Kate Middleton and William planning ski trip
Now that Prince Harry is safely back from his tour in Afghanistan, Katie Nicholl is reporting that Prince William and Kate Middleton are planning a ski trip to Klosters next month, and both will be at Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly’s wedding.
Frogmore House, Windsor, where Peter Phillips will marry in May
As we have been saying for months here at Royal Anecdotes, in the face of frothy newspaper and blog reports that they were on the rocks, the couple have been keeping a low profile because of Harry’s situation. There is a sense that much has been put on hold since Christmas and we’re now getting back to normal.
Kate will also be at William’s side during his cousin Peter Phillips’ wedding at Frogmore in the grounds of Windsor Castle in May. It seems the house may be the venue instead of St George’s Chapel, which would have given it a very Royal ambience.
A close friend of William and Kate is quoted as saying, “The rumours that they are on the rocks are rubbish. It is simply that they have not been out clubbing together and are keeping a low profile. They are also getting a bit older and prefer to go to friends for dinner rather than raving at Boujis.
“They talk on the phone pretty much every day. And they were together only the other week, but no one got to hear about it. They were with some friends at a private house party and were very tactile together. William had his arm round Kate and they were very much a couple. Kate is on the guest list for Peter’s wedding to Autumn Kelly.”
Both are hoping Prince Charles will join them at Klosters — he has been absent in recent years, which has been a crushing blow for the resort he made famous. Harry too may join the party.
Chelsy Davy yesterday drove to Highgrove from Leeds and spent time with Prince Harry last night. That must have been quite a reunion given the fizzy nature they both share.
There is also talk that Kate will after all go to New York to further her photography career, although quite how Mario Testino will fit into it after his outburst at the National Gallery (if correctly reported) is not quite clear.
Not a very good timing to publish William’s holiday plans (if this is true). His brother just returned from the frontlines and he’s already planning to go on vacation. Bad PR move!
Everything else is basically echoing what has been posted here before. I sometimes wonder whether the tabloids take some of their “stories” from internet sites. A lot of people have been sdaying that they probably meet in private and decided to go mor elow key. I very much doubt that any friend of William and Kate’s would talk about them to the papers especially when they try so hard to keep a low profile.
By Isana on March 2nd, 2008 at 11:06 am
Yes, a lot of things are falling into place now that Harry’s back, Isana.
It seems that Harry may be going to Klosters too, so an announcement of the holiday is not as selfish as it seems.
By John on March 2nd, 2008 at 11:10 am
John, being of a sceptical nature after all the wealth of reports since Christmas, is this report ‘gen’-who is this Katie Nichol.
If this report is genuine then it’s the best news you’ve posted on RA.
By Royalist on March 2nd, 2008 at 11:42 am
Royalist, you can take this report as being as close to the truth as it’s possible to find in newsapers.
I wouldn’t have given it such prominence if not.
By John on March 2nd, 2008 at 12:09 pm
I would guess that William’s vacation plan is intended to include Harry, if at all possible. The papers are reporting that soldiers usually receive about 6 weeks of leave following deployment. It would be entirely appropriate for William to put the plans in motion for a “family vacation” during Harry’s leave. For this reason, Charles may well decide to join them, even if he decides not to ski.
By Evelyn on March 2nd, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Evelyn, that’s right. Harry is waiting for his Colonel to arrive back from Afghanistan when he will have a long discussion about his future. In the meantime, he will want to be out and about, and a fews days of vigorous skiing will be just the job to keep him in shape. I wonder if Chelsy will be prepared to go? She doesn’t seem to be the cold weather type, though.
By John on March 2nd, 2008 at 1:54 pm
I do hope Harry will join them on this trip and I would like to see Charles on the slopes again. I’m just happy to hear some good news about William & Kate. You are right John, everything is falling into place now. I also can’t wait to see the wedding pictures.
By Claudius on March 2nd, 2008 at 2:39 pm
That should be a great occasion, Claudius, with most of the Firm present. I hope that the event’s taking place on the private part of the Windsor estate doesn’t mean we won’t see much of it.
