We have a name! HRH Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Cambridge!

Was I actually 100% accurate in my prediction? I cannot believe it!

Two days after her birth, Britain’s beautiful baby princess has a name – HRH Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Cambridge. What a gorgeous name for a gorgeous little girl.

Charlotte, who is the first Princess of Cambridge in 180 years, is also the first senior royal princess to be born in 65 years; it was only fitting that her name also have a truly significant family meaning.

via Emily Nash, @emynash, The Sun

So, what’s in a name?

Charlotte – a family name; George III was married to Charlotte, whom he had 15 children with. In fact, he bought Buckingham Palace for his wife. In a touching sentiment, it is also the female form of Charles, William’s father’s name, and Pippa Middleton’s middle name.

Elizabeth – this one is quite obvious and not a surprise at all for royal watchers. In addition to being Her Majesty’s first name, it is also the middle name of Kate and her mother Carole.

Diana – some thought this would be the child’s first name, others were betting a sure thing as a middle name and some thought they might stay away completely. I never thought it had a shot at a first name, but this beautiful tribute to William’s late mother, Princess Diana, is absolutely perfect.

A stunning name for a stunning little girl. Congratulations once again to the new Cambridge family of four!

Introducing The Princess of Cambridge!

Did today even happen? I feel like I’ve been bamboozled! Kate went into hospital, had a baby and left all in the same day – TWELVE HOURS. Further proof that I was right and she is, in fact, a legitimate superhero. Kate totally made up for the long wait with this one. Here’s a recap:

6am – Kate admitted to St Mary’s Hospital

8:34am – Kate gives birth to her second child, a princess!

4:00pm – Prince William leaves the Lindo Wing to pick up Prince George from Kensington Palace

4:20pm (approximately) – Prince William returns to the Lindo Wing with his first-born son to meet his new baby sister. World goes mad. How is Twitter still even functioning? His hair. His cheeks. His shorts. His matching outfit with dad. The kiss from William. That wave. Reminder: the cuteness has just begun.

6:00pm – The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leave the hospital with their new daughter, the first Princess of Cambridge in 180 years. Kate, HOW ARE YOU EVEN REAL?! Flawless. Yellow and white bespoke Jenny Packham dress, hair down in her classic full curls. And heels. She gave birth hours ago and was wearing heels.

via Emily Nash, @emynash, The Sun

So, we have a new princess. Kate is a superhero. We want to be here. But we can’t. We are merely humans. We are not worthy. Bow down. Cursty. All that. This is the best and most insane day that has happened. I need to sleep. Adrenaline high. Send help.

All that’s left is the name….. Congratulations once again to the family and we hope you enjoy your first night at home together!

It’s a PRINCESS! The Duchess of Cambridge Gives Birth to a Girl

“Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a daughter at 8.34am”

In this edition of “while you were all sleeping like normal humans on a Saturday morning…”

Just two and a half hours after being admitted to the famed Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital, The Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to her second child, now fourth-in-line to the throne. IT’S A GIRL!  CONGRATULATIONS TO THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE!

Official Announcement from Kensington Palace

I can’t even believe this is happening. I was asleep 2 1/2 hours ago. Talk about a change of pace from Prince George’s birth (although the 4am wakeup call is exactly the same, the waiting all day for the birth announcement is totally different).

The baby princess was born at 8 lbs, 3 oz and mother and baby are said to be doing well. The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry (who is currently in Australia) have all been informed of the news.

We all thought girl, we all hoped girl (healthy and happy of course being the first hope) – THIS IS SO EXCITING.

When you’re all, “What a long week, can’t wait to sleep in on Saturday!” and Kate is all, “nah, that sounds boring.”…. I will let it slide that I was literally staying one mile away from the hospital this time last week and was yet again woken up in the middle of the night for the royal baby. Seriously, thank goodness I stocked up on Fortnum & Mason’s Royal Blend tea while I was over.

I CAN’T EVEN THIS IS SO EXCITING.

News on the name will be released in due course; remember we did not learn of George’s name until the family were home at Kensington Palace and The Queen had met the newborn and heard the name. (I’m still holding strong on Charlotte). Will Prince George visit his new baby sister? Will the family leave the hospital today? All we know thus far is that we have a new HRH Princess of Cambridge and that, right now, is enough for me.

STAY TUNED…and CELEBRATE!!!!!!!!!!!

