Kate Middleton and William avoid Mahiki
Updated 14.35 GMT
There are reports of Kate Middleton and Prince William attending a function in London last night. Prince Harry was also there.
Kate Middleton and Prince William in town last night
However, while Harry and his cousins, Princess Beatrice and Eugenie, went on to the glitzy Mahiki club in Mayfair, William and Kate did not.
As Harry gets back in the old groove, Wills and Kate appear to be in more grown-up mode by avoiding the press and dining in friends’ houses rather than rowdy bars and nightclubs.
By contrast, Harry and his cousins partied with a variety of revellers including WAGs (wives and girlfriends of footballers), minor celebrities and trust-fund babes.
With William hotly tipped for the prestigious Order of the Garter, the only garter Harry seems destined for is on the leg of a dolly bird.
Update : From U.S. People Magazine : In a rare display of public affection, Prince William and girlfriend Kate Middleton cozied up on the dance floor Thursday at a raucous charity event in London.
Middleton – in a pink strapless dress with a pleated skirt and a flower at her waist – kissed her boyfriend of five years as the pair boogied. William twirled her around as the pair danced to Little Richard’s “Tutti Frutti” and then to Guns N’ Roses’s “Welcome to the Jungle.”
“They looked happy and so in love,” says a guest at the burleque themed-bash. “Kate was smiling so widely and they looked like there was no one else in the world when they were dancing.”
The pair … were attending an event for The Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Fund. (Henry, a school pal of Harry’s, died in a car crash in 2002.) … Both William and Middleton averted their eyes as a stripper performed. At another point, William blushed (and Kate giggled) as a female singer presented the Prince with a rose – putting it between his teeth. (He promptly removed it and stuck it in the ice bucket holding a bottle of vodka.) And the couple sang along enthusiastically during a drag queen’s Southern-flavored rendition of “Purple Rain.”
Ah John, thats a bit harsh on Harry, the report said none of the royals were drunk so more than likely he just wanted to catch up with buddies who were at the nightclub. Doesn’t Guy Pelly work there?
I see nothing wrong with young people going to nightclubs as long
it’s not every night and as long as they just spend reasonable amounts on drink, these STG£5,000 and more tabs appall me. I don’t think they should drink cider in the communal park but really individual drinks that cost hundreds of pounds shows a serious lack of understanding of the value of money.
William and Kate definitely seem to be living the qiuet life. There is something in the air!!!!
By Eliza on April 4th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Yes, Eliza, they are definitely rebranding themselves as a serious couple, childhood behind them, ready for business. Excellent news. With the Queen almost 82, she needs more support around the Palace.
Last I heard Pelly was the commercial manager of Mahiki, in charge of encouraging posh clientele. He seems to be successful.
By John on April 4th, 2008 at 10:35 am
I completely agree with your analysis of the rebranding of the couple, I just hope the official launch will be soonish. I suggest July at the latest!
By Eliza on April 4th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Kate looked extremely well put-together. Wouldn’t that be part of her being groomed into a princess?
By Madelaine on April 4th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Or even Duchess of Cambridge before becoming Princess of Wales.
By John on April 4th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
There is an article here in the US at People.com with some very sweet details about their evening!
By Madelaine on April 4th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Thanks for the tip, Madelaine. I’ve just updated the piece with some quotes.
By John on April 4th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
I hope you are right Eliza and that there is something in the air, IT has been suggested on RA to happen on Williams birthday, which I think is in July.
They’re next public togetherness could be when William gets his wings next week?
By Royalist on April 4th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Royalist, William is only doing a short course with the RAF so, although he’ll get his wings for flying fixed-wing planes and helicopters, I doubt there’ll be a full Passing Out Parade, like at Sandhurst.
I could be wrong, though.
By John on April 4th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
John, whichever way it goes we shall have to keep eyes and ears open as it is supposed to take place on 11th.
By Royalist on April 4th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
I like the sound of the growing maturity in William & Kate’s relationship. I hope we’ll be having that Engagement Tea this summer!
The Daily Mail is reporting that Prince Philip is in hospital with a chest infection, which isn’t expected to be serious. Looked after properly, it shouldn’t develop into pneumonia.
By Evelyn on April 4th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Prince Phillip in Hospital. I think Harry’s part (as Eliza mentions) was a bit harsh. I’m glad for PW/KM.
