Charles at 60: Dinner at the Palace
With the Prince of Wales’s 60th birthday looming tomorrow, Friday, celebrations got off to an exuberant start last night with an evening of comedy at the New Wimbledon Theatre, London.
John Cleese, of Monty Python fame was the master of ceremonies for the evening together with former Fawlty Towers co-star Andrew Sachs, Manuel to his fans. The idea was to give Prince Charles a very special occasion in the presence of a host of comic superstars.
Meanwhile, over at the BBC, an excellent documentary cum interview with the Prince was broadcast last night. It was conducted by Robert Hardman of the Daily Mail and examined every aspect of Charles’s life and charity work. The range of subjects over which Charles presides with great aplomb and expertise must be mind-blowing to anyone who doesn’t keep up.
Tonight, a dinner, with an orchestral performance, will be given by the Queen in honour of her son and heir. Yesterday, she was heard to praise his public-spirited work for charity and even referred glancingly to his future role as King, which is not something she normally mentions in public.
In these depressive times, you would expect the famously frugal Monarch to cut costs even at such a banquet. And indeed the wines selected by the Queen to enhance the Balmoral salmon and venison dishes, are notable but not lavish.
Puligny Montrachet Les Olivier Leflaive, 2006 at £40 ($60) a bottle, will refresh the palette without exciting aficionados of fine wine. The red, Chateau Leoville-Barton St Julien, 1988, around £100 ($150), will be excellent after a few glasses of the white.
The dessert wine is a nice 1996 Sauternes, and a suitably expansive note to end on.
The absence of conductor Riccardo Muti owing, apparently, to a disagreement over the length of his proposed programme and perhaps his fee, will not dampen spirits at what should be a glittering event.
How strange that the tabloids did not speculate on why Prince William did not go with Charles, Camilla and Harry to the theater event. That was the norm before, so where was he ?
By Me on November 13th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
It does seem odd…maybe he and Kate used the time to sneak away to celebrate something
By Julie on November 13th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
At a 2 day bonfire
By Me on November 13th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
I saw the show about the Monarchy on PBS last night! It was just a two hour (minus commercial time) portion, the section detailing the visit of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to America for the 400th anniversary of the settlement of Jamestown, VA., the first pilgrim colony in America. It was excellent and I enjoyed it very much. I hope PBS purchased the entire program and will show the other segments, as well.
In the last few days, I have read four articles (one by Richard Kay in collaboration with another writer) regarding Charles approaching his 60th birthday. While I neither expect nor advocate whitewashing a person for the sake of public tranquility, I must say that I am dismayed at the petty, overly critical treatment these articles feature. All the articles include favorable things about the Prince, but the overall tone, it seems to me, is unnecessarily negative. Why on earth would the British press choose to pillary the Heir to the Throne on the occasion of his 60th birthday? I am truly bewildered. This is the kind of nasty, mean-spirited mudslinging that has so damaged the credibility and the viability of the American press. The British media would do well to recollect and choose another journalistic role model. All who have read my posts for the last year or so know that Charles is not my favorite Royal, nor am I blind to his faults. Some of you no doubt have noted that I rarely refer to Charles by his rank and title, while I unfailingly refer to every other member of the Royal Family, senior and junior, by the full rank/title/name. Nevertheless, I consider it very poor sportsmanship to throw stones at a man’s head on the occasion of his birthday, let alone his 60th. Where is the British sense of fair play, good breeding and well-chosen, appropriate remarks? I am altogether off the British press!
By Gigi on November 14th, 2008 at 12:58 am
I just watched “Born to be King: Charles @ 60″ and now I’m watching “Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work”…these are just amazing.
I am one happy girl!
By Julie on November 14th, 2008 at 2:10 am
Thus far, all that has been mentioned of PC in Australia was on the ABC news (for a few seconds) and that was notably about the queen stating that PC will make a good king and that there was an up-coming documentary on his life and works. They did not say if it would be shown in Australia.
Gigi I am with you, very unkind.
