William & Kate holiday on Mustique Island
British paper The Mirror is claiming that Prince William and Kate Middleton are currently soaking up the sun on Mustique Island in the Carribean…
They landed there on Wednesday for a week’s break booked at the last minute – just three weeks after Kate returned from a family holiday on the island.
A source said: “They are having a fantastic time. Kate and William have been spending a lot of time on the beach and William has been showing off his skills on the jet ski. They are having the time of their lives and haven’t stopped smiling since they got here.”
Wills and Kate are thought to be staying at an exclusive £2,000-a-night villa.
August 23rd, 2009 06:28
Good for them! Surf’s up!!
August 23rd, 2009 07:17
Yeah. But this isn’t going to do a lot for her image.
August 23rd, 2009 07:19
If either of them cared about her “image,” they would not have gone. I think her going is a big fat GET A LIFE message to those who use her “image” to TRY to attack her.
I repeat: Good for her!! Surf’s up!!
August 23rd, 2009 07:36
Im with you Guest have fun
.
August 23rd, 2009 07:45
I do find it interesting that the younger royals are taking time to go to Mustique or have fun in the sun other places, too. The sun worshippers used to be Diana, Princess Margaret, and Fergie, who were always seen partying on beaches or decks of yachts with boyfriends.
I don’t condone provocative behavior, but I guess what I am trying to say is that it is much more age-appropriate for William, Harry, Kate, etc. to do these sorts of holidays than the middle-aged family members. You expect them to be at Balmoral!
August 23rd, 2009 08:05
I hope they are having a smashing vacation.
August 23rd, 2009 08:17
i hope they get along a not smashing a proposal or engagement on the go
August 23rd, 2009 08:20
sorry for not a meant to say that i don’t think a proposal or engagement maybe next year 2010 i clear it
August 23rd, 2009 08:44
scan tom 1083 article and 1084
August 23rd, 2009 08:56
I think this is a little private getaway before the whole wedding hoopla explodes.
Or they just prefer sun to rainy Balmoral.
August 23rd, 2009 09:21
Bank Holiday is next week, they’ll be back home by then……… Bank Holiday= Balmoral
August 23rd, 2009 09:29
You never know whether to believe these holiday stories or not but the timing is consistent of other holidays they have taken. Last year was the same. Holiday with the Middleton and then with Wills, so who knows? Barmoral is a big question mark. I am sure all the tabs will be doing their best to fill in the blanks,lol.
August 23rd, 2009 09:39
Littlefield @ response no. 5, welcome to BRW and I agree with you.
August 23rd, 2009 10:04
Well if they are in Mustique, I hope they have a very good time.
August 23rd, 2009 12:46
Now Kate’s school play is in DM:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1208478/The-moment-William-proposed-Kate-Middleton–school-play-14-years-ago.html
August 23rd, 2009 12:56
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/royals/2602323/Kate-meets-her-Prince-aged-13.html
August 23rd, 2009 18:07
Yes indeed…good for them!
I hope they enjoy every bit of it.
August 23rd, 2009 18:28
What’s happening to Williams training in the S & R?
August 23rd, 2009 18:47
The article is reporting that good weather the early part of August allowed William to put in the required number of training flight hours in a shorter than expected amout of time and he gets to have some extra time off.
August 23rd, 2009 18:49
Because of favorable weather he is ahead on his training and HAS EARNED SOME TIME OFF TO SPEND WITH HIS SWEETIE.
August 23rd, 2009 19:05
http://tinyurl.com/nyuh84
August 23rd, 2009 19:12
Hale @ 18, William and the rest of his mates got the time off due to good weather. They all passed.
August 23rd, 2009 19:13
So they may all be at the moment with their sweeties
August 23rd, 2009 19:14
So the UK press is extracting stories from one another…
From the Mirror, the DM writes their own Mustique article…
From the Express, the DM and Sun published their own school play versions…
This girl must be selling a lot of papers.
