Prince Philip is longest-serving Royal consort
Barring last minute accidents, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, will become Britain’s longest serving Royal consort on Sunday.
Prince Philp joking with TV reporter Romilly Weeks
The previous title holder was Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, who managed 57 years 70 days while leaving little legacy or collective memory in the annals of the nation.
Prince Philip will be very different. While not aspiring to Prince Albert’s almost equal status with Queen Victoria, Philip has supported Queen Elizabeth loyally for more than 60 years, first as Princess, then as Monarch.
Where Albert’s energy for big projects, like the Great Exhibition of 1851, was unlimited, Philip has contented himself with diplomatic, low key endeavours, like the immensely successful World Wildlife Fund, originally set up with Peter Scott in the 1950s, and the perennial Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme for energetic youngsters.
Perhaps his one discordant note to the world of politics has been his absolute refusal to follow codes of so-called political correctness. This has led to a reputation for “gaffes” — a kind of humour for grownups — which has resulted in apologies to tourists, Scots, Indians, the deaf, the unemployed, Canadians, Tom Jones, British women and Cantonese cooks.* The sheer variety of the list indicates how widely-based his humour is, and largely without rancour.
My bet is that Prince Philip will not only be the longest serving consort, but also one of the most memorable in all British history.
* List thanks to Gill Hornby.
John, I know the newspapers have been reporting that Prince Philip will be the *longest-serving consort*, surpassing Queen Charlotte. In the first paragraph, you mention that he is the *oldest serving consort*. When did he reach that milestone? Who was the next-eldest consort?
By Evelyn on April 17th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
My mistake — I’ve got 20 things on my mind at the moment. Thank you for the correction, Evelyn.
By John on April 17th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
The question in my mind is: will the Queen create Prince Philip “Prince Consort” in the near future, or, at all? What is your opinion, John?
By Gigi on April 17th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Well, in that case… you may want to change the headline, too.
By Evelyn on April 17th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
Might he also be the oldest consort of a reigning British monarch? Are they in fact the longest AND oldest reigning Royal Couple in British history?
I know Victoria reigned longer, but she reigned alone for much of it.
By Dan on April 17th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
From my (limited) checking, Prince Philip would be the oldest consort, if you’re counting from Queen Victoria. Prior to that, the consorts were official Electresses and Queens of Hanover. After Victoria’s reign, Queen Mary was widowed at age 69, through she lived to 86. The Queen Mother lived longer, but was widowed younger.
By Evelyn on April 17th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Also, Dan, I remember reading that the Queen and Prince Philip are the only reigning Royal Couple to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary, so they must be the oldest reigning Royal Couple, at least since the change of House with Queen Victoria.
By Evelyn on April 17th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
Indeed, with PP passing Queen Charlotte in the consort sweepstakes, HM and PP become the oldest and longest reigning Royal Couple in British history (I know, PP doesn’t actually reign, but you know what I mean
). Queen Victoria and George III reigned longer than HM, but not with their consorts by their sides the entire time.
HM will surpass George III’s reign of 59 years and 96 days in 2011. One hopes HM and PP will reach that milestone together.
By Dan on April 17th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
so does the queen have to make him an “offical consort” or does it go without saying???
By coni on April 17th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
I would be surprised if she bestowed some new title on him at this point. It was decided when HM took the throne that Philip of Greece (he was born a Prince of Greece and Denmark), who had adopted the name Mountbatten, would be created a Prince of the United Kingdom but would not be titled Prince Consort. To do so now would suggest regret at a past oversight. I don’t believe HM and the Duke have such regrets.
The word “consort” has taken on certain sordid connotations in the years since.
I certainly feel it would be the WORST title to bestow upon Camilla. Better to crown her Queen than to call her the Princess Consort!
Of course, many will want to call her what they indeed believe her to be.
By Dan on April 17th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
thanks dan – good point. also, will be interesting to see what title camilla actually does go by when the time comes….
By coni on April 17th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
As long as that certain, splendid memory of the incomparable Prince Consort, Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg Gotha remains extant, no one can ever truly sully the connotation of the title “consort.” I may be a member of a dying breed, but the Prince Consort is one of my personal heroes.
