The British Royal Family - The Ultimate House Of Windsor Blog

Interesting Historical Facts From 7th September

2008-09-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

On the 7th Septemer 1980, reporters from the Daily Star newspaper spotted Prince Charles kissing a blonde woman on the banks of the River Dee on the Royal Families Scottish estate, Balmoral. That woman was Lady Diana Spencer.

Also, today in 1533 Anne Boleyn, wife of King Henry VIII gave birth to a daughter, Elizabeth, who later on became Queen Elizabeth 1st and who ruled for over sixty years.

Information source: The Royalist.
www.theroyalist.net

Prince Edward To Attend Paralympic Games In China

2008-09-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

The Queens youngest son, Prince Edward will attend the Paralympic games in Beijing, China from the 8th to the 14th September.

The Earl of Wessex will attend many of the races and competitions. The Earl has gone to Beijing to undertake official engagements in his official role as Trustee of the The Duke of Edinburgh's Award International Association.

His wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex will remain in Britain.

HM The Queen And The Duke Of Edinburgh To Tour Slovenia And Slovakia

2008-09-05T16:16:00.000-07:00

HM the Queen and Prince Phillip will tour Slovenia and Slovakia for the first time. There are not many places the royal couple haven't toured, but this part of Europe is new to them.

The couple will tour Slovenia from October 21-22 and Slovakia from October 23-24. The Queen was formally invited by the Presidents of each country. Dr Danilo Tuerk is President of Slovenia and Mr Ivan Gasparovic is president of Slovakia.

Information on the tours can be found at http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/Page6108.asp

The Battle Against Motor Neurone Disease Has New Royal Warrior

2008-09-05T15:59:00.000-07:00

HRH The Princess Royal has delighted the Motor Neurone Disease Association by agreeing to become their patron. The Princess is also Patron of the Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The Princess is Patron of over 200 charities. Most famously Save The Children, The Princess Royal Trust For Carers and St John's Ambulance. She was also involved in London's bid for the 2012 Olympics and is now involved in the planning of the event. The Princess is a fan of Rugby and she is Patron of the Scottish Rugby Union.

The Princess is married to her second husband Timothy Laurence and has two children, Peter and a daughter Zara by her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips.

A Funeral For A Queen That Never Was

2008-09-05T01:02:00.000-07:00

On the day of Diana, Princess of Wales's funeral, London was a warm but not oppressively so city. The sun shone brightly, the sky a light blue, the foliage a lush green. At the end of the saddest week in recent times, Diana was finally due to be buried.

We had first seen her coffin when her body was returned to England from Paris on the Sunday of her death. We had last seen it late on the Friday night when it was removed from St James's Palace to the place where Diana had lived for sixteen years, Kensington Palace.

While her coffin was being prepared to leave Kensington Palace, family and friends were gathering at Westminster Abbey to attend her service. Among the guests were David and Elizabeth Emanuel who had made her wedding gown. Elton John, his partner David Furnish and George Micheal. British television personality Michael Barrymore mixed with Hollywood types such as Richard Attenbrough, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Steven Speilberg and Tom Hanks.

More personal friends were also in attendance, such as her ex-flatmates, her 'rock' Paul Burrell and his family and the last love of her life, Hasnat Khan, who sat hidden behind dark glasses. One of Diana's favourite tenors, Luciano Pavarotti was escorted, and propped up, by his partner Nicole. Dodi Fayed's father Mohammed and his wife were also there.

For us who watched the whole moving ceremony on television, we saw the first sight of Diana's coffin emerging from her home, Kensington Palace. As it made it's way up the long drive I could feel a lump in my throat, not believing that I was sitting here, watching the funeral of the worlds famous woman. A woman who was only thirty six, a woman who had two children, one not even a teenager. Only seven days before we had seen pictures of a healthy, tanned Diana looking gloriously happy as she enjoyed a extended holiday in France. Shock cannot describe how I felt. It went beyond that. How could this be?

During that week there had been a controversy at Buckingham Palace. HM The Queen had refused to fly the flag at half mast, claiming it was tradition to fly it fully when she was in residence, but on the day of the funeral she bowed down and it was flown at half mast. When Diana's coffin reached Buckingham Palace, the principle members of the family stood as the coffin passed. HM bowed her head in respect, as did Princess Anne. Margaret stood and watched, not deferring to a woman who had shared Kensington Palace with her for sixteen years.

When the coffin reached Buckingham Palace it was joined by five walkers. These men were the most important men in Diana's life and had remained so. Along with her son's William, 15 and Harry, 12, were her brother, Charles Spencer, her ex-husband, Prince Charles and his father Prince Phillip, who went along to support his grandchildren. Charles Spencer, before walking behind the coffin of his sister made the sign of the cross. William walked with his head down as did Harry. But every so often both Prince Charles and Prince Phillip would whisper words of encouragement or place a hand on their shoulder, for this was the bravest thing I'd seen any royal do. Two boys determined to pay tribute to their mother at what most of been the most hardest time in their young lives.

All the way along it's journey the crowds were either respectively quiet, or obsessively shouting and wailing, though I'm glad to say, for the boys sake at least, the latter was very rare. When the coffin reached Westminster Abbey it was removed from the gun carrier by soilders from the Welsh guards. The coffin, which was lead lined and reportedly weighed fifty stone, although heavy and cumbersome to carry, was carried into the Abbey and up the aisle delicately like it was a flower. The tenderness the coffin was handled with was amazing, considering the strain on the guards faces as they made their slow procession up the aisle. The guards then walked to a side room to watch the funeral. And then it started.

Readings were made by both of Diana's sisters, Sarah and Jane. Her brother, Charles, made a passionate speech, criticising both the media and the Royal Family's treatment of Diana claiming sarcastically, that Diana needed no royal title to create her magic, a aside to HM The Queen who after the Wales's divorce the year before removed Diana's H.R.H status. At first I thought the speech passionate and daring for a funeral. Now, on reflection, I thought it bitter and awful. Awful that he used his sisters funeral to make swipes at the family of his nephew's who were sitting opposite him. Although he was applauded after his speech, the sound of clapping filling the abbey like thunder claps, it's now generally thought of as inappropriate, his hero status only being temporary.

For me though, the most moving moment was Elton John singing 'Candle In The Wind' a song rewritten from the original song about movie star Marilyn Monroe. Elton desperately wanted to write a new song for Diana, but there was not enough time, and his lyricist, Bernie Taupin took the words from the original song and altered them for Diana, using emotive lines such as 'goodbye England's rose' and 'you footsteps will always fall here, amongst Englands greenest hills'. The song titled 'Candle In The Wind '97' was released on a single and remains Britain's top selling single and the fastest selling. Elton John vowed though never to sing it publicly again. It's never appeared on his albums, compilation albums, and despite rumours he would sing it at last years Concert For Diana, he never did.

After the service, which included Diana's favourite hymn 'I Vow To Thy My Country' which she had chosen for her wedding service sixteen years before in St Pauls Cathedral, Diana's coffin was placed in a car and it made it's slow journey down the motorway from London to Northhamptonshire, where on her family's estate, Althorp, she was to be buried on a island.

Her brother, Charles Spencer, unsure what to do and where to bury his sister had chosen the lake which was man made, as it was a place that Diana spent much time as a child, rowing her rowing boat across to the island where some of her pets had been buried. On that day a small bridge had been constructed so that guests could gain access to the island. Diana has no headstone as Charles does not want to mark out the grave. Random pieces of metal are also buried on the island in case a intruder gets on and decides to try and dig up the late Princess.

While the Spencer family and Prince Charles were making their way to Northamptonshire by train, Diana's coffin made it's slow progress up the motorway, having to stop almost constantly to removed flowers which had been thrown at the hearse. One poignant moment was one of the undertakers getting out of the car and placing the flowers tenderly and with respect at the side of the road. He had to though as the driver could not see where he was going. All the way to Althorp people lined the motorway paying respect to the People's Princess.

Then as the hearse reached the iron gates of Althorp, the crowd gave one last quiet cheer as it turned up the pathway onto the drive, and it was lost behind the trees of the Althorp estate. This was the last time we'd see Diana, this was our goodbye. And as we saw the last of the hearse, this was when Diana really could rest in peace.

The only people attending Diana's internment on the Oval was her mother, brother, sisters and 'rock' Paul Burrell.

Earl Spencer has never allowed any filming on the island. But it's said to be a place of tranquility and privacy. Something that Diana had never really had all her adult life.

Saturday 6th September 1997 was the saddest day. It was the end of the saddest week. We had lost Diana and she was gone forever. But, as the bright English sun set on the city and on the Oval, we all knew that much like her wedding, England had produced a tasteful ceremony, something that was watched all over the world and was remembered forever. Moving, emotive and fitting for our Princess. Britain's Princess of Wales.

God bless you Diana.

We all miss you so very much.

Kate DOES Work Claims Anonymous Friend

2008-09-03T03:22:00.000-07:00

An anonymous friend of Kate Middleton's has claimed that she DOES work with her parents full time. Ms Middleton is said to work 9-5pm at her parents Internet company, Party Pieces. According to the friend Kate's role is to produce the regular mail order catalogues that are sent out to customers.

The friend also added that Kate desperately wanted to work in a art gallery but the press intrusion made this impossible and both Kate and the potential employer agreed that the situation wouldn't work.

Readers of the Daily Mail were negative in their responses to the article, saying that it was a ploy to make us think she was working while she was still 'waity Katy' and that working for her parents was a easy option, allowing herself to be 'on call' when William wants her.

This is just a example of someone like Kate not being able to please whatever she does and this is something she'll have to get used to.

Good luck Kate!

Fergie Gives Media A Flash Of The (Ex) Royal Thigh

2008-08-31T15:50:00.001-07:00

It seems that Fergie has learnt absolutely nothing after spending ten years as a member of the Royal family.

The ex-wife of Prince Andrew flashed a vast expanse of thigh at a polo match after the wind blew up the hem of her flimsy black and white patterned summer dress. The Duchess was watching a polo match with daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie and Beatrice's beau, David Clark.

It's well known that all royal ladies had their hems weighted to avoid unsightly glimpses of the royals private body parts. But Fergie never did learn this lesson. On a tour in Australia in 1988 the Duchess's hems of her silk dresses blew up revealing the top of her stockings, also,on the same tour she reveled more bust then she wanted as the dress she wore gaped at the neck.

It's forgivable when the royal is in her late twenties, but as Fergie is fast approaching fifty, well it's not only tasteless but I assume embarrassing to her two daughters!

Come on Fergie. You got hints and tips from the worlds exclusive clothes designers. USE THEM!

Photo: Copyright - BIGPICTURESPHOTO.COM
Taken from the Daily Mail: 31/07/08

HM Has 'No Concerns' Regarding Kate Middleton

2008-08-31T15:35:00.000-07:00

The Sunday Express revealed today that HM The Queen has 'no concerns' over Kate Middleton and her employment status.

A royal source said that the Queen harbours no doubts at all about Kate Middleton and in fact Kate works for her parents company, Party Pieces, and has been seen loading and unloading cars with boxes of stock on company property. The source also added the role within her parents company allows her the chance to be with the Prince but is a private role and keeps her out of the daily public eye while William is away with his naval duties.

The Sunday Express report is in direct contrast to the Sunday Mail who has recently claimed that HM The Queen is deeply concerned about Kate Middleton seemily not having a job and the fact that 'Waity Katy' is happy to sit back and wait for William to propose marriage.

Prince's William and Harry Remain Quiet On Saddest Day

2008-08-31T15:31:00.000-07:00

Prince's William and Harry made no public statement or any apperances on the eleventh anniversary of their mother, Diana's, death.

No comment from any royal source was forthcoming.

Yummy Piece Of Royal Memorabilia Sold for £1,000

2008-08-30T13:36:00.000-07:00

A piece of the wedding cake baked for Prince Charles and Princess Diana's wedding has been sold for £1,000 this week at a sale in Glous.

Moyra Smith, who at the time of the wedding was a cleaner at the Queen Mothers residence, Clarence House was given a slice of the cake form a huge piece sent to the Queen Mother. Mrs Smith carefully wrapped the cake in cling film and stored it in her attic. Her husband put it up for sale thinking it would be a prize piece of someone's collection. Along with the cake is a thank you letter from Charles and Diana for Moyra's contribution to their wedding present and a bottle of beer brewed in 1982 to celebrate the birth of Prince William, Charles and Diana's first son.

Diana: In Memorium: 1st July 1961 - 31st August 1997

2008-08-30T10:32:00.000-07:00

In memory of Diana, Princess Of Wales. The People's Princess and Queen of our hearts.

Candle In The Wind '97

Goodbye England's rose
May you ever grow in our hearts
You were the grace that placed itself
Where lives were torn apart
You called out to our country
And you whispered to those in pain
Now you belong to heaven
And the stars spell out your name

And it seems to me you lived your life
Like a candle in the wind
Never fading with the sunset
When the rain set in
And your footsteps will always fall here
Along England's greenest hills
Your candle's burned out long before
Your legend ever will

Loveliness we've lost
These empty days without your smile
This torch we'll always carry
For our nation's golden child
And even though we try
The truth brings us to tears
All our words cannot express
The joy you brought us through the years

And it seems to me you lived your life
Like a candle in the wind
Never fading with the sunset
When the rain set in
And your footsteps will always fall here
Along England's greenest hills
Your candle's burned our long before
Your legend ever will

Goodbye England's rose
May you ever grow in our hearts
You were the grace that placed itself
Where lives were torn apart
Goodbye England's rose
From a country lost without your soul
Who'll miss the wings of your compassion
More than you'll ever know

And it seems to me you lived your life
Like a candle in the wind
Never fading with the sunset
When the rain set in
And you footsteps will always fall here
Along England's greenest hills
Your candle's burned out long before
Your legend ever will

Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin.

Can It Really Be Eleven Years?

2008-08-30T06:42:00.000-07:00

It was hard enough last year to believe it had been a decade since the death of Diana, Princess of Wales in a car accident in Paris on a hot, sticky August 1997 night. Last year we had a spectacular concert and moving memorial service to mark her 46th birthday and ten years since her death. Now, we are coming up to the eleventh anniversary of her death, and yet, strangely, somehow it only seems like yesterday.

Today, in Britain the weather is very similar to how it was the day before Diana died. And, the 31st will fall on a Sunday, the same day Diana died. It is amazing how much life changes in eleven years. How different, for instance, the monarchy is since Diana left us. So it's so hard not to think about to this time eleven years ago. And it's very sad to do so.

Quite often I wonder what we have missed out on in eleven years. What photographs we have missed, what video footage we will never see. What clothes would Diana have worn, what paths would she have taken in both her private and public life. What sort of mother would she be to two boy who have now grown into men and who are on the cusp of starting their own families and married life. How would Diana of aged physically, would she of had surgery? We'll sadly never know the answers to these questions.

