Kate Middleton’s Mum to join Queen at Royal Ascot?
Her appearance at a Windsor Castle Garter ceremony was the first formal sign that the Queen is preparing to welcome Kate Middleton officially into the Royal Family.
And now, just two days later, I have news which could indicate Miss Middleton’s romance with Prince William is to step up another gear. According to Ascot sources, Kate’s mother has been invited to the royal box during this week’s race meeting.
Should it take place, it will be the first official encounter between the Queen and her grandson’s possible mother-in-law.
A year ago, Carole Middleton, a former air stewardess, found herself at the centre of an extraordinarily snobbish attack after it was claimed she had used the word “toilet” and uttered the phrase “pleased to meet you” on meeting the Queen.
It was as cruel as it was untrue because, in fact, Mrs Middleton has never met the monarch, although they have attended the same functions.
Yesterday, Ascot was abuzz with rumours that the Queen is finally going to rectify that with a formal introduction this week.
Kate herself is not expected at the meeting, but insiders predict that if her mother is going to attend it will probably be on Ladies’ Day tomorrow.
Mrs Middleton and her husband Michael, a former pilot who runs a highly successful mail order company for children’s parties with his wife, have tried desperately to avoid the limelight.
But Carole found herself on the end of more criticism when she was reported to have been chewing gum during William’s passing out parade from Sandhurst. A former smoker, she was, in fact, consuming an anti-nicotine preparation. (via Daily Mail)
June 18th, 2008 06:41
i’ve ever heard that Catherine’s mom always proud about her daughter who make it to be Wills lover and someday become a future Queen of Britain, but i hope she’s doesn’t arrogant of that, my lady
June 18th, 2008 06:47
Hello,
If we can believe the DM story, written by the man who just over a year ago told America and Australia that KM and PW would never marry as KM didn’t have qualities to be Queen, then HM has made the perfect repost to the DM other story that she disapproved of KM’s life.
It true HM will have done it in such a way as not to impinge upon royal protocal on newspaper reports.
If it’s not true then it’s just another DM story.
I do hope that she has been invited as that should make all the heartache of the past twelve months disapear.
June 18th, 2008 11:34
True Ked. Also I hope all the name calling of the past will finally be put to an end. The courteers surely owe an apoligy. The is a great love story. Falling in love with your captian. All the middleton kids were concieved in love, and it shows. My eldest brother is a captian with a very terrific airline, it’s a fantastic job. He has flown some very important people. It’s a huge responsibiliy, passengers trusting their lives to their pilots. I’d think again about name calling. What do they do(the name callers) for work?
June 18th, 2008 13:56
Good post ^^^ I do believe that the couriers or friends from within the royal circle made themseleves more “common” that Kate and her family are by making those comments. Kate proved to be very classy by withstanding those comments and keeping her head her.
I just hope that they do not rush into anything. After all, 4 years is long enough for some people but not long enough for others. I would like to see them both marry happily and in love with no divorces 10 years down the line (with whoever their partner is). Luckily, they have gone the longest ever without breaking up (from last june to now= 1 year). I have always said that if 2 people can go for 2 years straight then there is a higher chance that there marriage will be successful. But perhaps, Kate and William are confident enough about their own relationship not to have to worry about that.
Still, I don’t want to get carried away by thinking of weddings too much, it’s far to tempting considering an engagement would most likely take place next February (8 months away.
I don’t think that he has proposed just yet, after all the royals do not like long engagements secret or public and they would want a summer wedding probably. If we are lucky it will take place on a weekday so we get a National Holiday :P. I know that I will watch it on tv.
Back to the current news though. I don’t think that Mrs Middleton would go to meet the Queen in public until an engagement is announced. It would cause too much speculation, and according to the PCC complaints last year, Kate does not want that and I am sure her family would not want the attention to be put on her until a engagement has been announced.
June 18th, 2008 13:57
The name callers probably drink in Mahiki or shop in Bond Street for a living.
Actually that’s harsh of me, as many do have other jobs e.g. Holly Branson is training to be a doctor of some sort. But I think that a lot of them do not do anything.
Sorry for the double post
June 18th, 2008 13:59
But, if Mrs. Middleton is seen in the royal box with the Queen, the rest is history.
June 18th, 2008 14:29
Hello,
The lack of any real news to publish means that newspapers either have to dig up old news or make thing up.
I feel certain that editors have been warned off so that the real news and whereabouts of KM is now not allowed to be published. It may be for security reasons to protect her or may be for some other reason.
Someone as well known as KM can’t just disappear sometimes for weeks on end, without someone knowing her movements and she can’t stay in doors all the time
Something is going on but what I can’t just work out.
Any ideas ?
June 18th, 2008 14:57
Yes, after a very considerable long time she was sighted yesterday with her sister, both looked very pretty.
June 18th, 2008 16:40
Lucky for Kate’s mom she gets to meet and greet the Queen at royal Ascot!
June 19th, 2008 07:05
Waiting on the proverbial tenterhooks at the moment, wondering if Catherine’s mum is at Ascot today … yet still wondering when, not if my trip to Britain will occur.
June 19th, 2008 07:13
I think that we should give Kate and her family a break. Her parents are very responsible and hard-working. And the fact that Kate is still able to hold up her head high inspite of the many unfair criticisms against her only means that there’s something great about her character. Yes, she may not have a job and yes she parties all night. But it’s not like she’s stepping in someone else’s pride or anything right? But I wish though that she’ll prove to us now what she’s got that will make her the best princess yet for PW and the UK.Although her academic excellence is a given, I wish that she’ll show to us that she’s as hard-working as her parents are.