By John on March 2nd, 2008 at 2:48 pm
John and Claudius, thank you for your reassurances on the status of Prince William and Kate during this time. I really do believe that they love each other. You both stood firm even though the media was painting a different picture about their relationship. With people like you and the members other members of the RA in their corner, they can’t go wrong. It must help them knowing that there are people like you giving them support and encouragement. The RA does just that. I hope that they continue to give each other the love that they deserve.
By kat on March 2nd, 2008 at 3:16 pm
“The sky is blue, the birds are chirping….all is well and right again…………”
Obviously, I am happy to hear happy news about Kate and William, and of course Prince Haryy. I will admit, I was nervous for a while there!
By Madelaine on March 2nd, 2008 at 3:38 pm
With all the on-off garbage that is written I seriously doubt Harry and Chelsy ever broke up as for William and Kate are they supposed to live in each others pockets?
By Trudie on March 2nd, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Trudie, my generation, the 20-somethings, seem to think that if a couple isn’t together 24/7 constantly checking the status of each others tonsils in public that there is obviously something wrong and that the relationship is on a downward spiral. Any alone time, which as everyone knows is important for a successful relationship, is looked at as “getting away from the ball and chain” or breaking free from an awful situation. I believe this is even worse for couples in the spotlight with the Internet and constantly present media.
As for William and Kate, I’m very impressed by their handling of Harry being at war… sounds like it may have kicked their clubbing habit for good!
Perhaps the “breakup” of Chelsea and Harry was a convenient excuse to explain why they wouldn’t be spotted together in public for a few months??
By Blondie on March 2nd, 2008 at 4:31 pm
I am delighted that a trip to Klosters is being planned, also, and hope as many members of the Royal Family as possible join Prince William and Kate there. It is a lovely way to reunite the family and celebrate the safe return of our warrior Prince! Since we at RA cannot all join them on the snowy slopes of Klosters, we shall have to be content to celebrate Prince Harry’s safe return with one of our Gala Teas! Dear Arthur, if you and Claudius will be good enough to pour the champagne, and Trudie, if you will kindly pour the tea, I shall pass the tea sandwiches. I am also serving Balmoral Dundee Cake, cream puffs with meringue and chocolate sauce, raspberry and blueberry trifle, scones with jam and Devonshire Cream and petit fours decorated with the Union Jack in colored icing, to honor Prince Harry. Dear John, if you will be so kind as to give us a tribute toast to honor our returned soldier Prince, Royal Anecdotes Gala Hail the Conquering Hero Tea is served!
By Gigi on March 2nd, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Do you think they’d all be “allowed” on vacation in the same place now that Harry faces even greater risks? When was the last time William, Charles and Harry holidayed together? Must have been year ago, no? As much as I would like to see that I wouldn’t be sure that security would allow it especially not when the time and place of their vacation has virtually been announced weeks ahead in the press.
By Isana on March 2nd, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Royal Anecdotians, pray be upstanding for the Loyal Toast.
His Royal Highness, Prince Harry, our modest conquering hero, newly returned from the tribal lands of Afghanistan after a gruelling tour of duty on the front line, and who risked his life for his Queen, his comrades, and his country. No more can be asked of any man in this mortal coil.
I give you Prince Harry!
[Clink, clink].
By John on March 2nd, 2008 at 6:06 pm
To Prince Harry! Excellent toast, John, thank you! Here! Here! [clink]
By Gigi on March 2nd, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Isana, you may be right in the present situation. I think it was about five years ago when all three were photographed on the slopes of Klosters.
By John on March 2nd, 2008 at 6:09 pm
My word, was it really five years ago? I must agree with Isana, upon reflection. These are such perilous times. Lord Mountbatten was murdered by the IRA during a family vacation in Ireland, and it was thought at the time that he was an easy target because he vacationed at the same residence in Ireland at the same time every year. Perhaps it would be better for something more clandestine to be arranged until things calm down. I am second to no one in my admiration for and confidence in British security forces, but perhaps we need not indulge in such a risky venture at this time.
By Gigi on March 2nd, 2008 at 6:23 pm
To Prince Harry…Cheers!
