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.
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.
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.
Keep Calm and Harry On 