Btw, take note that DM’s picture is OLD. It’s from 2006 when Kate and Wills were in Ibiza. Here’s the original one:
http://tinyurl.com/kseneg
August 23rd, 2009 19:18
This was known about 10 days ago. I try to read everything from small to big news, from small to big state, national and regional papers.
August 15, 2009
Quote
The Prince has spent the last couple of weeks at RAF Valley in Anglesey, North Wales.
“William and all the others on his course have been given more time off than they originally expected because the weather has been kind to them,”. “They are running so far ahead of schedule.”
Unquote
August 23rd, 2009 19:19
Using old photos to accompany a story is done all of the time. This is nothing new.
August 23rd, 2009 19:24
As I have seen in the past and present the big tabloids exaggerate to make William look like he was the only one who took “time off” from the RAF, whereas they purposely do not add that the rest of the mates in his course are off for leave too.
Try to write a comment stating that and it won’t be published, the mgul media manipulates the 2.5-5 M readers.
August 23rd, 2009 19:36
Nuff said, I hope she is having loads of fun !
I wish I may take that kind of vacations to feel the experience of a private island, although my holidays are much fun too, beach, sand, surf and sun; Costa Rica, Hawai, Cailfornia, Australia, Indo.
I also get an average of 30 free working days a year, not including saturdays and sundays, so pretty much the same amount the jibe RE is trying to brain wash the readers. Teachers get more vacations
their just not Prince William’s girlfriend 
August 23rd, 2009 19:49
“If either of them cared about her ‘image’, they would not have gone.”
Too true. And that’s the problem. They don’t care, which is why I think that no wedding is happening any time soon.
August 23rd, 2009 20:27
“If either of them cared about her ‘image’, they would not have gone.”
William nor Kate really don’t care what people think about their vacations. They work hard and they should be able to have some “me time”, also don’t forget that William & Kate have not taken a vacation together since early this year. Some people think Kate should be couped up at her job throughout the whole year without a break, and that’s wrong. She took sometime to vacation with her family and now she is taking sometime to vacation with her hubby to be, I think that’s great.
Also I think people have to understand that William & Kate would never have come this far, if they didn’t keep their relationship hot and alive. They are some pretty busy people and if they want to keep that relationship going, they have to spend some quality time together. Getting away from London and London’s ruthless tabloids is always the best thing to do. This couple seem to work hard at keeping their relationship strong and alive, I think that’s great too.
I pray that next year is for them to get married or at least engaged.
August 23rd, 2009 22:33
Whoever said that must think they have to slave out 365 days of the year.
Don’t worry, when they marry they will slave it out the rest of their lives.
August 24th, 2009 00:03
so are you saying dagsi to comment 26 is the vacay is not true at all ?
August 24th, 2009 02:00
http://dfeatures.thirdlight.com/viewpicture.tlx?pubgsearchid=1250980556&pictureid=9859665
August 24th, 2009 05:21
Rman @ 30, I’m with you! You summed it up perfectly.
August 24th, 2009 07:07
bluefire, I’m not saying it isn’t true… just that we can’t be sure without new pictures. The press wants to prove it’s true by misleading people with old pictures. Until I see a new one, or until I see Wills return with a tan, I won’t believe it 100%
August 24th, 2009 07:10
The Mustique trip could also be erroneous info given to the tabs to keep them away from Balmoral.
August 24th, 2009 08:04
Hi Folks,
I don’t think the DM is trying to mislead anyone with that old picture they put up of Kate, they just put that up to report that the couple is vacationing in the Caribbean. Yes it could be a smokescreen for the couple but one never knows. If they are in the Caribbean, I hope they have a good time if not, I hope they have a good time where ever they are.
August 24th, 2009 09:53
Was this trip formerly announced by PW people? How does anyone know for sure if they really went to the Island? For all we know they could be at Balmoral – they are pretty sneaky.
