Throwback Thursday: Thank You, St. Andrews University!

In honor of Valentine’s Day (yuck), let’s revisit my favorite love story..

What seems like a million years ago, a young prince with a full head of hair went off to Scotland to meet his future queen, I mean.. get a college degree.

The Middleton Family (released upon engagement)

The Middleton Family (released upon engagement)

I wish I had gotten the “Britain’s top matchmaking university” memo when I was applying for my semester abroad. Although a slew of British girls who had probably read that very fact made their way to St. Andrews University to mingle with Prince William, it was Kate Middleton who caught his eye. Even back then her dresses were turning heads..

Kate-Middleton-2002

Sorry, I prefer you in floor length Jenny Packham gowns Kate.

In 2005, they left their bubble (one in which William actually attempted to cook I might add), graduating into a world of paparazzi, break-ups and make-ups. He earned a 2:1 in Geography, she a 2:1 in History of Art and all of us earned a lifetime of hair and McQueen wardrobe envy.

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..and they lived happily ever after! Odds that they name the child Andrew? 😉

A Chat with Kelly Lynch

This year brought countless royal headlines and exciting events that have left us all buzzing about what the hottest moments were and what’s to come in 2013. For me, this reflection period mostly meant looking back at all of the new friendships made in our cozy little royal watching bubble. One of the ladies who made my first year tweeting and blogging so fun was Kelly Lynch, who quickly proved to me that great minds don’t only think alike, but they share the same name. For those of you who may not know (and to that I say – shame on you), Kelly is the Editor at Socialite Life and the brains behind The Duchess Diary. This year, Kelly saw something she wanted and she went after it, and every Thursday we are thankful for that. Kelly and I  could spend forever discussing The Duchess of Cambridge – Kate is to McQueen as peanut butter is to jelly – so what better way to recap the year in Kate and speculate about the year to come than to put those chats in blog form?
Let’s start with The Duchess Diary – brilliant idea, I love it. What inspired you to start that and how did it all come about? 
Socialite Life’s parent company (Buzz Media) had just built a gorgeous state-of-the-art studio, and were looking for original content pitches.  Since I was always reporting on the royals, I suggested we do something about Kate Middleton and the rest of the royal family.  A few weeks later, the VP of video and one of the senior producers approached me about ‘The Duchess Diary.’  It was a little weird to think that I would have my own show about Kate Middleton.  I don’t think it’s sunk in yet how lucky I am to be a part of such a phenomenon.
What’s your dream for TDD in 2013? 
Great question.  You and I both know that part of the fun of being a royal reporter is learning from those who have been in the game a long time, and trading information with one another.  I had the Daily Express’s Richard Palmer on once, and his experience on the South East Asia tour was something you just don’t hear every day.  Getting the story first hand from someone like Palmer was a real treat.  Another little dream would be to partner with a fashion mag on Kate’s looks; perhaps be a royal guest editor for a day!
If you could have one guest on the show – not a member of Kate’s family (royal or Middleton) – who would it be? 
I am always entertained by the subjects interviewed for top notch royal documentaries, like the Hon. Margaret Rhodes and Lady Pamela Hicks, people who were right beside the Queen in her most significant moments.  These women have seen a lot, and the way they tell a story makes you sit and listen.  I also wouldn’t mind having a chat with Angela Kelly.  Oh, to be a fly on the wall when she and the Queen are clucking together.
Let’s talk fashion, if you could own one item from her wardrobe what would it be? 
Oh my goodness, Kelly.  What an unfair question!  The wedding dress.  Of all Kate’s gorgeous attire, none was more breathtaking than the Sarah Burton for Alexander Mcqueen wedding gown.  That day felt like a fairy tale due largely in part to the princess dress.  It made everyone stop dead in their tracks.  
Kate Middleton reveals her McQueen gown as she arrives with sister Pippa at Westminster Abbey for the Royal Wedding
Hate to say this, but she disappointed us a few times this year..one item from her closet you would throw out? 
I think you and I were talking about the lilac Erdem dress she wore to this year’s Trooping of The Colour.  That look was at the bottom of my list until I saw Kate in the bell-sleeve Temperley dress while at a Buckingham Palace reception for Team GB Athletes.  It was far too busy and – I hate to say it – cheesy for Kate.
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We often debate on what colors she looks best in and what we would like to see her in, pick one color she has to wear for all of 2013.
I love seeing Kate in green, and most of her wardrobe (at least until summer) will be maternity.  The royals are all about color so as to make people smile, so I say that whatever color Kate selects, she’s going to look great in it.  I do love it when she goes bold more than if she chose a pastel.
We are always on the edge of our Twitter timelines waiting too see what designer she’ll step out in next, who would you love to see her in that she has not worn yet? 
The Duchess does a wonderful job of promoting British labels, but what if she were to done something from Burberry for an outing?  Part of me would love to see Kate sport Dior, but it would have be very ladylike.  I do, however, feel that Dior belongs to Princess Charlene, the same with Chanel.  I appreciate that Kate sticks to tried and true British designers. 
It’s Monday, December 3, 2012.. you find out Kate is pregnant. Your reaction – go! 
A silent cheer ran from my stomach up through my throat, and I just let it take me over.  My friend texted me from DC, and since I’m on the west coast, I’m always the last to know about these things.  It’s something that Kate and William have talked about for ages, and I couldn’t be happier for those two.  Some of us feel as if they are our friends since we watch their every move.  I do wish, though, that they would have been able to announce the pregnancy on their own terms, rather than having their hand pushed because of media speculation.
Baby predictions? Boy? Girl? Both? Names? And most importantly, will it wear McQueen to the christening?
I had my mother on the show a few weeks ago because she chewed my ear off about her own morning sickness.  So, my mother strongly believes that Kate is going to have a girl (mom had three gals).  The color is gone from Kate’s face and she looks fatigued, so perhaps this might just be the future queen who is kicking around in there!
Some speculate that if it is a girl, William and Kate will name her Diana.  No shot!  They would never put their daughter through that kind of scrutiny.  If she is a girl, I guarantee that Diana will be one of the middle names, as will Elizabeth and Frances.  I wouldn’t be surprised if Margaret was thrown in there too (Margaret is the Queen’s late sister).  As for a Christian name, my guesses are: Victoria, Mary, Charlotte or Anne.  Something traditional and strong.  If the blessed child is a boy: My middle name guesses are: Philip, Henry, Charles, George.  First name?  James, George (I think it could be one or the other), or Edward. 
Oh, Kelly.  Imagine what Kate’s McQueen christening outfit will look like?  It’s safe to assume that the child will be christened in the gown that’s been passed down through the ages from Queen Victoria’s first daughter.  So now at least we can focus more on mom and how fantastic she’ll look.
 
