Mario Testino denies Kate Middleton story
If we can believe yet another story about Kate Middleton, the U.S. People Magazine website is carrying news of a denial by Mario Testino that he will be employing, or training, Kate Middleton in March.
Here’s an extract :
Contrary to press reports, aspiring photographer Kate Middleton isn’t teaming up with Mario Testino. In January, reports in respected British papers (including The Telegraph) claimed Prince William’s girlfriend would begin working in Testino’s New York studios in March.
“She’s s not! She’s not! I don’t know where that came from,” the photographer told PEOPLE Monday night at a Burberry/Vanity Fair exhibition at London’s National Portrait Gallery, which included Testino’s famous shots of Princess Diana. “I promise you, she’s not.”
Okay, we get the picture.
This only goes to show how little faith we can put in the current rash of odd stories doing the rounds about breakups, exotic travel plans (why would a Prince advertise his travel plans in advance?), and other weird tales.
Of course, we don’t even know if this rebuttal is true, although it does have the ring of accuracy to my ears.
Sanity, sanity, where art thou, sanity.
Thanks to Susan P. Taylor for the tip.
I am somewhat relieved if it is true that Kate is not coming to New York. These are dangerous times and she can be better protected in Britain, I feel sure. I am not impressed by Mario Testino’s over-the-top denial, however. All he needed to say was a dignified “I have no information on this.” His pictures may be top-notch but he definitely needs to work on his words. There is something about the limelight and the trappings of celebrity that seems to bring out the sophomoric tendencies in people.
By Gigi on February 12th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
It would have been a good thing for Kate to gain some credibility in her “new” career. She needs to do something useful with her life instead of being Waity Katie. I know most of you think otherwise, but at her age, the Queen was already working and had a full agenda.
I read the Queen is fond of Kate. Any thoughts on what the Queen might think about the fact that Kate doesn’t seem to do anything with her life? IMO a future queen should set an example of strong work ethic and charitable work ( if she doesn’t want to have a job). I know, she is not a royal, but is dating one.
By Marilyn on February 12th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Well, Marilyn, we do know that Kate does help out in the family business. It would be very helpful to have someone around who can take decent photographs and do a bit of design for the website and brochures.
By John on February 12th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Kate will be doing all those things–charitable work and more, when she marries and begins working for the Royal Family. Frankly, having a career at this stage might prove more of a problem than an asset. Remember what happened when the Countess of Wessex found it difficult to separate her career from her life as a Royal. If the Queen wished Kate to do something in the nature of a career, it would be happening, I feel sure. It is unfair to compare the Queen’s life and Kate’s life at the same age because by the time the Queen was in her teenage years, she was for all intents and purposes the Heir, and all her activities and pursuits were managed by the Palace. Kate has not as yet become engaged to or married a member of the Royal Family and it would be highly unusual for her to be invited to take on Royal duties until she is, indeed, a member of the Royal Family. I am not a fan of Woman’s Lib, obviously. If Kate enters the career arena, it makes her a target of the news media and this makes her much more difficult to protect. This was not made an issue when Princess Diana resigned her job teaching at the Young England School, because she was engaged and preparing to marry Charles. I believe this waiting period before the Royal Engagment of Prince William and Kate is what is causing some to say she needs to settle in a career. I simply don’t agree that she needs to do that.
By Gigi on February 12th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
John, I didn’t know she helps in the family business, but probably not much. The difference between Diana, Kate and Sophie is that Kate is not engaged yet. If she was engaged, she should obviously quit her job. Kate has been out of school for a couple of years and hasn’t done much. The jigsaw job was mostly PR for everyone. What example does Kate set for young educated women in these day and age?
By Marilyn on February 12th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
But she doesn’t need to be a wage slave, Marilyn. Why should she be? I’m sure she is preparing herself for her future role as the wife of a very wealthy man — a Prince, we suppose. Slaving away as an employee will be a total waste of time for her.