How to keep busy during the #GreatKateWait2

The date is April 28, 2015. Royal watchers are growing restless. People are stealing poor Terry Hutt’s sleeping bag. William and Kate even sent coffee and croissants to the die-hards camping out at the Lindo Wing. I went to London and NOTHING happened. We are growing restless. Everyone is bored. The royal world is in distress. How can we possibly occupy our time, other than watching a door? I mean, the world is starting to think we’re all a little bonkers with this door watching obsession.

Here I am staring at the Lindo Wing door on one of Kate’s rumored due dates – April 23.

Here are my suggestions for passing the time – yet still maintaining peak royal excitement levels – during the homestretch of #GreatKateWait2..

Watch William & Kate – The Lifetime Movie on Netflix

Sorry but I think this is only a viable option for the Americans. I may or may not have tried to watch it while I was in London but my IP address blocked it. So, good option for Americans or hackers.

Look at these photos of Prince Harry

Remember that time Prince Harry went to Lesotho and took the most heart-stoppingly beautiful photos with children and Chris Jackson sent us all into the hospital? You’re welcome for reminding you.

Plan your visit to royal Britain

A pilgrimage to the royal motherland is a must for every royalist. Be honest, you spend 99% of your day dreaming about visiting Buckingham Palace or running into Kate shopping in Kensington.

Read “The Royal We”

If you haven’t read it already, I’m really disappointed in you. (It also means you don’t listen to me). If you have read, hip hip to you, and start reading it again!

Donate to Charity

A non-royal activity to keep you busy but we all know the royal family are extremely passionate about not only their own charities, but helping anywhere and anyway they can. It was just announced that Prince Charles made a sizeable donation to the earthquake recovery efforts in Nepal. I am going to shamelessly draw your attention to Team Rubicon, where skilled military veterans put their knowledge, passion and expertise to good use in times like these. My cousin just deployed to assist in the recovery, and something tells me Captain Wales would be a huge supporter of this cause.

Hang in there royal baby watchers, it can’t be too much longer. Can it?

#GreatKateWait2 is ON!

Now in the second week of the most royal month ever, we are receiving new information about the impending arrival of the new royal baby. The fearless UK royal press pack showered us all with updates after a briefing from the palace earlier today.

While no official due date has been given (April 25th has been rumored), we have learned more about The Duchess of Cambridge’s “late April birth.”

Here’s what we know:

There will be NO crazy #GreatKateWait outside the Lindo Wing this time around. Cue sigh of relief from the press pack who probably just want to watch their cellphones from the comfort of their own home instead of watching a door from the sidewalk. Accredited media will only be allowed to take up allocated positions outside the Lindo Wing after the Duchess of Cambridge has been admitted to St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington.

Once Kate has been admitted, a press release will go to reporters followed by Twitter and Instagram announcement from Kensington Palace two minutes later. Pro tip: turn on those KP Twitter notifications royal watchers!

Here is the kicker: If all of this activity happens after 10pm local time, the announcement will be held until at least 8am the following morning. That is 3am for the East Coast of the US. If you’ll recall from HRH Prince of Cheeks’ birth, us east coasters were woken up at about 4am with the news from Jesal that Kate had gone into labor. Then we found out George had arrived in the middle of the work day – #realworldproblems. DEAR NEW BABY, PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS TO US AGAIN. But, to avoid all of the sleep issues for this particular royalist, please just be born April 23 – 26 when I am in London. Preferably the 23rd because my schedule is much more flexible that day.

Just like with George, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will return to Kensington Palace after leaving the hospital with their newborn, but after a few days they will move onto their new Anmer Hall residence at Sandringham. Prince William, who is currently finishing his training with Bond Air Services, will take a two week paternity leave following the baby’s arrival. Kate’s maternity leave will be much longer – and longer than with George – and we are unlikely to see her in an official capacity until the autumn.

While Kate is currently not in London, she plans to return soon to be closer to the hospital where she intends to give birth (although contingency plans are in place near her parents home in Berkshire and Amner Hall in Norfolk). William will have a bit longer of a commute to the big event – about a two hour drive back to London.

Okay new prince or princess (it was also confirmed today that William and Kate do not know the sex of the baby), we can’t wait to meet you!