June 19th, 2008 07:17
Hello,
Although KM was at Windsor on monday does anyone know if she met up with PW afterwards.
He apparently was in a carriage with his father and Camilla.
Harry ,Countess of Wessx and two other ladies followed in a later carriage or car, but KM wasn’t seen t all.
Anyone have knowledge about what happened ?
June 19th, 2008 07:38
I must confess that is new news to me, Ked. PW was there, and I missed it? These old eyes of mine must need new glasses, perhaps this calls for a pair of the new trifocals, possibly in a tasteful Dior frame, but I digress.
geia, you make a valid point about Catherine, and one which I hope many will take to heart. Kate will be hard working because her parents are hard working — as any fan of racing knows, it’s all in the genes. To assume that just because she appears to lead a life of leisure now, does not in any way indicate that she won’t snap to and get on the proverbial ball when it’s needed, and it will be needed, as it is indeed no longer a question of if, but when. In fact, for many of us it has progressed a step beyond to being not a question of when, but where?
The Abbey or St. Paul’s?
June 19th, 2008 07:59
Actually Harry may have driven her back to Windsor. The only ones that was in a carriage was Charles, Camilla and William. The Countess of Weesex was also in a carriage. There are pictures of Catherine standing with Harry after the service wth their programs “Order of Service” in their hands. They stood there to watch the royal party in the carriages go by.
June 19th, 2008 08:23
Rman,
I saw KM and Harry arrive in a limousine together with one other person.
Harry turned to his left walked away after the royal party left and left KM standing in the porchway on her own.
The other ladies left by carriage but I didn’t see what happened to KM.
I don’t thin Harry had his car as he arrived in the royal car.
KM was probably left to make her own way, to to where I don’t know. That’s why I asked if anyone had seen her after the service and the royal party left
June 19th, 2008 09:12
Oh heavens, my dear Ked and fellow readers — it would seem I am getting a bit dim in my old age! Realised that Ked was referring to the Garter ceremony on Monday, not Royal Ascot on Wednesday. Many, many apologies.
June 19th, 2008 09:38
alsqal,
I really did have to agree that your spectacles need upgrading.
Sorry
June 19th, 2008 10:29
She arrived and left with PH and the personal secretary of the boys.
June 19th, 2008 10:30
ked,
did Harry arrived in a Range Rover or silver Audi???
June 19th, 2008 10:47
benign, I know that question wasn’t directed at me personally, but I believe Harry and Catherine arrived in a neither an Audi nor Rover but rather a silver Mondeo, of all things.
btw I’ve just seen photos and Autumn looks positively fetching at RA today — style, not Patricia, is her middle name!
June 19th, 2008 10:56
Hello,
I think Harry ,KM and PW’s Pa arrived in a limo., with a chauffeur. I thought it was an Audi but can’t be sure . There is a photograph taken just after they arrived at Windsor and the chauffeur was just getting back into the car.
The last photograph I saw was of KM standing in the porch ,holding her order of service but on her own. An earlier picture showed Harry had turned to his left and seemed to be walking away away into the courtyard.
Harry has a silver A3 but PW has an Audi sports R8 I think.
June 19th, 2008 11:03
thank you ked and alsgal…cool..
June 19th, 2008 11:05
Hi,
The reason I initially asked the question was because I have noticed that attendants and others don’t really know how to treat KM when she isn’t with PW.
It appears that she is in that little vacuum that sometimes exists when people are a little afraid of knowing if they should approach her or not.
It will be better once everyone knows her exact position and she will get the attention she deserves.
As a matter of interest I did see that Peter and Autumn were in the Queen’s parade at Ascot and seemed perfectly at ease. Perhaps fuss over ‘Hello’ was exaggerated by newspapers, DM in particular, who didn’t like being on the outside looking in.
June 19th, 2008 11:06
Sorry,
Talking about Ascot !
Did DM get it wrong again ?
June 19th, 2008 11:10
That doesn’t happen in such an event. Believe me, she arrived and left in a planned manner.
CH and BP is not stupid, they now they can’t leave KM alone - when invited to such a high profile event, the media will harass her, you all should now better.
Photos are miliseconds - anyone may make a story out of milisecond pics, but that may not exactly be the whole picture.
Have a nice day
June 19th, 2008 11:10
wow, inaccurate reporting from the DM? Imagine that…
June 19th, 2008 11:24
I’ve been watching Ascot and no sign of either Kate or Carole. I would have thought that if they were going to turn up today would have been it, being Ladies Day. Though there is still 2 days of races to go.
June 19th, 2008 11:29
Thank you, Jess — and I agree, I really did think they would have turned up today, this being Ladies Day and both of them being Ladies.
But as you say, we’ve still got a chance for the next two days, so there is still hope.
June 19th, 2008 11:31
Hi,
Whatever was said or not said about who was or was not going to Ascot I do believe that PW and KM still want to play things cool at this time.
She doesn’t seem to surface very much but I’m not sure if that is a security matter or not. When she isn’t with PW I don’t think she has any security in attendance and that may just be a worry for some people at this time.
June 19th, 2008 11:33
Yeah there is two days left and she may turn up on Saturday which is William’s birthday. Who knows William may just escort her Ascot. He has never been and it would be great for him and her to go on his big day.