By Me on April 4th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
William and Kate have probably outgrown the “party hard” at the clubs - after 25 or so it does get a bit old - at least it did for me..and it does seem like the are more “settled” i dont expect any announcment to be made until William is done with all the military training…Harry didnt look “tanked” in the photo I saw - good to see he’s out having a good time…
By coni on April 4th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Like the Queen, Prince Philip hates cancelling engagements, so he must truly be ill to have allowed his staff to take him to the hospital. I also am worried about pneumonia, especially since the Duke is 86 years old and has a heart condition. He is often seen outside in dreadful weather and I wish he would not do that at his age.
By Gigi on April 4th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
The Royals had attended a charitable memorial for Henry Van Straubenzee, a close friend of Prince Harry, who was killed in a driving accident in 2002 (the Princes had attended his funeral as well). The money raised that evening went to the Buwoya Primary School in Uganda.
After the event there was an after-party held at Mahiki which William and Kate didn’t attend although Harry and his cousins did. Which, I suppose, is why “grown-up” William can’t be said to be going “back into the old grove” of London clubs although he’s been making due with the pubs around his RAF base. Thank goodness it wasn’t Chelsy and Harry getting close on the dance floor. Otherwise we’d be hearing what an un-royal and not-likely-to-last couple they are. ^_^
On a much more serious and important note I sincerely hope Prince Phillip makes a full and swift recovery from his chest infection.
By Piper on April 4th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
I read on the American news this morning that Prince Phillip was hospitalized for a chest infection. As much as I admire Ms. Middleton and her beau, I was disappointed that the first article to read today on Royal Anecdotes was one about young royals, strippers and thier drinking habits. Today, at least, there are more pressing and serious royal stories that merit our attention.
By Cat on April 4th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
From what I gathered from the different articles the charity party was quite a raunchy event with “burlesque” dancers, i.e. strippers, performing. I’m not sure therefore wether this is such a good example to make the point that they are “growing out” of partying. It’s still good to see that one party per night seems to have been enough for them and that they didn’t feel the need to attend the “after-party” in Mahiki as well. I do not begrude them the “right” to have some fun every once in a while. I could also imagine that it might be weird for William to party with his cousins Bea and Eugenie who are so much younger than he is. Is William’s RAF training officially over now and does he have time off until his graduation on April 11?
The semester at Leeds university does start until April 14.
I was wondering why Chelsy didn’t accompany Harry since they are reportedly “inseperable” since his return.
By Isana on April 4th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
I’m guessing Chelsy may have missed some classes while on that 3+week holiday with Harry. She probably has some serious catching-up to do now.
As to the van Straubenzee event, William & Kate certainly can’t be blamed for the entertainment included. I would guess that many of the acts weren’t publicized beforehand, just a general invitation to a fundraising event in honor of an old friend.
By Evelyn on April 4th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
looks like they were just all having a good time for charity and the entertainment was in good fun…
By coni on April 4th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Duchess of Cambridge has a nice ring to it. Is Royal Anecdotes making another suggestion to the Palace, John?
Prince Philip did not attend Wednesday’s Memorial Service for Sir Edmund Hillary, because he had a bad cold and did not want to infect anyone else. It now appears PP’s cold is more serious than originally thought.
By Arthur on April 4th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Any cold is serious in an 86 year old, let’s face it. I am glad the Duke of Edinburgh was taken to hospital because any infection in the chest can turn into pneumonia before you know it. Apparently the Duchess of Wessex and the Duke of Gloucester did not attend the Memorial Service for Sir Edmund Hillary for the same reason: both were suffering from colds. I agree, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge sounds very regal, very appropriate.
By Gigi on April 4th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Arthur and Gigi, the title of Duke of Cambridge for a post-marriage William was mooted during the engagement mania of 2006/7. It seemed to come from a high source, so I’m assuming it’s still current.
Prince Philip seems to okay. He’s sitting up in bed catching up on his paperwork — I know how he feels.
It will take more than a cold to knock him off his perch. 
By John on April 5th, 2008 at 9:59 am
Cat, the Prince Philip story broke late afternoon here in the UK and didn’t seem serious. We decided to wait till Saturday morning to assess its importance.
He seems to be fine, as I write, his engagements for Monday are still open. There really is little to write about it.
If you don’t like Kate Middleton stories, you are in a small minority. The mention of her name adds thousands of readers to the traffic.
By John on April 5th, 2008 at 10:08 am
I’m glad Harry finally got to go and see his friends at Mahiki and judging from the pictures he was perfectly sober. After three months fighting in a war zone I would hardly call it slipping into his old ways. As for W&K skipping that part of the evening they probably were enjoying themselves at the party and showing that much affection they probably wanted the mood to last and went off by themselves. I do recall that while Harry was fighting they did go to Mahiki wasn’t that where the infamous car chase took place? they probably didn’t want a repeat of that.
