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A new book on the British Monarchy

Posted in Buckingham Palace, Mary Kenny, Monarchy, Royal Family, The Queen on December 31st, 2008
By John - leave a comment!

The Queen Leading us into the year 2009 is an intriguing new book on the British Monarchy by an avowed Irish republican.

You might think that it’s bound to be critical, even abusive. However, this particular Irish republican just happens to be Mary Kenny, an excellent journalist and author with an always sensitive but nevertheless robust view of the world.

She writes admiringly about the Monarchy through the times of Irish unrest and heaps praise on our present Queen. It’s an interesting point of view from an unusual perspective.

Mary Kenny has written a pre-publication article about her book in the Daily Telegraph. Here’s an excerpt:

Perhaps it takes someone with a genuinely republican background to appreciate the value of the British monarchy. I was brought up in Dublin as an Irish nationalist, and I retain that stamp of Irish patriotism. I am proud of the constitution of the Irish Republic, a pioneering document in 1937. … I came to my appreciation of the British monarchy sideways, through examining the historical archives of the role played by the British monarch in Anglo-Irish relations over the 20th century.

I don’t know about you but I shall get my order in early at Amazon.

Finally, a very happy, peaceful and prosperous New Year to all our Readers.

Crown and Shamrock: ­Love and Hate between Ireland and the British Monarchy will be published in spring 2009.

Read the article here.

69 Responses to “A new book on the British Monarchy”

  1. Very interesting article, John, but one wishes they’d used another photo of the Queen – she looks like a character out of “Foxy Brown!”

    Oh and a happy and prosperous New Year to all.

    By NCKat on December 31st, 2008 at 5:47 pm

  2. And to you too, NCKat. Yes, it’s a book I’m looking forward to. It should at least be different.

    By John on January 1st, 2009 at 12:08 pm

  3. Happy New Year and Best Wishes to everyone!

    By Positive on January 1st, 2009 at 3:07 pm

  4. Happy New Year to all!

    By Julie on January 2nd, 2009 at 2:49 am

  5. Many thanks for the Christmas and New Year wishes from John and our dear RA clan! A very Happy New Year to all and I hope that everyone’s Christmas was merry, meaningful and fulfilling. I have been much engaged in cooking and entertaining for my family and guests, but will soon be back posting more regularly on Royal Anecdotes, some time after Epiphany. Warmest regards to all!

    By Gigi on January 2nd, 2009 at 9:42 pm

  6. So, when does William’s training begin officially? Isn’t something happening in January? And, will this begin the seven-year duty, or does training have to happen first?
    (I apologize if this has all been explained. I wasn’t quite sure which entry to go back to fine that information.)
    Oh, and Happy 2009 to everyone! *smile*

    By Claire on January 2nd, 2009 at 10:01 pm

  7. Opps…that should be “find” that information!

    By Claire on January 2nd, 2009 at 10:01 pm

  8. I am happy to report one Royal has had a nice late Christmas present!

    http://tinyurl.com/82ex9f

    :)

    By NCKat on January 2nd, 2009 at 10:42 pm

  9. The DM is reporting that William has whisked Kate off to Birkhall for the New Year, accompanied by Prince Charles and Camilla:

    http://tinyurl.com/9vz9gt

    By NCKat on January 3rd, 2009 at 1:30 am

  10. Thanks for the tip, NCKat. The Sun says they’ll all be there for six days. Duncan Larcombe is reporting that this long holiday at Birkhall (with C&C) fuels speculation for an engagement this year.

    By Evelyn on January 3rd, 2009 at 4:19 am

  11. Thanks for the tip, NCKat. The Sun says they’ll all be there for six days. Duncan Larcombe is reporting that this long holiday at Birkhall (with C&C) fuels speculation for an engagement this year.