Whirlwind Royal Day in the City with William and Kate

Well, that was a case of the head spins! Whirl”wind” literally – in case you missed it, today was absolutely ghastly in New York City. I’m talking water up to my ankles style rain. But as usual, they did not slow down The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The final day of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s visit to the USA began with a somber stop at the National September 11 Memorial where the couple paused in remembrance at the reflecting pool where the South Tower once stood (and Kate placed white roses) before making their way inside to visit the newly opened National September 11 Memorial Museum. Having visited the museum earlier this year, I can tell you that it is one of the most overpowering experiences I have ever had. I am from the area and will never forget every moment of that day and the days that followed. For that, this engagement was my favorite – I knew it would be coming in. Even as we pulled up to the site, my eyes welled with tears. The fact that William and Kate visited – and stayed outside for several minutes in the horrific downpours – really tugged at my heart strings. While The Queen, Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall have visited the memorial before, it is ever more developed since then.

William and Kate then visited The Door, not too from far from the memorial, to witness the work they carry out with the CityKids Foundation. The couple toured the organization and took in performances from the youngsters. Another nod to his late mother on this NYC trip, Princess Diana was very involved with the CityKids Foundation and Prince William remarked it was the highlight of their visit.

Back-to-back GREAT receptions took the remainder of the afternoon, the first, a Creativity event attended by both The Duke and Duchess and the second, Innovation attended by Prince William. The GREAT Britain campaign is the British Government’s most ambitious international marketing campaign ever and showcases the very best of what Britain has to offer, in order to encourage the world to visit, study and do business with the UK. The Royal Family has given strong support to the campaign since its inception in 2011 and there have been GREAT events throughout many recent royal tours. Prince Harry attended GREAT events during both South America tours and  participated in a GREAT event with Prime Minister David Cameron in New York last year, while the Duchess of Cambridge attended a reception in 2012 to highlight the excellence of the creative industries.

The Creativity is GREAT reception hosted by NeueHouse brought out some very well known names in the creative industries, including Sir Patrick Stewart, OBE – who had a few laughs with The Duchess and Creative Director of J Crew, Jenna Lyons, with whom Kate had a seemingly lovely conversation (Kate even wore J Crew jeans last night when she met Bey and Jay). Harvey Weinstein who was particularly keen to meet Prince William and is behind the new Paddington Bear film, had a few moments to converse with The Duke.

At the event, British Ambassador to the United States Peter Westmacott spoke of the creative industries influence in Britain while the royal couple looked on, laughed and smiled. The Ambassador highlighted that film tourism (of which Kate and Georgina Chapman of Marchesa spoke about how her husband, Mr. Weinstein, loves making films in England) is booming – visits to Glencoe in Scotland after Skyfall are up 40 percent! Even Sir Patrick Stewart remarked, “It is certain that seeing the best of British talent on their home stages, many Americans make the trip to London, Stratford and Chichester to get an even wider taste of what British entertainment has to offer.”

Prince William joined The Mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio, at The Empire State Building for an innovation event hosted by Shutterstock. In addition to taking in the iconic view from the 86th floor observation deck, Prince William attended a techology-themed reception and presented the winners of the GREAT Tech Awards with trophies.

Last but certainly not least – a fancy smancy gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art celebrating the 600th anniversary of St Andrews. Which is now beginning… but as you will see from above, I’m exhausted, soaked and spent, so it’s off I go to dream of the next royal visit. More later!

Case of the Mondays, What? Royals Take On America

Today was nothing short of EPIC. Kate had NYC falling at her perfectly dressed feet, William showed up in D.C. to conquer America back in the name of Her Majesty (okay, that didn’t actually happen but whatever) and sitting courtside at a NBA game across from Beyonce and Jay-Z. AND THEY MET. And declined an offer for free nachos. I’m sorry, WHAT?! I really don’t often use the word “epic” but I’m pretty sure the word was created for moments like that.

William spent the first half of his first full day stateside with his first-ever visit to Washington D.C. where he had his second-ever meeting with President Barack Obama, to whom he confessed that he was so excited when George was born, he forgot to ask if it was a boy or girl! And yes, it will be a surprise for the second baby as well. Royals in the White House – just what this Yankee likes to see! The highlight of William’s visit to the capital was to speak at International Corruption Hunters Alliance conference, a cause extremely close to his heart and the focal point of his visit. He noted that he was “inspired by my grandfather and my father, who have championed international conservation for over fifty years.” William even blogged for The Huffington Post about his strong feelings on the subject.