By Gigi on April 18th, 2009 at 12:41 am
Gigi, there’s no hint of any new title, and I agree it would look like a tailend afterthought — and the Queen doesn’t like “stunts”.
He is still the Consort though and has forged his own place in the world. At nearly 88, that’s probably enough.
By John on April 18th, 2009 at 8:01 am
Gigi, you are indeed a rare breed — and a well-preserved one, I hasten to add — if you have splendid memories of Prince Albert!
By Dan on April 18th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Memories may be engendered by study of a person’s life, Dan, rather than personal knowlege of that person. I have spent many years reading everything I could find about the life of the Prince Consort. I firmly believe that his character was so excellent, his service to his adopted country so selfless and outstanding, that he will never be forgotten, even though he died in 1861 and there are no humans currently alive who were alive then.
By Gigi on April 18th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Dan,
Princess Consort indeed! Thanks for the laugh
By sojourner on April 18th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
As Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip continue to age gracefully, they will achieve more and more milestones. Prince Philip is currently the oldest living great-great grandchild of Queen Victoria, as well as the second oldest living descendant of “The Queen” after Prince Carl Johan of Sweden who, at 92 years old, is Queen Victoria’s oldest living great grandchild.
By Arthur on April 18th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Well said, Arthur. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are certainly the most remarkable Royal couple since Queen Victoria and the Prince Consort, perhaps moreso, because Queen Elizabeth II has demonstrated throughout her reign unerring good judgment, studied objectivity and a firm resolve to uphold all that is best for the Kingdom. All this she has managed with a regal poise, serene visage and measured temperment, some of which qualities were lacking in Queen Victoria. I find the current Queen to be quite extraordinary and I am sure that I am not alone in this view.
By Gigi on April 18th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Gigi, are you up for a Royal Tea this week? The Queen’s birthday will be Tuesday. I realize that her “official” birthday is still a few months away, but perhaps we should celebrate.
That said, if a tea happens, I probably won’t be able to attend online, as I’ll be away visiting my parents, who have no computer.
By Evelyn on April 19th, 2009 at 12:13 am
I am always up for tea when it is the Queen’s actual birthday! Everyone hit the gym Monday and we shall have a diet-busting Roayl Anecdotes Gala Happy Birthday Queen Elizabeth II Tea on Tuesday!
By Gigi on April 19th, 2009 at 12:53 am
Well, Gigi, I’ll be setting up a new company next week and will probably be in London on Tuesday, the Queen’s 83rd birthday.
If I catch a glimpse of the birthday girl, I’ll try to get a photo for the site. Here’s hoping.
Save me a sliver of birthday Dundee cake.
By John on April 19th, 2009 at 10:22 am
I shall do so, John! We shall all hope that you manage a photo of the Queen on her birthday! I hope you have proverbial “Queen’s Weather” for your London sojourn. Here we have brilliant sunshine after several days of rain and stormy skies and I must say that our garden does look lovely.
By Gigi on April 19th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Going through some of my grandparents old stuff, I came across the Official Souvenir Programme of the The Coronation of their Majesties King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (USA Edition). Find it rather interesting, giving the details of the coronation, family tree, who was there. Also some old Boston Post newspapers clippings of the day were inside the book. Amazing the stuff you can find.
By American Cousin on April 20th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
I have that Official Souvenir Program of the Coronation, also, American Cousin, with newspaper clippings saved by my parents and grandparents. I also have the hard cover souvenir book of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. I used to read these and gaze at the photographs throughout my childhood.
By Gigi on April 20th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
gigi – looking forward to you tea
always such fun!
By coni on April 20th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Thanks, Coni, I am just concocting the menu now!
By Gigi on April 21st, 2009 at 3:47 am
I do not think the Queen alone can create Philip King Consort. It would at least require the acquiescence of the Government and possibly Parliament. Were it simply in the Queen’s gift, she presumably would have done so years ago.
