Kate Middleton: from Girlfriend to girlfriend
On Wednesday evening, Prince William attended a gala evening of music and food in London to mark the end of his year as Patron of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal.
The constantly solo Prince suggests that Kate Middleton has resumed her role as casual girlfriend rather than the “Girlfriend,” to which she had been promoted, according to recent reports, with the consent of the Queen.
The Grand Finale of the event was at St Paul’s Cathedral in celebration of the end of the appeal for 2008.
Money was raised throughout the year for Wellbeing of Women, which funds research into women’s health, and Orbis, which works to prevent blindness in developing countries.
David Lewis. the Lord Mayor of the square-mile financial district, who should not be confused with Boris Johnson, the publicly-elected Mayor of all London, said of the occasion:
“I have had such a wonderful and exciting year with tremendous support from many people and organisations in the City. I am delighted that many of our friends have joined us to celebrate the Grand Finale to my Lord Mayor’s appeal.”
William now steps down as the Appeal’s Patron.
Quite what this quiet period in Kate’s role signifies for the future is not yet crystal clear. My guess is that the high spot of the relationship has passed and an enduring friendship has replaced it.
The Prince will be fully occupied from January with an 18-month spell of intensive training as a helicopter pilot with the RAF’s Search and Rescue unit. The belief is that he will make the grade and go on to serve for up to six years in various remote spots around Britain, and possibly abroad.
Marriage, it seems, is the last thing on his mind.
As for Kate, she is rebuilding her life and expectations within the Middleton family business and, no doubt, will re-emerge into the London night scene as the fancy takes her.
From capital to lower case - I think you are right, John. And that is a very perceptive way of describing the changes. It is a shame but I think it has been heading that way for a while now.
By Abby on November 7th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Abby, I believe that’s how it’s described in Palace circles too, implying an upgrade in status and privileges.
There’s definitely been a change since the SAR announcement and that seems the best way to express it. What goes up, comes down.
By John on November 7th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Sigh!
By Julie on November 7th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
What are the long term effects? Lets say it is over and Wills is in the military for the next 6 years. Afterwards he becomes a working royal. I find it hard to believe that as a working royal he’ll find time to A) Meet somehow B) Trust that person and C) Have time for dating.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he just stays a bachelor for life, seems to fit him actually.
By American Cousin on November 7th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
If that’s true, that is very sad.
In my view, she was amazing, she kept quiet while her name, her family and mostly her own mother were completely TRASHED on the media, while PW and RF/CH never said a single word on their defense. I guess if you are not royal you are nothing, even though the future king may be in love with you.
I’m sure she put up with that because she thought PW would marry her. He loved her, didn’t he? Those are the sacrifices that have to be made if you love a royal and she did her part. But then, out of the sudden (and it WAS out of the sudden, no sugar-coating here please), PW *realizes* he doesn’t love her enough to get married and that’s it. From vacations with her family and weddings a couple months ago to “oops, I don’t love you, see you later!”
I believe he will regret his decision later, and it’ll be too late. But maybe not, what am I saying? He will marry a much younger aristocrat, have gorgeous babies and then he will try to go back to his lost love. I just hope Kate is happily married at that time and say NO to him.
Oh well, like father, like son…
PS: how long do you think will be for the spin “PW matured a lot, he’s so serious and responsible now, a perfect adult, while Kate is only interested in parties and fashion, blablabla…” Disgusting.
By agatha on November 7th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Agatha, Prince Charles is rather fond of Kate, and put his solicitors at her disposal when she was persecuted by the media.
Both the Queen and Camilla have supported her in their various ways, but the Queen is old enough to know that romances sometimes fade away, not through nastiness, but because it happens — to the nicest people.
It’s been obvious to me for some time that the “first fine careless rapture” has been missing for a long while, replaced by a solid friendship. That’s not a bad outcome for a college romance six years on.
By John on November 7th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Hopefully Kate will keep away from the club scene for the most part. That would not be a good way to re-emerge Post William, if that is truly what will happen.
At this point, I hope she IS moving forward with her life, as though she will not be with him forever. If she ends up being his wife…great! If not, at least she won’t be wasting anymore time waiting for something that may never come.
Sometimes, moving on like you don’t need/want your man is the quickest way for him to realize he really does want you!
Either way…I hope for a definate resolution soon.
By Claire on November 7th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Well, it’s been rekindled before. I suppose it could be again.
By John on November 7th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
I still believe there’s some strategy in all this. I think advantage is being taken of William’s and Harry’s delight in the military, where they will serve meaningfully while their father, aunt, and uncles and their spouses (and THEIR older relatives and their spouses) fill the Court Circular calendar of events. Honestly, how many “full-time working Royals” can the Kingdom keep occupied at one time? The Royal Family is getting thick at the top (and here come Beatrice and Eugenie!), and that’s not the ideal Way Forward.
I believe both William and Harry will marry in their grandmother’s lifetime. But they will be military couples rather than “working Royal” couples for the intermediate future. Everything in its time, I think.
By Dan on November 7th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Maybe Prince William becomes from Boyfriend to boyfriend too ?
By Mikado-watcher on November 7th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
One can only hope, Mikado-watcher…I’d hate to think of her being more heartbroken than necessary…
By Claire on November 7th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
If KM shows to one of the birthdays, wouldn’t that change her status from girlfriend to Girlfriend?
Seems you wouldn’t bring a casual date to such a big birthday party, even if you were dating the girl for 6 years and decided to be “just friends.”
If he is going to make a break of her, just break it off, enough of his picking and choosing the time to bring her out of the closet and show her off.
By American Cousin on November 7th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Ah, Mikado…I like the way you thing
If William/Kate have lost the blush…as it were…it’s the right thing to do. I just want them both to be happy and I would say that each of them will be a great catch when they are ready to be caught, maybe by each other, and maybe not.
I don’t think that William has the option to NOT marry/procreate does he?
By Julie on November 7th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Excuse me, that would be “think”…sorry, my fingers got away from me as often happens
By Julie on November 7th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Thanks, Julie. I often misspell like B as b for instance, but that will be fixed eventually…..
By Mikado-watcher on November 7th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Ok! has a story that PW told a young woman with a stutter to think of him naked so that she could relax and speak. I’m thinking that’s pretty tacky…for him to say and them to cover? Or is that likely to be all made up? Would anyone relax if he said that to them? I suppose it would make me forget that I was stuttering!
By Julie on November 7th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
I like to think everyone has the option NOT to marry/procreate, even Kings. There are plenty of people in the line of succession to guarantee that the House of Mountbatten-Windsor will flourish, in the event William’s marital fortunes do not.
Remember, when Princess Elizabeth of York was born in 1926, her Uncle Edward (known in the Family as David, later Edward VIII) was heir to the Throne and there was no reason to believe she would be reigning 82 years later as HM Queen Elizabeth II. Her advent was born of crisis, to be sure, but many other second sons (Edward’s father, George V, for example) have secured the succession smoothly.
Mind you, I’m not writing William out of the picture, but he and the Family do have options!
By Dan on November 7th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Julie, it does seem an odd prompt to overcome nervousness, and the Prince of Wales website doesn’t include that excerpt from the conversation!
He’s human, inclined to self-deprecate in order to put the public at ease, and at times the wrong thing slips out. (He also ended his words by saying the “guys” in the audience were probably more interested in the food and drink than listening to him speak.) He’s got a lot to learn from his Grandmother.
By Dan on November 7th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
I suppose he’s trying to humanize himself but that does seem a bit much
As for the “options” I’m wondering if that wouldn’t have a devastating effect on the monarchy?
By Julie on November 7th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
I think it would depend on the circumstances. If William became a successful and beloved King who simply had no children, I don’t think passing the crown to his brother or his brother’s heir would upset the monarchy. It’s happened before.
If something more unseemly were to necessitate Harry and his heirs taking over—what happened in 1936, for example—that might be a bigger problem. Then again, the monarchy survived 1936.
That was a much different time. No one knows how the 21st century Kingdom would respond to an uneasy succession.
By Dan on November 7th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
All I can say is “hmmm…”
I’m at a loss for words.
By Meg on November 7th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
John, I don’t agree with the idea of a demotion from “Girlfriend” to “girlfriend”. There is no logic to the idea, because this is the 2nd dinner for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal that Kate didn’t attend with William.
William attended the Lord Mayor’s Appeal dinner last year to kick off his year of being the Patron, (does everyone remember the photos of that older woman wearing the gold dress and the unseemly, extremely big cleavage who was in William’s face, and he didn’t look down?) and Kate didn’t attend then.
Kate also didn’t attend this year when William had a send off engagement for the participants of the Cycle of Life trek in Africa in April, nor was Kate present at any of the appearances Wills made with the children in Wales in May, nor the evening parade for the City Salute to benefit the injured soldiers, nor was Kate or Chelsy present in Africa, nor were they present at any other Royal duty or charity appearance this year that was on the Prince of Wales website that didn’t include some personal milestone for William himself.
Kate attended Wills’ Wings ceremony and his Knight of the Garter ceremony. Both of those things were personal life achievements for Prince William, and Kate attended in her capacity as his girlfriend. In 2006 she attended his passing out parade, again in the capacity as his girlfriend.