By Cristina on November 14th, 2008 at 3:38 am
My dears, although it is only 8:30AM, Central Time, in America, it is nearing tea time in Britain, and so a gathering of our dear RA Clan to celebrate the 60th birthday of the Prince of Wales is indicated! If our dear John will give the toast, at which he is truly the Master, let all of us come to the tea table! Dan and Claudius, I will be most grateful if you will pour the champagne, and our dear Julie will serve her special concotion, the apple martinis! Coni, if you will pass the tea sandwiches, and Evelyn, the platters of tea cakes, I will pour tea. To favor Julie, we do indeed have buttercreme with raspberries, along with the Balmoral Dundee Cake to favor our dear John! Lisa, if you will serve the red velvet cake which is your special favorite, I shall ask Miki to serve the chocolate layer cake without which a birthday in my family is not complete! I have also made a birthday cake for the Prince of Wales, a coconut cake, since he does not like chocolate. Among the tea cakes are Scotch shortbreads, double chocolate lace cookies, and iced cookies which I have made with a cookie cutter in the shape of the Prince of Wales three feathers, to further honor Prince Charles. Where procurable, all ingredients are organic, as our dear Evelyn suggested. Therefore, my dear RA friends, do come and let us celebrate our very own Royal Anecdotes Gala 60th Birthday of the Prince of Wales Tea!
By Gigi on November 14th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
There is an article on Chelsy Davy in the DM, she seems to have gone to the BP party. She is wearing a boob splashing black long gown. The article is a bit confusing.
By Me on November 14th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I want to know what makes some people think Prince Charles shouldn’t become the king? He has made some mistakes but he also has done a lot of good things for his country. Gigi, I totally agree with you that the media treats him very badly. They should appreciate PC’s many achievements they ignore to report.
Gigi, I admire your writing as well as your tea party for Charles!
By Mikado-watcher on November 14th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
No updates from last night’s party? All that royality there, there must be some gossip!?
Is there certain protocol for those types of events with Kings and Queens from different countries? Do they all bow before QEII because it is her country? Be interesting to learn about how royal families in foreign countries act.
By American Cousin on November 14th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Gigi, thank you for hostessing this wonderful tea. As always, you have outdone yourself. I’m anxiously waiting for John’s toast and enjoying the beautiful offerings.
Happy to mix anyone a martini
And thank you so much for preparing my favorite. Your skills as a hostess are perfect. You have made us all feel quite welcome.
John, the floor is yours when you’re ready.
By Julie on November 14th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
I’m happy to pass the tea cakes, Gigi. I was worried when you earlier wrote that the tea might be sans chocolate, since Prince Charles doesn’t like it. So I’m very glad to hear there are several chocolate items for us to sample today.
Me, the DM article says that Chelsy wasn’t at the BP event. Of course, we may never know for sure. I’ll be waiting the Sunday reports from the Saturday party at Highgrove, which is where people expect the girlfriends to join the celebrations.
By Evelyn on November 14th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
While we sip and dip, do we have an operative positioned outside the gates to Highgrove?
By Dan on November 14th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Any thoughts about the report that Chelsy showed up at Clarence House late last night in a long black gown? The Mail article didn’t mention where she had been, but said she was “not believed” to have attended the BP event.
By Dan on November 14th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Dan, the Highgrove party is Saturday– tomorrow.
It’s possible that Chelsy was at the BP event, but took separate transportation from Harry. Or it’s possible that she was at another event– opera, ballet, etc. Or perhaps she wanted to get Prince Harry’s opinion on what she’s thinking of wearing to the Highgrove party.
By Evelyn on November 14th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
CBS news online has a fun pc. about Charles & his B-day. Nothing really new but a nice tone and in a fun style…not sure why I mention it but it made me smile a couple times.
By Julie on November 14th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Gigi, thank you so much for being such a wonderful hostess!! I love Dundee cake and a cup of tea, and of course will drink one of Julie’s concoctions as well as this is a party!! Splendid.
