The Duchess Diary

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What is There to Say About the Name Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor?

A lot, actually. While the sentiment is sweet, the name is one that’s deeply personal to someone who is arguably one of the most famous figures of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor arrived on June 4th, making her 8th in line to the throne that her parents unofficially/seemingly want nothing to do (or so most assume, see: the Oprah interview, Harry’s Armchair Expert interview, Apple+’s “The Me You Don’t See”). Alas, a blood royal is a blood royal is a blood royal, and Lili is named after two of the most influential royal women in modern history: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Diana, Princess of Wales. So, just like in January 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex kind of want to hold on to their royal ties, but only a little. [Read more…]

Kate Middleton Gets Her First Jab Wearing ’90s Era Fashion

Today Kensington Palace shared a photo of the Duchess of Cambridge getting her first COVID-19 vaccine. Looking like an off-duty, casual Queen Consort-in-waiting, Kate wore her hair down and sported an outfit that reminded me of my middle school days — ribbed scoop neck fitted shirt with high-wasted jeans (something one might find in the now-shuttered Contempo Casuals or Wet Seal). [Read more…]

Poppy Appeal 2020 Will Be a Poignant One for Royals and U.K.

Poppy Cupcakes Made by Cambridge Family For Royal British Legion

Twitter/Royal British Legion

Each year the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal tugs at the heartstrings of U.K. and Commonwealth citizens and royal watchers alike. The charity — which raises money for veterans — takes place in November, leading up to Remembrance Sunday. The poppy was first mentioned in the World War I poem, “In Flanders Fields,” showing up on the Western Front during battle,  and so became “an enduring symbol of remembrance,” according to the Imperial War Museum. [Read more…]

A Few Titles That Better Suit the New Harry and Meghan “Finding Freedom” Book

There’s a new book coming out later this summer about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, but don’t expect anything juicy. It was written by royal journalists Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand and, according to Deadline, it includes an interview the Sussexes gave before they left the U.K. earlier this year. The book, which promises to dispel rumors about the couple and reveal “unknown details about their life together,” reportedly has their blessing. [Read more…]

Why Harry and Meghan’s Latest Statement is Getting on People’s Nerves

On Friday, the couple posted an update on their official website letting fans know what their plans are once they officially leave the House of Windsor this spring. After reading it once, I thought to myself, “These bullet points sound a little bitter, but maybe I’m overreacting.” So I read it again. Then I read it to a friend who doesn’t follow royalty but is intrigued by Harry and Meghan’s break-up with the royal family. She, too, found it to be defensive and a little whiny.

Mugs Featuring Prince Harry Meghan Markle Queen Windsor England January 2020

DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images

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Meghan Markle’s Friends are Psyched She’s Getting Her Happily Ever After

Earlier today royal fans and fairweather observers alike woke up to news that Prince Harry and his girlfriend of of 16 month, Meghan Markle, were engaged. The couple held a photocall at Kensington Palace’s Sunken Garden before sitting down with the BBC’s Mishal Husain.

Markle, who until recently starred on USA Network’s “Suits,” has moved into Nottingham cottage, Harry’s two-bedroom abode at Kensington Palace. It was there that Harry proposed one evening while she was making them a roast chicken.

Prince Harry Laughs Meghan Markle Holds Hands Engagement Photocall Kensington Palace Gardens

DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images

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Queen Silvia’s Phone Cover Is A Picture Of Princess Estelle

There are certain moments when we are reminded that kings and queens can also be grandparents, and Queen Silvia of Sweden did just that last week.

Her Majesty was watching the equestrian jumping event during the 2016 Rio Olympics with King Carl XVI Gustaf and the Dutch royals.

Wanting to capture some of the highlights to show friends and family back home, Queen Silvia whipped out her smart phone and got to work.

queen silvia phone case princess estelle olympics

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

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Royals In Rio: Queen Maxima, Prince Albert and More Cheer On Their Olympic Teams

Just because William and Catherine sat this round out doesn’t mean that other royals were going to watch the Summer Games from the comfort of their homes.

Queen Maxima packed up her chicest summer pieces, as well as orange pants for her husband, and brought her family to her native South America (Her Majesty originally hails from Argentina).

King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia supported the Swedish national team, Prince Albert cheered on Monaco, Prince Frederick did the same with Denmark, as did Princess Anne for Great Britain.

What was most pleasant to see was how relaxed the royals looked sitting in the grandstands watching events. Everyone  was, for the most part dressed down in polos, half-zips or (in Maxima’s case) maxi dresses. [Read more…]

5 Ridiculous Tabloid Covers That Declared William and Kate King and Queen

If I’ve learned anything from glancing over the weekly rags, it’s that gold stickers are a fantastic way to trick people into thinking a headline is real.

Henceforth, I daren’t believe a word any publication states unless it’s stamped with a gold sticker.

Every story is the same – Prince Charles is being skipped over in favor of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for the British throne because Queen Elizabeth said so!  Camilla is jealous AF and swears she will exact revenge on the beautiful Duchess for messing up her plans to rule over the kingdom! [Read more…]

Prince George Slowly Poisons Dog Lupo With Ice Cream, According To Some Idiots

Yesterday, Kensington Palace released four adorable photos of Prince George to celebrate his third birthday.

Normally the Duchess of Cambridge is behind the lens, but this time she and Prince William hired photographer Matt Porteous to snap George at Anmer Hall, the family’s home in Norfolk, England.

One photo from the set has the Royal Society For The Prevention of Cruelty To Animals concerned.

prince george feeds lupo ice cream picnic blanket anmer hall

Matt Porteous/Kensington Palace

[Read more…]