    By Evelyn on January 3rd, 2009 at 4:19 am

  12. You’re welcome, Evelyn. I thought the last bit in the article was uncalled for — “Miss Middleton will be 27 on Friday. She is said to be keen to become engaged before she is 30.” Argghhhh.

    By NCKat on January 3rd, 2009 at 4:32 am

  13. They were reported to be at Birkhall a month or so ago when Prince Charles and Camilla were in the Far East. They are clearly still close friends, but, if they are going to marry, why doesn’t William get her off that Waity Katie hook, and why is he committing the next seven years to service in remote areas?

    It doesn’t hang together for me.

    By John on January 3rd, 2009 at 10:50 am

  14. My dear John, clearly Prince William and Kate have a timeline for their intentions. The issue is that no one but the young couple appears to be privy to that timeline. However it may appear to us, the actions (or inaction) Prince William is pursuing evidently have found favor with Kate Middleton, because she continues to see him, accepts his invitations, welcomes no other gentlemen callers, seeks no separate social life. I find it impossible to believe that Kate would devote herself so exclusively to Prince William unless she has a firm understanding that his intentions are honorable and that a marriage between them is in the foreseeable future. A young woman of Kate’s taste and intelligence knows when the music has hit a jarring note or ceased altogether. As for Prince William and Kate being close friends, I hope and expect that they are not merely friends, but that they are surely friends, great friends. Marriage is a tenuous proposition unless the nucleus of the love and devotion between the couple is founded upon a deep and abiding friendship. Of course, I may err in my analysis, and the young couple are so subtle that they very nearly need an interpreter, but Kate’s conduct throughout the developing relationship has been remarkably consistent. Her continued course of maintaining an exclusive relationship with Prince William indicates to me that they have “gone silent” to avoid the pressure of the media glare, but that the goal is unaltered and the goal line is not far from home. This is both my theory and my hope until something far more substantive provides the brick which shatters my ‘vie en rose’, and cues the opening note of my lament. :)

    By Gigi on January 3rd, 2009 at 3:37 pm

  15. I’m hoping there may be an engagement announcement for Kate’s 28th birthday on January 9. :)

    By Evelyn on January 3rd, 2009 at 3:45 pm

  16. I very much hope you are right, Gigi. Why then do I get that nagging doubt about William’s lack of clarity about the future? I would have thought he would go to great lengths to remove the Waity Katie slur from her.

    It wouldn’t take much: “We intend to marry, but not for a few years yet.”

    Or, “We are just friends and don’t intend to marry at all.”

    So simple, so difficult, apparently. :)

    By John on January 3rd, 2009 at 3:47 pm

  17. John, here’s what baffles me – if William doesn’t want to stir up a storm of speculation, why did Charles and Camilla go with them? Surely Charles, being a veteran of the press hoopla when he was courting Diana and later Camilla, would be keen to stamp out any press speculation about his son’s relationship with Kate. Either he doesn’t care about the press or there will be some news later on. And battle-scarred William himself wouldn’t be too ready to expose himself to such scrutiny (and I hope he’d be protective of Kate).

    Whew … no matter which way we turn, it’s so confusing!

    By NCKat on January 3rd, 2009 at 3:56 pm

  18. NCKat, it’s probably because of the Queen’s decree that the Royal Family shouldn’t be seen holidaying in exotic locations during this slump.

    So Kate can go to Mustique, while William must content himself with bitterly cold Birkhall. ;)

    By John on January 3rd, 2009 at 4:01 pm

  19. I think friday is her 27th birthday.

    By Bear on January 3rd, 2009 at 4:25 pm

  20. I do have trouble with the idea that they are “just friends” with this latest development. Why whould ANY of these parties vacation together usless it was more than that? It could be argued that the earlier visit with their friends would be a show of friendship in a casual and friendly parting. This however seems less likely to be explained away as such.

    As for the tropical vacations…is Harry not in a warmer climate?

    Makes one wonder if maybe there is a method to the madness??

