Kate Middleton rumours untrue
I’m often asked why I don’t report on the many rumours zipping around about the endlessly ongoing relationship between Kate Middleton and Prince William.
The simple answer is that most of them are untrue.
Now Judy Wade of Hello! magazine has shot down another batch of these phantom birds.
First, the plausible sounding report that Kate and William will be off to meet the Queen at Balmoral at the end of August. It’s definitely not on, says Judy. Nor is the linked tale of an engagement announcement on August 31, the anniversary of William’s mother, Diana, Princess of Wales’s death.
That never seemed a goer for me, since the two events are completely incompatible. The same goes for a wedding at St Paul’s Cathedral.
The new (or rehashed) idea that Kate is yet again planning a rendezvous with New York to enhance her photographic skills, explodes when you consider the paparazzi onslaught that would result in a city far from the protection squad she would need.
If Princess Eugenie is under the cosh for taking police guards abroad, how much more intense would it be for a non-Royal, non-engaged girlfriend of a Prince? And whatever happened to Eugenie’s arrival at an American university? Newcastle is a long way from New England.
It seems that Kate enjoys the privacy that working from a home office allows her, despite the constant barrage of derision it brings. I can understand that as I do the same myself. She will not lightly give it up in favour of a stint in an overseas city, however tempting that might be. Prince Harry’s reception by New Yorkers was a foretaste of what it might be like.
The story appears to be an echo of the Mario Testino affair last year, which went the rounds until he declared, “Where did this story come from? It’s new to me.”
There’s a rhythm to all this speculation. Stories are punted, based on clearly misleading information, only to be shot down later as “completely untrue”.
It may be that William’s friends are putting up smokescreens, like helicopter chaff, to deflect attention from what’s really going on, or, more likely, the sheer humdrum nature of both his RAF training and Kate’s work with Party Pieces.
The true story of Kate and William’s romance would never have become a Barbara Cartland novel, that’s for sure.
There are those rumors that are entirely untrue from the start, then there are those that are based on a grain of truth that then suffers rampant speculation that results in falsehood. For example, I understand that Princess Eugenie did in fact consider Williams College in Massachusetts as an option. Based on that fact, the press then jumped to the unfounded conclusion that she had decided to attend. In the end, no such decision had been made.
When a member of the RF or their cohort prompts a question, everyone wants to be first with the answer, whether or not the answer is correct. Come every August( until William finally marries her
), the question will arise: will Kate go to Balmoral? From that simple question, someone will decide to say — based on nothing, evidently, except a desire to be first with the scoop — that yes, indeed, she will go to Balmoral, and then everyone will accept it as a fact without any evidence for it.
We’re an odd lot, we Royal speculators. Why can’t we just wait to see what happens, rather than try to anticipate what has yet to happen?
By Dan on July 26th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Dan, it may also be that if a story gets out, they change their minds and do something else. Self-preservation.
Katie Nichol has got a long piece in the Mail on Sunday about the shock to the Middletons caused by their errant uncle/brother, Gary.
The Palace also believes that there may be more bad news to come. Kate is said to be catatonic with shock. Tectonic plates are moving.
By John on July 26th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
John, if really bad news come out do you think Kate has to give up marring PW? Or as long as Kate and the Middletons aren’t in any trouble she’ll be fine?
By Mikado-watcher on July 26th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
Oops, give up marring PW ??give up marrying PW.
By Mikado-watcher on July 27th, 2009 at 12:24 am
I am guessing it would depend on how bad the story was and who was involved. I am also guessing that at the end of the day public reaction and the effect on their “reputation” and therefore the monarchy’s survival is what would concern them most?
I still think this is an unfortunate good test for KMs and PWs relationship. KM and family will have the opportunity of finding out exactly who loves and supports them. A good thing to find out before you marry into the royal family.
By Cristina on July 27th, 2009 at 6:30 am
Mikado, we’re into new territory. In Prince Charles’s day any number of girls fell by the wayside because they were deemed a bit dodgy.
Also, remember Koo Stark who made the softest of soft porn movies and was barred from marrying Andrew. Nowadays, Freddie Windsor is marrying a girl who has appeared in soft porn movies.
In those days the photo of Kate at the ludicrous Dayglo Disco event would have been enough to banish her from the top spot, but she hung on in there. I think Gary the gruesome relative is more serious than many think. Charles has been supportive, but the Palace, the Queen and the Duke are all very concerned.
Watch this space.
By John on July 27th, 2009 at 8:17 am
Thank you, Cristina and John. Let’s hope Prince Charles’ support helps to get through this mess. And no more bad news for Kate.
By Mikado-watcher on July 27th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
I always question Katie Nicholl’s frequent use of quotation marks. The syntax and content of her alleged quotes seems always eerily similar to her own writing style.
Rumors are indeed often untrue. Many of them come from Katie Nicholl’s columns. Her piece in the MoS reads like an updated spin on old news. This is how James Middleton’s ancient appearance in a skirt fits into Katie Nicholl’s “new” take on the story.
What’s new?
