Kate Middleton absent from leaving party
With the young Royals getting plenty of stick — again — for partying through a recession, another situation is beginning to assert itself.
Prince William and Harry’s “farewell” party at the Whisky Mist nightclub was notable for the absence of Kate Middleton.
The bash was held to see them off before leaving for South Africa to take part in a dangerous 1000-mile motorcycle ride for charity,
Prince Harry and Chelsy Davy were there, as were the now ubiquitous Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. Even Paris Hilton and Christine Aguilera (pictured) made the effort.
There could be many reasons why Kate didn’t attend, of course, but in the context of recent events, it does seem strange.
The Prince recently decided to spend the next seven years as a helicopter pilot in the RAF’s Search and Rescue unit based in various remote locations. Instead of settling down next year to Royal duties and an intensive period learning how to be King, he surprised both Clarence House and the Palace by his abrupt decision.
Since then, Kate has taken a decidedly back seat, working full-time for her parents’ business, Party Pieces. Her only recent appearance was a rather ungainly performance at a rollerskating charity function she organized herself. A revealing fall drew a lot of unfavourable comments from the press.
Prince William and Kate Middleton in happier times
Has this relationship now run its course? Did William tell Kate, “Let’s see how we feel when I’ve finished with the RAF in 2016.”
In the meantime, perhaps, both are free to go their own ways? Is this a low-key split which will have no announcement and few leaks from insiders?
A lot of people think so, including those of us who have supported this couple through the past three years.
John, I’m just now getting back to a computer and I have read your artical. I don’t see anything that is leading to a breakup.
By Claudius on October 17th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Lots of pointers, Claudius, but you could be right. I hope so.
By John on October 17th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
I find it ominous that she wasn’t there, but also strange that the popular press has not jumped on the fact of her absence. You’d think Katie Nicholl would be crowing about it. Perhaps that is yet to come?
By Dan on October 17th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
The Telegraph reporter mentions it without comment, Dan. The Mirror make a dig along the lines of, whatever would Kate think!
By John on October 17th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
It’s odd, one day the press is all over her for a cell phone gasp, the next they don’t mention she wasn’t attending his farewell party? If anything, this was their chance to dance on the KM graveyard of discontent.
Guess those reporters aren’t that bright.
By American Cousin on October 17th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
I hate to sound conspiratorial, but it’s almost like a sudden press blackout around our Kate. Then again, perhaps Katie Nicholl is clicking away at her keyboard just as I am.
By Dan on October 17th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
It doesn’t look good that Kate was not there with William. I am beginning to wonder if it is over for these two. I don’t think she was not there to try to help her image. If that were the case, PW would not want to be shown out and about during these hard times and after reporting soldiers had died. This does seem more ominous to me as well. Although I think they make a great couple, William has not really dated alot before Kate, which probably is why he doesn’t want to commit just yet. I think he has some growing up to do before he marries anyone. I have a terrible feeling he is going to follow in his fathers footsteps where relationships are concerned.
By maddie on October 17th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Well, there’s Amanda Platell’s column in the Mail tomorrow, Katie Nicholl’s on Sunday, Jane Moore’s on Monday, Allison Pearson’s on Wednesday, and Richard Kay’s whenever. Not forgetting Andrew Pierce and various Mandrakes in the Telegraph.
All is not lost.
By John on October 17th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Ah.
So much for my “Kate/media relationship rehabilitation” conspiracy theory.
By Dan on October 17th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Overtime, Harry has grown on me. He seems like the guy you want to have a beer with, seems pretty laid back and more down to earth. Maybe it’s because he doesn’t have to worry as much and he doesn’t have the responsibility. William, it seems, tries to hard. I think I’ve accepted the fact PW won’t marry KM and am OK with that.
Royal wedding is great, but when the time arises, seeing the coronation ceremony will be amazing.
By American Cousin on October 17th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
I hope a wedding comes first. Barring tragedy, it may be 20 years or more before William’s coronation.
Of course, there will be Charles and Camilla’s coronation. That ought to cause a Royal stir.
By Dan on October 17th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Am I too optimistic to think that Kate’s current absent from the public eye is preparation for engagement/wedding?
By Mikado-watcher on October 17th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
NO Mikado-watcher.
By Claudius on October 17th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Maybe she has fallen in a wedding dress fitting room and can’t get up?
By Dan on October 17th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
This really does not look good…but I’m holding onto my optimism by a thread! Someone help me hang on!!!