    By Julie on January 3rd, 2009 at 5:06 pm

  21. Also, William has Kate to warm him @ Birkhall ;)

    By Julie on January 3rd, 2009 at 5:11 pm

  22. Thanks for correcting my error, Bear. Yes, Kate is 26 and will be 27 on Friday.

    John, if they were to make some kind of announcement, might they make it from Birkhall? Would there be enough press around to do it there? Or would they return to London (as reports say they flew from London), perhaps making the announcement on Thursday or Friday?

    I can’t imagine anything Kate would like better for her birthday than an engagement ring, or at least an announcement of their intentions.

    By Evelyn on January 3rd, 2009 at 6:11 pm

  23. Evelyn, William isn’t due at the RAF until well into January, so there are plenty of chances to say something. I doubt it would come from Birkhall — the weather is atrocious up there at present.

    By John on January 3rd, 2009 at 6:25 pm

  24. Do you know exactly when in Jan. PW is to begin his training?

    By Bear on January 3rd, 2009 at 11:15 pm

  25. So it’s looking good for an upcoming engagement announcement if all the newspaper stories are to be believed. Why else would the Middletons be traveling to Birkhall to meet Prince Charles and Camilla? Looking forward to hearing the news over the next few days to find out what’s happening.

    By Marla on January 4th, 2009 at 1:59 pm

  26. Marla, the Daily Star is not to be trusted.

    Of course, if the Middletons are going to Birkhall it would certainly not be for their health. It’s like the Arctic Circle up there right now. :)

    By John on January 4th, 2009 at 2:05 pm

  27. Believe me, if this was a true story, the DM and the DT would be reporting it, and they’re not.

    By NCKat on January 4th, 2009 at 2:39 pm

  28. Ok, John, slight exageration on the temps :) Since you mentioned it a couple times, I had to look it up and compare. According to the weather maps I found, It’s near zero C at Birkhall +/- a couple degrees. I’m sure that since it’s near the water it feels a bit colder. Yes, that’s chilly.

    HERE, it is a high of -14 degrees C and a low of -22 C today with a wind so it feels like a few degrees colder. And we live our lives, we go to church, hunt, shop, work and even get engaged ;) And this is not too bad for us…it really does get cold here. We get as low as -38 c a couple times a year. THEN we don’t get engaged! Can you tell I’m in a goofy mood.

    By Julie on January 4th, 2009 at 3:03 pm

  29. Julie, you’re used to it and you have the infrastructure. Here, a slight dusting of snow and the country almost comes to a full stop. Any temperature below zero at noon causes schools to shut down.

    Getting engaged at 32F (0C) would be regarded as madness by the British. ;)

    By John on January 4th, 2009 at 3:13 pm

  30. Today it is -5 C in Vermont, and it’s the warmest it’s been all week! I walk a five mile commute to work, and so this will mean two sets of layers instead of three today!

    I can appreciate what John says about the lack of infrastructure though. I did a term of national service when I was eighteen, and found myself in South Carolina on a day when there was a very small amount of freezing rain. No salt for the roads, no plow trucks…people were abandoning their cars on the side of the roads! We drove our government-issued fifteen passenger van around and picked people up and took them home!

    By Greycella on January 4th, 2009 at 3:30 pm

  31. Who cares if getting engaged at 0C would be considered madness? KM became the butt of a national joke in a national newspaper. While I am sure she maintained her usual grace and shrugged it off behind the scenes, it is just incredible that PW would not shield her from such boldfaced mockery if his intentions are truly honorable. If he is inviting her (and possibly her parents) to Scotland just to confuse people again, it is tiresome. He has been tap-dancing for years. While we can all sympathize with his determination not to be boxed in by the media and public pressure, he is also a public figure – like it or not – and his actions and inactions do affect those around him – sometimes in an extremely adverse way. He may always have doubts, and he may always wonder if he’s doing something because he wants to do or if public pressure is making him do it. Well, guess what? He’s not alone – just about every other young man faces these same doubts – it’s just that their young women do not have to deal with the embarrassment of such wavering on such a public stage. Anyway, if they do get engaged soon, good for them. It’s about time.