By Robert on April 21st, 2009 at 4:32 am
My dear Royal Anecdote friends, today being the actual 83rd birthday of Her Majesty, Aueen Elizabeth II, we shall celebrate with a Royal Anecdotes Gala ‘Happy Birthday Your Majestry’ Tea! My dear Coni, of you will be good enough to pour, and if our own Dan will serve the champagne, I will pass the tea sandwiches and the tea cakes, which today are double chocolate lace and vanilla creme, in the shape of crowns. There are also meringues in the shape of a rose. I am serving Balmoral Dundee cake, and since our own John is in London on business, we shall save a slice for him. I am also serving old-fashioned chocolate layer cake with the Queen’s cipher in icing decorating the top layer, as her birthday cake. In John’s absence, I shall ask our own Arthur if he will be kind enough to propose the toast to our gracious Queen Elizabeth II on her 83rd birthday. My dear friends, please come to the tea table, our Royal Anecdotes Gala “Happy Birthday Your Majesty” Tea is served!
By Gigi on April 21st, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Happy
*hic*
Birthday, Ma’am!
By Dan on April 21st, 2009 at 6:12 pm
LOL Oh, dear. Will someone close to the sideboard please go fish Dan out of the champagne bottles and help him serve our tea guests?
I also feel that some strong, hot coffee would not go amiss. 
Dan, eat a few sandwiches and tea cakes to restore your constitution.
By Gigi on April 21st, 2009 at 6:35 pm
What if… one is inclined to er, join Dan rather than oblige Gigi with the rescue?
Champagne for me please!
By Cristina on April 21st, 2009 at 11:55 pm
I think we can give the champagne a rest, as long as we pass around the rum sponge… cake. I meant the rum cakes, really.
By sojourner on April 22nd, 2009 at 12:20 am
I did not mean to imply that any of my guests were limited as to the amount of champagne they may consume. I do hope that my hospitality never stoops to such depths! Our dear Dan, however, needs a few sandwiches and cakes to restore his equilibrium.
Christina, do recharge your glass and sojourner, have another slice or three of cake. 
Speaking of champagne, Dan, please refill my glass with champagne as well. Brimful will be just grand.
By Gigi on April 22nd, 2009 at 1:20 am
Wow is this delicious tea much needed during Finals Week! Happy Birthday to a wonderful woman and many many thanks to another wonderful woman, Gigi, your tea is beyond amazing as always!
I do think I’ll stick to the yummies and coffee while I’m hitting the books, don’t want to have a big mix up during exams!
By Blondie on April 22nd, 2009 at 2:26 am
gigi – thanks for another lovely tea. unfortunately i had to limit myself to one tea sandwich and just a sip of tea….
By coni on April 22nd, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Thank you, Blondie, for your kind words! My dear Coni, I am sorry that you were able to eat so little. It is difficult to find time to partake of the bounty on the tea table while you are pouring, I well know.
My dear Grandmother claimed that she kept her slim figure because at tea time, she always poured and rarely touched a morsel! It should be noted that the tea cakes always disappeared with amazing speed, and my Grandfather was as slim as she! WHO ate the tea cakes? It remains a family mystery, shrouded in the mists of time.
By Gigi on April 22nd, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Welladay! If a true Briton cannot tell the difference between the Duke of Kent, who is the Queen’s cousin and the Duke of York, who is her second son, I must wonder at the current state of Royal recognition in the UK!
Prince Andrew, Duke of York, handled the gaffe with charm and gracious good humor. I am very pleased. I am not sure that Royal Dukes come “ten a penny” as Prince Andrew said, but it was a disarming turn of phrase and I am sure it garnered laughter and applause.
By Gigi on April 22nd, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Happy St George’s Day everyone.
By John on April 23rd, 2009 at 5:47 pm
Happy St. George’s Day to you, John, and to all in the UK!
By Gigi on April 23rd, 2009 at 6:34 pm
Gigi,
I missed the reference where the “untrue” Briton made the mix up. I am not even sure what the mix up was about. I must be mixed up myself, after all those rum spon…. I meant cakesh. Cakesh, I said!