By Julie on October 17th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Perhaps Kate was smart not to attend as the other party people have been raked over the coals for been drunken wastrels
By Dot on October 17th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
opps..meant to say “for being drunken wastrels”
By Dot on October 17th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Um, Dot…maybe less zip in the tea???? Just kidding of course
By Julie on October 17th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
I don’t understand why Paris Hilton and Christina Aguilera were at “the party”? I think there would be real farewell party that is more intimate and regal for Kate to attend. Who wants to be photographed with Paris?
By Mikado-watcher on October 17th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
It is entirely possible that Kate couldn’t go out that night. Even if they are only “just friends” now, I’m sure they’ll have private time to say their goodbyes.
Perhaps there IS some discord between Kate and the cousins Bea & Euge? Their presence might also explain Kate’s absence, although I have no evidence to back it up.
By Dan on October 17th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
There are a number of possible reasons why Miss Middleton did not attend:
1. She was unwell
2. She had a prior engagement
3. The alleged rift between the Middleton sisters and the Princesses of York is genuine
4. She is keeping a low profile after the savaging she received in the press earlier this week
5. She is keeping a low profile prior to an engagement announcement in the next couple months
6. She and the Prince are no longer an item
Take your pick!
What ever the real reason is I am glad Miss Middleton did not attend the nightclub, can you imagine the headlines if she had been photographed in close proximity to the likes of Paris Hilton?
By Elle on October 17th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Yes, Julie, I’ll stick to the decaf tea when I am typing
By Dot on October 17th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
I agree, a photo of Kate in the orbit of Paris Hilton would have set all the wrong tongues wagging.
As for the York girls, they are quite a bit younger than Kate and, even in the absence of discord, unlikely to be her party crowd. I don’t see them being tight.
Perhaps I should say “close.” Given the frequency of their bar-hopping, I’m sure the York girls are very tight indeed.
By Dan on October 17th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Does William intend to be taken seriously as a future King or not? I mean Paris Hilton & Christina Aguilera!? Still going out to nightclubs in this economy. No wonder he’s not interested in being a full time royal- he would actually have to grow up.
By Lizzy on October 17th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
It’s unclear whether the Royal partygoers knew that the decidedly unRoyal partygoers would be there. I doubt it was a planned event. Surely William’s planners would shy him off of a bar event where Paris would be present.
By Dan on October 17th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
I did see some photos of William sitting near Paris as well but he was not giving her the same attention he gave Christina…I don’t know but it’s not looking good for Kate…that makes me sad.
I also saw photos of W & H as the took off on their trek…all geared up for the bikes with helmets etc. They looked ready to ride
By Julie on October 17th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Despite being drunk, I think PW knew who he shouldn’t to talk. Christina is a married woman with a baby and an established singer. Kate doesn’t need to worry.
By Mikado-watcher on October 18th, 2008 at 1:13 am
I admit on the face of it, things look not so good for William and Kate. I have read through some of the articles on the web. Some of the people say that it isn’t looking good. However, with press repporting , they are all over the board. Some say that Kate has been working hard. Others say that William acted alright. It could have been a case of him doing what he thought was polite. Again, nobody knows for sure. I am hoping that they are still together. I think that we’ll know something soon. I do find it difficult to believe that William would flirt with Christine while her husband is sitting there. Besides according to rumors
on the internet Christine and her husband want too have another baby. That would not be good for another baby.
By kat on October 18th, 2008 at 1:51 am
Prince William is crazy if he lets Kate Middleton go. She has always had his back and clearly loves him. If they do break up, I am sure she will eventually get over him, and go on to live a very happy life —- and most likely end up with another great guy. Meanwhile, I predict William will relive his father’s mistakes in life and always regret he didn’t commit to Kate … his real love. If he isn’t able to commit to her after all these years, she is better off without him.
By DeeDee1961 on October 18th, 2008 at 3:29 am
Ignore the last sentence. Must have been half asleep while posting.
By kat on October 18th, 2008 at 4:38 am
I tend to think this was just a regular night out for the princes and their cousins. It might not even be THE send-off for the princes. As for Christina Aguilera and Paris Hilton making an effort to attend such a party, does anyone else think that they just happened to be there? By other accounts, Prince William didn’t even know Ms. Aguilera and Paris got ‘snubbed’ by the royals. Odd, if they were on good enough terms to be invited to the send-off.
By Maricar on October 18th, 2008 at 4:56 am
Maricar,
Thanks for your post. Do you get any sense of the status of William and Kate? I am trying not to make any truly hasty judgements. Believe me, I don’t want a wedding just to see a wedding. However, there are a lot of us here who are pulling for Kate and William. I don’t know either of them. I do think that they are soul mates. I would be interested in your opinion.
