The 60th Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation

“Therefore I am sure that this, my Coronation, is not the symbol of a power and a splendour that are gone but a declaration of our hopes for the future, and for the years I may, by God’s Grace and Mercy, be given to reign and serve you as your Queen.”

Sixty years ago today, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her coronation and promised to serve the people of The Commonwealth in hear Coronation Day broadcast; I don’t even think she could have imagined the future that would unfold over the next six decades.

I am sure some of you are quite confused reading this, wondering “Didn’t we celebrate sixty years of The Queen last summer?” Wrong. And right. Although Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II on February 6, 1952  after the passing of her father, King George VI, she was not crowned until June 2, 1953.

Thus, eighteen months after she succeeded her father, Queen Elizabeth II took part in the historical, six part coronation service (Recognition, Oath, Anointing, Investiture, Homage at Communion) at Westminster Abbey. As the first coronation ceremony to be televised, an audience of 27 million in the UK and 85 million in the United States heard The Abbey bells ring out in jubilation as the crowds cheered “God Save The Queen!”

The Queen began her anniversary celebrations at the Epsom Derby yesterday alongside her husband, The Duke of Edinburgh and several members of her family including The Duke of York and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. This Tuesday, June 4th, Her Majesty will continue the celebration with a service of celebration at Westminster Abbey and it appears all of The Firm will be in attendance. Yes, that includes Prince Harry, who will also unveil a plaque outside The Abbey commemorating the royal wedding of his brother, Prince William and the then Kate Middleton.

So enjoy your street parties and picnics, Great Britain! Have a sausage roll and gin and tonic for me, my sickness and I will be celebrating by watching ‘The Queen’ on DVD and eating crumpets.

Happy Anniversary to…Me!

Happy New Year royal watching friends! In addition to being the first day of 2013, today is also the one year anniversary of my first blog post! It has been such an incredible year putting my royal thoughts to paper (well, wordpress) and getting to know all of you. The best part of this whole blogging thing has been the Twitter conversations and relationships developed – us royal watchers have to stick together! I can’t thank you all enough for reading, posting and tweeting along with me.

So, in honor of this special occasion I’m taking a different approach to the typical “royal year in review” posts. I present to you, my top ten favorite blog posts from 2012. In chronological order – I don’t want to play favorites with my favorites!

1. Prince Harry’s Tour – Top Moments

2. An Interview with Victoria Arbiter

3. Happy Anniversary William and Catherine!

4. Hey Harry, Call Me..Maybe?

5. Keep Calm and Float On

6. Today’s News: Kate Looks Great, Harry Has Date

7. America for the Win!

8. Confession: I Miss Prince Harry

9. Christmas Gifts for the Royals

10. A Chat with Kelly Lynch

It was difficult to pick just ten..but there you have it! What were your favorite royal moments of 2012?

A Very Royal Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my fellow Americans! Eek, that phrase makes me sounds like a politician. Moving along… although the British don’t celebrate turkey day, who says we can’t give thanks for all that is royal and right in this world? In no particular order, here are ten royal happenings to be thankful for..

1. The return of The Duchess of Cambridge’s white McQueen coat at the Order of the Garter service.
2. Celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th year on the throne, complete with Diamond Jubilee flotillas, concerts and worldwide tours. Giving us countless opportunities to gawk at our favorite family members. Which leads me to number three..
3. Prince Harry’s tan linen suit.
4. Prince Philip’s good health after a year of unfortunate hospital visits.
5. The royal legal team who quickly put the kibosh on the leaked Kate photos. Not cool French tabloids. Not. Cool.
6. The introduction of new ties into Prince William’s wardrobe. Soooo over that maroon one, Wills. We probably have your wife to thank for this one.
7. Prince Philip’s sense of humor, which never fails to shine through despite rainy flotillas, hospital stays and scandals.
8. Lupo. C’mon..who isn’t thankful for an adorable puppy with his very own Twitter account?
9. Prince William’s safe return from the Falkland Islands.
10. The overall fabulousness of Sophie, Countess of Wessex. The woman does not get nearly enough credit, so I’m giving her some now.

What royal moments are you thankful for this year? Have I missed any of your favorites? In between scarfing down turkey and potatoes, leave some comments!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I Can’t Wait for London 2012

There is less than a month to go until the opening ceremony for London 2012 – and I cannot wait! I’ve always been a huge fan of the Summer Olympics and the fact that the Games are taking place in London this year.. I’ll be glued to the 3,500 hours of online coverage.