By sojourner on April 23rd, 2009 at 9:57 pm
LOL! According to a story in, I believe, HELLO, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, was being introduced at an event at which he was the key speaker and the man who introduced him identified him as the Duke of Kent instead of the Duke of York. Prince Andrew responded with humor, charm and gracious forebearance while the man who made the gaffe was probably wishing that the floor would open and swallow him up.
By Gigi on April 23rd, 2009 at 11:35 pm
For all those who wonder about why Kate waits…
Some great pictures of William, gotten from another site — you guys have probably seen them all, but I thought some in this batch were particularly good (only one not so much).
By sojourner on April 25th, 2009 at 1:14 am
oops! a premature click of the send…
Here are the pics
http://tinyurl.com/dafa9q
By sojourner on April 25th, 2009 at 1:16 am
He certainly has a fine figure (thank you for the link sojourner). A shame about his hair…
By Cristina on April 25th, 2009 at 1:45 am
I think the talk about William’s hair is a tempest in a baldspot (couldn’t resist!!!)
I think it is great William is not worried about his hair all that much. Let’s face it, he is really tall, and most people, under normal circumstances, would rarely, if ever, notice any follicular scarcity. His eyes and smile more than make up for it.
Then again, in the interest of full disclosure, Yul Brynner defines sexy in my book
By sojourner on April 25th, 2009 at 2:33 am
I thing he’s very handsome! Hair or not…he has a sweet look about him that just makes me smile.
By Julie on April 25th, 2009 at 3:05 am
For many years my sister has had serious trouble with hair loss due to stress. Recently she was introduced to a scalp treatment by her hairdresser and her hair has now started to grow back. I wonder if William has given any treatment a try?
I respect that he may not be fussed about it but he is young… And being so fair will make his skin vulnerable to cancer.
By Cristina on April 25th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
By the way, that was think…not thing…geez!
And Gigi…so sorry to miss your tea! We were traveling and I was not around…I’m sure it was splendid as usual!
By Julie on April 26th, 2009 at 1:38 am
I am sorry you missed it, too, Julie, but never fear, three shall be others. This is slightly off-topic, but has anyone seen the movie “The Young Victoria,” which I understand was to open oin the UK in early March? Does anyone know when it will be shown in the USA?
By Gigi on April 27th, 2009 at 2:32 am
Gigi, Wikipedia says that there currently is no US release date for “The Young Victoria.” On another online source for US movie release dates, I don’t see it listed; the listing goes through June 5.
By Evelyn on April 27th, 2009 at 3:57 am
I saw that, too, Evelyn.
I hope we don’t have to wait until the cows come home to see that movie in the USA! Wikipedia’s data is not always accurate. nor is it always updated, so I was hoping to hear that an opening date in America had been published somewhere in the UK.
By Gigi on April 27th, 2009 at 5:49 am
There’s a lovely story in The Telegraph about the Queen sending her first official email to youngsters in honor of 60 years of the Commonwealth. Apparently she enjoys interacting with her family using email and texting, and is no stranger to You Tube.
http://tinyurl.com/d266gg
By NCKat on April 28th, 2009 at 10:57 am
Yes, she has her own Royal Channel on YouTube. Google’s London office put it up for her.
By John on April 28th, 2009 at 11:14 am
Gigi, check YouTube for some Young Victoria trailers etc.
The movie looks like real eye-candy and I too can’t wait to see it and own it. Presumably you’ve seen the Victoria Hamilton/Jonathan Firth (brother of you know who) version of Victoria. That one was wonderful!
By Claudia on April 28th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Thanks, Claudia, I have seen the trailers and they do look superb! I agree with you about the excellent movie starring Victoria Hamilton and Jonathon Firth, and I watch it quite regularly, as I own a copy. I have a very deep interest in anything about Prince Albert, the Prince Consort and Queen Victoria!
On a sidenote (i.e. former Royalty) I see that Prince John d’Orleans, the son of the Count of Paris, has married in a civil ceremony and will marry in a church ceremony in Northern France on May 2nd. The French Royal line is split into factions and in dispute, but I believe that were the monarchy still in place in France, Prince Jean d’Orleans would be high in the line of succession. At any rate, he remains a person of interest from a Royal standpoint.