By Madelaine on March 2nd, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Yeah sure, I don’t believe any of it. I’ll wait for the photos. I don’t believe one word of this Katie Nicholl originated story. Must Kate always be pushed to the front of the headlines over any Royal story, especially truly heroic soldier Prince Harry, in the quest for the press to try and convince the public that William has anything serious going on with her. I hope she steers clear of Autumn’s wedding, she’ll turn it into a press nightmare, next days news will be all about Kate Middleton. I don’t think William is involvd with Kate seriously at all.
By U.S. on March 2nd, 2008 at 10:43 pm
You’ll see U.S.
By Claudius on March 2nd, 2008 at 11:17 pm
I have to say U.S. that you must think very little of Prince William to feel that he could use a girl like that. Also you must think Kate to be someone who has very little self-respect to allow herself to be used like that. All the comments that I see posted on article like this one in the Daily Mail amuse me –William should dump clingy dull Kate and go out will other girls etc. – The man is a prince for goodness sake, there are no shortage of girls out there that would willingly spend a night in his barracks with him, no one is forcing him to be in a relationship with Kate, no one is forcing Kate to be a relationship with him, they are together because they want to be and I doubt very much that any 25 year old man who could possibly have any young girl he wanted would tie himself to a relationship that he wasn’t serious about it. And I doubt any 25 year old girl would spend her days being constantly harassed by the British media and open herself and her family up to the levels of criticism that they have had to endure if she wasn’t serious about their relationship.
By Ash on March 2nd, 2008 at 11:44 pm
US, everyone said that they wanted pics when it was rumored that William and Kate had gotten back together after their April split. That is all anyone wanted to prove the rumors. It was said that they were meeting at friend’s homes like they are now. Then they were photographed together. It went on and on. Why do you believe the negative reports about them? Why not be happy that two people have found love and companionship with each other? You still have not commented to my knowledge why you think that things are off between them. What is your proof? I trust in John’s instincts about the situation. He is in a position to be able to read the events surrrounding Kate and William. I believe that they are together. It would be nice for William to have someone who loves and supports him. Kate does that. She respected him enough not to go out very much during Harry’s deployment. She continues her silence. To me, that speaks volumes.
By kat on March 3rd, 2008 at 12:32 am
On the ski trip:
I read somewhere that Charles hasn’t been skiing for a few years because of a bad back. So, if he joins his sons somewhere, he may not ski.
I agree about the security issues. I’ve wondered if Klosters is bandied about because it’s the usual location. Perhaps they’re really making plans to go someplace new. Perhaps security will help in choosing an appropriately secure venue.
Perhaps they’ll return to Banff! It might be easier to protect them in Canada.
By Evelyn on March 3rd, 2008 at 1:13 am
It’s being reported that Prince Harry will be promoted to Lieutenant.
By Evelyn on March 3rd, 2008 at 1:26 am
I don’t believe one word of this story. I doubt Katie Nicholls entire story, she said William and Kate were going to appear at her cousins wedding somewhere last summer ,that never happened. They reported William had rented out a resort on an entire Island for the New Year, that never happened. I just don’t believe any of the stories. Then also the photography story is popping up again, she needs to moving if she’s going to do all this. Nothing ever materializes with Kate and still NO RING. All this engagement talk and still no ring, no movement from William, except a pair of fake jeweled earrings. I don’t believe any of it. No way the Royal Family or Autumn would want Kate at Peter Phillips wedding causing a press distraction. All this talk talk talk and not one photo, no ring, no engagement, it’s all press hype.
By U.S. on March 3rd, 2008 at 1:29 am
Let’s wait and see what transpires. While we wait, let’s all have another cup of tea or a glass of champagne and a cream puff. It’s hard to be quarrelsome while eating a cream puff, after all, and a slice of Balmoral Dundee cake has been known to take the heat out of many a discussion.
By Gigi on March 3rd, 2008 at 4:52 am
US, you are being awfully boring. I try to keep this obsessive Kate-hating stream of comment off this site for a very good reason. Bye.
By John on March 3rd, 2008 at 7:55 am
US ,your obesession with Kate is very unhealthy almost crazy. It
is more a reflection of hatred of yourself vs Kate which is very sad.I am curious ,what has this young lady ever done to you for you to attack her every time you post? William is only with Kate because he wants to be I know it is hard for you to understand but really thats the truth. Please get offer your hatefull obession of Kate it is not healthy for you… John ,US is a perfect example why Kate needs protection.
