The Kate Middleton Story – Chapter 3457
What’s turning out to be the longest saga in the history of romance has the legs to go on and on.
According to reliable sources, Kate Middleton is now comfortably installed at Clarence House, even though she still keeps an apartment in London with her sister Pippa.
Word on the street is that Kate has put together a gymnasium and workout facility in the heart of the Queen Mum’s old residence.
A Royal aide has explained, “Kate has all her things there [Clarence House] and asked William and Harry if they would allow her to build a gym. She works out for at least an hour a day and loves to stay slim and toned. She and Pippa use the gym all the time because it has great equipment and it’s completely private. She has even had William and Harry doing crunches and press-ups.”
It must seem like home from home when the Princes return at weekends from Army training only to be frogmarched to the gym by Sergeant Major Middleton.
The question hanging in the air now — and romantic sagas always have plenty of those — is, will her superfit, wings-on-his-heels boyfriend invite her to the Lord Mayor’s Sporting Heroes Dinner at the Guildhall on Thursday?
A companion is included on the stiffie. I don’t think he’s going to take Mike Tindall, do you?
She’s a reasonably pretty girl but there is nothing THAT special about her looks. I actually think that is a compliment to both her and William – he chose someone fairly down-to-earth and ordinary.
By miki on April 27th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I have to agree miki. One thing I like about Kate is that she is healthy – and this translates to confident. An hours worth of workout each day is not excessive at all (we should all do so well…).
By On the Outside on April 27th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
I think Kate is stunning & I hope William brings her to the supper!! she looks fab on the bike!
By jackie mccoy on April 27th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
This is a very interesting story on several levels. For one thing, the fact that Kate Middleton is living at Clarence House means that the relationship between Kate and Prince William is acknowledged by the Royal Family to be permanent. Secondly, Kate “asked Prince William and Prince Harry” if she could install a gym at Clarence House. That is VERY interesting, because, while Prince William and Prince Harry have Clarence House as their London residence, Clarence House belongs to Charles, and, presumably, Camilla. While we are considering London residences, I am wondering where Kate and Prince William will have their London residence after they wed. John, any ideas on that?
By the way, John, I am sure you meant nothing derogatory in your use of this term, but, as it happens, ‘chicklit’ has a negative meaning in America. Since you have quite a large number of readers and posters from across the pond, I thought you might want to know this.
By Gigi on April 27th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
I’m a little sceptical about this story. Katie Nicholls hasn’t been the most reliable source for royal stories recently. While I don’t doubt that Kate spends quite some time in CH and has the “keys” to William’s appartment there, I cannot imagine that she asked him to install a gym for her there.
).
I think it’s more likely that CH has a gym for the Princes anyways since they are both very sporty and also would have to keep in shape during their military duty. IMO, Kate is simply using a gym that has been in CH for a while.
The little hint about the charity dinner is interesting though. I’m really curious to see whether he’ll bring her along. That would be the first official royal charity engagement she’ll accompany him to (and hopefully not the last
By Isana on April 27th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Whether Kate asked for a gym to be installed or not, the most important point in my opinion of this post it is whether Prince William invites her to the Lord Mayors Sporting Heroes Dinner. A dinner at the Guildhall has to be a formal occasion and if she is PW’s guest many pairs of eyes (not least HM and HRH PP) will be on her to see how she is dressed and how she conducts herself.
From past experience IMO she would look stunning and conduct herself with the utmost decorum and be a credit to PW.
If she does go as PW’s guest I think that this would be the nearest thing to an engagement we are likely to get!
ps John what is the significance of Chapter 3457???
By Royalist on April 27th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Should she be using her mobile while riding her bike??
By Royalist on April 27th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Where does Katie Nicholls get her information from?
By Judy on April 27th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Royalist, if Kate does accompany Prince William to the Lord Mayor’s Sporting Heroes Dinner, I think it’s safe to assume she will NOT be wearing a low cut, cleavage baring, black Emanuel creation.