What with the passing of years and the easing of grief, I fear, that though Diana will never be forgotten, her death is slowly year by year going unrecognised. Last year, being the first decade since her death was different, but it seems to be the rule and not the exception now that it barely gets a mention, outside the world of Diana fans.

Personally, I think about her death on the anniversary every year without fail. But then I think of Diana a lot on the whole. But aside from people like me, the world seems to have forgotten what happened on 31st August 1997. It's very saddening for me, but then that is life. Things move on, and they, unlike Dodi Fayed's Park Lane apartment, they also change. The world doesn't stop still when someone like Diana dies. It continues.

I would like to think that in the past eleven years, if she had survived that she would win the battles that seemed to drive her personal life. Maybe she'd of remarried, settling down with someone who really loved, cherished and protected her.

I would also like to think that she would of remained at the top of her 'profession', that being her work in the charitable field. I cannot of seen Diana being a lady who lunched. She tried that for a short while in the early 1990's and it neither made her happy or fulfilled her. I think Diana really realised that having nothing to do wasn't a option for her, as she was, friend's say, a ball of energy.

As a mother, I imagine her to be fair to her sons. She would, I feel, of allowed them to be themselves. 'Boys will be boys' she would often say to friends in reference to her sons. But, at the same time, she would of reigned them in also, showing them that yes, have fun, but they also have a serious role and a duty to serve their country.

It has been claimed in the year after their divorce, the relationship between Charles and Diana was not just cordial but friendly. Charles still sent her birthday gifts, and would often drop in to see Diana at Kensington Palace, still commenting on her nice long legs. On her desk, ready to be opened on her return to London, was a letter from Charles discussing their youngest son, Prince Harry who was struggling at school with his work. I think their friendship would of developed, not into love, but a working relationship. Diana, though, still held a torch for Charles, delighting even after their divorce, when he wore a particular sweater that she had brought for him. Maybe, they both would of mature and became two fantastic parents to two fantastic boys.

The Diana of 2008 would be a vastly different Diana to the one in 1997. But, even at the point of her death, she was maturing, morphing into a completely different woman. I feel she would of still been self absorbed, it was a characteristic of hers, but I don't think if she were alive today, she'd still be quite so at odds with herself. It is nice to think that the lessons she had learnt through life would of taught her more about herself. She was growing up, experiencing the world behind the guilt Palace gates. And it was changing her for the better, giving her a wider perspective on things.

How Diana would of reacted to the remarriage of Prince Charles to long term love Camilla Parker-Bowles would be a touchy subject as I truly believe Diana never really loved anyone else but Charles. I believe a lot of her public dating and romances were aimed at making him jealous. I think she would of been desperately hurt to see him remarry as she never really got over him at all. But, this subject is any one's guess and I'm sure many would disagree with me.

Diana would always continue to be seen as royal and I think she'd never really loose the title of Princess, even if she had remarried. She was Britain's Princess who was loved around the world. And she continues to be loved.

Many write now not gushing sentimental words, but words of criticism. Many journalists feel it's now 'safe' to tarnish the memory of Diana. Yes, she was not perfect, we know that, but it's quite astounding the rubbish that is printed about her. Paul Burrell her once loyal rock has hinted that he slept with her. People she considered friends such as guitarist Eric Clapton and George Michael both claim she wanted to be their lovers. Ten years ago this type of reporting would of not happened, and if stories had worked their way into print, would of been panned by the very papers they were published in. But, sadly, as Diana is no longer here to defend herself, it seems anything goes.

Diana herself said in her now famous Panorama interview that she wanted to be '......Queen of people's hearts'. On the day of her death the then British Prime Minister, Tony Blair said she 'was the People's Princess and will always remain so'. To me, as one person, she always will be H.R.H The Princess Of Wales, the Queen of People's Hearts and The People's Princess.

She was Britain's princess, and she was my Princess. And nothing will ever change that.

What It's Like To Visit The Royal Palaces.

2008-08-24T13:06:00.000-07:00

Within the last few years I've been incredibly lucky to have visited three of the major Royal residences, Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Kensington Palace. Also I've visited the grounds of Sandringham and of course Diana's ancestral home, Althorp House, in Northamptonshire.

Initially Buckingham Palace was first opened to help fund the renovation of Windsor Castle after part of it burnt down in a fire. Only a few rooms were open then and numbers were limited, but it seems now that a bigger part of Buckingham Palace is open and you can either pre-book or pay on the gate.

What interested me the most about visiting Buckingham Palace is you can see it from the inside out and the view is very different. Instead of having your nose up against the fence trying to peer inside, you can stand the other way and look out towards the crowds, St James's Park and down the Mall. On the royal wedding videos I have, for instance, you see the newlyweds arriving at the Palace and disappearing through a door and that's it. But when you visit the Palace you can see through that door and see what the Royal's see.

In a strange way, visiting a Royal residence is not unlike visiting a old relative. You get to see the best and worst. In Buckingham Palace I was surprised to see some really truly wonderful furniture that you'd be scared to sit on. And funnily, in the next room you may come across a tatty old chair, it's fabric fraying at the edges. And you realise that chair is worth thousands and yet, could do with a decent clean.

A lot of royal residences are cluttered, with the state apartments (the apartments that are open to the public) having ornaments and other things crammed on every service. In Kensington Palace recently I noticed that some room's had copious amounts of blue and white pottery on every surface, over every fire place and on every table available. I smiled to myself that this indeed, was the wishes of the former residence, Queen Mary and yes, she did clutter her state rooms with china almost everywhere.

There is something magical about visiting a residence. Buckingham Palace has wonderful grounds, and seeing the steps and grass that Charles and Diana walked on when their engagement was announced was excellent. At Windsor Castle you get to see views of some of the finest golf courses in Windsor, at Kensington Palace, on a sunny day, you get wonderful lighting, the red brick palace coming alive in the sunshine.

To walk where your hero's have walked is something else. To see what Diana saw with her own eyes stuns you. On the day Paul and I visited Windsor Castle Prince Edward and Sophie's youngest child, their son, James was being christened. You had a eerie feeling that maybe you were not that far from a royal. Looking out of a window to the grounds, I noticed expensive looking luggage being delivered to a small door. I wondered whose it was. Those moments are priceless.

When you visit these buildings that are hundreds of years old you can't fail to appreciate the history. These buildings were alive and bustling with people hundreds of years before I was born and hopefully will continue to thrive hundreds of years after I've gone. Buckingham Palace was a pensive place. I recall the glorious royal weddings of the 1980's and the now famous appearances on the balcony. But also, you can't help but remember the funeral of Diana, her coffin passing by Buckingham Palace and HM bowing her head in respect. I recall the days after Diana's death, when the row over whether the flag would fly half-mast, people angry with the media and shouting at reporters by the famous iron gates. Those gates alone could tell many a story.

It's nice that HM the Queen has opened up the gates to her residences, giving us the chance to look inside and appreciate our history. Those iconic buildings somehow change from the grey buildings on postcards to a real house where people work and live.

Understandably the palace that moves me the most is Kensington Palace, the residence of my idol, Diana, Princess of Wales. To look through the windows out onto the park and the lake you get to see the views that Diana saw day in, day out. The hustle of staff, the bustle of chauffeurs cleaning cars. Has Diana seen this part of the palace, you ask yourself constantly. Did she have any need to go here, or there. Is that where she parked her car? Was that her private garden? By opening up the doors and allowing us in HM The Queen has given us the chance to ask these questions. To feel close to those we admire.

If ever you have the chance to visit one, or all of these places then do so. You feel royal yourself if even for a few hours. And it gives you a chance for tranquility in an otherwise havoc filled, busy city.

Prince Phillip Says No To A State Funeral

2008-08-24T08:32:00.000-07:00

HM's husband, Prince Phillip has refused a state funeral and instead has opted for a private service at St George's Chapel, Windsor and then will be buried at Frogmore alongside Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert.

The Prince's funeral plan, named 'Forth Bridge' says that he has requested his coffin be placed on the same gun carriage as Queen Victoria's coffin.

As a naval man it's claimed that a hymn of his choice is 'For Those On Peril On The Sea'.

Prince Phillip is the longest serving consort.

The Queen is said to want a state funeral for her husband to be held at Westminster Abbey but he has refused opting for a private one instead.

All major Royals have plans drawn up for their funerals. The person involved is involved with the planning of the funeral. The state funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales used the plan for the Queen Mothers funeral which caused distress to the Queen Mother. However, due to the suddenness of Diana's death, there was no other option but to use it.

Anniversary Of Diana's Death: UK TV Schedules

2008-08-24T08:18:00.000-07:00

If you are on cable or satellite television the UK Biography channel are showing next weekend the following programmes to remember the anniversary of Diana's death.

1. Diana (Her Biography)
2. Diana: Story Of A Princess (Parts one and two Saturday, three and four on Sunday)
3. Princesses of the World.

Quite a difference from the first and fifth anniversary's where over 100 hours of television was dedicated to the late Princess!

Anne: A Frugal Princess

2008-08-24T07:46:00.000-07:00

When Princess Anne recently attended the wedding of a minor royal she, not the bride, turned heads. The Princess had pulled out of her wardrobe the same dress that she wore to brother Charles's wedding to Lady Diana Spencer, TWENTY SEVEN years ago.

The white silk dress, with a pattern of colourful yellow flowers, still fitted the Princess perfectly, showing us that her figure has not changed at all in nearly three decades. The Princess, frugal as ever, also wore the same shoes, same hat, only with a different handbag.

Although the dress is, I have to say, rather vile and outdated for 2o08 (see bottom photo) it was perfectly appropriate for the grand 1981 wedding of Charles and Diana (see top photo).

Royals can't do right. If they wear outfits too often (as Diana did) she was moaned at by press and public for being boring if too much is spent on the wardrobe ( a la Fergie) they get criticised for wasting money. Princess Anne, who often wears evenings gowns even older then the dress she wore to the Gloucester wedding earlier this month, doesn't seem to care about fashion, trends and what the media think of it.

Although I don't like the dress it's brave of Anne to wear it after so many years, and particularly after she had worn it to a very high profile wedding. I like Anne as she is her own person. I have to say I wouldn't mind seeing the suit she wore to Prince Andrew's 1986 wedding to Sarah Ferguson. I think that outfit, a pale lemon silk and lace suit has aged well.

Fingers crossed maybe we will see it again!

Fergie Returns To Balmoral

2008-08-24T03:15:00.000-07:00

In August 1992 Sarah, Duchess of York left Balmoral day's earlier then planned. The pictures of her topless, having her toes sucked by lover, Johnny Bryan had been published in The Mirror and she was effectively cast out and never returned again to HM The Queens Scottish retreat.

Yet, she has been photographed back there. Apparently the Duchess was invited to stay for a weekend (while Prince Phillip was away, funnily enough) but had extended her visit. She was there to discuss with The Queen the future royal roles of her daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. Both Sarah and ex-husband, Prince Andrew, Duke of York are keen for the girls to undertake some sort of public role in the future. Even her relationship with Prince Phillip which was frosty has apparently now thawed

I do hope this isn't the start of a more public Fergie. It's known commonly among my friends that I am by no means a fan of the Duchess. In fact she irritates me and her exclusion from the Royal family made me quite happy. I know that Sarah will always be semi royal because of her daughters but I don't want her to be a public person again in this country. I want her to stay in the USA where she is fully appreciated. I just can't stand her and I don't like her thinking. When she was really popular in the US it was 'America this, America that'. Now that her star is fading a bit, she wants to be back in the UK. Make your mind up Fergie. Ten years ago you criticised Britain as being too cold.

Fergie - go away and stay away. We don't want you back, thank you very much.

HM Still Concerned About Kate Middletons Lack Of Employment

2008-08-24T02:53:00.000-07:00

HM The Queen is still hugely concerned about Kate Middleton's unemployed status newspapers have reported this weekend. According to the Daily Mail HM has suggested privately that Kate Middleton should take up some charity work, possibly with children or animals, in order to convince the British public that Ms Middleton is doing more then simply shopping and waiting for beau, Prince William to propose.

In the Daily Mail it is quoted that Kate Middleton has been told of the concerns and that it comes from somebody 'at the very top' of the royal system.

Kate Middleton worked briefly, in a part time status, for TopShop as an accessories buyer but ending that after saying she wanted a career in photography.

In my opinion if Kate Middleton suddenly started doing charity work it would look contrived and not in the slightest, genuine. Girls her age, if they are doing charity work, are usually doing it on a paid basis, not on a volunteer one. I think her best option is to get a job, stick it out until William proposes or till the relationship ends.

Also, according to the paper, a royal engagement will soon be in the offing, with a announcement made just before, or after, Christmas and a tentative wedding date in May. Now this story has been written several times before so I wouldn't at all hold my breath for a royal engagement.

However, I do whole heatedly agree with HM the Queen. With Britain's economy being in such a dire state, with youth unemployment high, and less and less youngsters choosing to go onto university, it's very difficult for the public to swallow more and more pictures of William and Kate on yet another Caribbean holiday, or out late till 3am at their favourite nightspots, barely sober. In years gone by Royals were people to look up to, and who led by example (for instance in the last great UK recession in 1992, Williams mother cancelled a ski-ing holiday as it would not look good that a royal goes to posh Switzerland while the poorest of the country were struggling to keep a roof over their head). Sadly William and Kate do not do this.

Previous Royal Brides have works. Diana, William's mother worked in a Kindergarten and was a childminder to a young American boy, Sarah Ferguson worked in a publishing company and continued to do so after her marriage, Sophie Rhys-Jones worked in the world of PR, and although not something that went naturally hand in hand with Royal life, she continued to run her company for several years. So, working and dating a royal can be done, so it's rather hard to imagine why Kate Middleton isn't doing the same.

But then again, maybe charity work wouldn't' be a bad thing for Kate to undertake. If she does marry William that is what her life, as a future Princess of Wales and Queen of England will consist mostly of. Yes, there will be tours abroad and films premieres but mainly both of these things are tied in with charity work. Some of that charity work will be boring, a lot of the routine will be mundane. Kate must learn how to do this, so perhaps, although it would appear a little convenient to her image to suddenly start doing charity work now, it may be a good idea after all.