August 24th, 2009 11:28
I dont think PW people has ever announced his personal vacations.
August 24th, 2009 13:18
I do agree with the Mustique-skeptics — I’ll believe the claims when I see the tan gains.
August 24th, 2009 13:56
Folks just a quick word, it’s being said on the Royal Internet Forum that there’s a report in Hello! stating that royal courtiers are discussing plans for a royal wedding. Maybe someone can get their hands on a copy of Hello! and tell us about it. Mapleleaf perhaps.
Talk to you guys later.
August 24th, 2009 15:02
It says that they are planning a wedding for 2011 because William doesn’t have time before then. The same things we have seen for a while now really. Only thing is that it is said that the palace is planning a wedding, so there definitely will be one. But in 2011.
August 24th, 2009 15:24
Meg thanks for letting us know. Nothing really new there. I firmly think this wedding will come when we least expect it to.
August 24th, 2009 15:33
Rman, I don’t know anything about the Hello! article, but I’m thinking that if royal courtiers are discussing plans for a wedding, it would be Zara and Mike. I think any discussions for Wills and Kate would take place at a later date.
As for the Mustique holiday/vacation: There’s really no logical reason not to believe it. Wills and Kate go away on some sort of island vacation every single August. Is there any real reason why this August should be any different?
They even went away in August in 2007.
It’s just one of those things they do. They go skiing every March or April, and they go to a tropical vacation every August, and they go on a shoot every October and December. Those are their habits, that’s what they do.
That being the case, it’s not a far-fetched or fantastical idea that Wills and Kate would be in Mustique right now.
By the same token, when October comes we should expect them to go deer stalking, and in December we should expect them to go grouse/pheasant hunting.
Wills and Kate are creatures of habit, and they do the same things every year. So those who are getting themselves all worked up and saying that they don’t thing Wills and Kate are really in Mustique should look at Wills and Kate’s past behaviour for clues.
Bottom line: They were just at a wedding together 2 weeks ago. There’s no reason to assume they’re not in Mustique right now, other than some people possibly hoping (for whatever reason) that Wills and Kate aren’t doing their usual things that they do every year.
But so far, they’ve stuck to their usual routines; skiing in March, polo in summer, and next on the list: island holiday in August. It’s August, I’m sure everyone can connect the dots. No brainer.
August 24th, 2009 16:14
MapleL,
I do think they are still together. I do know Mustique is there place of choice in the summer. Nevertheless, I also knew that Cloisters was there preferred skying spot, and they showed up in that other place in France. So, all I am saying is that with everyone tripping over themselves to be in the know, and these two determined to keep everybody in the dark, I am just not taking any ol’ insiders word without proof. Tanned complexions, a bit of a redder spot on Wills, some split ends at the end of KMs mane… just regular vacation wear and tear.
JMHO, of course
August 24th, 2009 16:20
Now HOLA is also confirming the Mustique jaunt, but with last years pictures.
And there seems to be some tabloid reporting a KM baby-bump (Australia? US? Couldn’t get to catch the name over my plane-mates shoulder?)
Looked likethey were using a polo picture, but couldn’t tell.
August 24th, 2009 17:03
Sojourner I agree, you have a really good point that I hadn’t thought about. Wills is definitely a sly one who loves to keep his business to himself.
They could be on some other island instead of Mustique. If they really are on Mustique and not some other island, it could be that the paps haven’t managed to get any pics yet. Last year the paps were only able to get pics when Wills and Kate were on the water.
If they’re not on Mustique, the paps will find out they’ve been sent on a wild goose chase, while Wills and Kate chill out on some other island.
As for the baby bump story, it came from the Globe in the U.S. Therefore, the story is about as reliable as the story about the alien eating bananas in the super-market!