I certainly hope that PP makes a speedy recovery but, when did Sophie become the Duchess of Wessex?.
By Trudie on April 5th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Trudie, Sophie has been Countess of Wessex since her marriage. It’s only a holding title, though, until she becomes Duchess of Edinburgh. Let’s hope that’s quite a way off.
By John on April 5th, 2008 at 11:58 am
When will she become Duchess of Edinburgh?
By Marilyn on April 5th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Cat, I am sure that William checked on the status of his Grandfather before he went out that night. If needed, he would have gone to the hospital. One thing struck me as I read about that night was the significance of them being out together. This was very close to his skiing trip with Kate. He was out in public, with Kate, at a charity event. To me, it shows that this relationship is solid and serious. I think that William and Kate are formalizing their relationship. I am glad that they are out with friends, at a charity event, and enjoying themselves.
By kat on April 5th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Royals rarely visit relatives in hospital unless they’re in for a long time. The reason is that the whole hospital is disrupted by security people and virtually closes down for hours. It’s not lack of concern, but an awareness of the disruption a Royal visit will cause.
By John on April 5th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
I am sorry about my post where I said “Duchess of Wessex”–I meant Countess of Wessex. Regarding when Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, become the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, that will be problematic. The title cannot be vacated until the death of the current Duke, Prince Philip. When Prince Philip dies, the title then goes to the current Prince of Wales, Charles, the eldest son of Prince Philip. If the Queen is still alive at that time, I imagine that Charles will refuse the title, as will Prince Andrew, Duke of York, so that their younger brother, Prince Edward, may assume it. If the Queen predeceases Prince Philip, however, we shall have to count on Charles fulfilling the wishes of his parents that Prince Edward succeed to his Father’s former title. Hopefully that will happen in the fullness of time, but since I and many others hope very much for a longer life for both the Queen and Prince Philip, Edward and Sophie may have quite a wait.
By Gigi on April 5th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
By Gigi on April 5th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
You can never fault him for determination, Gigi.
By John on April 5th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
SkyNews are reporting the death of Prince Phillip!
By SuffolkSim on April 5th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Think it must be some kind of mistake as it has now disappeared from their website.
By SuffolkSim on April 5th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Oh dear, realing more- many think it is either a mistake on someones part (someones getting fired!) or it was announced early by accident and they are supposed to be announcing at a certain time.
By SuffolkSim on April 5th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Kat - I agree with you on the significance of their being seen together. Even the pics that are posted above, almost seem purposeful, not the regular pap pics.
I still remember waking up in the middle of the night to see “Lady Di” get married to her prince. And sadly, waking up in the middle of the night to see her funeral. Hopefully, we will have a happy occassion soon!! How absolutely exciting!!
By Madelaine on April 5th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Sim, looks like someone jumped the gun, or released the obit prematurely. All broadcasters have this ready now. Let’s hope it is a mistake. I’ve noticed that news presenters are looking serious — they would know, of course, but no black ties as yet.
We wait for news.
By John on April 5th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
John Sky News is now reporting that Prince Philip has to stay
at the hospital for a third night. All major US cable networks are covering the election. During the newsbreak for CNN nothing was mentioned.
By kat on April 5th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Trudie, one of the British tabloids reported that the Duchess of Wessex was ill and did not attend the Service of Remembrance for Sir Edmund Hillary. That story was wrong on two accounts. First, there is no Duchess of Wessex and second, Sophie, Countess of Wessex did attend Sir Edmund Hillary’s service and sat next to the Queen. The tabloid was The Sun, which I beleive John has said, on numerous occassions, is not a reliable source for news.
By Arthur on April 5th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Kat, BBC News 24 is reporting that the Duke is spending a third night in hospital — as you say. This ratchets up the seriousness of his illness. Also, they have kept the story in the top three items of their “ticker-tape” display all afternoon. I suspect he’s okay, but poorly.
Quite what Sky was doing reporting his death remains to be seen. How is their sister station Fox handling this in the States? Anyone know?
By John on April 5th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Fox hasn’t really reported it at all.
By Tulip on April 5th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
If Prince Philip is so desperately ill that he is anywhere near death, we will know it, because, incovenience to the hospital staff or not, the Queen and the Princess Royal will race through the streets to his side, believe me. I am praying anyway, just to be safe.
By Gigi on April 5th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
As Gigi says any cold in an 86 year old is serious but I have to voice my disquiet about discussing Prince Philip’s death, it is decidely inappropriate.
When my father was dying three years ago at eighty one the family told nobody that he was so doing, there is something so macabre about the way people discuss ‘is he dead yet’ when a person is either fighting for life or letting go of life.
