Before Kate Middleton married Prince William, most of the world had never heard of the small internet-based party supply store owned by her parents, Mike and Carole Middleton. The same was true of her unruly sister, Pippa Middleton, whose fame launched on the day of the Royal Wedding. Now that the Middletons are royally connected, an advantageous spotlight has been shown on them, and they appear to be happily embracing it. But that’s at the very least, according to some, who believe the Middleton family is milking Kate’s new status for all it’s worth and are dishonorably cashing in on it.
Celebrating Kate? They’ve got the goods!
Eyebrows were raised when Mike and Carole used their business, Party Pieces, to sell street party favors for the Royal Wedding. Now, they are selling paraphernalia for celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, which they boldly advertise on the homepage of the Party Pieces website.
On One Hand…
It is completely natural for a party supplier to offer paraphernalia for occasions like the Royal Wedding and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Mike and Carole have a business to promote, and it could potentially hurt it to leave these products out when other party supply stores are offering them. If William and Kate had never met or married, there’s a chance they’d be selling these products anyway. Unlike their daughter, they still have to support themselves. Should they have to miss out on the profits from these themed goods just because Kate married a Royal?
But On the Other Hand…
It isn’t that simple. William did meet Kate, and they did marry – and because of that, the Middleton’s business has moved into the spotlight along with them (and that means a lot of free advertising, at the very least). Actually, without their daughter marrying into the Firm, Party Pieces, with its nonessential goods, could have very well perished along with the countless other businesses that closed due to the poor economy. Regardless, it’s incredibly difficult to imagine that the potential losses of omitting the street party and Jubilee favors would exceed or even match the value of the exposure and likely profits gained due to their royal association. The cost to purchase advertising equivalent to the free exposure they’ve received for Party Pieces has to be worth a mind-boggling amount all on its own.
Mike and Carole have every right to try and make their business as successful as possible, and with Kate’s new status, they probably couldn’t have avoided some of the exposure if they tried. However, by offering products specifically for use in events their royal daughter is involved in, they are creating controversy which draws even more attention to their business. Unless they all live under a rock, they surely must know that. First of all, they would have to be incredibly dense to have thought that no one would notice them selling street party goods just before the Royal Wedding, and that no one would view it as a conflict of interest. Even if they’re only as smart as their duchess daughter seems and truly were oblivious, the flood of press coverage they stirred in that instance showed them that Kate-related products get Party Pieces into the press. With that, they have chosen to repeat the situation by selling the Diamond Jubilee supplies. They may not be getting very flattering press through this, but you know what they say: “Any press is good press,” when you’ve got something to promote.
With these choices, the Middletons appear to be cashing in on Kate’s fame and royal status. Their family has been so fortunate this past year, and selling the products in question rightfully comes across as one tacky, exploitative, and dishonorable step too far.
Pound-Pocketing Pippa
Pippa’s pursuits only worsen the family’s reputation for gold-digging. For one thing, she’s been following in Kate’s footsteps by dating men who far exceed her own social and financial status. This behavior lends support to the notion that Kate meeting William was based on Middleton family social ambitions rather than chance. Additionally, Pippa has not been shy about making six-figure lemonade out of the golden lemons that have fallen into her undeserving lap: She wasted far less time than Kate in starting her solo career by signing a $630,000+ (£400,000) book deal in November for a party planning guide she is supposedly writing herself (1).
On One Hand…
Like her parents, Pippa has every right to pursue wealth and success in her life, and to seize opportunities that help her accomplish her goals.
But On the Other Hand…
Pippa is clearly riding Kate’s coat-dress tails. Based on her own merit and without her royal connection, the world media and its audiences wouldn’t know or care who Pippa Middleton is. Has she gotten her book deal because she’s an exceptional, experienced author? -No. Has she gotten it because she’s extremely sought after – a leader – in the event planning world? -No. Has she gotten it because she’s built an impressive event-planning empire? Does she have an exceptional record for putting together impeccable high-profile events? -No, and no. Obviously, Pippa would not have this book deal if she wasn’t Kate Middleton’s sister. Plain and simple. Not to mention, the book’s topic, party planning, will be indirect, yet further, promotion for Party Pieces. Overall, the deal itself (stemming from her sister’s connections) and the party planning topic (stemming from the influence of her parents and their business, no doubt) reveal Pippa as anything but and independently successful person. Mike and Carole may have built a business from the ground up, but their children don’t seem to value or be capable of anything but piggybacking on others.
Pippa may pocket a large sum of money from her book and other potential opportunities, but getting ahead this way isn’t respectable. If she’s passionate about event planning, for instance, then she should learn everything she can about it, develop her work and strive to achieve an outstanding reputation in the field through her achievements, or even start her own business. After doing that successfully, then she could write a book worthy of respect. But instead, she’s an amateur at best, creating a guide she isn’t qualified to assemble and taking advantage of an opportunity she hasn’t fully earned and doesn’t deserve.
The Double-Edged Sword
Overall, the Middletons are not wrong for taking advantage of their new prospects. The world is not a fair place after all, and many people enjoy unmerited advantages based on luck of the draw, unsavory endeavors, family and social connections, or other circumstances. The entire Royal Family is an excellent set of examples. However, the spotlight from Kate’s advantageous marriage is a double-edged sword for the Middletons. It may be fattening their wallets, but having so many eyes on them makes their reputations – including Kate’s – more vulnerable. By reaping the benefits of royally good fortune rather than earning it as they would have to without their royal connection, they show a high lack of dignity. And, as an apple can only fall so far from its tree, their unscrupulous choices have the potential to reflect very poorly on England’s future queen consort.
Source
(1) Hall, James. “Pippa Middleton in ‘£400,000′ book deal.” The Telegraph. 11/27/2011.
© Enclave 24, March 3, 2012
Well written and argued. I agree with you entirely. I think the Royals do not realise that the Middleton connection may be the beginning of the end as people see Kate not as a ‘commoner’ made good but a priviledged middle class chancer who cashed in. The Royals themselves are now under scrutiny and the entire upper classes as the gap between those who have and those who have not widdens. You cannot take the perks without realising that the public have a right to know how taxes are being spent. Slippery slopes and I’m not talking about charity publicity stunts a la Pippa and James! Such chancers. I really think in this instance ‘God Save The Queen’ is appropriate. And if QEII starts to appear ‘nicer’ to Kate in public I will lose all respect for the Monarchy. In private OK but the Queen is the Queen and does not need to change her behaviour and lose all self respect by humbling herself to Kate nor indeed Camilla. What their relationships are like in private is their affair but if The Queen bows to pressure to be over nice to Kate in public to me it would show just how manipulative Middleton is and that the Queen is being bullied. Why should The Queen or indeed the public give respect to someone who has done nothing, unlike The Queen, to deserve it?
My opinion of the Queen changed when she visited Ireland – do not believe in a monarchy but she represented sincerity, dignity, duty and gave this country respect. Her own family should respect her especially this year. Not easy putting duty first – something the young ones don’t seem to do. They want the lifestyle but not the hard work that goes with the teritory.
hear hear, I think the Q is under pressure to make an effort with K, it simply doesn’t add up when you think back to the diastrous wedding dress tour…..
I agree, Anne Marie. She obviously does not look like she wants to be anywhere near the dodgy woman her misguided grandson chose to marry.
I suspect the Middletons will continue to abuse their unique station in life and take full avantage of their ‘royal’ connections. Mother Middleton is especially trashy and a golddigger. These people are so inappropriate, and must be the laughing stock of many in Britain.
The Queen has got to be pretty disappointed in her offspring at this point. Charles, Andrew, Edward…..what a bunch of losers. The younger royals, they haven’t displayed any real interest in stepping up to the plate. William especially is a huge disappointment. He’s playing pilot so he can avoid his royal work. And then he chose this fool for a wife – someone who has yet to say ANYTHING INTELLIGENT. Good god almighty! Interesting there hasn’t been anything in the news about Willy. I guess nobody really misses him. LOL.
God Save The Queen indeed! But only in the context of dealing with her family! Sheesh.
Hi Elaine :-) Clearly times have changed and standards have hit an all time low with the generations of royals under HM the Queen. There’s a definite problem when royals start looking like they’re spoiled trust fund babies whose privileges serve their leisure almost completely, rather than their education, character development, and an instilled dedication to improving their country and serving their people. I completely agree with you that PW is a disappointment and that he’s using his RAF job to avoid Royal Duties. It’s embarrassing! He’s a 30 year old man for crying out loud – it’s time to grow up and face the music already. In my opinion, if he wants to receive money from tax payers for his personal life, including moving into a remodeled Kensington Palace, he should have to do full time royal work in return for it. Other RAF soldiers aren’t being compensated so highly, and he should be no exception. If that’s his job, he should get a salary accordingly, and nothing more from tax payers. The same should go for Kate. She doesn’t even have another job like he does, and should be doing something full time in exchange for her privileges.
Did you notice that BP has already picked up on the criticism of K’s speaking ability? There was an article in the DM the other day announcing that she will soon be making her first public speech…………
Anticipating it… very much… I just hope it’s recorded. If it isn’t, we can probably all expect a load of jovial crap from the press on how moving and historical her fumbled nursery school words were. Who knows though – I would actually guess that a speech from her would be better than an interview… A speech can be memorized after all… and is probably written by someone else… but who knows. We’ll see!
The problem with the Midds, is that they are using their whole “hardworking family” schtick to push Percy into marriage and to use it as a ticket towards class warfare. The Midds also can’t seem to restrain themselves at all when it comes to cashing in. Any party company would create Jubilee centered events, surely, but at this point in time I am sure that the Midds will go too far.
I agree, Diane. The Midds aren’t capable of restraining themslves because they lack integrity and sound moral boundaries. It shows a great lack of respect for their Queen and her family. I just don’t know why BP has not stepped in on this matter. I don’t believe that PP provides enough capitol to fund the lavish lifestyles of the Midd flock…something is awry here. Carole-Snake-Eyes is, IMO, an evil, calculating, social climbing woman and, of course, she would cash in on the wedding and Jubilee and whatever else comes along. I personally think they are out of control. I hope the Percy family does not get caught up in this mess. It’s bad enough the RF is. Harry for King!!
Yes, Mama Snake-eyes is a world-class schemer. Kris Jenner is known to be a ferocious stage mom but I would guess that she is a cup cake compared to Carole.
I think it is tacky to cash in on their family connections but what concerns me is why don’t they take their family business in a new and more respectable direction? I mean, they’re very wealthy now, why not move up in the business world (we know they are great climbers!) and do something really grand and classy?
I am really not sure how the Midds are making enough money from their party business to live the lifestyle they do, Mustique anyone? The first time I visited partypieces.com I busted up laughing. It is a joke! This little business does not a millionaire make.
I wish I could remember where I read this but in England a corporation or other business venture can use several small businesses for reasons that basicallly include money laundering and tax shelters. The trick is, the larger organization does not have to reveal its identity. And this is all legal. So basically Party Pieces is a small business that falls under the umbrella of a non-disclosed larger organization. Kick-backs anyone?
This is why the Midds haven’t closed it down for something grander and more aristo and available only to the very wealthy? You know Carole is drawn the all things exclusive, right?
That’s a good point, Caroline – Now that you mention it, for the amount of success and ambition they’re purported to have, it does seem kind of weird that their business doesn’t seem to have grown too significantly over the years (or since I first learned of them – 4, maybe 5 years back?). I remember the first time I saw their website too! I remembered being very underwhelmed… It looked like some amateur mom n’ pop shop that some bored housewife put together — OH WAIT, THAT’S WHAT IT ACTUALLY WAS!!! ;-) The website was severely tacky back then. It didn’t look like the kind of place I would want to give my credit card information to, that’s for sure. It’s no masterpiece now, but it’s certainly come a long way. For one thing, it looks like they’ve learned a bit more about web design or have paid a professional to tweak it a bit. I can understand that their profits might be pretty high these days because of all the exposure, but I can’t imagine that little online party hat peddler making anyone a multimillionaire. It’s obviously made them enough to keep it in business for 25 years, but I’m with you in questioning whether they’ve found a loophole or are profiting from other sources.
The more I’ve thought about this over the past few months, the more I have come to agree with this view. There is no way on earth a tacky small-dollar-item party favour website can possibly earn the millions that the Middletons need to support their pavish lifestyle. I am increasingly convinced that Uncle Gary is involved in a shady way. Caroline has made excellent points, all of which could very well point to Uncle Gary laundering his drug money through their “legitimate” website party business.
I also went to look at the website a few months ago and was shocked at how tacky and amateurish it is! That was my first suspicious moment. With all that money, why don’t they get decent web design? Miss 24, I think you give it too much credit by saying it’s “no masterpiece.” It’s simply ugly and juvenile and poorly designed, as is Pippa’s writing.
I meant “lavish lifestyle,” of course. :-)
I won’t argue with that, Arlie! I just took another look, and of all things, their logo is probably the most horrible! It’s so outdated and tacky-looking. Did they design it on some at-home graphics program from the early 90s? Several years ago, when their website was much more amateur-looking, that eyesore was a huge part of my initial feeling that the site was dodgy, and that I would absolutely never provide my billing information to something like it! They have updated the site a lot in the last couple of years (despite its obvious current flaws), but that nasty old logo still remains. It’s like renovating a run-down home but leaving the kitchen in its filthy old state. Dinner anyone? No thank you! :no:
Oh, and I fully agree about Pippa’s writing. I didn’t pay much attention to it before she got her book deal, but upon reading a few of her ramblings in their newsletter, I’m sincerely hoping that she has the good sense to use a ghostwriter for her book. :rotfl:
Miss 24, you’re absolutely right. I prematurely commented on the website before going to look at it, which I hadn’t done since about ten months ago, when I first started to hear about this gold-digging family. Back then, the website was seriously tacky. Like you, I would have been afraid to send any money there or provide my billing information. I went and checked it again after my post, and I thought it was improved…but still tacky! Way too cluttered and junked up — and that logo is still so amateurish. And the writing remains horrible. It’s written at about a fifth-grade level.