    By Amity on January 4th, 2009 at 3:33 pm

  32. John, good point about the infrastructure..although people here have to be reminded every year with the first couple snowfalls…it does make a difference when you have public assistance with a clue.

    By Julie on January 4th, 2009 at 4:06 pm

  33. The PW and KM at Birkhall story had even made its way into the New York Daily News. I am convinced this has been a deliberate leak. Other opinions?

    By Bear on January 4th, 2009 at 5:03 pm

  34. Even a deliberate leak may only mean more tap-dancing by PW. That said, the NY Daily News does not have a reporter hired to cover the Royals – more likely, they are just picking up an interesting story they saw over the wire and repeating it.

    By Amity on January 4th, 2009 at 8:21 pm

  35. Americans frequently do not understand how Europeans react to extreme cold or extreme heat. For one thing, most Americans live in the comfort of well-insulated homes and enjoy central heating and central air-conditioning, depending upon what region of the USA you call home. There are large areas of Europe where central heating is a rarity and where air-conditioning is unknown, hence the serious crisis which arose in France and the UK when the dreadful heat wave hit some time ago. Even with the snow removal, ice control and emergency road service available in the northern cities of America, enduring extreme cold without central heating would be an ordeal, to say the least. We have close friends who were born and raised in New Hampshire and who, for a two year period during their marriage, resided in Scotland. Even in July, they felt that the weather in Scotland was uncomfortably cold. Apparently, the winter months chilled their bones to such an extent that “warm” took on a significance hitherto unknown to them. When their two year tenure in Scotland ended, they returned to America and settled in Florida. There they reside to this very day, even in the torrid Florida summers! Since my lineage is Scottish, I have long-held hopes of visiting Scotland, and naturally asked advice from the couple after their return. Her advice: “DON’T GO THERE!” His advice: “Wear long underwear at all times, all seasons. ” These folks are from pioneer stock, from New Hampshire, which is freezing cold with ice and snow-filled winters of grueling duration!

    If as several newspapers are reporting, Mr. and Mrs. Middleton have, indeed, been invited to Birkhall, and if, indeed, they have accepted that invitation, this is extremely significant. For one thing, Birkhall is Charles’ Scottish sanctum sanctorum, hallowed for all time by it’s associations with his beloved Grandmother (the Queen Mother) who often invited Charles to visit there with her during his childhood and adolescent years. Charles adores the place, and when Charles judges something (furnishings or artwork) to be perfection, he describes it as being “very Birkhall.” Let all of us rise to the level of events, my friends, I hope and believe we may yet hear news of a caliber calculated to gladden our hearts and cause us to have another Royal Anecdotes Gala Tea! :) My dear John, harness the horses and visit your sources! :)

    By Gigi on January 4th, 2009 at 9:01 pm

  36. The Sun is reporting that Prince William & Kate spent an evening at a secluded fishing cabin at Balmoral, begun with a “linen and silver” candlelit dinner. We may question how the Sun got that info and whether it’s accurate. Could it be that he has proposed, and that an announcement may be made before he begins training?

    Gigi, I think you should lay in a supply of Balmoral Dundee cake! :)

    By Evelyn on January 5th, 2009 at 1:39 am

  37. The Sun must have hired a fly (you know the infamous “fly on the wall.”) It does make one wonder….

    By Julie on January 5th, 2009 at 3:01 am

  38. PW & KM have been dating for 6 years – even if the candlelit dinner is true, I can’t imagine this is their first. The newspapers can print whatever they want, but what PW & KM do with their private time should be private. That said, I hope they get married so at least she can live with him on base.