By kat on October 18th, 2008 at 6:35 am
Hi all, I’m afraid I too am uneasy about Wills and Kate’s relationship. I find it hard to believe that Kate would miss a night out with Wills especially if he is going away. Besides Chelsy was there so what happened to Kate? Kate has never missed out on a night out with Wills before even if she is working and the fact he was going to Africa and she missed makes me wonder if there is a rift or they’ve split. I agree with what John wrote. I think after last time it would be better for Wills and Kate if a split was a little more lower profile this time. So it gives both a chance to either get on with their lives or sort their relationship out.
By Fixx on October 18th, 2008 at 9:57 am
The party was in the VIP area of the nightclub, but it wasn’t booked so the likes of Christina Aguilera and Paris Hilton could just walk in.
William tried to avoid Paris, but he approached Christina and spent a lot of time with her.
Amanda Platell has a go at him this morning, calling him “work-shy.” Perhaps she doesn’t realize he’s currently on secondment to the MoD and will spend the next 12 days riding across Africa for charity. Then he begins an arduous seven years as a helipcopter pilot with the RAF, on-call for long periods of time.
I wouldn’t call that work-shy.
By John on October 18th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Well I guess it really is O-V-E-R between them. So be it then. Two adults – why not. Such a pity though.. Kate was and is elegant and classy.
Maybe Prince William should seriously consider the year 2050 for his marriage vows. Or maybe it is too early for him. Thank God there will always be 20-something girls willing to try their luck even with aging romeo.
By Peg on October 18th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
From Kate to Paris Hilton and Aguilera? Really, I’m so disappointed with PW, always partying and drinking… I’m sure this is NOT what Diana wanted for him. I had high hopes for him, but even I have to admit, he’s way worse than his father, I can’t even compare them.
And if he and Kate are really not an item anymore, then his drunk partying is even worse, just like after the other breakup when he was all over the city, messing with girls, lots of booze, touching breasts… future king?
The economy is tanking, soldiers are dying everyday in a endless war, people questioning monarchy more than ever and it seems he just doesn’t care. It’s really sad.
You know what, this is 2008, he is not forced to be king if it’s too much *pressure* for him… he can choose to be another rich spoiled kid, like hundreds others. Like he is behaving now.
I’m depressed now.
By Agatha on October 18th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Agatha, there have been signs for some time that William had his doubts about Kate long-term. I think he made a genuine effort after they got back together last year. But, if something’s not working, why flog a dead horse?
You can fault him perhaps for trying too long when he should have let her go some years since, as Prince Philip advised him to do.
The alternative is for him to accept that nothing is ever perfect and settle for what he’s got. That could still happen, although the RAF career seems to put everything on hold for seven years.
By John on October 18th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Sorry Agatha, it’s not O-V-E-R yet. They are soul mates and just because they haven’t been seen togething in awhile doesn’t mean anything. I have read some other royal blogs and even they is saying that she is trying to fix her image because the press was making her mad by calling her a party girl so she is keeping a low profile now and working at Party Pieces. John, we must continue to show our support for them despite the speculation that is going on. It’s important that we do so, talking about that it’s over won’t help anything.
By Claudius on October 18th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Claudius, it’s the seven years as an RAF helicopter pilot that stands in the way. If he really wanted marriage and children, why put himself in such danger?
He could take the easy way out and serve his country that way, but he seems intent on serving it in another. It only makes sense in the context of his doubts about the relationship.
By John on October 18th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
If I were PW, I would have made a beeline for Christina Aguilera too – married with a baby and husband nearby – would seem like a safe and interesting choice of someone to speak with in a public place.
By Amity on October 18th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
John, lets just wait and see what happens. Everybody is so quick to write off the relationship. I’m sitting here at work and reading the headlines and nobody is talking about a break up. They could still get engaged and married then live on base. Nothing is ruled out it’s just us the public don’t know what’s next. I’m reading that Prince Charles birthday is coming up and Wills and Harry’s girlfriends will joing them in the celebrations. John, nothing is ruled out. Keep the faith my friend.
By Claudius on October 18th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Perhaps Prince William chose to visit with Christina Aguilera because she’s safe, so the tabloids wouldn’t be able to talk about Wills with “another woman.” Maybe he didn’t want to be seen with any single women because he’s still with Kate. Maybe this break (no Kate at the send-off, etc) is just to give Kate a break from all the media attention and the engagement speculation.
As has been said before, we’ll certainly know more in mid-November, when we’ll know if Kate attends any of Prince Charles’ birthday celebrations. That will speak volumes.