My God, you’re right, those eyes are snakey when you think about it and K’s too……
I agree, Diane. Even if Mike and Carole do work hard for their business, that has nothing to do with their character, morals, integrity, or overall quality as people and as a family. Being entrepreneurs and running a successful party supply store doesn’t automatically make them people anyone in their right mind would want to associate with, which is what the media has glossed over hugely. For years, the stories pushed the idea that Kate was eligible for PW because her parents started a business, and implied that their success made them a good, wholesome family worthy of connection to the Royals. Obviously, that’s a complete joke.
Well-written and very eloquent as usual Miss E!
Relatively speaking, the items they sell at Party Pieces are quite expensive. Still one must wonder how they got to the millions by selling mundane products?
And forgive the ignorance, but I also wonder why they would sell Queen Elizabeth-related products during the Royal Wedding. Shouldn’t they sell products that should be all about Will and Kate?
But wow, all this fuss from the media! I’m sure the Middletons right now are wishing they could have started another company instead. Being in the party business creates a conflict of interest if your DD married into one of the most famous and most photographed families in the world.
–
As for the Middleton siblings: I guess they have been raised in the party planning business which gives the explanation for their careers, but it mgiht also explain why they don’t know anything else.
Pippa never set the party planning world alight with her ideas else we would’ve known about her prowess (LOL) long before the wedding. She is not like Bella Musgrave who is already high up in the PR world of Gucci (and before that, Prada). She’s just another party planner; she is NOTHING special. That book deal was thoroughly undeserved.
James can also be accused of piggybacking on his parents’ business. The products at his cake kit company had to be sold through his parents’ website. So much for being independent and taking matters into your own hands!
Thanks, Louisa 8-)
Maybe they were trying to cover every last area of potential profit by including QEII products during the Royal Wedding? That would be my guess. As for James and his cake kits… It’s a cute little idea, but weird that they are only sold through the Party Pieces website when he has his own website for the business. Piggybacking it is! :pig: I find it too hard to believe that all three of the Middleton kids have a life passion for the party supply and planning industries. Maybe I’m wrong – It’s just hard to believe. I understand that their parents’ business has influenced them, but I also recognize that it’s easier to jump on board someone else’s already-established business than to venture out independently and create success in an unrelated area. These adult children are like leeches if you ask me. Don’t they have any unique passions of their own? Ambition? Desire for independence?
They do have amibtion – social ambition to marry into the upper class and then they can be on the pigs back !!
Have a look at this link
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8147929/Royal-Wedding-Middletons-money-how-was-it-made.html
Thanks Yvonne. This article gives a much better explanation of how partner ships work than my explanation above! Anyway I hope that the whole truth about Party Pieces is revealed, and it might be totally legit. I feel like if there’s nothing shady going on, then why don’t they just make the info public? American politicians have to show transparency because they receive public funds.
The most suspicious part of their financial portfolio is the 1.2 million dollar flat in Chelsea that they bought in 2002 with CASH! I think the Midds have been cashing in on Kate’s position since she was in university. They probably got hooked up with some big businessmen through Wills et al, and formed some kind of partnership with people that the Midds never would have met except for Kate. Maybe Wills pushed the partnership because if Kate lived in the chic are of Chelsea, Wills could drop by any time he wished. Hence, the need to pay cash or Kate would appear to be “paid for”.
The cost of the Chelsea flat is far higher than anything else they’ve purchased (as listed there), so I would assume they didn’t purchase it with Party Pieces revenue. This is pure speculation, but I highly suspect that PW bought his girlfriend that flat so she could live nearby and it would be convenient for him. It’s not like he’d make the purchase himself – that would be waaaaay too scandalous! If her parents bought it though… that would kill two birds with one stone. A) It would hide that Kate was already living off of the crown (if it’s true), and B) It would make her parents look even richer, and hence, would make Kate look even more eligible for PW. –Just some ideas!
Ok – What I get from that is that Party Pieces is not likely the source of any “millions” they have. I know I’ve said something along these lines before, but I have to think back on history and how the family of a king or prince’s mistress typically prospered – lifestyle upgrades all around and debts paid by the crown. We may be living in the 21st century, but the Royal Family is known for being stuck in a past century. Why wouldn’t Kate’s family benefit from their daughter being PW’s bedmate? It’s all based on suspicion of course, but it seems plain as day to me.
Funny how the article (from late 2010) claims that Party Pieces employs “up to eight” people (2) – yet Carole herself, in early 2010, claimed that she employs “Around 30 people” in an interview posted in the “Party Times” on the Party Pieces website (1). http://www.partypieces.co.uk/thepartytimes/?p=2794 Either someone’s lying, or the Middletons made a drastic change in staff between March and November of 2010. Any ideas?
(1) Rose, Patricia. “The Birth of Party Pieces.” Party Times. 3/5/2010.
(2) Gilligan, Andrew. “Royal wedding: Middletons’ Money – How was it made?” The Telegraph. 11/20/2010.
Could be including family members, cleaning lady etc…? That would cover 5-6 of the 8.
Most people or companies do not pay cash especially such a large sum of money. Real estate is a very good way to make a profit but most investors put a little down as a payment. It would take a very long time to save such a vast amount of profit from a cottage industry. I would like to hear from a financial expert but I think when one pays cash there are positives for tracing funds, etc. The chelsea flat was not the only thing paid for in cash. And a racehorse – they are so expensive to buy, train, and keep
As the article said, other similar companies do not make such a profit and structure their companies in the same manner. Based on how the article was written, you can tell there are glaring suspicions.
I don’t think the Middletons would continue running Party Pieces if it weren’t their bread and butter – if they were making a killing on real estate or other investments, for instance. I have to wonder if they’re even as wealthy as they’ve been made out to be. Maybe some inheritance really did pay for their kids’ educations, and maybe PW bought the Chelsea flat and has been supporting Kate throughout the years (especially when they’ve lived together – why wouldn’t he?). Clearly, there has been an incentive for the Royals and the press to make the Middletons seem like a hugely successful and hardworking family – It’s their entire basis for why below-average Kate was eligible for PW in the first place. –Not like there was ever anything special about her to work with.
I read in the Telegraph that the house they stay in when in Mustique is complements of their friend (can’t remember his name) who is a hugely wealthy fund manager… I suspect he helped them make a lot of money in investments in exchange for a piece of social clout (that he perceives) – money that may have been made from stock in Uncle Gary’s computer company when he sold it. Personally I think PP is just a front to make them look like they are hard-working business people owning an innocuous and respectable company for Kate’s sake. It also allows Pippa and James to have the pretense of a job. I agree entirely that PP in no way looks like a lucrative business from their website – it looks exactly like what it is: a moderately successful business run by a middle class housewife. They are celebrating their 25 years in business, yet the internet only really took off as popular means of shopping in the late 90′s – go figure.
That is such an excellent point, StarkReality. Who made purchases online before the late 90′s? Many people didn’t shop online until later than that! (In fact, many people still don’t shop online). I’m going to have to try to look into this… The history of Party Pieces… Were they always an online retailer? Or did they ever have a physical store? I don’t think they ever had a storefront… This whole Party Pieces bit looks more and more suspicious every day, I tell you. I don’t know if the truth can be found online or in the public domain, but if anyone finds anything, please share it with the rest of us!
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Of course, I could be totally wrong – Maybe Party Pieces is a total cover – 100% at this point – as StarkReality and others have suggested…
One more comment. The pictures of Kate, Camilla, and the Queen at the department store are interesting. Kate does not stand next to the Queen. Seems like an odd and stiff protocol if that is the reason.Not much eye contact either. If there was, you can be the press would have captured the shot. Kate looks like the outsider – yet I thought she was in training by the Queen and that the Queen was very fond of her. Body language is so interesting. Spend a few minutes looking a pictures and videos of Diana with her boys. Diana is always more affectionate with Harry -even when there is only William alone with Diana, and even when William was young.
I noticed the same thing, Yvonne. I certainly hope QEII is completely appalled by Duchess Dolittle. If I were her, I’d have arranged to have Kate stand on the other side of Camilla where I wouldn’t have to acknowledge her presence or share much of my air supply with her. From some of the latest gossip in the press, it sounds like QEII is quite fed up with Kate – and I can’t say I blame her!
That’s interesting because on the latest Jubilee jaunt they’re sat next to each other at this fashion show or something and Kate leans in to chat but her Majesty just states straight ahead (ableit similing) and then Kate leans out again smugly as if to say: “we’re buddies” or something but that’s NOT the impression the Q gives, she’s definitely not engaged with K. Trouble is the wedding dress tour revealed the “truth” about how the Q feels methinks, so the damage is basically done and no spin like these recent jaunts can now alter it.
Also, I seriously thought K looked “odd” yesterday- not sure what the thinking was behind the outdated 1940s look (don’t think it’s something the fashion world is particularly interested in bringing back in; she tried it at Xmas too with the hat but it doesn’t seen to have “caught on”, lolololo) and how could she not’ve known the short skirt might detract attention from the Q??? Thought she had advisors? lolololo
Yes, they sat next to each other – but I don’t think there was any other female royal present who could have provided Her Majesty with an acceptable physical distance from Duchess Dolittle (correct me if I’m wrong ;-) ). I have the same impression as you that QEII doesn’t appear to care to acknowledge Kate. BRAVO! I’m no queen, and even I would refuse to acknowledge that woman. She’s obviously depriving some village of their idiot, and doesn’t belong in any royal circle. I’m going to refrain from commenting on your second paragraph, as I’m writing about it for a post at the moment!
I remember reading somewhere that Michael Middleton bought and manages the website Kate Middleton.com, in which he has likely made a lot of money selling advertising space. Undoubtedly, he would also have snapped up The Duchess of Cambridge.com before it was publicly announced – if such a site exists – have never checked. If that isn’t cashing in, I don’t know what is. That may be why she never bothered to work.
If Kate, at any time and for any reason, wanted to leave Wills her family would never have allowed it. She is their blue chip stock. I almost feel sorry for her if she weren’t so Hi I’m Kate the great and the future king of England has been boning my ass for 10 years and I will be a perfect Queen, just watch me but don’t ask me any questions and by the way, that’s why Wills and I have stayed together for so long…he doesn’t ask me any questions and I don’t say much. It’s my mantra, I mean look where it has gotten me! It’s a code of ethics of sorts for all young girls who wish to better themselves.
Try it!
Love ya, Kate
Great article, Miss 24!
The Middletons have no class. The RF is going down down down the drain.
Thanks, Maria :-D Agreed… and agreed!
Also agree Maria. It saddens me that what was once a great institution (the Monarchy) which has long upheld tradition, history and regality is now being compromised, in my eyes, by this opportunistic family. The press has played its part for sure, as evidenced in today’s Telegraph: Pippa’s ski trip was billed before Harry’s Diamond Jubilee trip in the Caribbean… not good. It has all become so tacky and showy and in your face – the antithesis of what the RF has always represented. It makes one fear for the future…
WARNING:
Dear fellows,
please be careful to point out that you are merely making assumptions and guesses about the Middleton family business. There is such a criminal offence commonly called “slander” and especially businesses do take this one quite serious. “Slander” often has a negative impact on a business’ profits. Please be careful how you phrase your opinions.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
As for Party Pieces: they don’t publish any financial records because they are not obliged to. This seems to be normal for this kind of company. Also, this means that nobody really knows how many pieces they are selling and how much profit they are making per piece.
What really annoys me is that both the Middleton daughters have received a VERY GOOD education but they aren’t really using it. I mean both Pippa and Kate merely use their rolodex – e.g. the aquaintances they made. Kate waited for Prince William to propose and Pippa does party planning which is hardly a job which requires an expensive university degree.
That is such a waste. There are lots of young people in Britain who would use such an academic degree for something more productive and guess what – many of these young people can not afford to go to university. Too expensive. Too few places.
There are definitely some things going wrong in Britain. It seems academic merits matter less than family wealth and aquaintances.
I had posted this earlier. I think it is quite interesting so I post it again – who doesn’t want to read it can just skip it
I wondered about the body language of the Queen, too (- visit to Fortnum and Masons). It seems she sometimes looks quite stern into Kate’s direction. And the Queen doesn’t really seem to send a ‘positive vibe’ to Kate. (U get what I mean?). Or let me put it like this: Camilla seems to like Kate a lot more. They seem to be more easygoing.
:-D
http://www.celebitchy.com/212678/the_queen_is_not_amused_by_duchess_kates_laziness_and_vanity/
Quotation START
[...]
This In Touch Weekly story gave me an enormous amount of pleasure. Not that I’m cosigning it, and not that I think it’s 100% genuine, but I just enjoy that the tabloids are playing catch-up on the fact that Duchess Kate is much less than the sum of her propaganda. In Touch’s “royal sources” claim that Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, thinks Kate is rather dull. And lazy. And dumb. And vain. This actually isn’t the first time we’ve heard about the Queen’s questioning of Kate’s work ethic – it was widely reported (by legit and tabloid sources) that several years before William proposed to Kate, the Queen wanted to know if Kate was ever going to get a real job.
[...]
Quotation END
Very interesting article about Queen Elisabeth’s alleged thoughts about Kate. Wouldn’t take this article for pure and reliable truth. Nevertheless it is very interesting.
I really liked this part:
“… that the tabloids are playing catch-up on the fact that Duchess Kate is much less than the sum of her propaganda. …”
Do the tabloids really notice that most of this Kate propaganda is not fact-based?
Also I wonder if it is really good for Kate when her clothes’ choices are lauded each time. She is being lauded for her “fashion-ability” even more than she is being lauded for her charitable work. The sheer quantity of fashion-related articles might suggest that there is nothing to say about Kate but clothes. ???
NKL – Thank you for the advice. I would like to confirm on my own behalf that my opinions voiced on this site are merely based on speculation from what I have read in the papers: NOT ON FACT. It is not my intent to negatively affect the Middleton family business.