As she has never been present at any other type of official ceremony that’s mentioned on the Prince of Wales website, such as the Remembrance day ceremony or the Trooping of the Colour, for instance, and she wasn’t present at the Lord Mayor’s Appeal dinner last year to kick off William’s year as Patron, why would anyone expect her to attend the Lord Mayor’s Appeal Dinner to end William’s year as Patron?
I mean no offense to anyone, especially you, John. But I don’t see the logic in even assuming she would be there in the first place, or assuming something is wrong or that her status has changed because she wasn’t. If she wasn’t there before, why would she be there now?
I think it’s illogical to assume Kate would ever do any joint charity projects or royal duty appearances with William in public unless they had already announced their engagement. I think she will continue to attend any milestone events in William’s life, like any good and decent, caring girlfriend would; I even think she is still his Girlfriend with a capital ‘G’. Nothing that has happened so far says that she isn’t.
I believe that Prince William and Prince Harry’s private secretary Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton knew exactly what he was talking about in the first week of September (this year) when he said that there wouldn’t be any engagement announcement for more than 18 months or so. I think that people who thought the engagement announcement was going to come sooner got it wrong, and now they’re confused because it all looks different. I’ve always felt that we wouldn’t hear anything until the end of 2009 sometime, and I really feel that that time frame and circumstances makes the most sense, especially in light of William’s committment to the RAF SARF. Only time will tell of course, but that’s my thought.
By mapleleaf on November 7th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
straw clutching much!? I think I will go with John’s G to g. I believe its a slow let down. Chelsy was at the leaving party with Harry! I believe Kate is keeping a low profile, more than likely with a wait and see attitude on William next move.
By london4704 on November 7th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
mapleleaf,
I think you have to look at how Kate is treated vs Camilla and Sophie. In that context Kate Middleton really is just a girlfriend if she is still that. Those 2 women regularly attended royal gatherings, charity events, etc with Charles and Edward. Even Zara’s boyfriend has been photographed with the Queen at Peter’s wedding.
By lizzy on November 7th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
mapleleaf…hope you’re right…think John is
Time will tell…I do wish I had your memory though…;)
By Julie on November 7th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Both Kate and Chelsy were at Peter’s wedding also, and neither Sophie nor Camilla were present at ANY charity event with their royal ‘boyfriends’ in an official capacity before they were married.
Check the history of what I’m saying by looking the old articles, especially regarding Sophie. Sophie attended several weddings and personal functions, but she wasn’t present at any official charity events or a participant ( as a sponsor ) at any official charity event or royal duty event until after an engagement announcement had been made.
The same goes for Camilla. Camilla had her own charity, but she did absolutely nothing in conjunction with Prince Charles in an official capacity until after they were married. Camilla was not present as a co-chairperson, a co-sponsor, or a co-anything until she was the DoC. And the same goes for Sophie.
So to say that Kate’s status has changed because she wasn’t present at the Lord Mayor’s Appeal dinner doesn’t work. Kate wasn’t present at the Lord Mayor’s Appeal dinner last year either, so what’s the explanation for that?
Not only that, but at least Kate WAS present for the Wings ceremony and the Garter ceremony. Sophie wasn’t present at any ceremonies for Edward until after they were engaged. So looking at the context of how Sophie was treated versus Kate, and Kate comes off pretty well. Sophie attended important weddings, and so has Kate. As I said in my previous post, I think Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton knew what he was talking about in September. I think as time passes we’ll find out that Jamie was absolutely correct.
The problem doesn’t lie with William and Kate, the problem lies with us for having the wrong expectations, and then deciding their relationship has diminished because OUR expectations didn’t come to fruition. That’s not the fault of William and Kate’s relationship, that’s our fault. William and Kate are probably doing just fine together as a couple.
Kate has kept herself very low key all year long, especially at the beginning of this year. This time period is no different. I understand that the Daily Express and Hello Magazine both stated that Wills and Kate were at Birkhall this past weekend. It’s quite possible they were there, but since there are no photos there’s no way to validate the Express’ claims. That doesn’t meant they weren’t there though, but in the interest of being logical I have to let that idea sit on the back burner unless some photos pop up that will validate the story.
But regardless of the any Birkhall photos from this past weekend, I think the future will tell it’s own tale, and I think many of us will be very pleasantly surprised to find that Wills and Kate are still going strong together.
By mapleleaf on November 7th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Sigh!
John, what can I say … you called it. As for Kate, I hope she finds her prince.
As for William, I respect John and others on his polite forum too much to vent my feelings here.
(For who can doubt that he made many promises in private, given the enormous sacrifices both she and her not-spectacularly wealthy family made. Promises that he is now going back on.
Modern Royals are … in the final analysis … in search of a role, seriousness … gravitas. Marriage to a college sweetheart helps; marriage at 35 to a 20 year old trust fund babe may not.)
By Alicia on November 7th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
“The problem doesn’t lie with William and Kate, the problem lies with us for having the wrong expectations…”
Mapleleaf,
Are we the only ones whose expectations were wrong?
What about Kate’s expectations?
By Alicia on November 7th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Well, John, you may be right, but it is a fact that neither Girlfriends nor girlfriends have any history attending official engagements with their Princes before they are engaged. Weddings yes, charity events no.
It seems as though we were all once content in expecting an announcement this Christmas, not before. What changed all our minds? A lack of Mahiki and Boujis sightings?
My money’s on W & K. I’m not giving up, no matter if she HAS been hustled into the witness protection program!
By Dan on November 7th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
And no, I don’t buy the assumption that the continuation of his military career puts the kibosh on the relationship. Officers marry everyday.
And if they were broken up, wouldn’t Kate be doing what she did last time, hitting the clubs with Pippa to put the best face on her situation? How come we’re the ones drawing this break-up conclusion while the press isn’t saying a peep? The press certainly wasn’t quiet about it last time.
I may be the last holdout (it’s you and me, mapleleaf!) But I’m sticking with them. Call me a hopeless romantic.
By Dan on November 7th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
I think it’s possible William will repeat his father’s story. He will let Kate drift away and eventually she will marry and have children. When he finally gets out of the military he’ll look around and realize that all the women his age have married, so he’ll find a young aristocrat, marry her, and have children. All the while he will be pining for what “might have been” with Kate.
Improbable? Maybe, but I can see it happening.
By Miss Marple on November 7th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Dan and Mapleleaf I’ll stick with you too. I would be surprised if they weren’t still together. I think that this is the handiwork of Miguel Head. It was stated that he would take on the task of having the engagement announced. In the article telling of when he was hired, the article said that it would be a lengthy process to change the status of prince william and Kate from them as a couple to them as an engaged couple. I doubt that she would be out of the picture if they had broken up. I think that some news would have been leaked out to the press. Instead we have an article about them entertaining guests at Birhall. We also have the article that Kate will be at William’s side for the party of Prince Charles at High Grove. The next week will tell us something. A big fuss will not be made by them until after Prince Charles’s birthday. I think then we will see a lot mor e of Kate and William. I am still keeping my fingers crossed.
By kat on November 7th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
I think this”Girlfriend to girlfriend” is a part of reinventing Kate period that keeping her low profile (and no paparazzi) while William is on the RFA’s training. Eighteen month will be long enough to transfer Kate to a serious working woman who helps her family business.
At the meantime, there will be preparations for the Big Day. It will be easier to keep Kate low key if they want to get everything ready before the engage announcement.
Call me denial, but If they are no longer together there is no reason to call Kate “girlfriend”.
By Mikado-watcher on November 7th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
well..the bottom line is none of us really knows what the heck is going on - am sure whatever path they follow will be the right one for them..was looking forward to gigi’s little tea -
perhaps we can find another reason to celebrate
By coni on November 7th, 2008 at 11:56 pm
I wasn’t saying either Camilla or Sophie attended events in an official capacity. I’m saying their positions in their princes lives were clear and more established than Kate’s appears to be. Camilla lived with Charles and Sophie with Edward at BP. Camilla had her own small staff even before an engagement. She regularly attended events with Charles as his companion. Sophie also spent a lot of time with the royals at holidays and royal functions before her engagement to Edward. W&K may very well get married. However, Kate should be nervous. It’s been almost 6 yrs. William can leave her high and dry at any time. And if their relationship were to end badly William and his friends could easily turn on her.
By lizzy on November 8th, 2008 at 12:51 am
Thank you, coni, for reminding us why we’re all here:
…was looking forward to gigi’s little tea -
Priceless.
I believe all is well in RAshire. News is coming we will all cheer. Absent that, among this clan there will always be reason to celebrate.
By Dan on November 8th, 2008 at 1:44 am
Coni -
Gigi has graciously offered to hostess a tea in honor of Charles birthday. I’ve promised to learn how to make apple martinis (for myself if no one else is interested ;)) and we’re all looking forward to celebrating.
I have no doubt that Gigi will invite you as well. Quite sure your invitation has simply passed the long way through cyberspace!
Of course there will be red velvet and many other sumptious treats!
By Julie on November 8th, 2008 at 1:49 am
Count me among those who believe that Prince William & Kate have not broken off their relationship. We may not know exactly what is going on behind closed doors, but I suspect something important is going on… just at a slower pace and out of the limelight. They will not upstage Prince Charles’ birthday.