By John on February 12th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
I agree completely, John. Kate does not need to acquire credentials in the working world in order to set an example for educated women. That is Woman’s Lib agenda and I believe that particular agenda has done a great deal of damage to society as a whole. Kate is the daughter of a wealthy couple and for all we know they have settled sufficient funds on their daughters for them to live independently. I believe that Kate is secure enough, mature enough to know who she is and not feel that she has to go into the world of gainful employment just to build a resume. Clearly, she does not need to work in order to support herself. Further, as John says, she has more important things to do with her time, which include preparing herself for one of the most challenging role within the Royal Family–Queen Consort.
By Gigi on February 12th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
I don’t expect her to be in a 9-5 work either or to acquire credentials in the working world. At least some kind of charity work or volunteer work will do wonders for her in terms of good image. Just because she is wealthy doesn’t mean she has a free pass to do nothing. When she marries William she will be expected to do work, why not start now.
OK. Let’s change subject.
I haven’t heard anything about Chelsy. Any news?
By Marilyn on February 12th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
No Harry and Chelsy news. Harry has been under the radar ever since December. I tend to believe he is indeed on duty abroad. How long do those usually last? Three months?
By Isana on February 12th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Well, now this thing with Mario Testino just makes me wonder, “Where do all these stories come from”?! Quit bizare, BUT on the bright side, it validates the new “break-up” story as not real! I wonder though, why aren’t there any recent pictures of Kate? There where a couple with her mom, but nothing else. Are the papparazzi tired of her, or does she just stay in???
What say all of you?
By Madelaine on February 12th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Thanks for the story, John.
I just searched Getty Images for recent photos of Kate, and didn’t find any. I did see something interesting though– a sign for a school in New Orleans that is named “Kate Middleton Elementary School.”
FOR REAL! 
By Evelyn on February 12th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
What drives the media crazy is that we only know certain facts about Kate. We don’t what she do all the time because she hasn’t been launched into public life officially. We don’t even know what her voice sounds like. People think she just sit at home all day and I just feel she do things but it’s just not known that much.
By Claudius on February 12th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Well said, Claudius. I am sure that Kate has an active life, but circumstances necessitate that she remain off the radar screen as much as possible. The material point is that Kate has qualities that Prince William admires, he loves her and apparently an engagement between them is going to be announced when they are ready to do so. She is also acceptable to the Queen and the Royal Family. If there are no photographs of her taken recently, no news, that says to me that the couple and the Palace have taken steps to avoid the media frenzy that nearly overcame the Duchess of York and Princess Diana.
By Gigi on February 12th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Gigi what is wrong with New York Sarah Duchess of York has no problems when she is here and SHE is the mother of two Princesses and the Ex Wife of a Prince. Kate is no where near haveing the Windsor name yet. As for a career What is this nonsense that she doesn’t need to be a wage slave and being an employee would be a waste of time. Kate is wasting her time now. Preparing to marry a wealthy man maybe a Prince is sounding like she is from the 18th century or Camillas generation of being the grand prize in a cattle show and a Camilla she certainly is not.
By Trudie on February 12th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
The problem with New York is that it is not Britain. I said, and I believe, that Kate can best be protected in Great Britain rather than in a foreign country, even America, where the Queen is well regarded. As for Kate, I believe that there is no compelling reason for her to go out and have a career because it is clear that she does not need to work to support herself and because any career she might have will almost surely have to be discarded once she becomes engaged and married to Prince William, which I believe will occur within 18 months. Since neither I nor you know what Kate does with her time, it is impossible for either of us to know if she is wasting it, which I very much doubt. The ‘wage slave’ statement was not mine, but John’s, who also said it would be a ‘waste of her time.’ Further, a comparison between Kate and Sarah, Duchess of York does not signify in my opinion. There is a very different set of circumstances surrounding a person who is in line to marry the man who will be King in his turn. Kate Middleton is a well-educated, intelligent, attractive, cultured and well-bred young lady who has found favor with Prince William and the Queen. She does not have to prove anything to anyone, in my opinion.
By Gigi on February 12th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Once Kate and William marry, and I hope they will, Kate’s life will change dramatically. She will no longer have the freedom to come and go as she pleases and every movement will be scripted by the Palace. The rest of her life will be devoted to “duty” which will include a great deal of charity work. Let’s give Kate some space, now, to live her life as she chooses. Once she says “I do,” Kate will no longer be allowed to have a career in photography, or help at her parent’s mail order business, or spend Christmas with her family.
