Prince William and Duchess Kate arrived in NYC yesterday in the late afternoon/early evening. Upon their arrival at the Carlyle Hotel, Will and Kate stopped for a moment to pose for photographers, which is how we got these photos. Kate wore a Seraphine Maternity coat. This coat is called the Marina and it’s “bespoke” – meaning it was made especially for Kate. It’s pretty. She’s still not showing much, right?
There’s lots of news & stuff about their visit, so let’s just do a rundown of important bullet points. They went to the Royal Foundation fundraiser last night, which was one of two major galas that they will attend while in NYC – the second gala will be Tuesday night, and that one is for their alma mater, St. Andrews. Today, Duchess Kate will be going without William to Harlem while William makes a day trip to DC to meet Pres. Obama and do some meetings about conservation and his campaign against poaching. Tonight they will be attending the basketball game in Brooklyn, between the Nets and the Cavaliers.
While in Harlem later today, Kate will visit the Northside Center for Child Development in Harlem with NYC First Lady Chirlane McCray (otherwise known as Bill de Blasio’s wife). The center’s director already told People Mag that they’re going to put Kate to work – she’s going to be wrapping Christmas presents! That should be interesting.
Also: yesterday was the two-year anniversary of Jacintha Saldanha’s suicide. Saldanha was the nurse who got duped by a prank phone call from an Australian radio station when Kate was hospitalized during her first pregnancy. In the days after the prank call, Saldanha was the target of a crazy amount of abuse and criticism. After she took her life, William apparently wrote a letter to Jacintha’s husband and he recently made part of the letter public – go here to read.
And here are some photos of Will and Kate heading to the Royal Foundation fundraiser last night. We don’t have many pics from this event (so far), probably because it was labeled “private.” Kate’s dress is Beulah London. I don’t know, you guys. If you were spending something like $50,000 for tickets to the fundraiser, would you be content to see Kate in this somewhat cheap-looking little black dress? It’s a major, expensive gala, you know? Why not wear a proper gown?
Photos courtesy of WENN, Pacific Coast News & Getty.
Enough with the black lace already.
Exactly. She has at least five variations of the same exact style. Beyond boring, it’s also intolerably wasteful. Re-wear the Diane von Furstenberg or the Packham, or the McQueen. No need for another basic black lace.
She’s the definition of basic
…and the black accessories with the black lace. Yeesh! And I think Beulah London is overrated. It’s as though they keep doing variations on the one Butterick or Simplicity pattern, the way my mother did for me when I was a kid. Except my mother did it better!
… and if she’s married to black accessories, is it too much to ask they actually be black? Instead of not-quite-black-but-I-got-dressed-in-the-dark (see: all her tights ever)
Well it’s very clear that when she sees something she likes she sticks to it. She’s just not imaginative when it comes to clothing. I
Her face looks so good when she’s pregnant! And I love the coat/booties! Something new and nice…black dress with lace-lame.
Yes her face looks so much better with weight on.
Yes to me I will always be your fan proud of you each plus your children . I shall always be you friend or fan .Was there ever a lady Newman by Maple lake somewhere around England maybe 18th or 19th Centry ? I read this story she met her boyfriend Welsh or his last name was Davis . Friday 12th , December 2014
I love that coat/dress/whatever it is. I’ve been looking for some sparkly tweedy stuff for winter.
I think the coat is really cute.
•GoodNames•
I didn’t think I would like the coat but I do. The whole ensemble works.
Agree, dahling.
Oh Dahling, this calls for a toast, wouldn’t you say???
🎉🍷🎉
The coat is lovely! My 1st thought was that she really nailed it in that coat.
I was just in NYC and that sparkly tweed in jewel tones is everywhere.
Oh, goody, I love that combo! Did you have a fun trip, or was it a work thing?
•Florc•
The whole ensemble looks good on her. Love her in deep colours/jewel tones.
I like the coat too. I think she looks really nice in that outfit.
I’m not crazy about the bicycle wheel earrings with the black dress though.
I agree. Kate looks over nice. But what really strikes me here is how happy Will looks. I’ve never seen him look so content in front of the press. Is there something special about this trip?