Thank you for the warning, No Kate Lover! It’s always better to be safe than sorry in an instance like this. We definitely need to make sure that we don’t state our opinions in ways that allow them to be mistaken as facts or serious accusations. Despite the opinions that many of us share, it is not and should not be our intention to cause them any losses, either intentionally or unintentionally, through our discussions here. With that said…
I think QEII’s body language and facial expressions in Kate’s presence support the article in In Touch Weekly – whether or not the specific details of it are 100% true. From the photos I saw of the Kate-Camilla-QEII outing, she looked as though she didn’t care to acknowledge Kate’s presence. Even when she visited the wedding dress exhibit with her new granddaughter-in-law, she seemed very annoyed or grouchy. Many like to say that it was solely because she didn’t approve of the exhibit – but I think there’s an excellent possibility it was her company that she didn’t approve of. As I’ve said before, if the story is true about PW keeping the engagement from QEII until after he’d alerted the press (beyond the point of no return), then it speaks volumes about her true feelings toward Kate.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2112023/Duchess-Cambridge-Kate-Middleton-Queen-board-train-1st-day-Diamond-Jubilee-tour.html
Not a single picture of QEII smiling at Kate ????
@ Miss 24, March 7th
Is this really true that William didn’t tell QEII about his engagement plans until it was too late? Maybe QEII really doesn’t like Kate.
This ‘thesis’ would somehow “fit”. If one looks at the photos of this Diamond Jubilee Day the Queen doesn’t seem to really smile at Kate ever. Although I am no expert on body language the Queen’s body language doesn’t talk about warm feelings for Kate. Kate seems to be trying nevertheless.
How did you like Kate’s outfit? Perhaps Kate is allowed to wear dark(er) colours only in order to not shine brighter than QEII?
I’m not sure if the story about PW withholding the engagement from QEII is true, but I’ve read it repeatedly online in comments from news website and blog readers, and have also heard it mentioned by (I think) PrincessDianaFriend on YouTube. I have no idea what the original source is though. I agree with you that if true, it makes sense with the interaction/body language we’ve seen between QEII and Kate in recent photos. QEII looks like she doesn’t even acknowledge Kate is there for the most part! (‘Can’t say I blame her lol). I don’t think one has to be an expert to know what it looks like when one person is rejecting another non-verbally.
I completely agree with you about Kate’s outfit choices for her outings with QEII… I have a post in progress about it :-)
There’s another telling thing: when the press asked Princess Anne what she thought about the engagement as she left a function she gave a very strange reply; she said “very good” in this very clipped and unwarm way………. read “me and mum are a bit pissed off about it (i.e. the choice of bride)??!! lololololololo
I hadn’t heard about that before! That definitely seems like code for “I’m being proper, but…[exactly what you said about it].” ;-) In my experience, someone who’s genuinely happy or overjoyed is eager to elaborate on their thoughts. Someone who is very opposed can be too – unless they’re in a position where restraint is necessary. Obviously, it would not be acceptable for a royal to come out Enclave 24-style to the press (lol)… I agree with you – She was holding back for a reason, and there would be no reason to if she were very happy about the engagement.
You bring up an interesting point, about the brevity of responses. I looked up responses from various members here: http://www.britishroyals.info/reactions-to-prince-william-kate-middleton-engagement/
The only response that is not brief is the statement from Dolittle’s parents, which proves your point. I thought Charles’s in particular was telling, especially how backhanded it seemed and rather curt: ”Thrilled, obviously, thank you. They have been practising long enough”.
There is nothing ”obvious” about being thrilled, particularly because it was obvious Charles did not look thrilled. Especially with his subsequent colour commentary. The others basically offered lip service. Only Harry seemed to say something from the heart.
Or perhaps most royals simply don’t gush.
Based on the quotes in that link, I think Camilla and Sophie seemed the most genuine. -Harry came in third, in my opinion. There has been a lot of discussion through the media that Charles has taken a very great liking to Kate and has been in favor of William marrying her for a long time. I’m not so convinced. For one thing, he was apparently the main influence behind William dumping Kate in 2007 – which, in my opinion, the media spun to seem like he was looking out for her because he cared for her deeply. I don’t see it that way at all. Saying (supposedly and not exact words), “If you’re not going to marry Kate, you should let her go and find someone who will/move on with her life,” is VERY different from saying something like, “Son, you’ve been with her so long, we all love her, she’s perfect for you and for royal life, you’re a fool if you don’t marry her now, because we all know she’s the one – she’s so special, and you are going to marry her in the end.” Whatever he actually said, which was reportedly similar to my former quote (and the main cause of Will and Kate’s breakup), doesn’t inspire me to think he wanted Kate as part of the family as much as he may have wanted William to cut all ties with her. At the very least, his reported influence on the breakup made him seem possibly neutral at the time like he could take her or leave her, like she was no one he was dying to have join his family. I think Camilla may like her – maybe – but I am not convinced yet than any of the senior royals from the bloodline are anything but horrified by this joke of a woman invading their turf and, in my opinion, soiling their family’s reputation.
@ starkreality
I didn’t mean to wisecrack or so.
I just see that many legal matters concerning the internet are handled wrongly. And it is always the little people who pay a hefty fine.
I mean one can always paraphrase and use other expressions etc.
Freedom of speech is important. Nevertheless over here (europe) slander or calling names are criminal offenses in many countries. And suggesting any kind of money laundering would make many companies take legal action.
Take care everyone!
OK, No Kate Lover, now you’ve got me worried. Ummm, Ms 24, is there a way to edit a few sentences from my 3.1 post ? It seems I might need to rethink my choice of words.
Thanks.
I just changed a setting on the plugin that allows you to edit your comments – Before, you only had 5 minutes to edit your comment, but now the time should be almost unlimited. Let me know if that works! If not, I can take it down for you and you can re-write it.
There are quite interesting comments concerning Kate.
Comments:
A better title for this article would be ” Fawn or be Red Arrowed.” It’s just getting silly now.
- Me, London, 05/3/2012 20:02
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2110471/Duchess-Cambridge-public-speech-Royal-Patron-childrens-hospices-charity.html#ixzz1oHqjSm6K
Hmmm the comments are mostly negative but the arrowing is mostly pro Kate…. What, is the palace PR machine getting so desperate it has to manipulate the arrow system? No one likes her isn’t it obvious?
- sal, north, 05/3/2012 19:51
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2110471/Duchess-Cambridge-public-speech-Royal-Patron-childrens-hospices-charity.html#ixzz1oHqpawst
@ your first link: She’ll be giving a speech??? I wonder if it will be filmed… hmmmmmm…..
Maybe her speech will actually be coherent… since it can be pre-memorized… and improvising is obviously not her strength ;-)
It is getting like put up or shut up. Britian still is a democracy isn’t it?
I do like Harry though,,,,,,,,seems real not media hyped like her waityship…..who even with all the good PR seems “too good to be true” She may surprise us all and become a fantastic charity do gooder and asset to the RF and more interested in people than profit……… time will tell but it all seems so phoney………… that she and Camilla get on says it all really……..
A link about how she is nervous and working hard. Perhaps some thread of truth to the nervous part.
http://www.nowmagazine.co.uk/celebrity-news/534582/kate-middleton-to-make-her-first-public-speech-this-month-and-plant-tree-in-ipswich/1
About time she works hard!
I hope she’ll wear something appropriate + remember it’s not all about her. Most of all a visit to a hospice requires much more genuine sensitivity than visits to a homeless shelter or cancer ward.
I find it entirely revolting that the Middletons are allowed to engage in shameless self-promotion. Pippa would NEVER had gotten that book deal without the royal wedding. So what does that say? That she’s greedy. The Middletons are greedy. They’ve already benefited so much from the Royal Wedding without piling half a million more onto it. I only hope that the book will bomb.
What’s even worse is that Pippa goes on about how the press is hounding her. You asked for it dear!
The Middletons already had everything before the royal wedding. They are worth millions. They vacation in the most exotic, beautiful places on earth. But they wanted more. Why? I am not sure. Social-climbing for sure. But please, spare me the tears about how you hate the press. They LOVE it.
I definitely agree that the Middletons… Well, Pippa, at least… has seemingly asked for media attention. Between the Royal Wedding and the signing of her book deal, she was making herself very visible. Mike and Carole, by estimation, have taken advantage of their knowledge that Kate-related products get their business into the press, and hence, give them free advertising. I agree with you – they are thriving on the media attention. It’s like when Britney Spears went through a meltdown and blamed it on the paparazzi – I agree that the paps can get too obsessive, but the Midds and every other celeb who has complained has to accept that they only have what they do – the fame, wealth, and social status – BECAUSE of the publicity they have (good OR bad!). Taking something amazing cannot come without a negative consequence… It is what it is. In my opinion, the Middletons need to quit their whining when it comes to the press – In my opinion, they asked to be where they are and tried with all their might to get Kate into the position she’s in now – Especially if they really did pay for that Chelsea flat! (lol)
Someone needs to lower the length of Kate’s skirts/dresses. They’re just too damn short. I’m tired of seeing flashes of her spanx and control top lines of her pantyhose.
On another topic – what was the rationale behind Pippa and James doing some 50-something mile ski race across Sweden? That’s kinda random. She apparently only had a couple weekends to train for it….WTF? Seems like they were pushed into it….
Ashley,
I totally agree about her hemlines – They’re not always terrible when she’s standing still, but she needs to start factoring in the strong possibilities that she will have to exit a vehicle and bend over to acknowledge children!
well said!
http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/celebrity/rock-star-welcome-as-queen-and-catherine-wow-crowds-20120309-1uo09.html
We know the Queen is in general popular…are they trying to get some of that to rub off on Kate?
Not working. Not for me anyway.
Agreeeeeed!
Me too :-D
The Queen is popular and her popularity is based on the way she is committed to her office: SERIOUS committment.
They hope that some of the Queen’s image of serious committment rubs off on Kate. I doubt the people will swallow this soon.
Also it is an honour for any royal to carry out royal duties with the Queen. Apparently Princess Beatrice had asked to be allowed to do more royal duties for the diamond jubilee.
Instead Kate was choosen.
The Queen’s choice gives Kate’s social standing within the RF a boost. This probably works. Well, we will see.
The Queen is 55 years older than Kate and still engaging with the occassion – Kate on the other hand looks bored unless the cameras are on her. I think she will grow tired of her new ‘job’ pretty quickly ….be careful what you wish for
Exactly. The Queen is 85… She fulfills a full time schedule of royal engagements. Kate is 30 and, as far as I can tell, sits on her ass six days a week (aside from her workouts and shopping trips!). There’s no excuse for Kate only taking on… 1 or so royal engagements per week when … (I think) EVERY other royal is taking on more. William, as future King should be doing more as well. He has his RAF job, but I’m truly viewing that as an excuse not to enter into full time royal life at this point. What royal in line for the thrown has ever, EVER done such a thing at age 29 or 30?! Nevertheless, he does more “work” than Kate. At this rate, at least in my opinion, if Charles and Queen Camilla aren’t the end of the British Monarchy, King William and his invalid Queen Dolittle will be.
With Duchess emerging from the car today, flashing her toned thighs — I just had to chuckle. At least she wasn’t showing her lady parts like she did in the past. Seriously though, she needs to try these clothes on beforehand and determine if they are appropriate for bending over. Today’s dress was a major flop. She looked youthful, yes………royal? NO.
That photo was ridiculous! lol… I know exactly which one you’re referring to. As I said in reply to Ashley’s comment, she needs to factor in the vehicle-exiting parts of her visits, and bending over to meet children, etc. —So true – Youthful? (from the neck down) CHECK! Royal? Absolutely not (does she EVER look royal?)
The Duchess doesn’t convince me either.
Bling bling earrings. This teal costume was too short and quite dark. Both skirt and jacket are too short. The waistline is too high. The combination of high waistline and high heels and a lack of curves makes Kate’s proportions look odd. See here:
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/03/08/article-2112023-121496A5000005DC-79_310x998.jpg
Is Kate allowed to wear dark colours only? Are they supposed to make her look more serious(ly engaged)?
I like her hair, though.
The Daily Mail’s article shows where Buckingham Palace’s PR priorities are. They are trying so hard to promote Kate as the monachy’s future. See the statistics:
12 pics Queen + Kate
21 pics Kate (without Queen)
6 pics Queen (without Kate)
Interestingly there isn’t a single pic in which the Queen smiles at Kate directly and openly. And I don’t remember any such picture in previous articles.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2112023/Duchess-Cambridge-Kate-Middleton-Queen-board-train-1st-day-Diamond-Jubilee-tour.html
Kate showed her ‘true colors’ yesterday. Trashy not classy.
In that fourth photo down, in the DM article, is it my imagination or do I again see the “scar” on the left side of her head? She hasn’t worn her hair up on this side since the “scar vs. extensions” incident. What do others think?
Even if she has a real scar, I still believe she wears extensions. It’s not like a person with a scar on her head is incapable of wearing hair extensions. Look at pics of her from a few years ago… She only had half the hair she has now with regard to thickness. In my opinion, there’s no way she’s not sporting a full set of extensions. There’s a reason the public didn’t notice her AVERAGE hair in the near-decade she dated PW, and all of a sudden, was impressed by it from her engagement interview on.
I’m honestly even more impressed by QEII because of her noticeable indifference toward Duchess Dolittle. If she were a regular lady instead of the Queen, I somehow suspect – based on her presentation – that she may be joining us here at Enclave 24 ;-)
The outfit cannot be comfortable either. The skirt definitely is way too short/tight. She looked especially awkward trying to bend down to the children, not to mention exiting vehicles etc.
I just wonder for how long the “hard work” will continue. Is this just a PR campaign before the Jubilee? Or an attempt to make Kate look like a hard working royal after received criticism earlier this year for not doing anything? Will the good work of Kate die out later? She has done her bit then….or will we have to stomach these outings with her wearing a suit, showing her legs, wearing her sausage curls, and her much-loved eye liner on a weekly basis for eternity???