Many thanks to “The Other Kelly” for taking time out of her Christmas holiday to rehash some of our favorite (and least favorite) Kate moments and dream of the year ahead. Be sure to follow Kelly on Twitter @HRH_KLynch and over @TheDuchessDiary for a cheeky look at what’s new with The Duchess of Cambridge! She may even surprise you with some Made in Chelsea talk here and there.

BABY CAMBRIDGE IS COMING!

KATE IS PREGNANT!

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The only way you haven’t heard this yet is if you are literally living under a rock (or were on a plane when the announcement was made.. like me). Go figure, I haven’t flown since April and for 3 hours I am without access to the outside world and the news we’ve all been waiting for is announced. I’m just confused as to why the captain didn’t make an in flight announcement.

Unfortunately, the news does come with some distress as Kate was admitted to the hospital today with Hyperemesis Gravidarum, aka acute morning sickness. Perhaps it was the game of hockey she played in heels the on Friday? (BTW, great diversion tactic Kate). I’m sure this is not how Their Royal Highnesses envisioned sharing the creation of the latest heir to the throne, but hopefully The Duchess of Cambridge is sitting on her couch in Wales playing with Lupo in no time!

Now that royal baby watch is finally over the next question is  – will the baby wear white McQueen to its christening? And what designers will start a line of Kate inspired maternity clothes? Kate can’t go without McQueen and Jenny Packham for nine months. Will her feet swell up so much she can’t fit in her L.K. Bennett nude heels? Regardless, Kate will be the most stylish, adorable pregant woman anyone has ever seen.

