The Duchess Diary

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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. 

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

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

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

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

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

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! [Read more…]

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

Toby Melville – WPA Pool/Getty Images

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

TOBY MELVILLE/AFP/Getty Images

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

Toby Melville – WPA Pool/Getty Images

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

Toby Melville – WPA Pool / Getty Images

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

LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images

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

YUI MOK/AFP/Getty Images

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

Richard Pohle – WPA Pool/Getty Images

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

Toby Melville – WPA Pool / Getty Images

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).

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. 

queen elizabeth smiles royal windsor horse show

Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images

This past year, one of her horses’ victories earned her a £50 Tesco card, which she was seen holding on to as she chatted with guests.

queen elizabeth II head scarf looks horse royal windsor horse show

Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images

Tonight’s finale featured a pageant of equestrians and horses, but it was unique in that it celebrated Her Majesty’s milestone birthday.

royal family enjoys final night royal windsor horse show

Chris Jackson – WPA Pool/Getty Images

Princess Anne, Zara Tindall (who turned 35 today), Lady Louise Windsor and Prince Edward were part of the festivities paying tribute to the birthday girl ma’am.

princess anne rides horse royal windsor horse show

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

zara tindall equestrian rides royal windsor horse show

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

lady louise windsor prince edward ride horses royal windsor horse show

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Celebrities, including Dame Helen Mirren, Damian Lewis, Downton Abbey‘s Jim Carter (Mr. Carson), Kylie Minogue and James Blunt took part in the event, which placed an emphasis on the Queen’s life and the events that shaped her professional life (World War II, ascending the throne at 25).

dame helen mirren speaks royal windsor horse show 2016

Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images

Her Majesty arrived at the show in an outfit designed by her personal dresser, Angela Kelly and was greeted with a kiss on both cheeks, as well as on the hand by her son, Prince Charles.

prince charles greets queen elizabeth II royal windsor horse show

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

“I am delighted that we have succeeded in bringing together hundreds of members of the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and other long-standing overseas friends to mark this special birthday,” Charles wrote in the event’s program.

It could not be more fitting that a quite different group which also enjoys the Queen’s unfailing interest and support – horses, of myriad breeds and colour – will join the 600, sailors, soldiers, airmen and women who make up this evening’s celebration.”

the royal family royal windsor horse show 2016

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

She looked elated  watching the festivities with the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Prince Philip, the Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, Prince Harry, Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice, the Duke of Kent, Prince Michael, the King of Bahrain, Lady Sarah Chatto and her sons.

prince charles speaks prince philip royal windsor horse show

LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images

While the rest of the family covered their ears during the gun and cannon salutes, Her Majesty sat there and watched, unflinching.  Like a boss.

To be fair, Philip is closer to 95 than he is 94, so he gets a pass.  The rest of you, buck up!  This sound is second only to the National Anthem for England.

royal family cover hears royal windsor horse show 2016

Chris Jackson – WPA Pool/Getty Images

queen elizabeth royal family gun salute royal windsor horse show

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

This is the Duchess of Cambridge’s first Royal Windsor Horse Show, and for the occasion she wore a red Zara coat over a cotton-blend white lace dress by Dolce & Gabbana.

kate middleton red coat royal windsor horse show

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Catherine emphasized her up do with chandelier earrings, which are believed to be on loan from the Queen (and a pair she’s worn in the past – specifically to a 2011 BAFTA gala in LA, and again at the Chinese State Dinner in October 2015).

William, Catherine and Harry were spread out across the front row of the royal box, presumably to encourage cameras to photograph the presence of more minor royals and guests, including Prince Donatus, the Landgrave of Hesse, and his wife, the  Landgravine.

kate middleton red zara coat dolce gabbana dress royal windsor horse show

According to the Daily Mail,  Donatus is a great-great-great grandson of Queen Victoria (to which I say, “who isn’t!”).

The next major events celebrating the Queen’s birthday takes place from June 10th-12th, with the Trooping of the Colour being held on June 12th (hopefully both Prince George and Princess Charlotte will make a balcony appearance this year).

PHOTOS: Prince George Attends His Very First Trooping of the Colour

The Trooping of the Colour is recognized as the monarch’s official birthday, regardless of the actual date on which his or her actual birthday falls.

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Prince Harry Cleverly Promotes Invictus Games, The Queen Is Amused

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. 

“Hey, Prince Harry.  Remember when you told us to bring it at the Invictus Games?” Michelle asked.

PHOTOS: Prince George Meets President Barack Obama.  In His Jammies.

“Careful what you wish for,” Barack said as a soldier in the back mimicked a mic drop.

“Boom.”

Her Majesty found the whole thing rather silly.

“Oh, really” she said with a smile.

Harry then looked at the camera and dropped his own mic.

“Boom.”

Kensington Palace shared the video on Twitter, with a special note from Harry.

“Unfortunately for you @FLOTUS and @POTUS I wasn’t alone when you sent me that video ? – H.”

The Invictus Games will take place May 8th-12th in Orlando, Florida.

 

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Mia Tindall Went Off-Script, Randomly Grabbed Queen’s Handbag For Photo

Prince George may have stolen the show yesterday, but today it was Princess Anne’s granddaughter, Mia Tindall who had everyone asking, “who’s the toddler holding Her Majesty’s purse?”

Annie Leibovitz shot a photo of the Queen with two of her youngest grandchildren – Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn – and five great-grandchildren.

While Princess Charlotte sat on the monarch’s lap, 2-year-old Tindall looked quite pleased with herself as she held great-granny’s $1400 Launer purse.

A royal source present at the shoot told the Daily Mail that Tindall’s move was unscripted. 

“The moment with Mia was completely spontaneous, it was not staged at all. She just picked up her great-granny’s handbag and that was it,” the source said.

queen elizabeth poses great-grandchildren grandchildren buckingham palace

Annie Leibovitz via Getty Images

The afternoon was described as “happy” and “chaotic,” with the Queen’s grandchildren present to make sure their own kids were smiling for the camera.

‘It was a happy, nice, relaxed afternoon. There was a lovely feeling to it. All the parents were helping to get the shot right – a classic composition, rather like an Old Master but with a modern twist.”

“Taking pictures of children is like herding cats but for that split second, it just worked,” the source said, giving credit to Leibowitz for knowing exactly how to work with kids.

“There was a very definite idea behind the set,” a royal aide explained.

“The Queen wanted a portrait of the youngest members of the family, the other end of the generational spectrum.

“You have the two youngest grandchildren, who are quite a lot younger than the others, and the great-grandchildren.”