By Evelyn on November 8th, 2008 at 3:17 am
BBC.com is reporting that one of PW & PH’s aides, Geoffrey Matthews, will be leaving his position as projects secretary at the end of the year. With Prince William off to more military training, there won’t be enough work for Matthews.
This is yet another indication that Prince William’s decision to try SAR was sudden and unexpected.
By Evelyn on November 8th, 2008 at 3:30 am
Mapleleaf, you’re reading what you want to see into everything. I didn’t say it was off because of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal — give me some credit. The SAR decision is crucial to everything, as I’ve been saying for weeks and weeks.
As Evelyn points out, even William’s new adviser is leaving because there will not be enough work for him. He was the man who was supposed to help Kate during the transition. The whole operation is being wound down because of William’s sudden decision to head for the hills for up to seven years.
Why does anyone suppose Kate has all but disappeared for nearly three months? The Birkhall “sighting” appeared in the Express, which is not reliable. Frankly, I have difficulty accepting it’s true at all, especially as the owners, Charles and Camilla were away in the Far East at the time.
It’s possible that Kate might appear at Charles’s 60th because she apparently has an invitation. My information is that Kate and William are still friendly. But, as with the last party there, it will probably be low key, and will not mean much.
A few months ago, there were many sightings of William and Kate dining a deux at restaurants all over London. Although William is now doing a number of engagements in London, there are no more of the cosy tete a tetes.
Go figure.
By John on November 8th, 2008 at 8:07 am
I have loved following RA for some time now and while usually happy with my lurking, would like to throw my two cents in here. I truly wish William could make the commitment to get engaged to Kate, but I think John is right.
After 6 years together, most marriages start to shift and these two have never taken that step which, for better or worse, does help you weather the emotional shifts that come along. Living with your best friend is fantastic, but you have to want to hang in there and see what happens as you grow older together. It is still love, just a different, really more expanded version.
I have a sad feeling that William will wake up some years hence and realize she was the one, but who knows? I think the SARS decision says it all and he has been trying to protect Kate from the terrible stories that will follow if it comes out that they have separated again. This way they can keep a friendship, begin to build their new lives away from each other and begin to heal from the loss of having a steady partner.
There is no reason they could not have become engaged and be a military couple. It happens all the time, but everything that hinted at such an event is gone. I wish them both well and happy marriages at some point in their future, together or not.
By Katharine on November 8th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
John, do you have any idea why the press hasn’t covered Kate not being seen around more, that is, why there isnt’ more speculation in the press as to what is up with the relationship? Heavens knows, I’m not suggesting that any outlets do. But I’m wondering if it’s because they know or think they know the relationship is not ending in a marriage. Hopefully, if that’s the case, they also have a sense of compassion and are willing to let Kate move on without being chronicled by the press. On the other hand, there hasn’t been a lot of photos/news about Chelsey, either. I wonder if something more is up–perhaps Chelsey and Harry aren’t selling a lot of papers these days without a Royal wedding in sight.
By Ameilia on November 8th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Ameilia, there’s not much of a story in someone who’s not visible and making waves. It’s probably as simple as that.
If Kate makes a reappearance — and anything’s possible in this story — the snappers will be out in force. I suspect it, though, it “will never be glad confident morning again,” — but I hope I’m wrong.
By John on November 8th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Hello John, I just read your new artical and have read other royal blogs. We have no idea if that Geoffrey Matthews was incharge of Kate’s transition. If Kate do go to Charles’s Birthday Party no we probably won’t get any pictures but probably hear about her being there. They could have entertained some friends at Birkhall even when Charles & Camilla was away. There seem to be a strategy to what they are doing. Many royalist is assuming that William is running from Kate just because of the SAR decision but we don’t know that. I guess we just have to wait and see how all of this will play out. That’s what I like about this couple, we can try to predict what will happen or what has happened but we just don’t know until the fat lady sings. That’s why I’m trying to get across that we can’t be too quick to write that relationship off. I can only get to a computer everynow and then and when we see them together, people comment on how good they look and how in-love they are then when they aren’t seen together in awhile and we learn alittle about William’s future with SAR, then you start seeing comments like well that relationship is “over.” We just can’t be too quick to do that. I have been following this site for awhile now and we should know that William & Kate is very tricky, you can’t predict what they will do.
By Claudius on November 8th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
John, I’m truly not reading what I want to see into everything, I’m just attempting to state things as they are. For instance, Kate’s absence from the Lord Mayor’s Appeal this November was mentioned, but her absence from the Lord Mayor’s Appeal last November was not mentioned. But logically if she was absent from the same event last year, why would there be any reason to think she’d be present at the event this year?
And John, I’d really like to stress the fact that I mean absolutely no offense to you or anyone else by what I say, it’s just that I’m an infinitely practical person and logic is my favourite medium to use when gathering my thoughts.
I realise that sometimes I’m blunt and lack delicacy in expressing myself, but I’m very literal minded, and I’m afraid that comes across in my writing. So I apologise for anything that seems as if I’m trying to be deliberately offensive.
Regarding SAR, I agree that the decision by William to join the RAF SARF was a big deal, but even though I think it was a big surprise to us members of the public, I don’t think it was a surprise to Kate Middleton at all. Below I’ve quoted from an article released on the 3rd of May, 2008. Those quotes show the reasoning for my thought process regarding William and him telling Kate about his SARF choice:
“PRINCE William has applied to fly air sea rescue helicopters with the RAF….”
“The 25-year-old has submitted a request to join the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre, based at RAF Kinloss in Scotland.”
“Top brass are considering his application and carrying out a risk assessment.”
“If successful, Wills – patron of the Mountain Rescue Council of England and Wales – will fly Sea King helicopters to assist ships in distress or people lost at sea.”
“Army officer Wills is said to be frustrated that, as second in line to the throne, he will never take part in combat.”
“He earned his RAF wings last month after a stint with the service – during which time he took the controls of a Sea King at an air sea rescue unit in Barnstaple, North Devon.”
“Earlier this week he flew a jet to the badlands of Afghanistan.”
“Royal protection sources say he is now determined to be given the opportunity to fly rescue missions. One told The Sun: “There are still major concerns because rescue situations can be very dangerous. But His Royal Highness doesn’t want to be wrapped in cotton wool.
“He sees air rescue as the perfect opportunity to prove his mettle and serve his country.””
The article I took the quotes from was published on the 3rd of MAY of this year. That date was more than 2 weeks AFTER William had completed his RAF secondment and earned his Wings. We all saw the photos and the videos of Kate’s presence at his Wings ceremony, and many of us (including myself) have seen the photos of Kate seeing off William and giving him a big hug just before he took off in the Chinook helicopter that very same day, headed for the Isle of Wight. (for those who haven’t seen those pics, I will include some links to the photos in different posts. The spam catcher would delete or delay my comment if I put all the links together.)
My point is simple: Why would The Sun know about William’s application, but not Kate? And if she didn’t know before the 3rd of May, she certainly knew about it afterwards, because the rest of the world knew about it. I don’t see the logic in assuming Duncan Larcombe knew more about Wills’ plans for his life than Wills’ very own girlfriend.
By mapleleaf on November 8th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
I would say that it’s POSSIBLE that they are taking some of the drama away so that they can slow things down a bit but I doubt that they are adding drama or trying to be tricky.
Although it’s not what I would wish for, I would say that they are most likely backing off from each other a bit.
I HOPE that all is well and they are on track and happily just being subtle in their planning.
I do like the theory that they are trying to allow Charles his lime light so that he can be the focus for his birthday. We will see won’t we?
By Julie on November 8th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Another bit of logic for us to consider is that absolutely everything regarding William’s job with the RAF SARF that was written in Duncan Larcombe’s article on 3rd May has proven to be true. Let’s just think about the implications of that for a moment. Everything Duncan said in his article 6 months ago has been validated by time and by William and the MoD, and proven to be totally correct. That means that Duncan Larcombe wasn’t guessing, he was giving out accurate and specific information that had to have been given to him from someone in a position to know exactly what they were talking about. If nothing else, time itself proves that 1 simple fact.
Also, it’s very unlikely that 3rd May was the day William put in his application for the job, seeing as 3rd May was a Saturday and all. So William had to have submitted his application before Saturday, 3rd May. I say again, this decision of William’s was a surprise to the public, but it shouldn’t have been because Duncan told us about it 4 months before it was officially announced.
I guess this lets us know that maybe we should pay a bit more attention to what Duncan Larcombe has to say.
By mapleleaf on November 8th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
I’m very sorry for so many posts, but I don’t think I could put everything into one single post or even two posts.
As for Geoffrey Matthews, the man who is leaving William and Harry’s PR team, I think there is a totally different explanation for his leave-taking than the fact that William isn’t going to need his services. I think Mr. Geoffrey is being made redundant because of the snafu with Sentebale.
Let’s not forget that Sentebale has been in the press a lot lately because of claims of funds mismanagement. I don’t imagine Harry is very happy with the situation regarding the monies given to Sentebale and how they’ve been used so far.