By Dan on July 27th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Dan, it’s an old journalistic trick to expand an article by summarizing “the story so far” after the new “facts” and the commentary have been aired.
It can get rather tiresome if a story is stretched too much.
By John on July 27th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
How can it be that the Palace has been caught by surprise with the antics of the crazy uncle? Kate has been William’s steady girlfriend for years now. How is it that no one has done a simple background check on her family?
Millions of pounds are spent on Royal security. It took the press to reveal that uncle Gary — who lives in a house called La Maison de Bang Bang — does (and deals) drugs?
I don’t think Kate should be thrown overboard, but heads ought to be rolling among the security staff.
By Dan on July 27th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
John…”watch this space”…always keeping us coming back for more
I’m watching, as always!
By Julie on July 28th, 2009 at 12:11 am
Dan, perhaps they do know, hence why John says that they may be expecting more bad news…
By Cristina on July 28th, 2009 at 4:04 am
Cristina, brother James is a loose cannon. He seems to lead a rather louche lifestyle in between baking fancy cakes. Perhaps he’s a louche cannon.
Watch that James-shaped space.
By John on July 28th, 2009 at 8:37 am
To be honest, John, I have been wondering when the Andrew-spaced shape will appear. Every once in a while, some slightly unsavory information is leaked, but then quickly tidied-up. I just heard a friend of a friend tell of supposedly eye-witness details about a PA trip to the Middle Eastthat where much less than flattering. Do you have any information on what is going on with him, and is anyone concerned?
By sojourner on July 28th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
He’s working on trade with the government now. They are such a bunch of crooks, I doubt anyone notices him.
By John on July 28th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
I often wonder what the future holds for Prince Andrew and his family. Currently, all the members of the Royal Family live off an allowance paid each of them by the Queen (this is essentially what the Civil List is). When Prince William takes the throne, won’t it be strange for Prince Andrew to be living off the kindness of his nephew?
The more I think of it, the more I think junior Royals ought to be encouraged to make their own way in life — perhaps with an initial Royal “investment” to get them started — rather than expect to live on the Royal dole their entire lives. As Prince Andrew has such extravagant tastes, he should be financing them himself.
Then again, perhaps he is, which would explain his suspect ties to various Central European potentates.
By Dan on July 28th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
I think Andrew is doing okay. He sold “South York” for £15m ($24m) to an Eastern potentate, and the Queen had paid to have it built.
He also has a Trade Ambassador job with the government, which must pay a salary — probably around £400,000 a year.
By John on July 28th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
I am curious to hear the true story about the South York sale. Why pay 15m for a house (well above the asking price) only to let it crumble to ruin?
Sounds like a shady deal to me.
As for more promising real estate news, Zara and Mike have bought a house, according to the Daily Mail, suggesting their engagement may come soon.
Do we think Anne would support a Windsor wedding, or merely encourage a low-key visit to the local court house, or whatever you British call it?
By Dan on July 28th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Dan, it was unusual to say the least, but I’m sure we’d all like to sell our houses for twice what they’re worth.
And, yes, it looks like settling down time for Mike and Zara. What a sensible couple they are.
By John on July 28th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
I think it will be very interesting to see Kate’s transition to princess, assuming she makes it that far. How is this woman going to go from hiding out in Berkshire to meeting foreign heads of state? It’s almost like they’ve gone backward when it comes to preparing her for that role. Which is what has me so skeptical about any immediate wedding plans.
By Lizzy on July 28th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Lizzy,
at least she has a place to go back. Let us remember, Diana, who did great with heads of state, hadn’t met one until she married Charles either, and she had no formal education from which to draw upon. Then again, the weather has always been a solid royal topic.
By sojourner on July 28th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
I think you’re on to something, John. James might be his uncle’s cover and delivery service in London. He does line them up in both countries. He said so on the tape. So that’s a possibility. Oh, and isn’t Cocaine called Cake?!
By jacqueline on July 28th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
I highly doubt James is his uncle’s cover – although related, they have lived completely separate lives. And the cake/cocaine code is just ridiculous. That is really stretching it to try and tarnish Kate and her siblings further.
By Amity on July 28th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Re: Kate’s inexperience in dealing with the public – she could seek the advice of Camilla, who had no experience before she married Charles. So I don’t think that’ll be a factor here.
By NCKat on July 29th, 2009 at 2:35 am
Umm, isn’t Camilla still having trouble with public relations?
Kate’s brother is having a lot of bad press here. Lots of photos of him being a hell raiser. Urinating in public (at the front of a building it seems) and in front of the media cannot be good for Kate…and she was there!
By Cristina on July 29th, 2009 at 4:32 am
PW has been caught on camera urinating in public as well – all terrible privacy intrusions to try to make the public forget about the human beings that actually live real lives behind these internet and print images
By Amity on July 29th, 2009 at 5:52 am
Interesting claims about Harry and Chelsy in The London Paper:
“TheBuzz can reveal the exes have been enjoying a string of secret dates in west London – but are intent on keeping their liaisons under wraps. “They have been spending more and more time together,” said a source, who revealed the pair regularly meet at a friend’s flat in Eaton Square so nobody sees them out together.”