Buttonhole,
I also wonder how long this press campaign about her “hard work” will go on. In all actuality, she isn’t “working” any harder than she has all year – It’s still about a day (or a few hours) per week, just like it has been since the wedding. The only difference is – surprise, surprise – the press is intervening in her favor, and this time, the media beast is making it seem like she’s officially beginning full(er)-time work as a royal – with her itty bitty charity commitments announced and all. It’s all a press illusion. In my opinion, the greatest change Kate has made in recent weeks is that she’s not been able to dress herself in head-to-toe bright red so she doesn’t upstage QEII. She can still visit the local street corner to be among those who practice her makeup techniques though, apparently.
Wow! Kate Middleton judged a shoe contest instead of charity work give the girl a cookie: http://celebs.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981176072
Since doing the little charily work she did these past few weeks, now she spends her time doing lavish and posh Diamond Jubilee engagements and she deserved it because she has done many charity events. I knew she would end up doing this. She does a little bit of charity events then does posh lavish engagements from weeks on end that seems like is doing some kind of work, so the public won’t turn on her. Her PR team is good I give her that! And yes I know Diamond Jubilee engagements is required of her but it hardly qualifies as work, too bad the public is eating it up. Miss 24 should do a post on how she did little charity events than did lavish posh engagements that hardly qualify her as hard working. She could have at least handled more charity events and wear longer skirts, she is 30 not some naive girl that is new to the Royal game. She dated PW 8 years of the the last the years she should have spent preparing herself if she knew she was going to marry into the royal family, like or not not only did she marry PW but she married his family. And ohh she understands her fellow army wives because PW has been away and she really misses him. Please lady grow some backbone army wives go up to a few years without seeing their husbands. Your husband only got deployed for a few weeks because he is a prince, so stop wining, you wanted this life and now you have it. I still think the press is trying to make her seem like the happiest woman in the world when I think she is actually not. She goes against her nature acting poised and polite we all know she likes to party and vaca. Materialistic things don’t buy you happiness. She just smiles way too mach and makes think she is the opposite of happiness. Also why is she walking beside the Queen?? shouldn’t she be behind ?
Very good post. I do disagree with the last sentence: I have seen her walk way ahead of PW during the US tour. I am a big feminist (I didn’t even take husband’s surname) but I do respect official protocol. And with a potentially powerful husband like PW you better know your place in public- you can show your female balls to him in private.
As for her preparing for her role before even marrying him, here is what I would have done, if I were dating a prince (but not this one, though!): I would have bought every single book on etiquette and protocol and memorised the rules. I would not walk around showing my knickers or anything else above my knee. I would read read read so I can discuss anything with anyone, learn languages, and also enroll in a finishing course that teaches me how to get in and out of a car, or at least watch old Diana videos on youtube. I can go on…
What’s so sad is that her PR team wouldn’t need to manipulate much of anything in the “work” and character department if she would just do what she should be doing. What the heck is wrong with Kate and PW?! Are they that desperate to be lazy free-loaders?! Maybe they just don’t care what anyone thinks, as long as they have their golden room and board. These two don’t have to appreciate what they have, and they let us know that with every step they take. I don’t think I’m alone here, but I have the impression that William views his position in life as a complete burden which he holds the public and press responsible for – as though he resents the latter two parties, and should be left to enjoy his wealth in total privacy and without any responsibility in exchange for it. At this point, I view PW as a complete spoiled brat, and I view his embarrassing wife as a willing and enabling rider on his entitlement train. Some people have come around to thinking of William as just like his father – But I have to wonder if he’s even WORSE!
In the States, Kate was featured on the cover of… I think it was Military Spouse Magazine (I could be wrong on the exact name of the magazine). What an insult to real military wives whose husbands are gone for a year or more at a time, and who have to navigate the prolonged loneliness for extended (and repeated) periods, live on a budget, raise their children (ALONE – no nannies), and often, manage careers too. Kate is a shame and an insult, and should never be featured in such a capacity. PW will be home in a day or two, from what I’ve read… There’s nothing to feel sorry for Kate over at this point, and if the media claims otherwise, they’re simply in it for the dramatics of it all.
I agree – she wants the lifestyle not the work that pays for it – but really to get that lifestyle most of us would have to work our socks of. Lucky those born with a silver spoon. Or the willpower, mother, or whatever to grab it. But really I think there is no self consciousness about this family – they are not wilting wallflowers to be trampled on and the fact she walks beside the Queen shows this disrespect. I read somewhere that her husband is a stickler for Protocall – obviously his wife is an exception. I wonder what Princess Anne who has worked so hard thinks about this – Camilla as we all know is either keeping her friends close and her enemies closer – or sees a kindred being in her new side kick. I always wonder about Camilla as she managed to turn Diana’s boys into her friends which is quite something considering how she emotionally tortured their poor mother quite something to have turned the public around – maybe she is using Kate to do that – Kate has the ring which was meant to be a reminder of the lovely Diana but it seems bizarre – the iconic ring on the friend of the person who gave such a lot of grief to the original wearer. Probably it is better to let the past be the past. A week in politics etc etc Yes, the PR is a great team and sad that the public are not up in arms. I guess any negative spin is unspun thank goodness for Enclave 24! I still love QEII though – think she is dutiful and Harry is proving to be a good, if privileged egg – certainly a natural with people not like his sister-in-law who I think would be quite tough in a girl fight!!!
I have to say that Kate has turned out to be grindingly boring as a subject of interest or even mockery. There is no “there” there. The pix of QE sitting with a less than engaged Kate just shove home the point that she cares more about her image than any sort of interaction. There isn’t a moment that she is not aware of cameras and acts self-consciously and slavishly in response.
She’s obviously trained herself to be an unlearned courtesan. Along with William’s indifferent treatment of her, she also reminds me of a mistress, a kept woman. Gah!
I have to agree with your statement that William treats her with indifference too (as QEII seems to). -And this does make her seem like a mistress of sorts… She obviously ranks lower than they do in their eyes, in my opinion. This video from willharrydiana (a great YouTube Kate critic) demonstrates the indifference from PW to Kate during their dating years: http://youtu.be/Crm_P0gcCIg
I don’t think PW has as warm and affectionate personality as Harry. Harry seems more jovial and relaxed. Part of this may come from the affection from his mom – again see the pictures and videos. PW also may have more of his father’s genetic code and if so, will move more in that direction as he ages.
I agree that PW is very much his father’s son.
I guess you can excuse part of his personality difference from Harry as PW being the heir so more ‘responsible’ whereas Harry can be less serious. Overall though in choosing KM my opinion of PW has entirely plummeted.
I think it is a shame that the Queen chose Kate over her grandchildren but again it is duty first – she knows Kate might and it is might at this rate, going to be Queen – I hope just of England if indeed that. SO far she has not impressed one bit and yes Wills should have thought of that because she is not cutting the mustard at the moment. Also disgraceful that the Daily Mail implied she does more work than her husband or people who work in his line of work. She does nothing but go to the hairdresser, buy clothes and turn up – and even then she seem not really to be there. Considering how wonderful Harry is it is worrying for the future that this limpet and her fellow limpet Camilla are around.
I agree that it’s a shame – but as you pointed out, it’s probably duty – and probably an appropriate obligation, as Kate is higher-ranking than the grandchildren, aside from William, of course. (I’m not an expert here, but she’s higher in rank than Harry now, right?). Did the Daily Mail suggest that??? -That Kate does more work than William and/or others?! Would you mind posting the specific article/link? I haven’t seen that yet! (I haven’t been to the DM much this week, apparently!).
—I like Harry so much better these days. He’s cleaning up his act little by little, and seems much more genuine about his charity work than William does. Actually, if I was a shallow, social-climbing gold-digger, I’d go for him instead of William for sure! Not only does he seem like a lot more fun, passionate, and genuine, he doesn’t carry the baggage of that inconvenient “future king” role! What a burden! Harry would have the wealth and very high social status… but far less of the spotlight. Yet another reason to think of Kate as a few fries short of a Happy Meal ;-)
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/03/12/pippa-and-kate-middleton-s-brother-james-speaks.html
Whenever I think of James and cup cakes, that photo of him with his bare bum showing comes to mind. Yuck.
If he wants a logo for his company it would be easy to find. He’s sitting on it.
LOL
Unfortunately I have yet to fully eradicate from my mind the image of him in a maid’s outfit.
I am appalled that such a well-educated young man from such a privileged and wealthy and well-connected family doesn’t realise how absurd his statement is.
Here are the advantages James Middleton does not realize nor acknowledge:
- he can sell cake kits through his family’s website and “company infrastructure”
- he could realized cake kits because he has had the money and a well-equipped kitchen to experiment with recipes etc.
- Kate’s connection to the RF is beneficial to her family’s business (pr, advertising, media attention etc.)
These are advantageous privileges which are not provided to any young university drop out.
If his family had had no money or if they had had no party business James Middleton would simply be a university drop-out.
It is disgusting he does not acknowledge his privileges and apparently does not even realize that he is privileged.
I agree, No Kate Lover. No matter what any of the non-Kate Middletons do from now on, part of their success is unavoidably due to Kate’s extremely advantageous marriage. Who would even know of his cake mumbo jumbo if it weren’t for the publicity his family has received due to Prince William’s poor judgment? ;-) –Well, that and the Party Pieces empire, I suppose – If it can truly be called that *chuckles* In fact, how the heck does he think he got that interview in the first place?! He would be much more worth taking seriously and respecting if he acknowledged his unmerited advantages – both the royal AND Party Pieces connections. Failing to give credit to both signifies a feeling of entitlement – or status as a spoiled brat without proper values – to me. Humility goes a long way. Unfortunately, I have yet to be convinced that any single member of that family has it.
lol – still trying to recover from the two visuals I got from Caroline and Maria’s comments! ;-) That’s an interesting article. My initial reaction was that I don’t buy for a second that he’s been made thousands, or even hundreds, —or even dozens — of offers to sign six-figure deals like Pippa’s book deal. I don’t see him as being as lucrative of a “famous-for-being-famous” celebrity as Pippa. -And I don’t think much of anyone cares to … care about… another potentially opportunistic Middleton. Pippa was overkill already. She was super famous for about 8 minutes after her ass made a noticeable debut at the Royal Wedding because it was better looking than the bride’s on that day. She’s not quite scandalous enough (nor can she ever be, if she wants to avoid shaming her royal sister), and not interesting, accomplished, or inspiring enough to retain her fame. The neanderthal has left the building! Her book might make a decent amount of revenue because there’s no doubt in my mind that the media will ham it up for all it’s worth and more, but I won’t be surprised if it’s a giant flop. Unless Kate starts earning some die-hard fans – and tons of them – through her actions and commitments as a royal, Pippa and James will find their window of opportunities short-lived, in my opinion. Good for James if he is going to try to earn his way honestly and on his own merit – and if he doesn’t desire publicity —I just don’t know enough about him to judge whether or not it’s honorable, or a coverup for not having been made any offers (lol). —That would come from my suspicion that the Middletons like to look wealthier and more successful than they actually are. -And not to mention, I imagine that nowadays, they most likely want to look like they’re not capitalizing on Kate’s royal status as much as possible…
William has probably enjoyed his freedom these last few weeks, but alas…….he must rejoin The Firm. And he will be dealing with his “cling-on” wife as well.
I don’t think William is cut out for being King. I could see Harry doing it, though. William can always abdicate! Not as if it hasn’t happened before!!! Harry is much more comfortable in the public eye, and he’s had some fun during his recent royal tour. I like him!
This article is just for fun, but scroll down to the section where it describes a “Stage 5 Clinger” – the most severe of female clingers imaginable (lol) … If that doesn’t describe Kate to a tee, then I don’t know what does! Warning, comedic sexism ahead: http://www.pointsincase.com/articles/five-stages-female-clinger
Yes, Kate is a stage 5 and it’s terminal.
And Kate, check out the bald spot on Kim K’s head. That will be you in a couple of years if you don’t lay off the extensions.
Oh come on, Caroline – Give Kim a break! It’s probably a scar from some childhood surgery we know nothing about! (Or something like that…) http://www.fashionlove.gr/en/people-en/talk-of-the-town-en/kim-kardashians-large-bald-patch/
For a while last year I thought there could be a small possibility that Kate wasn’t wearing extensions… but I’m totally convinced she has been wearing them all along at this point. In my opinion, it’s way too obvious. She looks like she has twice the hair she used to, and it’s to the point that it doesn’t look natural at all (even without comparing her current hair to her hair in the past). She had thick hair before, but it didn’t have the same superhuman, wig-like, curtain quality to it that it does now.
Then:
http://static1.purepeople.com/articles/5/68/04/5/@/510841-kate-middleton-en-juin-2006-637×0-2.jpg
http://a.abcnews.go.com/images/Entertainment/gty_chelsy_davy_kate_middleton_jef_110427_wmain.jpg
http://whatkatewore.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Kate-Middleton-2006-Polo-Match-LK-Bennett-Espadrilles-.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8vyfjmPmVM4/Tap9tsskJvI/AAAAAAAAEhE/KBUM_0JWUN0/s1600/Kate_Middleton_Frills_Thrills-hat.png
(Ignore the jelly bean ;-) ) http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O7nQ8hbi8Y4/TafS2wjOpmI/AAAAAAAABC0/JpsM52JRcn8/s400/kate-middleton.jpg
Now:
(Several throughout the article): http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2077837/Kate-Middleton-Duchess-Cambridge-secrets-Chelsea-blow-dry.html
http://www.posh24.com/photo/1138119/catherine_duchess_of_cambridg
(Super solid at the bottom): http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/9gx_Msahc4e/Royals+Remembrance+Sunday+Service/bUjNZYY3nUQ/Kate+Middleton
(Heavy drapery): http://www.hindustantimes.com/photos-news/Photos-Lifestyle/katemiddletoninafestivehue/Article4-787399.aspx
http://www.fashiontolet.com/kate-middleton-first-christmas-with-royal-family-pictures.html/kate-middleton-first-christmas-with-royal-family-pictures
It’s just too much.
Did anyone read about Kate’s response to the question “Are you really missing William?”
Kate: Yes, but I am being well taken care of.