Sentebale is probably a project that is extremely close to Harry’s heart, and I imagine that the success of the project and the charity’s ability to help the children the way it was designed to help and aid them is very very important to Harry. His name and reputation are tied up in this project, and allegations of funds being used or misused can not possibly be what he wants the media to focus on.
Look at this article about Geoffrey Matthews leaving William and Harry’s employ. It says that Geoffrey is not just leaving the PR team, he’s leaving Sentebale’s employ as well:
http://tinyurl.com/5n3oko
The article says Matthews will no longer be the Chief Executive of Sentabale, but he will stay on as a “Trustee”. My question is, why should he have to be replaced as Chief Executive of Sentebale just because he won’t be a member of William and Harry’s PR team any longer? After all, Miguel Head is certainly going to continue in HIS capacity as the head of William and Harry’s PR team. Only Matthews is leaving, Miguel Head is going to continue on. I’m sure I’m not the only person who’s noticed that little fact.
The only logical reason Matthews would no longer be the CEO of Sentebale is because they no longer want him for that job. Because he could certainly have continued as the CEO of Sentebale even if he was no longer on the PR team. After all, we’re talking about the man who organised the Concert for Diana. You would think that if he was considered to be valuable enough, they’d get rid of Miguel Head and keep Geoffrey Matthews for the PR team and the CEO of Sentebale instead. But they’re not keeping Matthews and getting rid of Miguel Head, they’re doing the opposite. Why? Geoffrey Matthews was supposedly going to be the HEAD of the PR team, and Miguel was his second. But now they’re keeping the second and getting rid of the guy that was going to be in charge? And not only that, but they’re removing him from his CEO position within Sentebale as well?
It’s obvious to me that the reason Geoffrey Matthews is being removed from these position is related to Sentebale.
Sure William’s decision means that less work will need to be done by their PR team, hence the need for 1 less person, but that couldn’t have been such a big surprise to Clarence House. After all, Clarence House knew at the end of April that William wanted to do the RAF Search and Rescue Force thing, they had to have known. I do not for one single minute believe The Sun newspaper knew information about Prince William’s job application that Clarence House didn’t know.
Therefore, CH knew that William had applied, and they knew that he would be doing less duties than was previously outlined because of the job he’d applied for. That means that they knew ahead of time that Geoffrey and Miguel would have less work to do if William was accepted. Not only that, but the announcement was made during the 2nd week in September. It’s now the 2nd week in November. What took them so long to decide that Geoffrey Matthews wouldn’t be needed? And as I said before, why is Matthews leaving instead of his second, Miguel Head? What’s the logic behind that decision? And as I said before, why is Matthews also being removed from the CEO position as well?
I think Matthew’s removal has to do with Sentebale moreso than it does with the reduced PR duties.
By mapleleaf on November 8th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Oh, and for those who want to read the article I kept referring to about William’s decision to join the RAF SARF, here it is:
http://tinyurl.com/6xqr9c
I hope everyone forgives me for such long posts, I had a lot I wanted to say about the subject. My thought is that William and Kate are keeping things low-key the way they did from August through November of 2007, and the beginning of 2008, as a means of both restoring Kate’s reputation and keeping the focus on William instead of Kate.
Remember how quiet things were for Wills and Kate after they got back from the Seychelles? We didn’t see photos of them after that until November, except for that 1 appearance leaving Boujis’ and the deer stalking with Kate and Charles in October. Other than that it was quiet. And at the beginning of this year it was extremely quiet and very few photos of Kate were seen, and none of Kate and William together. It was so quiet that misguided journalists claimed William and Kate were on the rocks, only to get proven totally wrong when Kate popped up in Klosters.
I think the same sort of thing is what’s going on now, only the goal this time is for the silence to repair Kate’s reputation, put the focus solely on William, and remove Kate from the public eye. I think it’s Miguel Head’s strategy, and I think it’s working.
By mapleleaf on November 8th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Mapleleaf, it is working. They are making the repairs but not throwing Kate away. I knew that when I read that artical on Geoffrey, people would automatically think that he was the one handling the William & Kate situation but he’s not, Miguel Head is now in charge. I think Harry was very upset about the whole money situation because he cares about that charity so much and the story in the Daily Mail about what was going on made it look like the charity just wasn’t doing it’s job properly. Harry seem to have made that situation better.
By Claudius on November 8th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Might this be the penance that is being expected of Kate based on her ‘disco nights’ photo on her back in roller skates? I’ve seen postings that they had a disagreement over this. Could she just be adhering to guidance to maintain her Girlfirend position?
By Cate on November 8th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Mapleleaf, your “logical” mind is in fact an obsessive one, which insists on being right at all times.
You also have a selective memory — I forget how many times I’ve answered your constantly repeated points.
It becomes rather wearisome after a time.
By John on November 8th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Katherine, thanks for the voice of reason.
By John on November 8th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
The Daily Mail (online version– no author listed) has an article on W&K that says they’re still together. Kate is ready to wait for William as long as necessary. Her “disappearance” is due to an agreement between them to have her out of the limlight, away from paps.
By Evelyn on November 9th, 2008 at 1:43 am
Unfortunate. I wish they had gotten married a few years back. He’s got a rough time ahead of him. She would have tried her best to steer him through it.
By Mrs. Peperium on November 9th, 2008 at 1:50 am
Kate can still do that. This will test their love and resolve. I f any couple can do it, they can.
By kat on November 9th, 2008 at 1:53 am
Frankly, no matter what their private agreements are, if they don’t get married in the next year or so I’m afraid that she may be in for a world of tears. Even if they had some kind of betrothal or commitment ceremony between them, if they are not actively planning a wedding behind the scenes as we speak, I think she would do best to promise eternal friendship to her longtime beau and move on….
By Amity on November 9th, 2008 at 2:07 am
We all know they are still together and they will get through this. This is a very strong couple and they don’t other things get in their way. I have a good feeling that Kate will become a RAF wife. It’s time for Kate Nicholl’s to stop calling Kate “Waity Katie” that is very childish of her and it’s so tierd. It’s time for the media to start treating Kate with some respect.
By Claudius on November 9th, 2008 at 2:12 am
I think Kate becoming an RAF wife would be wonderful and a cause for celebration. Waiting another 7 years, however, I can’t see anything but sadness coming out of that….
By Amity on November 9th, 2008 at 2:42 am
I do believe this horse is dead
By Julie on November 9th, 2008 at 2:53 am
The DM article ends with this thought: “Let’s hope Kate is happy to be an RAF wife.” I would certainly agree with that plan! My guess is that the wedding will be in 18 months, at the end of PW’s training.
By Evelyn on November 9th, 2008 at 2:56 am
Is KN being careful not to make any judgement over William and Kate’s relationship? I think her article is rather kind to Kate than usual. She wrote “Watie Kate” for the headline but I feel nothing evil in the story. Has KN’s writing changed tone over Kate? Or she decided to be nice to Kate because she knows something is going on…
By the way, who are ” the friends of them” that constantly telling media about W & K? I don’t think William would keep someone in his inner circle who betrays him.
By Mikado-watcher on November 9th, 2008 at 2:59 am
During the past few weeks, indeed days, it has become evident, to me if to no one else, that a distressingly critical, even strident tone has crept into the tenor of some of the posts on our dear RA site. From the beginning, all of us have striven to achieve, and indeed to maintain, an atmosphere of mutual respect, civility and collegiality. Of course, we disagree sometimes, but in the past we have always managed to “agree to disagree.” I will be most grateful if we can return to that atmosphere of collegiality, for all our sakes. Let us all attempt to disagree pleasantly, without negative terminology and characterization, I do beg.
Coni, you are, indeed, invited to the Royal Anecdotes Gala 60th Birthday Tea which we shall host for the Prince of Wales on the very day of his birth. Our dear John, I hope, is preparing the toast to propose the health of the Prince of Wales.
As for obscession, if we are not, each and all of us, obscessed at one time or another about members of the Royal Family, I shall eat my Easter bonnet, without benefit of condiments!
By Gigi on November 9th, 2008 at 3:12 am
I just saw an advert for the program (The Monarchy) it begins 11/12 on PBS @ 8 ET. PBS.com lists other times/stations for anyone in the US who is interested. There’s also a preview and it looks like it will be pretty interesting. It may have been shown before but for me it will be a first viewing so I thought I’d share in case others had not seen it. Please excuse me if this is redundant information.
By Julie on November 9th, 2008 at 3:31 am
Gigi, I have noticed the same snappish tone, and I’m glad that you were able to point it out so gracefully. I don’t know if it had anything to do with the outcome of the American election, which I realize was disappointing to some, but I hope that the irritability will disappear. Alas, by bringing that up, it may only be that I will be made to disappear….
By Amity on November 9th, 2008 at 4:41 am
Gigi, you’re right. I’ve been totally preoccupied with research for a difficult book over the past two months, so writing up my websites has become rather a chore.
However, that will be completed today, so it’s business as usual in time for the Prince of Wales’s birthday week.
By John on November 9th, 2008 at 8:52 am
As for the Katie Nicholl piece in the Mail on Sunday, it sums up what has been obvious for some months since the SAR decision, namely, that William has shrunk back from marriage, at least in the medium term.
