Posted in Army, Camilla, Clarence House, Duchess of Cornwall, Monarchy, Royal Family on December 4th, 2007
Another side of the Duchess of Cornwall is beginning to emerge. Not the usual publicity-seeking, politically “correct” nonsense practised by the current Government, but a much more serious and traditional concern.
Richard Kay pens this in today’s Daily Mail :
Ever since she became Royal Colonel of 4th Battalion, The Rifles, the Duchess of Cornwall has taken a close personal interest in the welfare of the 650 men who have just returned from a gruelling tour of Iraq.
She has, I can reveal, sent a handwritten letter to every wounded soldier — and there have been 62 of them — as well as a £50 bottle of whisky or a hamper of food. Camilla has also written to the families of the battalion’s 11 dead soldiers — not just to the widows but the fiancees of unmarried riflemen.
Some relatives have even been invited to her home for tea. This remarkable insight into a very private side of the Duchess has been revealed by the servicemen themselves, who have spoken of her unstinting support.
“She’s so busy yet finds time to hand write all those letters to our wounded and families,” says one soldier.
People often mistake “low key” for “doing nothing” or lazy, but sometimes it’s just the old-fashioned way of doing a lot … quietly.
Posted in Hen Harriers, Prince Harry, Royal Family, Sandringham, Sherlock Holmes on November 7th, 2007
It’s a case that would tax the powers of the great Sherlock Holmes.
Consider : there are two dead on the Queen’s Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England. Three “witnesses” report an alleged murder in broad daylight, with a prominent member of the Royal Family nearby at the time. No bodies are found despite extensive searches by the police.
A Royal personage of note is implicated, together with two others accompanying him : a Van Cutsem and a gamekeeper. Observers claim to hear shooting in the area before the Royal party arrives.
The dead are said to be two rare hen harriers, distinctive birds of prey with only 20 pairings left in England.
The Royal personage is revealed as Prince Harry. He is questioned by police, along with the rest of his party. All three deny involvement.
Now the Crown Prosecution Service says there is no evidence that a crime has been committed and has dropped the case.
Prince Harry has been vindicated but may feel his honour has been impugned by these baseless allegations.
Elementary, my dear Watson, it’s time for Sherlock to step in.
Posted in FA, Prince William, Royal Engagment, Royal Family, World Cup on November 2nd, 2007
As President of the English Football Association (FA), Prince William will front England’s campaign to host the 2018 World Cup, it has been announced.
Prince William showing his sporting side
He is to be made a special ambassador for the campaign and will be present at key moments in the process, like the handing over of the bid to the international body, Fifa in 2009. He will also act as guide to English stadiums and venues when delegates make their inspections.
FA bigwigs realize that, although he has only been President for a year, William has proved himself an enthusiastic and respected Patron. He is a very modern Prince who supports Aston Villa — a surprising choice for a London-based person — and is friendly with the England players.
An FA source said, “The Prince will be a huge asset. Firstly, because he is who he is, second in line to the throne. Secondly, because of the type of personality he has. He is at ease at any event. If we are trying to present a modern-day image, he represents that. He shows that a Monarchy can be up to date while understanding protocol. But he must be used sparingly.”
William’s first public engagement in the role is likely to be in 2009, when the bid documents are handed over at Fifa’s Zurich headquarters. The image of Prince William shaking Fifa President Sepp Blatter’s hand and presenting him with the bid will go around the world and do much to enhance England’s cause.
Similarly, when Blatter visits England to inspect facilities, he and his fellow Fifa dignitaries will be Royally entertained as Prince William shows them around Wembley.
Will the FA now use the obvious slogan– “Where there’s a Will, there’s a way”?
Posted in Buckingham Palace, David Lindley, Huffington Post, Princess Margaret, Royal Family, Viscount Lindley on October 30th, 2007
Update 3 : It’s being reported that the victim of this blackmail plot is about “to go public”. Since his name is now widely known, his side of the story should be put frankly and fearlessly.
A nephew of the Queen is being named as the victim in the Royal blackmail plot. His name is now being widely touted on the internet, including the authoritative Huffington Post, quoting the Radar publication.
British journalist Nicholas Davies, author of three books on the Royal Family, revealed the name during a phone interview on American TV. Speaking from his Surrey home, Davies told host Martha MacCullum, “This is absolute nonsense, [...] would never be involved in anything like this. It is a con trick which exploded in their face.”
The Huff reports, “British law prohibits any of them from naming the hard-partying royal. As the tale goes, two men demanded £50,000 from 45-year-old [...] in return for footage allegedly showing a royal aide talking of gay sex with him. The aide is also allegedly seen on a video tape taking cocaine from an envelope embossed with [...] name.”
The Queen will be dismayed as he was always one of the good guys, as will his wife [...].
Update : The Telegraph online is reporting that the Queen will stand by her nephew in the current blackmail case and has offered her “unswerving support”.
The paper “has learnt that the Queen, who is very fond of her relative, is dismayed by the effect the revelation of an alleged £50,000 extortion attempt is having on him and his family”.
One source said: “It is a fraught time for him. He is grateful for the support of the Queen and other members of the Royal Family.”