By Kris on November 14th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
I’m wondering if John was invited to the party and just did not want to make us all feel bad? Did the lookout see him enter? Anyone?
By Julie on November 15th, 2008 at 12:29 am
Hello everyone.
I’ve not been available since Thursday owing to sudden developments and unexpected travel arrangements. Just back — out of breath and weary. I’ll do the toast when I’ve got some energy back.
Chelsy wasn’t at the Palace dinner but met up with Harry at Clarence house later. Kate will be going to the ball (Highgrove tonight), but it’s true that a wedding has been put off indefinitely. I’ll try to summon the willpower to write a piece sometime this weekend.
Now it’s flop time.
By John on November 15th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
A Toast to The Prince of Wales
Royal Anecdotians, pray be upstanding for a loyal toast to our King-in-Waiting, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.
May his 60th birthday be a glittering occasion that highlights the many innovative charitable causes for which he is known around the world.
May his days be long and his future years golden. I give you, The Prince of Wales.
[clink]
By John on November 15th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
[clink]
By Julie on November 16th, 2008 at 12:21 am
[clink]
By Kris on November 16th, 2008 at 12:41 am
So, John, it sounds like you have an update for us on the “situation.” I’m looking forward to hearing your scoop, although it sounds like it’s not good news for those of us hoping for a wedding to lift our spirits.
By Julie on November 16th, 2008 at 3:01 am
[clink]
Now dish, John!
By Leslie on November 16th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
yes! we can’t take the suspense! no pics of kate attending or being at Highgrove. Chelsy was even snapped elsewhere. i see plantly of guest pics, but closed lipped on kate being there or not…
By london4704 on November 16th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Actually The Telegraph has a short piece saying Kate and Chelsey were on the dance floor with their boyfriends. So they were at the party at Highgrove where Rod Stewart belted out “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?”
By NCKat on November 16th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
thanks NCKat. i couldn’t find it : (
By london4704 on November 17th, 2008 at 1:23 am
Sorry, that should be: http://tinyurl.com/5j3xd3
(for some reason, the link I got earlier doesn’t show on the page devoted to news about the Royal Family.)
By NCKat on November 17th, 2008 at 4:00 am
Yes, Kate and Chelsy were at the Highgrove bash and spent the night before there, and helped out with the arrangements. That’s why they weren’t photographed coming and going.
However, the word is that any wedding between William and Kate has been put off indefinitely. In golf that’s called “hitting it into the long grass”, in cooking, “putting it on the back burner”.
In other words, forget it — although if they are both at a loose end some years down the track, who knows?
It does leave space for a big surprise, though, and I’m cynical enough not to take these “inside declarations” as gospel.
The question does remain, though, if William is not ready at 26, when will he be?
By John on November 17th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
A short note from Clarence House:
The Prince of Wales’s 60th birthday
13th November 2008
It has been reported in various newspapers that The Duchess of Cornwall has bought The Prince of Wales 60 presents for his 60th birthday. This is not true.
I distinctly recall seeing picures of many of these “presents”. What is going on? Were there only 59?
By John on November 17th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Maybe the 60th was a surprise???
By Julie on November 17th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Clarence House is developing an odd sense of what news to confirm (yea or nay) and what to leave open to wild speculation.
Is this to reassure us that Camilla is not spending like Marie Antoinette when the rest of us have nothing to eat?
Better they should say something to rescue Kate from the press mob, not quibble about Camilla’s shopping habits. Seems to me that Camilla’s gifts to her husband are “a personal matter about which Clarence House has no comment.”
By Dan on November 17th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
John,
Any inkling as to whether or not Kate will still spend Boxing Day with William, or would things like that now be on the back burner as well?
By Claire on November 17th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
I read elsewhere that Arabella Musgrave, Prince William’s “first love,” has recently split from her long-time boyfriend. I hope the timing is purely coincidental.
By Evelyn on November 17th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Yes, Evelyn, and William is reported to be still carrying a torch for her. But who knows?