Kate is left with a stark choice: become Super-Waity Katie or move on. Basic psychology suggests that this long romance is not going to end happily, alas.
By John on November 9th, 2008 at 9:02 am
John you know I respect this site and have been a member for awhile now but people need to stop calling her “Waity Katie” is such a childish thing to do and it shows that peole are not respecting William’s longtime companion. You use to be so supportive of Kate and we all know that Katie Nicholl’s is totally out of hand for continuing to call Kate that name. Maybe everyone has decided to turn on her but I know that girl is very strong and no matter what they may call her, she always seem to ignore it and carry on. I never thought that you would call her Super Waity Katie, it’s just sad no matter what the excuse is. She just don’t deserve that kind of treatment even if she and William decide to carry on the relationship or let go. It takes two to be in a relationship not one, so both of them could have decided to carry on with it. That should be fully respected. We don’t don’t know what next year will bring except that William is going into RAF. We shall know when it gets here. From now on though lets stop the name calling, it’s only right.
By Claudius on November 9th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Claudius, you misunderstand me. This is how Kate will be viewed by the press if she hangs on in there. Incidentally, the paper version of the Mail doesn’t use the Waity Katie headline, just “Kate”. The other one would have been written by a subeditor, not necessarily the journalist.
I’m trying to be honest here, not supporting favourites. I’ve been right on this all along and been severely criticized by some for just that.
I’ll continue to say what I think is right and correct, whatever others say, This is not a fan site. It reports Royal news in a supportive way, but never hides the truth where it is known.
By John on November 9th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
John no matter what it’s wrong for them to call her that. It may look obvious but we don’t know what their plans are. I said it before and I’ll say it again, don’t be so easy to write their relationship off. Many want them to break up now that is sad but there’s something there that not even a headline can break. I truly understand that.
By Claudius on November 9th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
They’ll be married in 2-3 years. William’s new PR guy (basically) has taken control and Issue 1 is to tone down the news on the girlfriend, and I’m sure Kate is probably relieved. She can now go about her business at home without being hassled. I say good for her, and I’m sure I’m not the only one to say so.
Notice Pippa has not been spotted either. They’re all laying low to help Kate maintain a low profile so an not to upstage their potential in-laws (who really it appears can’t handle being upstaged), as her family all know she’s still in the game to become William’s wife.
This disappearing act is not fooling me. I believe they’re as strong as ever, just laying low to tamp down the out-of-control speculation. The Plan has worked beautifully.
The new PR guy deserves a raise.
By Positive on November 9th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Positive, the plan is working. Miguel Head deserves something.
By Claudius on November 9th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
John, I couldn’t agree with you more. Claudius, while I can’t speak for John, I feel that my sentiments are in fullest support of Kate and William - both as individuals and as a couple. Not every college romance is meant to last forever. While I would rejoice if their romance were to move on to marriage, if William is still not ready to move forward at this point then I think both he and Kate are simply delaying the inevitable parting of ways later. By falsely encouraging them to stay together in an impossible situation (no matter how well-intentioned), I think Kate has much more to lose in terms of her options to develop a new loving relationship with someone who will truly support and commit to her forever. After all, she has expressed a desire to have a family, and I think she would face many challenges if she has to begin all over from square one as a single woman at age 33.
By Amity on November 9th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Btw, William may reassure Kate that he does truly support and commit to her forever, but I think it’s time for him to let deeds, not words, be his adorning.
By Amity on November 9th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Amity, I’m saying simply we don’t know what’s going to happen. We can try to predict but you really can’t predict with this couple.
Earlier this year, they wasn’t seen in a while then suddenly they appeared skiing so you never know what move they will make next. I know what I am saying, you can’t predict what will happend next, that’s the beauty about their relationship. They are unpredictable. Just when you are about to throw in the towel, they hit you with something else. It’s like William and Kate are saying “you can’t keep up with us.”
By Claudius on November 9th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
So, what is with all the articles on the legality of C & C marriage? Is there something I should know?
I had not heard these concerns before but I was admittedly not looking because I did not want them to marry.
By Julie on November 9th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Yes, Claudius, I agree that we know nothing. That’s why I said if they are planning a wedding behind the scenes, then that’s fantastic! As you have pointed out, there are many lovely RAF couples who do gloriously well together! QE and PP spent some of the happiest times of their lives when they were together in a similar situation away from the public eye. On the other hand, if William is just continuing to reassure Kate that she means everything to him but then simultaneously makes plans to be “unavailable for marriage” for 7 years, well, I do think it would be time for Kate to pledge undying love and loyalty to William as a friend and eventual subject, but it may also be best if she moved on and set both of them free.
By Amity on November 9th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
I’m a few posts late but still want to chip in my views. I think that Kate and Prince William are drifting apart but not because of the RAF/SARF decision. I think it is just the natural progression of their relationship.
I suspect that Geoffrey Matthews leaving the Clarence House team is more connected to the Sentebale issues than Prince William remaining in the armed forces. The fact that this coincides with Prince William’s career heading in another direction is more conincidence than design. (As most ‘project managers’ are contract employees, I wonder if it is actually just a case of not renewing his contract?).
I was pleased to see Prince William at the Remembrence Day service today. I had not noticed the red collar that both he and the Duke of Kent wore before today. Does anyone know if that is a regimental thing? I am not sure what regiment the Duke of Kent was representing.
I think that the articles regarding the legality of Prince Charles’s marriage have been introduced at a rather nasty time (the run up to his landmark birthday). I think someone has the knives out for him.
As I recall, the subject was covered before he married and the all encompassing human rights act was used to justify it.
By Abby on November 9th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
First of all, I can’t see Prince William and Kate remaining friends if they don’t have a future together. It would be a painful reminder for Kate just how much she loves him but can’t be with him. I might be very wrong about this. However, I know that it would be terribly dificult if not impossible for me. Next, If they were going to break up, why have it fed to the papers that hey had a fight only to say that things were smoothed over. If William wanted out of the relationship now would be a perfect time. If they weren’t seeing each other or communicating, it would be easy for him to stay out of her way. By the mere fact that they did go to Birkhall, it tells me that they want to stay together. Hopefully when Charles’s parties are over, we’ll Know something more about their status as a couple. I would think that they are very much together and that things will work out in the end.
By kat on November 9th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Yes, Kat, you may be right - some people are able to remain friends (e.g., Hugh Grant and Elizabeth Hurley) and others might find it more difficult. At the same time, promising to be friends forever might be a gentler way to let go.
By Amity on November 9th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
I’m with Mikado-watcher: who *are* all these friends that journos always quote when writing their articles when in any write-up of William & Harry it’s mentioned that they have a close circle of completely loyal friends who never leak anything?
Now I go completely off-topic, as I am wont to do, but I’ve been exploring the PBS Frontline website, since Julia gave us notice of The Monarchy schedule (thank you very much!). It turns out that it did an episode entitled “Princess and the Press” which focused in Princess Diana but also widened the context to take a longer view on the British royal family’s relation to the press.
An interesting view that I’ve noticed from interviews with a lot of press folk (pre-Diana’s death) is that, contrary to conventional wisdom, that Princess Diana was not the one to first set the dangerous precedent of inviting the press into the monarchy’s personal life. She and Prince Charles certainly had a hand in kicking down the last barriers and letting sensationalism in but the older press folk especially point to the first Royal documentary commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II. They say that this invitation to see the family as more “normal” rather than as a constitutional institution was a very big gamble with, some would say, a questionable pay-off. I’ll quote a nice ol’ fogey, Sir Peregrine Worsthorne who (used to, I imagine) write for the Sunday Telgraph.
“My own personal reaction, which I think was probably very much a minority view, was this was a very dangerous precedent. Once you let the cameras into the private lives of Monarchy the aura of mystery will be removed, they will become much more, seen as ordinary human beings and this may make them temporarily popular but as soon as there’s any grounds to criticize them they will become very unpopular and once you open yourself up to the media, the media will not rest until they’ve taken over in its entirety. So this was a very dangerous thing for the Monarchy to do to humanize this semi-divine Institution, nothing but trouble could spring from it as I think for once I’ve proved prescient because this is what has happened. I mean a picnic, which is what they chose to do, a picnic has always been associated in the public mind with adultery or with loucheness, with languorous ladies lying on the lawn. This kind of image of the Royal Family was asking for trouble.”
He grew up during the war, as you can tell, from his old-fashioned take on the decadence of picnics! Anyway, I’m rather young so this might be why this opinion is new to me, but what do you all think? A good argument can be made that considering the media saturated world that we have now and the monarchy’s political relevance it was left with little choice but to go throw the “Upward, Stalwart, Moral Family” makeover.
By Imani on November 9th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Oh, here’s a link to the entire interview, which will help to place the quote better. LINK
There are links at the top through which you can navigate to get to other interviews. It’s quite an eye opener! I hope, John, that you haven’t posted about this show before and I’m making a bore of it
.
By Imani on November 9th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Second try at posting at this website…
Daily Mail also includes an article on Prince William’s hell-raising with helicopters. A “boy” who wants to show of his huge machine on his Girlfriend/girlfriend’s lawn in spring and bolts from her by autumn is no prize, prince or not. But Kate is only 26, and I fear she will not realize it should be her sprinting away and bolting all doors behind her.