•bluhare•
True. But at least it’s jewelry that has a presence, ya know?
GNAT
For fun! Just an annual Christmas trip to NYC. Skate at RockCenter, but not this year. I drank in my favorite hole in the wall ole’ speakeasy.
Thing about NYC is it’s bitterly cold. My stockings would be wool!
And I get she hates covering her legs. Especially with William around. But why make yourself so uncomfortable? If there was ever a time for trousers it’s windy new england in December.
LadySlippers
Deep jewel tones are a strength for her. The coat is a nice example of this.
I like the coat too. It was nice, appropriate and attractive on her.
In the lace dress, it’s ok, but it’s so darn cold in NYC, all the journalists from London are saying it’s Freezing. Kate must have felt cold even if jumping out car and running in door with that sheer lace dress, w no coat on.
Completely boring. Looks 45. She has no style at all. Hair needs a rethink. Brown makeup dated. Shoe booty thingys look WORN and DIRTY. I would wear those shopping not on a trip. They should be PRISTINE. Yawn Yawn and YAWN. Meanwhile, on Boxing Day William will shoot loads of animals on a “shoot”. Lazy hypocrite.
jfc. No wonder that woman is so skinny, I would be too if psycho Brits judged me every single day based on crap like this.
I have to admit, I do think her shoes are kind of weird-looking on a princess at a big welcome thingy for royals (whatever that event is).
The cocktail dress doesn’t bother me by itself, but the earrings look a little weird with it.
There’s really nothing else to talk about with respect to Kate except her clothes, and I get the impression the royal family wants us to talk about her — otherwise, I don’t know why this trip would be advertised so much.
Nya, It can get a little crazy at times. But, unfortunately, Kate does not give us much else except her latest outfit and hair twirling to go on.
I very much doubt Kate sees anything other than praise. It’s been said and accepted much negative press is kept from Kate. It’s William, employees, and her family that the news would come from and no one wants to be the one to be the messenger.
That’s why so many huge mistakes keep happening.
Also, her weight dropped during a time when the brits were on her side. When she was the poor girl that William strung along. She had the publics sympathy and she was in better stan
ding.
@FLORC, but doesn’t Kate google herself? She must, right?
@Nya
This.
Her shoes are suede – judging by lighting and flash there is no way for them to look ‘pristine’ unless brand new. Cut the girl some slack, she’s pregnant and it’s FREEZING in NYC. It’s like 20s here today, you try going out in stockings.
@dani Then put on some damn knee high boots, it’s not like she has a shortage of them.
TEW
I think she did, but i’m not sure if she still does. And even if she did. Google just her name and maybe an event or keyword. Nothing negative comes up for a while. It’s repeats of the same 5 stories of praise. And then it’s random pro kate stories that have nothing to do with the key words other than her name.
With that it’s tough to know if people are actually sick of your bottom, eyeliner, or work ethic. Only when it’s really bad do I bet she gets word.
Kate hears how wonderful she is, from mummy and shopkeepers and salespersons when she shops. Lol
Also the Press mostly drools over anything she does, so she usually only sees praise.
The British press even praised her when she went topless outside on a terrace in France. Whereas Prince Ginger, the British press blasted him ,until the public took hs side.
What I am saying is, you walk around London – Kings Road, Kensington High Street, whatever and people look more put together than her. Previous poster is correct, we have nothing to talk about with her apart from her being this style icon, which she isnt. So, wear new shoes straight out of the box for an “important” trip like this, I agree. They want the perks including the taxpayers money without the work involved. I think Harry does more “work”.
I looooove that jacket.
I am not seeing any biscuit!
A major improvement!
Pregnancy is definitely showing in her face. She looks healthy and younger because of it.
Second, ed. note: link to William’s trip says nyc, should say DC?
I wonder how much Williams hissyfit contributed to that poor woman’s suicide. I wonder why the inquest kept getting postponed six months at a time with no explanation. I wonder why the British press lie and say they were greeted in NYC by “hundreds” of people when there were only about twenty (Google LoveLolaHeart for pis and reporting). I wonder whether Kate’s skirt will fly up around her head. I’m just so curious!