August 24th, 2009 17:18
After the two gentlemen were sentenced to 100 hours of community for stealing the pictures of last years, maybe everyone is being very careful and decided not to take pics now. The article about them bein at Mustique is strange. It talks about walks on the beach, jet ski, refreshments at night etc. How is anybody going to know all of that detail. With the Hola confirming about a royal wedding that could tie in with what was said by Red Lady and Lisa. Red Lady said that something interesting could happen at Balmoral this weekend. Also Lisa said about a California reporter going to the UK and that he was originally was supposed to cover the MJ funeral which was postponed until Sept. 3. It all points to something of importance is going to happen. I am keeping my fingers crossed.
August 24th, 2009 18:05
Kat I’m with you, I have my fingers crossed too.
August 24th, 2009 23:07
Well I am crossing my fingers too ans also hoping for the delivery of Robin Nunn’s book on sept 1st, next tuesday,I believe.
August 25th, 2009 05:35
Isn’t it possible that the reason the Californian reporter is coming to the UK is because of Freddie Windsor’s and Sophie Winkleman’s wedding?
After all, Sophie is an actress and I believe it is they who have been house hunting in California.
Mustique is one place that royals can feel private, because it is a private island. Therefore, all the details given by press reports should be taken with a pinch of salt. The press do not have access to Mustique.
Actually, the details given reminds me of the Birkhall visit in January, when details were given of W & K dining in the log cabin with white tablecloths strewn with china.
I do not doubt that the log cabin evening took place, and I do not doubt that W & K maybe in Mustique, but the rest I view as ‘padding’ on the part of the press.
August 25th, 2009 06:54
Good morning, Hale. I actually think it is more likely that mt daughters father in law is covering the release of the bomber but I really have no way of inquiring.
I am on the fence as to what may be going on. On one hand there are a few thing that,IMO, point to some activity at the end of august. On the other hand,unless they are going to tie the knot in Nov,I think this is too early for them to announce a spring wedding.
I do think they are likely in Mustique for many of the reasons that Mapleleaf pointed out. I also think they will go to Balmoral for a time but what comes from that I do not know.
I would hope that if William and Kate intend to put off their marriage for another two years, someone advises them that it is a bad idea. The relationship,IMO, needs to be put on more official footing. You will never put an end to the tabloid crap but at least they would have some credibility from the legitimate press. The longer they stick to this over the top code of silence,allowing the tabs to run amok, the more people will believe some of what is being printed because they have nothing else to base their opinions on.
August 25th, 2009 07:54
I was just thinking that maybe they put out the rumors that they were in Mustique just to keep the paps away from Balmoral. Speaking of Balmoral- is PW a fan of it? I remember Diana was not a fan but can’t remember if PW is.
August 25th, 2009 08:05
Good Morning Everyone,
Hale I agree with you, there’s a lot of “padding” from the press. Lisa I couldn’t agree with you more. I can’t see this relationship going for another two or three years without some sort of official standing. That’s why I think this media idea of a 2011 or 2012 wedding is pure rubbish. Something official needs to happen and it needs to happen now. I think after 7 or 8 years, Kate should be officially William fiancee and the media and public should now that they will get married. I can only pray that we will know something soon or at least early next year.
August 25th, 2009 08:16
Kd, William is pretty much a country guy and it is said that Balmoral is one of his favorite places to be. Highgrove is also his favorite. Diana also liked the country life, she was born in the country and raised in the country. She just didn’t like hunting and the endless boring barbecue’s. I guess it’s not all that fun with older people. Diana’s favorite royal country estate was Sandringham and she use to look forward to visiting that place every year.
August 25th, 2009 08:50
Ingrid Seward’s September letter is in:
http://www.majestymagazine.com/editors_letter.php
August 25th, 2009 09:18
I am disappointed that Ingrid,who is usually so classy even mentioned the GG business. It is tabloid and ugly and the mainstream press stayed away from it. Sorry,Ingrid, but I think GG got his 15 mins of fame and there was no need to bring it up in what is normally such a high class publication.
August 25th, 2009 09:50
Yup, his 15 mins is over.
