Prince William and Harry at City Salute
Prince William and Prince Harry were at the City Salute extravaganza in front of St. Paul’s Cathedral last night.
Princes William and Harry with injured servicemen and relatives
Sharing the limelight with the Lord Mayor of London, who presided, the mounted Household Cavalry — their own regiment — various squadrons from the RAF and Royal Navy, Jeremy Clarkson and Joss Stone, the two Princes mingled with the crowd of injured servicemen and their relatives.
Various displays were put on, including a Son et Lumiere light show on the facade of the Cathedral. A banquet was later held in the ancient Guildhall in Cheapside.
It was hoped to raise £500,000 ($1m) for Headley Court Military rehabilitation centre in Surrey.
The first hour was broadcast live by BBC2.
I’m glad for them, they did an excellent job, I think they raised about 1M L (2 M USD). Congratulations to the boys, excellent team work.
By Me on May 8th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Sorry for the double post, I also read today the triple charity visits carried out by PW (one to the elderly, kids, mountain rescue) – he looks adorable and seemed very confy specially with the kids.
By Me on May 8th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
I’m glad to read such positive press about Prince William’s official engagements in Wales yesterday. It sounds like it was hugely successful.
Here’s my out-of-the-blue question:
William and Harry both use “Wales” as their surname. When Charles becomes King, and William becomes the Prince of Wales, I assume that his family and children will continue to use “Wales” as their working surname.
But what about Harry? If he hasn’t been made a royal duke by that point, what surname will he use?
By Evelyn on May 9th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Evelyn, if and when Charles succeeds it will be all change for the sons. Harry — as the then second in line — should receive a title in his own right.
By John on May 9th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Thanks, John. I know we’ve discussed a few possible titles for William, assuming he marries before Charles succeeds (Cambridge was top of the list, if I remember). Have possibilities been mentioned for Harry?
By Evelyn on May 9th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
I’ve not heard any, Evelyn. Maybe Duke of Lesotho.
By John on May 9th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Hahaha John that is hilarious. Is it viable that he could move to South Africa at all or is he pretty much tied to the UK?
By Jackie Mccoy on May 9th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Jackie, I don’t suppose there’s anything to prevent him spending 6 months a year in Africa once he’s finished his Army career — which may end after three years according to speculation.
By John on May 9th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
So… would Harry’s three years be up next April?
By Evelyn on May 9th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
William and Harry both use “Wales” as their surname.
I’ve noticed that too and have wondered why they don’t use “Windsor.” Anyone know?
By Aunt Pierre on May 9th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
John have you seen the latest DM post on Autumn. It’s not very nice at all. They must really be running thin on things to talk about. It’s by Rebecca English not sure how reputable she is (probably not very by the tone of this article) sad really.
By Jackie Mccoy on May 9th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
I just read that article, too, Jackie. As we’ve been saying, this media deal may cause serious problems for Autumn.
It says that the bride’s family will be paying for much of the wedding, and that Autumn’s parents can’t really afford what’s expected. If that’s the case, then that explains the cut-price deals and the funds from the magazine deal to help pay for the wedding.
But the menu for the reception sounds good. Gigi, do you think you could whip up the same for our Royal Wedding Tea?
By Evelyn on May 9th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
I also read it, and I think it was harsh but the part of the deal with Hello Mag matches to what John was pointing out.
By Me on May 9th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
On other news, Zara was named to the British Olympic team today. Not a big surprise, but glad that it’s now a done deal.
By Evelyn on May 9th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Aunt Pierre, Prince William and Prince Harry use “Wales” as their surname because their Father, Charles, is Prince of Wales. Windsor is the name of their Royal House. Just as you will see a newspaper refer to the Earl and Countess of Wessex as ‘Edward and Sophie Wessex,” Prince William and Prince Harry can also be known as William Wales and Henry “Harry” Wales.
Evelyn, I will need to check out that article in the Daily Mail immediately!!
By Gigi on May 9th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Gigi I am always amazed at your weatlh of knowledge and I wondered whether you were a history teacher or just a huge history fan???
As to Autumn I feel bad because if her parents can’t afford it it must be pretty stressful for her & they are just trying to get by. I’m pretty sure she knew what she was getting into but it must be hard all the same. I saw the Maid of Honor movie two nights ago and there is a scene where this poor American girl is being introduced to Scottish Society so to speak and its tough. I feel for Kate and Autumn although Kate is much luckier on the wealth side(parents).
I don’t know whether it was her schooling or natural ability to fit into all things Royal which has helped her deal with dating royalty but she has done really well. Not to say that Autumn hasn’t also performed well but money must become a problem for someone dating an aro at some point if the status isn’t equal & I don’t mean to sound snobbish!
By Jackie Mccoy on May 9th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Well, the Queen has helped a bit by letting them have the wedding at Windsor and the reception at Frogmore; I assume they aren’t paying for those venues. But if the guest list is around 350 (as the article states), the meal alone will cost a fair sum.
Peter must have inheritance from the Queen Mum. I hope he’s taking Autumn on a wonderful honeymoon.
By Evelyn on May 9th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
That’s a very well researched article. It also repeats in a single sentence that William and Kate won’t be attending because they are on holiday. Whether William is boycotting it for the Hello! involvement — it’s apparently agreed to allow some shots of the wedding to be printed in a follow-up piece — is a matter of conjecture.
Strange that the “pull-out” was announced just as the article was published. It does break many of the unspoken rules of major Royal events. I’m surprised the Queen herself has not graciously declined to attend.