By annette on March 3rd, 2008 at 12:03 pm
I agree with you, Annette. I’ve barred US from the site now. There are plenty of shrieking hissy fit sites out there for her to go to. How do I know it’s a “her”? They’re always young girls with a raging crush and fantasy life for Prince William.
By John on March 3rd, 2008 at 12:43 pm
I am all for freedom of expression but I agree with John, her contributions/diatribes were becoming boring and leading no where.
Let US freely express her limited blinkered views to people who want to read them.
I’m sorry if I am verging on the abusive myself but really the same ol’ same ol’ was getting on my nerves.
Thank you John for keeping control.
As regards Chelsey skiing, she is an action girl and if they are together ( and it seems I was wrong and they are) she will definitely partake in the vacation.
I am a little concerned about security too I think that Harry and those connected will have to be very careful.
I do think that if Chelsey is still with Harry then she should get protection. It doesn’t have to mean that they are engaged or anything it is merely the prudent thing to do.
By Eliza on March 3rd, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Eliza, Mandy used to use the same language — no photos, no RING, no engagement. I may be wrong, but I suspect US is Mandy, late of this parish.
By John on March 3rd, 2008 at 1:19 pm
John, Burke’s peerage notes Charles vitaee reporting marriage and divorce to Diana, birth of the two boys, but breathes not one word about the second wedding blith to Camilla. Yet they are married for years now… While I congratulate them to show so much spine, how will they proceed, should Charles one day make her his queen? (God forbid!) Off topic I know, but I’m curious
By Gena on March 3rd, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Gena, Burke’s Peerage probably has Camilla elsewhere on its pages. It’s possible they haven’t updated it for a while. These old “institutions” do take their time, you know.
By John on March 3rd, 2008 at 2:45 pm
I remember when Chelsy first arrived in Leeds, Harry went to visit her at her student apartment, and was later told that visiting her there was too big of a security risk. If she’s to be properly protected, that might include a change of lodging.
By Evelyn on March 3rd, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Evelyn, I’m just about to put up a post on a story that Harry is calling for police protection for Chelsy.
By John on March 3rd, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Personally I have come across US on another site and there is a thread called the Willites. Willie can do no wrong and Kate bashing is the norm. My view of Kate Shut up already the girl is only guilty of being in a relationship with Willie that may end up in marriage. No one really knows her she tries to keep a low profile since they got back together. There bashing her borders on becoming completely unhinged. As far as I am concerned Willie can do wrong and did when he dumped her so publicly last year and did not say a word in her defense the way he lets others bash his mother and does not say one word in her defense.
The only problem I have with Kate is the media will not allow her to take a serious job and comparing her to Sophie is wrong. Kate met Willie as a student while Sophie was older when she met Edward and was already established in a job.
John I think if Kate does go to the Wedding she will be secretly slipped in to keep the focus on Autumn and Peter and Pictures will appear after the wedding.
By Trudie on March 3rd, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Trudie, these will always be delicate situations until an engagement is announced. Interesting that US also posts on other sites. You’d think one would be enough.
By John on March 3rd, 2008 at 3:21 pm
John, I also thought that US wrote posts that were oddly familiar in a most unpleasant way. Many thanks for showing US the door. One of the most attractive things about Royal Anecdotes is the collegial atmosphere, whether everyone agrees or not. I am puzzled as to what possible benefit these negative people derive from ranting and raving about people they do not know.
I shall be very disappointed if Kate is not at Peter and Autumn’s wedding. As Trudie suggests, they can find a way to make Kate’s entrance and exit unobtrusive, especially if the venue is Frogmore House, Windsor.
By Gigi on March 3rd, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Gigi, arrangements can always change, but Kate is on the guest list. I don’t think anyone could upstage the bride and groom on this occasion — not even Paris Hilton.
By John on March 3rd, 2008 at 3:53 pm
I agree, John! I cannot wait to see the wedding photographs!