By Gigi on April 28th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
In that first sentence in the second paragraph, I meant to type “Jean” instead of “John.” Jean is French for John, of course, but I doubt that Prince Jean d’ Orleans would thank me for anglicizing his name! As I have often moaned, my typos will be the end of us all.
By Gigi on April 28th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Prince Harry will be coming to the US at the end of May for his first official foreign tour, and his first-ever visit to the US (New York). He will play in a charity polo match, and visit some charities and Ground Zero. Article in the Daily Mail.
By Evelyn on April 29th, 2009 at 3:12 am
And PW is out clubbing sans KM yet again…
By Cristina on April 29th, 2009 at 6:43 am
Cristina – where did you see that tidbit? Thanks
By Julie on April 29th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Evelyn,
In reference to your breaking news on Prince Harry, did you mean it is going to be his “first-ever visit to the US” in an official role?
By Jan on April 30th, 2009 at 3:19 am
Julie, there was an article in one of the British rags that had images of him and his brother entering a nightclub. William had spent that day with children and had been photographed with a brace at the back of his bottom teeth. The article mentioned that he had swapped his suite for casual gear to go out clubbing with his brother. I think it was the 25th.
Sorry I cannot remember which rag it was.
By Cristina on April 30th, 2009 at 5:59 am
Jan, as I remember the article in The Daily Mail, it said that Prince Harry’s visit to New York would be his first-ever visit to the US, not just in an official role. I do remember hearing about several visits Harry has made to Canada, as a child and as an adult, but I don’t remember hearing that he’s visited the US before. I could be wrong.
By Evelyn on April 30th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Evelyn,
I think when Diana was alive all three of them visited Disney World in Orlando, Florida. I found the story you were referring to on the Mail’s website and it did state this would be his first time ever to visit the US. Kind of an odd statement…maybe they meant it would be his first time in New York.
By Jan on April 30th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
I remember seeing pictures in Barbara Bush’s memoirs from when Princess Diana and Princes William and Harry visited her at the White House in the early 90s. I also thought that was a curious claim…
By Jennifer on May 1st, 2009 at 12:05 am
Some editor did not carefully check the article for reference errors, evidently. Those visits–the visit to the White House and also the visit of Princess Diana and her sons to Walt Disney World in Orlando–were all over the news at the time, especially the photos of the Princess and the two young Princes, laughing and happy, drenched with water from riding the log flume. I find it incredible that the writer of that article did not recall that visit.
By Gigi on May 1st, 2009 at 1:35 am
Horrible news!
An attempt was made on Queen Beatrice of Holland on Queen\’s Day. Several bystanders killed, others injured.
http://tinyurl.com/c7q4h5
By sojourner on May 1st, 2009 at 2:49 am
I saw that! Unbelievable! If that can happen in Holland, it can happen anywhere. The Dutch Royal Family are so deeply beloved by the Dutch people and so utterly uncontroversial, I am floored that they were targeted by an assassin! Queen Beatrix handled it perfectly, cancelling the remainder of the activities and immediately ordering flags to half-staff. The photo of Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Crown Princess Maxima looking on in horror as the tragedy happened before their eyes is very poignant.
By Gigi on May 1st, 2009 at 3:53 am
Yes, the attack on the Dutch Royal Family was quite unexpected and horrendous. Let’s hope there will be no copycat incidents over here.
I’ll be writing more pieces for Royal Anecdotes after this holiday weekend. I’ve been tied up with business matters for ages, but need to get back to the sites now.
If it’s vacation time where you are, have a great one.
By John on May 1st, 2009 at 10:51 am
Not a holiday weekend in the US, I’m afraid. Our next long weekend is May 23-25, Memorial Day weekend. Enjoy your holiday, John!
By Evelyn on May 1st, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Thank you, Evelyn, I shall. Have a good weekend in any case.
By John on May 1st, 2009 at 8:15 pm
In talking to a family member, and checking a couple of websites, it seems that the Nunn book on Kate has been delayed. My family member said her local bookstore was told no future date was given. John, have you heard anything about this?