June 19th, 2008 11:44
Right, nor PW or PH have ever been to the Royal Ascot. Lets see what happens, 2 days remaining.
June 19th, 2008 11:55
Prince Harry and Kate Middleton (along with Helen Asprey) arrived at the Garter Knight ceremony in a silver Mondeo, which ITN and the BBC referred to as an “official car”.
I assume the car was driven by Royal Protection Officers, but I don’t actually know who was driving it. The RPO’s are who usually drive Wills and Harry places when they don’t drive themselves.
I see that Mrs. Middleton wasn’t present in the royal box at Ascot today, so much for the rumours. It’s too bad that it wasn’t true, but I’m not surprised. I had adopted a ‘wait and see’ mindset because I wasn’t sure Richard Kay would be correct on this one, but hopefully there will be other times when Mrs. Middleton really will meet with Her Majesty. I hope.
June 19th, 2008 12:10
Thank you for clearing that up mapleleaf. Yeah I’m just hoping to see them at Ascot tomorrow or Saturday. I knew that Kate came in a official car and I’m sure they all went back to Windsor. The Queen is entertaining guest at Windsor Castle so I’m sure they went back for tea and dinner in the afternoon. If you read Darren McGrady’s book “Eating Royally” you will know that the royal family is eating and drinking crazy during Ascot week. But there’s plenty of time to see them at Ascot and other royal engagements next year. I’m sure the Garter ceremony isn’t the only royal event we will Kate and Chelsy. We have Charles’s birthday events coming up as well.
June 19th, 2008 12:13
Charles’s birthday is in November, right? 60 years. I can’t see that being a low key affair. There’ll be a dinner somewhere or a large party and yes I would expect the girlfriends to be there.
June 19th, 2008 12:55
Hi mapleleaf,
Thanks for sorting car out. I thought it was a silver Audi but acknowledge your superior recognition skills.
Did you rally think that DM stories about KM and her mother would be true ? I don’t think HM would invite Mrs Middleton until some official announcement had been made about PW and KM.
I personally feel that announcement is still a long way off. Remember PW has always made it clear that he would be 28+ before getting married.
There is also the precedent of Autumn being personally invited to accompany the Queen on her cruise almost 2 years before getting married.
Taking that as guide 2010+ may be a good investment at William Hill but that does seem to be long time for KM to stay ‘underground.’
As a matter of interest I have a feeling that KM’s ‘laying low’ may possibly be a security measure which may also apply in Chelsy’s case too.
June 19th, 2008 13:11
You’re welcome everyone. Ked, I’m embarrassed to admit I have no superior recognition skills, I found out what type of car they rode in from an ITN article. The article also has a video of the Garter parade:
http://itn.co.uk/news/106f1a17cd67639f65742c0507bf49bc.html
ITN is a reliable and credible news source, sometimes I think they’re more reliable than the BBC!
I didn’t know if the DM story about Mrs. Middleton being invited to join HM in the royal box at Ascot was true or not.
I knew there was a 50/50 chance it would be wrong, only because Richard Kay has about a 50% accuracy rate on his stories.
Even at that, he’s got a better accuracy rate than Katie Nicholl or Rebecca ‘I’m so snarky’ English!
I wish it had been true, but I’m not surprised that it wasn’t. Mrs. Middleton being invited to the royal box at Ascot seems to be an overstepping of the normal protocol. But I admit was keeping an open mind about the possibility.
June 19th, 2008 13:36
Yeah you are right Ked, the Queen did invite Autumn on the cruise but William wasn’t there either so it’s one of the reasons why Kate didn’t go. William & Harry have been so busy with there regiments and navy that they haven’t been to the Christmas gatherings nor easter celebrations in a longtime. But once a formal annoucement is made, then we will see things become more different. But have Kate & Chelsy at the wedding in may, sitting with the royal family, having Chelsy at Harry’s medal ceremony and Kate being at the big royal event “Order of The Garter” is making things look very good and I don’t think an engagement is long off. Later this year or early next year is when royal engagements come along. Note, Peter & Autumn annouced theirs later within the year.
June 19th, 2008 13:56
Rman,
Autumn was asked to accompany the Queen on the cruise but I don’t think Peter was on the cruise but can’t be sure.
I seem to remember that Autumn and a Lady ? became very friendly during the cruise and Autumn and Peter spent weekends with her family many times.
Can anyone fill in the gaps.
Me , your data base pwerhaps?
June 19th, 2008 14:04
Actually yes Peter did go on the cruise. I don’t know about them becoming friends with a lady. But there are pictures of Peter & Autumn on the cruise.
June 19th, 2008 14:35
Rman,
That’s ok Thanks
June 19th, 2008 14:40
Rman,
My point was not that Kate wasn’t invited to cruise because William wasn’t there.
The point was that Peter and Autumn were not officially engaged but she was still invited.
KM has yet to receive a similar invitation to be at close proximity to Queen at an official function and if time scale is applied then PW/KM are 2+ years away from a marriage.
Hope you get my point .
June 19th, 2008 15:21
Idon’t think an informal invitation will be done in such manner with Miss Catherine. Everything with her will be very formal, she’s dating the heir to the Throne, no number 11.
June 19th, 2008 15:37
Yes I get it, but I feel like that will happen soon.
