The Duchess Diary

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It’s Time the Media Gave Pippa and James Middleton a Break

carole michael james pippa middleton spirit of chartwell diamond jubilee

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On July 10th, the Daily Mail published yet another story criticizing Pippa and James Middleton, calling them “nearly royals” and questioning their usefulness to society.

What started Richard Kay‘s rant was the family christening photo taken by Mario Testino inside Sandringham, the Queen’s Norfolk estate.  Kay pointed out that the Cambridges have, for a second time, foregone the tradition of a photo with godparents only in favor of including the Duchess of Cambridge‘s family.  It’s a move that shouldn’t come as surprise to anyone, given how close William is to the Middletons. [Read more…]

Prince Philip Drops an F-Bomb, Remains My Favorite Royal

If there is anyone who can say whatever he wants without the need for an apology, it’s the Duke of Edinburgh.  The man has earned his right to tell you when you’re dragging your feet.

Famous for his “gaffes,” Prince Philip, 94, has long been criticized for saying exactly what’s on his mind, regardless of whether or not it offends his company.  In fact, royal reporter Phil Dampier put together a delightful book of Philip’s zingers.  Philip is hilariously irreverent, and very smart, to boot.

prince philip swears photographer battle britain commemoration

BBC/Youtube

Let’s not forget that this guy was born into a broken family, shipped off to different royal relatives around Europe and never once publicly complained.  He has served as a Naval officer, was a total dish in his day, and has always, always respected his wife. [Read more…]

Nicky Hilton’s Valentino Gown Is The Stuff of Dreams

Today Nicky Hilton looked like a royal bride.  Wearing a custom-designed Valentino gown and a veil that got caught in the tire of a Bentley, Hilton married married British banking heir James Rothschild at The Orangery at Kensington Palace.

Nicky Hilton Valentino Gown Wedding London

Splash News

Paris Hilton Glum Car Kathy Hilton Claridge's

Tony Clark/Splash News

Nicky, whom DListed refers to as “the child of Rick and Kathy Hilton who makes them question their poor parenting choices the least,” left Claridge’s with her family for the black tie affair, attended by Chelsea Clinton, Thomas van Straubenzee and the Crown Prince and Princess of Greece.

Nicky Hilton Valentino Wedding Gown Claridge's

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Rothschild’s family is reportedly worth over $18 billion, while the bride’s family has over $2 billion, according to Page Six.  He and Hilton met at Formula One heiress Petra Ecclestone‘s 2011 wedding, attended by her family, David Arquette, the Duchess of York, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.

This is Nicky’s second marriage.  In 2004,  she tied the knot with money manager Todd Meister at 2:30am in Las Vegas, surrounded by level-headed loved ones, including Paris, Tara Reid, Kimberly Stewart, Bijou Phillips and Lindsay Lohan.  Nicky annulled the marriage three months later.

Wimbledon 2015: The Expressions of Kate Middleton

Those faces!  That hair!  THAT. FIGURE.

In this chapter from Life Isn’t Fair: The Struggle To Understand Her Royal Highness and The Beauty Within, (out soon, yes?), the Duchess of Cambridge sashays into the All England Tennis Club on July 8th to watch Andy Murray play Vasek Pospisil.

Prince William Kate Middleton Watch Wimbledon 2015

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EXCLUSIVE: Claudia Joseph’s New Book Takes Royal Fans on the Ultimate Tour

Prince William Kate Middleton Royal Wedding Balcony

Tony Clark/Splash News

I first read one of Claudia Joseph‘s biographies, Kate: The Making of a Princess in 2011, just a few months before the royal wedding.  Since then I’ve read a number of books on Catherine, William and a number of other royals, but few authors have been able to keep me hooked like Joseph, who doesn’t glaze over details of Catherine’s upbringing and her relationship with William.  For example, in Making of a Princess, Joseph introduced readers to Kate’s ancestors, which allowed for a better understanding of who she is and, perhaps, why she is where is she today. [Read more…]

George Takes a Peek Inside Charlotte’s Pram at Her Christening (PHOTOS & VIDEO)

Hell’s Bells, it’s another royal occasion.

As promised, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walked into St. Mary Magdalene Church on the Queen’s Sandringham estate for Princess Charlotte’s christening.  Once again, William and Catherine honored the late Princess of Wales by selecting the same church where she was baptized.

Prince George Looks Princess Charlotte Pram

Matt Dunham/WPA-Pool

Charlotte wore a hand-made replica of the Honiton lace gown first worn by Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter in 1841.  Several royal children, including William, Prince Harry, Peter Phillips and the Queen had worn the gown since then. [Read more…]

Skinny Jeans Might Be Bad For Your Health, Your Royal Highness

Earlier this week, news broke of an Australia woman being rushed to the hospital after helping a friend move house all day.

It turns out that the woman was wearing skinny jeans, and because of the squatting, picking up boxes and manual labor involved with moving, she began to lose feeling in her legs.

prince william kate middleton pose photos tiger's nest

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[Read more…]

Queen Elizabeth Breaks Out The Good Jewels For German State Dinner

Tonight, the Queen attended a state dinner at the 18th century  Bellevue Palace, German President Joachim Gauk’s official residence.  Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh are undertaking a four-day official visit to the country where their ancestors hail from; up until 1918 the House of Windsor was part of the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

The Queen wore a tiara we’ve seen many times before, the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland, originally gifted to her grandmother, Queen Mary.   Read the fascinating story behind this tiara. [Read more…]