So, why am I so excited for the Olympics? Here are my top ten reasons why the Summer Olympics will be kick ass..in no particular order.

1. Two Words – Ryan Lochte.

2. That look of pure joy on The Queen’s face that she had throughout the entire Diamond Jubilee and we are sure to see during the opening and closing ceremonies. C’mon, Her Majesty is too adorable when she grins from ear to ear!

3. Two weeks of possible wardrobe heaven from The Duchess of Cambridge – who knows what events she will appear at!

4. If London can do this with the Diamond Jubilee, I can only imagine the spectacle we are in for when the entire world is watching. No one does pomp and pageantry like the British!

5. The slight chance that Usain Bolt will challenge Prince Harry to a do-over. Okay, yes..the chance that will happen is way less than slight.

6. Endless coverage of my favorite city in the world..it’s like a free trip to London from the comfort of my couch.

7. Uniforms. I can’t wait to see how each country’s uniforms, especially after all of the controversy surrounding Team GB’s Stella McCartney kits.

8. Team USA is guaranteed to bring home some serious hardware and well, that makes me proud.

9. Is there anything more exciting than Olympic swimming? Nope. Don’t think so.

10. Call me a dork, but something about the world coming together, despite war, economic bailouts, governments collapsing and all of our problems..that’s pretty special.

Keep Calm and Float On

Anchors Away! Despite the less than pleasant conditions, the Diamond Jubilee river pageant hit the Thames, breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest parade of boats with 1,000 vessels participating. After watching a combined four hours of coverage, there is an abundance to write about – this post would never end if I attempted to cover it all. I am choosing to stick to what today was truly all about – Queen Elizabeth II, her sixty years on the throne and the pomp and pageantry that makes her nation so great.

CNN

Wearing a “diamond white” creation by Angela Kelly, Her Majesty was the definition of sparkle, bringing a burst of sunshine into an otherwise dreary day. Dressed in diamonds for her Diamond Jubilee? C’mon, The Queen is too fabulous for words! Have you ever seen such a genuinely bright smile last for hours on end? The Queen and her husband The Duke of Edinburgh made the 15-mile journey down the famed London waterway on the Spirit of Chartwell alongside their eldest son, Prince Charles, his wife, The Duchess of Cornwall and their grandchildren The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. All impeccably dressed, the weather did not seem to damped their spirits or their outfits – do the royal women ever not look elegant? If I spent an hour and a half on the water in the freezing ran I would look like a drowned rat. Yes, Catherine looked stunning in a red McQueen frock and the royal fellas looked dashing in their dress uniforms, but this day was about Her Majesty – everything else is just background details. I know, it’s a shock I’m not saying more than two words about Harry! Okay fine..he looked stunning in his No. 1 ceremonial dress of the Blues and Royals. What’s even more impressive? The royal couple of the hour – with a combined 177 years between them – did not sit on their glorious thrones once during the entire flotilla. Talk about impressive..

Hello! Magazine

I think it also important to recognize Prince Philip during this auspicious occasion. In the months, weeks and days leading up to this jubilant weekend, other members of the firm have made it known that Her Majesty would be quite lost without her other half. She may have reigned supreme for the past sixty years, but let’s not forget the man who has stood beside her every step of the way. Also, he just happens to be the most adorable almost 91-year-old on the planet. What I would have done to have him miked up on that barge – I’m sure there were some classic comments coming from him.

PA/Daily Mail

As a through and through Anglophile, people ask me all the time – what is so special about the royal family? Why do you care so much? You’re not from England, she’s not your queen and they’re stuffy and outdated. Well, to all of you I say..today you got your answer. I don’t care if you’re a dedicated royal watcher, fan of Catherine’s fashion or average American who doesn’t give two hoots about The British Monarchy – no one does pomp and pageantry like the British. Throughout the UK today, 10,000 celebratory street parties were held – can you think of one person in America that 10,000 street parties would burst out for? I certainly cannot. Never will we have a President who looks after our country for sixty years. Queen Elizabeth II and The British Monarchy as a whole are one of the most long-standing, strongest traditions in the world. Say what you want about them, but they are something to be proud of, something to hold a nation together when the going gets tough, something that has been by the people’s sides through wars, weddings and tragic deaths. What can I say? I’m a sucker for tradition.