By Evelyn on October 18th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
If the Middleton’s business is like others, Kate has probably found herself quite busier than her Royal boyfriend–not so able to spend an evening midweek in the clubs. Kate was also quite burned by her last night out with William, when she showed a bit too much thigh on her way into the backseat of a cab.
I imagine Kate giving William a private send-off to South Africa–one that she has not seen traipsed all over the tabloids the morning after.
Like our friend Claudius, I remain hopeful. Indeed, if they are still together, I like how they’re keeping it below the radar.
By Dan on October 18th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
In my opinion, William has already spoken volumes. He invited Kate to the Garter Ceremony and was with her on vacation. Whether they had planned to go seperately, the bottom line is William got with her at the Austrian wedding. They flew back together. A week later he announces that he is joining the Search and Rescue team. Maybe, William just wanted that job to feel that he is fullfilling a need to help people. With his love of flying what better job? After the Austrian wedding, it was reported that the engagement could be put off for 18 months.
That would be the time of the end of training. It could be that the original statement is the correct one. As for Kate not being at the club with William, it really isn’t a declaration of his wanting to be free and single. It could be that after a long day, she really was exhausted. Working can do that to you. Maybe, she did not trust herself to drive the 2 hours to London. She was afraid that she would fall asleep in the car whil driving. Another thing comes to mind, one of the newspapers said that she could be trying to change her image. By staying away she did just that.
By kat on October 18th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Kat,
As to their status, I really don’t know. But I haven’t seen anything that indicates to me that the relationship is off. Even if Prince William continues with the RAF for a few years, why wouldn’t that be compatible with marriage? It’s been done before (combining military career and marriage). As for Kate not being at this party, it’s not significant to me.
But if they do decide to go their separate ways, I will be saddened. It will be difficult for PW to get to know another girl under the same conditions that he and Kate met. Their relationship has lasted this long for a reason.
By Maricar on October 19th, 2008 at 2:43 am
Perhaps Miss Middleton is going to accompany the princes to Africa? Maybe stow away in the luggage? Thus her presence at the party was not necessary.
I’m not going to guess any more about their relationship until Prince Charles’ birthday. I think that, more than anything, will give some indication, if any, of what is going on.
If they are finished, though, this low-key split is the most ideal. I think it would take away the sting of the shock later on down the line if one of them confirms it. At least this way they can move about however they like.
By Meg on October 19th, 2008 at 2:59 am
There is an interview on the British Royal Wedding site with Dickie Arbiter. It is dated today from Facebook. He seems to think that Kate and William are alright. He said that age is what is holding them back from getting married. It is an interesting angle to the puzzle.
By kat on October 19th, 2008 at 3:39 am
Let’s see if we see them at “welcome back home” party.
By Mikado-watcher on October 19th, 2008 at 5:50 am
My dear John, in my capacity as the Duchess of Marmelade, I really must protest at your usage of the appallingly anti-equine expression, “beat a dead horse.” Egad! That was enough to knock all of us back on our hooves, cry “Fie!” and some of us have said thee “Neigh!”
Of course, since you were clearly in jest, that may have been a horse of a different color. Nevertheless, I do beg that in the future, we take care not to bruise the sensitive feelings of the Duke of Marmelade. 
By Gigi on October 20th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
You’re right, Gigi, it’s a horrible cliche and unsuitable for these politically-correct times, especially as some very distinguished horses read these comments.
By John on October 20th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Sorry your grace but it is spelt Marmalade with an ‘a’ not an ‘e’. I agree with Claudius we should be optimistic and wait to see what Prince Charles’s birthday shows up after all Kate was invited to two of his ‘bashes’.
By Royalist on October 20th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Quite right, Royalist, quite right! I am utterly shocked that I not only misspelled the Duke’s title, but also the word which is the name of my favorite preserve! Twice! I fear that is a result of me drinking too little tea and shall remedy that at once.
My only excuse (other than the tea) is that I was so carried away by the champagne for the Birthday celebration for RA and Syntagma that my reason (and spelling) deserted me. Alas and alack!
By Gigi on October 21st, 2008 at 4:18 pm
If Kate is keeping a low profile then in a way it’ll benefit her after the criticism she’s had in the press because if the press don’t know what she’s doing they can’t write about her in a negative way, as they have no clue what she is up to.
By Fixx on October 24th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Haven’t you heard the saying,”silence is golden”, well we’ve seen the bad press, yes, and we’ve wondered why the RF has not intervened, yes, well haven’t they? I think this is the loudest the RF has been. They have definitely taken the Middletons’ in the fold and are protecting them from further bad press.
By Jacqueline on October 25th, 2008 at 4:45 pm