By Gigi on March 3rd, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I was out of town this weekend, so I am catching up with the newa. Trudie, I think your comments about Williams has to do with the fact that he comes across as an introvert. If that is his personality, he may not be much of a talker and might just prefer just not to comment further on whatever issue. We know he loved his mother, but doesn’t like confrontation. We know this also because of how he accepted Camilla, which makes me wonder if he really is fond of her, or just wants to avoid conflicts.
By Marilyn on March 3rd, 2008 at 4:18 pm
I meant news, not newa. OOOps
By Marilyn on March 3rd, 2008 at 4:18 pm
I apologize if I sound redundant, but that was an excellent toast, John. Cheers to Harry!
By Lisa on March 3rd, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Oh please Marilyn everyone does something wrong, these people think he is perfection in its self. He is human like the rest of us despite the HRH.
By Trudie on March 3rd, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Yes, John, thank you for taking US off the site. She had become more reasonable a bit earlier, but then the news that William and Kate were going on vacation together really seemed to get her quite agitated!!!
By Amity on March 3rd, 2008 at 5:51 pm
I just hope she gets the hope she so desperately needs.
By Trudie on March 3rd, 2008 at 6:08 pm
I don’t get you Trudie. WHo do u think is perfection itself? WIlliam?
By Marilyn on March 3rd, 2008 at 6:48 pm
I also think it a strange idea that Kate or any girlfriend of William should remain in the shadows for fear of distracting the press from the true nature of an event. It is often the peculiar absences that are more distracting, when the rumor mill runs amok.
But how will we know who attends Peter and Autumn’s wedding, and will we see them coming and going? Does Frogmore have a front gate for the paparazzi to stake out? Bleacher seating, perhaps?
By Dan on March 3rd, 2008 at 9:55 pm
I just Google-mapped Frogmore (click on the satellite view). Are any of those roads in Windsor open to public access?
And by the way, will there be a lot of press interest in the wedding of the Princess Royal’s son, or are we likely only to see whatever photos the Family releases?
By Dan on March 3rd, 2008 at 10:05 pm
US and her ilk go from site to site trying to stir up anti-Kate sentiment and trying to provoke people who view Kate Middleton favorably…or don’t view her negatively. They have bragged about stirring up trouble here and at other sites. It’s as John said: they are young girls who delude themselves that they know best what William needs and wants. People who have alot of time on their hands because they post non-stop, every day, ad nausem, the same bile: Kate is lazy, she takes too many vacations, Kate is a doormat, Kate has no RING, Katey Waity, etc. Pathetic and tiresome, all of it. I knew when I first discovered this site that they would eventually end up here attempting trouble. They’ll be back, sharing the password to some screen name among them, to cause more trouble. And John will ban them, and life will go on.
By Positive on March 4th, 2008 at 1:30 am
I am struck about people who would judge Kate harshly and yet support William and sing his praises. How can you do both? They are both in the relationship. If she does charity work then she is presuming to be a royal. If she doesn’t do charity work then she is lazy. There are people who she couldn’t please no matter what she did. I do not envy her position. The bottom line is what how William feels about her. They have to live with their decisions. From where I am, they have decided that they want a life together.
One thing that is not mentioned about an engagement is that a wedding will follow. Both William and Kate know that once they are married, they will be expected to have children right away.
Maybe, that is why they are putting off formalizing their relationship. Maybe, they are waiting for a time so that they will be more comfortable in their ability to be parents. I do trust that they will announce their engagement when the time is right for them.
By kat on March 4th, 2008 at 2:08 am
I get the impression that they have mapped out their lives for some years to come, and that’s probably a good thing given what’s expected of them.
By John on March 4th, 2008 at 9:02 am
Marilyn I was simply stating the obvious that to the Kate bashers she does all wrong but Willie does not. To the Kate bashers Willie is perfection. I hate to burst anyones bubble but Willie is not perfect and neither is Kate they realize they are human in their relationship and relationships take work. If Willie is happy with Kate and Kate is happy with Willie that should be the end of it. If they marry they already have a long relationship with no false illusions of each other and therefore it will be a success.
By Trudie on March 4th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
I’ve never commented before, but have long enjoyed the site…forgive me if this is a question already gone over in the past, but would it not make sense for William & Kate to put off any engagement announcements until after Peter’s wedding? So there would be no sense of “thunder stealing” so to speak?