Today, the royal family completely and totally embodied the phrase “Keep Calm and Carry On.” Today, two people in their 80’s and 90’s spend two hours on their feet, in cold temperatures and downpours, waving their arms off and smiling true and genuine smiles of happiness. Today, the world got a glimpse of a family who would do just about anything to make their nation proud. No matter what your political affiliation, the majority of the British people absolutely adore The Queen. In fact, she has an 82% likability rating – how often does that happen with an American politician?

Call me old fashioned, call the royal family uptight and out of touch – but if you were watching today and not the least bit in awe of the show they put on, well..I honestly don’t know what to say! The ceremonial raising of the Tower Bridge, the crowds lining the streets, the fireworks and the London Philharmonic and Royal College of Music Chamber Choir playing and singing their hearts out while getting utterly soaked was a unique sight to behold.

If you did not catch the finale of the pageant, I highly recommend you watch The BBC’s video of it here. It will give you goosebumps and most likely get you beyond excited for the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics.

God Save the Queen.

And They’re Off!

Today marked the first day of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations! What better way for Her Majesty to kick off this auspicious occasion than indulging in one of her favorite pastimes – horse racing at the Epsom Derby! The Queen, along with her husband, Prince Philip, son Prince Andrew and granddaughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie; the Countess of Wessex, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent were also on hand to partake in the fun.

Photo Credit: Hello! Magazine

The Queen looked stunning in a royal blue number by Stewart Pavin – does the woman ever fail? Loving the top hat on The Duke of Edinburgh; what a class act!

Union Jack flags waved proudly as the royal motorcade made its way into Epsom Downs, welcomed by the Royal Marine band and singer Katherine Jenkins breaking out into “God Save the Queen.” The Red Devils parachuted down, making it a truly unique sight to be seen.

The best part of the day was how truly elated Her Majesty looked; it always wonderful to see the woman who lights up so many people’s lives with a look of pure joy across her face.

Photo Credit: Socialite Life, Getty Images

Photo Credit: Hello! Magazine

As she does each year, The Queen presented the newly minted Diamond Jubilee Coronation Cup (usually known as simply the Coronation Cup) and inspected some of the competing horses – just what they needed, to be more nervous at a big race!

Here’s hoping the firm had a lovely afternoon and continues to do so over the next few days.

Getting into the Diamond Jubilee Spirit

The big weekend is upon us and I could not be more excited! Oh wait, I could..if I were in London instead of in New Jersey, home, sick.

So, while I sit and watch the coverage from across the pond, eating my Fortnum & Mason Diamond Jubilee edition, chocolate dipped biscuits from a tin that plays “God Save the Queen,” I share with you some of my favorite Jubilee inspired campaigns of the week.

Virgin Atlantic’s #UnionJackSquare 

If I were not sick/had my sister’s graduation party to attend, this is where I would be for the Jubilee weekend. Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Atlantic are helping Anglophiles get into the spirit by taking over New York City’s Union Square. Branson initiated a Twitter campaign to get Mayor Mike Bloomberg to rename the famous park to “Union Jack Square” in honor of the British celebrations. The party will go on regardless of the outcome of our pleas – Virgin is going all out to make New Yorkers feel the Union Jack love. From 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Virgin cabin crew and Foot Guards will be on hand to interact with guests and even perform the traditional changing of the guard. Think you have what it takes to make the infamously serious guards laugh? You’ll be entered to win 20 round-trip tickets from New York to London. Bloody brilliant, Branson!

Marriott International – Corgi Cocktail

If you happen to be visiting the right side of the pond on June 4th and staying at a UK Marriott International Hotel, you’re in for a good time! Marriott is offering complimentary “The Corgi” to those named Elizabeth or those born in 1952 – the year Her Majesty ascended to the throne. The unique drink is made from Hendricks gin, elderflower liqueur, blackberries, raspberries, fresh lime and mint and will be served by bartenders in fashion-forward Union Jack garb. Not named Elizabeth or born in 1952? The drink can be purchased for  £7.50. Bottoms up, Brits!

Red, White..and Tower Bridge!

Press Association, Daily Mail

 One of London’s most iconic landmarks is all lit up for Her Majesty’s big party in red, white and blue. The Tower Bridge, decked with 3,800 LED lights, will glow a diamond white for the celebrations, including the pageant on the River Thames on Sunday. Absolutely stunning!

