Kate Middleton shoots pheasant with William
Kate Middleton was pictured with Prince William yesterday while he shot pheasant at Windsor Great Park.
Kate helping William collect pheasant
The couple seemed happy to be out, despite the freezing temperatures. At one point they even snuggled up together behind a convenient hedge.
A snatched kiss behind a hedge for Kate and Wills
There have also been suggestions, via a tabloid newspaper, that Kate is virtually living with William at Clarence House.
Relationships change with time, of course, but a more stable sense of “steady as she goes” would be helped by a statement of intent from the couple and a hint of where they are going.
Otherwise 2008 will be a long year to get through without an engagement announcement.
I’m delighted that things have settled down and they are allowing the public to know that it is serious but I completely disagree that they should give a declaration of intent, that would only hot up the pressure again and demand an engagement and wedding. This way the public and more importantly the press get used to them as a couple, there is no news or speculation and they can get on with a semblance of normality without being harassed.
I think they are playing a blinder and should not change a thing!
By Eliza on December 19th, 2007 at 11:36 am
I was thinking along the lines of : “The couple are planning an engagement announcement when William leaves the Forces in early 2009. Until then, they will keep a low profile.”
That, at least, would take the heat out of the speculation. Otherwise we could have another new year of fevered headlines about a Christmas/February/March ….. announcement.
By John on December 19th, 2007 at 11:57 am
Sad to say but the kiss will may start the press hounding for more!!! But I fear that now all the dememted Animal rights groups will use this for their own agenda.
By Trudie on December 19th, 2007 at 12:26 pm
At least they’re shooting them for food, Trudie. Most people consume animal products in one way or another. They have to be killed somehow. William does it himself rather than pretend it’s not happening, like a lot of townies do.
By John on December 19th, 2007 at 1:25 pm
Its good to keep life ‘real’ and grounded but I must admit that the British royal doings keep my fairy tale wishes alive. I know they are real people like ourselves but its so much fun to watch it all, especially because its not Hollywood. There is an emptiness to Hollywood glamour. At least the Windsor’s give their lives to service and charity and underlying everything have the goal of doing good.
The downside of my and everyone else’s interest in William and Kate especially is that it has become like the Diana obsession. We have put our obsession for Diana on hold eager for a replacement which we hope will be William and Kate. No matter what they do, whenever or whatever they announce or do not announce , they will be hounded with speculation. In fact once the “engagement” is announced it will be worse for Kate in terms of her every movement. She will be truly considered public property and will be expected to smile always. At least at that point she’ll have protection. I can only try to imagine what it would be like to receive sooo much attention and adulation and not to have it change one. However as far as I can see Kate has conducted herself wonderfully with stability and maturity. As far as the living together thing goes, didn’t we see the same with Edward and Sophie, not to mention Charles and Camilla.
I especially enjoy Royal Anecdotes because it strives to instill a human level of respect for the Royal family who after all are real people who have to carry on under such generally appalling scrutiny. So I find Royal Anecdotes a safe place to indulge my fairy tale needs!
By Claudia on December 19th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
I think William is safe from animal rights groups this time. It’s Kate who will be on the receiving end of their ire for wearing a fur hat while collecting the dead birds.
By Arthur on December 19th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
A thousand pardons requested John and everyone!!!!!!!! Yes, yes, yes I meant Royal Anecdotes, my very favorite site amongst all my web wanderings! How embarrassing!
By Claudia on December 19th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
Don’t worry about it, Claudia, and thanks for the compliment. I’ll change your comment accordingly.
By John on December 19th, 2007 at 3:21 pm
Wow! I’m relieved you can do that. It really is refreshing to be on royal anecdotes which puts the best possible construction on things all around. Such a positive atmosphere is much appreciated in this world!
By Claudia on December 19th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
I am glad to see William and Kate spending time together during the holidays, even though they will be apart on Christmas Day. I, like others, hope that the display of affection and the fact that they are being seen in public together more often will not result in a crush of speculation about whether or not an engagement is imminent. John expressed what would be a perfect approach to their situation: “The couple are planning an engagement announcement when William leaves the Forces in early 2009. Until then, they will keep a low profile.†I think that would really satisfy most everyone while affording them some degree of normalcy.
I must say, Kate still looks quite stylish while hunting pheasant.
I smiled when I saw that she was toting one of the birds. My husband likes to go fishing but will not bait the hook if using live bait. If he and I went bird hunting, I think I would be the only one carrying the birds. 
By Melissa on December 19th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
It is great to see them so happy. A lot of people are shocked to hear that they live together, which is crazy because they have been together for nearly six years so it’s time for them to take it to that level. I’m sure Clarence House is happy to have her there.
By Claudius on December 19th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
Where did you see that info, Claudius? I haven’t been able to find it anywhere.
By John on December 19th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
Google Kate Middleton and news and note the living together articles multiply while you watch. Apparently the Sun broke the story, I saw it last night in the States which would have been middle of the night for England.
By Claudia on December 19th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
Well, I delighted to see them spending quality time together at Windsor! They look wonderful together! Seeing them makes me very happy. As for whether Kate is living at Clarence House, Lake Como, the Kremlin, or the dark side of the moon, that is her business, in my opinion.