Marie Antoinette 2.0.
By the taxpayers!
This irks me the most!
Those old photos just make me realize how much prettier, fresher, youthful, and more natural Kate was back then, with ten or twenty more pounds and far less eye makeup. Did anyone notice her eye shadow and liner on the recent outing with the Queen? It was worse — and heavier — than ever! Even the sycophants over on What Kate Wore think her eye makeup is way too heavy. Just horrible.
I couldn’t agree more, Arlie! I thought the same thing about the old pics of Kate. I didn’t appreciate it at the time, but looking back now, she looked so much more like what you said (“prettier, fresher, youthful, and more natural”). I never thought she was the right choice for PW, nor did I ever think she was a pretty girl (not enough for Britain’s most eligible pretty boy anyway) but looking back, I think she was a lot more… innocent looking.
To me, Kate’s obviously not too bright, and I have to wonder if her family and PW have used that to their advantage. =I have to question whether the little brown-noser truly knows what she has gotten herself into. I have never felt like Kate was running her own life. Before she married, I suspected that her mother was HEAVILY influencing her to pursue PW at any cost to her own wellbeing, and now that she’s married, I think The Firm is hugely in control. I don’t respect her because I think she has been, is, and likely always will be, a mindless idiot of a puppet. —And not one who will do anything to truly deserve the people’s love – not without the media glorifying her actions and intentions.
Once the little teenagers who love her clothes quit being so easily fooled – who will love her? At some point, no one is going to love a CELEBRITY who is 40, 50, or 60+ who wears mediocre-yet-expensive clothes, has (I believe) hair extensions, and wears hooker makeup. -Not without a strong and GENUINE commitment to charity and other causes. At this rate, I can’t see PW being anything amazing where genuine charity commitments are concerned. If he cared deeply, I think he’d already be throwing himself into full time royal duties and charity work. ….Harry is going to have to slow down to make his brother look good if things keep on as they are!
totally agree on the extensions. yes, the evidence is obvious.
Interesting that Kim K. has bald spots….
Allegedly Kate Middleton gives style tips to the Queen (????)
http://www.ianslive.in/index.php?param=news/384556/ENTERTAINMENT/15
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/people/Queen-Elizabeth-takes-style-tips-from-Kate/articleshow/12260910.cms
I think this looks like promoting Kate. When the Queen praises Kate’s style then it can’t be bad, can it! :wink:
More propaganda from the Palace.
I absolutely cannot imagine the Queen wearing too short, too tight skirts that ride up any time she sits, bends over, exits vehicles and just about every other time except when standing very straight and very still.
I secretly think the Queen considers Kate to be rather trashy and not worthy of her grandson or her kingdom.
I just can’t imagine that HM would allow her dress to fly skyward and make no attempt to push it down, as Kate did on the tarmac in Canada.
And never, never, ever would she prance around in her underwear for the whole world to see.
No, the Queen does not ask for fashion advice from Waity. I think it is other way around, even though Waity does not seem to be paying attention (short, tight skirt in Leicester). It seems she likes exposing more skin than she should no matter who she might offend.
Here here! Imagine The United Kingdom (if it remains such) under Waity’s rule. It’ll be TOWIE for all to see played out by incoming Royal pretenders.
God save the Towies!
Have you seen the latest fashion faux pas whilst meeting the hockey squad? We are to believe that Waity is a fshion icon but we are not so stupid!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/9145435/Kate-Middleton-shows-sporty-side-on-visit-to-London-2012-Olympic-Park.html
I couldn’t even get to the point of analyzing the situation – She looks so terribly emaciated. Wow. I thought I had gotten used to her appearance, but wow, just wow. It’s so distracting – jarring – I can hardly get past it to consider whatever she was doing. She can’t be seeing herself clearly… No way… She seems to place such a high value on her appearance, and if she perceived the reality of what she looks like, I can’t see her ever putting on those second-skin pants. I know I’m never hesitant to voice my opinion on her shortcomings, but I actually feel bad for her right now – about this, anyway. I still view her as a highly vain individual, but my God, that girl looks like she really needs help. To me, her weight is a physical symptom of some serious psychological distress. I know a person can’t make a change until she’s ready, but I really hope the Palace clique and other royals are at least attempting to get her the appropriate help so she can learn to healthfully deal with the root of whatever her troubles might be.
My opinion: She’s clearly in way over her head in this royal life. I’m starting to realize that there’s a reason why most royals marry… other royals. Sure, I understand there’s a bloodline to maintain. But I think there’s also a huge advantage to having a marital partner – second cousin or not (lol) – who was raised to handle the life the royals are destined to lead. Of course, I know a “commoner” could do it – but I think that most likely, the commoner bride has a greater psychological disadvantage whether she’s lazy, vapid and vain or brilliant, caring and mature. Obviously, European monarchies are vanishing one by one, and nowadays, arranged marriages seem so alien. The few monarchies that survive will undoubtedly have to incorporate commoners and lesser aristocrats unless they want to severely retard their bloodline with a tighter-than-ever inbreeding group. Because of what I said previously in this paragraph, I have to give Kate (or any other commoner royal bride) a bit more lenience than a royal royal bride. But also because of what I said previously, I have to take issue with Prince William for his choice in Kate. I think it’s challenging enough to bring a “just like us” girl into the Royal Family (for the girl especially) – but to bring in one who is such an immature adult – an inert personality – an uninspiring and underwhelming individual – a seemingly unintelligent and codependent follower – That’s practically cruel in my opinion. Of all the commoners out there, Kate was not the smartest choice. I believe her inadequacy – in addition to her commoner roots – will be a significant source of distress for her. If she has a lack of emotional depth, that may help her, but she clearly is in some kind of intense pain (in my opinion) from the sickly look of her. Kate will undoubtedly adjust more to her life as time passes, but I don’t think this lifestyle will ever be second nature to her.
One has to wonder whether she even has thorough and healing support from Mamma Middleton – or if she’s being told to suck it up and deal with it. One thing I can say for sure is, my own mother, who is the best anyone could ask for, would not be caught dead profiting from my social elevation like a dishonorable and opportunistic leech. As I said in the article, Carole is not wrong for offering Kate-related products on her Party Pieces website – but the fact that she is certainly reveals a few things about her priorities. It also brings to question just how adequate of a mother she has been and how much she actually has her royal daughter’s best interests at heart.
Kate is a mess. Yesterday’s performance was quite insightful, as usual. I’m anxious to hear her speak next Monday…..even reading a prepared speech takes some talent and I’m not sure Waity has it.
The red jeans…….although it was refreshing to see her in pants for a change, those pants weren’t styled right to be flattering on her. Too short and the worse shoes made her look like a human ice cream cone. I actually thought the jeans had her looking sort of wide in the hips and thighs, very unusual for someone who does look very emanciated. Maybe that is an illusion because the jacket and shoes just really didn’t work with them? Perhaps she should have worn dark blue jeans instead. At any rate, I found her ensemble and the dress she wore later in the day to be so amusing because none of them looked good on her.
Really, it seems as if the only thing Kate focuses on is trying to be sexy – because she knows deep down she doesn’t have a normal IQ.
Elaine, methinks your last comment about not having a normal IQ is justified ” I haven’t played since I stopped so I am really nervous now!” Hello, I haven’t played since I stopped…..
Since I stopped what? Her brain seems to short circuit whenever she opens her mouth.
That was too funny, Lelly xD. Add that to the list of the Duchess’ beyond brilliant verbal expressions!
Royal PR again -
Why would anyone engage in a field hockey activity with their hair down and flying all over the place. If you are truly sporty, then you would realize how ridiculous and irritating it is to have hair flying around. Kate never ties it back.
Kate had the right idea but
1. Jeans/jeggings were painted on in the wrong color
2. Blue blazer and scarf were borrowed from Carole’s old flight attendant uniform.
3. Heels. oh the heels, so very very wrong for this outfit. She found them on a street corner late last night.
Please do not try to mix and match, Kate, please.
Oh my god, I actually laughed out loud at this latest ensemble. Caroline, you hit the nail on the head: leggings painted on (and too short), flight attendant jacket and scarf, and those heels look spectacularly ridiculous with the rest of the outfit. What was she doing, sleeping while picking out random clothes for this assignment? Doesn’t she get any advice at all? What a laughingstock!
Not to mention the grey granny dress for the other engagement — that would befit Camilla or the Queen. It should not be worn by anyone under sixty-five!
And what is wrong with her thighs? While the rest of her looks anorexic, in every photo I’ve seen where she wears these skin-tight jeans (dozens of times!), her thighs look like funnels with barrel-like tops that suddenly shrink down to her stick-like calves. Am I the only one to notice that? It looks like the only parts of her body that she works out at the gym are her thighs — the rest looks emaciated.
those thighs seem out of proportion to me. Probably genetics. Pippa has ‘em, too……
Why, Yvonne? Just one word — Vanity. Dolittle’s middle name. Oh, wrong — her middle name is Lazy.
It is rather odd that she never ties her hair back. Definitely crazy not to tie it up to play hockey!
I know I mentioned Royal PR but you have to feel sorry for QEII as she was called Her ROyal Highness instead of Her MAjesty today in a certain rag mag. It is another sign of disrespect that puts the TOWIES / minor Royals before a woman of substance.
Back to the DM story about Kate’s visit to the field hockey team. Am I wrong in thinking that the purpose of the visit was to highlight the team members and coaches as Olympics competitors? But doesn’t it seem that the visit was really all about Kate? Kate’s shoes, Kate’s hair, Kate’s butt, Kate’s ring, Kate’s make up, Kate’s ….
Too bad Kate didn’t engage in better conversation with the players. She could have honored her country men and women on their way to the most prestigious sporting event in the world…based on MERIT! If Waity understood what merit means, she would have been too embarrassed to stand next to them.
But, with her IQ issues, well, Waity remains oblivious to reality.
Here’s a video I saw on Royal Dish……
http://news.sky.com/home/video/uk-news/video/16189797
The video shows how thin she is………and also that the kids at Prince Charles’ charity didn’t really give a rip about her. LOL. Smart kids, I’d say.
Thanks for the link, Elaine! All right – She can shoot a puck into a net and is perceived as ‘friendly’ … Still waiting for the punchline of what on earth she brings to the table in her ROYAL position. Paint me still severely unimpressed.
Caroline,
I so agree with you! It seemed to me that DoNothing was revelling in being the centre of attention without as much royal protocol. The coral colour and those skin tight jeggings (SO inappropriate) was wrong if you want to highlight someone other than yourself. You would think it was all about her *arches eyebrow*.
I agree, Maven (and Caroline) – And I also submit that in my opinion, those jeans (which I thought were poorly-fitting leggings and not denim initially) are tacky like crazy. I can’t even believe she paired those with heels at one point! They don’t even look like denim – Where did she get them? At Baby Gap?! *facepalm* It looks like she took a 10 year old’s boot-cut, coral-colored sweat pants and squeezed herself into them!
Last summer there was a report that she bought some red J Brand jeans, not sure if these are the ones, but J Brand makes colored jeans that have a lot of stretch in them. Kate is so vain, she buys them skin tight. She’s wanting to flaunt her well toned legs.
I thought they looked alright on the hockey field, but they looked completely ridiculous paired with the ‘flight attendant’ blazer and high heeled pumps. Those jeans would look OK with ballet flats in a casual setting, but for an official engagement – NO. She looked like a ‘tart’. Kate, please get a stylist……..
Agreed! What the heck was she thinking with the blazer and pumps?! —I can’t even get over the weird length of the pants… SO tacky. You’re the future Queen Consort, honey – You wear McQueen – You can surely find pants that fit properly. Size availability issue? -No. Taste issue? -YES.
Oh I can’t get over how ridiculous that cropped jeans + heels combo look. Tacky is just the word.
This whole hockey display is just PR playing to KM’s advantage. Honestly the Olympic level players must be far superior to her in skills but no once again it was all about KM.
Have you guys seen this
1:45 onwards – http://news.sky.com/home/…eo/uk-news/video/16189797
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgIXCKfqdU8
She wasn’t very friendly with the kids, she was almost authoritative in some ways :(
She was about as good with the kids as Prince Charles appeared to be….. ….. …. lol
The kids were not interested in talking with her at all. I work with chidren everyday and they can spot anything fake or phoney in a minute
I’m actually concerned about how fitting she would be as a mother…she seems very self absorbed. Even with royal nannies and other hired help, having kids will definitely cut into her time for makeup/hair styling/manicure etc.
http://katemiddletonstyle.org/kate-celebrates-st-patrick%E2%80%99s-day-by-handing-out-shamrocks-to-the-irish-guards/
I actually like this ensemble today. Now if she can just get rid of the clenching tooth grin…………god, she looks like a weirdo.
I like the outfit too. It would have looked better with a bit of breast tissue under the dress. She has unfortunately dieted all of it away.
Her posture is odd, as if she is saying “Must I go out to meet the throngs of commoners? Their hands are so dirty. I will just have to use my bottle of hand sanitizer here in my pocket. And the children?! What is their purpose in this photo op of mine???
I think her hair is augmented – Based on that, I have to ask: Why would the tiny-yet-visible amount of supposed breast tissue be any different? -Just saying…
Oh Ms. 24, you are so funny! It is only a matter of time IMO!
LOL……!
Kate obviously wears a padded bra at times. That gray dress she wore in Canada, and that beige dress she wore to the hospital visit – both of them showed more curves than she has. So — padding is the only way she got it. Fake hair, fake boobs, I guess it goes with the territory.
Elaine, she definitely wears a padded bra with most of her outfits. Not that I find anything wrong with that, as I don’t have many curves either. I think with some of her clothes she also wears padded panties, or the clothes themselves are padded and lined. Like the grey dress you mention in Canada, and that Marsden Hospital photo op (I think that must be the one you mean), some of her dresses seem padded out at the breasts, hips and butt. http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Kate+Middleton/Prince+William/Kate+Middleton+Visits+Royal+Marsden+Hospital/wL_0vR_7agQ
You can clearly see the difference when she wears a knit dress that’s clingy, and her figure is much straighter.
