The Duchess Diary

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The Queen and Prince Philip Visit Prince William At East Anglia Ambulance Base

They were there on official business, but it’s always lovely to pop round to visit one’s grandson at his place of work.

Before she meets with outgoing Prime Minister David Cameron at 5pm, the Queen (accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh) opened a new East Anglian Air Ambulance Base at Cambridge Airport today, according to BBC News.

Coincidentally, this is also where Prince William is based as a pilot for the ambulatory service.

prince william points helicopter queen elizabeth prince philip cambridge

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This is the second time Her Majesty and Prince Philipe have visited the Duke of Cambridge’s place of work. 

Just before his wedding in 2011, the Queen visited William RAF Valley in Anglesey, Wales, where he served as a search-and-rescue pilot.

queen smiles prince william east anglia air ambulance base

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According to People‘s Simon Perry, William piloted a helicopter back from a call just in time to give his grandparents the grand tour.

Eastern Daily Press reports that William was came back from a mission that was called to a nursery school in King’s Lynn (though there was no word on whether this was an emergency call or a simple “what to do if something goes wrong” lesson).

“It was all very exciting but the children were more excited about the helicopter, it was just a bonus that Prince William was on board,” headteacher Matthew Tuckswood told the paper.

Helicopters > Future King.

PHOTOS: Prince George Visits RAF Fairford

Prince Philip looked far younger than his 95 years as he laughed with William (probably about the way he landed the helicopter, judging by how he animated pointing).

“All of sudden this giant lemon plopped down, and there you were!”

prince philip laughs points prince william joking cambridge airport

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William has been stationed as an ambulance pilot at Cambridge for over a year.

Now, it’s time for a bit of history-making, as Theresa May prepares to become the second female Prime Minister in British history.

PHOTOS: 8 Times Her Majesty Looked Supremely Bored

State Opening of Parliament: A Fascinating Show of British Pomp and Pageantry

Her role as head of state may be technically ceremonial, but Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is still required to preside over a political event crucial to the well-being of her nation.

The State Opening of Parliament is the formal start of the governmental year, taking place in either May or June inside the House of Lords chamber.

queen elizabeth holds prince philip hand walk through royal gallery state opening parliament 2016

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prince philip holds queen elizabeth II white glove hand state opening parliament 2016

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The Queen, wearing the Imperial State Crown and the ermine and velvet-lined Parliament robe (also known as Robe of the State) reads a speech outlined by the government to set the session’s agenda. 

queen elizabeth II prince philip lead state opening parliament 2016

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The crown is normally housed at the Tower of London with other crown jewels, as it is the property of the United Kingdom.  

If anything from the collection is ever missing from the Tower exhibit, that means it’s either in use…or it’s been stolen.

imperial state crown arrives state opening parliament 2016

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According to the British Monarchy’s website, the crown weighs two pounds, and features 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 5 rubies.

The gemstones include the Second Star of Africa, the second largest cut stone from the Cullinan Diamond, the largest diamond ever found.  It was mined from South Africa and gifted to Edward VII in 1907, according to the Royal Collection.

The crown is delivered on a pillow to the Palace of Westminster in its own state coach ahead of Her Majesty’s arrival, who rides over from Buckingham Palace with the Duke of Edinburgh in the Jubilee State Coach.

queen elizabeth wears george IV diadem travels house of parliament jubilee state coach

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Today Her Majesty donned the George IV diadem (set with over 1300 diamonds) and a white gown by Angela Kelly.

The diadem features four bouquets of rose, shamrock and thistle to represent England, Ireland and Scotland, respectively.

Once inside, Her Majesty changes headware and drapes the robe over her dress.

The Queen selects jewelry significant for the occasion, as it’s one of the most awe-inspring and historical events on the royal calendar, dating back to the 1500s.

queen elizabeth II George IV diadem white dress state opening parliament 2016

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Today, the Queen adorned her ears with Queen Victoria’s pearl drop earrings,complemented by the Diamond Jubilee necklace.

In the past, she’s worn Queen Victoria’s coronation jewels.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall joined Her Majesty and Prince Philip.  Camilla wore the Queen Mother’s Greville tiara for the occasion with a beautiful white satin dress.

camilla duchess cornwall white dress tiara blue sash walks up stairs house parliament

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Downton Abbey‘s Jim Carter and his wife, Imelda Staunton were among the civilians present to watch the opening, an historic feast for the eyes.

jim carter downton abbey sits wife imelda staunton watch state opening parliament

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If you’re still not entirely sure what the State Opening of Parliament is, The Telegraph explains it in a short, easy-to-understand video (watch below).

Prince Philip Declared Better-Dressed Than Harry, Probably Doesn’t Care

prince philip investec derby 2015

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GQ has placed Prince Philip, the man who dutifully walks two paces behind his wife and long ago pledged to be her “liege man of life and limb,” at #12 on their best-dressed list, making him the sharpest royal in the entire family.

The Mountbatten-Windsor patriarch beat out his grandson, Prince Harry, who landed the 38th spot, according to the Telegraph.

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Prince Philip, who will turn 95 this June, has not let time slow him down.  In fact, the Duke carried out 217 engagements in the UK, and 33 abroad in 2015. [Read more…]

The Best Royal Moments of 2015

Prince William Holds Prince George Hair Kate Middleton Pushes Pram Princess Charlotte

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kate middleton pink mulberry coat onesie prince william youth charity XLP

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Did we have fun this year or what?  Let’s look back on the royal year that was:

The Duchess of Cambridge At The World Premiere of Spectre

Catherine called on one of her favorite designers, Jenny Packham to create this baby blue backless creation with an encrusted waist.

Oh, and that up do.  What does a girl need to ingest to get hair like that?

 

Her Royal Highness borrowed a pair of Robinson Pelham diamond, blue topaz and white gold earrings ($21,000)  from her mother, Carole, who first wore them to the royal wedding’s evening reception.

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Kate Middleton Jenny Packham Gown Royal Albert Hall Spectre Premiere

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Prince George Steals The Show at Princess Charlotte’s Christening

Prince George Speaks Queen Elizabeth II St Mary Magdalene Church

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The young royal reminded many of his dad at the service, held at St. Mary Magdalene Church (on granny’s Sandringham estate).  [Read more…]

Prince Harry and The Duke of Edinburgh Visit The Field of Remembrance

prince harry uniform westminster abbey field of remembrance 2015

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November is a poignant month in Great Britain and around the Commonwealth,  in which the royal family leads services of remembrance for fallen soldiers as far back as World War I.

You’ll notice that the royals and public figures don a “remembrance poppy,” used to commemorate those who have fallen (its origins inspired by the war poem, “In Flanders Fields.”)

prince harry prince philip field of remembrance 2015

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This morning, the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Harry (both war veterans), visited the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in London. Today marks Harry’s third annual visit.  [Read more…]

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

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BBC/Youtube

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.

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…]

The Queen and Prince Philip Hold Hands After Service Honoring British Forces in Afghanistan

Queen Elizabeth Prince Philip Hold Hands St. Paul's Cathedral

James Whatling/Splash News

The royal family attended a Service of Commemoration for troops who were stationed in Afghanistan at St Paul’s Cathedral today in London.  The men and Princess Anne were in full military regalia as they made their way into the service, while the Queen and Prince Philip arrived last, as tradition dictates.

The Windsors gathered with politicians, injured soldiers and families who lost loved ones in battle during the commemoration.  The BBC’s royal correspondent Sarah Campbell tweeted that the service was very “moving” and “it was a real privilege to speak to some veterans and their families.”

453 British troops were killed in Afghanistan since combat started 13 years ago.

[Read more…]