By sojourner on May 2nd, 2009 at 6:16 pm
This is utterly off-topic, but has anyone read the Carol Thatcher Memoir entitled “A Swim-On Part in the Goldfish Bowl,” and if so, can anyone recommend it? The exerpt in the British online press was quite intriguing.
By Gigi on May 3rd, 2009 at 9:23 pm
The Statesman says “William, currently stationed at Royal Air Force base in Shawbury, has been told to move his girl Kate Middleton out of a cosy cottage he had commandeered so that Prince Harry can move in when he starts his chopper pilot training next week.”
By Cristina on May 4th, 2009 at 3:49 am
If that is true, I wonder who gave those orders to Prince William.
By Gigi on May 4th, 2009 at 4:03 am
If you’re talking anout the New Statesman, Cristina, it’s a left-wing rag that doesn’t have much time for the Monarchy.
Otherwise, I’ve never heard of it. The story would surely have seeped out into the mainstream media if true.
By John on May 4th, 2009 at 7:30 am
The site was called “The Statesman” but I expect it is what you say John.
Is it a fact that KM is living with PW?
By Cristina on May 4th, 2009 at 9:32 am
I’ve heard she pops in now and again, as friends do, but not that she’s installed there. Kate has disappeared off the radar for a year. A deliberate low-key policy, or a way to make an easy exit? Only they know.
By John on May 4th, 2009 at 9:48 am
It is now the “lovely month of May” and I am hoping that all of our dear RAers are enjoying superb weather! I also hope that wherever Kate and Prince William are, they are enjoying the lovely Spring together, in a bower of Spring flowers. I shall not give up on their romance until it is proved incontrovertibly to be at an end.
By Gigi on May 4th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Gigi…our eternal optimist…I’m with you!
By Julie on May 4th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
I too think the story is rather specious… The Daily Mail reported several months ago something similar.
The idea that the Princes would be sharing living quarters seems quite feasible and sensible. The idea that they would live in quarters so small as to put a damper on their personal life… harder to believe.
But even more to the point, we do know that KM works at least some of the time in her family business. The idea of her commuting back and forth without notice seems a little far fetched. The media might have a block out, but it doesn’t extend to the cell phones of the general public. There is NO way pictures would not have shown up on the ‘net somewhere.
By sojourner on May 4th, 2009 at 10:57 pm
The story has been reported in other Asian sites now.
Media block out, what does that mean exactly?
And where is that engagement announcement that the French promised us?
By Cristina on May 5th, 2009 at 12:35 am
Hmm, I just tried to post something… but no luck.
Apologies if this is repeated:
1. I meant black out not block out (oopsie)
2. I can see John’s scenarios of occasional visits. I have a harder time imagining KM doing a daily commute, or even weekly visits, simply because someone, somewhere, would have said, written and /or posted something. Unless they have a Rapunzel thing going on there… :-O
By sojourner on May 5th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Ha, you’re funny Sojourner! By the way, I did not mean to have a go at you. I actually want to know what is meant by a black out (or block out if you like…). Does it mean that KM and PW have an agreement with the media or is it that the media is unable to report for whatever reason?
I agree with your point 2 but I wonder why in the world he goes on holidays with her family if he is only a “friend”?
By Cristina on May 6th, 2009 at 12:56 am
Well here we go again…
Clemmie Moodie at Mirror.com.uk says: “Harry and William celebrated at the Troubadour. They watched a friend’s band until 2am.” – SANS KM! This was to celebrate Harry passing his exams (finaly).
By Cristina on May 6th, 2009 at 1:28 am
If true, that does not seem significant to me. That event would merely suggest that two soldiers, who are also brothers, went out to celebrate Prince Harry’s passing his training exam. I don’t attach any importance to the possible instance of Kate not accompanying them.