By John on November 17th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Claire, the last I heard that had not been queried. We “know” that Chelsy has not been invited to Sandringham, so maybe the dates will be firmed up soon.
By John on November 17th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
If Kate spent the night before the party at Highgrove, that doesn’t seem to me as if they are on the outs. If they were drifting apart emotionally, I should think they’d be drifting apart physically. Otherwise, how uncomfortable it would be for all involved! Imagine them all sitting around blowing up balloons for Charles, William daydreaming about Arabella Musgrave, everyone wondering what on earth Kate is doing there. Sounds untenable to me.
Frankly, I’m converting to William’s alleged mindset: they should wait to marry, and make something of themselves in the world before settling down to charity receptions and ribbon cuttings. They should spend some time being something else besides just a royal couple.
Perhaps we have a generation gap here at RA. There are those of us of the Prince Philip persuasion (if not yet quite his age
), saying “just marry the girl!”, and those of us closer to William’s age, saying “what’s the rush?”
Who among their friends are marrying? It’s not as if they are sticking out among their set for still being single. He has reportedly said that he intends to wait until he’s 30. That sounds reasonable to me. As for its effect on his and Kate’s reputations, they don’t seem to care about our chatter. The press has certainly quieted about Kate of late.
By Dan on November 17th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
As someone who is 28 and dated a girl for 5 years before proposing and with a bunch of friends who are in the same boat (dated for years beforeing getting hitched) it does not surprise me, that a Royal Prince may want to wait a few more years before he has to settle down.
Have to agree with Dan on the ribbon cutting and royal events. People in their 20s now a days aren’t all about getting married right away, it’s get a job/career then settle down. The person you love isn’t going anywhere…
By American Cousin on November 17th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Yes, but Dan, we know that Kate was devastated by the SAR announcement and the length of commitment it involved. She seemed to go slightly off the rails after that, then disappeared back to the ranch.
The invitation to Highgrove was, I believe, made before that. They’ve obviously put it all behind them now, but the basic situation remains.
By John on November 17th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
John, do you think Kate’s disappearance is her own wish? If so, why her photos aren’t anywhere? I think it would be difficult for Kate to avoid paparazzi without any help, especially since she’s staying at her parents’.
By Mikado-watcher on November 17th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
I don’t see how she could be “devastated” by an announcement, go “off the rails,” and then make an about-face and chip in with the Boyfriend’s father’s birthday party. (Even though party planning IS her newfound expertise. Maybe they paid her to work the party
!)
One day it will come out that William did ask her to marry him in the Caribbean and it was she who wanted to wait. He packed himself off to the SARS while she spends some time in the working world, just like the Queen advised.
What can I say, John, I’m the devil’s advocate all the way. I say they marry at the end of his 18-month training, if not before. No one will be able to say the uniform he wears to his wedding is merely ceremonial.
By Dan on November 17th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Where did that happen in the Caribbean, Dan, Fantasy Island?
You’re right, we’ll never know the nuances of this, and anyone who says they do, is a fraud. I’m basing my viewpoint on hints I’m getting elsewhere and on the psychology of the events.
William has let the air out of this relationship like a burst balloon. After seven years of courtship, there’s not enough there to make him take this momentous step. Remember, last year before the split, he was reported as saying, “It’s not fun anymore”.
By John on November 17th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Mikado, I believe William asked her to keep a low profile after the DayGlo Disco event, but they were both angry at that point, so it’s hard to judge exactly what happened.
By John on November 17th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Hum..”they were both angry at that point”. John, were they angry with photos or they were angry at each other?
But, what doesn’t make sense to me is that if William had already decided to let Kate go, why would he ask her to keep a low profile? And, if Kate knows they are parting, why is she still keeping low profile? Photos at DayGlo weren’t exactly for a future princess, but not too bad for soon to be an ex girlfriend.
Ah, a pot is getting too hot. I need to put it on the back burner.