I guess she’s trying to keep up with some distorted view of her sister’s butt, which really never deserved all the hype the media gave it anyway.
She really has no boobs. Remember during the wedding, it almost looked like she was wearing Madonna cones! And don’t forget her after-wedding dress… http://images.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/2011329//reg_634.kate.camilla.cm.42911.jpg
The dark green coat she wore at St Pancras with the Queen and the DoE is one glaring evidence. She has like a surfboard body, no curves at all!
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/03/09/article-2112394-12150DA3000005DC-434_306x975.jpg
That after wedding dress was just awful in the bodice. All lumpy and padded with more lumps, giving her breasts the strangest appearance — just a hideous error on the part of the designer. I would never have allowed myself to wear such an ill-fitting, lumpy garment. And because it was for a wedding day, the faux pas was particularly egregious.
The wedding dress bodice itself was also weird, with its odd-shaped cones distorting a natural-looking breast curve, however padded it might be.
I thought the grey gown she wore to fill in for Prince Charles showed some unrealistic fullness as well. Too full and… too low or something… to be real, in my opinion:
http://slow33.com/2011/10/27/kate-middleton-fashion-aqua-amanda-wakeley-dress/
@ Miss 24
Next step, bolt-ons. Heh.
LOL – I literally burst out laughing when I saw the pic of her body position and grin… I thought the outfit was nice… once I wiped my laughing tears away enough to see it.
I can’t see her bare rear when she sits, or upper, inner thigh as she exits a vehicle, so that’s a huge improvement from last week’s near-gynecological display *chuckles* http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2112394/Diamond-Jubilee-tour-They-loved-Kate-Middleton-Queen-REALLY-came-see.html VERSUS http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/archive/2012/03/17/kate-middleton-duchess-cambridge-reen-emilia-wickstead-coat-dress-st-patricks-da.htm?slideshow=true&slideImage=3#articletitle
NOT something I would dare to do if I had her apparent language skills and IQ to begin with: http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/archive/2012/03/17/kate-middleton-duchess-cambridge-reen-emilia-wickstead-coat-dress-st-patricks-da.htm?slideshow=true&slideImage=5#articletitle
Well, she’s sure getting out a lot more than usual lately, anyway. But that’s not good enough for me. So far it’s all been fluff and photo ops and opportunities for grinning and aping at the cameras. I guess that’s the best we can hope for. Clearly this woman is never going to do anything of substance. I’m getting really, really bored with her, when every article focuses not on the event, but on her clothes.
Oh, wait. Aren’t we supposed to be hearing her phoney, practiced accent this week? That should liven things up a bit and be good for a few laughs.
Hi Arlie!
I think she is supposed to give a speech on Monday. Then she’ll go into hiding for quite some time since her “man” will be coming home.
It’s been entertaining to watch the BP public affairs people get Kate off her ass these last couple of weeks. Once Willy is home, he’ll want to sequester her, since he probably knows how utterly brainless she is. It does seem as if she’s had some fun lately, but now that William is returning, I’m confident that she’ll fall back into that subserviant mode. If Kate had a back bone, she’d balk at that……..but her posture is ruined due to wearing those extreme high heels. LOL
I’m wondering what will actually happen, because there will probably be a public backlash if Waity cuts back on engagements (aka photo ops) after the recent spate of them. Looking at it one way, it seems the past six weeks have forced her to grow up a bit, since in the beginning she was apparently crying the blues about how she couldn’t stand to be away from PW for that long. She’s been so cloistered all her life, and it seems likely to me that the palace PR people were using this opportunity to push her out of her comfort zone into doing adult things on her own. I hope it’s a good sign, a hint of a hint of maturity in this childish woman.
That said, I find the lack of substance in her engagements just pitiful. An hour or two here and there, doing some colouring etc. with children, accepting flowers, shooting three shots into a hockey goal, tasting tea (never chocolate!) at some high-end store for snobs, watching a fashion show, looking at some artwork with more snobs, all the while having thousands of photos taken … come on! This is “charity” work? This type of hype diminishes and demeans what true charity work is. The people I know who do charity and volunteer work, work hard, putting in long hours at menial, mundane tasks with no complaint or need for showing off in fashionable clothes.
As for the claim of bringing attention to the so-called charities she’s endorsing, that’s largely nonsense. I cannot for the life of me recall the name of a single charity Waity’s endorsed in the last six weeks — not one! Not even today’s (some Irish thing)! But I can remember almost every outfit and many of the clothing brands because that’s all that’s plastered all over the media. I’m certain I’m not alone in this. Rather than bringing positive attention to the charities, it brings attention to the Royal Family, specifically our pal Waity and her ever-fascinating clothing, hair, makeup, weight, and general appearance.
Let’s see Her Lazyship put in a solid day of eight hours making or serving soup in a homeless shelter, for example (of course, in painted-on jeans and five-inch heels). If this ever were to happen, after recovering from my fainting spell, I would fall to my knees and applaud her and never post another negative comment.
I think she looks like she’s been enjoying herself too, Elaine. My opinion that she couldn’t care less about getting down n’ dirty and elbow deep in charity work hasn’t changed a single bit. But… I do get the impression that she likes dressing up and making appearances far more than PW does. I expect her public activity to go down once he’s home too.
I wonder if KM knows there are some charity work where you can’t get all dressed up? I remember Princess Diana visiting landmine victims and visiting some of the sites I think.
Princess Diana’s other outfits drew lots of attention, too but I think her work was her main focus. Once again Diana had her faults but you can see she was sincere in her efforts to help causes.
i know this is off topic but i am asian and grew up learning not so good stories about the royal family, will the royal family even today except a coloured bride for harry even though his children will not be king or queen? i would really like your thoughts on this.
Hi Angelic, my guess is that the royals would NOT accept a person of color into their fold. Maybe in the next generation?
Hi Angelic,
I would love to see the royals add more diversity to their family, but unfortunately, I have to agree with Elaine – that they won’t be doing so any time soon! At this point, it would even be a step forward if a royal married a (mostly) white person with even one person of another race in the last 2 generations of their ancestry. -And I don’t know if I even see something like that happening any time soon. I’m not an expert on the ancestry of each royal consort, but I assume they have all been of purely European descent for the last dozen or more generations. If I recall correctly, Kate is also 100% European, as far back as the media traced and released her ancestry before the Royal Wedding. It would certainly be nice if this area of their lives reflected at least some of the diversity of the people they represent.
Princes William and Harry have traveled the world and met all kinds of people, but I wonder how much of their social circle includes Asians, Blacks, and Hispanics. I would guess that their level of exposure to and interaction with people of other races is pretty minimal where friends and peers are concerned. I could be wrong, but I suspect that this is yet another area of their lives that suggests they live in a different world than the rest of us do – an out-of-touch world, at that.
I saw this on RoyalDish, thought I’d like to share, it’spretty funny
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/9150228/The-Duchess-of-Cambridge-presents-St-Patricks-Day-shamrock-to-Irish-Guards.html
“She steps out of the car. Good. Places her hands LEFT over RIGHT. Good…oh wait, BAD. No one will see the ring. Then quickly changes to RIGHT over LEFT. Phew.”
HAHA!
Interesting. It shows that her first concern when arriving at an event is her appearance. Shouldn’t she be focused on the people and whatever charity/concern she will be “supporting” that day?
I used to think that the crowds that cheer when the Royals arrive were very large. But if you look at photos that are taken of the “crowds” and not Kate, you can see that they aren’t really crowds at all. Some photos at the FM visit show how surprisingly small the group of admirers were.
It all seems to be a bit of a show put on for/by the media. I was quite surprised really. So now I think that since there aren’t that many admirers, Kate has decided that she will just have to do the admiring herself.
The way she holds her hands is really awkward, IMO. She does seem to try to flaunt that ring at every opportunity she has either by this hand holding thing, or flicking her hair back with that left hand.
Nothing natural about it at all. I guess if she were left-handed then her left hand would probably be more dominant (no scientific evidence of this, this is based on assumption) but she is right-handed, so right hand over left would look more natural.
Is it part of her Duchess 101, to not forget that everyone have to be reminded of Diana’s ring? I could totally see them giving her tips to make sure that the ring is always on focus.
I’ve noticed this too. Her left hand always seems to be on prominent display…like she’s a hand model on QVC.
At least her hemline was longer yesterday. But I’m still not impressed by her choice of dress/hat/shoes. I get that the whole retro look is in now, which she seems to favor. But there is a fine line between dressing with an eye towards retro and looking stale and old. She’s leaning more towards the latter because she doesn’t mix in any modern elements to her clothing choices. The outfit she wore yesterday to the Irish guards thing could seriously have worked (albeit with lower heels) back in the 1950s or 1960s. I wish she’d push the envelope a bit more and try some more daring combinations.
Kate always puts the hand with the ring in the most prominent position. It is there in every picture, since she was given the ring. She may or may not have been trained to do this by the royal public relations people. Or, she may be doing it herself. Regardless, it is definitely a conscious decision. Her behavior getting out of the car and switching hands further illustrates this ring flashing profile behavior.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2117068/Duchess-Cambridge-cool-blue-public-address-Royal-patron-childrens-hospices-charity.html
Well this is what we have. Is it me or in the speech picture she looks cold and mean. Like rising an eyebrow? I dont like that look. Kinda cold … She lacks of that warmth Diana had.
They say she wrote her own speech, but for what I saw she couldnt speak without stopping and reading the paper every 5 seconds! She couldnt memorize this? It was a short speech after all. It looked like if she did not even know what she wrote.
Poorly practiced. Just my opinion.
What you think guys?
My view of Kate’s speech? Well, I think this gif sums it up nicely: http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lx9gifzg5e1qdlkgg.gif
Love the gif.
Sincerity is something that can’t be taught or learnt. KM is either genuinely interested and cares or she is not.
For all the excuses people are making for her eg oh she’s nervous etc well she’s had plenty of time to train. She walked into this role with her eyes wide open. Sadly she is very ill qualified.
Maria, I think you hit a glaring nail on the head. DoLittle comes across as anything but sincere. If she did, we would forgive her practically anything. She is fake, fake, fake.
Let’s just keep it real. Kate doesn’t give a s%!t about anyone other than herself, her prince and possibly her family.
And can we talk about her voice? I’ve spent a lot of time in the UK around the likes of “her people.” I’ve even met Prince Harry before. Never met one that talked so strangely as her. She’s trying to sound more posh and regal than her voice naturally lends itself. I am 100% that when she’s kickin’ it with William back at their little lovenest in Wales that she doesn’t talk like she did giving that speech.
I thought her speech was horrid. She had too many long pauses and her accent was clipped and snooty. I agree, Isa, she obviously didn’t practice this speech enough – there was no reason why she’d have to look at the paper that much if she had practiced. The content of the speech left a lot to be desired too, IMO.
I do like the color of blue on her, but the dress itself didn’t do much. The belt looked too wide. At least Waity’s nipples weren’t showing — unlike when Carol wore her dress!!! LOL…….Carol……….!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can understand her nervousness. But it’s the content of the speech that is telling. The content was generic, impersonal. She certainly didn’t write it; sounds like aPR person did. It’s the perfect speech for someone who hasn’t a heart, like Kate, The Tin Duchess.
elaine2 I noticed that in Carol’s photo too!! Another image to try and erase from my mind.
Hard to fathom that she is mother-in-law to the future King… She wouldn’t look out of place in an episode of East Enders. There are no words….
I somehow feel that Kate didn’t really put the right intonation(?) or modulation(?) into that one. I mean visiting a childrens hospice is a really “heavy” duty or charity obligation. Couldn’t they choose a more light-hearted event for Kate’s first speech?
@ maven: I agree the content was somewhat generic and impersonal. I too think she didn’t deliver it too well perhaps because she didn’t write it herself. (???)
@elaine2: Absolutely! Her breaks were too long. It was as if someone told her to count from 21 to 24 during the break.
Although she makes breaks she says the word too fast. She should speak slower.
Yeah, she was nervous and I think that is why she kept looking at her paper instead of looking at the audience. Her voice sounded constrained or tense or … .
On the other hand there was and is a lot of criticism directed at her:
Waity Katie. Lacking professional ambition. Vanity. Workshy. … It is hardly a surprise that she is nervous.
And the hair!!??!!
What do you think about Kate’s accent? Even I recognized it as cut-glass posh accent and I am not a native English.
I have to say after watching the speech a second time: it was okay.
Nevertheless I don’t like Kate.
Her speech was very monotone; there was no emotion to it. Even during the parts where she is supposed to be saying happy things, most definitely in the end when she said “Thank you” – it was like a robot speaking.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2116968/Why-Queen-comfortable-Kate-Middleton.html?ICO=most_read_module
What do you think about this article?
I think it’s propoganda. In the videos she looks like she’s doing her best to ignore Kate. I think this relentless syncophantic press will backfire on Kate. It all causes me to ask “If a person is truly remarkable, why would you need to convince people of it?”.
She sounded really dumb today and her dress makes that field hockey outfit look good.
Sorry, but I just don’t see what makes this woman great.
Pure propaganda. As Caroline says there should be no need for all this convincing.
I still feel KM is rather pretentious
http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/celebrity/tentative-catherine-makes-public-speaking-debut-20120320-1vgek.html
I have to stop reading things like this. Makes my stomach churn.
Sadly this is the regular paper that I read so it’s hard to avoid these articles.
Her dress was fine, but no need to go on about what a great colour it is on Waity. That colour looks great on just about every person on the planet. I don’t mind the recycling either, but of all the occasions out of an entire year, why choose your first public speaking engagement to recycle a dress your mother already wore four years ago? And the style is definitely dated. I had two almost identical dresses in the mid-nineties, the only difference being mine had shoulder pads.
Her speech was adequate, but quite insincere. And why oh why could she not at least partially memorize a 3.5-minute speech? I’m not exactly buying the “nerves” thing. Sure, most people would suffer a bad case of nerves, but Waity’s had ten years to get ready for this, but she did nothing but shop, party, work on her appearance, and vacation. The worst parts about the speech were the embarrassingly long pauses when she looked down to read, and then at the end, she had to look down to read, “Thank you.” Oh dear. I just felt embarrassed for her.