By Arthur on April 27th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Isana, I’m with you, I don’t buy that Kate asked for a gym to be installed, there must have been one there.
I quite liked the dress Diana wore for her first outing but I certainly hope Kate has a nicer wedding dress.
As regards the ball on thursday, my guess is that William would like to bring her, the thing mitigating against it is Peter Philips wedding; he won’t want to have everybody hyped up prior to that, if the do was on after I reckon she would definitely be there.
Maybe she’ll be there anyway, have to wait and see!
By Eliza on April 27th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Actually, the headline of the article and the text say different things about the creation of the CH gym. The headline says that William built the gym for Kate. The article itself says that Kate “asked William and Harry if they would allow her to build a gym.” Those are really two different things. Katie Nichol might not be too happy with the editor who made that change.
If the truth is in the original writing, it’s very likely that Kate (or her parents) financed the equipment for the gym.
I wouldn’t be surprised if CH didn’t have a gym. The previous occupant was the Queen Mother, and I very much doubt that she had a gym there. I don’t know whether it’s likely that Charles and/or Camilla would have added a gym. It’s possible, but maybe Kate wanted some different equipment added. Or maybe they took an under-used basement room and made it into a workout room.
I say, good for Kate for taking the initiative. It wouldn’t do to have her working out someplace public, where anyone might gain entrance with a camera or camera phone. This way her privacy is protected. Exercise also will help manage any stress Kate might feel during the run-up to the engagement announcement.
By Evelyn on April 27th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
It really could have been something as simple as an elliptical trainer or treadmill and a few free weights for all we know and that is certainly not some elaborate gym she created. I thought it was a strange story.
By happydally on April 27th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Hi,
I’m not from England so perhaps you could enlighten me on the laws there. In my country by law you must wear a helmet whilst using a bicycle not matter how old you are. You also are not supposed to use your mobile phone.
So could someone please tell me the legislation if any in regards to this because if she is indeed breaking the law that’s not a very good example to be setting, especially for someone in her position.
Thank you so much.
By toadstool on April 27th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Well, when you’re desperate to have something to report….
By Evelyn on April 28th, 2008 at 12:14 am
Isana, the key to the Mail article was that it didn’t quote “a source” but a “Royal aide” — almost certainly Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, William and Harry’s private secretary who was sitting with Kate and Lady Sarah at the Wings ceremony.
This points to a deliberate feed from Clarence House to maintain the momentum of the Wings event while painting over the “joy flying” stories of recent weeks.
This is a change of tack from the recent low-key policy.
By John on April 28th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Royalist, “Chapter 3457″ is my awkward attempt at satire, implying that this story has gone on and on interminably for five years with no immediate end in sight. I hoped you might get it!
By John on April 28th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Thank you Gigi.
By John on April 28th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Judy, as diary editor of the Mail on Sunday she will have contacts and will be able to phone the press office at Clarence House. If they have something to say, they will feed it to someone in her position. In politics it’s called “news management”.
By John on April 28th, 2008 at 9:04 am
If you read the story, it’s the “Royal aide” who says “Kate … asked William and Harry if they would allow her to build a gym.” It’s quite explicit and it rings true to me.
As Eliza points out, the Queen mother was unlikely to have had a gym there, while her aged, very camp and constantly tippling servants would have been aghast at the very thought.
By John on April 28th, 2008 at 9:11 am
John, I actually did get your “Chapter 3457″ reference!
The story has gone on and on, no doubt, and I found your title to your post highly amusing!
I am quite pleased that Kate has access to a totally private gym at Clarence House. I recall Princess Diana being photographed and harrassed by media at the gym she frequented, which was a commercial establishment outside Royal security, as I recall. The arrangement Prince William has made for Kate is much better and much safer. Excellent notion!
By Gigi on April 28th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Toadstool, I’m not up on cycling laws, but it is illegal to use a cell phone in a car while driving. I don’t think cyclists have to wear a hard hat (but I may be wrong) and I doubt cyclists are prohibited from using mobiles since they will only be endagering themselves.