Just because the man is old does not give us license to discuss his impending death, all our deaths are impending.
Sorry if I sound a bit hyper, in fact I’m just home from a nice meal and wanted to check in on Prince Philip I will pray for him.
By the way I had the second in the Grand National, very exciting- its the only race I bet on annually!
By Eliza on April 5th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Eliza I don’t think that anyone was discussing Prince Philip’s
impending death. Sky News had reported his death. It was removed from the site. People were just passing along information as to what was really happening. We are all hoping for his speedy recovery. No one meant any disrespect. I am sorry about your father. However, on a lighter note, congratulations on having the second in the Grand National.
By kat on April 5th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
I haven’t seen anything about Prince Philip’s hospitalization on either Fox or CNN. It appears to be a non-story in the US at this time. I suppose that is a good sign.
By Arthur on April 5th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
That is the optimism which enobles your nature shining through once more, Arthur! I believe it is a good sign, too. Why SkyNews is crepe hanging I do not know, but I would be grateful if they would stop it. Prince Philip and the Queen will probably outlive me, and I am 60!
They are both great-great grandchildren of Queen Victoria, and there was a woman for the ages if ever there was one!
By Gigi on April 5th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
CNN.com had Prince Philip’s hospitalization in their top stories all day yesterday. BBC.com also is reporting that Prince Philip will be in hospital a third night.
The Daily Mail has an article on Prince Charles’ and Camilla’s forthcoming 3rd wedding anniversary, reporting “blazing rows” happening more frequently, and more time spent apart.
The same article reports that Kate Middleton is NOT expected to be present when Prince William receives his wings from Prince Charles on Friday. I guess we’ll know soon enough how good their information is.
By Evelyn on April 5th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Gigi. I’m just pleased the media in the US is showing some restraint for a change. We don’t need to hear dire stories about The Duke of Edinburgh’s health, just to fill up a twenty-four hour news cycle.
To completely change the topic, I’ve been wondering whether or not the Queen will bestow a Dukedom, such as Cambridge, upon Prince William when he marries. Once Prince Charles becomes King, William will become The Prince of Wales and inherit Prince Charles’ other titles which include Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay. Why does Prince William need another title bestowed on his wedding day? Being known as HRH The Prince William should be sufficient until Charles becomes King. My reasoning stems from Queen Elizabeth not creating a Dukedom for Prince Edward upon his marriage to Sophie. Prince Edward has always been referred to as the Queens favorite child, yet he was not given a Dukedom when he married. Edward will, as Gigi has said, inherit the Dukedom of Edinburgh in the fullness of time; however, the title will come to Edward in a very indirect way. I think this has more to do with having fewer Royal titles, not more, which makes me wonder if the Queen will create a new Dukedom for William. Any thoughts?
By Arthur on April 5th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
I think I remember John saying that Cambridge actually is an old title. Wessex wasn’t– it was created for Edward & Sophie.
I’m not saying whether you’re right or wrong on your question, Arthur, just adding what little I think I remember from past conversations on the topic.
By Evelyn on April 5th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
It’s Saturday, Evelyn and I’m just musing about something other than Prince Philip’s health. All opinions are welcome.
Why is it that Prince Charles and his brides appear to have a “three year itch” instead of the traditional “seven year itch?” Prince Harry was born in 1984, three years after Charles and Diana’s wedding and all reports say their marriage was effectively over at that point. Now we hear Charles and Camilla are having blazing rows and spending more time apart after just three years of marriage. Is it possible Prince Charles makes an unbearable husband no matter whom he marries?
By Arthur on April 6th, 2008 at 12:03 am
I must say, I read the article in the DM that said Camilla and Charles where spending time apart. At first I thought. “OH, SWEET KARMA”. However, although I never really liked her - she has grown on me. And Prince Charles, with all his “fuddydudness”, always seems to stand by his boys when needed. So, I hope for Prince Charles sake that he straightens himself out and lives up to this whole husband thing, itch or no itch!
By Madelaine on April 6th, 2008 at 12:22 am
Charles has always been very self-centered and also the most insecure member of the family. This unfortunate combination of character flaws has combined to make Charles behave in a haughty, holier-than-thou manner. He does not share well, considers himself above reproach and insists on being the bride at every wedding and the corpse at every funeral. These flaws make Charles a poor candidate for marriage, and indeed, he was considered to be a difficult member of the Royal Family from childhood. Getting along less than well with Prince Philip is one thing–Charles was always a disappointment to his Father. Being lofty and prickly with the Queen is quite another. Telling the Queen that things are “non-negotiable” is outrageous arrogance and someone should have clobbered Charles with his riding crop years ago. If it is true that Camilla has hit a rough patch with Charles, it does not surprise me. How in the world the Queen, who is the paragon of all the virtues, could have a child like Charles simply baffles me and has been baffling me for lo, these many years. Being at loggerheads with Prince Philip is not sufficient reason for Charles’ multi-faceted flaws, in my opinion. Sir Winston Churchill had a dreadful relationship with his Father, and yet had a deeply close and loving relationship with his wife, Lady Clementine Churchill until his death.