By Arthur on February 12th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Well said, Arthur!
By Amity on February 12th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
And that is why Arthur I believe she should pack as much of a normal life in now before it is snatched away by the royal machine. She may regret not having a job she enjoyed before marriage or even doing normal mundane activities at her leisure. She will always be on show and expected to have no real outside interests of her own. This will all be staged managed by the palace. I just hope they don’t stifle her the way they did Sarah, Sophie and Diana.
By Trudie on February 13th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Trudie, for all we know Kate may be meditating in a cave in India. Some will say that’s not a productive activity. Others may disagree. Let the poor girl make her own choices.
By John on February 13th, 2008 at 11:51 am
All these comments make me wonder, Do the Middleton’s expect all their 3 children do to just sit around and wait for Mr./ Mrs. wealthy or they just do that with Kate, with the possibility of being queen? Is that normal in UK? Here in the USA I will give you the example of Ivanka Trump who does work and graduated from U Penn, which is an Ivy League School.
I know the Middletons are wealthy, but I have don’t have the slightest idea of how many millions.
There is a saying, I’m not sure how it goes but it’s something like this: the first generation makes the millions, the second spends it and the third has nothing. Any one knows this?
By Marilyn on February 13th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Maybe she will appear on “Dancing with the Stars!” Or at least if we start that one here it will appear in print somewhere soon.
By Mary on February 13th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
What puzzles me is why Testino didn’t rebut this story earlier. Or why didn’t Kate? Surely they knew the broadsheets had picked this up. Unless, of course, the job was set up but security advice was negative. But that doesn’t account for Testino’s emphatic and almost angry response. He sounded completely baffled by the story.
As for Kate working … we really don’t know what she’s doing right now. She may be engaged on any number of private photographic commissions or setting up charity events as she did recently for a book launch.
By John on February 13th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Or she may be busy planning a wedding…
John, it’s good that we can have or different points of view expressed here.
Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone in case you might be too busy tomorrow celebrating.
By Marilyn on February 13th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
And to you, Marilyn … and good luck with your websites.
By John on February 13th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
I think KM doesn’t have to rebut and stories that appear in the tabs everytime they use her name, once you rebut the first time, the press will make a Daily Kate out of her name. Could you just imagine her rebuting everyday 24/7.
By Me on February 13th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
John, What websites?
By Marilyn on February 13th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Aren’t you the Marilyn who writes the Kate Middleton Report site and a couple of other Royal ones?
If not, sorry, I’ll rebut the story.
By John on February 13th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
No, sorry John, I live in Miami and I’m not a writer!!
But I would like to be one. My daughter is into the clique book series by Lisi Harrison and I keep telling her that I would love to write a teen/tween book.
By Marilyn on February 13th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
I agree with most of what has already been said. She has a wealthy family and really doesn’t need to work but we don’t know that she doesn’t…. I think I previously read a story which had mentioned that she had to give up the idea of opening her own party planning business (similar to her parents) because she could have been accussed of using her royal connections to gain business.
I feel like she runs into a similar problem if she goes in to a Jane Doe position who are the people she works with can they be trusted will more crazy stories be leaked to the press by co-workers wanting their 5 minutes of fame etc etc. In addition I also agree that once she says I DO that’s it for her no more freedom her life is run by the firm and she is pretty much public property so she might as well enjoy her last year of freedom if a wedding is truely in the works. There
will be no more Middleton family holidays as per last christmas no more Mahiki or any o fthe other watering holes they usually go to her life will be very restricted.
By Jackie Mccoy on February 13th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
This is random, but being from the USA I’ve never hear KM on camera. There are lots of clips on youtube but nothing where she is speaking that I’ve found. Strange question, but has anyone ever heard her speak?
By Dally on February 13th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Marilyn I seriously doubt Kate is planning a wedding. Once the engagement announcement is made the Palace or more specifically the Lord Chamberlain takes over and oversees the entire event. When Diana became engaged to Charlie she was told how many guests she could invite and submit their names. Even the invitations were strange instead of Earl Spencer and The Hon. Mrs Shand Kydd invite it was HM the Queen and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh invite to the marriage of HRH The Prince of Wales with The Lady Diana Spencer. All Diana had to do was worry about her dress. As of yet Kate has not been given royal protection it had only been discussed last month but then that could be a tab invention fishing. Only time will tell.