Let us remember that for security reasons alone, Kate staying in a very secure Royal domicile is in everyone’s best interests. I should think such an arrangement would also greatly facilitate media crontrol, if such a thing is actually possible. 
John, MSNBC is reporting here that wide areas of the Plains states, including Oklahoma, are still without power–after ten days. Have you–or has anyone–heard from our dear Melissa? Also, does anyone know if Arthur is ok or is he up to his ears in a snowdrift?
By Gigi on December 19th, 2007 at 6:32 pm
Gigi, Melissa is okay and is now posting on some of the other threads.
By John on December 19th, 2007 at 6:50 pm
Hi, Gigi! Our power was back on yesterday, the ninth day without power. I saw on the other posts that you were concerned and I thank you so much for keeping me in your thoughts. I can assure you that we are safe and are finally warm! Given the duration of our power outage, you would think we were out in the rural areas of our state, but we are, in fact, in one of the major metropolitan areas. Thank goodness all of the wonderful work crews from near and far across the country came to Oklahoma’s assistance and worked admirably to restore power to the 600,000-plus homes that were without electricity.
Aren’t you thrilled that Kate and William seem to be doing so well?
I am glad to see so much good news, including the birth announcement of the latest royal baby. I can’t wait to find out what his name will be. I agree with what you said on another posting here: his name will most certainly not be Wayne. 
By Melissa on December 19th, 2007 at 7:00 pm
And I, too, hope Arthur is warm, safe and sound in his “neck of the woods,” as Willard Scott would say. There are plenty of perils when dealing with winter storms, including navigating slippery conditions on foot and behind the wheel. Stay safe, Arthur!
By Melissa on December 19th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
That is true Gigi, it is their business. But you know the press is something else.
By Claudius on December 19th, 2007 at 8:16 pm
Melissa, glad to hear you and yours are well and safe.
I know what you mean, John, but if they did make any kind of an anouncement like that it would be a de facto engagement and would end the break they are getting from the press at the moment and the marriage would be talked up, Kate would be talked up their future life would be talked about, where they would live, it would go on and on. They would get no peace.
Anyway as far as I am concerned you are either engaged or your not, you either have the ring or you don’t, so i stand my previous post.
By Eliza on December 19th, 2007 at 9:36 pm
YAY Melissa!! What a comeback!! You GO girl! I am so glad to hear that you are safe and warm once more after what must have been the longest nine days of your life! I hope you did not mind that John emailed you for us, as my anxiety levels were on Red Alert!
We are all delighted to see you posting once more. Now we need to hear from our dear Arthur. I suspect he is shoveling snow and trying to dig out.
By Gigi on December 19th, 2007 at 11:29 pm
Gigi, I didn’t mind at all that John emailed me, although I didn’t know that he had emailed me until last night. At first I thought that a hacker had overtaken RA and sent spoof emails to all of us, but then after reading the posts that I missed, I understood that it was a real email. (Hey, these days you never can tell!)
Do you have any creative recipes for pheasant, Gigi? Perhaps we can have a Royal Anecdotes feast featuring Kate and William’s bounty.
I’m hoping that Kate’s hat is faux fur.
Although I would look like a drunken Cossack in a hat like that, it looks nice on Kate. I can’t imagine that she would look bad in any outfit. When she marries someday, her wedding dress will surely be gorgeous.
By Melissa on December 20th, 2007 at 12:09 am
Welcome back, Melissa! I lived through an ice-storm-blizzard in northern Minnesota 10+ years ago (power out for 4 days, temps well below 0), so I’ve been keeping you and your neighbors in my prayers. So glad to hear you have electricity again!
For security reasons, I’m very glad to hear that Kate has moved into Clarence House. I think the couple’s close proximity will help them develop a strong relationship, without the constant press and security concerns.
I’d sure be interested in what Kate has been shooting lately– with her camera!
By Evelyn on December 20th, 2007 at 5:15 am
No need to be concerned Gigi, I’m doing just fine. I’m tending to the reindeer and getting my sleigh ready for Monday night. Blitzen got blitzed at the Elves’ Christmas party last evening, so he is getting my undivided attention. So much to do in so little time.
By Arthur on December 20th, 2007 at 7:04 am
how ghastly to go out killing those birds!
why can’t they just appreciate them from a distance, or use binocs? why shoot them dead?
and that fur hat!
By tabatha on December 20th, 2007 at 7:57 am
To eat them, Tabatha — an old country tradition.
As for the fur hat, if it’s real fur, it could come off an animal that’s farmed for its meat — another old tradition that goes back to the Neolithic period, if not before.
By the way, are you having turkey or goose for Christmas dinner?
By John on December 20th, 2007 at 10:55 am
Glad to see you are doing fine, King Arthur.
Eliza, I forgot to say thank you for your kind words.
Evelyn, thanks so much for thinking of me. Nine days without electricity is something I don’t want to do again. I’d gone through a couple of instances without power for four or five days some years ago but it wasn’t nearly as cold as your sub-zero temps. I can’t imagine how miserable that would be.