June 19th, 2008 16:05
so according to some posters on this site even though she has been dating him for $-5 years she still has to wait 2 years ,no wonder they call her waity katie,he will daefently be bald by then
June 19th, 2008 16:33
A few months back, you said 4 with break ups + 2 years more according to some posters would be 6, anyway there are many couples who have 5+, like Zara and Mike.
The press is in a hurry, W&C seem not to be.
June 19th, 2008 16:57
Hi Me,
I don’t think an invitation to spend 10 days in close contact with HM, probably having dinner each night with her is an informal invitation.
I am not sure, but if that happened about 18 months or so before they became engaged HM must have had pretty solid knowledge that they were to be married.
If that is true and KM hasn’t (to our knowledge) had a similar invitation especially before Christmas at any of the many Royal events (including the non royal Camilla diner for instance) then perhaps there are doubts.
I support KM as most posts would prove, but if a Guy tells his grandma that he loves a girl but not enough to marry her 12 months ago , and taking historical royal divorces into account, is it not reasonable for HM to have some doubts?
If those doubts have been communicated to PW there is no way an engagement is imminent because despite his reported independence he would not dare to go against the Queen’s wishes.
There are other pointers that leave me puzzled.
PW is involved with The Royal Marsden Hospital and other charities. What an opportunity to get KM informally involved and put to bed another problem area,that of her employment.
There have been other occasions when KM could have been involved thus indicating her possible future position but nothing of that sort has been done.
Obviously PW and KM are in love, that is evident, but the ‘grand passion’ stage has passed and sometimes they almost look and behave like a young siblings.
I may well be considered a devil’s advocate by these comments but I truly do get puzzled at times. There are so many conflicting happenings so perhaps others have answers or contadictions to these coments
June 19th, 2008 17:17
Trial and error, time will tell…
June 19th, 2008 17:29
Oh Me,
I am disappointed I really thought you could have helped.
Trial and error seems to indicate marriage and divorce but I’m sure that not what you mean.
June 19th, 2008 17:59
So basically Kate’s mother hasn’t shown up yet at Ascot?
June 19th, 2008 18:19
No, trial (break up) error (PW noticed he made an error) because he asked her to go back with him. I’m sure they talked about it and have matured.
I agree with you about the HM part though, very wise.
June 19th, 2008 18:21
Well basically we don’t really know if Kate will attend Royal Ascot. The rumor started with Richard Kay and everybody has been going nuts from there on. It would be nice for her to attend but I do believe she will when she gets a chance to go with William. It’s possible for her to show up to the last two Ascot’s. But the point is that William & Kate is moving at their own pace and you can see that’s not fast enough for alot of people. It was said in the press that William didn’t love her enough to marry her but not one human being knows if he actually said that. The breakup last year was very shocking to all of us and no one really knows what happend so the press came up with a story that he told his grandmother that he didn’t love her enough and everybody ran with that story. Mainly because the press just don’t know what happened. They are over that now and has moved on. They look happier than ever and the public “slowly” is seeing more of her with the royals and less of her in the public by herself. Since she is not really seen too much, people begin to think that she is doing nothing but waiting from William. We all have to say that’s not true because if William and the royal family gets the idea that all she wants is a royal title, that relationship would be over. Lets just sit and continue to watch William & Kate’s relationship strengthen and watch how she continues to carry herself with grace at royal events. There’s more to come.
June 19th, 2008 18:22
merrick, she hasn’t appeared, but rereading carefully Richard Kay’s article, he himself in a figurative manner says a sort of “if” she appears, like meaning if the “ascot sources” are true…so actually after rereading it, he is gossiping exactly what he heard from “ascot sources” - whoever those “ascot sources” are ?!
June 19th, 2008 18:29
Rman I agree with you, the thing is I think - reading daily the press and the forum sites in royal matters, people have like the “need” to see them “very frequently” (if 3 days to 1 week go by with no news of the golden couple), because if not, the royal posters (not all) get short minded and start saying “something is wrong, there on the rocks”…people should just remind themselves that they are not actors in BB. I am most certainly sure that they chat, send msn, use the cel phone, see each other during the weekends, eat pizza, get delivery service, purchase a movie, use microwave popcorn, invite a buddy over for a highgrove home made dinner…talking about - I heard she is an excellent cook.
June 19th, 2008 18:56
Hi ,
I agree with most of what all of you say but one can’t go on skirting the big issue. Why ?
If HM is distressed by their relationship and we do not know that she is, is that stopping PW proposing ?
If it’s not that what is a reasonable reason for his not proposing?
Because he’s not old enough ?
Because he’s scared ?
Because he’s not sure ?
Because his Mum and Dad divorced?
Because he’s not sure KM will make a good Queen in 20+ years time ?
Because he’s so b****y minded that he doesn’t want to give the press or his future subjects the satisfaction of thinking they’ve pressured him into proposing?
Because he’s getting thin on top and worries KM will not fancy him anymore?
The more’ becauses’ you use the more frivolous the reasons or answers sound so lets have our own because……
“PW will not propose because………..”
June 19th, 2008 19:04
Ked, PW has certainly with EYE proof shown to HM and the public that Miss Catherine Elizabeth Middleton is his serious royal girlfriend. Examples as of lately: BBB, The Order of the Garter Knight. He is the one that was “at fault” (he said 1 year ago Im free and the pictures with those girls with his hands you know where), so he has to prove himself, Miss Catherine, HM (including the Firm, those who influence HM) exactly that. He’s got one thing on his favor, time, do it right IF you really love her - and he is proving this bright and clear with the last official royal event.
