The Duchess Diary

Let's talk royals

Mia Tindall Went Off-Script, 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

[Read more…]

The Queen Turns 90, Makes Great-Grandkid Mia Tindall Useful In Adorable Photo

The whole point of having children, and then grandchildren (followed by great-grandchildren), is to force them to do sensible things, like carrying heavy packages, and holding your purse during a very important photoshoot.

This is what Her Majesty had Mia Tindall, 2, do for what could be the year’s most famous photo (it’s tied for first with this gem).

“One is doing the Lord’s work. Plus, I was told there’s gum in here.”

Mia Tindall Holds Queen's Purse

Annie Leibovitz via Getty Images

[Read more…]

Prince George: Mine Is the Greatest Stamp You Will Ever Own

You know what? We believe him.

Yesterday, the Royal Mail released  special edition stamps to commemorate Her Majesty’s 90th birthday.

prince charles prince george prince william queen elizabeth special stamp royal family

Ranald Mackechnie/Royal Mail/Getty Images

Prince George joined his living predecessors for an historic photoshoot, one that sees the future king standing atop durable foam stacks whilst holding his father’s hand.

Brilliant. [Read more…]

In Their Element: 11 Delightful Photos of Royals and Animals

It’s a well-known fact that Britain’s royal family would prefer the company of horses and dogs to humans, and several people close to the Queen have said that if she weren’t the sovereign, she’d be living a quiet life in the country.

In February, Prince William was accused of living like a “gentleman country farmer,” since he and the Duchess of Cambridge opt to spend a majority of their family life in Norfolk, 120 miles from London.

Prince Philip once famously said of his daughter, Princess Anne’s love for horses, “if it doesn’t fart or eat hay, then she isn’t interested.” [Read more…]

Prince George and Princess Charlotte Play a Very Special Role in The Queen’s 90th Birthday

kate middleton prince william pose children prince george princess charlotte norfolk home

Kensington Palace/Chris Jelf

He is the heir, and she, the spare.  So it’s only fitting that Prince George and his little sister, Princess Charlotte take part in the celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s (or “Gan Gan” as George calls her) 90th birthday.

The Sun‘s Emily Andrews reports that the two children of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge posed alongside the monarch for photographer Annie Leibowitz, who also worked with Her Majesty in 2007. [Read more…]

Did Anyone Watch ITV’s “Our Queen at Ninety” Documentary?

Last night, the highly-anticipated ITV documentary on Her Majesty aired in the UK, and now international audiences are able to watch it in full. Well, whoever can find it, I guess.

Members of the royal family spoke affectionately about the Queen, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Prince of Wales, Prince Harry, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie and her oldest grandchild, Peter Phillips.

Ashley Gething, the documentary’s director and producer, reflected on her latest project for the Telegraph.  [Read more…]

How Pippa Middleton May Have Helped Big Sister Kate Impress The Queen

Back in 2012, it was widely reported that the Duchess of Cambridge was into making jams and giving them out as gifts.

In fact, royal reporter Katie Nicholl specified that Catherine “started making homemade pots of fruit jam” while William worked as a search-and-rescue pilot for the RAF in Wales.

“She gave strawberry jam and plum preserves out as Christmas pres­ents” in 2011, Nicholls reported.

Catherine more or less confirmed this during a teaser for the upcoming ITV documentary, The Queen at 90. [Read more…]

Kate Middleton: The Queen Gave Me “Gentle Guidance” As a New Royal

Prince George Speaks Queen Elizabeth II St Mary Magdalene Church

Matt Dunham/WPA-Pool

ITV’s long-awaited documentary, The Queen at 90 will air in the UK on March 27th.  Previews for the Robert Hardman-helmed special show fantastic clips featuring the Duchess of Cambridge in her first ever interview.

Catherine spoke fondly of her grandmother-in-law, revealing that her son, Prince George has a special name for The Queen.

“George is only two and a half and he calls her Gan-Gan,” Catherine, in a blue Rebecca Taylor outfit, said.

“She always leaves a little gift or something in their room when we go and stay and that just shows her love for the family.”  [Read more…]

Annie Leibovitz Confirms That The Queen Is a Rock Star

Queen Elizabeth hosts reception National Institute Blind St. James Palace

Ken Goff Rota/GoffPhotos.com

On March 28th, 2007, Annie Leibovitz became the first American to take a portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

As her new exhibit, “Women,” opens in London, Leibowitz was asked about her most famous subject and what really happened that day in Buckingham Palace.

Was there “controversy?”

Was the Queen being difficult, as the BBC claimed at the time? [Read more…]