Charity work though isn't the wonderful solution. As Diana found out, when entering the royal world it's very hard to find charities to undertake that doesn't step on other people's toes. Diana got involved with children's charities early on in her career, but was always mindful not to upset her sister in law Princess Anne who has famously been patron for 'Save The Children' for decades. Sophie Rhys-Jones, in turn, had to be selective when choosing her charities, as she was asked to be patron to a AIDS charity but turned it down as AIDS was a concern for the late Diana, Princess of Wales. So selecting charities is hard work. You have to appear totally interested in the cause, and you have to be careful what you pick. Diana, for instance, loved ballet and in the early days because patron to a couple of ballet companies. Some in the press tried to hint that the new Princess was only taking on charities she had a deep interest in. Though, at the time, she was so popular that the story died a death very quickly.

I think, at the end of the day, Kate will be involved in charity work in the role of Princess of Wales as I'm sure she and William will marry, though I dont think it will be soon. But she does need to do something other then shop, holiday, socialise. If she doesn't' then she will have to work even harder to build up a positive profile after her marriage. Why not do the groundwork now and make life easier. I'm sure then that stories such as these will stop and Kate can be left in peace.

Fascinating Exhibition At Kensington Palace

2008-08-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

Kensington Palace, former home of Diana, Princess of Wales and Princess Margaret has on display a fascinating exhibition called 'The Last Debutantes'. It's all about the final debutante season in 1958, and in the exhibition you'll see evening dresses made in Paris, gloves, shoes, handbags and even corsets and suspenders! Also on display there are day dresses that the deb's used to wear when meeting HM The Queen, and their invites to the races and Buckingham Palace garden Parties.

Included in your ticket price is the opportunity to see several dresses once worn by Diana, Princess of Wales, including the famous gown she wore to the White House during the Wales 1985 tour to America in which she famously danced with Saturday Night Fever star, John Travolta. Also, you will get a tour of the State Apartments and free use of an electronic guide so you can learn all about each individual room.

You can also visit the wonderful gift shop and the Orangery, where you are served delicious refreshments such as cream cakes, sandwiches, salads and of course British tea!

The Last Debutantes exhibition runs to 14 June 2009. The Palace, gift shop and Orangery is open 10am to 6pm from March 1st to October 31st and November 1st to February 28th 10am to 7pm. The Palace is closed December 24th to December 26th (inclusive).

Entrance to the gift shop and Orangery is free so if you don't want to pay to get into the exhibition you can still visit the shop and Orangery.

Entry Prices are:

Adult £12.30
Children Under 16 £6.15
Concessions £10.75
Family Ticket £34.00

Strange Photograph Of Diana

2008-08-23T10:45:00.001-07:00

There are probably millions and millions of photographs of Diana, Princess of Wales in storage, yet, when new books are published they use the same old tired photographs of her. Even nearly 11 years after her death, we have only seen very few new pictures come to light. However, I stumbled on this one. I'm positive that it was taken before she was even engaged as I don't recall Diana's pageboy hairstyle being this short before. Nor, do I recall her make-up being applied quite so heavily.

I fine this photograph strange and everyone I've shown it too has disliked it. Do you like it?

A Very Belated Birthday To The People's Princess

2008-07-06T04:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Diana.

The late Princess would of been 47 on 1st July this year.

We are all thinking of you. You are still in our thoughts and prayers.

Paul Burrell 'I Slept With Diana'

2008-06-15T14:19:00.000-07:00

Paul Burrell = vile, disgusting, pig of a liar.

Not wasting anymore energy on him.

Diana Didn't Trust The Right People Says Elton John

2008-06-14T10:50:00.000-07:00

In an interview for music channel, VH1, Elton John claimed Diana didn't 'trust the right people' and was 'airy fairy' with her real friends towards the end of her life.

The musician, who is magically put next to friends Princess Diana and John Lennon for his in depth and candid interview on VH1 is seen visibly upset when watching himself perform Candle In The Wind at the Princess's funeral in Westminster Abbey on the 6th September 1997.

His observations that the Princess trusted the wrong people, I feel, are entirely correct. Apart from two loyal and trusted friend's, Rosa Monckton and Lucia Flecha De Lima towards the end of her life, Diana seemed to ditch the friends she had known for her entire life, or her time as Princess of Wales for celebrity friends, such as Micheal Barrymore and George Michael

It's interesting to note that friends such as Rosa and Lucia have not sold out. Yet people like Michael Barrymore have talked about his friendship with Diana, George Michael has claimed Diana wanted to sleep with him and Bryan Adams have also hinted they were lovers and that he wrote about her in a song.

That said though, even Diana's 'normal' friends have sold out on the Princess, the two worse offenders in my mind being Paul Burrell and Simone Simmons. Ms Simmons who wrote two tomes on Diana was proven to be a liar by James Whittaker on UK daytime TV show, 'This Morning' and Paul Burrell also has been proved a liar when he admitted in a candid video that he had lied and laid down 'red herrings' while being questioned at the Diana inquiry this year.

So although I agree with Elton John that Diana trusted the wrong people, I also think it was hard for her to know who to trust and her distrust of certain people proved right. She must of felt at times as though she was stuck in a maze not knowing the right way to get out of circumstances.

Everyone from Diana's beautician to dress designers, from hairdressers to holistic healers have had something to say about Diana, 99% of it I suspect as not true as all these people have put themselves in a position where Diana's life would of been empty and worthless without them. It's funny though, how none of these people dared speak out while Diana was still alive , I suspect in case they worried about falling out of favour with Diana. Most of them waited till after Diana had died to sell their stories, be it on television or in print.

So, for once, I agree with Elton John. He words are very true.

Zara Philllps Out Of The Olympics

2008-06-11T07:12:00.000-07:00

Zara Phillips has had to pull out of this years Olympics after she sustained a injury falling while training on her horse, Toytown.

Ms Phillips said she is disappointed but added 'these things happen...... and I wish the rest of the team good luck'.

Happy Birthday, Phillip!

2008-06-11T07:10:00.000-07:00

I wish to send a belated birthday congratulations to Prince Phillip.

The Prince celebrated his 87th birthday by attending a joint engagement with his wife, HM The Queen.

His birthday celebrations remained private.

'Backstairs Billy's' Momentos Go On Sale

2008-06-10T07:19:00.000-07:00

When William Fallon - known as 'Backstairs Billy' - died, his house was found crammed full of royal memento's. The steward to HM The Queen Mother collected vast amounts of royal memorabilia during his time with the royal family and it's now all going up for sale.

Mr Fallon who died seven months ago from a lung disease, was living in a grace and favour property owned by Prince Charles in Kennington, South London.

Amongst the collection are letters written by Princess Diana, thanking him for his kindness when she stayed at the Queen Mothers residence Clarence House, the night before her wedding. Another details the progress of her new baby, Prince Harry. There are also portraits of the Queen when she was Princess Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret. Also up for sale are notes from Prince Charles, and Mr Fallon's beloved employer the Queen Mother.

Zara 'I'm Not Engaged'

2008-06-10T03:44:00.000-07:00

Zara Phillips has insisted she is not engaged to her rugby playing boyfriend, Mike Tindall. The Queen's granddaughter is eager to deny reports printed yesterday that her and Mike are secretly engaged.

However, considering the fact that her mother Princess Anne denied dating Mark Phillips right up to the day their engagement was announced, I'm not so sure I believe her denials!

Zara And Mike To Marry?

2008-06-09T01:21:00.000-07:00

Speculation is rife that Zara Phillips, daughter of H.R.H Anne, The Princess Royal and Captain Mark Phillips will marry her rugby playing boyfriend, Mike Tindall. According to the Daily Mail Zara has been advised by her father to temporarily hold off from announcing their engagement so she can concentrate on her equestrian responsibilities.

Only last month Zara's brother, Peter, married his wife Autumn Phillips at St Georges Chapel, Windsor and it's said that Zara is keen to use the chapel for her wedding. She also wants a small wedding like her brother had although she will not be selling photographic rights to Hello! magazine.

A formal announcement has yet to be made but according to the Daily Mail a wedding date could be as early as next May.

Queen 'Baffled' As To Why Kate Middleton Doesn't Work

2008-06-05T05:51:00.000-07:00

Although she does not speak publicly about her feelings and opinions it was reported earlier this week that HM The Queen has privately admitted that she is 'baffled' as to why Prince William's girlfriend, Kate Middleton does not work.

After a short spell working for Topshop (her parents friendship with those high up in Topshop circles is rumoured to be down to her working there) Kate has now announced she wants to be a photographer and is training to become one. However, the Queen is said to be 'baffled' because Kate, who is now in her mid twenties has yet to have a 'proper job'.

Indeed Ms Middleton has come under attack because of her lack of employment history. Many feel that if she does marry Prince William, and along with that will bring the title Princess Of Wales and later on Queen of England, she will be expected to take on a hefty share of Royal engagements and many doubt she will be committed to doing that.

If Ms Middleton was still in her early twenties I think it would be passable that she is trying to find her feet and find out what she wants to do with her life. However she is now approaching her mid twenties, and her lack of any real job is rather worrying.

The previous owner of the title Princess of Wales, Diana, worked in several jobs before at the age of nineteen she became engaged to the Prince of Wales. And in her royal life took on hundreds of engagements a year.

It's very rare that HM The Queen makes comments such as this. It means their is some concern about Kate and her abilities to work hard. And I feel if she doesn't get a job shortly she'll loose some of that popularity she has.

HM The Queen Knights Autumn Phillips Boss

2008-06-05T05:45:00.000-07:00

Last week HM The Queen knighted television presenter, Michael Parkinson at Buckingham Palace.
Sir Parkinson has employed Autumn Phillips, the new wife of grandson Peter Phillips as his personal assistant. He attended the wedding of Autumn and Peter last month and was said 'HM asked me if I enjoyed the wedding'. He also added 'she left early at 10.30pm and I left not much later.'

Sir Michael Parkinson's wife, Mary, now Lady Parkinson attended the ceremony with her husband.

Princess Beatrice Has It Easy

2008-06-04T00:31:00.000-07:00

Her mother hyped it as Princess Beatrice's first step in the real world. (At nineteen she has left it a bit late!). HRH Princess Beatrice Of York was going to be working in top London store, Selfridges as a personal shopper to some of it's most prestigious customers.

However, the truth does appear to be very different to what has been allowed to leak out via the newspapers. The Princess only works three hours a day and is only an assistant to the personal shoppers.

Three hours? How is that a step into reality? When I was FIFTEEN a mere four years younger then Beatrice I did all sorts of work experience, most of them being at least six hours a day.

And the fact that she was 'dressing' the customers is also tosh. She deals with a very select circle of customers and is in fact helped by store workers so not to alienate these customers. That is fair enough. You can't expect someone who dresses like Beatrice to be able to choose clothes for other people. That would at least be cruel, at worst idiotic.

What seems even more absurd also is the fact that her private detective has to follow her everywhere. So if she is looking for lingerie to suit a outfit, he goes with her. If she has to dash off to find accessories, he is in tow.

It all seems a very weird situation and one that Fergie, who has been keen to boast about Beatrice's achievement of getting a placement at Selfridges knows very little. It's designed to give Beatrice an idea of real life, but how can that be? Who is followed around by security men, how is that 'real'?

Personally I would of preferred it, and if would be more honest and far less patronising if Beatrice took a job in a exclusive boutique or in a big company where she can be locked away from the public and seen only by those in the right circles.

Saying that working three hours a day and being shadowed by a detective is giving her a sense of 'normal' life is ridiculous. And if it's true then her day to day 'royal' life must be very strange indeed.

Prince Andrew Sells Marital Home

2008-05-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

The Duke of York has sold his marital home, Sunninghill Park to a private company.

The house which was completed in 1990 (the Yorks only lived in it for two years as a married couple) was a wedding gift to the couple from HM The Queen. Sarah Ferguson looked for two years for a suitable property and couldn't find one and it was decided that one be designed and built for them. The Duchess used it as her British base till it was sold.

When it was first built the house was derided. Some claimed it looked like a branch of supermarket, Tesco's. Others called it 'South York' saying it looked like something out of Dallas, the popular US soap opera. The Yorks caused further furore after selling pictures of them enjoying the house to Hello! magazine in August 1990.

The house has been empty for some time and was on the market for five years before it was sold. Sarah Ferguson now resides in the US in a Manhattan Penthouse and the Duke of York resides mainly at Buckingham Palace.

Call me Catherine

2008-05-25T10:42:00.001-07:00

Prince William's girlfriend, Kate Middleton has reportedly told friends that they are now to use her real name, Catherine, instead of the more relaxed and informal Kate which we all know her as. Rumors are circulating in her social circle that the two are on the point of announcing their engagement and this being the reason that Kate wants a more formal and official name.

Naturally some members of the media are saying that the woman has now become haughty and snobbish. I don't agree. When a reporter referred to the then Lady Diana Spencer as 'Di' the fiance of the Prince of Wales said 'it's Diana, actually'.

Personally I don't care what we call her, whether it's Catherine or Kate. I still like Ms Middleton and think she is a beautiful, discreet woman who Prince William should be proud to have on his arm.

The Duchess Of Hull - Why Does She Want To Come Back To Britain

2008-05-24T06:14:00.000-07:00

When Sarah Ferguson, previously Duchess of York left the UK behind to live and work in the USA she made a comment on American television. The Brits, she said, were cold hearted and accepting. The Americans on the other hand were warm, open hearted and loved her. Since then in the USA she has advertised Ocean Spray, has been a spokesman for Weightwatchers and has launched a range of candles embossed with a 'S' with a crown above it.

Now, she wants to return to Britain. For what reason I'm not sure. The start of her new Britishishness aired on TV this week when she tried to help a family living on benefits loose weight, and get fitter and healthier. The programme was said to be appalling and Sarah got bashed for her patronising attitude. Also this week she has been engaged in a very public war with journalist Alison Pearson over a comment Ms Pearson made over Princess Beatrice's weight.

I think it's too late for Fergie. A lot of the UK have almost forgotten about her. She long ago isolated loyal Monarchy fans with her vulgar behaviour. Yes, she has loyal fans but they are not huge in quantity.

Also, how can she expect to be welcomed open armed back into her country of birth when she has spent so many years bad mouthing us in the USA?

Personally I think it would be better for us and her huge and easily bruised ego if she stayed in the States. She has a lot of fan's there apparently who are willing to kill the once royal ass. Most British people couldn't give a toss about her, no matter how much she tells us she hates herself. Most of us hate her too so nothing new there then.

Why Do Non-Royals Get Blamed When Bad P.R Comes Around

2008-05-24T05:47:00.000-07:00

The row over the wrongs and rights of the Phillips selling their wedding to Hello! magazine continues. But one interesting factor out of all the negative press is that Autumn's name, and Autumns alone is mentioned in connection with 'blame.'

As soon as the wedding had happened, and the discovery that selling out was not the best option Buckingham Palace Press Officers were already on the defensive implying that it was Autumn who was to blame. But surely Peter must of also agreed the sale, he appeared in the pictures too, so surely he should take the blame, or at least, his share of it.