As a big fan of Charles, I am annoyed at the comparisons between him and his son. William would only be so lucky to have even half the seriousness of purpose shown by his father throughout this life.
Having said that, William desperately needs to join the RAF/SARF to do some quick repairing of his image.
By Sojourner on November 10th, 2008 at 2:35 am
Imani, these sound like very old documentaries that have been put together under a generic title.
Worsthorne is very old school. In the age of the internet and 24-hour news it would be impossible to keep a lid on the Royal Family. That interview sounds about 20 years old.
By John on November 10th, 2008 at 8:20 am
I think we’re going to have to face the fact that, with William and Harry deep in the military for years — and clearly out of the marriage stakes — Royal news is going to be very dull from now on. Standard engagements, opening shows etcetera, are not very interesting.
By John on November 10th, 2008 at 8:23 am
I think it’s time to admit that both William and Harry are living in a real world, not my fantasy….
By Mikado-watcher on November 10th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Dear John,
I don’t know if you are aware of the recent edition of Woman’s Day, Australia.
Here is a link for it: LINK
Apparently Kate and William had a baby scare.
It’s pretty shocking. What do you make of it?
By Fixx on November 10th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Fixx, if the Palace “were in uproar” it would have been reported here.
By John on November 10th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
I figured that was a non-starter….but it would not be the first time the Aussies let the cat out of the bag
By Julie on November 10th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
John, this is the craziest question I ever ask you. What if, if an unwed royal and his or her partner are pregnant, will they marry? Or they’ll go Monaco way?
By Mikado-watcher on November 10th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
John, am I right in thinking that an heir conceived illegitimately—even if the couple marries after the fact—is no heir at all? I believe a dukedom cannot pass to an illegitimate son, even if the Duke marries the woman after she becomes pregnant. Conception must take place after marriage, I believe. I may be wrong, since it is impossible to prove outright.
A Crown Princess who conceives on her wedding night and then gives birth prematurely would set all tongues wagging for eternity.
By Dan on November 10th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
As my mother will attest…you don’t have to be a Crown Princess for that to be true…even if you deliver a 5 lb baby! Ha!
That’s sad if true, since that would be an anitquated view since now you can establish paternity where in the past you could not, which would be the main reason that those types of rules were put in place, the second reason of course being that they wanted virgins for thier princes
Would anyone dare demand that any more?
By Julie on November 10th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Dan, if this story were to prove correct, it would create panic in Royal circles. I suspect a very swift termination would be demanded.
To me, it has similarities with the Tiggy story when Diana taunted her at a party: “Sorry to hear about the baby”. The aim was to taint Tiggy and it seemed to work.
I don’t think we should believe Woman’s Day, which has a history of these Royal “scoops”. Not even the Star, Express and Sun are following this up — yet.
By John on November 10th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Dan, I believe as long as the marriage is prior to the birth, a child is considered ‘legitimate’. Some countries consider a child to be legitimised if the birth parents marry after the birth (no matter what age the child is at the time). Britain is not (as far as I am aware) one of those.
By Abby on November 10th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
From Rosie:
Hello John
From the Royals point of view, I don’t think it was appropriate for KM to accompany PW on 7th November as there had not been a formal announcement of their engagement. Only in that circumstance could we expect KM to be by his side, with him a Patron at a public engagement. (Plus it would send the media into a frenzy, thus creating yet more pressure on the delightful couple). However, the invitation for KM to be at the KG ceremony at Windsor in June, for other KG’s and their families as well as the extended Royals was, crucially, a private occasion - akin to the two royal weddings KM attended in the so-called summer.
KM is to be admired, not criticised by the tabloids, for her extraordinary poise. My admiration for her grows apace: at 65 years old, I’d have ‘fluffed my lines’ by now - well and truly - not so KM. Her position, from many facets, is not an enviable one including job-wise: poor lass if she had carved out a career for herself, there would still be (some) sneers about “those useful connections”. Jealousy is a vile vice, isn’t it? Unfortunately (!) I can understand why PW would like to get his 18 month (successful) training ‘under his belt’ first - plus, and importantly - they can retain their privacy for far longer by NOT marrying, yet. Once married, KM’s private life will virtually end - at a stroke. AND, I expect they are well aware of that.
May I recommend William’s Princess by Robert Jobson, 2006? Amongst other things, the reader learns of PW’s media-games. Bravo, Sir!
More than anything we wish them happiness. If together, that would be wonderful. But if not, so be it. Whatever, may God bless them on their life’s journey.
Rosie, Scotland. (should you decide to place the above on your website).
By John on November 10th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Rosie - I would agree that Kate has a great deal of poise and when you look at the number of opportunities, her number of “fluffs” is small. Let’s hope that this is valued and things progress.
By Julie on November 10th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
I think we should all put aside what we believe we know and become waity Katies ourselves. We think the relationship is over because we think she’s waited too long. In truth, it is WE who have decided that WE have waited too long, and we’re tired of waiting.
I have no idea what RA’s median age is, but at least half of us seem to have decided that the relationship between these two 26-year-olds has run its course.
How they dither, these 26-year-olds! How can they not rush to the altar this minute, if only to give the purveyors of tea towels and the “limited edition collector’s plate” a leg up? Why don’t they give us a thrill the way Charles and Diana did with their beautiful fairy-tale wedding?
Instead of this divinely ordained Royal path to our immediate gratification, which WE believe is entirely in order (!), she has chosen to stay home with her mother and he has chosen the monastery—er, the military, where he will end his virile days as a rescuer of wayward sailors off the cold and love-lorn rocky shores of ye once-merry Englande.
I remember when we were all hoping for an announcement just after Christmas. I still believe it is possible. I’ve seen nothing to convince me that the relationship isn’t just where it was after the Carribean vacation. (Nothing except a lot of clever PR behind the scenes.)
If a roller disco photograph ended the relationship, then it was no relationship to start with. I’m sure the old grandees of the court have been mortified by Kate’s behavior. But it was the old grandees who doomed Diana from the start, and William will neither have much respect for them nor set his watch to their clock.
Patience, folks. The fairy tale is not over.
By Dan on November 11th, 2008 at 3:53 am
Bravo, Dan! I’ll wait with you!
By Evelyn on November 11th, 2008 at 4:03 am
Dan go ahead and preach the gospel.
By Claudius on November 11th, 2008 at 5:17 am
Dan, what an absolute delight you last post was! I am still laughing. Can anyone explain to me why the media can publish such lies and get a way with it? I am, as ever, baffled by the lack of accountability for media gossip and deliberate lies printed for the sake of sales.
By Cristina on November 11th, 2008 at 5:41 am
Nice try, Dan.
However, I do base my entries here on more than wishful thinking.
There’s a lot of evidence accumulating now that William has made a psychological retreat from this proposed marriage. Day-to-day changes, one way or the other, don’t affect that.
Harry has followed his brother down a similar road. I doubt there will be weddings for either for many years, and by then the personnel will almost certainly have changed.
The usual caveat applies: I may be wrong.
But I don’t think so.
By John on November 11th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Hello Magazine is trumpeting this week’s issue, claiming they will “exclusively reveal the truth about William and Kate.” Anyone over there care to present us with the key points when it comes out?
By NCKat on November 11th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Yes, that Judy Wade is receiving (or the only one) receiving inside information.
It says they are still together but marriage will not happen until at least 2010. Kate is laying low due to the bad press and working at PP. She and PW threw a party at Birkhall were they entertained friends. Kate will be at Highgrove party .
From a friend who bought the digital Hello ! version
By Me on November 11th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Thanks, Me! So it looks like Hello! is being used for damage control. John, would this come via PW’s PR office, do you think? I’d think anything is possible at this point.
By NCKat on November 11th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
John, I’ll stick to my theory (based solely on wishful thinking
) that there is a well-laid plan afoot for William and Harry to lay low in their father’s shadow for a while; their respective brides, to gain some street cred with the public and the press; and for the ranks at the top of the Family to diversify in their service.
I think a marriage toward the outer reaches of three years sounds sensible. If the “personnel” do change, I fear history repeating itself. Like father, like son.
By Dan on November 11th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Someone is leaking info now to selected press outlets. As I’ve said many times, I believe this couple remain good friends.
HOWEVER: if William really wanted Kate to be his closest companion through life, he would move mountains to rid her of that detested “Waity Katie” tag — wouldn’t anyone?
It’s a slur on her character and makes her look like a supplicant, a kind of Nell Gwynne, waiting in an ante-chamber at his pleasure.
A marriage in three years will subject her to so much more of that, her public image will be trashed.
Also, a distant marriage after nearly seven years of courtship, will be a plodding affair, more for convenience than for passion. The public will know this and Kate’s reputation — and William’s — will suffer.
I’m surprised that few readers of this site can see that as plainly as I can.
By John on November 11th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Forgot to mention: I’m beginning to come round to Patrick Jephson’s view that William may be hoping Kate will find someone else and spare him the pain of having to cut her loose, which will not go down well with a lot of people.
He will seem like a cad who “stole her twenties”.
If that is the case — and this is not as simplistic as Hello seems to be saying — he would be better to make the move now and put the whole episode to bed — or, as Philip has advised, “marry the girl now”.
