Kate Middleton turns to Sir Richard Branson for advice
August 2nd, 2009 | Posted in: General, Kate Middleton
Her parents may have built up a multi-million-pound company, but Kate Middleton has turned to Sir Richard Branson in a bid to sharpen her business acumen.
Prince William’s girlfriend has had a series of meetings with the billionaire, who has helped set up a partnership between his Virgin empire and her parents’ Party Pieces mail-order business.
‘Kate is very close friends with Sir Richard’s daughter Holly and has had several meetings with Richard.’
‘She’s kept in regular contact and asked Sir Richard for his business advice. She respects him and thinks his guidance will assist her carving a new career for herself. He was only too happy to help her and has been instrumental in helping to set up the partnership with Party Pieces.’
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If you’re wondering when/where this photo was taken – it was at a Pre-Wimbeldon Party in 2006.
There’s some photos of Kate busting some moves with Guy Pelly too…
http://tinyurl.com/m97se5
** BRW – And just catching up on some of the comments – I see Phoebe noticed the same thing! Well spotted! **
Thanks BRW!
I think Hatey-Katie Nicholl wrote this article just to provoke a negative response. The reason I say that is because Katie Nicholl is implying a total lie.
The Virgin ‘Experience Days’ have been on the PartyPieces website since at least April of last year, yet Katie Nicholl has written about them in this article as if PartyPieces just started the Experience Days in the last week or so.
And the Virgin ‘Experience Days’ are not actually tours. There are photoshoots as a glamour girl or a fairy, some sort of movie studio visit, a chance to drive a race car or to go deep sea diving, and a couple of other things that I can’t remember.
From what I read PartyPieces doesn’t actually have anything to do with the Experience Days themselves, they just sell the Experience Days on their website.
Virgin is the company that actually fulfills the Experience Days.
IMO Hatey-Katie Nicholl is simply up to her old tricks. Just as Katie Nicholl didn’t want to acknowledge that Kate Middleton started working at PartyPieces in January 2008, she also doesn’t want to acknowledge that the Virgin Experience Days were on the PartyPieces website last year.
The article doesn’t even relate to the unsavoury Uncle Gary situation. It seems as if Katie Nicholl has no real information to tell, and she simply wants to paint Kate Middleton in a negative light no matter what, and she’ll use any means necessary to do so.
well said, mapleleaf!
Katie Nicholl simply has nothing to write and is digging up old info and conjuring stories from them. I bet a year from now, during another weekend with no news and no sources, KN will write a story about Celebrations and how the Middletons are taking advantage of connections again.
I just found that the comments on Katie Nicholl’s article are gone. What happened?
Never mind. The comments are back.
Its actually a good idea, when you stop and think about it. eg: PP caters for kids parties, with PM involved in planning parties whose to say that PP cannot later move into parties for adults also.
With JM involved in cakes, whose to say they cannot move in further catering ventures.
Also, as I understood it, both PM & JM conduct their business via PP website. I could be wrong on that, but I did think both PM & JM were subsidiaries of PP.
All in all, PP appears to be expanding their business and it follows it is their children who are taking it to the next stages.
I for one have never had an issue with Kate working for the family firm. Lots of people do it.
eg: All of Rupert Murdochs children work for him, and they all have their roles within that company.
As for KN’s article being edited, I’m wondering have the palace made complaints about her?
So let me get this straight — Ms. Middleton actually does something business related to promote the family business. She does it through her own connections, and business sense. Yet, Hatey Katie somehow sees something wrong with this? The same person who previously complained that Ms. Middleton was just sitting around waiting for her Prince to marry her?
I think Katie Nicholl’s needs serious mental help. I understand they have some very nice drugs that will bring her obsession with destroying Ms. Middleton under control.
Perhaps the “editing” is so that KN’s made-up quotes sound more natural.
You all have really good comments to this story. Why not make similar comments in DM. You never know, they could print a couple of them.
Honestly I don’t think anyone in the real world takes these article seriously.
I am more interested in whether William will find a few days to join Kate in Mustique.
I am also holding out some hope that August will turn into a good month for William and Kate supporters.
Fingers crossed.
Mapleleaf,
The Katie Nichols article is a dig. IMO it was not written to support Kate Middleton, it has negative undertones.
We agree!
Kate Nichols is not Kate Middlton’s friend.
Lisa I agree with you.
meg, I can tell you going on past experience that all newspapers and not just the DM are very selective on the comments they publish.