I would have thought though that the use of a phone while cycling is so fraught with peril that no-one would ever do it. Kate is obviously one of the hardy sorts.
By John on April 28th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Actually, I think she may just be adjusting her sunglasses rather than using a phone. Take a look.
By John on April 28th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
It seems to me that she is adjusting her sunglasses, also, John. I do not see any evidence of a cell phone, however tiny the model. Nevertheless, if she is cycling somewhere other than Windsor or a similarly protected area, I would be grateful if she would carry a cell phone with her, in case she needs to call for assistance.
By Gigi on April 28th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
She’s got a small bag on her back, Gigi, so may have it packed in there.
By John on April 28th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Have you guys seen the Australia version of Woman’s Day Magazine front page. They are saying that William & Kate are set to walk down the isle. I really don’t think it’s something to get too excited about at this time but you can see the cover yourself at LINK
By Claudius on April 28th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
It’s just a punt, Claudius to get you to buy the mag. Inside it will be asking questions : Is this wedding imminent? etc.
Old editors’ trick.
By John on April 28th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Thanks for clearing that up John.
By Claudius on April 28th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
How inconsiderate the Australian press is of the condition of my 60 year old arteries! I very nearly had a heart attack (and a chipped nail) getting to the link provided to read the story!
I believe the best (and least hazardous) course to take for all of us is to be very skeptical of anything not certified by John in Royal Anecdotes. Meanwhile the countdown continues…only 20 days until Peter and Autumn’s wedding, is that accurate?
By Gigi on April 28th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
do we really think she’s living at CH – was that reported back in December??
By coni on April 28th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Coni, it appears as if she is spending a great deal of time there and keeps some of her personal possessions there, although, of course, we really do not know for sure. According to reports, she still maintains a flat in London with her sister Pippa Middleton. If Kate is living at Clarence House, it might have been something that was put in place to assist her with security issues until the engagement is announced. Or, it may be that Prince William simply wished her to be there.
By Gigi on April 28th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Having Kate stay at Clarence House (when possible) would mitigate the need for additional special pre-engagement security for Kate.
If she has several places she could be staying (at her apartment with Pippa, at her parents’ home, at Clarence House, visiting William near his base), that would make it more difficult for the media to “stalk” Kate for photos. And, since we have seen many fewer photos of Kate since she got her clearance for CH, the plan seems to be working. For the sake of Kate’s safety, that’s definitely a good thing!
By Evelyn on April 28th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
good points – i just cant imagine her “hanging out” there when william isnt there but it is good to keep the press “guessing” as to her whereabout until the engagement is announced.
By coni on April 28th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
I did get excited when I first saw the cover of the magazine. However, then I thought that I would get excited when it was officially announced by the Queen or CH. I do think that the story rings true about the gym. First, when she is at CH, there are no photographers ready to snap her picture. She can just relax. Secondly, there is an effort (IMO) to show Kate and William together. This story would demonstrate just how close they have become. First, we have no mention of Kate for months. Suddenly, she is linked to William at five different occasions. (from the charity event to Peter and Autumn’s wedding) It looks like the gym story is just another one of theses events. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
By kat on April 29th, 2008 at 12:36 am
I don’t get it when people say Kate is nothing special. I think she looks gorgeous.
By kit on April 29th, 2008 at 10:32 am
John, I think you are right, Kate is adjusting her sunglasses. Her hand is too far forward to be holding a mobile to her ear.
By Eliza on April 29th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Gigi, I don’t always get it right, just rely on experience if I don’t have hard facts — which are very difficult to come by most of the time. Royal stories are usually a matter of interpretation (Does that ring true?) and it’s easy to get it wrong.
I’m often asked why I don’t stick up the latest sensation from the red tops. The answer is very easy to work out.
By John on April 29th, 2008 at 11:02 am