By John on November 11th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Well, if he is doing that, he should at least be as clear as possible about his intent to not marry for a while so that she is not expecting a proposal. Sigh!
I’m in the wishing group with Dan
By Julie on November 11th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
I agree with the poster who mentioned they are having the ladies lay low in order for them to hopefully get the press off of their backs as well as stop with the negative attacks.
I’m going to have to disagree on “still are friends.” If that is the case and PW hopes KM finds another man than 1) PW needs to grow a pair and 2)I will have lost a lot of respect for a future King if he can’t figure out how to dump a girl proper.
I’m sure the upcoming bday will all gives us a better insight on where they stand, how they act towards one another etc.
The monarchy is walking a tight line, it’s the 21st century, you can’t have a future King act like a child on these matters. Make a clean break and be done with it, otherwise with stories of him at bars and a possible gf at home, people are truly going to ask, do we want him to be King someday for the most popular monarchy in the world?
By American Cousin on November 11th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
I think the leaks are coming from the middleton’s. It’s in their best interest to tie William and Kates name together in lieu of a concrete statement from William which I don’t think will come. I also feel that while the current press has put Kate in a bad light, she has chosen to remain there. She has only herself to blame for not letting go after so long. I don’t agree on the young and can wait thing. I am 27 and would not waste 6 years on a relationship this wishy washy! waste is waste no matter what your age. If she is not looking for marraige then why all the wobbles and drama? I also doubt that William is stringing her along with promises of marriage and undying love. I think many a girl has put too much weight into wishful thinking… sometimes its easier to stay in a relationship than make a clean brake.
By london4704 on November 11th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
London, is your last word a pun or just poor spelling? I don’t think the “leaks” are coming from the Middletons - if they were Kate would have been dumped long ago. I’m in the “wishing group” with Dan but also the “realist group” with John. I think Kate offers a lot to William, and he likes having her around because of it, but he now takes her for granted and the only thing she can do to prevent that is to break it off. She doesn’t really want to do that, he doesn’t really want her to do that, but he also does not seem willing or able to take the next step. If this is an effort to play a PR game, then William has allowed the media to box him into an impossible corner. They may continue along this path for another few years, but I think Kate will only find it that much more difficult to make a clean start as a newly single woman when she is in her 30s. If nothing else, a woman is seen differently by men when she is in her 30s vs her 20s - in part, due to reasons of fertility. I think she is hanging on to dreams, and William is doing nothing to dissuade her. As she is still young, I don’t think she will be able to make the break until she is in her 30s, and I agree with John that even if they were to get married at that point it would seem rather stale. By sheer inability to act, William has done both of them a disservice. Unless they are planning a wedding now, I feel he will be guilty of “stealing” her 20s.
By Amity on November 11th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Btw, I think William’s fears and reluctance are very typical of men in their 20s and 30s - nothing makes them more fearful than the thought that they are being bullied into an uncertain future by outside forces. I think he is ready, however, and I think their relationship is a strong one - I think Kate would make a great Queen Consort for him some day! I suspect that if he were somehow able to rally all of his psychological resources to conquer his fears, he would be quite happy with the outcome (even if they did just turn out to be Martin and Rosemary Middleton!).
By Amity on November 11th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Cruel, Amity, cruel.
By John on November 11th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Well, I think I missed something here???
By Julie on November 11th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Let’s assume they have parted ways…don’t you think Kate would make herself more visible? As if to say “I’m my own person now.”
John? Anyone?
Or…maybe she’s just living her life & doesn’t care about sending a statement to the rest of the world?
I’m just shocked no one in the inner circle has leaked anything more…or does that just speak for the quality of friends they have not to do such things?
By Claire on November 11th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
brake, as in stop or slow…pun. not a good one
By london4704 on November 11th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
I hope that what I am about to write is not the case, but I offer it here nonetheless. There is data to support the premise that the children in a family who are most aware of and most traumatized by serious trouble between their parents, resulting in divorce, are most likely to avoid contracting a marriage themselves. This dynamic may be a factor in Prince William’s apparent reluctance to marry. I am dismayed by recent evidence of Prince William’s immaturity and poor judgement. Both Clarence House and Prince William issued statements in the past few days apologizing for Prince William’s immaturity in taking joy rides in a military helicopter last year. Further, the stories of Prince William’s stubborn streak and his aversion to accepting advice, even from his own Grandparents, does not bode well. Perhaps the adulation from the Kingdom and the world has gone to his head, or perhaps he has inherited more of his father’s unfortunate failings than was at first supposed. I am also somewhat concerned with evidence that Prince William is, in some instances, following where Prince Harry leads, which could mean that a worrisome level of insecurity and perhaps even jealousy mar the character of the prince who will be King after Charles. I am not making these assessments because Prince William is not marrying when we at first expected him to do so. That is a factor, of course, but only one of many. A number of factors have lead me to suspect that Prince William lacks the maturity, self-assurance and wisdom which his role demands and which is a prerequisite for adulthood. If this scenario proves to be accurate in all its particulars, he is not at this time mature enough to marry, nor may he ever be.
A second possibility, as has been mentioned here by others, is that the Princes and their young ladies may be retreating into the shadows in order to avoid stepping on the toes of Charles, who is jealous of his position and his celebrity and does not willingly nor graciously share anything with anyone, even his own sons. If this is the situation, and it may very well be, both young Princes are wise to avoid infringing on Charles’ limelight because he can be both unforgiving and ruthless with those who trespass. Let us hope that this second case is the true situation. It has the ring of truth to it, given what we already know about Charles’ ego and his selfishness, his “poor me” attitudes and other ignoble flashes which surface at inappropriate times and far too frequently.
The final truth is this: whatever the true situation, whatever the failings and faults that may have lead the Prince to hesitate along the path, (if, indeed, he has done so), he and Prince Harry are, in the final analysis, ours. By that I mean, because the future of the United Kingdom depends to a great extent upon how well or how ill the two young Princes rise to the destiny to which they were born, it is for us to keep the faith, support them as they grow and mature, pray that their best instincts will always lead them down the proper road, and encourage them with our indulgence, our sympathy, our loyalty and our understanding. I intend to do this, come what may. I feel very deeply that this is our duty, our obligation and our honor.
By Gigi on November 11th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
i don’t think they have parted ways. I don’t think William has made it clear and that is why Kate is not seen out. She might be as much in the dark as we are!
By london4704 on November 11th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Gigi, I admire your ability to hash through the possibilities, but I must express confusion with one of your earlier points. I don’t conceive his decisions to 1) serve his country in the armed forces, and 2) delay marriage until he is certain he is ready for it, as “evidence of Prince William’s immaturity and poor judgement.”
I would consider those decisions evidence of precisely the opposite.
John, I respectfully disagree. In no case have I ever heard of a young couple’s patient and sensible approach to marriage being potentially damaging to their reputations. Again, just the opposite. As for the “Waity Katie” tag, I doubt she is shedding many tears over it. The press will say what it will say, and I hardly think she needs to bow to the public will and rush into the biggest decision of her life in order to salvage her dignity. These are not the only college sweethearts in the world to wait until their 30s to marry. Before commiting to a shared life in the merciless public eye, I think they are right to take it slow. Again, I disagree with you: it is the passion of impulsive youth that dies quickly. The passionate commitment of best friends built over years of shared experience is more likely to stand the test of time and circumstance. Committing to become not merely husband and wife but also King and Queen of a Kingdom is no tiny matter to rush into merely to make the likes of Katie Nicholl shut up.
When you are proven correct in your judgment, I will be first in line to apologize for not seeing it your way.
By Dan on November 11th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Dan, I do not judge Prince William to be immature because he chooses not to marry now, if that is what he chooses. Rather, I judge his handling of the courtship to have been immature and demonstrating poor judgement. Prince William is not an ordinary young man. He is a Prince of the Blood Royal who will one day be King, and he must behave as such. In his position, one does not signal to the entire world that one young lady is “THE ONE” unless she is, indeed, that designation. One does not take her to Balmoral, have his illustrious Father teach her to shoot, take her on extravagant and expensive trips to the islands, invite her to his military graduation and to his Order of the Garter Ceremony, and so on. It is no surprise that everyone was lead to expect a wedding from all this. A Prince of the Blood Royal who is at the age Prince William is, and who, further, will be King in the fullness of time, does not go joy-riding in a military helicopter and then allow others to cover for him for weeks prior to admitting his poor judgement. If Prince William’s sudden decision to further his military training was his decision alone, made for appropriate reasons, then all well and good. If, however, this decision was reached in a fit of pique and even jealousy because Prince Harry’s military experience has been perceived as shining more brightly than Prince William’s, then that, too, is evidence of poor judgement, immaturity and an insecurity and sibling rivalry which ill-behooves the man who will be King in God’s good time.
I hope I am wrong. Nevertheless, these matters, seen in this light, are a concern. In my 60 years, I have seen this dynamic before, in groups of siblings far less illustrious than the two golden princes, and also in other siblings near a throne. It is a danger sign, the gravity of which one cannot ignore. Such a head in which serious flaws of character and judgement exist cannot well bear the weight, challenges and responsibilities of the Crown.