To date, I have only ever had one comment published in the DM, and that one was the time Chelsy was going to PC’s birthday party and the DM inferred that she travelled in her gown on a train. It was absurd.
Oh, by the way, I notice that they renamed me when they did publish my comment.
Also, I don’t understand why they allow some of the most absurdist comments and reject others which are tame in comparison.
So you go ahead, don’t let me put you off. You may get lucky.
Mapleleaf…..excellent research as usual. Clover….I too agree with you.
I just think it’s time we told the DM what we think of their “journalism” and that we know how , among others,Hatey-Kaie works. I am sure they won’t post it, but at least they will know.
They will not post a comment that is critical of their “reporting”. I have tried.
I’ve tried too Phoebe! In fact I’ve left comments on a few general news articles as of late and they haven’t been published either! I wasn’t writing anything ‘controversial’ either. I honestly think the DM have black listed my IP address due to my criticisms of their bullying of Kate.
I’m sure they are violating my right to free speech and the laws concerning it. The Daily Mail suck!
The Daily Mail browse this forum and the Internet Forum (Royal Forum) so I’m 100% sure they are aware of our opinions of them!
Hello,
The photograph was taken at the Lancaster Gate Hotel at the pre Wimbledon rception given by Richard Branson in June 2006 and attended by several Tennis celebrities and many other well known Sporting Faces.
KM was there without PW but accompanying Holly Branson , Sam Branson and several friends of PW.
Most of those friends have fallen by the wayside now probably for obvious reasons and PW’s “new set” include mainly friends from old aristocratic famiilies who have served the Crown for generations and know ‘the protocol’.
I think that , in the manner of PW’s new advisors who seem to have been very active with PW and PH, the sightings of KM and PW will be even less than the last few months. I do believe that they apply the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ principle and let the bad news settle down.
However, seeing how they acted in other circumstances recently don’t be surprised at anything happening especialy for the next year or so.
In the end though I do hope all will end well but one never knows and the longer it stretches out the more chance of problems arising one way or another.
I’ve had problems will all the newspapers. I gave up on the Daily Mail long ago, because I was so critical of them. But as for other newspapers, I had never tried to make a comment on the Sun or the NOTW before and all I was doing was questioning the security and they didn’t publish that.
I agree Lisa. I am looking forward to news from Scotland or the Caribbean, not necessarily in that order. If only these pseudo-news pieces were not so aggravating…
Ked, You sound almost positive if I am reading you correctly. If I am out of line I apologize but you made me smile at your comments. It will be interesting to see what happens with the rest of the summer. With William’s time away being only two weeks if the daily star is to be believed, they could go to balmoral. Is that wishful thinking on my part.
We just have to wait and see kat.
Ked I agree but I don’t think it will be that long now. I’m looking forward to next year.
yeah dm dig stories about km and the royal families…
Has anyone given thought to one of the reasons we shall not be seeing many of the young princes anymore is because of recession?
Usually when things are bad in my country, that is when royals come under attack.
When people are losing homes and jobs, the rich, such as the royals become prime targets. So it is my belief this is why the princes are low key.
Think about it. There was a time when Harry used to come into London and go to clubs every weekend. Not anymore.
Well, Hale, their livers should hope the recession hangs out for a bit longer then
ha ha,love the ‘livers” comment,LOL…
Anyway, here’s what I think. If some announcement is made in august,it will be that they are engaged and will marry in the spring without a specific date,IMO. I cannot see a date being announced that far out because it would be too great of a security risk. The benefit of announcing would be that the economy would get a boost with holiday merchandise sales , the nation would have a royal wedding to look forward to, lifting spirits and Kate would get her own security which would allow her some more freedom that she has lost recently.
Well put Ked.
Excellent post Ked!
sojourner
The Kate Nicholls story is full of inaccuracies.
Anyone who posts at BRW, anyone with a website can apply to host experience days and have a Virgin logo on their website, just like the one seen on the Party Pieces website.
If you follow the steps listed in the link below, you can do exactly what Kate Middleton has done. You do not need to know Richard Branson.
http://www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk/content/affiliate
The following is copied from the link:
“Who is eligible? Anybody with a web site can become an affiliate of Virgin Experience Days!”
“Why join Virgin Experience Days affiliate programme? You will be able to share in the success of one of the leading brands in the world. By becoming an affiliate you will not only have access to instant content for your site but also earn extra revenue in the process!”