By Gigi on May 6th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Wonderful photos of the Queen and Prince Philip, cutting the elaborate cake which marks the 250th anniversary of the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew! The Queen looks marvelous in a very flattering pink and black outfit and Prince Philip looks hale, hearty and immaculately dapper. When the icing likeness of the conservatory at Kew proved hard to cut through, the indefatigable Prince Philip advised the Queen to “…press down harder. That proved fruitless, even though it was an iced fruit cake, so the Duke of Edinburgh took the knife and finished the job! I love it!
By Gigi on May 6th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
Charming little video of Prince Charles, some friends, his sons and frog, among other things…
http://www.rainforestsos.org/
By sojourner on May 7th, 2009 at 2:12 am
Gigi,
! URL, please…
Thanks for the heads up on the photos, but don’t keep them to yourself!
By sojourner on May 7th, 2009 at 2:14 am
By Gigi on May 7th, 2009 at 2:37 am
Excellent marketing video, great cause, love the frog!
Thanks for the link Sojourner.
By Cristina on May 8th, 2009 at 5:56 am
Zara Phillips is competing in the Badminton Horse Trials. So far, she’s in ninth place on Toytown, and 72nd place on Ardfield Magic Star, out of 81 competitors.
Photos show that Mike Tindall and Peter Phillips are both there to support her.
By Evelyn on May 9th, 2009 at 12:20 am
It appears Zara is out of Badminton altogether. Both horses are listed as “retired from cross country.”
By Evelyn on May 9th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
The DM has an article with pics of PW and KM together at a charity polo match (as well as pics of Harry acting silly):
http://tinyurl.com/of9l9z
By NCKat on May 11th, 2009 at 12:54 am
FINALLY! I love the pic. It makes them look like a couple! Sorry john but I think they look a little more than just friends. If he wanted to not be seen as a couple he would be standing three feet away. (imho)
By happydally on May 11th, 2009 at 1:43 am
They certainly look very happy, and their body language is very much in synch. Kate’s beautiful smile is on display: HURRAY! Other sites also have pictures of them leaving the grounds together.
HOWEVER, I have become pessimistic (John’s influence?) This might be just the upswing of the yo-yo, if you catch my drift. Makes me want to holler — Get it over with, children! Enough already! Stop toying with my affection!
By sojourner on May 11th, 2009 at 2:24 am
… over as in “get engaged already!”
In case there was a confusion as to where my affections lie
By sojourner on May 11th, 2009 at 2:25 am
I think you might be in for a few more years’ wait, Sojourner, however I’m with you: I can’t wait for them to announce, no matter how long, because as I’ve believed for years now, it’s inevitable. They’ve learned — or have been schooled by very savvy new handlers — how to handle their press better. And I think the press has been threatened to back off of her family. Excellent work, William & Kate!
By Positive on May 11th, 2009 at 10:33 am
There are a ton of photos of them but this is very rare PDA . I think they have become more comfortable to be seen together in public while they keep very low key profile.
By Mikado-watcher on May 11th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Pretty strong signal for those of us who have been waiting for a crumb!
By Claudia on May 11th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
All of you royal watching pros probably already know about Rex Features but there are tons of juicy wonderful photos to see there!!
What fun!!!
By Claudia on May 11th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
I am very pleased to see those photos of Prince William and Kate!
By Gigi on May 11th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
If that’s “just friends” I’m wondering what dating would be??? PW can’t possibly think that it would be ok to be photographed after all this time with such a PDA if they are NOT serious right? He has to know that it would reflect very poorly on him and the RF.
She’s been out of sight for a while, nothing negative recently, strike while the iron is hot!!! PLEASE!!!!!
By Julie on May 11th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Sorry for the double post but I have to say….LOVE THAT SMILE!!!!
By Julie on May 11th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
this does blow the “friends with an easy letdown from the public eye” thing out of the water… With these signals and all the back and forth, lets hope William does the right thing and makes it official, or he will be the one looking like a CAD!
By london4704 on May 11th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
London4704 I have to say I think it’s a shrewd PR move on his part – it lets the world know she’s still in the picture – now, whether this means an announcement in the near future is something we’ll just have to wait and see. I think the likeliest scenario is that he’ll have to get through his military service first, but this is very encouraging, indeed.
