Prince William in the eye of the storm
Prince William is getting rave reviews from his commanding officer while serving a five-week placement with the Royal Navy in the Caribbean.
Prince William in Monserrat on hurricane relief duty
The Ministry of Defence in London said today that the Prince flew by helicopter from HMS Iron Duke to the island of Montserrat to help test the Navy’s response to a 155-mile-per-hour hurricane that could leave hundreds dead and injured, while destroying 95pc of the buildings.
William joined senior officers and local leaders directing 170 people on board the ship. He also took part in a coach crash exercise before returning to the frigate by boat.
Iron Duke Captain Commander Mark Newland said that William Wales, as the Prince is known, is a natural leader. “Sub-Lieutenant Wales, as part of his remit on board, has been involved in the planning from the outset, and that’s primarily in developing a plan and understanding of the nature of the infrastructure on Montserrat.
“With [him], it’s reasonably easy — what you have is an Army officer who understands a military context. He understands instinctively the business of command and where his teams fit in there.
“What I have seen is his ability to integrate very quickly into teams, whether it be at the command level or the very low tactical level. Being sent away with a small group to lead and conduct a particular task — that, to him, is second nature.”
There were recent reports that William has been awarded a service medal by the U.S. Coastguard for his part in the capture of £40m ($80m) of cocaine from drug smugglers during the hurricane season.
It looks like he will return home on August 1 covered in glory. No-one can claim he hasn’t served on the front line — at least in peacetime.
Great story! Prince William’s mum would have been very proud of him.
By Lisa on July 10th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
I didn’t know there was a lot of infrastructure in Montserrat (Caribbean holidays being quite a way out of our budget, so we’ve never been) but William’s mother would have indeed been so proud of her son as he tended to the wounded and dying in the photos I saw. Compassion and competence!
By alsgal on July 10th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
If William gets back August 1st, would it be wishful thinking to expect an engagement August 2nd?!
By lizzy on July 10th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
My guess is that an engagement announcement would be more likely on Monday, August 4, when the Clarence House press office could handle the media side. But, alas, I doubt that everyone will want to work that hard during August.
In late May, John mentioned that he thinks the announcement is more likely when Parliament is in session. Once they recess in July, they won’t be back until October 7.
By Evelyn on July 10th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Hmm… so Parliament has to be in session for there to be an announcement? I still think they’ll do an intentional leak to a friendly paper first. Then the next day or two it will be formally announced by Clarence House.
By lizzy on July 10th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Wait I thought we had established the other day that given the DM article about Kate splitting her time between her family and Williams at Christmas time that an announcement was very unlikely before christmas & probably would happen in 2009? Given that if an announcement was to take place she would be expected to spend xmas with the Royals? Did I miss something?
By Jackie Mccoy on July 10th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Who knows, we just have to wait for it. Pobably early next year.
By Rman on July 10th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Jackie,
That DM article came from Katie Nicholl. She’s not very reliable in my opinion & I don’t trust her supposed insider sources. Some royal watchers, like Ingrid Seward, have speculated the announcement would come after Christmas. But even she said only a very small number of people close to William and Kate would know for sure.
By lizzy on July 10th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
I’m wondering who is going to design the wedding dress for Kate. It has to be a british designer or she can ask anyone she wishes?
By Mikado-watcher on July 10th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
I agree about Katie Nicholl.
Also I noticed that Ingrid Seward, in her editor column at Majesty, wrote something along the lines of “if Kate Middleton eventually marries William.” I found two things a bit strange about that comment: one, the “if” no longer seems to be an “if” to most of us here, but rather a “when.” Secondly, she referred to CM as Kate Middleton, not Catherine. I believe those truly in the know refer to her by her preferred name, Catherine? So, not sure how “inside” she really is either, at least with the younger Royals.
By alsgal on July 10th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
As John has said, “Kate” is the preferred name in all the media, and is unlikely to change soon. What Catherine prefers is another matter entirely.
The only time I see “Catherine” being used regularly is among some of us here at RA– but not all of us are in agreement on that, particularly John.
By Evelyn on July 10th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
I don’t know August just doesn’t feel right to me but you never know….. I don’t think we will hear anything until at least February next year when all of his training has been finished, rather than the news breaking and her being on her own. I don’t think we ever figured out what he is going to do when he gets back from the HMS Duke?
By Jackie Mccoy on July 10th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
I don’t know whether to believe the story that Catherine Middleton prefers to be called Catherine or not, but I decided to err on the side of caution. Catherine is her given name, so I will stick to that for the time being. I would think that seeing and hearing yourself referred to by a nickname not of your choosing would be quite annoying and tedious. Somewhere I recall hearing that Princess Diana did not like being called “Princess Di,” a nickname given her by the media. I love my nickname, Gigi, which was given to me in early childhood, but not everyone appreciates shortened appellations, we must realize.