    By Amity on January 5th, 2009 at 3:51 am

  39. I am in strong agreement with Amity. I will believe the engagement when I see the ring on CM’s finger.

    PW is by no stretch of the imagination my favorite royal. And yet… I find myself thinking lately he should NOT be held responsible for the cruelties that lazy and unimaginative tabloid reporters carelessly — perhaps even eagerly — bestow on CM. Certainly, his immense privileges do come with some responsibilities, but these are to the British public, which supports his lifestyle and not the British media.

    Hmmm…

    By Sojourner on January 5th, 2009 at 3:53 am

  40. Gigi, in Britain we live in a maritime climate that’s usually mild all year round. We don’t need air conditioning in our homes, but we do have central heating.

    This year, autumn and winter so far have been exceptionally cold, so a little American infrastructure would not go amiss. Even so, the last time we had snow here where I live was in 1997, and that was a 2-day wonder. :)

    In terms of Balmoral Dundee cake — bring it on!

    By John on January 5th, 2009 at 9:34 am

  41. Evelyn, maybe our discussions on William’s tardiness have had an effect on him. Or my note to Kate: “Tell him it’s now or never,” has moved her to action … footwise.

    Or maybe not, as the case may be. :)

    Most people are in detox mode right now, so there’s nothing much on the grapevine. Our man in Scotland, Hamish McTavish, is currently frozen into the heather. ;)

    By John on January 5th, 2009 at 9:39 am

  42. The Daily Mail is also reporting on PW&K’s candlelit dinner on Friday, citing “local sources.” That increases my confidence in the report.

    Richard Kay (DM) and Andrew Pierce (Telegraph) both have articles on Prince William’s and Prince Harry’s new offices, to be announced and opened quite soon, located at St James Palace. Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton is listed among the staff; hadn’t he announced leaving this fall after PW announced the SARS training? It sounds like he has been pursuaded to stay on.

    It’s also mentioned that PW&K will fly to London on Tuesday, saying that PW has several charity events to attend to. And that PW & PH will be announced as patrons for a new charity this week.

    I am hoping all this will lead to an engagement announcement (or at least an announcement of intention) this week– on or before Kate’s birthday on Friday.

    Gigi, you may want to chill some champagne! :)

    By Evelyn on January 5th, 2009 at 2:08 pm

  43. It occurs to me that the Princes’ new office may also be coming together to provide better advice to their girlfriends– safeguard their images, advise on charity events, etc. Whether or not they are officially engaged, we have noted that sometimes Kate could use some better advice. Perhaps that’s why Jamie L-P has decided there will be enough work to stay on. Especially with the Princes away on training maneuvers (and not within cell phone contact), trusted staff the girls could contact may be quite helpful.

    By Evelyn on January 5th, 2009 at 2:24 pm

  44. I thought it was Miguel Head that was leaving, not JL-P, but I could have my men confused…

    By Leslie on January 5th, 2009 at 5:31 pm

  45. Miguel Head is also listed as someone who will be part of the Princes’ new expanded staff. Maybe John will remember what the situation was….

    By Evelyn on January 5th, 2009 at 5:36 pm

  46. Miguel Head is also listed as someone who will be part of the Princes’ new expanded staff. Maybe John will remember what the situation was….

    By Evelyn on January 5th, 2009 at 5:36 pm

  47. Believe me, Evelyn, I have taken your most excellent suggestions to heart! I have laid on an adequate supply of Balmoral Dundee cake, (without which our dear John cannot face the morrow), along with the quite necessary copious quantities of champagne. I had crossed all my fingers and toes to assist in the great matter of further encouraging the engagement, but then, recollecting that I cannot bake the pastries for the Royal Anecdotes Gala Engagement Tea if my appendages are otherwise engaged, I uncrossed. Thus, unencumbered by superstition, the culinary preparations most merrily commence! :)

    By Gigi on January 5th, 2009 at 6:13 pm

  48. Gigi, I do hope there is an occasion to celebrate before Friday. It may just be a show of solidarity for an old friend. The onus is on William to act. Will he, won’t he?