By Claire on March 4th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Very true, Trudie, and the brutal fact is that none of us are perfect. Everyone has their faults, some more so than others. Marriage is about finding the middle ground, learning to give and take proportionately, creating a partnership and nurturing the relationship through good times and bad. It is almost a miracle when one finds the person who is right for them and the feelings are reciprocated. The world is full of those who sadly have not found their soul mate. Thankfully, I believe that Kate and Prince William have found theirs in each other.
By Gigi on March 4th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
I think that’s almost certain now, Claire. I did think there may be a summer announcement before William joins the Royal Navy for four months, but probably early next year is more likely.
By John on March 4th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
John, this is off-topic, but there is a wonderful photo of Princess Eugenie on the cover of Tatler!
By Gigi on March 4th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
I saw that, Gigi. She’s rapidly becoming the pin-up of the Royal Family. I may do a post on that tomorrow.
By John on March 4th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
I’ve read that there was a significant amount of airbrushing to those photos of Eugenie.
By Evelyn on March 4th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
I read that, also, Evelyn. That is common to the glossy magazine industry now, and I confess that I am not a fan of this technique. For one thing, it is dishonest editing and for another, it has been damaging to so many women across the world who think they have to starve themselves to look like Hollywoood stars and models. I doubt that Princess Eugenie had anything to do with the airbrushing, however, if there was, indeed, airbrushing. That story may just be another anti-Royal dig. I must say, however, that I have seen other photographs of Princess Eugenie, with her Father, Mother and sister, photos that could not possibly have been airbrushed or digitally altered, and I thought then and think now that she is very beautiful.
By Gigi on March 4th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
an new to posting on this site..so whats up with “US” and all those negative comments…bascially we can all have fun speculating from what we read/gather but no one really knows whats going on with the royals..expect for them! “US” needs to lighten up!
By coni on March 4th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
That’s the problem with people like US, coni. We may have opinions, but we seem to agree that none of us know for sure. We have at times had rather heated discussions about various topics, so it isn’t that people have to agree with a certain anything to be a part of this community. But people who are unable to engage in respectful conversation find themselves without a seat at the Royal Anecdotes Teas
.
By Evelyn on March 4th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
They do, it is true, Evelyn.
Even though I tried to suggest that US should eat a cream puff and mellow out the rhetoric, it was to no avail and John swiftly and correctly escorted US out of the Royal Anecdotes Gala Hail the Conquering Hero Tea. 
I confess I feared that some the the statements US made were acidic enough to curdle the Devonshire Cream and that really wouldn’t do.
By Gigi on March 5th, 2008 at 12:35 am
I personally don’t care what Kate is up to at this very moment. This girl has had her privacy invaded just because she is Williams girlfriend. Kate tried to get a business off the ground but that was not feasible because her personal information would be in the public domain and by dating William a nightmare would have ensued. I think that when the royals and their significant others are on the estates in a private capacity the photogs don’t need to camp out hoping to get a picture of them simply coming out of the house as they are now camped at Highgrove waiting for Harry and Chelsy to emerge. The same goes for vacations they are in a private capacity and should be allowed to have fun. When they are working fine bring on the media but until Kate and Chelsy are formally engaged the media should leave them alone and stop hounding them this is what brings on the negative coverage and the bashing. From what I hear Peter and Autumns wedding is to be a private affair and, as such Kate is entitled to being treated as any other guest without the media focusing on her and William and the When. Whether Kate is there or not the day belongs to Autumn and Peter and it is the media covering it that should remember that and not focus on Kate giving ammunition to all the bashers. One can hardly blame Kate in that situation after all she is a guest at their invitation and why stay home when she can celebrate the marriage of her friends.
By Trudie on March 5th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
did anyone catch the barbara walters special monday night on the royals (not sure how many of us on this network are in the states vs the uk) nothing really that we didnt already know but was funny to see the queen get a bit testy during a photo shoot with annie liebowitz then again with an elevator was broken at the palace during a state dinner and she had to take the freight elevator!
By coni on March 5th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Coni, you can get the complete six-hour DVD from Amazon (Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work). The ABC version was a cut-down, edited show fronted by Barbara Walters. You get a lot more of the same on the DVD.