June 19th, 2008 19:41
If you go back to last fall Clarence House issued a statement the PW would be very busy in 2008 finishing his military obligations. Let’s not expect him to get formally engaged until he is free to shield his lady from the papz. Everybody just take a vacation and let things develope in good time.
June 19th, 2008 20:21
+ that grandma
June 19th, 2008 20:27
That’s right Grandma828. Me, I didn’t know that you heard that she is a great cook. That’s one thing I like in a woman is her cooking. That is a way to a mans heart, through his stomach. In their last interview, William said he can make a mean Steak. I know Mike said Zara is a very good cook and The Queen is very good in making salads. Everybody looks forward to Philips BBQ’s at Balmoral. But I really think people should stop worring about them, they are fine.
June 19th, 2008 20:57
Hi all,
Agree.
Agree.
Agrre
But why hasn’t he proposed?
June 19th, 2008 21:21
Well Ked we don’t know if he did already. But when a he announce that engagement and Buckingham Palace put that sign on it’s gates, their will be photo shoots, interviews and wedding dress speculations. Kate will probably officially move into Clarence House or Buckingham Palace.There will be public appearances and celebrations. This will be an event that the world hasn’t seen since Charles & Diana’s engagement and wedding. Now William don’t have the time to do these things and be devoted to his training in the navy at the same time. So they may have already be engaged but they just can’t announce it yet. They just have to keep going with the plan that they have. The focus is on his training at the moment and she is by his side. If you look at the recent pictures of her and Pippa hanging out the other day you can see that she is enjoying the freedom she has for the meantime. Although the media is following her every move, she is still a private citizen. One thing I noticed at the Garter service, she didn’t have his ring on but put it back on when she was with her sister the other day. I truly think the “Big Ring” will be on her finger soon. Charles didn’t remove Diana’s wedding ring until his engagement to Camilla. Slowly the signs are coming.
June 19th, 2008 21:29
Grandma828, I agree.
June 19th, 2008 21:54
I also think that the reason they have not announced the engagement is because of Williams schedule not anything having to do with their relationship. They are solid.He is just not in a position to do the things that are required once they announce. seeing Kate at royal events is a clear message of what is to come but it will be on their time schedule, not the public’s.I don’t,however think it is far off. The latest I see them getting married is summer 2009. Remember all…patience is a virtue.
June 20th, 2008 00:29
Rman,
I would love to believe that it is imminent but until the Queen approves then nothing will happen.
The so called leaks from Palace oficials may have more significance than people at first thought, especially as there has been no denial officially or unofficially. If leaks can be made one way they can be the other way also.
I thought when I read that Mrs. Middleton had been asked to attend Ascot that was the Queen’s way of denying the initial report and as her support for KM. Even that was not forthcoming.
There are unforseen problems and unanswered queries which seem to revolve arround HM’s approval and these have been communicated via leaks.
Charles obviously approves of KM so perhaps a compromise will be met and she is obviously very comfortable in the company of the Royal ladies and with Harry who at one time did not approve of KM and even penned a nickname for her. Perhaps someone remembers that.
KM’s appearance in the Royal Box today or tomorrow would go a long way to calming the the turbulence. Her none appearance must signal that doubts still exist at the highest level.
I do believe that the lack of news about KM and Chelsy is to do with their respective boyfriends being on active service and security fears for both ladies.
June 20th, 2008 01:03
Hi Grandma828,
Lovely to meet and chat with you.
I agree with what you say but unfortunately PW’s popularity has not increased with his playing soldiers,sailors and airman over the past 12 to 14 months.
The comments of serving personnel and comments from a grieving family certainly showed that.
His father and other older members of the Royal familly really did serve in he forces ,some with distinction and earned the puplic’s respect.
PW would surely have been better employed ,during these months, taking the pressure off his grandfather and grandmother with a heavy schedule of royal duties.
The direction his advisors have taken him has lead to the belief that he was a part time service man and a part time Royal.
His service especially with the RAF and RM have certainly been spasmodic ,broken up as they have been by puplic appearances, polo and even the Garter ceremony.
It has been a calamitous mish mash of events with even the mix up with Peter/Autumn’s wedding causing an unsightly stir.
As far as his royal planning schedule, since the break up in 2007, most certainly appeared to suggest that the entire programme was hurriedly scrambled together to improve PW public peception and image which plummeted when his and KM’s breakup was leaked in spring 2007.
Also remember that according to that schedule he still has to spend time in the Foreign Office and in a Newspaper office when he finishes his Army commitment in December this year.
June 20th, 2008 02:35
Hi, all,
why hasn’t pw proposed?
for the reasons suggested many times:
he’s not sure he wants to be with her long term
often, he’s not that keen to be with her short term
their relationship has cooled off in many ways….pw is content to see her now and then; in the past several months, he’s opted to spend time with his pals or military buddies, rather than with km
other times, he’s seemed distant, inattentive, even hostile, in her presence
he loves her on some level, as a dear, comfortable, long time friend, but he doesn’t seem to feel compelled to be with her, to be by her side most of the time, to be deeply bonded to her
so…..
June 20th, 2008 03:34
anastasia,
First is KM therefore the best actress in the world ?
I think you echo some of his apparent indifference that had been puzzling me over the past year but of course put it a lot clearer and a lot stronger than I could.
However William has a problem if all that you say is true.