By Trudie on February 14th, 2008 at 12:15 am
Dally, she’s said nothing in public to my knowledge. At least Diana spoke to the press a little during the courtship, if only to get rid of them while they were prestering her.
Trudie, a Royal wedding of the Prince of Wales is a State occasion in the remit of the Monarch. The bride’s parents are hardly involved. Remember this is an ancient institution. If it were modernized, it wouldn’t be half as interesting.
By John on February 14th, 2008 at 8:57 am
As far as I know the only royal wedding of recent times that the Queen didn’t pay for was Viscount Linley and The Hon Miss Serena Stanhope, Lord Petersham has been the only parent wealthy enough to pay.
But of course a future heir is a different matter anyway and his wedding would have specific protocol.
By Eliza on February 14th, 2008 at 10:57 am
John, Diana spoke to the press during her courtship, during her marriage, and afterward. She was not very bright and tried to manipulate the media, and that was what got her into trouble.
By Amity on February 14th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Amity Diana never spoke to the press during her courtship except to say no comment it was small talk such as how are you, or James Whitaker advising her to take homeopathic medicine when she had the flu and her telling him how she felt afterward. Diana didn’t speak during her first few years married either. I remember their visit to the states when she danced with Travolta the media were instructed not to ask her a question as she would not answer. A reporter did ask how she enjoyed er dance with Travolta before she could say a word Charles stepped in with a being her spokemans “She enjoyed the dance then to Diana Didn’t you? then further an idiot would say no” or something along those line and that was in a Whitaker book I can’t remember. So before saying Diana was not very bright Charles was not either he was letting the world know then of his jealously.
However back to weddings. William is heir to the heir so I highly doubt Kate would plan her wedding it will be the palace with all the pomp the palace can muster.
By Trudie on February 14th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Well, Trudie, I remember Diana speaking briefly to reporters in the street during her courtship. It wasn’t much, but it gave us the flavour of her voice.
She also spoke at more length during the engagement TV interview — the famous “Whatever love is” moment from Charles.
We’ll just have to wait for Kate’s dulcet tones.
By John on February 14th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Kate has a pleasant, nice voice, you may tell by watching her B-day youtube with the papz leaving her flat in Chelsea when the papz say “Happy Birthday Kate” and she replies “Thank You”. When detailing you may tell.
By Me on February 14th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Perhaps Kate will surprise us all and have a deep, sexy voice like American Actress Kathleen Turner.
By Arthur on February 14th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
The engagement interview was the departure they could hardly not have her say a word at all and even then she really didn’t say much except “pretty amazing” and Of course”. But the comment about Diana not being very bright that rankles if she was as stupid and not so bright as the C&C supporters make her out to be she would not have nor continue to outshine those two selfish swines.
By Trudie on February 14th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Well said, Trudie! The facts are that Princess Diana was very young when she became engaged to Charles and was quite shy and, I believe, rather overwhelmed by the changes in her life and the media frenzy. Even trained actors and actresses admit to stage fright, especially when a number of reporters are sticking microphones in your face and cameras are flashing everywhere. Such a situation would be intimidating for most people. Princess Diana’s shy responses do not translate to a lack of intelligence.
By Gigi on February 14th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
That’s interesting, Me. I’m not into YouTube so haven’t heard that. If you could send me the link to john@royalanecdotes.com, I’ll pass it on to everyone.
By John on February 14th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
He’s never going to marry this girl, she will end up being the “very well known” former “first serious relationship” of Prince William. I doubt they are dating each other on a serious basis now. He chooses to spend his weekends off with his military buddies, when he could easily see her. I doubt there are anymore secret meetings, there is no need for that at this point. Perhaps it has run it’s course and she is not sure what to do with herself careerwise.
By U.S. on February 14th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
He may well have been warned abut going up to London in case he gets drawn in with the Mahiki crowd. Also, Kate may have gone somewhere else.
By John on February 15th, 2008 at 10:24 am
I do worry though John, He did choose to spend his weekend off duty with his buddies rather than spending it with Kate.