Incidentally, Americans outnumber Brits on this site by 24-1. I’m always amazed by those stats. I suppose we British take our Royalty for granted, while you Americans view it all with fresh eyes.
By John on March 5th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Gigi, as always, you put your finger right on the problem — shrieking is just not RA’s style. Bring on the cream puffs.
By John on March 5th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
I am not really surprised that there are more Americans than British in our merry band of RA readers, John. Matt Drudge and Chris Cuomo are totally atypical of the American view of the Queen and her family. Most Americans think very highly of the Queen and she is loved and revered here. For proof of this, I offer the way she is received when she visits America. Her visits generate more crowds, more excitement and more pomp and circumstance than the visits of any other Head of State, Royal or commoner. America is a nation of immigrants from every country on earth, of course, and that is our strength and our blessing. But our revered Founders were of English, Scottish and Irish descent who may have disagreed with King George III, but loved their beautiful Island nonetheless. We hold that memory in our hearts, of ancestral voices calling to us from ‘England’s green and pleasant land.’
By Gigi on March 5th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
And we are getting very excited about your wonderful primaries and caucuses, Gigi. We don’t get raw democracy like that over here. Who would have thought Hillary would make her comeback in Texas.
By John on March 5th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
She won here by a very narrow margin, John, and it will be interesting to see where this leads her. Statistics suggest that she cannot win the Democratic Party’s nomination, which comes down to numbers of delegates and Super Delegates, but there are procedures that can be put in place at the Convention that may be what she hopes will win her the nomination she craves. I am sorry to see the dirty tactics in the contest between Hillary and Obama because the divisiveness is both unattractive and counter-productive. The last thing we need is a verbal free-for-all, but I fear we do, in fact, have just that! One of the reasons Hillary probably was able to make her comeback here in Texas is that this state used to be a Republic and it is populated with strong, empowered women of all races. Hillary has enjoyed the support of many Texas women, although I am not among them. She has also garnered a lot of support in the Hispanic community, which has a significant numerical representation in Texas. It remains to be seen what will happen now. If I had to make a prediction, I would predict that Barack Obama will be the Democratic candidate. We shall have to wait and see what transpires.
By Gigi on March 5th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
hillary comes back from the dead…again….
By coni on March 5th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Oh please the people are only now beginning to see Obama as empty words the biggest catchphrase HOPE and really not much substance he is great with the words but that is all. Hillary is a doer not a talker. If Hillary loses I will cross party lines and vote for McCain. You can’t run the country on Hope.
By Trudie on March 5th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Trudie, from my distant perspective, I too would go for McCain. He seems a really decent guy and a true war hero. He means what he says and isn’t afraid of speaking his truth even if it would cost him votes.
I wish we had him over here.
By John on March 5th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
a dear friend of mine graduated from columbia with mccain’s daughter - and he is a decent man…even though he’s a republican
as for hillary..she’s smart, capable..but..there is just something about her that bothers me..can put me finger on it…
enough of american politics…
By coni on March 5th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
sorry..meant to say “cant put my finger on it”
By coni on March 5th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
I have a funny, Hillary joke I heard just a litle while ago, please let me share - the only one around to tell it to is my 9 year old son, and I couldn’t possibly do that! John, if you think it is inapropriate, please forgive me and it is ok to delete……
“Have you heard about the Hillary Clinton Special at KFC? It is a five-piece meal that includes 2 fat thighs, 2 small breasts and one left-wing.”…………………..ha ha ha
By Madelaine on March 5th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Wow, no matter how you feel about her, the Hillary snipe is remarkable for its mean-spiritedness….
By Amity on March 5th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Amity,
I actually like her - alot! I thought it was one of those stupid-clever jokes! Perhaps I should have thought it through more……
So now I feel oh-so-stupid!
By Madelaine on March 5th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
dont feel bad madelaine - am sure the joke was with the best of intentions - fran drescher (who’s a huge hillary supporter) made a horrible comment about hillary’s calves the other night on larry king…
By coni on March 5th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
just read peter phillips wedding will be in scotland at the same church princess anne re-married in - has anyone else heard that? makes sense since he and his bride live there part time
thoughts anyone….
