2013: Royal Year in Review

As the new year approaches, we are all undoubtedly looking back on the royal year that was, and once again, our beloved royal family did not disappoint! Before reviewing the top moments of 2013, let’s have a brief history lesson..

2010 – William and Kate announce their engagement

2011 – William and Kate get married

2012 – Diamond Jubilee, William and Kate announce pregnancy

2013 – William and Kate become parents

Bottom line: Thank you, William and Kate!

Not only was 2013 a massive year for our favorite family, but it was my favorite year to date – a dream come true, to be exact. Before I get into the royals’ best moments, I need  to thank ALL of the professional royal journalists for being so kind to me on their visit to the US with Prince Harry and for the relationships built since then, and of course – all of my followers. A special thanks to Max Foster for including me in a royal baby special on CNN and Kelly Lynch for sending me on tour with my favorite redhead. I can’t believe this year actually happened.

Okay, onto the stuff you all actually care about… five royal highlights from 2013! (If I didn’t cut myself off at five I would be writing for a week…)

The Summer of George

No, not THAT Summer of George… this one:

Via SIMON PERRY Twitter – @SPerryPeopleMag

It really does not get any better than the birth of HRH Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge. I don’t think much more needs to be said on the topic..

Prince Harry Visits The United States

 In May 2013, Prince Harry graced America with his presence… and we haven’t been the same since. Okay, at least I haven’t. Prince Harry toured the US, visiting Colorado, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. He played sitting volleyball with wounded warriors, he toured a New Jersey boardwalk, he played baseball with kids in Harlem, he beat Nacho Figueras in polo… he charmed the pants off this nation.

Prince Harry at the Jersey Shore

You might be thinking, “Kelly.. you just talked about Prince Harry in the US!” True as that may be, his visit to Jersey deserves a standout mention. It may have been the best morning ever waking up in my own room and driving less than 30 minutes to see my favorite royal. Harry’s desire to draw attention to the devastation we were still facing six months after Hurricane Sandy was extremely touching, and I am still grateful for that.

Prince William Sings with Job Bon Jovi

Seriously, the royal brothers with their Jersey love this year is just out of control. Just move here already! A few weeks ago Jon Bon Jovi attended the Winter Whites Gala at Kensington Palace alongside The Duke of Cambridge..and William broke out the dad dance moves to sing ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’ with the rocker. If this were a bar in the Garden State, the ground would have been shaking.

Queen Elizabeth II’s Horse Winning The Royal Ascot Gold Cup

Her Majesty’s Horse, Estimate, won the Gold Cup at the Royal Ascot this June, marking the first time in the race’s 207 year history that a reigning monarch took home the top prize. The celebration that ensued by the royal party are worth a prize in and of itself.

Thanks for a great year, royal family!

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?

Happy Birthday Prince Charles!

A very happy 64^th birthday to Prince Charles! The next in line to the throne technically celebrates his birthday twice this year, as he is currently in New Zealand with his wife, Camilla, on the final leg of the Diamond Jubilee tour.

 So, what does one get for the future king who has everything? A hobbit, of course! The Prince of Wales, a reported Tolkien fan, spent time meandering about Middle Earth at the studio behind Peter Jackson’s upcoming Hobbit movie. Jackson himself provided the birthday boy with a personal tour of the property, leaving Charles saying, “I can’t tell you how grateful I am — the best birthday present I’ve had in a long time.”

After an eventful morning in his very own fantasyland, Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall attended a government shindig alongside 64 people also born on Nov. 14. And what’s a 64^th birthday celebration without a rendition of “When I’m 64” by the Beatles? Dad, if you’re reading this – don’t expect your 64^th birthday in a few years to come complete with a military band.

Happy Birthday Prince Charles!

Kate’s Closet

I know, I never blogged William & Kate’s Diamond Jubilee tour – I am the worst. I know most of you can relate when I say keeping up with a 12 hour time difference in the midst of “real life” was next to impossible. One thing I did take away from the tour was this – Kate is the ultimate in class, elegance and style. So, to make up for the lack of posts and to have a little fun during this royal lull, I have decided to compile some looks I would love to see hanging in Kate’s closet.

We all envy her wardrobe and if you’re anything like me (and some of my Twitter friends – you know who you are), you often see an outfit and think it would look stunning  on The Duchess of Cambridge.

‘Casual’ Engagements 

Petite Sailor Button Sleeve Dress, The Loft
I actually own this dress and it is currently my favorite item hanging in my closet. I don’t pretend I can pull off half the looks that Kate can, but I could definitely see her wearing this to an afternoon charity engagement or on a plane ride to/from a tour.

Duck Egg Lace Skater Dress, Miss Selfridge
These colors would be perfect on Kate in the spring/summer. Maybe she’s already worn it because the item is sold out!

I don’t know where this dress is from or who designs it (I even got WhatKateWore in on the case), but when I saw this a few months ago I immediately thought it would have been the perfect dress to wear on the South Pacific tour.

Zarita Lace Sheath Dress, Diane von Furstenberg
This has Kate written all over it! The Duchess of Cambridge has worn DVF before (green dress worn in LA/Zara’s rehearsal dinner), and the lace is right up her alley. It also comes in blue – Kate’s signature color!

Micro-brushed, cotton blend dress, Victoria Beckham
A classic, clean look designed by one of her friends – need I say more?

Pleated silk crepe dress, Chloe
This would look fantastic as is or with a blazer and the color is one that I wish we would see Kate in more often.

Again, the downfall of Pinterest – no idea who makes this dress! It would be perfect for a night at the National Portrait Gallery.

Ermanno Scervino Spring/Summer 2012
The most coveted dress on my Pinterest boards by far. This might be considered ‘risky’ for Kate, but how amazing would she look in that long, tailored skirt?

Petal-collar wool-blend dress, Oscar de la Renta
This is quintessential Cambridge – neutral color, classic fit, paired perfectly with her L.K. Bennett nude pumps. I could see her wearing this to Trooping the Colour or an engagement with Her Majesty.

Black Tie Elegance

Jason Wu, Fall 2011
This dress is absolutely stunning! Kate proved in Malaysia that she can pull off gold well (okay, she can pull off anything). Paired with her sparkling Jimmy Choo stiletto sandals, Kate could turn heads in this shimmering frock.

Embroidered tulle gown, Alberta Ferretti
This dress would look quite elegant on Kate for her next royal dinner party at Buckingham Palace or on an overseas tour. Hair up of course!

Again, I have no clue where this dress came from but I think it speaks for itself.

Elie Saab
I have made no secret of the fact that my dream designer for Kate is Elie Saab. How she hasn’t discovered Saab yet is baffling to me, but either of these dresses would be heavenly on Kate.

Now I’m just on an Elie Saab kick…

Do you envision The Duchess of Cambridge in any of these looks? Who is your dream designer for Kate? Leave some comments!

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.