“The important thing to know is that if you become a Virgin Experience Days affiliate, you can – without any risk – be a part of our success. You earn commission on Virgin Experience Days sales originating from your site and also benefit from advertising and promotional support in the form of banners, skyscrapers, product feeds, discount offers and more.”
“What are the benefits?Generous commissions: As soon as you sign up you are accessing a range of products with 5-10% commission moving up to over 20% when you become a ‘mega affiliate’.”
“Incentives: Virgin Experience Days constantly reward our affiliates’ efforts with exceptional incentives. We will award prizes to a range of our affiliates, new and old, to ensure that they are constantly engaged with the Virgin Experience Days affiliate scheme.
Unique product range: You will have access to a vast array of products, ranging from feeding big cats, through to driving an Aston Martin.
Resource: You will have access to an extensive array of resource – including banners and text links – all of which have been designed to give you the best possible chance to earn revenue from your site.”
“Revenue: The average order value is currently £100, therefore meaning that the average commission would be £10!”
“It is our aim to become one of the leading affiliate merchants in the UK, and as such we are keen to encourage open discussion and constant communication between ourselves and our affiliates.”
Very good find Clover.
Nevertheless, RB and KM know each other, but KN invented some stuff up! Reminds me of an article I read today with Brad Pitt, he says he doesn’t know why the tabloids make up so much crap. $$$
Thanks ME! I wonder why KN fabricated this story? I don’t get it.
Yeah the tabs make up a lot of things.
I am sure they make up this stuff whole cloth. These writers are given a picture, and like good little grade schoolers, are told to make up a story to go with it! Nathan Kay was told to edit this one, because the DM could not trust Hatey Katey to contain her vitriol.
Sojourner,
Good analysis of the situation! Katey Nichols is clearly not a Kate Middleton fan.
No I don’t think she is a fan either. There are many people who are determined to give Kate a hard time but I think some of that is what keeps Kate going. The more people try to knock her down, the more determined Kate becomes to press on no matter what.
Great find Clover. Actually, according to KN, KN is a fan of KM, but she feels that KM has not reached her full potential and that KM needs to prove herself to the public before people will fully accept her as a possible future queen.
Jayhawk, the problem is that people expect too much from Kate at this time and when she don’t do the things they think she should do, they attack her for it. Kate is still a private citizen despite dating the heir to the throne so what she do with her private life is her own business.
People was complaining that she don’t work, now she works and people still have a problem with her job. Why? because it’s not the job they think she should have. She tried doing some charity work and people jumped down her throat for that so I think KN and all the people who gives this girl a hard time, should know that Kate can’t live her life for everyone else.
Stop dancing on Kate’s tonsils because she don’t live her life the way you think she should. Things will be so much better, if people stop doing that.
Jayhawk,
Thanks!
Rman, I was re-stating what KN gave as her own opinion on the DM website, not my own opinion. But now that I think about it, I think it’s very interesting that initially the Virgin Experiences situation looked like an inside deal, but is commonplace afterall.
Sorry Jayhawk. Sometimes I get tierd of KN.
I understand. I think KN always has a wiley look in her eyes. Like she’s up to something naughty.
Jayhawk Interesting comments.
yeah sometimes i get tired of km
^There talking about KN (Katie Nicholl)
I agree with Ked
The longer this draws out the more chance there is that it won’t happen. If an engagement doesn’t happen next year then I really fear for this couple. My fingers are crossed for next year, tightly…
I agree with Ked too.
I really do feel that this couple don’t give a flying fig what people think about their relationship. At the sametime I think Kate suffers so much due to the press attacks. I think the loving support of her family, friends and William is what get her through all of this.
JJ I have my fingers crossed too.
guys, I am not sure how this is going to play out. On one hand I think they will announce a 2010 wedding. That would make them both 28 when they marry. Plenty of time to have a year or so together to get adjusted before having kids at say 30. On the other hand, there is a part of me that thinks that these two have made a consious decision to put off the marriage as long as possible to avoid the changes that will come once they do tie the knot.
Personally I will be taking a break from royal watching if there is no movement by next year. I am tired of the silly article,rumors and mean spirited posters who try to ruin things for others. It is just not worth it.
As will I Lisa. Surely if nothing else PW must realize at some point in time that if he doesn’t make this official sooner rather than later, he leaves KM exposed and the chances of something going horribly wrong increase
We just have to wait and see what will happen next year. I do believe that next year they will finally make this official.
I hope they make if official next year too. The wait is getting very tedious.