By Gigi on April 6th, 2008 at 12:45 am
The DM just had an article explaining why Kate would not be there while William got his Wings. I read it and it basically said that William wanted to keep Kate out of the limelight as long as possible. He also wanted to keep the attention on the ceremony.
By kat on April 6th, 2008 at 12:48 am
That makes sense to me, Kat. Arthur, regarding the title for Prince William upon his marriage, it has been the custom in the Royal Family, at least as far back as the days of Queen Victoria’s reign, to settle a title on the sons of the Sovereign at marriage. Since it is a virtual certainty that Prince William will marry years (and we hope, many years) before Charles becomes King, I would, as a traditionalist, prefer that Prince William and his bride be given an appropriate Royal title when they marry, rather than wait for years and years (we hope) to succeed to the title of Prince of Wales. Evidently this is also the wish of the Queen and Prince Philip, which means that it is basically a fait accompli.
By Gigi on April 6th, 2008 at 12:55 am
I hope the story that Kate won’t attend the wings ceremony turns out to be false. I had hoped for some pictures. I do wonder about their secrecy though. Everybody knows they are together, they should not feel the need to hide especially not if they indeed plan to get engaged and married. It’s sad that they don’t feel comfortable enough to just attend events together publicly. I know that the constant press attention is an annoyance but it shouldn’t dictate their lives and force them to retreat into privacy.
By Isana on April 6th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Eliza,
Ditto with Kat on Prince Philip. SuffolkSim told us that Sky had announced it on its website, then taken it down. That’s the stuff that conspiracy theories are made of. It seems he’s going to be assessed again this afternoon and a decision about whether he will be allowed home will be made. Let us hope for a good decision.
On the National, I’m glad you chose King John’s Castle — very appropriate name.
But I followed Scudamore and nabbed the winner. 
By John on April 6th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Arthur, if William remains a common or garden Prince of Nowhere on his marriage, his wife will be known as Princess William. I don’t think Kate would like that very much. A Royal Dukedom is definitely in order, especially as the Queen looks like living a long life like her mother.
By John on April 6th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Let’s not forget that Camilla is still getting over a serious operation and, with the ban on fox hunting, misses her country pursuits and hard riding. She probably doesn’t have the energy she was once famous for. Charles may interpret that as a loss of interest in him.
But enough of psychoanalysis. Nobody knows what goes on inside other people’s marriages.
By John on April 6th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Wasn’t Camilla’s hysterectomy more than a year ago now? All the women I know who have needed it have felt better after about 2 months recovery. Camilla may not have the energy she once had, but I doubt her surgery is the reason. Perhaps she should have her thyroid checked.
By Evelyn on April 6th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
I was back to full strength and energy 5 weeks after my hysterectomy and I was told that my experience was normal. I do not think the surgery is a viable excuse for Camilla. She has been known to be ‘lazy’ all her life, according to the testimony of her friends, and, like Charles, is stubborn about having her own way. My guess is that the bloom is simply off the rose, and that Camilla is finding marriage to Charles more difficult than she thought. Prior to their marriage, they saw each other when they could. Now she is with him every day and must cope with all his moods and idiosyncrasies, as he must with her. Naturally, some strain has developed. Marriage to Charles is no picnic, we must understand. Now Camilla understands it, too.
By Gigi on April 6th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Thanks Kat for your kind words, I think I must have been a little emotional after a few glasses of wine. I’m not the girl I was, children put you out of practice!!!!
Glad Prince Philip is out of hospital and feeling better.
John, King John’s Castle was a local horse so a quick choice when I didn’t get a chance to study the form in the papers.
The castle he is named after is a medieval one in Limerick built by the King John of Robin Hood fame, so fighting Robin of Locksley didn’t take up all his time!!!
By Eliza on April 6th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
thought i read somewhere that charles was raised to believe he’s the center of the world…supposedly he even has the toothpaste put on his toothbrush - who knows if thats true. also, no one really knows that goes on in a marriage. Being Charles’s mistress is one thing, being his wife is probably a whole other thing..at any rate - am not a big camilla fan but certainly wish them the best..
By coni on April 7th, 2008 at 4:01 pm