Going back to 1990, when the Duke and Duchess of York invited Hello! into their new home at Sunninghill ( it was done to fund the completion of the house which went way over budget) it was the Duchess who was blamed for being 'vulgar, vulgar, vulgar' and cheapening the Royal family by selling off intimate moments to a run of the mill society magazine. But Prince Andrew had agreed to it also and himself appeared in many of the pictures.

The notion of laying the blame of the 'non royal' of the couple is unfair particularly when the decision is a joint one which benefits both members of the couple.

Since her death, I've noticed a change in the tide of public opinion opinion of Diana. In the immediate years after her death she was elevated to nearly saintly status, but nowadays authors and scholars are happy to lay the blame of the failed marriage, not wholly at Diana's doorstep, but more so then they would of fifteen years ago.

It almost appears that to Royal advisers and press officers, royalty can do no wrong. They cannot make a bad decision, they cannot take blame for any decisions that were made and went wrong. They are totally and utterly blameless.

So how must that feel for the woman being blamed? Autumn must be shattered by all of the negative press and I'm sure it's marred her honeymoon. But it must cut all the deeper when she reads that people who advise her husbands family are putting responsibility for the entire furore squarely on her shoulders. If Peter is the man he seems to be he should publicly step up and take half the blame and insist it was not all his new wife's fault. It was a dreadful decision which I'm sure will hang over Autumns AND Peter's head for many years to come. It has taken what was a private event and ruined it. And as reported yesterday has put some of Peter's close relationship with his Wales cousins under considerable strain.

If Peter and Autumn could of looked into the future and saw the fuss made over the Hello! deal I'm sure they would of settled for a less lavish wedding. Or maybe, to avoid this kind of thing it may persuade HM to open up her purse and pay, or at least contribute, to the weddings of her immediate grandchildren.

In 1987, while touring Canada Sarah and Andrew, the then Duke and Duchess of York celebrated their first wedding anniversary at a banquet. The Duke, who highly rates his own sense of humour (while seemingly lacking one!) made several heavy handed jokes about his fairly new wife during a speech. Of course this was laughed off as a comedic moment. When it was his wives turn she too joked with a member of the audience, saying she'd 'see him later' after he wolf whistled her. This was considered to be vulgar and out of place.

It does seem to be one rule for the royal and one rule for the commoner.

It will be interesting to see if Peter does defend his wife publicly. He should to because when I brought my copy of Hello! it wasn't solely the bride I saw in the photographs.

Prince Charles Has Minor Surgery

2008-05-24T05:45:00.001-07:00

The Prince of Wales has undergone minor surgery to remove non-cancerous growths from his face. A Clarence House spokesman said it was a 'routine and minor matter'. The Prince's mother, HM The Queen underwent similar surgery to remove non-cancerous facial growths in 2003.

I wish Prince Charles a speedy recovery.

The New Generation Glums?

2008-05-24T05:32:00.000-07:00

In 1992, while touring Korea and with the end of their marriage in sight, Prince Charles and Princess Diana were so obviously unhappy in each others company that they were named 'The Glums'.

At last week's Royal wedding of Peter and Autumn Phillips it seems a new couple have inherited that title. Viscount Linley, the son of the late Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon and his wife Serena looked positively miserable as they stood on the stops of St George's Chapel to wave goodbye to the newly weds.

The couple met in the early 1990's and were married in Westminster Cathedral in 1994 in front of a royal audience, including the Princess of Wales who by then was a exiled member of the family.

According to reports today in the Daily Mail however, the marriage is said to be under strain. David is working hard to promote 'Linley' his furniture business. Serena, who is a stay at home mum is keen to avoid many social situations but is also feeling that the business it taking up unfair amounts of her husbands time.

David and Serena have two children Charles and Margarita and up till recently were considered a genuinely happy married couple. But as work and business takes David to places as far afield as Hong Kong and Moscow Serena is said to have become isolated and lonely.

Rumours of the marital problems have been circulating since the start of this year and the rumours only have gotten worse after their glum appearance together at the Phillips wedding.

I do hope that Serena and David do not fall victim to the curse of broken marriages that have hung over the Windsors like a thick smog. They have seemed like a genuinely happy married couple. Maybe they are just going through a rough patch that sadly many couples go through but are lucky enough to resolve in private.

Peter And Autumn DID Have Final Say On Controversal Wedding Pictures

2008-05-23T05:39:00.000-07:00

When Diana, Princess of Wales died in August 1997 her sons Prince's William and Harry where at residence in Balmoral Castle, Scotland. During those dark days after their mothers death there was one royal cousin to whom the boys turned to for support and love. That was Peter Phillips. After today's revelation that Peter and Autumn did indeed have final approval on what photographs went into Hello! magazine one has to wonder if the three boys will ever be that close again.

According to reports earlier this week Peter personally assured that Kate Middleton and Chelsy Davy would not be featured anywhere in the magazine. In return both Kate and Chelsy agreed toe enter the chapel via a side door as not to take the public spotlight off the bride, and later on her groom.

When the publication hit the stands this Wednesday, both Kate, Chelsy, William and Harry (amongst others) were shocked to see how predominantly the two women were featured. Today's revelation that the photographs were approved by the newly weds will certain add flame to the fire.

Who would of thought that this very ordinary magazine deal would cause such a fuss. I only hope that the Phillip's and Wales's don't fall out and loose that once close relationship. But I fear that Peter may of put that friendship in jeopardy. And all for £500,000.

The only benefit in this is that I'm sure we wont see the same thing happen again. I can hardly see Hello! getting exclusive rights to Princess Beatrice's wedding. Or can I....... after all Fergie is her mother.......

Photograph taken from Hello! Online.

HM The Queen Bans Royals From Selling Out

2008-05-22T07:36:00.001-07:00

It has been reported today that HM The Queen has banned some members of her family from selling exclusive rights to magazines such as Hello! for occasions such as weddings and christenings.

As the furore over the £500,000 sale of Peter and Autumn Phillips wedding to Hello! continues HM has insisted that no more members of her immediate family copy the actions of the newlyweds.

HM is said to be fuming that she is pictured in the magazine despite strict instructions that no immediate family members were shown. The Queens daughter-in-law Sophie, Countess of Wessex is featured dancing and HM herself is present in several shots. Also cross are Princes's Harry and William who realised that over the 1oo pages the wedding was featured on their girlfriends, Chelsy Davy and Kate Middleton appeared on twenty of them, despite the girls entering the church privately as not to take the spotlight off the newlyweds.

Peter, who is popular with William and Harry is claimed to have personally assured the Princes that neither girl would be featured.

However, it seems that minor royals such as Lady Helen Windsor and Viscount Linley would still be able to sell to the magazine as in past editions anything concerning them features solely on them and not on any other member of the family.

Sarah Ferguson Vs Allison Pearson

2008-05-21T07:19:00.000-07:00

Sarah Ferguson has accused Daily Mail journalist, Allison Pearson of being a 'coward' after Fergie claimed she tried to contact Ms Pearson after the journalist wrote negative articles about Princess Beatrice's famous bikini shot.

According to the former Duchess of York, she invited Ms Pearson to meet with her and Beatrice, but got no response either via phone or email and on Tuesday's GMTV interview with Fiona Phillips accused the writer of 'cowardice'.

Allison Pearson, in response has now written about the incident in her weekly column. She claims the Duchess only contacted her for the first time yesterday.

Here is the link if your interested in reading Ms Pearson's column.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1020817/Sorry-Fergie-I-stomach-porky-pies.html

'Leave my Beatrice alone' demands Fergie

2008-05-20T05:58:00.000-07:00

Sarah Ferguson ranted on British radio yesterday that the media interest in her daughters physique was 'driving her to anorexia'.

What a load of bull. Instead of stamping her feet and fighting her daughters battles, Fergie would be better spending her energy teaching Beatrice that with her privileged lifestyle comes a huge downside - media interest and media criticism. Most people Beatrice's age would not be able to afford the sort of holiday she had in a luxury resort in the Bahama's. Beatrice should stop winging and get over it, and herself.

But it's not like the media are being unfair. Yes she is not fat, but yes she was wearing a bikini that did not suit her figure at all. It wasn't like the media super-imposed a different bikini onto her body. It was her decision to wear such a outfit.

If Beatrice - or indeed Sarah - do not like the media spotlight then stay out of it. No one makes them go to fancy restaurants, nightclubs and Mediterranean resorts. It seems they like the attention but the minute it goes sour they are kicking up a fuss.

My problem is not with Beatrice being upset, she is after all only human, more her mother jumping in and demanding this, that and the other. Get a grip Fergie, or better still return to America where you seem to enjoy being ass licked by those who are in awe of you.

Oh and let your daughter fight her own battles. Everyone knows if you did that at school you were considered a baby and got bullied all the more.........

Chelsy Meets Granny

2008-05-18T15:09:00.000-07:00

Prince Harry's girlfriend, Chelsy Davy attended the wedding of Peter and Autumn Phillips at the weekend. According to Royal sources it was the first time she was introduced to HM The Queen. By all reports the meeting went well.

Harry seems enamoured with Chelsy though the relationship hasn't been without it's troubles. Like most young couples they have broken up briefly after stories of Harry cheating on his drunken nights out. However he must be serious about her to introduce her to the Queen.

In 1987 I brought a book called 'Diana Vs Sarah: The Royal Fashion Wars'. This picture of Kate and Chelsy brought back memories of that book. Perhaps one day in the not so distant future it will be 'Kate Vs Chelsy: The New Royal Fashion War'.

Can We Please Afford Them Some Privacy?

2008-05-18T14:59:00.000-07:00

Perhaps in a mood of Royal Wedding Fever, today's Mail On Sunday are suggesting that when Prince William and his girlfriend, Kate Middleton go away on their upcoming holiday to Mustique he will propose to her.

How they find out such information is beyond me. However, I'm sure that Prince William if he was planning to propose will have organised it on a Royal estate where he would have complete privacy.

Have the press not learnt anything from the Charles and Diana debacle? They, in essence, helped force Charles into the ill-fated decision to propose to Lady Diana Spencer. We all know how that ended.

Let Kate and William enjoy their holiday and their time together in peace and privacy. And if he wants to propose let the moment be special as it should be for every couple. And if he doesn't propose let him decide in his own time when he wants to.

Princess Beatrice. Help needed urgently!

2008-05-18T14:34:00.000-07:00

With a hat made from silk butterflies, a ill fitting outfit and too tight jacket Princess Beatrice looked like a clown at the circus when she attended the wedding of her cousin Peter Phillips to his fiance Autumn Kelly.

The hideous outfit just goes to show that fashion is not one of Beatrice's skills. Rather worrying as she has just started her work experience in a London store as a personal style advisor.

I'm not saying Beatrice can't look good but she needs some advice. I assume the person she goes to about clothes is her mother and she is hardly the right person to give out fashion tips.

Beatrice really needs her own stylist who can give good solid advice on what Beatrice should and should not wear. She has a nice figure. Lets have some nice clothes to compliment that.

Why We All Love A Lovely Royal Wedding..... Dress!

2008-05-18T13:15:00.000-07:00

Whether the Royal is down the line of succession, or in the case of Peter Phillips out of it, or higher up the Royal ladder such as Prince Charles everyone has a interest in what dress the Royal bride is going to wear.

From the time Royal weddings were photographed women all over the world would pour over the photographs and commented on the dress. But it's only been since the 198Os's when Royal weddings got really big the spotlight has anxiously been waiting to hover on the creation, the dress which is meant to be perfect not only for the bride, but also for the venue and the occasion.
The first big wedding, when publicity became almost feverish was the wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer in St Paul's Cathedral on Wednesday 29th July 1981. For months Diana had been trailed around London by photographers eager to catch a glimpse of the shy girlfriend of the Prince of Wales. But once the engagement was announced it go no easier and by the time the wedding day arrived people were eagerly taking bets on what the dress was going to be like.

Lady Diana commissioned husband and wife team, David and Elizabeth Emanuel to create her wedding dress. The two young designers, famous for designing for people such as Jerry Hall. Diana had fallen in love with a blouse that she had been photographed in for Vogue in 1980 and wasted no time in booking the Emanuel's for her big day. It was no easy task. St Paul's was a grand venue, and the wedding of the future King of England was going to be a grand event.

The dress was designed around a sample shape that was used in a dress in the Emanuel's 1980 bridal collection but it was modified hugely for Diana. The dress had puffball sleeves and was edged in the same material as the dress, then a further 'cuff' of lace was added making the sleeves 3/4 in length.. The neck line was a 'v' neck and was surrounded by antique lace that was dyed a cream colour to match the rest of the dress. The bodice was boned and had a lace panel that was embroidered with a basket of flowers motif. The skirt was full and edged with lace. A huge underskirt was worn to give the skirt shape and fullness. The train, as the dress, was made from English silk. The colour was cream. The Emanuel's designed the original train to be around seventeen foot, but Diana, as a eager youth wanted it to be longer so eventually it ended up being twenty five foot long. It was edged in the same lace as edged the neckline and sleeves. Down the sides of the train ran two very thin and almost invisible panels of lace. The veil was spotted with sequins and was also twenty five foot in length and ended with the train, the Spencer Family tiara held it in place.

Lady Diana's dress is famous for being creased badly when she arrived at St Paul's. However, these creases soon vanished and were not at all visible when she reached the altar.

The Princesses dress had it's fans and detractors, almost in equal measure. And now in 2008 actually has very few fans as it's considered rather too large and too over the top. I, for one, am a fan and it does say a lot for the dress as the shape and style influenced wedding dresses well into the mid 1990's. Now that really is something! Recently the dress was voted 9th in a poll of the top 20 most influential wedding dresses of recent times.

The next big Royal wedding was that of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. The venue was the more traditional - and for a Royal Wedding - slightly more intimate Westminster Abbey. Andrew and Sarah also married on a Wednesday, but this was the 23rd July 1986.

During her engagement Sarah worked out and lost several stones to fit into her wedding gown. Her fluctuating weight was a topic of cruel discussion during the engagement but on the day of her wedding she was a slim UK size 10. Sarah's dress designer was Lindka Cireach who Sarah had met the previous year when the designer was making the wedding gown for Sarah's then flat mate Carolyn Cotterall.

Appropriately enough the dress was made from Italian Duchess satin (Sarah was to become a Duchess after her marriage). Ivory was the chosen colour which suited Sarah's pale skin and flame red hair. The choice of Italian satin was not controversial as the rule that Royal woman only wore English fabric had been eased off by 1986. Lindka said the fabric was chosen specially to hold all the beading that was required.