And I, too, am wondering what Kate has been shooting with her camera. It will be interesting to see her photographs. They will most certainly be better than Prince Andrew’s Christmas card photos taken by Fergie.
Does anyone know whether the Royals enjoy the company of pet cats? I somehow can’t imagine a cat tip-toeing through Buckingham Palace but you never know. Maybe they have cats at their country residences? Just curious, as I am a cat lover.
By Melissa on December 20th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
Melissa, I think the combined strength of the corgis would soon see off even the most determined of cats.
By John on December 20th, 2007 at 12:38 pm
I don’t know, John. My cat is pretty cagey when it comes to dealing with dogs, even those that are much bigger. I guess I just like the idea of a royal cat, serene and dignified as it slinks through the palace.
By Melissa on December 20th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
We have cats, but they’re working cats, Melissa. We have three “garage cats” who are quite comfy with a heat lamp in winter. We live in the country, so their work is their play– catching and eating mice, as well as birds that stray too close, an occasional gopher, even a squirrel.
But I’d agree with John– the Royal Family seems to have a fair number of dogs, even beyond the Queen’s corgis.
By Evelyn on December 20th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
Aside from HM’s corgis, I was thinking of the dogs that I have seen in pictures of fox hunts. They likely are not pets by any stretch but no doubt are very well cared for. I was hoping that the Royals might have a working cat or two at their country estates, much like your working cats, Evelyn, but I guess I will have to be satisfied with the canine royals.
I do like corgis and have always thought they would be my top pick if we were to have a dog. They are small and cute but very hardy.
I have had many wonderful experiences with cats as companions and can just imagine that HM would enjoy a nice feline friend. Alas, I am probably engaging in wishful thinking.
By Melissa on December 20th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
I was wondering if someone who is more familiar with Windsor Great Park could clear up for me how a photographer came up with these shots. They’re quite grainy, which to me suggests that they’re shot from quite a distance away. But is this something the public has access to, or would the photog have to obtain permission to be on the premises? It doesn’t exactly look like a photocall, and I was curious if anyone could shed some light on this for me. Thanks, and Happy Holidays from snowy Vermont!
By Greycella on December 20th, 2007 at 8:52 pm
Regarding the pheasant, I am not a hunter nor am I a gun enthusiast. Nevertheless, many people across the world enjoy wild game for holiday meals. There is no difference whatsoever if the person consuming the game hunts and kills the game personally or if the person consuming the bird buys it dressed and ready to cook at the market, which has procured it from a supplier who killed the bird. I stuff and roast a turkey every Thanksgiving, which someone has killed. For Christmas Eve I make baked fish, which someone has caught and killed. For Christmas Day I make beef tenderloin, which has been killed by someone. Thus, I cannot be pointing a finger at anyone who hunts game which they consume!
By Gigi on December 20th, 2007 at 9:20 pm
Thanks for posting, Arthur! It is somewhat shocking that Blitzen got blitzed on the bubbly at the Elves’ Christmas Party, but since we all imbibe a bit here at dear Royal Anecdotes, I really cannot say anything to Blitzen!
I am very glad to know that you are safe and warm, also.
Now that we have a good report from all our Royal Anecdotians, the stage is well-set for a very Happy Holiday!!
By Gigi on December 20th, 2007 at 10:20 pm
Sounds like our King Arthur is playing reindeer games.
By Melissa on December 20th, 2007 at 10:50 pm
Melissa, I certainly would think that the Queen would have some working cats on her many estates. We’ve read here this fall about both cows (Windsor?) and horses (Sandringham?).
Where we live, anyone who has livestock also has outdoor cats. Where grain is stored, mice are interested in finding a tasty meal… which means it’s a great place for cats to find a tasty meal, too!
I would hope the Royal cats are well cared for, and not just feral cats.
By Evelyn on December 21st, 2007 at 5:04 am
Greycella, Windsor Great Park is open to the public. I’ve wandered around it myself a number of times. There is though an area around the castle which is private and also some Royal farms, as at Sandringham.
The pics of them shooting were taken by paparazzi with long lenses and then further blown up by the look of them.
By John on December 21st, 2007 at 9:26 am
I read somewhere, that Will got this pheasand shooting as a christmas present from the queen, herself. I think it a fine present, as surely the game has to be shot by someone, getting it ready for cooking, and we all know the princes to be compasionate hunters.
Still I do hope, this is not the only present from granny :-)).
Merry Christmas to you John, and to all Royal Anecdotians, looking forward to next meeting after christmas!
By Gena on December 21st, 2007 at 2:02 pm
Thank you Gena, and a splendid one to you too, with lots of tasty game on the table.
Now I’m sounding like Gigi.
By John on December 21st, 2007 at 4:06 pm
your point is well taken, John =)
we do eat turkey and chicken, so you’re right, we have to be consistent……
yet, there is something about going out shooting birds—seemingly for sport, moreso than for the table—that’s troubling
i mean, just in those photos, alone, they’re carrying several birds……odds are, altogether there are several more birds…..
I suppose they go quickly into the deep freeze for future consumption
By tabatha on December 22nd, 2007 at 1:07 am