While her other half was away, Kate began her day in Harlem at the Northside Center for Child Development, Harlem with the First Lady of New York City, Chirlane McCray. The center fosters the healthy development of children and families by providing high-quality mental health and educational services – a cause both The Duchess and First Lady’s hearts are champions of. To get in the holiday spirit, they took part in gift-wrapping and craft making with children, who adorably thought that Kate was Princess Elsa from Frozen! Which, I can tell you firsthand was the mood of the day: FROZEN. OMG, NYC SO COLD. (Which, BTW William said later in the day that he “loved.” No, Will, NO).

Photo Credit: British Consulate, New York @UkinNewYork

Then, Kate made her way to midtown to the residence of Her Majesty’s Consul General to New York, Danny Lopez, for a lunch with members of the local British community making contributions in the cultural and business sectors, including Welsh actor Matthew Rhys and Mashable CEO Peter Cashmore.

The residence had a brief break before both The Duke and Duchess attended a Conservation reception there (last minute change of plans as Kate originally was not due to attend). The reception was in recognition of the conservation work carried out by Tusk and United for Wildlife partners: Wildlife Conservation Society; Conservation International; and The Nature Conservancy. Secretary Clinton and her daughter, Chelsea Clinton, were present for the event and spoke to the crowd. In Prince William’s speech, he stressed that “Time is running out, but this room reminds us that time is definitely not running out.”

The wildlife conservation spotlight then led the couple to another borough – Brooklyn, for a NBA game, or “off to shoot some hopes or whatever it is the Americans call it,” according to William. Talk about throwing the royals out of their element! The game played between the Brooklyn Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers was in support of the partnership between the Royal Foundation, United for Wildlife and the NBA. King [LeBron] James? SMH, it’s all about the future king and his future queen. Oh, and the fact that they met Bey and Jay courtside. And they were so cute, so enthusiastic throughout their time watching the game. It was purely precious.

via @UkinNewYork

GAME OVER BYEEEE! Oh wait, there’s still tomorrow.

Welcome to America, William & Kate!

The day we have been talking about for what seems like a lifetime is finally here… this afternoon, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge touched down in New York City. Where I live.

Before I get into the royal arrival, some operational notes if you will. I am thrilled to say that I will be Royal Central’s eyes and ears on the ground here in NYC for the royal couple’s visit. However, it will not be anything to the level I was able to do during Harry’s US tour last year; in fact, it might be almost on-existent at times, but I will be doing my absolute best of course! I will do a daily recap of events and be tweeting and snapping as much as possible, so stay with me and Royal Central on Twitter.

The Duke and Duchess arrived in the Big Apple at 4:37pm at JFK airport after a slight delay with their British Airways flight on the other end of the pond, and checked-in at The Carlyle, a famed luxury hotel on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The Carlyle is actually a part of Rosewood Hotels, which opened an incredible property in London last year – The Rosewood. The Carlyle has special significance, as it was the place Princess Diana called home when visiting New York City. Obviously there were plenty of fans waiting outside (I was not one of them).

via @EmilyNash of The Sun

Of course, Kate looked flawless in a deep purple Seraphine maternity coat as she and William arrived at The Carlyle and fans and media got a two second glimpse outside. I cant tell you this, I look nothing like that when I get off the plane at JFK from Heathrow, that’s for darn sure.

The arrival was the only “public appearance” for the royal couple today, but have no fear – the next two days are absolutely packed with engagements. Tonight, they will attend a private dinner reception for the American Friends of the Royal Foundation at the home of advertising mogul at the home of Sir Martin Sorrell. So, what’s on tap this week?

Tomorrow, Prince William will make the quick jump down to our nation’s capital, Washington D.C., for the International Corruption Hunters Alliance conference where he will make a keynote address. While there, he will also meet with President Obama (whom he and Catherine met in London following their honeymoon in 2011). Simultaneously, Kate will visit Northside Center for Child Development in Harlem with the First Lady of New York City. You may recall her brother-in-law made a splash in Harlem during his visit last year. Then, it is off to the Consul General’s residence for a lunch with members of the British Community in New York from culture, arts, hospitality, and business sectors. The Duchess will then take a break while The Duke returns to New York City and makes his way to Consul General Danny Lopez’s residence for a Conservation reception that Hillary and Chelsea Clinton will attend; co-hosted by the Royal Foundation and Clinton Foundation. To end the day, it will be perhaps my favorite engagement of them all – it’s off to Brooklyn for a Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers NBA game. Where there is the possibility of a Cambridge/Beyonce and Jay-Z photo opp. The game will support the on-going collaboration between the Royal Foundation, United for Wildlife and the NBA.