And if you haven’t seen Heathrow Airport’s Royal Runway yet..check out my post from last week! It’s absolutely amazing.

Happy Celebrating!

Hey Harry, Call Me..Maybe?

Last night was Katie Couric’s special episode of 20/20 – “The Jubilee Queen.” For those of you who were able to watch, you know that it had its touching moments..and its ridiculous moments. What was my favorite moment?

“I’ve longed for kids since I was very, very young. And so … I’m waiting to find the right person, someone who’s willing to take on the job.” – Prince Harry

Oh yea, William says he and Kate are keen on having kids as well..but let’s focus on Harry, shall we? If you recall, in his March interview with Seth Doane, Harry spilled the beans that, “I’m 27 years old, and not so much searching for someone to fulfill the role, but obviously, you know, finding someone that would be willing to take it on.”

I don’t know if it was the water in Brazil or his kiss from model Fernand Motta, but the eligible bachelor has been all about letting American journalists in on his romantic hopes and dreams.

Harry, it’s okay.. I know you might think dropping hints to American journalists, who I clearly follow, is the way to get my attention but if you call, I promise I will pick up the phone. Stop sharing your personal feelings with the media and just call me, maybe.

If you were following my live tweets last night, you may have realized I have put my sassy pants on one leg at a time prior to watching (@RoyallyKate and @PetiteHRH can attest to that). In all seriousness, despite it’s “Dumb American” moments (Would you kill me if I went on the balcony? Does your grandmother text you? Maybe the Queen will friend me on Facebook..), there were some special highlights that caught my attention..

“She would have loved Kate..” – William on his late mother, Princess Diana

“She had the best seat in the house probably.” – Harry on Diana not being here for the royal wedding

“You don’t mess with your grandmother.” – Prince William

“I’m just very keen to have a family and both Catherine and I, you know, are looking forward to having a family in the future.” – Prince William

“Once you’re in the military, she means a lot more to you than just a grandmother. She is the queen. And then you suddenly, it’s like start realizing, you know, wow, this is quite a big deal. And then you get goose bumps and then the rest of it.” – Prince Harry on his grandmother

“Without him she would be slightly lost I think.” – Prince Harry describing his grandparents’ relationship 

“The man is an absolute gem.”  – Arthur Edwards on Prince Charles

 Fascinators off to you, Katie Couric.

 

 

 

and no, I am not actually expecting Prince Harry to call me.. I’m not delusional 🙂

Heathrow Airport Unveils Royal Runway

I’ve saved the first post with the brand new blog header for something special – something that brings together my real-life work and my royal watching work. This morning, Heathrow Airport unveiled a Royal Runway in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

A larger-than-life Union Jack flag with an image of Her Majesty was laid out on Heathrow’s runway to welcome the world to London for the big celebration. Measuring at 540 square meters and 30 meters in length (that’s 10 meters taller than Buckingham Palace), the flag has been positioned so flyers will see it immediately upon descending into Heathrow. Travelers inside the airport will have a perfect view of The Queen’s profile from inside the terminals.

In the coming hours, days and week 780,000 visitors are expected to arrive at Heathrow to take part in the special occassion.. I wish I were one of them!

Want to see a time lapse video of the flag’s creation? Of course you do!

Check it out here.

 

*Disclosure – Heathrow Airport is a client.

*All photo credit to BAA.

 

 

Catch me if you can…

Time to play a game of royal catch up! I was absolutely shocked when I logged on to write this post and realized my last was on May 4..that is just unacceptable! If it helps, I was spending a lot of that time doing British related things. I would also like to thank the firm for having some of their busiest weeks while I was too preoccupied to blog about it all.

May 7 – Prince Harry Visits Washington D.C.

Daily Mail

Prince Harry just can’t stay away from the United States! The young, philanthropic royal spent the day in the nation’s capital to accept 2012 Award for Distinguished Humanitarian Leadership from The Atlantic Council. Harry was awarded the honor for his work with servicemen and women; I am sure you are all familiar with Captain Wales’ charitable work with Walking with the Wounded. Prince Harry accepted the award on behalf of his brother, Prince William, who was not in attendance. General Colin Powell introduced the tuxedo-clad prince, making note of all the single, young ladies present for the event and praising him for his work both on and off the battlefield. Perhaps my favorite moment from his introduction came when he said, “Clearly the loving effort Diana made to teach her sons the importance of serving others has touched the heart and souls of her two sons and continues her legacy.” During Harry’s remarkable and inspiring speech, he did appear nervous, but had the audience laughing and most likely even crying as he praised his fellow soldiers. The Telegraph has a video of Harry’s speech, or you can read the transcript at PrinceofWales.gov.