I don’t have the answer to any of your questions, but would gently suggest that mentally stable, happy people don’t kill themselves because they make a mistake. It’s not fair to blame anyone, even those idiot radio announcers, for her tragic decision to end her life. The event may have been the last straw for her, and I feel terrible that she was in so much pain, but it was her decision and she bears the responsibility for it alone.
•GoodNames•
Excellent points. I hope for the family’s sake they find peace.
GNAT – agree completely.
It was her decision without a doubt.
But I do think that the radio station bears partial responsibility. They do those stunts with no regard to who might be answering on the other side.
Good point, bluhare. Although they could not have known she would kill herself, they certainly knew that she would be embarrassed, would get in trouble with her job and be distressed by their actions, and they did it anyway.
What the radio presenters did was bullying – plain and simple, vulnerable people ( and even perfectly mentally healthy) of any age find that difficult to cope with – add on the fact she was the laughing stock of the tabloids and was being threatened by her superiors…
I get so fed up of people thinking the mental distress of the person is some sort of get out clause for their utterly innapropriate behaviour and that they therefore shouldn’t bear any responsibility.
Its actually discriminatory towards the mentally ill
Sarcasm?
That poor woman might have been yelled at by her employers, but I very much doubt it was because William demanded her head. The woman had demons. I’ll shoulder William with much blame that he rightly desrerves, but not here. This was simply tragic.
•Florc•
Have you seen the lovely condolence letter William sent her family? I thought it was very touching.
LadySlippers
I haven’t. Can you link?
•Florc•
It was a very sweet letter. In this article, they also wrote that Sarah and her daughters also wrote the family a condolence letter.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2863762/Prince-William-s-heartfelt-words-comfort-family-Kate-s-suicide-nurse.html
Both letters were lovely.
I do have 1 huge pet peeve.
Some of you here know I lost a parent when I was young. I thought it then and still feel it now. Just because you lost a parent doesn’t mean you understand the same pain. Circumstances, age, so many things can be different and that imo changes the pain. When someone would say they know my pain because they lost a parent I found it kind of insulting and that they were making it about them. Or that they know how I feel and I should feel some empathy for them.
It might only be me who feels this way here. It’s just a knee jerk side eye when someone goes to another who recently lost and brings up their own loss. Especially, such a high profile loss and circumstances.
End Rant.
Big hugs FLORC. (and you’re an amazing person).
I find it despicable to just blame someone for this poor woman’s suicide. She clearly had been battling her own demons for a long time.
I’m going with Mistee. This incident should have turned into a discussion about bullying, and even gossip, which also destroys. The fact that someone else, can be the last straw on the camel’s back (before it collapses), should open up the conversation about vulnerability and *responsibility*. It’s not fair to blame any one person, but to kick it back onto the woman who died, is irresponsible. People do hurt each other long enough, and deeply enough, to kill. *That is a fact we must face*. Emotional pain, can be even more unforgiving than physical pain. We live, let’s learn!
We are all in this together!
It is a sad situation all around, that poor woman and her family it’s tragic.
William’s letter was ok, it was a kind thing to do, but it seemed like it was written at a distance, it seemed dictated with personal words added from William. But yes the gesture was kind.
I felt Sarah Ferguson, Duchess, letter was much more personal and warmer.
P..S. William did throw a major hissyfit at first and yes it was at the nurse too. William was talking lawyers, PCC, at the staff, the nurse, he went ballastic, All that got soft peddled and many story links taken off the web after her death and headlines changed.
~Hail All Royal Loonies!~
I spy a wiglet. Can we pull out the Wiglet Wagon?!? I really need to go for a spin.
*wails*
Bluhare oh bluhare! Wherefore art thee?
*eyes pleading and hoping for a ride*
Haha! I 2nd that wiglet! Bluhare! Pull up the Wagon! I’ve got eggnog and rum 😀
•Florc•
Eggnog and rum? Oh yay!
Shall I bring cookies?
Rum balls? Tis’ the season!
I don’t have time today but I gladly give you the keys back Florc.
3 Eggnogs in? Haha! Let me get those winter tires on for some better traction and away we go! LadySlippers, I will need you up front as I will at random let go off the wheel.
I see wiglets!
