have been from the start. These recent articles just prove that it is still going on. I think the Queen needs to put her foot down on this rubbish! That is what will really keep the family together.
By Cate on October 21st, 2007 at 3:12 am
Gigi, Kate’s parents are certainly keeping mum about the rekindled romance. Once burned, twice shy?
By Arthur on October 21st, 2007 at 4:40 am
The Richard Kay article is full of conjecture, and quotes from people who clearly gave non-answers to questions from reporters (i.e., Reporter: What is going on with W&K? Interviewee: I don’t know. I don’t think anyone knows.). To me, it appears that W&K are purposely trying to shield themselves from prying eyes so that they can do their own thing. They are in a no-win situation. If they allow photos of themselves in the same picture frame appearing happy, then the world demands an immediate engagement announcement that should have happened yesterday. If they protect themselves by not allowing any photos, then they are having problems in their relationship and are in danger of splitting up again. Frankly, if I were Kate, I would minimize any photos with William (as she has done), and I would hold off any announcement of an engagement until the absolute last possible moment - even if I were already up to my neck in the planning stage with both sides of the family. Why? Once there is an official announcement, I would know that I would be giving up any last shred of privacy that I ever had, and it will also be a media circus. Thus, there is no reason whatsoever to announce anything until just before the wedding when there is nothing left to deal with except for the circus. In fact, even if I were already engaged, I would be content to keep that from the rest of the world until I was absolutely forced to share the news. I would also instruct my family to say that they had no idea what was going on. With regard to all the gossip in the papers, there would really not be much to do except to ignore it. Of course, I have no idea what they are really doing.
By Amity on October 21st, 2007 at 4:50 am
I have noted their silence, too, Arthur. I think Kate’s parents are being very discreet and well-mannered. That is not surprising, since their daughter also has those qualities. Kate is a very well brought-up young lady and I believe things are going to work out very well for her and Prince William. One other matter–today in the Daily Mail there was a side article in which a close friend of Princess Diana at last breaks her silence and, among other things, says that she knows for a fact that there was never going to be an engagement or a second marriage for Princess Diana. The friend further says that Charles was the love of Princess Diana’s life and that she loved him still at the time of her tragic death. Charles did not deserve Princess Diana, nor did he endeavor to deserve her, but her steadfastness in loving him until her death says a great deal that is worthy and good about the Princess. I found it very touching and a tremendous reaffirmation of the qualities I knew Diana possessed and passed on to her two golden sons.
By Gigi on October 21st, 2007 at 4:59 am
P.S. Kay has a number of checkable “facts” in his article that are erroneous. For example, he refers to William saying “I’m free!” at Boujis, when that specific night out occurred at the Mahiki. I actually don’t think Kay means them any harm, and simply joins many people in wishing they would make an announcement. While I share in that wish for my own nosy self-interest, if I were them I would not say a thing or allow anyone else to reveal anything for my own self-protection.
By Amity on October 21st, 2007 at 5:16 am
Oh great. Just what we don’t need–another journalist who doesn’t bother to get his facts straight before he writes his stories and puts them into publication. This is one of the reasons people no longer trust the media!
By Gigi on October 21st, 2007 at 6:48 pm
I thought the “I’m free!” incident occurred at a nightclub in Bournemouth when he was training in Dorset. I can’t be certain, though, as all these nightclubs get scrambled in the brain.
By John on October 22nd, 2007 at 9:24 am
By Gigi on October 22nd, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Don’t we all.
By John on October 22nd, 2007 at 3:01 pm
I have always believed that Diana was still in love with Charles but even their close friends say to this day, that Diana & Charles relationship was renewed and that wanted to mantain a strong family unit. Diana knew that his heart now belonged to Camilla and she accepted that. But something tells me, if Charles would have said that he wanted their marriage to work and Camilla was out of the picture, she would have returned to him. I see Charles & Camilla together today and you can tell that they are really happy together and one of the reasons for this is because Diana wanted him to move on. Towards the end of Diana’s life, the bitterness of the past was dissolved and I’m happy about that.
By Claudius on October 23rd, 2007 at 5:23 am