If he loves her as you say , ‘as a dear comfortable long time friend’ but ‘dog in the mangerish’ hangs on to her how does he get rid of her if that is what he eventually wants to do.
Wait for her to walk away? Is this his plan?
If it’s true then hanging on is the most cadish selfish and (sorry can’t write the word here) I have ever heard or experienced.
If true PW as a man is finished and his credibility is zero and his only hope of propagating his line is through some sordid arranged marriage years into the future.
And KM ? What does she do ? Where does she go ?
For years and years she will be the shadow ,always there. It’s an impossible scenario but has been alluded to in the past.
Back to First. KM looks so happy these days that she must be confident that he will eventually propose. Surely PW is unable to fool her day after day?
A woman can sense that emotion, so she must be the best actress in the world if he is so dissolute.
No anastasia as much as I respect your view I do not believe PW is capable of that sort of deception.
June 20th, 2008 05:13
leave the lady alone.
June 20th, 2008 05:27
Ked, the Queen NEVER responds to tabloid reports so the fact that she didn’t denie the negative stories about her and Kate means nothing. To the contrary Kate’s appearance at the Garter very much shows that HM is not opposed to Kate at all - or she would never have gotten near this official event.
Anastacia, I don’t think you’re right at all. He clearly knows he wants to be with her or they wouldn’t have a 4-5 year relationship by now. I find it so funny how judgmental some people are. Harry can go out with his buddies all he wants, make out with bar maids in Canada and Chelsy sit on the lap of some other dude after leaving a club - and not a word about possible problems in their relationship is said. But Will and Kate do not appear together in London for about a month or two while he’s training with the RAF and that means that there’s trouble in paradise. Seems to me like some always want to see everything about Will and Kate in a bad light and are only too willing to believe any negative gossip spread about those two. From what I’ve seen during the last months they appear happy together since they reunited after their brief split.
IMO he hasn’t proposed because he doesn’t want to leave Kate alone with the “courtiers” after an engagement. He’ be gone for 5-6 weeks this year - and I’m sure he knew so well in advance. What’s the point in getting engaged and possibly marry only to leave your wife on her own in a life completely alien to her observed by an unforgiving public and press? Diana always complained that she felt abandoned after the engagement because Charles was absent for so long and she found herself alone in an unknown environment. IMO, William has done a good job to introduce Kate to his cirlce of friends she clearly gets on well with and also his family she obviously feels comfortable around. He would never have done so, was he not sure that he wants to spend the rest of his life with her.
When I see a couple that’s been together for so long, I believe that they are so because they are in love not because the guy is too “lazy” to find someone else or because the woman manages (over 5 years!) to manipulate the guy and everyone around him to love/like and accept her. Noone questions Mike’s love for Zara or Harry’s for Chelsy either and those guys have not proposed yet as well. Only William’s love for Kate is constantly called into question.
June 20th, 2008 06:23
yup, I think likewise and said so…
June 20th, 2008 06:29
Trixie,
You go girl!
M
June 20th, 2008 06:37
Hi Trixie,
I acknowledge that the Queen never responds to any reports but when I read DM story that MrsM. was to be invited to Ascot I did think that was HM’s way of terminating the earlier reports without going against protocol.
It was the DM so I should have known better so HM didn’t in fact intend to regularise the position. She didn’t and the slur to KM and family still stands.
At the Garter ceremony the new Knights are permitted to invite family or friends to the grounds and courtyard so I would think KM was there at PW invitation. HM wouldn’t probably know KM was there as there was no meeting organised.
Anastasia did make a few points about PW apparent irritability with KM which he seems unable to contain. It usuallty happens if it is KM who is attracting attention but he seems pleasant enough with her when he is the centre of attention. This isn’t unique. Prince Charles was exactly the same with Diana.
If PW is waiting to propose until he has time to be with KM this isn’t going to happen. When he finishes with RN at end July he has vacations planned.
KM will probably be included for part of that I would hope but early August is the annual meeting of his charity in Kenya and he always attends. You may recall he flew to Seychelle’s from Kenya prior to last years holiday and returned there afterwards.
Following on, he returns to his Regiment until the end of the Year before leaving the services.
His agenda then calls for a spell at the Foreign Office which may well include a visit to Embassies in say Paris and America.
He is then booked to join a national newspaper for a spell and will also have several constitutional duties up to and including next years Tooping when he may very well play a part.
There is not a lot of time for KM in this schedule is there, so she has several more months ‘underground’ and he still would not be there to protect or guide her, so yet again no engagement on the basis you mention.
Is this when she is meant to ‘run for the hills’ as suggested by many.
The life of a Royal has a full timetable so there may never be time for him to indoctrinate KM and lead her through the pit falls.
Therefore if he is going to propose now is as good a time as any to let her get involved in his life. A life which will have times of loneliness but at least she would then have a support mechanism behind her and she will be able to involve herself in his charitable or other events.
I don’t think it’s going to happen for a good few months or even years, so yes, as one member remarked earlier ‘be patient.’
June 20th, 2008 06:45
HM is the HOST of the Order of the Garter, permission has to be required to clear through, if she had any opposition, PW would know.
June 20th, 2008 06:46
PW is due back to the B&R from September 2008 until January 2009
June 20th, 2008 06:51
High profile event, HM would oppose, if knowing PW at the end of the tunnel no light…
June 20th, 2008 07:53
Me,
My point was that if PW is waiting to propose until he can spend time with KM to introduce to the Royal life, they couls wait fore ever.