By coni on March 5th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Sounds like Peter Phillips does not want anyone who is not invited to know where his wedding is going to take place….
By Amity on March 5th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
I agree with you, John, about McCain. He is an honest, courageous and decent man and I feel he will be an excellent President. He is the most qualified of all the candidates, I feel. He has my vote for sure!
By Gigi on March 6th, 2008 at 4:12 am
I’m sure Hillary has heard it all before. Politicians have to have the hides of dinosaurs or they’d never survive.
By John on March 6th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Coni, I believe you’re picking up on an old story there. First we heard it would be St George’s, Windsor, then Balmoral (as you say), then back to Windsor, and now Frogmore on the Windsor estate.
If it’s swinging back to Scotland again, something must be wrong here. I’m sticking with Frogmore unless I hear something solid otherwise.
By John on March 6th, 2008 at 11:25 am
thanks john, the article was forwarded to me and i didnt bother to look at the date assuming it was current. see that harry and chelsey were out on the town - good for them! also, does anyone have thoughts on paul burrell - diana’s “rock”
By coni on March 6th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Burrell has blown it big time. Technically, he’s in contempt of court. If he ever returns to Britain, he’ll probably be arrested. The offence carries a 10-year jail sentence.
By John on March 6th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
dont know alot about Burrell from what little i’ve seen/heard
he’ s really working to spin his relationship with diana to his advantage - can only imagine how horrible william and harry must be that some of those who she trusted have sold her up the river for their own personal gain…
sad…
By coni on March 6th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
John was Mandy also banned? I just happened to notice you say late of this Parish. Where have I been?. Anyway The problem with Burrell is that he would have to go to the UK in order to be arrested and I doubt he will ever return.
By Trudie on March 7th, 2008 at 2:34 am
Trudie, no, Mandy just disappeared. She wasn’t really a nuisance commenter, and she apologized when Kate and William were back together last year, despite all the no RING, no photos, no engagement stuff.
By John on March 7th, 2008 at 9:24 am
A wedding at Frogmore? I think I’m going to croak!
By Arthur on March 9th, 2008 at 12:40 am
since some of the above posts digressed significantly…..
McCain would be a total disaster for the environment
environmentalists have rated him zero
Clinton and Obama are roughly tied in that regard
McCain is also a war monger, who’d like the US to remain in Iraq indefinitely, and who’d also be agreeable to bombing Iran
Clinton won Texas because she’s had a long history of championing the rights of citizens there….she worked hard for many years representing Latino women, particularly….they fondly remember her help over the years…..
Texas Hispanics are also fond of Bill Clinton and fond of Nafta
Speaking of which….
Nafta was authored by Bush, sr, Mulroney, and Salinas, not Bill Clinton….Bill Clinton fought to have labor and environmental side agreements tacked onto it
Obama has a bit of a credibility problem now, seems he give two discrepant messages about topics to different audiences…..Nafta, iraq withdrawl, etc…..
Hillary Clinton is a brilliant policy wonk….she’s hard working, tough, she can implement her goals
too bad the media has been viciously attacking her for years now
bottom line: we have two outstanding dem candidates who will fight to stop global climate change and the loss of biodiversity….and who will try to stop this growing inequality between the classes
By tabatha on March 9th, 2008 at 8:15 am
ps:
drudge, the super conservative right wing blogger, was not the first to report on Harry’s whereabouts…..
rather, that info was published by an Australian newspaper in January, and also by a German publication, perhaps der Stern?
nonetheless, drudge is a complete idiot
By tabatha on March 9th, 2008 at 8:19 am
ppss:
McCain admits to knowing nothing about the economics or the economy
he has problematic relationships with lobbyists
he would make permanent the bush tax cuts for those making 200,000 and above
By tabatha on March 9th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Sounds like you need the Queen over there, Tabatha.
By John on March 9th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Arthur, I expect they’ll have toad in the hole at the wedding breakfast.
By John on March 9th, 2008 at 10:43 am
LOL! John, you are hilarious and so is Arthur! Right now, however, I fear you are experiencing high winds in the willows! Stay safe and, if possible, dry.
By Gigi on March 10th, 2008 at 4:10 pm