The sleeves were slightly puffed at the shoulders and where 3/4 in length coming down the arm to a point. On the shoulders sat a bow which led down to a rounded neckline which was simple. The bodice, like Diana's was boned and heavily embroidered with two 'S's - the brides initials. The skirt was A-line and fell to the floor. The underskirt was full and like the veil was edged in a motif of bows - Sarah's own 'trademark' In itself the skirt had a short train. At the back of the bodice sat a huge fan shaped bow and from under that a 17 1/2 foot train fell. On the train was a tableaux of embroidery and sequins. A huge 'A' and 'S' dominated the train. At the side of the train were bee's, thistles (from Sarah's coat of arms) and other flowers. The beads and sequins gave a crunchy almost 3-D look and certainly were of interest to those in the Abbey who could see it! The train was rounded at the end. Her veil, the same length of the train was made from silk and dotted with sequins. It was edged in a bow motif.

When Sarah arrived at the Abbey Sarah wore a coronet of cream and yellow flowers in her hair. After the service, when emerging from the vestry she wore a tiara that had been brought for Sarah by her family. Sarah's dress was already being compared to Diana's even before the wedding day. However, it won universal praise though in recent surveys it seems to have been long forgotten. It was, however, popular with both spectators and the media.

The next of the Queen's children to marry was Prince Edward. His marriage to Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999 was a simpler affair. The ceremony was still televised though this time it was held in the chapel of St George in Windsor.

Sophie's dress was designed by Samantha Shaw, a friend of Sophie's who married only two weeks before the Royal couple and who interrupted her honeymoon to be at Sophie's wedding. The dress was made from silk and was, like Diana's a cream colour.

Sophie was a older bride then Diana and Sarah and her dress was very simple and came in two parts. There was a dress, which sadly we didn't get to see and a 'over coat' which the public did see. The coat was very simple and fell to the ground. The sleeves were long and edged with pearls, the neck was a 'v' style which was also edged in pearls. The dress and coat had a small train and Sophie wore a long silk veil that was as long as the train and which was held in place by a tiara from the Royal collection.

Although simple and pretty Sophie had lost weight in the run up to the wedding and coat was too big at the shoulders and slipped down. The dress also was very thin and when the wind caught it clung to Sophie's legs and in some pictures it did look as though she was wearing trousers. However, with this aside, the dress was popular though it failed to influence brides at the time unlike Diana's did.

During the 1990's we had several smaller wedding's that were easily as pretty. In June 1992 Lady Helen Windsor, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Kent married Tim Taylor at St George's in Windsor.

Lady Helen commissioned Diana's favourite designer, Catherine Walker to make her dress. It was a very simple gown but beautiful none the less. It was made from very heavy satin. The colour was oyster. The dress had small cap sleeves which were decorated with beads and sequins. The neckline was a 'V' neck again decorated with beads and sequins. The skirt was full and train was substantial. The veil was made from a very soft silk. Lady Helen wore her hair up in a chignon and held in place with a tiara from the Royal collection.

In 1993 in Westminster Cathedral Viscount Linley, son of Princess Margaret married Serena Stanhope. Sadly I do not know the designer but the dress was made from silk tulle and a heavy satin. The dress was largely inspired by Princess Margaret's. The top part of the dress was plain without decoration. It was made from heavy white silk and had padded shoulders and long sleeves with a row of buttons on the sleeve. The collar stood up at the back and came down to a point. The waist was tightly hemmed in and the silk continued down half way to the skit. Then the material - for want of a better word - split, and we could see the skirt which was made from tulle. The skirt was very full. The train was quite short. The veil was made from soft tulle and held in place by a tiara also borrowed from the Royal Collection. Serena wore her hair piled up high on top of her head.

Diana's chief bridesmaid, and David's sister, Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones married Daniel Chatto in London in 1994. Her dress was very plain. It was made from chiffon. The sleeves were slightly sheer. The neckline was square which led down to a heavily corseted bodice. The skirt was straight, made from chiffon and was slightly flared. The colour appears to be ivory. There was no decoration at all on it.No pearls, lace or bows. Very modern for the 1990's bride. Sarah wore a veil of fine silk mesh which was scattered with sequins. It fell to the floor but there was no train so therefore the veil ended at the hem of the dress. Sarah wore her hair up and the veil was held in place by a tiara loaned to her by her mother, Princess Margaret.

In 1988, Princess Alexandra's son, James Ogilvy married Julia Rawlinson in a small church in Essex, England. This dress is worth mentioning because it was most unusual. For a 1980's wedding it was plain. It had NO decoration. Not a single piece of lace, sequin, or decorated button went near it! It was made from white, raw silk. The sleeves were slightly padded and were wrist length. The neckline was 'V' neck the skirt was full. The veil was made from silk and was held in place by a floral coronet. That was it! Like I said, simple and elegant. Particularly since the late 1980's were the years for lace, froth, and all things frou-frou!

I end this post with the most unusual Royal Wedding dress. In 1990, Princess Alexandra and Angus Ogilvy's only daughter, Marina married a artist, Paul Mowatt. She was already pregnant. Scandalous in Royal terms. The wedding can kindly be described as 'hastily arranged' cruelly it could be described as 'shot gun'.

Not to be conventional, Marina wore a Lycra calf-length black dress topped with a bright vivid orange bolero, which was edged with gold tassels. In her hair she were a floppy, felt wide brimmed hat!

So no matter how regal the wedding is Royal brides make surprising and quite often wonderful choices for their wedding attire. We can never be sure what they will wear. All I can say is roll on the next Royal wedding, whether it be Kate and William, Chelsy and Harry, Zara and Mike or Beatrice and Dave........

......just remember the world and it's press will be watching ever so closely!

Introducing Mr and Mrs Phillips

2008-05-18T12:45:00.001-07:00

On the 17th May 2008 the Phillips branch of the House of Windsor welcomed a new member in the shape of Autumn, Peter Phillips new wife.

Autumn Kelly, a pretty, blond Canadian officially became Mrs Phillips during a ceremony which began at 4pm in the very Gothic but grand St George's Chapel which is situated in the grounds of Windsor Castle. The chapel has previously hosted Royal weddings such as Prince Edwards and Sophie's and Lady Helen Windsor to her husband Tim Taylor.

As usual for May the weather was dull, having rained all morning. It was cold too, and I could only feel sorry for the bridesmaids as they arrived at the chapel. Not only did they have the unenviable task of trying to avoid getting their gowns, made from chiffon, getting grubby on the wet steps,but they must also have been shivering while they did it! The dresses were green in colour the shade being named 'Kelly Green' for the occasion. Zara Phillips, sister to the groom Peter, was chief bridesmaid, but the bride was also attended by a group of friends and step-sisters as well as Peter's god-daughter, Rosie.

By Royal standards the wedding was small attended by only three hundred guests. Some had flown in from Canada to attend the service. Others came from closer to home. Prince Charles attended with his wife Camilla. Prince Andrew arrived with his daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, though his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson was conspicuous by her absence. Prince Harry attended as did his girlfriend, Chelsy Davy. According to some reports the Prince's long term girlfriend was introduced to HM The Queen for the first time yesterday. Prince William was absent. He was attending the wedding of one of his friends in South Africa. However, Kate Middleton attended on his behalf leading to questions that as this was a semi-formal role, would she be the next Royal bride to grace the front pages of international newspapers?

Both Kate Middleton and Chelsy appeared at times somewhat nervous attending such a 'royal' event but both women didn't disappoint on the fashion side. Both dressed nicely but understated being careful it may seem as not to take the shine off Autumn on the most important day of her life.

Autumn's dress was made from ivory duchess satin and had a cathedral style train. Her underskirt was made from tulle netting edged with silk. The dress cost an estimated £7,500 and took six months to create. It had a full skirt, a boned sleeveless bodice and the bride wore a laces shrug. Her veil was edged in lace and looked almost Spanish in style.

Earlier this month Autumn and Peter made headlines when it was revealed they had sold their story to Hello! the famous coffee table society magazine for £500,000. Part of that deal was they also got to feature in the second edition the couples wedding. Today it was revealed that the Kelly family could not afford to host such a lavish wedding and Princess Anne was unwilling to foot the bill. The wedding cost in total it has been rumoured £50,000. Traditionally Royals have tended to veer away from the magazine as some society circles call it tacky but both Peter and his new wife seem happy in some areas, to wave goodbye to tradition and do things their own, very modern way.

The bride arrived one of the Royal cars but the newly wed couple left in a carriage and rode to the reception which was held at Frogmore House in the grounds of Windsor Castle. One can only imagine what conversation they had as they rode away from the chapel, but judging by the photographs I can only assume it was a happy one, tinged with relief that the hardest part of the day was well and truly over.

The couple's honeymoon destination has not been made public but I can only assume they will be happy not only to get away from the bad weather and the press but to finally relax after organising such a fancy wedding.

I wish them both well in their new life together.

Zara And Mike Tindall: A Too Modern Royal Couple?

2008-03-18T14:14:00.000-07:00

Mike Tindall, boyfriend of Princess Anne's daughter, Zara Phillips has been arrested for drink driving while driving to Twickenham to watch a game of rugby.

The previous day both Mike and Zara were seen drinking copious amounts of champagne at the Cheltenham races. Mr Tindall was so drunk that he was seen vomiting on himself and Miss Phillip' was said to have been so drunk that she fell of her chair and hit her head on a table. Miss Phillips private detective took them both back to her house on her mothers Gatcombe estate.

The couple, who have been dating since they met at a rugby game in Sydney in 2003 seem to be solid. There are no rumours of relationship difficulties and adultery. However, the amount the two drink is said to be worrying.

I appreciate that Mr Tindall and Miss Phillips are still young. But being born royal (even if you don't have a royal title) does come with responsibility as much as the person may not like it. She may not be as much a public figure as her more media friendly cousins, but, she is still representing the most powerful family in Britain.

I shall imagine that HM will not be too pleased to see such stories about her granddaughter become public. I'm sure she also feels as though she has had more then enough of the drinking culture around William, Harry and Princess Beatrice.

I am slightly disappointed. I thought that Zara was more grounded then this. Having a drink is fine, every one does at the races, but drinking to excess is not appealing and when your a royal, even a minor one, it will always make the papers.

I admire Zara. Her achievements in her chosen sport are inspiring. Please don't go down the route that your cousin Harry has Zara, where every good act, every achievement drowns amongst the negative stories of drunken behaviour. Your better then that.

Paul Burrell: What a let down.

2008-03-18T13:56:00.001-07:00

It seems that for Mr Burrell admitting that he committed perjury during the inquest into the death of Diana, Princess of Wales and her companion, Dodi Fayed wasn't enough. Now it has been revealed that the Princess's butler removed a blood splattered ring from her finger while she was laying in the morgue and handed it to a neighbour of his in Cheshire.

The Daily Mail today reported that Burrell planned to take the ring, other items of jewelry and documentation and dump it over board on a cruise, so sensitive was the ring (which Burrell claimed he believed to be a engagement ring) and the other items.

Now, he has also admitted that the Princess's neck was 'grotesquely twisted' when he visited Diana's body after her death in Paris.

What happened to this man that has turned him from tight lipped 'rock' to someone who proved himself on video tape to be a liar? To add insult to injury he seems to take glee in the fact that he has deliberately mislead the jury who are sitting in on the inquest and taunted them with 'red herrings' knowing that those red herrings would take away the spotlight from him.

Mr Burrell's character has always been, for me anyway, in doubt. During a homosexual relationship he was conducting in 1981 he wrote letters to his lover in May describing Lady Diana's wedding dress in great detail (even though the designers, David and Elizabeth Emanuel were spending a small fortune in security to keep the design secret). Rumour has it that even while he was still in Diana's employ he was leaking information about her life, particularly in the days after the Wales separation. In the late 1990's he made a fortune speaking about Royal life on cruises, he wrote 'A Royal Duty' in the early 2000's, and then followed it up with the second book 'The Way We Were' in 2006. He has also penned books about entertaining in style, creating flower arrangements and has appeared in series on TV such as American Princess and Australian Princess, with all the things he does he names Diana, although he calls her 'The Princess'.

I feel this man is a shame to Britain and now he has been caught admitting to lying in court I believe he should be made to return to Britain and answer questions. I also feel that no matter what he writes (and yes, I believe a third book could be in the pipeline) people will not believe a word he says.

I hope that Mr Burrell will one day find happiness in his life and that he can quit his obsession with Diana. If he wants to drag his name into the mud then he is free to do so. However, I hope he stops doing the same to Diana who cannot answer back.

The Hypocrisy Around Diana Continues

2008-01-01T05:55:00.000-08:00

In 2007, during the tenth anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, Britain (and other countries around the world) was offered a plethora of documentaries and drama's about the last summer Diana spent alive.

In one of these documentaries, Myriah Daniels, Dodi Fayed's holistic healer spoke of her time healing both Dodi and Diana during the harassed last cruise around Sardinia. She spoke out saying due to her experience performing deep intestinal massage she could tell that Diana was not pregnant. She talked about how dangerously Henri Paul drove when ushering Ms Daniels and other staff around Paris. She talked about how 'invaluable' Dodi had told her she was, and that she was waiting at Dodi's Parisian flat for the Harrods heir and his new beau, Diana. Of course, they never made it back.

Fast forward five or so months. Myriah Daniels is being questioned for the official London inquest into Diana's death. During this official inquest, she was asked about the chances of Diana being pregnant. She talked about how Diana was constipated during that last trip on the Jonikal and that she had not long had her period. When the barrister continued this line of questioning, she snapped demanding that Diana, although dead for ten years and despite it being a official inquest, get some privacy and respect.

At the time I thought it odd that when the camera's were on her, and probably after being paid for her appearance on screen, Ms Daniels had no issue whatsoever talking about intimate things such as Diana's menstrual cycle and deep intestinal massage. Yet, when there are no cameras, no spotlights, no glory, Ms Daniels claims it's disrespectful to talk about such issues.

Now, it's been revealed that like Simone Simmons and Penny Thornton, who were both therapists in some configuration to the Princess, Ms Daniels has written a book about the time she spent with Dodi and Diana on their various holidays. This is hypocrisy of the highest order.

I would respect Ms Daniels for wanting to defend Diana's right to privacy if it were genuine. But it seems, when camera's or money is on offer, that right is taken away from Diana, by the very person who claims that they want to defend it.

It reminds me somewhat of the Paul Burrell vs Ken Wharfe argument. I have always liked Ken Wharfe. His 'tally-ho' attitude amuses me and he speaks truthfully about Diana. Both the good and bad side. When he published his book 'Closely Guarded Secret' which, in my opinion, was one of the most honest books about Diana, Paul Burrell the man who claims was Diana's 'rock' pulled the ex-police detective to shreds, talking about his disloyalty and his desire to make money out of his relationship with Diana.