By Gigi on July 10th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
i dont see an engagement before years end - probably beginning of 2009 with a summer wedding -
By coni on July 10th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
I would love to see an early announcement, but I think it will probably be after Christmas (early next year) as well. She is going to make a beautiful bride. I wonder if she will wear her hair up or be more modern and wear it down. I like the traditional updo, but with hair like hers long soft curls would look great too. I am sure the gown will be spectacular! Hopefully, we won’t have to wait too long.
By maddie on July 11th, 2008 at 12:17 am
Guys did you see this artical on this site?
http://tinyurl.com/56btq5
By Rman on July 11th, 2008 at 4:47 am
Rman,
They’re right about the similarities between Kate and Sophie. However, William and Kate have definitely made the right decision not having her work in a normal 9-5 job. She would be too vulnerable in a situation like that. Remember Sophie ultimately had to quit her PR job after the Sheik scandal.
By lizzy on July 11th, 2008 at 6:07 am
Actually, what I said was, it would be better if Parliament were not sitting when an announcement is made. Politicians get a little grumpy if a big Royal story puts them in the background, and Labour likes to make announcements every day!
In terms of Kate/Catherine, we only have a bit of overblown tittle-tattle to go on. The present Queen is officially Elizabeth, but all her close friends and relatives call her Lilibet.
I can imagine that Kate would prefer to be known as Queen Catherine if/when the time comes. But her sister calls her Kate and so does the world. As I’ve said before, no-one knows who Catherine Middleton is. Try Googling it.
It seems to me to be excessively pedantic to pin this on her now and gives the impression that she’s regarding her Coronation as a shoo-in — which is very dangerous because the British press hates presumption.
By John on July 11th, 2008 at 8:10 am
Rman, that’s a sensible article. I’ve long thought that family background has a lot to do with the success, or not, of a marriage. Sophie, who is close to the Queen, is a good example for Kate to follow. Never mind being the “new Diana”.
By John on July 11th, 2008 at 8:23 am
John,
What did you make of that Evening Standard article about Prince William?
By lizzy on July 11th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Which article was that, Lizzy?
By John on July 11th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
“Actually, what I said was, it would be better if Parliament were not sitting when an announcement is made.”
Sorry, John! Either I completely misunderstood that previous conversation, or seriously misremembered it.
So, if your analysis is correct, an engagement announcement in September is possible, or mid-December to early January.
By Evelyn on July 11th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Probably my bad writing, Evelyn.
William has Army commitments until January, apart from an August holiday, presumably with Kate, so that seems to be the only window until late January. Only the inner circle really knows the answer.
By John on July 11th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
John,
It was the July 9th edition titled, “The Princes and their new imagemakers”. The article details the new PR team for William and Harry. They specifically mention Geoffrey Matthews & Miguel Head.
By lizzy on July 11th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Sophie and Edward are a fine act to follow, as they have brought much dignity and a wonderfully modest and quiet sense of duty to the younger set of Royals. Catherine’s stable family will have no doubt been a wonderful influence on her character growing up, although I’m not so sure if only having one partner in the marriage coming from an intact family statistically makes much difference, as three out of four of the Queen’s children divorced, and they came from a solid union. There is also the sad case of Princess Margaret to consider, who was also the product of a loving marriage, yet she seemed to have many difficulties in life and love.
Statistics and speculation aside, let us wish for the best and hope that as Catherine and William are two sensible and mature adults they will continue on this path to a long and fruitful union.
By alsgal on July 11th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
I can’t raise that artlicle on the Standard’s search facility, Lizzy, but Geoffrey Matthews is the chief executive of Harry’s charity, Sentebale. Miguel Head is totally unknown to me.
By John on July 11th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Regarding nicknames, perhaps the difference lies in who bestows the nickname, John. In the Queen’s case, her nickname, “Lilibet” was bestowed by the Queen herself, as a childish pronunciation of her own name, Elizabeth. If, as you have said, Philippa (Pippa) Middleton calls her sister “Kate,” we must assume that she does not mind the shortened version of her given name. However, she may not be comfortable with the entire world availing themselves of the liberty of this familiarity.
I agree that the possibilities of maintaining a stable and happy marriage relationship are increased immeasurably by being brought up in a family where the parents remain happily married. Naturally there are exceptions to this, but as a general rule, I feel it is a dependable factor.
By Gigi on July 11th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Does anyone know how large a staff Kate would need in her role as princess or duchess?
By Lizzy on July 11th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
My guess would be that she would need a private secretary, and a press officer, minimum and a Royal protection officer and chauffeur. Personal staff (maids, dressers, etc.) are separate from those required because of her Royal duties. John, what is your view?
By Gigi on July 11th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
I forgot an appointments secretary to handle her schedule. I imagine that might be needed also.