First thing I noticed is Kate’s wiglet. Media noted that she brought along her personal hairdresser (!). Where the part ends is where he wiglet/fall begins. When she arrived, it was a bit out of place.
She looked pretty but it was cold in NYC last night and she didn’t wear a coat.
Are we looking at a wiglet or extensions? I see extensions happening. Her hair looks very long and thick on the bottom.
Kate def had some extensions added back in.
That coat is my favorite color and it sparkles! The reception last night was listed as cocktail attire, so I think her dress is perfectly appropriate, if a little safe. Also, a 1000+ dollar dress is considered cheap?
It wasn’t a ‘major expensive gala’ on Sunday night-it was a private dinner event at Sir Martin Sorrell’s (whoever that is) apartment. That outfit is fine for a dinner party at someone’s home-even if that someone’s home is on the West side as is prob gigantic.
She looks quite happy and healthy. IMO the skirt is a bit too short, too girly. But it didnt fly up and that’s something.
Foremost, she looks great with pregnancy weight…Not sure how she feels about it…
1. Coat definitely nice – also nice that is actually maternity wear – not just a larger size – an approach she has used before, which results in the front hem being much higher than the back. Like a mullet dress or coat
2. Length of everything could/should be longer
3. The lace dress (a) be gone with the lace ( b) like her other recent appearance the arms don’t seem to fit – it’s like she is forcing herself into her typical size clothes
4. Without saying (but will say) – the eye liner has to go
For what it’s worth…
In her pregnancy with George she wore a lot of coatdresses. I said cut her some slack. She was probably going to reuse them. She never did. So when she wore clothes that seemed too small it was to reuse later.
Since I was proven wrong I changed my tune. She looked like a young girl who was in denial about her pregnancy weight gain and tried to still fit into her old clothes of minidresses.
Oh no, not another black lace dress. No flair for colour, that’s for sure. I spy a wiglet perched behind her parting on the crown of her head. At least she bought a maternity coat instead of trying to pretend she isn’t pregnant and shoe-horning herself into regular coats.
She’s looking great. Pregnancy agrees with her. She has such a lovely face when it’s fuller.
I think she actually looks good but do women still wear panty hose?
Why wouldn’t they, especially when it’s butt freezing outside?
Umm… In winter, with a dress, yes. What should a woman wear instead?
Uh, yes. I don’t know where you live. But I’m off to curl my hair and put on a pair right now.
I freeze in the winter if I don’t wear tights or stockings. You must live in a warm climate.
YES! Here in Canada in the winter, when you want to wear a dress or skirt, you NEED to wear thick stockings/pantyhose. It is a lifesaver for bare legs :).
I wear thick black tights all the time in the winter, but yeah, it’s jarring to see the old school, shiny kind.
Constantly. Wool even when it’s 1 degree Celsius here.
The coat was pretty. Loved the color. Kate looked happier at the hotel than I’ve ever seen her, and I’m including her wedding day and the day she took George home. Even William was pleasant and holding his wife. NYC agrees with them.
Now for the criticism: too many extensions. Tame that hair, woman! The shoes. The anklets were old and hadn’t been brushed or cleaned. And they were ridiculously high. The lace has got to go.
I used to like Kate. Over it. Boring hair, makeup, earrings, black lace dress and booties. The coat is fine but if I had her budget that is not what I would have picked. Why she insists on short skirts is beyond me, but I also know if she goes longer people will criticize it as frumpy, I don’t think she can win that one…
And someone please tell this woman to stop clutching her hands in front of her privates as if she is afraid something will fly away. Trust me Kate, it won’t. Hold a clutch, your husband’s arm, leave your arm naturally at your side – all good options. I think that is why we get the hair twirl. No one ever taught her what to do with her hands. Waste of an expensive education:-)
I think she looks wonderful – the coat is lovely and the color wonderful on her. Lace dress is OK though she looks like she’s squeezed herself into a normal , non-pregnancy, dress. One word of criticism: short dresses do not look great on pregnant women. Kate probably feels “fat” (she is perfect right now, IMO) when pregnant so she wants to show some leg but it ruins the look. If her coat and dress were just a few inches longer, she’s look much better and more elegant. If she bought the coat off the rack, I’d say she’s just tall and the coat is short on her but it’s bespoke, which means she wants them short. On the other hand, I’m glad she’s wearing hose and not parading half-naked through NYC in the middle of December. She has to keep the royal jewels warm and healthy 😉 I think that William is at his best and kindest when she’s pregnant, like he actually cares about her. It’s ridiculous that they never even hold hands.. even kings and queens (Spain or Belgium for ex.) hold hands and show affection in public but the British RF is sooo stiff. I don’t even recall William offering her his arm when she’s in high heels on high steps, which is a natural thing for a husband to do. Very inconsiderate, IMO.