August 25th, 2009 10:07
Well, it’s not as if Uncle Gary was looking for the “fame”, 15 minutes or otherwise.
August 25th, 2009 10:46
Thanks for the info Rman.
August 25th, 2009 11:02
Thanks for the link, Lisa.
I understand what you’re saying, but it’s possible that I.S. would have been criticized for NOT mentioning the GG issue. At least she presented it fairly and didn’t blame Kate or suggest that William should cut all ties with the Middleton’s. Lol. It wasn’t their fault, after all, and I think she tried to convey that message. IMO. 
August 25th, 2009 11:08
Very true Phoebe and Katherine, I just think the whole GG thing should be dropped. I’m glad Kate re-emerged stronger than ever after that.
August 25th, 2009 11:19
I agree w/Kathrine. I think IS probably had to mention GG- might as well get it out of the way. At least she wasn’t negative towards KM.
August 25th, 2009 17:32
I have a copy of the latest HELLO mag article about William and Kate. The article is only two pages. Click to enlarge and read the text:
http://tinyurl.com/ngvh3h
http://tinyurl.com/naeasm
Just as Rman mentioned, the article says that royal courtiers are discussing marriage plans “at a very high level”.
The article is definitely sticking with the idea of a wedding taking place in 2011, and it mentions what Hale has already said here on BRW: that the election will take precedence in 2010.
August 25th, 2009 18:18
Thank you for posting the article, Mapleleaf.
If this is true, I’m not thrilled about the wait (lol!), but the timeline does make sense. I definitely want to see a PRINCESS Kate on the balcony when HM celebrates her Jubilee. She will be exactly what the doctor ordered for the House of Windsor. Lol!
I only wish the press wouldn’t suggest that Kate’s life is in limbo just because she isn’t engaged or married. Behind the scenes, I suspect she has a lot going on. I support her, but I don’t envy her.
August 25th, 2009 18:41
Thanks for the scans Mapleleaf. I know many of the royal experts don’t see how the couple could fit a wedding in next year but I still remain hopeful.
Lets say they are right, a wedding will happen in 2011 because 2010 is just too packed with events. Then I think the royal advisors should let 2010 be the year that Kate shine alittle bit. Help her get involved with a charity or an organization of her interest, let her make a speech on behalf of the charity and just let her highlight the causes that is close to her heart. Also lets see Kate by William’s side on at least a couple of royal events in 2010. I know the royal protocol but I just feel like if 2010 is another waiting year, then my God let it be a good and beautiful waiting year.
If William is going to a charity gala, then let Kate go too. If there’s an organization that they think would be perfect for Kate to get involved with, then let her make an appearence at the event so she can establish some connections and become part of it. I know you guys think I’m loosing my mind and I have to agree. I just don’t want 2010 to be just another dry year for Kate. She should be by William’s side more and not just a polo event but at least a couple of royal events. In 2010 it should be made clear that Kate will be a royal bride the following year, the media and public needs to know that.
After 7 or 8 years, I feel Kate should be seen in a more positive royal light, instead of the longtime girlfriend way in the background, with no voice of her own. I think if they do this, the crazy tabloid attacks will die down and Kate’s personality could shine a bit more. Let 2010 be a good royal year for Kate and just keep the party going for 2011. Although I still pray that an engagement will happen soon and they will plan a wedding for next year. I just think the sooner, the better. I hope we get a surprise soon, 2011 gets knocked off the list and make 2010 the big year.
August 25th, 2009 19:08
Katherine,
I think things could get crazy again in 2010, if Kate is not seen in a more positive light. There could be more ‘workshy’ articals, more possible attacks on Kate or on her family and just another year of “up & down” moments on the royal forums. If things was on a more official footing, people could get a chance to know the real Kate Middleton and not get brainwashed by the made up tabloid stories about her. If there’s going to another year of waiting, then the royal team should make 2010 be a year that Kate’s royal qualities show and show that she will bring something new/fresh to the royal table.