Fast forward a few years Burrell himself published his memoirs, well as we would later discover the first volume of his memoirs. 'A Royal Duty' was a huge sell out. Burrell had done exactly what he criticised Ken Wharfe for doing. Later on Mr Burrell published a second volume 'The Way We Were: Remembering Diana'. This book featured exclusive photographs of Diana's apartment in Kensington Palace, taken in the days after her death in August 1997. So had Burrell taken the pictures to later sell? If so, then surely he would of known what he was doing, and therefore was criticising Ken Wharfe unfairly. Of course Mr Burrell has also published tomes on flower arranging and entertaining in style again dropping 'the Princess' into the books just for added spice (and higher sales figures). On the basis of knowing Diana closely he has also forged a television career and a career speaking on Cunard cruise ships about his life with Diana.

I see a common thread in those people who have claimed to have worked with, been friendly with or been intimate with Diana. They, for the first few years after her death, where her warriors. Defending her memory and protecting the real Diana. Then, as time whittled away and the lure of money was too hard to resist they all sold out, making more and more fantastic claims, such as Simone Simmons who was apparently told by Diana that she was taking a role in the Bodyguard 2, a confidence that Ms Simmons has broken on British TV several times.

But what about Rosa Monckton and Lucia Flecha De Lima? These two women were closer to Diana then any other person, even closer I suspect then Burrell (yes, he knows intimate things about Diana, but did he gain that knowledge from her, or from routing through her rubbish bin?) and yet, they have not spoken out or written a book. Yes, Rosa Monckton once talked publicly about Diana having her period, but that was only when rumours of a pregnancy were so strong that Prince's William and Harry were upset about it and she felt she had no other option but to speak out.

These woman gave evidence at the inquest, and have appeared in a couple of documentaries, but in 1992 Rosa was given permission to speak to ITN news by the Princess herself. Both Rosa and Lucia tell publicly the things only we need to know. The sheer amount of information they have on Diana would fill volumes but the women who really were her warriors and her rock have remained silent.

So, it seems even ten years after her death, Diana is still surrounded by lying, cheating people willing to make a quick buck out of her friendship.

Dodi's father, Mohammed Al Fayed talks constantly about wanting to protect the memory of his son and his partner, Diana. Can he not step up to the plate now, and prevent Ms Daniels publishing her book? Anyway, via Dodi she was on his payroll. This is a time when Mr Fayed can really prove that he wants to do the best by Diana and Dodi.

I hope he does do something. I'm sure that Ms Daniels will have a lot to reveal, even if it's not true. And the whole press frenzy will kick off again and Diana wont get the peace and respect that Ms Daniels demanded during her time in the dock in London.

Diana Inquest: The Cost Is Mounting

2007-12-22T06:13:00.000-08:00

To date the inquest into the deaths of Diana, Princess of Wales and Dodi Fayed has amounted to: £1,308,291.26 with a extra £187,464.oo all paid for by the British taxpayer.

As much as I adore Diana, I feel that this cost is absurd, and if it runs till next Easter the cost will be over the £2 million mark. The Paget report cost enough, surely isn't that enough? We could of had the report and a smaller inquest which would of saved a lot of money.

I do hope that Mr Al Fayed and all of those American die-hard Diana fans (as seen and encountered by us on the Royalist) will all contribute to the cost, as these are the people who have endlessly gone on and on about a inquest. Alas, they wont and again the British Taxpayer loses out.

If this offended I am truly sorry. However, when I see pensioners struggling to cope on a meagre state pension being sent to prison because they can't afford their council tax, or in fact, sitting in a freezing house as they can't afford their heating bills its a bit rich seeing nearly £2 million being spent on a inquest for a woman who died ten years ago. We know the outcome will be accidental death, the Paget report said so and so will this inquest. Please, lets not waste any more money. Let the taxes go to the people who deserve and need it. What good is all this expense? How will it help Diana exactly?

HM The Queen: A Woman Of Dignity, Duty And Shyness?

2007-12-22T05:50:00.001-08:00

Prince Andrew, speaking in a documentary about his mother says that she often leaves the room to watch her annual Christmas speech alone. According to the Duke of York the Christmas lunch is well timed to finish at 2.45pm ready for the family to gather at 3.00pm to watch the speech on television.

However, one writer in the Daily Mail has claimed the reason Her Majesty retires to a separate room is that she is genuinely shy and feels embarrassed to watch herself on television when the rest of the family are gathered.

I find this very sweet indeed. That one of the most famous - and respected - women in the world, who has served her country for well over sixty years, has made some groundbreaking speeches is too shy to watch herself on television when her family are with her.

I have a new found respect for HM. Having watched all the episodes of 'Monarchy: A Royal Family At Work, you get to see the very human side to the Queen. She smiles, laughs, is serious and, according to the programme, enjoys going through the artwork that children do for her when she comes to visit. She is a human being and a dignified one at that.

It will be a very sad day when we loose our Queen, because I, for one, have fallen in love with her since seeing her so closely on the television. And, unlike the 'grey men' who work in the palace, she is kind, generous, giving and loyal. It's really hard not to like her.

Beatrice Showing Signs Of Being A Diva?

2007-12-21T09:39:00.000-08:00

Apparantly being a Princess is not enough for nineteen year old Princess Beatrice. Now she is, accroding to reports, turning into a bigger diva then Mariah Carey.

While spending a night in London's hottest club, Mahiki (a favourite of Prince's William and Harry and their partners) Beatrice was said to have stomped over to a young girl who was sitting at her favourite table and told her to 'move'. The lady, and her friends, were so shell shocked they just upped and left. The Princess, who is turning into quite the social butterfly, is putting 'noises out of joint' all over London as she is becoming more famous and recognisable.

Looks like that famous, down to earth parenting that both Andrew, and in particular, Fergie like to boost about has not been as successful as first thought.

A Princess she may be, but she seems to lack even basic manners, despite the money ploughed into her education and upbringing.

I think this is only going to get worse.........

Edward and Sophie Announce Name Of Their Son

2007-12-21T09:33:00.000-08:00

Today, Edward and Sophie have released the name of their son, who up till now has been known as Viscount Severn.

The baby, born on Monday will be called James Alexander Phillip Theo Mountbatten-Windsor, but his surname will be known as simple 'Windsor'.

Both HM The Queen, Prince Phillip and Christopher Rhys-Jones were consulted in the naming of the child and all of the grandparents are said to be 'content' with the decision.

Sophie, it has been reported, though not confirmed, will be spending Christmas with the Queen at Sandringham since she is in such robust health.

Well,I wish the best of health to Edward, Sophie, Louise and baby James. I hope they all have a marvelous Christmas and a happy 2008.

The Wessex Family: Healthy, Happy and Full of Christmas Joy

2007-12-21T06:19:00.000-08:00

In the past few months all the news seems to be about is Britney Spears's latest breakdown, Amy Winehouse's drug use and Kate Moss's acne problem.

So when Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex were pictured leaving hospital with their newborn son, known only as Viscount Severn at the moment, it was thrilling to see a happily married couple (which in the media nowadays is very rare) full of pride with the new addition to the their family (Sophie's troubles having children were discussed in another post earlier this week).

Sophie was smiling broadly. She looked healthy, her colour was good (who can remember how pale she looked when she left hospital after Louise's traumatic birth) and she looked as though she was the happiest woman in the world, and at the moment, I'm sure that is how she feels. Edward, obviously relieved that both his wife and child came out of the labour healthily, was pictured holding his son as though his life depended on it.

Although the Windsor children grow up to be attractive adults, they don't make for pretty babies but Viscount Severn, with his cute upturned nose looks as though he breaks that trend! It seems that he takes after his mother more, while Louise could be the twin of the Queen when she was that age.

HM The Queen is extraordinarily close to Sophie. The two woman bonded from the start of Edward and Sophie's relationship, and that immediately caused Diana, Princess of Wales and Sarah Ferguson to take a instant dislike to Sophie. They teased her, snubbed her and were openly rude to her at royal events. They spoke down about her, as though she wasn't high enough in the class system to marry into the ultimate British family. But despite this, or maybe because of this, the Queen took a instant fancy to Sophie and after Louise's traumatic birth, the two women became, if it was possible, even closer. Sophie, who was recovering after the birth spend days and days with HM who, at that time, was herself recovering from a knee injury. The two now have a unbreakable bond, and HM was said to be delighted with her latest grandchild and cannot wait to meet him. Touching evidence of their bond came when, after nearly dying after losing almost all her blood after having Louise, HM dropped everything to visit her daughter-in-law. Some say the Queen was scared stiff she may lose her friend, the woman whom she refers to as 'my daughter'.

Both of Sophie's parents, Christopher and Mary Rhys-Jones were welcomed into the Windsor clan, something that Johnny Spencer was not, nor Ronald Ferguson. Christopher, a car tyre salesman long since retired was not of the nobility, like Johnny Spencer, who in fact, worked for HM The Queen as a Equerry in the 1950's. Ronald Ferguson, Prince Charles's polo manager, was seen as a lowly servant and also was not invited. Yet, when Christopher lost his wife to cancer a year or so ago, HM and Prince Phillip took the unusual step of inviting him to Sandringham for the Christmas holidays so he would not be lonely. This act alone shows how close Sophie is to her famous mother-in-law.

Almost by design, Louise, Sophie and Edwards four year old daughter resembles HM so much that when a picture was taken of her a year ago, one reporter claimed that Louise, if born the same time as HM could easily be her twin. Both Diana's boys resemble the Spencer's and Sarah Ferguson's daughter's resemble their parents.

The Wessex's have been married now for eight years, nine next June. There hasn't been a single story of marital ruckus. They seem to be protected, and I'm sure that Sophie's closeness to the Queen is partly responsible for this. It's brilliant if you think that eight years into the Wales marriage, Charles and Diana had stopped sleeping together, barely tolerated each other and were revving up for the War of the Wales's. Andrew and Sarah were already separated and heading for the divorce courts after.

So, I've never been happier for a royal couple then I am for Edward and Sophie. Their family, one can now assume is complete. I wish them well and I hope that 2008 is a happy and fulfilling year for the nice couple of the Royal Family.

Rosa Monckton and Lucia Flecha De Lima: Diana's Loyal Warriors

2007-12-19T13:48:00.000-08:00

Was Diana pregnant when she died? Did she have contraceptive pills in her luggage? Was she planning to marry Dodi Fayed? Was it a summer fling or real love?

These are some of the questions that are being pondered on during the inquest into the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.

In the midst of this very public event, two women stand tall. In life, these women were the real 'rocks' in Diana's life. They supported her, gave her a shoulder to cry on, told her off when she was unreasonable, gave her sanctuary when the press were hounding her. Spent time with her on holidays, and gave her the real family life she has missed. In documentaries they defended her, and were her champion, speaking out and telling the truth as they saw it.

I take my hat off to Rosa Monckton and Lucia Flecha De Lima. For I believe these two women speak the truth, and I'm very appreciative of the fact that they are willing to stand up and tell the truth when Mohammed Al Fayed continues to spout vicious lies about Diana and her place in his life. When both of them say that there was no way Diana could of been pregnant, I will believe them over Fayed every time. When they say she would not of married Dodi and was just having a steamy summer fling, I believe them.

These were two women who were not afraid to stand up against Diana and all her charactericial flaws. They told her things she did not want to hear, but, their loyal, honest and dedicated friendship meant that these two women were not booted out of her circle like Sarah Ferguson and Penny Thornton before her, for Diana surely knew that her world would be terribly lonely without the two women who were like mother figures to her.

Now I see Rosa and Lucia as Diana's warriors, bravely fighting against the Fayed publicity machine to get across to the public the truth about Diana's final months on earth.

I'm sure wherever Diana is and whatever tasks she has been given, she must surely look down on Rosa and Lucia with pride, thankfulness and love. For these two women will fight and fight hard to get the truth out.

And I, for one, can only thank them.

Myriah Daniels: The Trickiest Witness At The Diana Inquest

2007-12-19T13:34:00.000-08:00

Myriah Daniels, member of Dodi Fayed's staff has proven to be the most difficult of witnesses at the Diana inquest. The woman, employed to heal Dodi, worked on Diana during her stay on the Jonikal, and performed healing on her when Diana was menstruating and suffering from painful period cramps.

Having read her transcript from her evidence, she also admitted the Princess was suffering from constipation on board the Jonikal. Ms Daniels insisted that it was unnecessary to talk about such private and intimate details of the late Princess's life. I disagree with her. As long as Mohammed Al Fayed continues to claim that Diana was pregnant with his grandchild, then yes, these details will have to be made public, no matter how unsavoury they are.

What tickles me, though, is that Ms Daniels, an American, referred to Britain's media saying 'all of your newspapers look like tabloids'. What a snooty attitude to take. It may be wise to remember that most of the most vocal Diana fans, who have insisted she was murdered and have insisted that this inquest take place are American's. Ironically, many of these Americans, who I'm sure take the same tack as Ms Daniels, also rely heavily on the online editions of The Daily Mail, Telegraph, Observer, Mirror et al to gain their royal knowledge, and knowledge of British life and society. I don't feel she has any right at all to criticise our media. Nor, does she have any right to throw her weight around at the inquest. It's not up to her to decide what is tasteful or not. Or what is tacky or not. Her role in this was to go and answer the questions put to her and answer them truthfully. Her opinions on the British media, for instance, are not wanted.

But there is one question I'd really like to put to Ms Daniels. For as much as she plays the Ms High and Mighty role, stating that she really wanted to keep Diana's personal details, such as her menstrual cycle private, why on earth did she go on TV in the summer and talk openly about it in a documentary/drama that was shown across the world.

It seems that answering questions on Diana's menstrual cycle is tacky and disrespectful, unless of course, your offered some money and the chance to be on TV..............................

The Diana Inquest Carries On

2007-12-18T12:53:00.000-08:00

Today is day 43 of the long, drawn out inquest into the deaths of Diana, Princess of Wales and her companion, Dodi Fayed.

So far we have learnt that Diana could not be pregant as she had had her period ten days before the accident, we have learnt that Diana needed a second marriage like a rash on her face, that Henri Paul was driving manicly and she was trying to make former lover Hasnat Khan jealous.

The Inquest makes me laugh. This will not make those who believe Diana was killed change their minds. I can't help thinking that after ten years, this inquest is several years too late. As much as I adore Diana, the sheer cost of this investigation is mind numbing. It has already cost nearly £20 million and the cost is ever rising.

But who is this inquest for? Is it for the British people in general, or for the Diana fanatics worldwide who cry out for a inquest no matter how much it will cost to Britain?

Yes, Diana, Dodi, Henri Paul and Trevor Rees-Jones deserve justice, but it does make me cross when so much money is being poured into it when the verdict is almost certainly likely to come back as accidental.