By Gigi on July 11th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Gigi what is the difference between and appointments secretary and a private secretary? Or is it simply the difference between a Personal Assistant to handle her private live and an Executive Assistant to handle her business/royal life?
By Jackie Mccoy on July 11th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
On the topic of precursors to happy marriages, the differences between parents and their adult children also play into the mix. In Prince Charles’ case, for example, while his parents have a strong, stable, and happy marriage, Prince Philip did not (to our knowledge) have an affair.
With Charles now married to his mistress, that may actually improve William’s chances for a successful marriage. Some may say that Catherine Middleton “isn’t good enough,” but others have said that the monarchy may have been better off if Prince Charles had been allowed to marry his first choice in the first place.
By Evelyn on July 11th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
I think the personal secretary handles her correspondence, phone calls and the details of her daily life while the appointments secretary masters her calendar, schedules appearances and events and coordinates her schedule with that of the Palace and other entities. She may not need both until she becomes Princess of Wales, but my guess is that as soon as the engagement is announced, her schedule is going to need immediate professional management because the demand of the public to see the golden couple will escalate enormously. When they become engaged, cards, gifts, letters and floral tributes will flood into their domicile from all over the world and each offering will require a thank you note, necessitating an absolute posse of secretaries. The wedding will be 100X that response, I am sure.
By Gigi on July 11th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Gigi,
Thanks. I am a little unclear about Prince William’s office/staff when he starts his career in 2009. We all assumed he would either have his own office within CH or move to another palace like St. James’s. But now there are conflicting reports. Mandrake said that William was looking to employ a PR man or woman for himself. But the recent Evening Standard states that William and Harry will continue to share press officers Geoffrey Matthews and Miguel Head. Which to me makes no sense. As John stated, Matthews is from Harry’s charity. Mr. Head is a press aide from the Ministry of Defense. It would seem unwise for them to continue to share staff & the same office as they do now. William and his future wife will need their own office and employees. Maybe John can shed some light.
By Lizzy on July 11th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
John is the right one to enlighten us on this point, for sure, but until we hear from our fearless leader, I shall venture a guess that Prince William and Prince Harry may share the two press officers until the engagement, or perhaps until the wedding, after which Prince William and his fiance/wife will take on greatly increased responsibilites on behalf of the Queen. It makes sense now for one press officer to be from the MoD, since both Princes are military men, and for one to be alffiliated with Prince Harry’s charities. When Prince William marries, his domicile will change, of course, and offices will be set up for him within or very near his domicile and any needed staff and accommodations will be added. Until his marriage or engagement, perhaps the thought is that there is no need for Prince William to disconnect from Clarence House staff assistance entirely since it is, until he weds, his home. John?
By Gigi on July 11th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Uh oh. Our fearless leader may have some competition. Just kidding, John! Gigi, that makes perfect sense.
By lizzy on July 11th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Here’s a telegraph artical on what’s to come for William & Harry.
http://tinyurl.com/57qpsn
By Rman on July 11th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Thanks for the link, Rman! That scenario sounds very believable to me.
By Evelyn on July 12th, 2008 at 12:10 am
The Guardian also has an article on the changes in the PR staffing for Prince William and Prince Harry. It sounds like Paddy Harverson, communications director at Clarence House, will be overseeing things for the whole family (Charles, Camilla, William, Harry… and their new princesses
). The direction he seems to be taking the Wales branch should give us better stories from a more positive perspective.
John, I’d be interested in your perspective on both the Guardian and Telegraph articles.
By Evelyn on July 12th, 2008 at 3:16 am
Evelyn, I’ve been away for a short while and simply missed those stories. Sorry.
This coming week we have four workmen rebuilding our office, so I may be slightly AWOL part of the time, although I’m hoping I can find a space to use the laptop, maybe sitting on top of a concrete mixer.
By John on July 13th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Evelyn, I’ve just caught up on the Telegraph article — I presume the Guardian is similar, but less supportive.
The crux of the piece is :
It is being masterminded by Geoffrey Matthews, a management consultant who organised the concert to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of their mother. Much liked and trusted by the boys, Matthews has been put in place to stage manage their emergence into public life after they give up the uniform.
But first he has to address a number of sensitive issues. Clarence House will not answer any questions about the two women who may yet become Queen Kate and Princess Chelsy. A new press officer, recently appointed from the Ministry of Defence, may change all that.
It all sounds sensible enough and presumably allows room for the “boys” to make some of their own choices? It doesn’t leave much room for Paddy Harveson though, so it looks as if it will be the separate press office signalled in early reports.
We’ll have to wait and see on that one.
By John on July 13th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Thank you for the clarification, John. Do you believe that this change in arrangements reflects the desires of Prince William and Prince Henry to have more control over their own PR? I am a little surprised at Clarence House, i.e. Charles, being willing to relinquish control over the press office services for his sons, prior to the marriage of either Prince William or Prince Harry. This sounds very unlike Charles, who insists on running the shop himself and does not delegate well, as we know from past experiences.
