Princess Eugenie Takes Manhattan

GUYS, there’s a British royal in my city. I’m so excited that I don’t even care that it’s not Harry.

Welcome to the Big Apple, Princess Eugenie! 

No, she’s not here to reclaim America in the name of grandmother midst our government shutting down. Though the timing is coincidental..

The 23-year-old daughter of The Duke of York and ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York, has officially landed in New York City to start her career with Paddle8, an art auction house in the Little Italy neighborhood.

Prince Andrew’s youngest daughter is clearly getting right into the proper swing of city life as she was spotted shopping in SoHo with her mother (who is making headlines of her own this week) after finishing up a day at the office. Sounds just like every other twenty-something New York girl. See, royals are just like us!

Sadly, Eugenie’s move is not anticipated to be permanent, rather a stepping stone for her budding career in the art world. She also left her boyfriend, Jack Brooksbank, back in London so one can imagine this transatlantic love affair won’t keep her over here forever. Here’s hoping she stays long enough that her dear older cousin Harry just can’t go any longer without a night out on the town together and makes his way to New York.

We’re thrilled to have you, Eugenie (well, at least I am).. if you want to grab a drink after work, just leave a comment 😉

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.

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.