Congratulations William and Catherine! 

Oh, and let’s not forget that a royal baby means Prince Harry, the uncle. Hello Harry holding a baby photos!

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!

Can’t Keep Up With The Queen..

I am 60 years younger than The Queen and I cannot seem to keep up with her! Her Majesty is always on the go and I can’t even seem to keep my blogging capabilities up up to date.

As you all know by now, it has been a busy few days for the royals, from pomp and pageantry to polo, the family was zooming around England like their pants were on fire, (and part of me wishes Harry’s were..okay, I’m kidding, but seriously..).

Trooping the Colour

It all started on Saturday with the Trooping the Colour to celebrate Her Majesty’s official birthday. I always love this day and I know many of you feel the same. Hats, carriage rides, balcony appearance, horse guards, a gun salute and a flypast – all in honor of The Queen – what’s not to love? Oh wait, Kate’s Erdem dress. Sorry, just had to.

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AFP/Getty

This is truly the first time I’ve been disappointed in Kate’s outfit, and I’m not the only one to say so! As much as we all love you Kate, it was not a dress for a 30-year-old, gorgeous royal. The Queen, however, was shining in the yellow Angela Kelly she wore to William and Catherine’s wedding last year.

Press Association

Thankfully, we were blessed with my classic favorite shots of Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh. Her facial expressions when he is in those hats is always priceless. Could they be any more adorable?

Garter Day

In one of the most important dates on the calendar, the Order of the Garter Service took place at Windsor Castle on Monday. Dressed in the traditional black robes, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh took part in the procession to St George’s Chapel, as well as The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge, The Duke of York and The Earl of Wessex.

Press Association

The royal ladies looked on as the men processed to the chapel; Camilla, Kate and Sophie all looked lovely in pale colors. Prayers and tweets were answered as Kate repeated the white McQueen coat from last year’s Trooping the Colour. I was excited. Twitter was excited. We all LOVE that coat, Kate! Sophie looked fabulous as always – she is certainly a favorite of mine.

Press Association

Press Association

Polo 

Oh and in between, William and Harry hit the polo field – twice. In white pants. Oh yea, and Lupo was there too. That’s pretty much all you need to know.

Week in Review: Jan. 8 – 14, 2012

Hello Royal Watchers! Apologies for the lack of updates this week, I was quite sick for a few days – blogging is a little difficult when you can’t stay awake! Now that I am on the mend and caught up on all of my regal news, thought it would be a good idea to compile all of the week’s headlines in one post.  This is a simple post to get back in the swing of things and share the week’s news. I was hoping to do more in-depth posts on major stories, however that was just not possible this week. I promise to be back with clever posts soon and continue to work on taking this site to the next level.

There was not shortage of headlines this week; from controversy to accolades, royal news was all over the map:

The Duchess of Cambridge

As always, Catherine was a daily fixture in the news this week- from a milestone birthday to show-stopping fashion moments, she has held our attention..

* More on Catherine’s Birthday: Happy 30th Birthday to The Duchess of Cambridge, A Birthday Present to Kate

The War Horse Premiere

* More on The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the ‘War Horse’ Premiere: William & Catherine Attend ‘War Horse’ Premiere, Jan. 8th 

Royal Gifts – 2011

Diamond Jubilee

  • London Evening Standard: Fit for a Queen: first sight of barge to lead Diamond Jubilee river pageant – An 88 foot rowbarge will be gifted to The Queen after it leads the family in the June 3rd Queen’s Diamond Jubilee pageant down the Thames River. The gift will become the first state barge in the monarch’s possession in nearly a century
  • Travel with Val: Upper East Side British Candy Store Looks Forward to a Jubilee Year – This is not a story that has made major royal headlines, in fact, unless you are from the New York City area you may not have heard of it. It is not a necessarily a news making story, but for us Americans it is something to look forward to in 2012. For those of us who can’t make the hop across the pond, this NYC British candy store – The London Candy Company – will be all decked out and serving the most extensive selection of British candies this side of the Atlantic Ocean.

Miscellaneous Royal Happenings