Disembarking from the plane in Australia, I thought Kate might go down trying to balance herself, George, and the wind that wanted to play with her hem. I suppose that Wm is too young and unpolished to know how to be a gentlemen in that situation. Sometimes it’s seems that he knows a lot more about being entitled, than in being a true gentleman. I’m surprised that they don’t have “prince” lessons, for this kind of thing. He definitely needs to understand how to treat a lady in public – and not just by pushing her from behind.
I hope none of my taxes are subsidizing this vacation.
Your taxes are paying a pile in security, motorcades, extra NYPD on scene, etc.
And overtime. Don’t forget the overtime.
If you’re from the UK or the US, sorry but yes, your taxes are subsidizing them. The US is paying for some of their security…which they so desperately needed for the hordes of 20 people waiting behind the barricade.
There didn’t seem to be that many people waiting for them, I agree.
An ambulance is following Kate everywhere so add that to the NYC taxpayers’ tab. But hey, NHS isn’t paying so why not.
http://hrhduchesskate.blogspot.com/
Was it a Gala? Doubtful. William is wearing a blue suit. Why doesn’t he ever get any heat here about his wardrobe choices?
I think William has a closet full of these blue suits, all alike, all hanging there in a row. He doesn’t even try any more to be stylish, unless you count the black velvet slippers he wore once.
The black lace dress is a little boring but whatever she feels most comfortable in I guess. She is probably going to wear a long black lace dress for the St Andrews gala so she probably didn’t want to look too repetitive (ha!). I have to say she always looks happiest and more engaged fulfilling royal duties when she is abroad. I can’t blame her for being so excited to be in NYC. Even though it is cold, it’s a great time to visit with all the Christmas markets and decorations everywhere.
Though I feel bad they are getting super crappy weather for their visit. It was beautiful (but cold and windy) yesterday but today it is gray and in the 20s and we are getting some rain/ snowy mix tonight and I don’t think tomorrow is going to be any better.
The weather reports are saying it’s going to be a nor’easter.
It’s a nor’eastah doncha know!
Kate really has kind of crummy, bland “style.” But I think these royals know how to follow a dress code. If the evening event had really been a major gala, it would have been labeled black tie. William is wearing a blue suit — Kate would have looked ridiculous in a gown. I think some media outlet probably mislabels these nighttime events as galas and then everyone runs with it.
She should have worn something much more interesting than this boring, boring dress.
The coat is cute. It needs another 1.5 inches.
Imagine Kate + that adorable coat + pixie cut.
She would rock that.
Agreed! It’ll never happen, though!
And she desperately needs a haircut. I suspect though that her hair is her security blanket!
*SOMEONE* help this woman with her make up and eyebrows!!!!
I’m pretty underwhelmed by her. At least she is wearing a proper coat designed for pregnancy.
Makeup is clown-like. I guess suede shoes/boots rarely photograph well? The ones she wears never do, it seems. I don’t like that black lace dress at all, and I question why she wasn’t wearing a coat over it.
Kate should really re-think her image. It’s all about her clothes. In this day and age, I would hope that someone in her position would de-emphasize that and ramp up the work. If she bought a working wardrobe and wore things time and again, there would be much less interest in her clothing because it had been seen before.
William continues to annoy me. Playing to the cameras like that, when we know how he behaves when he’s back on his home turf. What a phoney.
You hit the nail on the head, Vava.
With a woman in Kate’s position, it’s going to be all about the Good Works or it’s going to be all about the Clothes. With Diana, it was both. With Kate, it’s neither.