    My guess is n… y… n… y…

    Can’t make up my mind … but I think not. :-)

    By John on January 5th, 2009 at 6:22 pm

  49. Ok, Gigi…I’ve got my fingers crossed for you! And we’ll just find a reason to drink, eat and be merry! (If John’s slightly negative leaning turns out to be correct.)

    By Julie on January 5th, 2009 at 7:17 pm

  50. john i’m with you – keep going back and forth on this..seems that if the romance is off that one would not take a former girlfriend even if you are still “just friends” to spend new years with your father…sends mixed messages…whatever is on their minds am sure there is a method to their madness…we’ll just have to stay tuned..in the meantime i’ll be awaiting one of gigi’s infamous spreads :) cheers and happy new years to all!

    By coni on January 5th, 2009 at 8:53 pm

  51. Coming out of lurk mode…

    It is all very exciting, will he or won’t he.

    ALL the signals are there as many have pointed out, but the signals have been there before and it turned out to be nothing. If anything, PW certainly seems to have gained an understanding of how to play the press.

    Here’s hoping :) WAHOO!

    By MikeH on January 6th, 2009 at 2:10 pm

  52. Welcome Mike…glad to have another hopeful person ;)

    By Julie on January 6th, 2009 at 2:30 pm

  53. Hi everyone,

    I think that Kate and William may become engaged one day but not this year. I follow the same principle as somebody who posted above, that I will believe an engagement when I see the ring on Kate’s finger until then anything could happen.

    I do believe that the newspapers have made too big a thing about this romantic meal in Birkhall (if it did take place, after all how would the press know about all those personal details???). William and Kate must have done lots of romantic things during their relationship. In fact most couples tend to have a romantic meal after only a few months of dating if not before that.

    Good day.

    By B on January 6th, 2009 at 4:41 pm

  54. It is the Feast of the Three Kings, Epiphany, the Twelfth Day of Christmas! Is there any news regarding our Royal couple in Birkhall? John, have you heard whispers? Rumors? Have the corgis offered any indiscreet innuendo? I realize they are with the Queen and not at Birkhall, but they have an inerring “ear-to-the-ground” network (or nose-to-the-ground, actually) and seem to be aware of every nuance. I regret offering a suggestion which may seem tasteless, but I hear that the corgis will literally tell all for a tasty tidbit. Might someone in our merry clan head for the Palace with a pocketful of pork chops and see what our little nibblers reveal? :)

    By Gigi on January 6th, 2009 at 5:54 pm

  55. Yes, who among us speaks corgi? And in a pinch a bag-o-beef might do!

    Unless someone has heard a hint?

    By Julie on January 6th, 2009 at 7:10 pm

  56. Actually, with corgis, EVERYTHING is near to the ground! And in my experience, they’re willing to do almost anything for a tasty morsel. Where’s my stash of liver snaps??

    Happy Epiphany to all who believe…I’m looking forward to the Feast of Lights service at our Episcopal parish tonight, myself!

    By Leslie on January 6th, 2009 at 7:47 pm

  57. It seems they are back in London (without William’s beard).
    http://tinylink.com/?MhtrNLgFKJ

    By Ash on January 6th, 2009 at 11:05 pm

  58. Also I didn’t see this posted here but perhaps I missed it. I know some here were calling the Roller Disco charity event Kate and her friends organised just an excuse to party etc, so I though perhaps those that hadn’t read this might like to see it. It is a little bit of background on the event and who the money was being raised in memory of. ( by the way the money raised by this event has totalled nearly £30,000, which is a job well done to all those involved and all those that turned up to support it I think).
    http://tinylink.com/?bBgTgPzsgV

    By Ash on January 6th, 2009 at 11:15 pm

  59. Thanks Ash, Kate and Wills look happy in that Sun picture. Do we have more ? :)

    By Me on January 7th, 2009 at 2:07 am

  60. The Daily Mail says that Prince Charles & Camilla and Michael & Carole Middleton will meet on Friday, during a celebration for Kate’s birthday. But they also say it will be in Scotland, which doesn’t make sense to me.