I rationalise it by supposing that it was a boys weekend that was organised and he was invited along and wanted to go. A sensible girlfriend would understand that and say ‘off you go have a good weekend’, no matter if she was happy about it or not.
I think it was significant that it wasn’t actually military buddies but old friends. If he chose to spend his weekend with new acquantances over Kate, then the writing would be on the wall, but that was not the case. Guys are entitled to a fun weekend with their friends sans women now and again and from what I read there was no chatting up or dancing at the nightclub merely chatting over a drink.
So on the whole I think the relationship is still on but I am a little concerned, buts thats because neither William nor Kate feel the need to keep me informed! If I was just told that my reading of it was correct then I would be much happier.
By Eliza on February 15th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Eliza, William has admitted he likes to throw up smokescreens around his activities. There seems to have been a lot of that recently.
The fact is, if they had broken up there would be no mileage in hushing it up. A clean break in the public eye would be better for all concerned.
Kate is obviously doing something right now that we’re not privy to. I wonder if the Testino thing is happening, but in London. He was here the other day at the National Gallery. He denied the New York venue, possibly to keep the media off his back, but London would be a different kettle of fish.
By John on February 15th, 2008 at 11:02 am
As you know John, I am all for this relationship so I hope you are right.
But I have to disagree with you on one point. If it was really over the way to do it is quietly without fanfare. A big announcement that it was off would be ridiculous after last April and would only serve to make a laughing stock of both of them.
It definitely would be bad for William and I think it would be bad for Kate too. So a hushed up break up is the way they would go.
The reason Kate hit the nightclubs the last time is it was still all to play for, thats why she was in such high form but if they are broken up now well then she wouldn’t have that much to smile about so why have her picture taken.
By Eliza on February 15th, 2008 at 11:33 am
But they couldn’t suppress it forever, Eliza. Months of drizzling speculation would be the result — like now. Better to issue a short formal statement and then shut up. There would be an avalanche of articles, then people would move on. An old adage of the PR business is, “Get all the bad news out at once, confess your mistakes, then get on”.
By John on February 15th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Yeah I can see the wisdom in it. But if it is off I think Kate would need to get psyched up for the onslaught and William would be in no rush to be the cad.
By Eliza on February 15th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
That’s why I think it’s still on, Eliza. I believe Kate is getting on with her career, and William has been warned about spending too many weekends in London.
Remember when Harry was on the Dorset tank course? He rented a cottage in a nearby village as a “love nest” for himself and Chelsy. Maybe William’s followed suit.
By John on February 15th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
John, I can’t find it, but I do remember that someone had sent me the youtube link, which is quick, but she does say “thank you” when they wished her happy b-day last year (2007). I’ll keep on looking for it anyway…
By Me on February 15th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
John, what you are saying makes a lot of sense. I believe that what Kate and Prince William are doing is staying out of the media glare for as long as possible before their engagement is announced. Prince William has his military training, and even a member of the Royal Family must adhere to military protocol and discipline, so he cannot simply do as he pleases. As for the night out with RAF buddies, this makes perfect sense. Part of the rationale for the young Princes taking military training is that it gives them the valuable opportunity to meet people from ordinary walks of life and experience life in a less isolated milieu. Further, military training works best when the members form a strong bond, and that requires time and collegiality.
By Gigi on February 15th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Yes, exactly, Gigi.
William won’t be with this group long. He had more time with the Army, so he could perhaps spend more weekends away from his unit and still form that bond. With such a short attachment, it’s best if he spends more weekends with his unit.
By Evelyn on February 15th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
There is an old, English idiom that says “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Let’s hope this is true for William and Kate.
By Arthur on February 15th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Arthur, I will drink to that sentiment with anything that’s poured, as they say here.
By Gigi on February 16th, 2008 at 12:24 am
Just kidding. I, too, hope that idiom proves true for W&K.
By Evelyn on February 16th, 2008 at 1:27 am
Evelyn, I think we should put Gigi in charge of mixing the cocktails.
By Arthur on February 16th, 2008 at 2:57 am
Good idea, Arthur!
I’m getting silly already. Too much work….
By Evelyn on February 16th, 2008 at 3:58 am