The Duchess Diary

Let's talk royals

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

prince william points helicopter queen elizabeth prince philip cambridge

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

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.

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

The Queen and Prince Philip Hold Hands After St. Paul’s Service

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…]

Prince William Introduced as ‘Duke of Edinburgh’

prince william hand to face east anglia air ambulance base queen elizabeth II prince philip

Niklas Halle’n – WPA Pool/Getty Images

What a lark!  Get your titles right, Master Of Ceremonies/London Toastmaster Richard Birtchnell.  I know you’re thrilled to be in the presence of royalty and have a million things going through your mind, but really…

Prince William had a right laugh when Birtchnell introduced him as the “Duke of Edinburgh,” his grandfather, Prince Philip‘s title.

It was laughed off.  No one’s getting sent to the tower (is that joke old now?). [Read more…]