We shall see on the day. There are obviously more developments to come on this story during the week.
By John on May 10th, 2008 at 9:48 am
If the Queen and Prince Philip choose not to attend the wedding of Peter, their favorite grandson, we will know that far more is amiss than the publicity deal with Hello. I will be absolutely astounded if that happens. I still think–and hope–that the repeated news that Prince William and Kate are on holiday–is just a dodge to throw the media off the trail. I am eager to see the entire Royal Family, united and happy, celebrating the wedding of Peter Philips and Autumn Kelly!
Speaking of weddings, Jenna Bush weds Henry Hager today at the Prairie Chapel ranch, her parents home in Texas. It is supposed to be 98 degrees here in Austin, as Central Texas summer has arrived. The wedding will be held outside, according to the scant details available to the press about this very private event.
By Gigi on May 10th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
The Daily Mail article talks about how Autumn has always wanted fame. Might it be that Peter will accept some kind of title at this time? It also might help Autumn feel more a part of the Royal Family.
By Evelyn on May 10th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
That is a good idea, Evelyn, and I hope that the title is offered by the Queen and that Peter accepts the title. I have always been furious that Princess Anne, while retaining her Royal title for herself, insisted that her children and husband be given no title. She claims that she wanted them to have a normal upbringing, but I do not see that having a title did Prince William, Prince Harry, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie any harm. Grandchildren of the reigning monarch should be titled.
By Gigi on May 10th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
DM have published an article about the rebranding of Chelsy Davy. I get this article was to be expected given that she is about to meet the Queen………
By jackie mccoy on May 10th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
And what do you think of the article ? it was written by Katie Nicholl, does she have the ‘real’ royal connections to state so much about CD…
By Me on May 10th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
John usually holds stock in what Katie Nicholl says. The article seems sound to me. It’s interesting that Chelsy’s grandfather is quoted. Sounds like they’ve been doing their best to get real info, and not just gathering gossip.
I can’t wait to see what Chelsy wears to the wedding. It sounds like she’ll be just stunning.
By Evelyn on May 10th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Yeah, except for the 7 year mistake…I also found the article ’sound’.
By Me on May 11th, 2008 at 12:23 am
I also thought the seven years was wrong. Whatever gave the author the idea that Prince William and Kate have been together for seven years?
By Gigi on May 11th, 2008 at 3:03 am
Presumably W&K met in 2001, when they started at St Andrews, so that’s where the 7 years comes in. But most feel their relationship probably began in 2003… about 5 years ago.
By Evelyn on May 11th, 2008 at 3:34 am
Interesting that the article says, “their decision not to go to the wedding — they will be on holiday.” The wording suggests a snub, don’t you think?
The word decision has a stern ring to it — or am I too analytical? I find it very strange that they’ve made this decision out of the blue, and for a holiday. The wedding is only one day after all.
By John on May 11th, 2008 at 9:57 am
people site also has the snub article of W&K
By Me on May 11th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
I read the people article earlier this morning. However, I think it might have been withdrawn. I read it under Kate Middleton, Prince William and now I couldn’t find it. People uk is still carrying it on line. It might be that my computer is messing up. If true I find it interesting. I hope that it is just another story put out by the press.
By kat on May 11th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
I apologize. The article is back uner Kate. I was hoping that it was pulled from the internet because the information was wrong.
By kat on May 11th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
I still think they will be at the wedding. There is a documentary on Prince Philip coming on tomorrow called The Duke: A Portrait of Prince Philip. On ITV1.
By Claudius on May 11th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Claudius, the Prince Philip doc looks great. It’s in two parts and may be available to U.S. viewers on ITV.com/catchup — if the software works where you are.
Let’s hope so. I’m looking forward to it tomorrow and Tuesday at 9pm on ITV.
By John on May 11th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
I am dying to see the documentary on the Duke of Edinburgh! Also, I agree that this story about the “snub” sounds like the press is baiting the Royal Family to respond. I still think–and hope–that Prince William and Kate will be at the wedding of Prince William’s first cousin, Peter Philips and his bride, Autumn Kelly. What possible excuse could they have to miss this wedding, if the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are in attendance?!
By Gigi on May 11th, 2008 at 11:56 pm
That she wasn’t invited, that both had a fall out, something really bad to not show up.
By Me on May 12th, 2008 at 12:14 am
Gigi, I hear you need to download Microsoft Silverlight to view the ITV Catchup programs. That should be quite easy I imagine.
By John on May 12th, 2008 at 8:42 am
To download Silverlight go to LINK
Then you can watch the Philip doc at itv.com/catchup once they’ve put it on the system — maybe in a day or so.
By John on May 12th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Thanks so much, John!
There is a splendid article about this program profiling the Duke of Edinburgh in the Daily Mail today. In addition, there is a good photograph of Prince Harry, marching in the Memorial Parade and of Charles taking the salute.
By Gigi on May 12th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
I’m looking forward to it tonight and tomorrow, Gigi. It should be interesting because it was given to ITV after the row with the BBC over A Year with the Queen.
By John on May 12th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Well, well, well! Very interesting, John, to see the chickens come home to roost! That is quite appropriate, I believe, to ‘let the punishment fit the crime.’ Dare we hope that BBC will mend their ways in the future?
By Gigi on May 12th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
It was an excellent documentary, Gigi, and showed a completely different side of the Duke. ITV did very well.
They hired the same writer as A Year with the Queen — Robert Hardman, who wrote the Daily Mail article yesterday.
Watch it if you can.
By John on May 13th, 2008 at 7:37 am