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…]

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…]

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

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

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

9 Times the Queen Looked Supremely Bored

Even rulers have moments when all they want to do is kick back with a libation, turn on his or her favorite TV program, and space out.

So, Her Majesty can be forgiven for looking less than thrilled on occasion.

You try ruling through 60+ years of hot mess after hot mess and tell me those eyes don’t glaze over from time to time!

queen elizabeth stares ahead lion exhibit london zoo

Arthur Edwards – WPA Pool/Getty Images

1.”Welp, good Show. Where’s my gin?” [Read more…]

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge To Make Their Royal Ascot Debut

Well, this is an interesting development.

Though her mother went in 2011 as a guest of the Queen, the Duchess of Cambridge has never attended Royal Ascot, though to be one of the most significant days in the British calendar.

According to royal reporter Katie Nicholl, William and Catherine will attend this year’s race as a sort of birthday favor to Her Majesty.

Kate Middleton White Outfit Epsom Races 2011

[Allpix / Splash News]

“They know how much Ascot means to the Queen and they will be there for one day this week,” a source told Nicholl.

“They will enjoy an afternoon in the royal box with Her Majesty.” [Read more…]

Here’s to You, Your Majesty! Family Pays Tribute to Queen at Royal Windsor Horse Show

The royal family gathered on the grounds of Windsor Castle this evening to toast the Queen, who turned 90 on April 21st. Tonight’s celebration was particularly special, as it marked the end of the Queen’s favorite occasion — the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

equestrians wave queen elizabeth second royal windsor horse show

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

A lover of horses since she was young, the Queen attends the show (held over the course of a few days in her backyard) dressed down in a long skirt, vest and head scarf. [Read more…]

Prince Harry Cleverly Promotes Invictus Games With the Queen

This might be the cutest video you watch all day (aside from the royal wedding).

Prince Harry enlisted the Queen’s help in promoting next month’s Invictus Games in Orlando.

Ever the good sport, Her Majesty was game for making a short video that also starred President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, who popped over to William and Catherine’s apartment in Kensington Palace for dinner last week.

The video shows Harry and his grandmother going over a pamphlet about the upcoming games, when he gets a text from FLOTUS (her ringtone is aptly set to “Hail To The Chief”).

“It’s from Michelle,” Harry said, opening up a video made by Michelle, Barack and a few members of  the armed forces. [Read more…]