By Gigi on July 13th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Well, Gigi, William, and possibly Harry, will be leading separate lives as fulltime Royals from January, so they will need extra bodies on the ground. The interesting question is whether William will set up house with Kate or remain at Clarence House. The elaborate press arrangements suggest the former.
Chelsy will be in Leeds until July next year, so will still be semi-detached for much of the year, while Kate will presumably start supporting William in his new role. Which suggests an engagement announcement in February or thereabouts.
By John on July 14th, 2008 at 7:50 am
Just thinking of the hype in January and February waiting for the great announcement, it would create such pressure on the couple and particularly on Kate, wouldn’t it be better to steal a march and announce before people expect?
I know they won’t because tradition and protocol seems to rule but I think it would be sensible.
Also, congrats to William on his duties, it is great to hear that he is a natural leader.
By Eliza on July 14th, 2008 at 10:57 am
There are certainly benefits for announcing in August, Eliza, to get it out of the way for Christmas. If they only said we are officially engaged, details of a spring wedding will be announced in February, that would be a sound move.
By John on July 14th, 2008 at 11:08 am
I agree. If they would be willing to make their plans clear that would probably lessen the frenzy.
By Lizzy on July 14th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Well said, John Also, an August announcement would give some of us more time to prepare Royal Anecdotes Gala Royal Wedding Tea menus and other arrangments, such as elaborate hats for those lucky enough to be invited to the wedding!
Such details are not the work of a moment, I assure you. Coordinating accessories is a life skill. 
Somehow, I fear none of these factors are being considered by those coutiers planning the wedding, however.
By Gigi on July 14th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
I am pretty sure the courtiers will allow enough time for the fashionable to prepare, and for the rest of us
to get our rooms reserved at the Holiday Inn or Best Western in Londontown.
Counting the days until 2009 — and Prince William, do not make me come across the Mighty Pond — marry the Beauty already!
By alsgal on July 14th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
This is getting ridiculous!!! All there is for most people to do is speculate I wish William would pop the question already and announce the engagement. I think Kate/Catherine is the perfect compliment to him, she seems to really understand him and you can see she loves him and I really thinks he feels the same. I have been to other boards and let me tell you some of those posters are totally twisted calling Kate a manipulator and other totally uncalled for names. I want to see how many agree with me here. If Kate were such a great manipulator wouldn’t she already have the ring and be married by now?. Your comments please.
By Trudie on July 19th, 2008 at 1:28 am
Sorry John I forgot to ask you permission for comments to be made. Some of those boards really make my blood boil with the twisted hatred of Kate. Some people need to get a life and stop trashing someone they don’t know and are never likely to meet.
By Trudie on July 19th, 2008 at 1:30 am
Welcome back to a saner forum, Trudie!
Yes, I agree with you about Catherine. She has been more than patient with Prince William. I believe her composure signals that they have an understanding of where they are headed (the altar) and when.
By Evelyn on July 19th, 2008 at 3:51 am
There are people who are negative towards Kate. William and Kate will have to be married for many years before they realize the depth of the love that they have for each other. Maybe even then, they won’t admit it to themselves. With a new PR team and William coming back to England soon, it will be interesting to see how their relationship unfolds. Everyone is waiting for a proposal. William and Kate need to be able to go with their own time table. However, some conrete statement from william has already beem made by the way of the wings, garter, charity event, birthday… I could go on with more.
By kat on July 19th, 2008 at 4:02 am
That’s okay, Trudie, it’s an interesting point.
Clearly, if Kate were as manipulative as some of the psychos seem to think, she would have wrapped the whole thing up long before now. I must say William’s stubborn streak will probably stand him in good stead as Defender of the Monarchy and of the Faith.
By John on July 19th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Thanks John I see we are all on the same page.
By Trudie on July 19th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
I am glad to see you back and posting, Trudie, and I agree with you about Catherine! If she was a manipulative woman, we would have seen signs of it long ‘ere this! These jealous, negative people on the other sites you visited must have personal issues or perhaps their bio-rhythms are out of balance! I would be grateful if they would go resolve their issues, get their bio-rhythms balanced and stop spewing venom! Mercy!
By Gigi on July 20th, 2008 at 3:35 am
Well said, Gigi, John and Trudie! Not only are we on the same page, but almost as if sharing the same paragraph on that same page, if not the last sentence.
Don’t all of the negative people understand that William’s bride is William’s choice, not theirs? William has been educated at the finest schools, appears to be quite competent and sane, and to my mind, the old fossil that it is, certainly seems capable of choosing a suitable bride.
Fortunately for us, that bride is Kate!
By alsgal on July 20th, 2008 at 3:43 pm