By Mikado-watcher on November 17th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
John, I have the impression you may suspect Kate of being unaware, at the time, of PW’s application to SAR last spring. This accounting for her surprised devastation at the announcement?
I must say, if true, it speaks volumes of the relationship itself. Disappointingly so.
If false, I’m afraid it leaves little clue as to her reaction to the announcement at all. She’s issued no statement. She did fall down…while on roller skates…at a charity event for which her involvement was approved by CH advisors, if I understand correctly. (I do think there would be differing opinions regarding her outfit, based mostly upon generational and/or cultural mores. )
Beyond that, it seems she’s merely kept a low profile. Any number of reasons for that course of action could be equally weighted in pyschology, I think.
By Cindy on November 17th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
I wish the Family would do something to give us something else to talk about….
How about Mike Tindall posing in his underpants for a charity calendar? I think that’s more embarrassing than Kate’s Roller disco mishap. Perhaps there’s a double standard at work here?
Then again, perhaps no one expects better of a rugby player.
Now that Zara’s riding career is winding down (how many falls has she had in that past couple of years?) maybe it’s time for her to be made an honest woman.
By Dan on November 17th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
from what we gather the invite to kate for charles’s b-day bash went out before this “cooling off period” or whatever…so i could see where they would honor that commitment to attend. will be interesting to see moving forward what happens…
By coni on November 17th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
I could see that they would not want to “un-invite” Kate, but why would they extend the invitation to stay at Highgrove the night before and the night of the party? I agree with the earlier comment…it seems a little awkward to me if things are indeed cooling off.
By Miss Marple on November 17th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
If she pops in to Sandringham for the day after Christmas, I say things are still very much a go. There’s no way a visit like that would still take place if the bloom is truly off the rose.
Sigh. Nearly another month and a half to wait!
By Dan on November 17th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Everybody should just take a months vacation from this discussion and pay attention to their own family’s for a while. William and Kate have said nothing in public so it is all speculation. Now everyone go look up your parents and grandparents and spend some quality time with them. Then the day after Christmas you can check back in on William and Kate and see what has happened.
By Grandma828 on November 17th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
well you certainly told us!
By coni on November 18th, 2008 at 12:26 am
Grandma825, you’re right. I too am rather jaded with this endless story that never reaches any conclusion and probably won’t for five to seven years, if then. Yawn!!!
By John on November 18th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Well, since I can only spend so much time on the phone with my parents and kids (and my grandparents are not living) I’m rather stuck entertaining myself if you all follow Grandma’s suggestion so I hope you’ll stick around
Although I would say that it does feel like the never ending saga.
By Julie on November 18th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
It would be nice if Zara & Mike would be considerate enough to get engaged & plan a wedding to give us something else to obsess with for awhile! *smile*
What ever happend with that upcoming engagement announcement? Was that all just a rumor?
By Claire on November 18th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
I, too, have been wondering what is going on with Zara and her young man. I believe we were lead to expect that their engagement and marriage would follow the Olympics, and even though Zara did not compete as planned, I thought the nuptials were going to proceed without delay. I am beginning to suspect that all the Royal Family has been asked to “stay out of the light” of publicity and public acclaim for the foreseeable future. Perhaps the Queen felt the Royal calendar was getting too over-scheduled. Perhaps Charles wanted no competition during the fetes celebrating his 60th birthday. I can think of no other mitigating circumstance, as I find it rather difficult to believe that the relationships of Prince William and Kate, Prince Harry and Chelsey and Zara and Mike Tindall imploded at approximately the same time. If we find that such has, in fact, occurred, someone at the London Water Authority needs to do intensive tests on the properties of the water in the Thames!
On a personal note, minutes after I served Royal Anecdotes Gala 60th Birthday Tea for the Prince of Wales, my family and I flew to Pittsburgh, PA where we visited with family, attended the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey game and attended the Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Football game versus the San Diego Chargers–in freezing cold, high winds and snow flurries! We arrived home last evening (Monday) and so, belatedly, I also join the salute to the Prince of Wales on his 60th birthday, confirming John’s splendid toast, and say “Hear! Hear!”