By Gigi on November 11th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Firstly, let us remember that Henry V was first Prince Hal who racketed about with the outrageous drunkard Falstaff (according to the Bard) before becoming one of our great Kings, albeit for a short period. Let’s hope William also gets his Agincourt to salvage his reputation.
Secondly, I don’t buy the idea that everyone is cringing before Prince Charles’s monstrous ego. Charles is a sensitive soul who values his “projects” before all his other work, but I don’t believe he would curtail his sons from developing their own personalities and niches.
Thirdly, like many young men, William can be very brave physically, but a fish out of water in emotionally-charged situations where women are very much at home. He probably remembers his mother’s high-octane mood swings and flinches in the face of them now.
Seven years flying choppers into storms and tempests probably seems like heaven on earth in comparison.
We should always remember those early years when judging his temperament and maturity.
When adding everything together, I just don’t see any indication that he’s ready for marriage, and that’s very bad news for Kate. There are a number of upmarket girls he’s known since childhood with whom he may feel more comfortable and who would not expect so much from him. But if he’s not careful, they’ll all be gone by the time he exits the services.
By John on November 11th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Ah, Gigi…always a beacon of calm in the craziness. I too feel the way you do about how this all looks and yet I still have hope as well.
So, are you prepared for the tea? I’ve been practicing my martini prep
But I only like them a certain way, so if anyone has a specific concoction…let me know 
By Julie on November 11th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Hmm. Two days to party time?
Let’s see what happens. Of course, we may not see anything at all besides an army of black Rolls Royces toodling up the Mall. Given all the Royalty who are coming from realms yonder, I doubt Kate or Chelsy will be there.
If by chance Kate attends the BP event, I will take it as a sign that all isn’t lost yet. That’s a lot of relatives for William to introduce to his “girl-friend.”
By Dan on November 11th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
The DM has a new article on the BP event, the conductor dropped out and a spokesman said that its a PRIVATE EVENT.
By Me on November 11th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Dan, I’m all for being patient, sensible, and taking it slowly, but I’m curious as to why you think they need a 10-14 year courtship? Do you know of any other 10-14 year courtships that have ended in marriage (with the exception of those for whom the parties involved were prevented from marrying by outside circumstances)? I have to agree with John - particularly points 2 and 3 - that is, I also think that Prince Charles appears to be a decent human being who wants the best for his children, and I am sure that William is very uncertain about moving forward with marriage. He is just stuck, which may doom what may well be his best chance for a happy and healthy lifelong partnership with someone who seems ideally suited for him.
By Amity on November 11th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
I do know people who met in college and waited until their 30s to marry. Perhaps it’s not a common British phenomenon? Of course, such couples who delay marriage often spend a few of those years living together, which William and Kate won’t do, but Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall have. I wonder, do you feel that their relationship is doomed if it is not sealed by marriage within a certain time frame?
As for the party prep, the news that Riccardo Muti, the conductor, had dropped out was in the New York Times as well. He was apparently offended that the Queen and Prince Charles questioned the length of his program.
Huff. The nerve!
According to the Associated Press, Buckingham Palace has not released a guest list for the “private event,” but a search of other European Court websites turns up some guests. The Crown Prince and Princess of Denmark will be there, as will the Queen and Crown Prince of Norway (the Crown Princess is evidently recovering from a fall she suffered in the Ukraine last month.) There was no mention of it on the Dutch Royal calendar.
By Dan on November 11th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Actually, Dan, now that you mention it, I think my brother and his crowd may be close to that category (met in college, married in late 20s) - and their group always reminds of me of the W&K crowd too. In other cases, however, it seems that when relationships are allowed to linger too long - especially over 10 years or more years - things don’t seem to work out very well. Well, I hope the best for them - of course, it’s none of our business what they decide for themselves. If things don’t work out, I hope that William will allow Kate to quietly find someone else, and then if it comes out in public it will be a small backstory piece along the lines of “they broke up a while ago but she is now engaged to be married to X.” At least that would preserve her dignity.
By Amity on November 11th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Amity (a perfect name for this crowd
), we can all agree that we want the best.
As for relationships lingering “too long”—time didn’t stand in the way of Charles and Camilla, did it? But that wasn’t the way to go about it.
All I will add to the volumes about this that I’ve already typed is this:
Have any of you who are demanding that William and Kate “fish or cut bait” according to RA’s desired time frame (in the next 6 months, or nothing) considered the immediate impact of Diana’s beloved son taking a bride in a Royal wedding watched by more than a billion people around the world?
The press and the public would immediately dub them our TRUE Prince and Princess of Wales—our fairy tale Crown couple.
Who, after such a blessed joyful occasion in the midst of worldwide economic turmoil would care whether Charles and Camilla lived or died the day after?
Charles would legally hold the title (as Camilla does, but doesn’t use it out of deference to William’s mother) but they (especially Camilla) would be ridiculed as place holders — mutton in place of lamb — while William and his bride would suck all the public’s affection out of the realm.
Can you picture that? Charles and Camilla, for all their genuine good work, would be reduced to a living, breathing caricature of themselves, a mere shade erased by sudden stellar brightness.
Yes, Charles is a wonderful supportive father, and he will give his blessing to his son’s marriage at any time. My argument is that William won’t do that to him. William knows how dearly his father wants to be taken seriously, and he’ll do nothing to block the way. If William is to marry (and I believe a diplomatic way forward is being hatched) it will happen in a way and a timeframe that benefits the Prince of Wales, rather than diminishes him.
By Dan on November 12th, 2008 at 1:08 am
I guess I am one of the few John speaks of that sees things his way. I cannot see that William is in love any more and is lacking the courage to end the relationship. In our 20s love has a fervour that I don’t think is as commonly experienced later in life. I feel that if William loved Kate “enough”, current obstacles would be overcome. He, I understand, is quite a determined young man and if he did love her so, he would go ahead with a marriage despite his father’s needs and his parent’s marital experience. Kate may not be sure of his intentions because of his lack of courage and her own need to see things her way. Perhaps the “disappearances” have more to do with the ladies not knowing where they stand rather than it being a planned strategy..
By Cristina on November 12th, 2008 at 1:54 am
Dan, time DID stand in the way of Charles and Camilla - Camilla married someone else! Also, I think your earlier arguments were more compelling - taking your argument that William’s marriage would cause him to overshadow Charles to its logical conclusion, William should wait until Charles expires (i.e., dies) before getting married. Hopefully, it goes without saying that that is ridiculous. And Cristina, I don’t think it has anything to do with William not “loving” Kate enough. I think he clearly loves her a lot - otherwise, he would cut her loose. I think he’s just scared to take the next step - and everything else he may come up with (RAF, too much publicity, not the right time, etc) is just an excuse to put off what should be (but because of his fear isn’t) inevitable.
By Amity on November 12th, 2008 at 3:45 am
It amazes me how little everyone really knows about what is going on with William and Kate. We can put ourselves in their places to gain a little insight into what is happening. I do wonder if they had been a little more open if things would be different. Maye, maybe not. I am beginning to believe that Kate really did not know until right before the announcement that William had been accepted into SAR. On the other hand, William and Kate were together a lot during the year. If they were not happy, why stay together? To my knowledge, they were at two wedding, two charity events, the Garter Ceremony, his birthday, a couple of vacations. That is a lot of togetherness. That is a lot of building a relationship.. So are they still together? I would hope that they are very much in love and together. That is not for the public but for themselves. I don’t want them to go through life with regrets. However, I would like for them to be together, be good to each other, and for William to do what is best for him and England. A selfish wish is that they let us in on their plans.
By kat on November 12th, 2008 at 3:53 am
Yup, it’s all just speculation for our own amusement - at their expense, unfortunately. We are the public that invades their privacy.
By Amity on November 12th, 2008 at 4:22 am
Amity, having been in a situation where I had been in a long term relationship and found it extremely difficult to leave my partner, I must disagree with you and reiterate that it is possible that William is indeed no longer “in love” with Kate. I am sure he loves her and possibly does not know if he is making the right decision. I remember struggling with that myself. Relationships can become lovely, comfortable habits that are hard to break. It is even more difficult if the person you are leaving is lovely, honorable, loyal and a great friend, not to mention adding all the external pressures of media and public expectations! Let us not forget that KM has put her life on hold for this relationship. I feel that William spoke volumes with his decision to break up the first time. If he has delayed his wedding plans, surely it says more about his feelings than his intention of giving his father room in the media circus even though I agree with Dan that for the love of his father, he may very well have chosen to “re-design” his marriage plans. But to put her through it all…yet again? I am more inclined to say not.
I am very sorry for both Kate and William regardless of what is ACTUALLY occurring.
By Cristina on November 12th, 2008 at 5:30 am
PS - I am still giggling at the picture Dan painted of the fairytale wedding…Thanks Dan!
By Cristina on November 12th, 2008 at 5:45 am
Is it possible that William’s hesitation to be a full time royal is the reason changed his mind? I can’t imagine he is enthusiastic about attending openings and cutting tapes at 26….
It would be hard for him to announce his break up from Kate ( if so), but seven years of military service is a bit too long to get away from the storm.
By Mikado-watche