It could be that next year is the year Wills and Kate announce their engagement, but I hope no one gets too discouraged before that time.
Maybe it will help if everyone keeps in mind the fact that Zara Phillips is already 28 years old, and she and Mike Tindall STILL have not officially announced an engagement.
Kate Middleton is a full year younger than Zara Phillips. If Zara can wait until age 29 or older, then so can Kate. Autumn Phillips, nee’ Kelly, was 30 years old when she and Peter got married last year.
Princess Madeleine of Sweden is 27 years old, she and her boyfriend Jonas have been in a relationship for over 7 years now, and they are STILL not engaged.
IMO this shows that the younger generation of european Royals are just not interested in getting married at a young age. Wills and Kate are doing the same thing as others of their generation are doing, and if we all embrace that fact, I think it might make the wait easier for us all.
I’m tired of waiting as well, but at the same time I’m okay with it, because I realise that this is Wills and Kate’s lives, and they have to live their lives they way they feel is best for them.
IMO it’s the NaySayers and the press that push the hardest for an engagement. The press is pushing for obvious reasons (money/sales), and the NS’ers are pushing because they desperately hope an engagement won’t ever happen at all. The NS’ers strategy seems to be constantly talking about the lack of an engagement announcement to make themselves feel better. Obviously they hate it that Wills continues to be with Kate, and they’re looking for some sort of reassurance that he won’t marry Kate. They seem to think that somehow, by constantly talking about the fact that an engagement hasn’t happened yet, it will prevent an engagement from eventually happening.
I think that’s where acceptance of reality comes in. There is no reassurance that Wills won’t marry Kate, and there’s no reassurance that he will. The fact that Wills and Kate choose to have an ongoing relationship is a practical sign that they will eventually get married, but it definitely isn’t a guarantee. But realistically, the way things look right now, it’s much more likely that they will get married than it is that they won’t. That’s just plain old common sense logic.
I think that if the press would treat Wills and Kate’s relationship the same way they treat Zara and Mike’s relationship, or the way they treated Peter and Autumn’s dating relationhship, or the same way the Swedish press treats Madeleine and Jonas’ relationship, then we’d all have a different set of expectations and we wouldn’t be quite as tired of waiting as we are now.
We would all probably be a bit more ‘matter of fact’ about their relationship, and maybe more willing to simply accept it at face value, instead of going through all of the ‘will they, won’t they’ guessing games.
The constant ‘will they, won’t they’ questions are not Wills and Kate’s fault, because they’re just living their lives and minding their own business. It truly is the fault of the media.
Good post Mapleleaf, all we can do is hope for the best.
Mapleleaf,
You have made a few very good points. The only issue I take with your argument is the following:
Madeline is third in line to the Swedish throne (behind her sister, Crown Princess Victoria and brother, Prince Carl Philip), and 195th in the Line of Succession to the British Throne through her father, who is a great-great-grandson of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.
Zara is 12th in line of succession to the British throne.
Peter is 11th in line of succession to the British throne.
and William is 2nd in line of succession to the British throne which is for me is the reason the press DOES NOT treat Wills and Kate’s relationship the same as the others.
That’s a good point too Clover. We shall see what will happen.
I think Madeline has also had intense press speculation as has Prince Carl Philip regarding their relationships. Carl Philips girlfriend has faced similar press scrunity because she isn’t an aro nor rich.
It is also rumored that Madeline can not marry until Victoria is married, the king if Sweden won’t give his consent until she is married. Regardless I see your point MF I just don’t think that it is the best course of action to take in PW & KM’s case. She’s exposed without protection & subject to a lot of nastiness that I think would be much reduced if they announced. But like you said it’s their lives & they will live it the way they see fit. I just hope this story has a pleasant conclusion.
Clover,
Well, using the examples you offer: Victoria of Sweden is 32 years old, just now got engaged. Leticia of Spain wasn’t exactly a spring chicken, neither was Mary of Denmark The list of recent “mature” (ha ha) brides goes on and on. As far as the argument that the Windsors do it differently, well, there is always a first time, is there not?
Rman,
I agree with you and will join you in saying that we have to wait, all of us, the Kate lovers and the haters. There is nothing we can do but wait until William and Kate are ready to let us know what they plan to do with the rest of their lives.
Thanks!
JJ,
Good point! The conditions regarding marriage may be different for each monarchy.
paxdeux,
I don’t understand how your post is related to mine. My point was related to place in line of succession and media focus NOT age of bride or “how the Windsors do it.”