As for the accent, it sounds stilted to me, like she has a clothespin on her nose and marbles in her mouth. But I’m Canadian, and I don’t know British accents. Is it phoney? That is, is it not her natural accent? I’m curious to know what others think.
Your comment makes me think that Waity had a dream (or her mother did). It was the dream of the opulent life of a princess. Not the work. Which finally makes me understand so many comments about Waity being dim. ”Thick as a plank”. To scheme for so long and then to drop the ball? Yowza! How dimwitted is that???
I think it is difficult to change an accent that was aquired at a young age. My husband was born in Scotland, lived in England for 20 years and has been in America for the past 8. He still sounds very scottish eventhough his mother says his accent has faded a bit. When he tries to speak “American” he sounds like a cartoon character!!
I think Kate is trying to speak in a way that is different from how she first learned to speak. This would explain her lack of oral fluency, speaking quickly and smoothly, with inflection and emotion.
Is it true? Kate went on a shopping spree after her visit to the Treehouse???
She was probably shopping for her next holiday.
How insincere is this woman?
Yes Caroline, it’s true……
This woman had no shame
Pictures on Royal Dish – Topic: Speech at the EACH hospice for the Duchess of Cambridge - page 8
At long last, the Daily Mail readers are speaking sense again. I am surprised to read the comments on the article re her speech. Yes, there’s still plenty of “oh she’s amazing” comments, but generally people are not impressed at all. Compare with articles on the hockey and St Patricks Day. Is it possible that people are now seeing that she may look nice on camera, but in reality there is not much there? I wonder how long this is going to continue. At some point William will have to be “full-time” as a royal, especially when he becomes Prince of Wales. And Kate will then have to do more than just smile. Will she be able to cut the mustard? Or will she crack? I am also concerned over her weight loss- more and more people are commenting on it. I really wonder if everything is all right with her, not just physically. That is why I ask if she will crack in the long-term. Early days and she already looks frail.
Did you see the picture of Carole Middleton on the PartyPieces website, it is on the RHS in the About Us section she is sitting in a sort of egg chair, you can see just her head emerging from the chair. Unfortunately it looks as though she is emerging from a toilet!!
Inferences anyone?
All the latest magazines here in the U.S. have pictures of Harry on his trip to the Carribean. Nothing about William. I think Harry will become the favorite of Great Britain and that most people will wish he was King. I don’t like Harry because of the womanizing and killing of animals. But maybe he would care enough about the will of the people and change. I think he would make a better king. However, it is my hopes that after Elizabeth is gone, that the monarchy will end and all the land and money be returned to the people where it belongs.
As far as Kate goes, she still looks 40 years old and looks like an old west Madame. I will never be able to stand that girl or her family.
I’d never thought of it before but she does look like an old west Madame!
Another parallel to Diana with the first speech – same color and same earrings
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/46783094/ns/today-today_people/t/how-did-kates-first-speech-stack-dianas/
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2012/03/kates-speech-the-duchess-gets-raves/
She is wearing Diana’s earrings again.
Kate has enough of Diana’s things (her ring, her son ) I am disappointed that she is wearing the earrings again. I hadn’t seen them since July so I had hoped that someone set Kate straight and told her that Diana’s jewels are not to be touched.
Why in the world would Kate want to wear Di’s jewelry and clothing styles (remember the black McQueen gown? and the red and white Canada Day outfit?) It’s really very strange… almost as if she is a little girl playing dress up.
And this is ok with William??
Guess KM doesn’t really have her own style. Or identity.
She shouldn’t try to channel Diana, it’s not going to work.
I meant what was odd was that Kate, or the Firm, is deliberately mimicking Diana. To wear the same colour and earrings that Diana wore when she made her first speech is not a coincidence. Rather odd and creepy in my opinion. This is not the first time, this has happened.
@ yvonne, posting (54)
Thank you for this video which compares Diana’s and Kate’s first spech.
I have to say that Diana was a lot more natural, especiall her accent. Diana spoke slightly too fast but as she merely thanked the audience this was okay.
Kate tried to deliver a gravitas which she can’t deliver. Her first venue for her first speech was more difficult than Diana’s. Nevertheless…
This comment summs it up quite well.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/mar/20/kate-middleton-no-princess-diana
[...]
Kate Middleton has given her first speech. Cue enormous excitement in the media and huge praise. According to one source, she delivered an “assured” performance to “rave reviews”. The speech in fact was a few tremulous sentences in which she thanked the charity for inviting her, described its important work, and mentioned missing William.
But while the publicity for the very worthwhile children’s hospice can’t be faulted, the attention to Kate herself is more problematic, especially in reviving such strong memories of the early press adulation and scrutiny of Princess Diana. On this occasion the media homed in on Kate’s dress (borrowed from her mother) and her body (worryingly thin) and drew attention to her natural “gift” with children. It was pure Diana re-run.
[...]
Finally, a journalist who observes without rose tinted glasses!
Yes I saw this article too. Breath of fresh air.
I think the fact that Kate wore the same colour and earrings as Diana is odd and a bit creepy. She has done this before with outfits. This must be a deliberate attempt to assimilate herself with Diana. Either she is doing it or the Firm is. Either way it is odd.
I totally agree with you. At first I thought it was coincidence but it seems rather contrived. There are some papers/websites that have put them side by side, sorry not sure which ones, but it does appear to be premeditated and by whom (the Firm) or Duchess Dolittle Most of the Time, as you rightly say is odd.
i don’t think journalists actually thinks that she really is that great (i mean how can anyone who really works can?) but they want to build her up because that will sell newspapers etc and will be profitable. they need a mega celebrity that people are addicted just like they did with diana and then they will bring her down , again just like diana . as she herself said in an interview that the more media put you up the harder the fall is . remember all those old articles about her calling married men , and many many more . once they build her up like saint in front of public they will start picking on her for her weight , lack of work eticcs etc themselves , dont forgeet they are the one that gave her waity katie nickname and brought attention to the fact that she didn’t really work before marriage and almost all the articles before engagement were negative. media is not stupid , they are smart and knows what will sell and mostly working on a long run strategy.
and thanks miss 24 .elaine 2 for your responds . i am a history student and decided to write an assignment on the royal family and would really appreciate everyone’s opinion on my question that whether the royal family will except a colored bride for harry even though he won’t be king?
I’m not English but I really don’t think Harry would ever marry a “colored, ethnic” bride. Sorry, that’s just the way I think the RF is.
Good question, very difficult to answer but probably not unfortunately. Although you never know.
Never say Never Caroline. I would have never guessed PW would actually marry Kate!
I second that. I never thought he would marry her and now look at the state of things.
The very fact that not all journalists kiss Waity’s bum is proof that this current worshipping of her is only a temporary state. I agree, they’re trying to build her up as high as possible so when they snatch her down from the pedestal the feeling will only be oh-so-sweet.
It’s very annoying, the way they treat her as if she’s the Second Coming. Overrating someone is bad enough but when that someone is not really known for anything aside from bagging a prince, and all of a sudden she’s the “IT” woman, well… it’s just very nauseating.
Sadly, Harry probably won’t marry one. But he definitely enjoys women of all ethnicities. I’ve seen him with non-white women before out partying, etc. And when he was in Jamaica (or wherever he was recently) and there was that picture of him with the stunningly gorgeous Afro-Caribbean woman….you could see Harry was very attracted to her.
I’ve also heard rumors before about Prince Andrew (Charles’ bro/formerly married to Fergie) and Whoopi Goldberg once had a little thing going on. So clearly there’s some coloring outside of the lines going on. Which isn’t surprising. And personally, I think it is a GREAT thing.
This is an interesting thing…….
http://royaldish.com/index.php?topic=10477.0
has anyone heard about a memorial service for the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret???
Oh sheesh – If William’s involved – I’m starting to not be surprised when they ditch royal events unless they are glamorous, fun (sports he likes (horses included), etc.) or celebrity in nature. Honestly, I think Kate was a better royal – and public person in general – than ever while William was in the Falklands. -For her, at least. (You know what I mean ;-) ). She didn’t do anything heavy duty in his absence, but for a woman as unaccomplished as her in this arena, she at least seemed like she was thinking about moistening her tippie toes. If she withdrawals instead of continuing to grow, I think the public will have only one person (PW) to target with the blame. –Kate is responsible for her own behavior, but that situation would be too telling about his influence and domineering power in the relationship with Diana the Sequel (what the media is hungry to promote).
i also don’t like prince william at all, he is even worst than kate. william might have loved diana very much but he definitively didn’t wanted to marry someone like her . he is more like his father and learned the wrong things from their problems like to marry a woman that he can dominate completely and will not do anything against him. maybe if she would have been alive he might have been different but he is very dominating and controlling and only kept kate because she will follow his orders like a trained dog and that’s why i really really don’t like him . diana was the only breath of fresh air royal family had in a century or so because william and kate take then back into time where men had complete control and authority over their wives and wives used to have only one job or ambition or hobby and that is to serve their husbands and produce childre
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2119044/Duchess-Cambridge-Kate-Middletons-dog-Lupo-snapped-hot-pursuit-crisp-packet.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
Now why are we not surprised the dog is being trained for hunting….see article
The self indulgence exhibited by this couple is so nauseating. So much for the Queen’s plea to her family members to tone down the spending…..
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/kate-middleton-on-romantic-skiing-break-770700
Let them eat cake.
I am over them. I’m so appalled. This, indeed, will be the tenor of their lives. Wealthy, entitled, lazy wastrels. I’ve always admired QE, even Charles, but I hope for the downfall of the monarchy after Charles. Time for a republic. They are truly a waste of space.
And to think, they will be spun and shoved down our throats for decades. Unthinkable! I’m not sure I can tolerate any more stories of them. I feel my brain shrinking and my soul shrivelling.
This entire 6 weeks with Dolittle I also find appalling. It occurred to me that they have set her amongst the most vulnerable, children and addicts, to elevate her profile. The RF has been using the poor, sick and downtrodden to make DoNothing look golden. That is the height of cynicism. I am over the RF as well. How desperate they are to retain their status. No wonder QE has a deathly grip on the throne! It’s all so nauseating!
Here’s a comment after another unctuous piece about Saint DoLittle:
“Kate and the rest of the ‘royals’ only become patrons of charities to manipulate our perception into thinking they’re selfless, benevolent people, also to justify the huge privileges given to them by a compliant nation. They are not benevolent nor do they justify those huge privileges. Wake up, Britain, and stop being indoctrinated by all the PR. you read…the Windsor dynasty really DON’T care about you.”
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2119531/Kate-Middleton–children-like-She-likes-rabbits-good-glitter–smells-raspberries.html#ixzz1q3hq7ByZ
I have to agree with you the BRF have really lowered themselves in this adulation of KAte. It really is sad that they appear to have dug their own demise by putting so much of their future onto the shoulders of a rather unremarkable woman whose only capability was the shrewd planning in how to emulate the personality of her spouse’s late unfortunate mother. The logistics of her ability to shift into the Royal limelight in St Andrews suggests as much, and considering she was so young, perhaps it was her teenage infatuation coupled with her mother’s pushy, brass neck guidance, so it is not all Kate’s fault. However, Kate appears to be a tough nut IMO despite the outward display and has been able to fool her in-laws. Or perhaps as you so astutely observe, it is the BRF who have been fooling their subjects all these years by giving only as much as they need in order to get the benefits, which is a shame as I do not want to be cynical to the idea of noblise oblige which some Royals appear to have. The Middleton family, despite what seems a warnth within their own family appear much too self interested i.e the Middleton family interests rather than concerned about the nation as a whole. As Carole said ‘I am running a business not a charity’ which is fair enough on one hand but then makes you question if The Firm are also just running a business,……….Reading your comments, perhaps the BRF are exactly the same as the Middletons and this marriage has eposed that.??? I sincerely hope not, but it is becoming unforgiveable to rub the people’s noses in such double standards Jubilee Year or not, and especially as the Queen appears a genuine individual who has a nobel character. Perhaps we are all misjudging Kate but the work ratio to benefit in kind is not, IMO fair. It is not too late to turn this around and start putting the country first, but I am of the impression that self interest rather than the national interest is what is emulating from Kate and her husband at the moment.
re the picture of her at the ski slopes from elaine2 number 63. Why does she look so different now–is it the makeup or weight loss…
Hi Yvonne,
I suspect it’s a combination of the two. But mostly her weight loss. She seems to hold some weight in her face as indicated in that old photo.
Yvonne, the picture is from (yet another) holiday in Switserland in 2005, when she was still at a normal weight….
How about some kind of “timeline” of the DoC’s holidays?
This year:
1 week Mystique Jan 2012
1 week Verbier Mar 2012
_______________________
14 days of holidays
.
How about a timeline of DoC’s working engagements?
2012
2 x with Queen
1 x without Queen, without speech
1 x without Queen, with speech
___________________________________
4 engagements = 4 days
.
4 days of work and 14 days of holidays!
.
More holi-days than working days!
(Though I might have forgotten some. Criticism and additions are welcome.)
I think you forgot a lot, NKL. I read somewhere that she’s done 11 engagements this year.
Not that that’s much improvement. Eleven engagements at, say, two hours each (max.). That’s 22 hours of work in three months. Pathetic. Royals these days cannot afford this kind of wretched showing. It’s not the 20th century any more, and privileged people living off the public purse need to work as hard as the rest of us to earn their keep and gain respect of the millions of less fortunate people in the world.
She certainly does look different in that old photo! She looks about 20 years younger! It looks as if she’s hardly wearing any makeup, which makes her look much sweeter and fresher. The weight loss has made her face gaunt and narrow and all angles. I’d almost swear there’s been some plastic surgery too — she just looks too different.
arlie, don’t forget that she spends more time in the salon preparing her hair for the day’s event than spending time in the event itself!