If he proposes now and marries her at least she can then share his life .
June 20th, 2008 09:18
Hi everyone. Still no sign of the Middletons at Ascot. Though I can confirm that Pippa definately isn’t going:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1027858/Hawkings-ex-buries-hatchet.html
There is a snippet here about Pippa’s night out with George Percy, if you scroll down. She apparenty says she doesn’t like racing so she won’t be going to Ascot but she will be going to Wimbledon. Since Pippa and Kate tend to go to social even
ts together I see this as a sign that no Middletons will be present at Ascot this year.
But hope is not lost as Kate may accompany her sister to Wimbledon instead.
June 20th, 2008 11:31
I did find that a bit interesting to discover Pippa does not like racing (this coming straight from the horses mouth) as I believe she did accompany Catherine to Cheltenham a few years back. Perhaps she was there to offer support, which is a lovely thing for a sister to do.
And glorious news about her dating George Percy, which I am inclined to believe they are dating as so many of the notables these days always insist they are “just friends” — my what a good catch he is (and vice versa, as those Middleton sisters do seem to have an almost magical sort of allure.)
Such a happy summer for the clan Middleton — now if only we could get young James paired up!
June 20th, 2008 12:11
Alsgal - Pippa says in the article that her and George Percy are just friends and not dating. Though should Pippa date George Percy in the future then the Middletons could end up with one daughter as Queen and another as a Duchess. Then that only leaves James.Someone should set him up with Beatrice or Eugenie, lol. Then that’ll be the Middleton kids futures sorted. lol.
June 20th, 2008 12:22
Jess,
You are absolutely right, the article does say that, but forgive me for indulging in a little wishful thinking:)
Beatrice and Eugenie would be quite a catch as well — though not sure their financial fortunes are “set” in the same way George Percy and William’s are, so it might be that James would be the “catch” there. Really an attractive young man, a very unique looking young man and apparently he can cook as well (at least decorative cakes and the like, as evidenced from his new little cake business in conjunction with Party Pieces.)
Keeping with that train of thought, the Middletons are to parties what the Royals are to ceremonies — the entire family seems to be involved with parties and party planning in one way or another.
They must be great fun!
June 20th, 2008 13:34
George and J.J. are friends, she’s over with J.J. ?
June 20th, 2008 18:12
Hi Ked, Hi all,
It’s not clear why KM appears so beamingly happy these days.
Perhaps, as some suggest, she’s gotten secret reassurance that a proposal will occur, even if not right away.
Yet, how comforting is that?
To have to wait some additional time, perhaps years, for a proposal? And, with the requirement that she wait patiently and keep up appearances, not descend into dejectedness! Hardly that great a prospect.
But, as Ked suggests, if PW does indeed intend to propose at some future date, then why the ____ not propose right now? This would legitimize KM and end her unfair limbo state.
As Ked mentioned, PW has seemingly not taken that many steps to integrate KM into royal life….charities, for example, even though there was recently the opportunity to do so.
So, it could be PW is merely comfortable with this relationship, yet has no future intentions. In that case, PW could simply wait for KM to be proactive and end things, or simply fade away.
Do men do this?
Yes, alas. I personally see an in-law type relative, a man of 29, date a woman for the past 11 years. He has no intention of marrying her, though she believes and hopes he will. He’s discussed behind her back how he knows he has to break up with her but just isn’t ready to. Ghastly! But not that uncommon. I’ve been tempted to confront her and fill her in. But I’d be a meddler. And she’s old enough to protect her own heart.
June 21st, 2008 00:22
Solid points, Ked and Anastasia…
I agree that if he is waiting for the “perfect” time, then that will never come. But I also agree that the “perfect” opportunity may be William’s excuse, and he could therefore be using it as a way to get KM to break-up with him…because then he could be “blameless” in the public eye by saying that she just couldn’t keep up with the hectic life and schedule of a Royal…hmmm…
June 21st, 2008 01:10
Hello everyone,
More and more people are coming around to the “unacceptable conspiracy” that PW is ‘hanging out’ with KM but really is just waiting for her to move on.
I first read this in BRW many months ago when one of your members theorised that CH insisted PW went back to KM after extreme criticism from public but in particular from his senior officers in the Army delivered via his brother.
Shortly after this PW pursued what was initially a very reluctant KM, who had been badly hurt by the split and by the cruel reference to her family,and eventually partially wooed her back.
He didnt however really respect her during this period and it was painfully obvious that he was performing under sufferance. The various occasions were well documented and his body language and demeanour indicated his reluctance.
This continued for many months, but KM stuck at it and then suddenly he realised he had a jewell, a person he sometimes liked being with, a person who obviously thought the world of him and a person who was loyal and available.
I think he did change his attitude but was/is still being led by CH moguls who may be acting on higher authority.
Their relationship at present seems loving and happy and KM is in many respects accepted , not as as a finance but as a girlfriend and suddenly this girlfriend is being accorded some, but not all the respect of a future wife and Queen.
However despite many opportunities they are still not formally engaged and the possibility that PW will continue with the CH conspiracy is still there.
If and however this is executed the British public will condemn him and those behind the conspiracy and once the respect of the British people is lost it is very difficult to regain. Charles, Andrew and others have found that out in the past.
KM is a decent, very bright loyal and attractive lady who loves her man and will do what she has to do to keep him.
If she is cast aside either by her own frustrations or by PW’s insidious actions then the least we can say is that she doesn’t deserve it.