By Cristina on July 29th, 2009 at 7:09 am
Amity, Harry has been caught a few times himself, at polo I think. What was different in the photos I saw of Kate’s brother was that he was urinating against someones wall, but at least he was less exposed than PW has been.
By Cristina on July 29th, 2009 at 7:14 am
Cristina, I think one can always find a way to make one person’s publicly caught urination seem somehow different than another’s – I’m sure they’ve both done it in all sorts of places where they weren’t photographed. Either way, it’s kind of gross.
By Amity on July 29th, 2009 at 9:55 am
Yes, I find it particularly gross because I can’t do it, I’m a girl! Ha! Ha!
By Cristina on July 29th, 2009 at 10:04 am
With the support of Charles I still think Kate may have a chance after all his wife has not exactly led a steller existence and her family profit one way or another from this marriage.
Also from previous relationships royal brides do not always get to spend time with their own families they are always with the RF no vacations really with their own relations except the one time Diana was on Necker Island with her mother. The in-laws are always considered the outlaws with the exception of Sophies father who is invited to Ascot. From my recollections Earl Spencer and Ron Fergueson only saw their daughter on the Television. So if Kate did marry William you can be sure she will be totally isolated.
By Trudie on July 29th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
That’s a rather bleak summary, Trudie. There’s absolutely no restrictions on where or when Royal brides can see their families.
After all, Diana had many secret trysts with Hewitt at his mother’s house in Devon.
By John on July 29th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
NCKat,
I don’t know if Camilla is the right person to advise anybody. She doesn’t seem to have much of a role besides following Prince Charles around on his engagements. And let’s not even get into her taste in clothes!
By Lizzy on July 29th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Speaking of the late princess, it seems what the RF really needs in William’s bride is a woman with Princess Diana’s beauty and glamor but without her emotional problems. That would definitely revive interest in the Windsors.
By Lizzy on July 29th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
All I can say is what Guy Debord said all those years ago: its all simulacra!
The media will build up and take down — for fun and for profit — personalities it then attaches to faces of individuals whose real character we rarely if ever get to know. I do support KM because she is PWs choice; has constantly behaved in public situations with decorum (yes, even her roller skate fall was modest, John; take it from someone who has had a few
); and comes from a middle class background that would hopefully rattle a bit the class system (no revolution required).
By sojourner on July 29th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Sojourner, I think most people would agree with you and I also think that none of us have an issue with her fall but rather her choice of attire for that event considering the likely possibility of a fall and being photographed by unprincipled people.
By Cristina on July 30th, 2009 at 3:22 am
I thought her attire was spot-on perfect for a dayglo disco event. I think those who are really motivated will always be able to find fault – real or imagined.
By Amity on July 30th, 2009 at 8:52 am
I think your motivation theory can also work in reverse Amity. In this case, better the reverse considering the hardship she must be going through right now.
By Cristina on July 31st, 2009 at 3:26 am
Cristina…
Huh?
By sojourner on July 31st, 2009 at 2:24 pm
John you know it is pretty bleak for royal brides and grooms. Once married they no longer enjoy holidays with their relations they are required to be at Windsor /Sandringham at Christmas and Windsor at Easter. Then factor in their engagements and overseas tours not much time is spent with family. There are no restrictions on when they can see family but the RF make it pretty hard for them to see their family. Then there is the mandatory summer break to Balmoral in August they spend more time with the royal in laws then most normal wives and husbands.
By Trudie on August 1st, 2009 at 1:04 am
Lizzie, I was being sarcastic. Camilla is the last person I would see as a credible advisor for Kat.
By NCKat on August 1st, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Of course I meant Kate, not Kat!
By NCKat on August 1st, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Check out today’s DM for a(nother) piece implicating CD’s father in nefarious activities relating to animal trafficking and criminal activities in Mugabe’s government…
http://tinyurl.com/m4hcxu
By sojourner on August 2nd, 2009 at 12:08 am
Today, one of the comercial channels is Australia has announced that Zara and Mike are getting married!
By Cristina on August 4th, 2009 at 3:27 am
A real Mike-Zara wedding announcement has not come yet. The London Sun reports Mike Tindall as saying they will marry, but no date has been determined.
By Dan on August 4th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Oh, how disappointing, and here I was thinking (not) that Australia had the scoop! Our media here is ever so reliable. Nothing but the truth you know…
By Cristina on August 5th, 2009 at 7:02 am
I have been seeing various news stories reporting that William will not be able to marry Kate in the next year because of his full schedule. While I have not seen this particular bit of news in more reliable sources (The Telegraph or the DM, etc.), the fact that such whispers are being broadcast is not good, IMHO. John, do you think the “anti-Kate” contingent at CH have anything to do with this?
We know that William’s got a busy year ahead of him, anyway, so how is this new news?
By NCKat on August 9th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
NCKat, I’ve just put up a short piece on this.
By John on August 10th, 2009 at 9:22 am