Prior to the evening’s black-tie festivities, Prince Harry hit the British Ambassador’s residence to mingle with American and British disable athletes who participated in the Warrior Games. The Vice President’s wife, Dr. Jill Biden, was also in attendance for the event where Prince Harry got down and dirty, planting a ceremonial tree.

The Daily Mail

May 8 – The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Attend a “Secret” Dinner

E! Online

On May 8, Prince William and Catherine stepped out at Claridge’s hotel in Mayfair for a private reception at the Thirty Club, where William was due to make a speech. Once again, it was his wife who stole the show in a jaw-dropping cream dress and my favorite Jimmy Choo sparkling sandals. From the moment she stepped out of the car, this high-slit Roland Mouret floor-length gown became one of my top Kate looks of all time. Paired with the sky-high stilettos, dropped diamond earrings and glittered clutch, Kate proved to be flawless once again. Thank goodness she had the sense to stay away from colored drinks that evening.

Daily Mail

May 10 – Prince Charles, Weatherman?

In a moment of pure hilarity, Prince Charles visited BBC Scotland and took his turn at presenting the day’s weather report. Although the short script was pre-written, that did not stop The Prince of Wales from making viewers laugh during his hour-long visit to the Pacific Quay headquarters. If you feel like having a giggle, I would suggest checking out the video from BBC.

PopSugar

Remember when I said the cream floor-length was my new favorite Kate look? Yea, scratch that. Mini-Middletons were having heart attacks all across the globe when The Duchess of Cambridge, alongside her husband The Duke of Cambridge, stepped out for the Team GB London 2012 event in this Jenny Packham evening gown. After months of begging via Twitter, Kate followers got what we wished for – a bright color and hair up! Kate, have you been following the #teambrightcolors #teamhairup hashtags? As the icing on the decadent cake, Kate even strapped on my favorite Jimmy Choo sparklers for the gala at Royal Albert Hall. As Olympic Ambassadors for this summer’s Games, William and Catherine spent the evening with fellow ambassadors and Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Prince William made his way to the podium for an inspiring speech, chock full of humor and well wishes for Team GB.

US Weekly

May 13 – Audi Polo Challenge

US Weekly

Over the past week we had them separately, but on this Sunday afternoon in Ascot, the three musketeers reunited for the Audi Polo Challenge. Princes William and Harry took to the field for the charity polo match, but it was the newest member of the family who had all eyes on him – Lupo. The royal pup, accompanied by his mum The Duchess of Cambridge, played on the sidelines before presenting congratulations to the brothers after their win. In another teal number, this time from Libuela, Kate and Lupo had heads turning at Coworth Park.

US Weekly

May 18 – Sovereigns’ Lunch at Windsor Castle

Telegraph

On Friday, royals and representatives of monarchies from 26 countries flocked to Windsor Castle for the Sovereigns’ Lunch in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. Although the meeting was not without controversy (is that even possible when diplomats from around the world gather in one room?) The British Royal Family seemed to enjoy themselves and looked fabulous while doing so. The Queen looked lovely as always in a pale blue number, while once again The Duchess of Cambridge had fashionistas spinning with her nearly $2,000 pale pink Emilia Wickstead’s knee-length dress. Once again, I would like to thank Kate for throwing a splash of color into her wardrobe! I am convinced she is reading our Twitter feeds – weren’t we all just thinking pink not too long ago? I must say, if you’re going to go High Street for an occasion, this would be the one; the international luncheon gave the new royal a chance to converse with fellow royals from around the globe unlike ever before. Prince William and Prince Harry, along with their cousins Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, were among the young members of the firm on hand.

E! Online

That evening, Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall hosted the ensemble of royals for a dinner reception at Buckingham Palace.

Okay, now I am exhausted…the royals sure know how to keep a girl busy.

*Sources: BBC, PrinceofWales.gov, E! Online, The British Monarchy, The Daily Mail, The Telegraph