I'm hoping that after this inquest, Diana will be able to rest in peace. But I dont think that will happen. No matter how many inquests are held, to some, it will never bring them the results they want, therefore really is it all a huge waste of taxpayers money?

Congratulations to Edward and Sophie

2007-12-18T12:44:00.001-08:00

It was annouced yesterday that Queen Elizabeth's youngest son, Edward, Earl of Wessex and his wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex had become proud parents to their second child, a baby son.

I wish the Wessex's well and I hope that Sophie is resting well after her ceasearean section. Sophie, 42, has not had a easy time with her pregnancies. Her first pregnancy ended traumaticly after she suffered a painful and life threatening ectopic pregnancy. After a painful course of IVF the Countess then experiences agnoising pain in the eight month of her second pregnancy and had to be rushed into hospital where she gave birth to their daughter, Lady Louise, prematurely. The Countess lost so much blood she was on the cusp of losing her life.

After several painful and intrusive courses of IVF, Sophie failed to fall pregant again. As often is the case, after the accepted that they may never become parents again, Sophie fell pregnant naturally, and her pregnancy and birth went smoothly.

So often it's easy to see Royal wives sail through their pregnancies easily. To see Sophie's struggle over so many years, rewarded with two healthy children brings a lump to my throat. And, what other christmas present would bring the Royal and Rhys-Jones families so much happines?

I cannot wait to see what they name their son. With a mother like Sophie it's bound to be something tasteful, classy and regal!

I wish Edward, Sophie, Louise and new son and brother well. I also send out my congratulations to the Royal family and the Rhys-Jones family, too. I hope both families get the chance to enjoy and spoil the new baby. Whether Royal or not, each baby is a miracle. And I'm sure, after the long and rocky road in child rearing, Edward and Sophie will see their son as such.

New CCTV Footage of Diana's Last Hours Released

2007-10-07T12:42:00.000-07:00

This week we have all seen the most eerie footage it's possible to see. The last hours of Princess Diana's life. For the first time in a decade, we have seen new, fresh and unseen moving footage of the late Princess and I found it upsetting and very sad. It made me realise what we have all been missing.

Footage of a smiling Princess in a lift with Dodi, moving from hotel to private Imperial Suite, Diana teasing Dodi by wagging her finger, Dodi and Diana cuddeling up together holding hands while they waited for the fateful limosuine to take them to Dodi's apartment, just mesmerised me.

It's hard to 'get' and hard to accept that it's been a decade since we lost Diana and this new footage made it feel as though it had only been filmed yesterday. And by god, how much do I miss her? Words can't discribe. I've not agreed with Diana's decisions on occasion, or the way she manipulated the media for her own means, but I still miss her.

So, I dont really know if this new footage is a blessing or a curse. It's good to see how happy she was in the final hours, but also sad to realise what we have missed out on. This inquest has opened up a whole new can of worms for me, and not just about how she died.

I do miss the Princess. I just hope this inquest can lay some of the gossip and innuendo to rest. Diana deserves that.

Then perhaps, we can get on and remember Diana for the wonderful, smiling woman she was.

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Princess Beatrice: Beautiful of Bugeyed

2007-09-21T08:46:00.001-07:00

Princess Beatrice's recent photographs of her at a fashion show, with hair in curlers are simply weird.

Some pundits have said she is beautiful. I dont think so. She has weired bug eyes that look like they are coming out on stalks and they kind of freak me out. She has a constant look of surprise on her face.

I'm sure she is a nice, gentle lady. A tv interview held last year showed her to have impeccable manners. So why doesn't she, instead of going to fashion shows and parties, create a royal role for herself. I'm sure she'd be a credit to the Royal family.

Perhaps Beatrice should listen to her grandmother more often then her mother. I think Fergie is giving her wrong advice. And all followers of the Royal Family know that she isn't so hot on decision making.....

Fergie is now a executive producer!

2007-09-21T08:42:00.001-07:00

Sarah Ferguson can now, along with freeloader and fame junky, add film producer to her long list of 'talents'.

She is producing a film called ' Young Victoria' based on her research and two books regarding the early life of Queen Victoria. Her eldest daughter, Princess Beatrice, who shares a name with Queen Victoria's granddaughter, has a non speaking role in the film.

Honestly, Fergie, who treats her daughters like they were her 'bestest friends' seems to care more about pushing Beatrice into a life of fashion (Beatrice recently modelled on the catwalk) and fame rather then following her education and perhaps forging a royal role for herself. Where is ex-husband Prince Andrew on this? Unless of course he is 100% happy with the way Fergie is bringing up their daughters.

Princess Deluded

2007-09-09T13:42:00.000-07:00

Princess Beatrice, it's been reported, has claimed that she is becoming a style icon!

What with her high heeled shoes with ankle straps that make her look like a hooker turning tricks, dresses that are slashed to the naval showing off ample clevage, hats that look like a satelite dish cum birds nest, and clothes that are two sizes too small all I can say is...................YEAH RIGHT!

Is Prince Harry An Indication Of The New Generation Of Royals

2007-09-08T13:32:00.000-07:00

Today's controversial stories of Prince Harry swearing and threatening reporters is, in my opinion, too far a common occurrence for my liking or comfort.

Harry is the young generation of Royals where the essence of duty, which has spurred his grandmother on through so many personal trials and tribulations and public embarrassment, is missing. It concerns me that Harry is quick to accept the privilege that his position gives him, yet will not take the responsibility that goes with such the privilege.

If you think back to the heady 'Lady Di' days, and then the sheer harassment his mother had to deal with on a day in and day out basis, particularly in the few years before her death, when she was called the most appalling names so she would cry, I do wonder why Harry has such a problem with dealing with the press interest when it's nowhere near as intrusive as what his mother had to put up with in her royal life.

Instead of swearing at reports and making it clear he could 'take them on' wouldn't it be better if he had turned a deaf ear on the remarks that were made and just ushered Chelsy to their car, got in himself and driven off. I am sure, in retrospect, he wishes that is what he had done, rather then challenge the media. If Harry is going to deal with the press interest with aggression time and time again, then he won't be a healthy or happy man.

Obviously, if the press were abusing his girlfriend verbally Harry has a right to be upset but he cannot keep playing up to the media and giving them exactly what they want. And also, Chelsy, if she intends to stay with her Prince, she will also have to get used to the media and the dirty tricks they use to get a reaction, and therefore a more interesting picture.

I don't believe Harry should become a hermit, but is there no places he could go, such as friends houses or trusted venues where he would not be followed like he was on Friday night?

To be honest, I think Diana would be horrified by Harry's reaction to reporters, and if she were alive today I'm sure she would of dragged Harry over the coals for his behaviour. He really does need to accept the media is the downside to the life he lives. What normal 23 year old has the chance to go on luxurious holidays, wears the best clothes and will never have to worry about where his next meal is coming from? Instead of playing the angry victim, Harry should appreciate that. Yes, his girlfriend was being teased by reporters but how many youngsters who are homeless, out of work or are in dire financial straits would be happy to have Harry's problems?

Harry In Trouble Again

2007-09-08T02:20:00.001-07:00

After last weeks impressive speech at the memorial for his mother, Prince Harry moved up a thousand degrees in my estimation, and now, it's taken one single act of yobbery that has sunk him back down in the doldrums in my opinion.

His girlfriend, Chelsy Davy was spotted storming out of a flat and Harry was photographed chasing after her calling out her name. Then he turned on the paparazzi and shouted 'I'm going to punch you in the f*****g face' before trying to cause a ruckus between him and another photographer.

What on earth is wrong with this boy. Every time he steps up and shows signs of maturity and respect and decorum he does something to shoot himself down again. I'm very disappointed. The man seen yelling obscenity's on the street is a thousand miles away from the poised, dignified man standing at the pulpit in the Guards Chapel, talking of his love for his mother on August 31st this year.

Diana would of been proud of that smart man, emoting about his mother in a way that Royals' don't tend to do. She would of been less proud of the scruffy, drunk looking yob, who mouthed obscenities and threatend to pick fights with photographers.

And what with his being late to pick up Chelsy from the airport, and the fact she stormed out of a friends flat without Harry, causing him to chase after her in the street smacks of trouble in the relationship to me.

Harry ought to sort himself out. He is a young man full of potential, he and he alone could be a great support to William when he carries the heavy burden of being King. Instead he is at great risk of morphing into the sorts of young thugs and ruffians that get drunk and destroy town centres and basically shame the whole country.

Sort it out Harry. Your disappointing the very people who keep you in the style your accustomed too.

Is Mohammed Al Fayed the only person who is stopping Diana resting in peace?

2007-09-06T16:05:00.000-07:00

During the heady and controversial days of Charles and Diana's public marital breakup, a lot of criticism, quite rightly, was levelled at Prince Charles. He was accused, again rightly, of making Diana's life a misery and causing her stress that she could not physicaly cope with or emotionaly come to terms with.

However, in her death, there is one person who is stopping her rest in peace, and that is the man who is claiming to the public that he is, in fact, keeping her memory alive.

Mohammed Al Fayed, personal friend to both Diana and her late father, Earl Spencer, and owner of Harrods among other things lost a son with Diana in the fateful car crash. Dodi Fayed, film producer, professional jet setter and drug taker, was Diana's last squeeze during the heady months of June, July and August 1997. He died instantly in the car crash that also claimed the life of driver, Henri Paul and later on that night, the life of Diana, Princess of Wales and one of the most famous women in the world.

Since that night, he has insisted that their deaths were no ordinary road accident, and that someone was behind the plot to 'murder' the couple, simply because the establishment, namely HM The Queen and Prince Phillip would not allow Diana to marry a Muslim. Day after day he has continued to campaing against the Royal Family insisting that Diana was to wed Dodi and was pregnant with his child, thus propelling the Queen and Phillip to dream up a plot to kill the pair.

Now, he is trying to bring the infamous Squidgygate tapes into the inquest. Why? I dont know as I can't find any connection between a immature, childish phone call that the Princess had with a friend, James Gilby in 1989 to the events of nearly a decade later.

It seems to me that Mr Fayed is deluded in his grief and cannot accept that his son, and the Princess, and in fact the dream of their supposed engagement has died. I do hope he finds it within himself to move on. He surely cannot be living a full live when he sees conspiracy and plots in every dark corner. I do rather pity him. It seems he is surrounded by 'yes' people who agree with every demand he makes. Where is his wife? Can't she help him figure it all out and move on with his life.

In his own way, rather then making Diana's memory live on, he is dragging it through the mud. With tacky memorials and blantant twisting of the truth he is making her and his own son a laughing stock.

Please, Mr Fayed, let your son and Diana rest in peace. Move on with your life and remember Dodi and Diana as they would of wanted to be remembered. Follow Prince Harry's sentiments as stated in his memorial speech. Remember Diana as she would of wanted. Don't sully her memory and reputation with tawdy accusations of pregnancy out of wedlock and naff memorials.

Your are not doing her memory any good. In fact, the way you speak about some of those who were in her life a lot longer then yourself, she maybe ashamed of you.

Ten Years On: Our Final Goodbye

2007-09-06T02:48:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago, on a sunny September morning, the world said it's final goodbye to Diana, Princess of Wales.

In Westminster Abbey, the People's Princess, was given a regal farewell in a state funeral, the guests included charity workers, entertainment stars and politicians, as well as family and close friends. The world applauded Earl Spencers speech and quietly wept to Elton John's revised song, 'Candle In The Wind '97, which later went on to be marked as the worlds biggest selling single since Live Aids 'Do They Know It's Christmas'.

After the pomp and cirumstance, the Princess was laid to rest on a island in the Oval Lake at the Spencer family estate, Althorp, which lies deep in the heart of the Northamptonshire countryside. The last we saw of our Princess was when the hearse carrying her coffin slowly made it's way through the main gates and up through the estate.

It was a sad day, but a fitting funeral for a woman the world loved.

I hope Diana is now resting in peace and enjoying some happiness that was not forthcoming in her life.

The Memorial: Emotional, poignant and fitting for a Princess

2007-08-31T09:46:00.000-07:00

Today's memorial was, in simple words, a brilliant example of what memorials should be about. Held at the Guards Chapel, in Birdcage Walk, it was a fitting memorial for Diana, Princess of Wales. It was moving, emotional and poignant, but devoid of sugar and sentimentality.

The wonderful speech by Prince Harry moved us all to tears. Speaking of his mother, he said 'she was the best mother in the world' and I can really believe that. The young Prince, speaking words he had written himself, was emotional and fought back tears, but one sensed that every word spoken was from the heart and William, who was seated in the front row, next to his grandmother, seemed emotional and lost in thought as his brother spoke about their wonderful mother.

The hymns and music, all were favourites of Diana, were both stiring and emotive. 'I Vow To Thee My Country' Diana's ultimate favourite and the hymn she personaly requested for her wedding in July 1981 brought back memories of the shy, twenty year old, who sang along behind her wedding veil. With Prince Charles seated in the front pew, I did wonder did he think back to that day in July when he stood at the alter of St Pauls Cathedral, next to Lady Diana ready to make their vows?

The congregration, scattered with showbiz personalities such as Elton John, David Frost, Bryan Adams and Cliff Richard, and also with close friends such as Julia Samuel and Rosa Monckton, did not dress in black, but it was still a rather sombre memorial for such a bright, vibrant person who was full of life.

Alot of negative press and publicity has threatened to ruin this memorial but, watching from 11am to 1.15pm, I was enchanted and at times on the verge of tears with the wonderful words spoken. It was a fitting memorial for Diana. Like her, it was modern but also traditional. I cannot say much else except, considering it was for Diana, it was apt and fitting.

Diana: The Tenth Anniversary

2007-08-30T23:58:00.000-07:00

Today is the tenth anniversary of the sad, shocking death of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Let us put aside recent tensions as to who is going to the memorial and let us remember the life of the girl who single handidly modernised the Royal Family, who brought up two wonderful sons, and who did so much work for Britain.

She was, and always will be England's Princess. Yes, she was a superstar around the globe, but she was our Princess and something that we are truely proud of. In a age when our country is not doing so great, she is the one person who we can be proud of.

So let us remember the life of The Honourable Diana Frances Spencer, Lady Diana Spencer, H.R.H The Princess of Wales, Diana, Princess of Wales, The Peoples Princess and Englands Rose.

Rest In Peace, dearest Diana.

1st July 1961 - 31st August 1997.

'To Live In The Hearts Of Those We Leave Behind Is Not To Die'.

The Sun Visits Dodi Fayed's Flat

2007-08-29T01:18:00.000-07:00

There are pictures today in The Sun of Dodi's London flat, and how it's been kept like a time capsule.