@ arlie
Very much true I forgot a lot.
(War Horse premiere, some concert …)
And still it is probably not possible to prove that the DoC had more working engagements than holidays.
Did she work more hours than holiday hours? – Probably not.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2120315/Kate-Middleton-Prince-Williams-new-home-Tour-Kensington-Palace-12m-makeover.html
“Nice pad, but I bet Kate changes the wallpaper! As Kensington Palace opens to the public after a £12m makeover we take an exclusive tour of Kate and Will’s new home”
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2120315/Kate-Middleton-Prince-Williams-new-home-Tour-Kensington-Palace-12m-makeover.html#ixzz1qDNd0z1m
2 newly married people.
1 dog.
Home: 12 Million Brit. Pounds = 18,9 Million US Dollar = 14,3 Million Euro
(calculation based on currency exchange rate of 26th march 2012)
Okay okay some of the renovations seem to be a much-needed make-over of a main touris attraction. Nevertheless at some point I don’t really get it. British universities had to take hefty cuts and there has been a reduction in the number of places at British universities. Nevertheless they renovate some old palaces whose numbers of tourists will hardly ever be enough to pay for these renovations. Running a museum is expensive and most museums simply don’t sell enough tickets to cover the costs.
See, a museum is nice and fair. But apart from attracting tourists and some art and history science …. museums doesn’t “produce” anything. Perhaps the money would have been invested better elsewhere.
“[...]But the Historic Royal Palaces team believe Kensington Palace has to appeal to all ages and tastes if it is to boost its annual visitor numbers from the usual 300,000 to upwards of 400,000.
[...]”
It will take a long time till they get the money back in.
If you have a look at the comments in the Daily Mail article … many find the displays creepy and wonder if the money hadn’t better be invested elsewhere.
The Midds are cashing in on their connections with PW. He and his family in law are on vacation again!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2120892/William-Kate-holiday-laws-Couple-hit-ski-resort-Duchess-parents.html
In addition to starlite’s link, it turns out according to this source that the Middletons are paying for a large part of this vacation:
http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/prince-william-kate-middleton-embark-on-family-skiing-trip-in-france-2012273#ixzz1qKym4N00
What this suggests to me is a huge and ongoing coverup, to cover up the DoLittles’ profligate ways. I think they all are liars of the first order. Which, to me, puts into heavy question the overall attitude and character of the royal family, a real eye opener for me. And I see the Middletons playing to that audience, enabling and encouraging that behaviour, happily complicit. They’ve got Willy by the short and curlies.
I would love to see a post on how the RF manipulates its image and the cynicism inherent in it (wielding power, disseminating disinformation) to survive (with the Middletons as obliging helpers, a marriage made in heaven, yet detrimental to the RF). The DoLittles are the perfect subject; they have become the lightning rod for all that is wrong about this anachronism. In them is distilled the essence of dishonest, amoral and corrupt royalty as we know it today; noblesse oblige will die with Charles and noblesse oblige had a very worthy and useful place in history. The DoLittles are the new order, the seamy underbelly writ large. All this glaring sycophancy continues to expose them for what they truly are. I love QE and tip my hat to Charles who is old school, but these wastes of space??? Imagine having to bow or curtsy to the likes of airheaded, indifferent Waity or the peevish, petulant baby Willy. I am appalled.
Oh, and this link nicely circles back to the topic of the original post- if they paid for the trip, where are the Midds getting that kind of money?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2119531/Kate-Middleton–children-like-She-likes-rabbits-good-glitter–smells-raspberries.html#ixzz1q3hq7ByZ : Oh, I almost fell for that one. Disgusting how the royals use sick kids. Notice how she is never close to any of them though? Her body language tells me she feels obligated to do do this type of charity work despite her creepy smile. Notice how after the alleged meetings with the queen did she all the sudden took an interest in charities. I think she got told off more then once from the Queen. http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/69378/Kate-Middleton-Gets-Queen-Training-From-Elizabeth-II
http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/prince-william-kate-middleton-embark-on-family-skiing-trip-in-france-2012273#ixzz1qKym4N00 :Kate is so predictable! I wonder why PW would think she needs time away from everything? Could it be she cannot handle her royal engagements well despite her creepy smiles? Funny she fought all the way to the top and she mostly is obligated to spend it with children. ( A person who feels obligated spending time with children has no depth.)
i don’t get why people don’t expect more form willy and waity? let’s see the facts HM is 80 years old and prince phillips is 90 and yet she does 350 to 400 hundred engagements every year. i know there is no retirement for queen and she have great sense of duty for her country and will come out for the public even if she is in wheel chair but no matter how healthy she is after a certain age you cannot do so much work physically. willy wants to chase the fantasy of being normal while living the entitled life of a prince and play house with waity while going on 3 vacation in 2 months(william went on 3 vacations , 2 with Middleton and 1 with harry ) while an old woman works her ass off .their behavior is disgusting, they are not full time royals like prince charles and queen who by the way take annual holidays and wants to be represented as hard working and normal . bullshit .it is ironic that either one of them have no talent or are hard working to survive in the real world and no one will give a shit about them if they were not HM grandson. how about take at least 100 engagements from your 80 years old grandmother and give her more time to rest , she is the one who deserves a long vacation . i don’t know how you all feel about this but surprisingly british people don’t expect more from them
About the speech….. What I found completely bizarre about it was near the beginning when she says she knows William would like to have been there and it became a joke (they all started to chuckle). Sorry but I could understand it if she was making a crack about Wills like once when Edward gave a speech that Sophie was supposed to do and said he was sorry he wasn’t wearing a skirt….. but that was really wierd, almost as if they were all kind of saying (or rather laughing): “sure he’s sorry” or something. Maybe the psychologists among you can check it out and give an opinion, but I just didn’t get it – even Kate laughed at that point (seemed to imply she was making it up or something).
As for the rest of it, well, any prepared speech is never going to be 100% heartfelt and this woman simply doesn’t give off any genuine warmth, so that plus some obvious concern about her accent and over emphasis in a bid to demonstrate feeling was tantamount to fake overall (she was just performing again, going through the PR motions and got the expected clap for it).
There is something so strange about this whole ‘rag to riches’ story. The flight attendant mother with, as someone as written, her snake-like eyes, the questionable family business, the convenient ‘live-in girlfriend’ when the future king will be the head of the Church of E, the whole thing has a feeling of the occult.
I didn’t understand this joke about William either.
Could somebody explain, please.
Miss 24 are you there? Could you provide some insight? (Besides another article!)
Hi Anne Marie,
I’m a bit behind these days (as you can tell ;-) ), but I’m writing away on a new article. I had one practically finished and ready to post last week but then the news changed!!! It’s coming up ASAP though. I’ll put in my two cents here in the comments as soon as I finish it – or at least make a bit more progress on it today :-)
Ok I’ll let you off then, lolo
I think a big part of what bothers me about KM (besides the obvious) is that she seems to think she is a celebrity.
When in fact KM should be of service to her country as per the Diamond Jubilee speech where the Queen says ‘…rededicate myself to the service of our great country’.
I wouldn’t have a problem with KM spending colossal amount of time at salons tending to her hair, nails etc or shopping or going on holidays if only she will dedicate herself more ie genuine active efforts in relation to charity work, not just collect a bouquet, judge a shoe contest, utter a couple of sentences.
Of course this is partly the media’s fault too I suppose.
Kate DOES think she’s a celebrity! And her adoring fans do, too. I think a lot of it has to do with the unbelievable press coverage of this twit. I can barely stand to look at photos of her, she is notorious for seeking out the cameras and giving them eye contact. Her speech last week was a real embarrassment, if you ask me. She did try to avoid flipping her hair with her hands, but she continued to do it during her speech using head movements. Honestly, I’ve seen young children do better public speaking than Duchess did at that moment. William is her only life-line, that’s why she made reference to him. She is truly a Stepford Barbie Bimbo Wife. UGH.
Yeah, she is officially…KateBot, Duchess of DoLittle!
KateBot: LOL!
william is her only life line . this is the only area in her life that i feel sorry for her . i think very very deep down she does care about him , and also all other things that comes with him , she will never do anything to hurt him or his image intentionally at least but i don’t think that is the case with william . with him it seems that he married her because of her family , that he can completely control and dominate her , if he really cared about her all the waity katie talk would have bothered him and he would have advised her to get some sort of part time job .but it seems he really doesn’t care what the whole wide world thinks about her also he never seems to be spending any time alone with her ,all the previous holidays , all the vacations this year ,the parties ,the social events, he is always with a group of friend or his family or her family but never alone even when he took her to africa to pop the question ,he was there with a group of friends and not alone does anyone find this weird or it’s just me ?
coming back to kate ,she gave up absolutely every thing in her life for william ,friend , personnel interest , carrier, she adjusted herself to his needs completely(i blame her but she did ) ,she seems completely devoted to him but what will happen if william finds some one else? who she will turn to? royal family survived the whole diana situation ,i think they will be able to survive if william ever decides to leave her. my guess is that not only they will survive but the people , the media everybody will choose william like they choose diana after all not all the people seems to like her (which was the case with diana ) and also she already received so negative press prior to engagements, everything they said will come back to haunt her and she will be left out and disgraced like fergie while william will continue to be the golden boy.what does everyone thinks?
ANGELIC,
Truly, she has placed all her eggs in one basket. I do understand your pity for her, but I feel none. I might if there were one redeeming feature to move me. But she seems quite indifferent to anything that is not William related, or high society, or mega-wealthy or materialistic or hedonistic. She is a limpet. A parasite. She adds nothing to the world but she sure knows how to take. And is not grateful. Feh. The nasty consequences would be a lesson to her. Maybe.
I think she is calculating; it runs in the family. She presents the image of perfection to Wills and to the RF and the public; she just can’t fool some of us.
I also agree that William is a huge detriment to the RF and to her. He is the petulant centre of his own godlike universe. It’s really stunning. On the other hand, who knows how much she (and her family) has contributed to reinforcing that infallible, golden image of himself. She wants him all to herself. They isolate themselves from the real world and enjoy a little folie a deux where they imagine themselves king and queen of DoNothing. Who knows what she whispers in his ear all the time. Both are fools.
i feel sorry for her in the sense that she is a reflection of william ,she will do whatever he allows her to do but no one mention this fact. if william wanted he could have asked her to get a job , but he didn’t , similarly he could have canceled the recent vacation and attend Queen mother’s memorial from whom he will receive millions in trust fund ,like he took total 3 holidays so far this year and also he is always running from his royal duties while living the high life of a prince .no one say anything about his behavior even when he was dating her no one said anything about the way he treated her .i am saying that if something goes wrong(either she becomes very big embarrassing to RF or he falls for someone else)everybody will choose william and blame kate for everything.she is not at all independent(her fault) he is calling the shots ,he is the director who will be given oscar for his terrible job while kate will be given worst actress trophy.
the more you think ,it’s not just kate that gets absolutely all the blame it’s with harry too. they always try to make him look bad so william can look good .i am telling you william is becoming more like his mother for media who always gets away with sympathy ,understanding and popularity without getting any blame or heat for his actions .he is getting free cards for the last 10 years of his life ,both Charles and harry did some horrible things but they faced the heat and realized that they can’t do just whatever they want to do ,they learnt their lesson the hard way which is not the case. i wonder if the RF and media would have been strict with him maybe he might have married someone suitable or she could have even gotten a job (she would have done anything to please him) .she might have given up everything to become his wife without caring about public opinion but she didn’t realize that after the wedding public opinion will matter . she is all the things that you said she is but william is controlling her ,calling the shots ,he prefers that she get some negative media so she doesn’t outshine him ,the actions for which he will never be held accountable for and that’s why i feel pity for her she married a man who has been throwing her under the bus for his selfish reasons and their is very big possibility that things might even get worse.
I think this site is so good as it tells the truth .. All the other papers make out she is so intelligent when it is as clear as mud she is soo not..
I am sick of seeing her on holidays and not doing any work. She is always seeking attention from the media in a yet another designer outfit. The speech she gave was so childish and her voice has been tailored by having speech therapy to make her sound like the Queen. Who is this childish woman they seem to hold her hand and she is 30 years of age.
It is so refreshing to read the truth on this site.
I agree with the above posts. And, PW does seem to enjoy the company of is in-laws very much at a social level. I also think they provide him with the emotional attachment that he was perhaps missing growing up with his famous family and boarding school experiences. I still maintain that there was something different about his relationship with his mother – again look at the pictures and videos of him and Harry with their mother and family. The Middletons also give him that feeling of normalcy that he can not obtain within his own family dynamics. This was probably a very large attraction for him in his quest for Kate.
I think William has some real issues. Not only does he feel distain for the media, he isn’t into taking on his royal duties. Then he turns around and marries a PARASITE. That is exactly what Kate is!
Honestly, I hope this soap opera ends sooner than later. I’m not even from the UK, but I find this ridiculous scenario to be very unsettling. At least here, we vote our leaders OUT when they don’t perform. The poor people in the UK are basically stuck with this group of people who are ‘born into their wealth and standing’. This is the 21st century, isn’t it??????
i know right. why do British people are keeping royal family?miss 24 is British i guess maybe she can tell us more about this.what surprises me more is that they don’t love their public back. royals don’t think that the common tax paying citizens are good enough to join them or even move in their circles , being indian and reading all about our fight for independence they make me mad even more . they are not the present or future they are the past of england ,a past that practiced racism , slavery , superiority complex to rule over other countries and steal from them ,the past that british people should not be proud of .they used to behave all superioir to other people around the world now they act this way among there people and british public still seems to like and fund them . i mean so many people have a problem with william and kate in england but still they can’t do anything about it that she will be their queen and what about charles , a cheating ,lying dirtbag representing british people. india have many problems but the one thing i am most proud of my country is it’s democracy,something that even china doesn’t have . americans might like royals for celebrity but they will never keep a non elected body,hell they don’t even allow the elected president to be in the office for more than 2 terms.i don’t think any true democracy will fund ,support or love people because of their dna .i simply don’t understand miss 24 can you explain?