Tuesday is full-on, starting with an emotional and somber visit to the National 9/11 Memorial. Something tells me this will be the biggest events of the program  – it means the most to the people of New York City, and the location lends itself to the opportunity for the biggest public crowds. The rest of the day will see the duo attending an engagement at The Door for the CityKids Foundation, a Creative industries reception supporting the UK government’s GREAT campaign, an Innovation is GREAT event with Shutterstock at the Empire State Building (Prince William only), and last but not least a glamorous gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art celebrating St Andrews University 600th anniversary.

So much royal my head is going to explode. I. Cannot. Wait.

Visiting Royal Britain: William and Kate’s Britain

As my fair city prepares for a little thing called “the royal visit,” this month’s Visiting Royal Britain is taking a look at the destinations that have played a role in William and Kate’s life together.

As it’s Christmas time, let’s begin with Sandringham – the country estate where the firm celebrates the holidays. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have just completed renovations at their home on the property, Anmer Hall, where they are expected to host Christmas celebrations this year. Although you can’t crash the royal residence in Norfolk, Sandringham House, the museum and the garden are open for visitors in the spring, summer and early fall.

St Andrews is quite obviously very near and dear to William and Kate as they met and fell in love while studying at the university. Did you know that it is known as the UK’s top match-making university? One in ten graduates have a chance of meeting their mate for life there! Maybe I need to go back to college? St Andrews is a top travel destinations outside of strolling through the university pretending to reenact Will & Kate’s courtship (c’mon, you know there’s people out there that do that). St Andrews is famous for golf, especially the Old Course, and its beaches have graced the silver screen in films such as Chariots of Fire. The Duke and Duchess’ final engagement in New York City will be a gala celebrating 600 years of St Andrews University.

VisitBritain Images

Everyone is familiar with The Isle of Anglesey,  the isle off the coast of North Wales that William and Kate called home for many years until last year after Prince George was born. The beautiful beaches, small village atmosphere and nearby village/train station of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch have become a favorite of tourists and locals alike.

VisitBritain Images

Saved the “duh” for last – Kensington Palace. The royal residence is not only where Prince William grew up, but where he has made a home with Kate and Prince George since marrying. Kensington Palace is one of the many palaces open to visitors ( but no, you cannot actually go into the Cambridge’s apartment).

VisitBritain Images

A Very Royal Thanksgiving… Wait, What?

Yes, I realize the royals do not celebrate Thanksgiving. However, Thanksgiving (IMO) is one of the few legs up (turkey legs, that is), we have on the Brits… so KKHO is going to celebrate, okay? Don’t worry, there’s a royal spin to it.

Thanksgiving is all about counting your blessings (and loading up yummy food, duh), and what better way to show thanks than to give back? Enter, the royal connection to this American holiday. Royals LOVE giving back – it is what they do. From Her Majesty to Princess Beatrice, each member of the firm has causes and patronages close to their hearts. AKA – this post could go on until the Fourth of July. Don’t worry, I will spare you… I have loads of mashed potatoes to eat, after all.

 Ahead of William and Kate’s upcoming visit to NYC, I would like to focus on The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, which will be at the center of the visit’s activities. Sidebar – they should’ve come for Thanksgiving, hellooo a day dedicated to eating, Kate could even rock Joey’s Thanksgiving pants and get away with it because she is actually pregnant. Not only is it a timely choice, but this foundation encompasses all of the causes close to the three royals’ hearts, and thus, giving you all plenty to give back to. The foundation, established in 2009 and becoming fully operational two years later, is the main vehicle in which William, Kate and Harry carry out their charitable duties and passions.

From conservation efforts (William will be in the US in large part due to his work with United for Wildlife), armed forces (Prince Harry’s Invictus Games just announced the bidding process for next year’s host destination) and children and young people (another focus of the NYC visit and Catherine just stepped out in support of EACH Hospices in Norfolk), The Royal Foundation embodies everything important to the trio.

Bringing it back to America once again, around this holiday, The American Friends of the Royal Foundation was setup in 2011, which works alongside The Royal Foundation in support of its initiatives – an organization you will see out and about come December 7^th.

For more information on The Royal Foundation, The American Friends of the Royal Foundation and how you can give back this Thanksgiving please visit The Royal Foundation’s official website. The site includes further details on the individual charitable organizations.

Happy Thanksgiving!

PS – Harry, if you married an American you would get to celebrate this amazing holiday… #justsaying