The apartment in London, which stood opposite the park to Diana's at Kensington Palace is kept exactly as it was when Dodi and Diana shut the door behind them when they left for their last, fatal holiday together.

The walls are covered in pictures and portraits of Diana, his magazines are still dated from June/July 1997, his US navy baseball caps still sit in their display case. Fresh flowers are put in vases every day and the fruit replaced weekly. Food in his fridge still has a sell by date of September 1997. His housekeeper, Karen is kept on solely to keep the flat clean. Each week she dusts and cleans from top to bottom and hoovers daily, just as Dodi liked it.

My first reaction to this was almost to burst into tears. Seeing that flat is like seeing what Diana saw that morning when they left to go to the South of France. Who knows if she leaved through the magazines while waiting for Dodi to finish his packing. She may well of helped herself to a coke from the fridge or a piece of fruit from a bowl.

Mohammed Al Fayed visits the flat each Friday, on the Muslim holy day. He finds is a peaceful place of reflection, and having seen the pictures I can understand why. It's a very moving place and can literally move one to tears.

Thanks to the Sun for giving us the pictures.

Camilla Pulls Out Of Diana Rememberance Service

2007-08-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall has pulled out of attending Friday's memorial service to mark the tenth anniversary of Diana, Princess of Wales death.

I, by no means, do not hate Camilla as some do but I always felt her presence was rather unwarranted. It's not like Charles met and married Camilla AFTER her divorced Diana, if that were the case her attendance would be accepted as his wife. However, with the troubled history between Charles, Diana and Camilla I always found it rather odd that she was due to attend.

I think Camilla has done the right thing. Her attandance would of only took the attention off the purpose of the day, which was remembering the late Princess, her life and her works.

I respect Camilla for this. She did the right thing.

Diana Memorial Fund in Tatters....and Sarah is to blame

2007-08-22T05:47:00.000-07:00

Within hours of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales in August 1997 financial donations where flowing in. So much so that very quickly The Diana Memorial Fund was established. At that time it was announced that the charities that Diana supported, as well as others, would still be helped financially via the Princess's fund, so that they would not suffer now that her patronage had been lost.

Fast forward ten years and it's in a utter mess. Recently, it was published that a great deal of the money was helping immigrants settle in the UK. Although the intentions were all good, it has backfired on the fund as we are now, in the UK, reaching crisis point with the level of immigrants arriving, and staying, in the country and the issue needs to be addressed. Bad timing for the fund.

However, even as far back as 1998 the fund seemed to have lost it's way. We have had the famous lawsuit against Franklin Mint. The fund had unsuccessfully attempted to stop production of the highly desired 'Princess Diana doll' as well as other types of memorabilia. The legal cost's were sky high and a great deal of the money donated was not spent on charities but was used to pay lawyers and other fees in relation to the case. If the memorabilia that the Franklin Mint produced was tacky and rubbish one could understand this move. However, it is not, and in fact produces some of the classier items of memorabilia that one can buy.

Another scandal that occur ed in the first year was the very public sacking of Diana's 'rock' Paul Burrell. The memorial fund publicly said that his contract had come to a end and his job was to be made redundant. He says that he was sacked, and according to him, Diana's sister, Sarah, who runs the memorial fund was jealous of the attention that he, and he alone was getting. I think his departure was probably a mixture of both, although I am sure his exit was hastened after he agreed to put Diana's signature on tubs of Flora margarine and National Lottery scratch cards.

But what of Sarah? Does she rule the memorial fund with a iron fist, or is she constantly being misrepresented by the media. She has certainly come in for bad press when it was revealed that she had scraped Diana's letter that was added to her will saying that all Diana's godchildren would get a set amount from her will, and instead dropped off to each godchild a single object that came from Diana's possessions. One child even got a china rooster. How were they to remember Diana from such a item? I think as Diana's eldest sister she genuinely thought she was in best position to head the fund, but I think she has made some dreadful mistakes and it may be wise of her to step down from the fund.

But what of the fund? I think with all the hiccups, misuse of donations etc, I feel ten years is the right time to wind the fund up. With the money that is remaining, couldn't the fund agree to finally honour one of Diana's wishes? She often said that she would like to be remember by having a children's hospital named after her, and I think that would be a 'high' on which the fund could really leave on. There are many areas in the UK that are desperately short of premature baby units, and families have to travel from London from as far away as Manchester and Liverpool, so why then can't the money be used to build the Diana, Princess of Wales Premature Baby Hospital and situate it in part of the country that needs it the most. Maybe then, even the Countess of Wessex, whose own child had to go into a unit, could be responsible for raising more funds for the hospital in the future.

I cant think of a nicer way to wind up the fund. And it would be something that Diana, wherever she is, could be hugely proud of.

Germaine Greer: Diana was a Devious Moron

2007-08-20T08:49:00.000-07:00

Feminist and perpetually aggressive idiot Germaine Greer has branded Princess Diana a 'devious moron'. One has to wonder why Ms Greer has come out with rubbish like this. Perhaps Ms Greer is in desperate need of a bit of attention and therefore has decided to launch a unwarranted attack on a woman who has been dead for ten years.

Or perhaps it's jealously. One little soundbite from Diana would be listened to by millions of ears, but who is any longer interested in Ms Greers manic rantings?

Hmm, Ms Greer, who truly is the devious moron? It's not Diana....

Duchess of Cornwall takes on new patronage

2007-08-20T08:29:00.000-07:00

The Duchess of Cornwall has been made Royal Patron of ShelterBox, a charity that sends out aid to disaster ridden countries.

I wish the Duchess well in her new role, I know she finds the public eye difficult. I hope this may well appease some of her detractors that call her lazy!

Heather and Paul: Relationship is thawing

2007-08-20T07:41:00.000-07:00

Some very nice happy family pictures of Paul McCartney and his estranged wife, Heather Mills are published today. The two were seen meeting in a railway station car park in New York, when Heather handed their daughter, Beatrice over to their father as part of their shared custody agreement. Body language experts say that Ms Mills was relaxed in the company of her former husband. Although he doesn't mention at all Mr McCartney's body language.

I just wonder what Heathers body language will be like next time they meet. Heather by all accords, when it comes to men, is very jealous. Now that Paul is apparently 'very close' to Christie Brinkley I wonder if it will be all smiles and happiness when Paul has to hand Beatrice back to Heather.......

Charles: Prince Charming or Prince Charmless?

2007-08-20T05:24:00.001-07:00

As we reach the tenth anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, old history is dragged up time and time again. The bulimia, the adultery, the marriage breakdown is rehashed over and over again, to sell books and to raise viewing figures on television.

But has Prince Charles had a bad deal over the last twenty six years? My answer is most likely no.

The major problem I have with Prince Charles is that he should never of married Diana. He should not of bent to the pressure put on him by his parents, his grandmother, the media and the public. He should of stood up and said 'No, I don't love her'. He has only ever really loved Camilla Parker-Bowles. My second problem I have with Charles is once he bent to the pressure to marry Lady Diana Spencer he did not give up Camilla. He married Diana with adultery in his heart and that was wrong. I believe that marriage is all about being faithful to your chosen spouse and he couldn't be as Camilla was the only woman in his heart.

Another issue is that he was jealous of his first wife's success with the general public and media. Instead of huffing and puffing and sulking like a baby, he should of accepted that Diana was the one who the media was interested in and gotten on with life. The Prince and Princess of Wales were a super couple, who could of took the world by storm if only Charles had put his jealously and insecurity behind him.

His ability to play the victim in most things makes me laugh at times. He cannot see how his temper tantrums, and his knack of throwing things at his staff will lead to negative media stories. I am sure if he could curb his behaviour then the press wold be much easier on him.

But he does have his good points. He cares passionately for London's skyline. I agree with him that our historical skyline is being ruined by modern skyscrapers such as the 'erotic gherkin' also known as the Swiss bank building. His work with the Prince's Trust, enabling young people to set up their own businesses and make their lives a success is something he deserves to be highly proud of. I respect him for him taking on 'unsafe' issues and issues that will make him unpopular with the press and businessmen etc. I like his sense of humour and his quips to the press make me laugh. He is a funny man.

And I think it's that sense of humour, where he happily puts himself down that makes it hard for me to stay angry with Charles for long. I will always land on Diana's side but I hope I am grown up enough to accept and understand that both Charles AND Diana made mistakes in their marriage. Both did right and both did wrong. And more importantly both did tell lies during the War of the Wales which makes it hard for any royal follower to really get to the bottom of what went on during that high profile marital breakdown.

After Andrew Morton published his book 'Diana: Her True Story' in which the late Princess threw open the doors on their marriage, causing it to crumble like chalk, Buckingham Palace planned a counter attack, labeling Diana 'mad' and 'unstable', saying the effects of her eating disorder, bulimia nervosa was sending her mad. In a act of dignity, Charles, apparantly, refused to enter into a war of words in the media, disallowing anyone to assassinate Diana's character and her mental stability. I thought highly of Charles for that one act. I just wish that some of the more ardent Diana fans would remember this and at least credit Charles with that act of kindness. Diana herself choose to leave this out and that is a act I can't forgive her for.

Now he is married to Camilla, his one true love, we see a happier Charles. A more relaxed Prince who glows in front of the camera's. I don't agree with the adulterous relationship Charles and Camilla conducted through his marriage to Diana, however, a happier Prince will make for a happier King I feel, and with Camilla by his side I am sure Charles will be the best King he can possibly be.

So is Charles a Prince Charming or a Prince Charmless? I don't think he is either. I just think he is a Prince with good characteristics and also some great f laws too. So I guess in my mind, it makes him a Prince Normal!

Kate Middleton: Future Queen or Future Ex?

2007-08-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

I like Kate Middleton. I think she is one classy, discreet woman. I honestly can't understand the intense 'hatred' (yeah, dispite what they say on forums, they hate her!) of a woman who we don't know, and whom we havne't even heard speak.

She dresses nicely, always seems to smile to the press, and has kept her lips firmly shut, even when she was dumped by Prince William earlier this year in April. Some reports claimed she could of made millions during this period of time but decided to keep her own council. Those on the forums seem to attack Kate Middleton for keeping herself to herself and going about a daily life in London, yet their idol, Princess Diana did exactly the same. I can see no difference in the coverage of 2007 then the press coverage in 1980/1981. And yet, for some reason, Kate is seem in the same way Camilla is, someone to be ridiculed and attacked over and over again, for 'sins' such as wearing a dress that is a little short or going on another holiday in the sunny Bahama's.

I have always believed that those who have attacked her for so little are simply jealous. Of course if you voice this publicly then people will jump on you and literaly rip your throat out but why else attack a young woman? I think they are jealous she is dating and sleeping with a Prince, has no real need to work and can pretty much please herself when it comes to her schedule and spare time. I mean who wouldnt' love to be able to swan around wearing designer clothes, going to parties and socialising all the time......well to be honest it's not my type of life however you get what I mean........! I can see no other reason to 'hate' someone as those on message boards do unless there is a case of the green eyed monster there!

Whether or not she is perfect for William who knows. The relationship is said to be on and off and that does not bear well for the future. The Royal Family simply cannot afford for another relationship to fail like Williams parents marriage did. A lot is being wagered on Prince William, his ability to be King and the woman he chooses as his wife. I would not like to be in his shoes, not for all the privilige he has. Nor would I want to be in his furture wife's shoes either.

Personaly and rather selfishly, I hope that William marries Kate but only if it's for love and the right reasons. We dont want him marrying because he is being pushed into it. We dont want history to repeat itself. I like her. I think she is discreet and shows a ability to handle the press well. Although at times it must be straining for her, she doesn't show it. There are no public tears or breakdowns.

I don't know if we'll see Kate Middleton walk up the aisle of Westminster Abbey, but if it happens I'd be happy. But all we can do is wish for William and Kate to be happy, whatever path their lives take.

Diana: Ten Years On.....

2007-08-19T13:36:00.000-07:00

I can't say it anymore clearly.......I still miss her!

Just watching SKY ONE's 'The Diana Years'. It hurts to see the footage of her, now that she is no longer with us.

How I miss her.

Diana: Tenth Anniversary

2007-08-19T04:33:00.000-07:00

It's now been ten years since the Princess of Wales was killed in a car accident. I hardly can believe it. The whole Royal scene has changed a great deal in that time, but Diana's popularity stands as solid as stone.

When Diana arrived for her final holiday on board the Jonikal in August 1997 nobody knew how that summer would end. When pictures of her sitting alone on the Jonikal's diving board, or pictures of her snuggling with Dodi Fayed reached the front pages of newspapers such as the Mirror, I, as a Diana watcher felt uneasy at this new relationship. In fact I remember telling my mum, just days before she died that she would 'get herself into trouble with this one'. From the very first picture of Diana and Dodi together I got a uneasy feeling and it so proved correct.

I do not believe that Diana was in love with Dodi. I don't believe that she was planning to marry him or indeed, was pregnant with his child (if Diana's friends are to be believed the dates do not add up, she simply could not be pregnant). In fact, as hard as it is to admit to myself, Diana died through the age old emotion of jealousy. I believe the whole summer romance with Dodi Fayed was crafted by Diana herself to get back at the two men who she really truely loved.

In the summer of 1997 it was announced that Prince Charles would be holding a 50th birthday party for his partner, Camilla Parker-Bowles, at the old Wales marital home, Highgrove House in the countryside. I believe, as much as I admire Diana, that it was in her nature to take the media interest off the party, which was used as a base to slowly introduce Camilla into public life. And she did indeed achieve that. For the day after the party was it on the front of the papers? No. We were treated to a picture of Diana in a swimsuit, jumping into the warm mediterean sea, and her cleveage well on show, encouraging the Mirror to write a classic headline, in the form of a postcard saying 'breast wishes, from Diana'.

The second person, and I feel the more important person Diana was sending a message out to was her love of two years, Hasnat Khan. A quiet, heart surgeon, he had been seeing the Princess since 1995 and I feel she utterly loved him. But being a private man, he could not bear the thought of the public relationship and had called it off. Diana rang Hasnat from her mobile on board the Jonikal, even calling his family to reassure them that nothing was going on between her and Dodi, so sure was she that she could win Hasnat back. This however, was failing to work so I believe Dodi was a useful tool in saying 'okay, you don't want me, well this is what your missing out on'.

By saying that Diana really died through jealousy and her attempts to get back at two people is not a pleasant or popular view, but I can't help feeling it. If she was content to allow Charles and Camilla to progress their relationship publicly, and if she could of accepted that her relationship with Hasnat was over, maybe she'd still be with us today. I feel she would of made better decisions and would not of put quite so much trust in Dodi Fayed and his chaotic lifestyle.

Either way, Diana died that summer and I do still miss her, warts and all.