It can’t be all about the Babies and Pleasing the Hubster. Ordinary women can do that, too. It has to be about some kind of lifestyle pr0n that few can achieve.
I mean, if we were hiring to fill her position, we wouldn’t pick Kate. She’s so underqualified in both Clothes and Good Works.
+1 – to Vava and the Mrs.
They both seemed to be playing it up to the camera’s because I saw few fans. It’s too bad that they don’t seem to give as much in Britain. It would be better for them to be smart, and realize that photo’s go around the globe, no matter where they are taken. The insincerity is troubling.
Agree with all. Too bad.
On a side note I wonder how the morning shows will spin this. They talked about how many would show up to get a glimpse of William and Kate.
Great comment!
You know, I was immediately struck by their willingness to stop for the press and pose for the cameras. The British press might wonder why they can’t be as accommodating for them.
Eh, she could certainly dress better and with a bit more flair but she’s not *horrible* at it.
The coat is lovely.
Not horrible – but boring. The way she dresses makes me wonder about British designers…although it probably isn’t their fault. New York is a major fashion capital! What the blankety-blank?!
I think everything she’s wearing is appropriate. She has such a healthy pregnancy glow about her. I dont see a wiglet. It’s her own hair!
The coat is beautiful, but yes, we’ve seen her in one too many black lace dresses lately.
Jewelry doesn’t do much for her. Weird.
Also, sometimes I think she’s pretty. Sometimes I don’t. I don’t have a consistent opinion on her beauty like I do with Keira Knightley or Winona Ryder.
I think that often her hair often overwhelms whatever jewelry she does wear. Earrings tangled or completely lost in all that hair. Necklaces and broaches that you just can’t see. And she hasn’t discovered bracelets yet. She just so….. underwhelming!
I think it’s hilarious Kate is going to Harlem because Diana did. If this was designed to make her look noble perhaps they didn’t realize that Harlem has completely gentrified…? Kate will be relieved to find a Starbucks whilst touring the ‘hood. The colonies have become so civilized.
just wait until you see her in today’s ensemble.
•Vava•
That is *not* Minnesota nice to tease like that. 😉
And boy oh boy is this outfit…ugly. Reminds me of her Peter Pan maternity dress she wore with George’s pregnancy.
OTOH, her hair is out of her face and looks fantastic. Really. No snark from me whatsoever.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2865676/Pregnant-Kate-arrives-Harlem-children-s-center-wrap-presents-disadvantaged-children-solo-engagement-New-York-City-William-heads-White-House.html
I actually love both coats, but I see I was mistaken when I thought she had decided not to do the “Short Pregnancy Length” this time around. Oh well, at least her hair is pulled back today. I’m curious if she has maternity-wear jeggings to wear to the basketball game, lol.
First time poster! I thought I’d share since I waited at the Carlyle last night to try to see them and there’s some “scoop” I got that’s in line with a lot of the points I’ve seen brought up in past posts.
A number of us picked the wrong barricade to stand behind—they had all of them set reeeaaaally far back from the hotel, but it was too late to try to move and the press were pretty much blocking the better one. Because it was night, we were all blinded by the armada of police lights (seriously, I’ve seen the President drive by with a smaller motorcade—there were at least eight motorcycles alone) and camera flashes. I saw a glimpse of them as they got out of the car, but their entourage + the NYPD + RPOs blocked us when they turned to face the other barricade for the arrival photo. I think they posed for a total of six seconds max before dashing inside. The NYPD officers told the two adorable, super disappointed old ladies in front of me to wait around because they’d be leaving again for dinner, so most of us hung out, knowing that they’d at least have to drive by where we were standing (one way road).
The interesting part of the night for me was that a British photographer eventually came over and stood with us and was happy to chat. I didn’t catch his name, but he photographed them for all of their other tours and makes the rounds with them as part of a photo agency. He’d basically paid—or had rented?—an apartment directly across the street to photograph their arrival from, but the NYPD told him he wasn’t allowed to open the apartment window for security reasons.