By Gigi on November 18th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Welcome home Gigi
By Julie on November 18th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
How long have Zara & Mike been a couple? For some reason, I keep thinking they are also a “long term” couple like William and Kate.
Yet, if that’s true, no one seems to be wondering (loudly) why they are not running to the alter.
Lucky for them, they seem to be left in peace about their lives & their relationship.
By Claire on November 18th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
They’ve been living together on Anne’s estate for several years now. Zara recently broke her collar bone in a fall, which would put off any announcement for a bit longer, were one in the making.
Were she closer to the throne, or had she a title, her relationship would be scrutinized more closely.
By Dan on November 18th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Thank you, Gigi.
I think Zara and Mike are probably more likely to tie the knot than William and Kate. They are, after all, already living together and seem to be a done deal.
They may have been delaying the moment in anticipation of a larger event — which didn’t materialize.
By John on November 18th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
P.S. I’ll be looking at Charles’s apparent wish to be a “Presidential” King tomorrow — although we only have Jonathan Dimbleby’s word on that.
By John on November 18th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
welcome back gigi! i never properly thanked you for that incredible spread you put together
sounds like you had a great time on holiday!
perhaps you are correct that the younger set has “put a lid on it”
guess we just “stay tuned”
By coni on November 18th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Time out is exactly what I am having. Kate having a “sleep over” has totally thrown me!
Zara do please have a wedding…and soon, if you don’t mind?
I bet Kate and William are reading our posts and having a good laugh!!
By Cristina on November 19th, 2008 at 6:57 am
If not them, then their press people
By Julie on November 19th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Thank you, Julie and Coni, for your kind words, and I am glad that you enjoyed the Royal Anecdotes Gala 60th Birthday Tea for the Prince of Wales! I am pleased that both Kate Middleton and Chelsy Davy were present at the private party at Highgrove hosted by Camilla for Charles’ birthday. Were either or both relationships irretrievably broken down, I am certain neither young lady would have attended but, rather, would have declined the invitation with a well-chosen statement of regret. I am not certain where that leaves us, but it does not, thankfully, leave us simmering on low boil at sixes and sevens.
On this date, like the anvil salesman, I have weightier matters on my mind.
The articles detailing Prince Harry’s attempts to enter training for attack helicopter duty, which will, if successful, surely take him to a forward area in either Iraq or Afghanistan, leave me troubled and anxious. While I applaud our intrepid and courageous Prince Harry for his zeal in wishing to further serve his country in military service, I wish devoutly that he would not again go in harm’s way. Being a pilot of an attack helicopter is one of the most dangerous places one can be in a forward area, and the survival rate of such pilots is depressingly low. As tenuous as the condition of my central nervous system is at this posting, I fear a serious decline when and if Prince Harry again deploys and, as is supposed, flies directlyinto the jaws of Hades. Nevertheless, I cannot wish that he does not succeed, as we know that military service in the war zone is the dearest desire of his heart. Why on earth must beloved Princess Diana’s sons be so fearless and so determined to walk on the edge of danger? (In Prince Harry’s case, he appears to leap over the edge and into the abyss!) I foresee months of gnawing anxiety and fervent prayers in our future. If any harm befalls either of our Golden Princes, I shall never forgive the Defense Ministry, not even if I live to be 100.
By Gigi on November 19th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
First, I pray that you DO live to 100, happy and healthy as well!
I would say it you’ve got 1/2 a nation screaming that you’re useless and should go away…it would tend to make you want to prove your worth?
For those of us who don’t need or want proof but already KNOW their value (in many ways) to us and the UK (and beyond) it does seem risky. But like you, I would not deny him his dream as I would not for a child of my own. I’ll just pray harder for their health and welfare and leave it in God’s hands.
By Julie on November 19th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
PS…don’t know what the numbers for and against…that bit was merely demonstrative of my point
By Julie on November 19th, 2008 at 4:28 pm