    The Daily Mail also has more info on PW&PH’s “household” (office). The Queen has appointed Sir David Manning to be an advisor to the Princes. As a former British Ambassador (to the US), he’ll bring a different perspective.

    It seems to me that some kind of announcement may be made by Friday. Everything seems to be pointing in that direction.

    By Evelyn on January 7th, 2009 at 2:35 am

  61. PW has always had a thorough understanding of how to play the press. He has led the public down this garden path of high expectations many times before.

    By Amity on January 7th, 2009 at 2:56 am

  62. Yes, but it does seem like things are at a “now or never” point. At least, IMHO. Of course, I guess the only thing that really matters is Prince William’s not-so-humble opinion. ;)

    By Evelyn on January 7th, 2009 at 3:26 am

  63. I just noticed that all the info about PW&PH’s new “household” is from a press release that can be found on the Prince of Wales’ website.

    By Evelyn on January 7th, 2009 at 4:55 am

  64. The DM now has an item reporting that the two of them are back from Scotland: http://tinyurl.com/8n8zup.

    Unfortunately there’s this: “Yesterday the couple, who have been dating for almost six years, seemed in excellent spirits although there was no sign of a ring on Kate’s finger.” (the dateline on the story is 7th January 2009 (meaning tonight) so if there is to be any ring and an announcement it may be Friday. We shall see – at this point, I’m so befuzzled, I don’t know what to think.

    By NCKat on January 7th, 2009 at 5:08 am

  65. The DM dateline is 1:44am– just after midnight in Britain. Stories usually are posted around midnight for the next day’s edition. That still leaves all of Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday… and all the days yet to come.

    Even if Prince William had proposed at Balmoral, even if Kate had accepted, she wouldn’t be wearing a ring yet. I don’t think Kate would wear a ring until the engagement is officially announced, at the earliest. Also, PW may let her choose her own ring (as Prince Charles did with Diana), and that probably would happen in London, not Scotland.

    By Evelyn on January 7th, 2009 at 11:30 am

  66. I don’t think a proposal will come they will remain in the bf/gf mode.

    By Me on January 7th, 2009 at 11:59 am

  67. May I join your Tea, if and when the engagement is announced? :)

    I’ve been of a mind to wait and see, but all these sightings of the lovely pair are just too exciting. Of course, as someone pointed out, we’ve been down this road before. But every year that passes, every vacation that they spend together, every photo of the happy couple strengthens one’s hopes that this is a right royal match.

    Incidentally, one report is already jumping the gun, saying that the proposal has already happened. Not a very reliable report, obviously, they probably just want to be the ‘first’ to report it. :D

    LINK

    By Maricar on January 7th, 2009 at 2:53 pm

  68. Maricar, you may, indeed, join our Royal Anecdotes Gala Royal Engagement Tea, which shall be served as soon as we hear that the engagment has been announced! I see that the BILD speaks of the engagement as if it has already occurred, and cites “British Press.” I wonder which British news outlet announced a proposal/engagement. Does anyone know?

    On quite another topic, I was shocked to see the BILD article photo of Camilla and the expressive noble steed, as it is clear that a horse dentist must be summoned at once. How can Camilla smile for the camera when the horse with whom she poses is in dire need of a dental check-up? I fear the Duke of Marmalade will be as distressed as I am. :)

    By Gigi on January 7th, 2009 at 3:58 pm

  69. Gigi, Maricar, there’s very little to suggest a Royal engagement at this time, unless it’s a low-key announcement of intent, which would be a very good thing.

    I’ve written a piece on this, so won’t elaborate here.

    By John on January 7th, 2009 at 4:05 pm

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