PW must act now.
June 21st, 2008 07:42
Where did you read this conspiracy theory ?
June 21st, 2008 07:47
Probably on some internet forum where posters can’t seem to get their heads around the idea that William may actually love his g/f. Hence he only returned to her to be able to dump her again.
Ked, Will must not act now. He must marry when he feels he’s ready. I actually think it’s good for Kate to see how some actually talk about her behind her back. It’ll teach her to be cautions around “courtiers” who’d bash her for basically anything she does.
June 21st, 2008 08:02
Trixie,
I’m sorry but your statement that it’s good for KM to see etc is absolute rubbish.
This is a lady who may still become Queen of England and statements and comments like this will remain in files and 20 ,30 years on will be used by Repuplicans and similar groups to show how unpopular KM was and to attack the monarchy.
Similar comments and tactics were used in the 1960 to attack and disparage politicians and eventually destroyed Harold Wilson and should be discouraged in every way possible.
Sorry to be blunt but I do feel so strongly about these comments and the people who make them.
June 21st, 2008 08:16
But royal watchers and those close to The Firm think Kate has been given official status within the Royal Family – that of Girlfriend, with a capital G. Social expert Lady Celestria Noel says: “In the olden days, someone went from being nothing to being a fiancée. But things are different now and, contrary to what one might expect, the Royals are very good at moving with the times.
“They know that their contemporaries invite girlfriends and boyfriends to family events, and so they are doing it too. After all, Prince William did live with Kate for two years, so they have to do it differently. The fact that she went to the Garter is an acknowledgement – it doesn’t mean that marriage is around the corner, but it does mean that Girlfriend is now an official status.”
Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, says that this was actually started by Sophie, Countess of Wessex, who lived in St James’s Palace before she married Prince Edward.
“Diana, Princess of Wales and Sarah, Duchess of York found that immensely irritating because they felt that if they had had the same chance to know more about what they were getting into, they would have coped better. It’s a definite thing that the Queen has decided: that the Girlfriends are included more, so that they know the ropes and the people involved.”
June 21st, 2008 08:18
you know i think some people are reading too much into the fact Kate was at the Garter ceremony. Remember the former wife of Prince Andrew was allowed to be his guest at the Garter ceremony two years ago. Okay Kate was seen with some members of the Rf and fergie wasn’t. But the fact is Prince Andrew would of had to have the Queen’s approval to have fergie there as his guest.
Reading the latest telegraph article on Kate its a really negative article on her. It’s like someone is trying to snub enagement rumours for a reason.
June 21st, 2008 08:22
Jodie the article has positive/negative and ends towards neutral, in other words - clueless of the if/when.
June 21st, 2008 10:58
Well he hasn’t married her yet. I’m not sure why he’s dragging this out either.
The Telegraph article is mostly negative, it makes her sound like he has to marry her becauses he’s been uh……with her for so long.
And it is another article that makes it sound as if the Queen is not in favor of Kate Middleton.
The article also mentions her nightclubbing,non-work, as a negative.
It just suggests that he will marry her because she has been compromised and dating her for so long.It also makes her look somewhat harsh. This is terrible talk in the press for a young woman who is supposed to be held to a high standard one day as Queen Consort.(It’s not just posters or commentors this time, it is a National UK-Newspaper, calling her compromised and basically someone who is the future heirs, Royal uh……whatever…but it wasn’t nice.)
It makes her seem tacky. (in my opinion)The Palace does not hold this woman in a good light despite her usually constant positive press pumping machine or these articles would not be popping out now.
June 21st, 2008 11:32
go merrick
June 21st, 2008 12:16
merrick,
I fail to see how William is dragging this out. He has only turned 26 today, not 36. Is it so hard for people to believe that William AND Kate wanted to wait till they were that bit older. Getting married at 23/24 might be what some people want but it is obviously not what they wanted. The amount of press pressure for a wedding has been absurd and I say well done to them for not giving in and doing something they weren’t ready to do.
As for the palaces and Queen’s opinion on Kate, down play her presence at The Garter Ceremony all you like but everyone involved, from the Queen to the courtiers, knew what having Kate arriving in a royal car with Harry and standing there with the rest of The Royal Family was going to lead to in the press. It would have been easier to have her not show up, the press would of just explained it away saying that girlfriends don’t attend these sort of events and that would of been that but they didn’t.
Right now all the papers care about is getting readers, writing about Kate Middleton is a sure way of doing that. How many times have the different papers written something about Kate only to come out the next day with something that totally contradicts it. Hell sometimes they are even contradicting themselves within the same article. Right now all they seem to be doing is throwing things out hoping that at least some of it will pan out and until they either get engaged or break for good it is more than likely going to continue like that. Some people will only believe the bad press, some will only believe the good, personally I don’t believe any of it unless I see photographic proof of it.
June 21st, 2008 13:01
Hell everyone,
THe longer this goes on the more obvious it seems to be.
One person will decide when or if an engagement happens.
That’s the Queen.
Reportedly she has expressed he opinion but I feel the work story is a blind. She may have other issues
June 21st, 2008 14:03
DM article with recent pics….
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1028272/The-Princes-Kate-tangled–tent-trying-shelter-rain.html
June 22nd, 2008 12:02
Oh, I seriously doubt Kate wanted to “wait until they are both older” to get married. No way. She would have married him a year into their relationship, IMO!
June 22nd, 2008 12:07
You mean during Uni.