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…]

The Queen Acts Like Any Other Granny at Zara Tindall’s Christening

Princess Anne Zara Phillips 1981 Christening Windsor Castle The Queen

YouTube/ThamesTV

Sometimes you stumble upon some royal gems on YouTube, like I did a few years back when I found video of Zara Tindall’s (née Phillips) christening. It took place at Windsor Castle in July 1981, just two days before her uncle, Prince Charles, married Lady Diana Spencer at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

If Charles was nervous about his impending nuptials (or dreading them, as the public is now aware), you wouldn’t know it. The doting uncle kissed his niece’s head as the Queen held her proudly before parents, godparents (Prince Andrew, the Countess of Lichfield; Helen, Lady Stewart, Andrew Parker Bowles and Hugh Thomas) and grandparents sat for official photos. [Read more…]

In Which We Celebrate Princess Charlotte on Her 5th Birthday

In 2016, Royal watchers knew Princess Charlotte was a big personality wrapped in a tiny little cardigan when the Duchess of Cambridge carried her into a children’s party for military families in Canada. Before waving to all the cameras (a move that comes naturally to fourth-in-line, and one she’d give again and again), Charlotte wasted no time running towards the balloon display, eager to bang her little hands against this fascinating new toy. [Read more…]

Princess Charlotte is Every Woman Struggling With Her Cardigan

It’s the struggle each woman faces. And while she might yet not have her own account on Net-a-Porter, Princess Charlotte endured this struggle today at a children’s party for military families in Victoria, Canada.

What should I do with my cardigan/blazer/jacket?

I was too warm while wearing it, but now I’ve taken it off and I’m cold.  But I know in a few minutes I’ll be too warm again.

princess charlotte confused cardigan children's party military families canada

Chris Jackson – Pool/Getty Images

While the Duke of Cambridge tried (and failed) to fashion a balloon animal, Charlotte was seen debating with herself whether put the cardigan on, or hold it. [Read more…]

Prince George Leaves Justin Trudeau Hanging, Not Sorry About It

Prince George stepped off the private plane loaned to him and his family by the Canadian government on September 24th, only to be greeted by a sea of eager beavers frantically cheering.

Meh, he thought to himself.  So much noise.

prince george blue sweater looks up victoria airport canada

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Once he stepped onto Canadian soil for his second royal tour ever, George’s attention turned to a military helicopter that was landing in the distance. [Read more…]

Royal Tour of Canada, Day One: The Cambridges Arrive In Style

Watching live CTV coverage of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s arrival in Victoria, Canada was exciting AF.

Sure, it was a little less exciting than their inaugural visit back in 2011, when the newlyweds – nay – everyone was basking in a post-royal wedding glow.

prince william kate middleton hold prince george hand deplane victoria canada

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Fast forward five years, and there are two kids added into the mix. [Read more…]

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

[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…]

10 Times Prince George Was Disappointed By His Birthday Gifts

Well done.  You’ve cast a dark cloud of doom over the future King George VII.  Is it really that difficult to stick to the registry?

We’ve all witnessed toddlers react poorly to gifts that displease them, whether it’s Christmas or their birthday.

Today, Prince George of Cambridge celebrates his third birthday, although this one is a far more toned-down affair than 2013, when the whole damn world invited itself to the party (present company included).

And here we are, wishing the heir well as he rings in year three with a tea party at Anmer Hall, according to People‘s Simon Perry. [Read more…]