Anyway, I shamelessly eavesdropped on his phone call with another photographer, which began with “It looks like she’s wearing that same f’ing brown coat again!” and ended with “I bet she’ll change and it’ll be… surprise! One of her ten green coats!” So I already knew he was Not A Fan exactly, but a girl did ask him what he thought of them and he said, “I reserve my opinion. I don’t want to ruin your night.” He showed some of the shots he’d taken, including one with William’s hand on Kate’s back and complained that 60% of his pictures always look like that because William literally pushes her forward so she can’t stop to pose. Apparently, Kate will at least try to turn and/or wave most of the time if you shout her name, but William is always hustling her forward. He claims it’s pretty well known among the press/photographers that William’s worried about her getting more attention. His advice to us was that if we wanted a photo of her we had to shout his name so he stopped. (He seemed sort of meh on Kate but clearly hated William.)
I did see them as they were walking out for dinner, but they didn’t stop, even for a second. Kate wasn’t wearing a coat(??) and it was 30 degrees, so girlfriend hustled into that car.
The photographer also mentioned that the St. Andrew’s fundraising dinner at the Met wasn’t close to selling out, and that there’d be stories about it soon in the press followed by spin as the tables were discreetly bought up to save face. A few of my friends are St. Andrews alums and were disappointed that the table prices were SO expensive and the cheaper tickets didn’t even guarantee you’d see them for a second, so I wasn’t surprised.
He also confirmed Harry is the best when it comes to playing nice with the press and likes to joke around with them—the most like Diana, at least, who he also photographed.
•UESider•
Interesting! And Welcome!!!! That’s super exciting that you got some ‘insider info’! 😊
I think William doesn’t like the circus and thinks if they don’t pose it’ll cut down on the hoopla that goes with them. I think he’s very sadly mistaken.
Any other tidbits? That was fun reading!
Not really, aside from explaining how it works to fly with them on commercial flights (pretty much what you expect–they buy blocks of seats if it’s first class and will kick everyone else out of business class if there’s only business class on a flight, and they board dead last.) Someone asked him why he thought they didn’t bring Prince George–did they just not want to interrupt his schedule, etc.? His take was that it’s a combination of the city being the city, the cold weather, and flat-out Imperialism. Basically, that he’d only ever be trotted out to the Commonwealth.
Thanks UESider and Welcome!
It’s interesting reading and you’ve said very on point to what others have also said.
Also, confirming what many have suspected of George and William pushing Kate along.
I’m a new englander currently and it’s very cold! Not factoring in wind chill it’s consistenly freezing. No coat for even a quick dash is foolish.
@uesider wow, cool experience. Thanks for the inside scoop. I guess it shows how much William wants to control the press.
Thank you so much for your post! Great insight! I hope you stay nice & warm today! And love that last bit about only trotting out Georgie for the Commonwealth!
Thanks for the scoop – always nice to have an insider look at things.
Not really surprised by any of it, though. That Wills isn’t popular with the press is something many have suspected for a long, long time.
Can’t speak for everyone else, but I love shameless eavesdropping! 🙂
Me too 🙂
Fantastical info – UEsider.
Love the coat, but is she really pregnant?
•bettyrose•
Yeah, like the last pregnancy she is holding herself and walking different. Even the best actresses can’t fake the drop in the center of gravity and added pressure of a growing uterus. Not to mention her obvious weight gain in her face.
LOL. I didn’t really think she was faking it but I’ve had wine babies that gave me more pooch than that.
•bettyrose•
Sorry! Couldn’t tell if you were serious or not! There were plenty of people that think shes not….lol.
😊
I thought the Queen had asked Kate to lower her hemlines. I guess Kate isn’t paying attention to the request. Perhaps we should be grateful it isn’t windy in the city!
The short hemlines, especially while pregnant, look ridiculous. She looks like she’s trying to dress like a little girl. I find it very undignified. She’s too old to wear her clothes that short. She’s been out of the university for a long time and that ship has sailed!
•Bethany•
My guess is HM didn’t ask her to lower her hemlines. OR William intervened and said this is the current trend and basically said they are doing things ‘his way’.