By NCKat on May 11th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
perhaps they have just be maintaining a low profile and living their lives – he is busy with his military training and she with the family business….i would imagine they have their own timeline of when events will infold -
By coni on May 11th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
sorry for the typo – “unfold”
By coni on May 11th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
C’mon guys! A barely visible arm (in fact, more of an inference of posture than actual empirical proof) over a shoulder sort of doesn’t qualify as PDA in my book
(Now don’t go thinking I am loose; much less an exhibitionist. I guess my DA threshold is just higher)
Or did I miss something?
By sojourner on May 12th, 2009 at 1:40 am
OK I must ask – what is “PDA”?
By NCKat on May 12th, 2009 at 1:50 am
I’m quite certain that PW does not have his arm around KM, it is an optical illusion. She walks slightly ahead of him and the camera angle makes it look like he is closer than he actually would have been. Nevertheless, they leave together, in the same car and really, considering her sister and friends were there and could have given her a lift, that means something.
I think they are still together. I also think she will wait, and wait, and wait, no matter what he does – I am also pretty sure he know this. Marriage or no marriage, I would now be surprised if she did not hang in there regardless.
Pippa looks to be very friendly with Harry…
By Cristina on May 12th, 2009 at 2:11 am
Cristina,
Well said!
NCKat,
in case you haven’t googled it yet:
P(ublic) D(isplay of) A(ffection)
By sojourner on May 12th, 2009 at 2:29 am
Arm or no arm I stick by my comment that anyone as famous/public as those two would not be hanging out and photographed standing anywhere near each other if they weren’t more than friends…and she sure would not be getting into his car! HELLO!!!
I don’t think he would be in to that. It would be like the Diana concert where she was there but not in close contact for photogs. Who knows. I’m just happy to see her!
By happydally on May 12th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
I think PW’s arm is on Kate’s bottom so that why we can’t see the arm? Anyway, they are very close for sure. If they aren’t they don’t need to show up together after months of absence.
By Mikado-watcher on May 12th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
The Prince and Kate look very happy, very in love and very together to me, and I agree with Mikado-watcher that, were they not together, they would not be providing photo-ops in public after such a long period of flying under the radar. Kate looks radiant, Prince William looks handsome and delighted to be with her and the photos gave me a tremendous lift! I did, as suggested, view the Rex photos, which are excellent. I only wish that there was a means by which they could be enlarged for better viewing.
By Gigi on May 12th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
There is a wonderful story, with excellent photos, of Prince William paying a surprise 40 minute visit to an elderly lady (109 years old!) to apologize for the Queen’s birthday card showing a photo of the Queen–same photo–in a yellow dress for the past five years! What a charming thing for the Prince to do! I was at first shocked at the effrontery–that anyone would write to the Queen complaining about getting the same birthday card five years in a row– but evidently the letter was received in good spirits and resulted in the lovely surprise visit from Prince William! Delightful!!
By Gigi on May 12th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
I too think this is significant, even beyond wishful thinking.
PW has obviously been carefully orchestrating his public face in terms of KM. He knew these latest pictures would be widely splashed, especially in light of the dearth of sightings these many months. I have a DVD with an older interview with him in which he fiercely insists that he will be in control of himself and the more he is pushed the more he will not go along. This appearance this past weekend with the photos and consequent attention tells me that his calculation is that he was ready for the reaction.
As for parsing the actual PDA in the pictures, I have read accounts that say that he had his arm around her. Interestingly, I saw one picture of them with their backs turned with each of them reaching their arms around to the other.
By Claudia on May 12th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Gigi, for better viewing also take a look at whu.teamhighgrove.com.
Click on photos and look to your hearts content, you could be on this site for days! They always have up to the minute pictures of whatever is happening.
You may have to create a password to see the photos but it’ll be well worth your time!
By Claudia on May 12th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Claudia, thanks for the link! that is a great site and as you said well worth the time!
By Julie on May 13th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
There’s a new post up on this subject.
Sorry about the delays in posting, I’ve been setting up a new internet business — a wearying task — and there really hasn’t been much Royal news around.
By John on May 13th, 2009 at 4:17 pm