Here are two articles that speak to the fact William calls his own shots:
http://www.newsweek.com/prince-william-does-it-his-way-232412
http://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/475219/How-fatherhood-made-Prince-William-a-real-man
Enjoyed the articles, LadySlippers. There was no mention of Wm’s air-ambulance training. It looks to me as if it would be hard for these two to fail – they get an extraordinary amount of help, including media. Too bad Kate can’t find a stylist…
I like the coat but the evening dress, while appropriate and attractive, is nothing to get excited about – certainly not high wattage princess gear.
What’s interesting to me is the relative lack of press these two are getting stateside. There’s nothing in any of our local press and even the usual suspects, CNN and Today, have them on a back burner. Maybe they’ll get some notice at the game tonight.
Of course, there’s a lot going on in the country right now. And I just doubt these two will ever draw the attention Diana did – really, who could?
•Suze•
Hello!
*waves*
Harry is probably close. He’s less controlling than William, and thus, more exciting to watch.
Hello, there Lady Slippers!
Yes, Harry – and whoever he marries, particularly if she’s young and blonde ; ) – will probably always outdraw these two.
Which will probably make for interesting familial relations down the line.
So far I’m not particularly digging her maternity fashion this time around, but I could be biased since I really, really hate the navy/dark tights she keeps wearing. I will say that she looks SO much better when she’s pregnant. Her face fills out just a bit and she’s positively lovely, and I know the HG really sucks, but she does look like she glows. It really contrasts how gaunt she’s become since they wed. I wish she’d take more time outside of prenancy to just eat well and be relaxed & happy. It does such wonders for her.
Sparkly
1st to her credit the tights are needed.
2nd the “HG” was dropped almost as quickly as it was picked up. The press stopped calling it that just as quickly. Though their job was done. People took that and ran while the retraction/correction got buried and forgotten. And her weight gain is very normal and healthy.
At best it’s agreed upon she had a rough go of morning sickness, but not that bad and is fully recovered for some time now.
Tights or hose, yes, but the colors she’s choosing (or had chosen for her) really ruin her look, imo. Once, I could overlook, but the really dark stuff again and again? I just hate that look and rwas really hoping for some better style statements while she was stateside. Especially NY!
It was retracted? I hadn’t heard that. I will admit (and I feel guilty about it) that, given Kate’s history of unrepentant laziness, I’ve often wondered if her HG was authentic or not. Although it does usually only last the first trimester, but still…
Looks like Wills is in his element- being a hypocrite about blood sports, and especially being seen as a hoity toity celebrity rather than the future king. He wants to be worshipped just for who he is, rather than what he does, IMO. He thinks Americans are that gullible. He wants to be the Disney prince.
No Disney prince with those horse teeth!
If one looks head on, beginning with William’s eyes, going slowing down the nose – one doesn’t have to get so far as his mouth, before shock sets in; this is not the cute little boy from years past. Tsk, tsk…from a strictly female point of view, that is.
It must be hard to be Willy.
Those are really inappropriate shoes for an evening gala!
Kate should really have made some more effort. She knew she would get papped and as it is for charity anyway she should have made an effort. Many of the donors go there to get papped for their charitable efforts so why not dress up?
I bet the US-American ladies looked very elegant in contrast to Kate. Dressing up for expensive fundraiser galas is something the US ladies can do very well! I would love to see photos.
And her long disc-and-dangle earrings (2nd pic) look awful on her. It is not her style.
So this trip is to raise money for endangered elephants and is covered by the british tax payers? If I paid taxes in Britian which I might one day, I would be a little peeved. I guess you have people like Bill Gates to take care of the vaccinations to third world countries or Angelina Jolie to discuss the plight of victims of war or Queen Maxima discuss microfinance etc etc
My impression is that they are desparate to raise William’s and Kate’s profile by showing them next to “big players” like Obama or by getting them acquainted with the US rich / socialites.
raise their profile? Kate has been on the cover of all the gossip magazines tons of times and she is not even american! There was an article in the DM about how Kate is on par with Florenence Nightengale and maybe mother Theresa as someone who has changed the world.
Can you see if your manager can check the biography on these two charactors ? I found 56 pow avenue next to 57 pow avenue around the kenosha wisconsin . Find the relative maybe of Mr Richard Taylor then also Alonso Veteran .