If this 2011 plan is true, then please don’t let 2010 be just another dead year for her, publicly. Take her from the backgroung and place her by William’s side, it’s time for that to happen now. Still have my fingers crossed.
August 25th, 2009 19:35
Hi Rman,
I too have my fingers crossed and I still believe there’s a chance they will marry earlier. It’s possible that the 2011 date is simply a way of throwing the press/public off the scent (granted, only to a degree).
And while I agree with you and I hope 2010 will be a good year for Kate, I’m not sure she could do anything to satisfy some of her critics. If she accompanies William at charity events, she will be accused of simply playing the part to “snag her man and fool the public.” On the other hand, if she continues to keep her head down and her nose clean, it will be another year of her “waiting” and “not working.” The bottom line is that she can’t win, as you know.
What has/will help, IMO, is if it becomes more and more obvious that it IS a matter of WHEN, and NOT a question of IF. In the meantime, Kate should keep smiling and enjoy her life…
…that should continue to frost some cookies. Lol!!!
August 25th, 2009 19:50
Hi Katherine,
I agree, she will never be able to satisfy her critics, but I think she should at least have a chance to show them that she will be a good and supportive consort for William. Of course we know over the years she has been there for William and gives her support to him behind the scene’s but that support need to come to some light. I just hope that happens sooner.
August 25th, 2009 20:57
LOL, this is one crazy artical on William & Kate for their upcoming visit to Balmoral. The stuff they come up with sometimes makes me laugh.
http://tinyurl.com/lch5c8
I highly doubt the Queen has anything to worry about. They are probably too tired from this Caribbean trip, lol.
August 25th, 2009 21:04
imo kate will only mange to regain all of the support she has lost when an announcement is made. until her voice is heard she is not IMO taken as serioiusly as she should be as his potential bride.we need an announcement so that she can have some kind of official standing in the royal fold and be truly seen as a true signifigant figure. i fear that the longer an announcement is delayed (presuming there will be an announcement) kate is more open to critism and backlash. just my opinion. i know she is left wiith so few options until she is given official status
August 25th, 2009 22:07
Here is an updated article to the Express article of yours Rman.
http://www.express.co.uk/ourcomments/view/122314
Thanks Mapleleaf. I have been looking at the net to find out if they are going to Balmoral. I guess both articles have the same information. I am hoping that they go, and Kate and the Queen get to visit, I am glad that they got together for a time now. I hope that they had a great time. By the way long engagements aren’t unheard of. I know of a person who has had a two year engagement. She is down to 11 months. I do hope some statement will be made soon. Robin Nunn’s book will be out in a week. Hopefully it won’t be long for many things.
August 25th, 2009 22:20
Indeed Danielle I agree. I really do hope it doesn’t drag out until 2011. I fear a lot of damage can be done between now and then… We will see…
August 25th, 2009 22:41
Guys,that Hello article feels like it was taken right out of the forums,LOL, Seriously. The Express article is hysterical. Did they have to got there? LOL. Bottom line, no one knows and won’t know until the man in the grey suit who works for the Queen tells us one lovely day.
August 25th, 2009 22:50
http://www.express.co.uk/ourcomments/view/122314
Here is the same newspaper-different writer.
I is interesting the different view points of the two articels but much the sane details. I hope that they go and have a great time Robin Nunn’s book is still showing delivery date sept. I am still pulling for an earlier rather than later announcement.
August 25th, 2009 23:04
This article seems a bit short on facts and details. The Princess of Wales passed away 12 years ago, not 11 as the article states. Maybe they copied it from last year? LOL
August 25th, 2009 23:35
I have always thought that if the Queen invites the couple to Balmoral, they would visit her but not stay in the castle. We all know that William has his own cottage on the estate, so they would most likely stay there and go over to the castle to visit Her Majesty. Where was it said that the couple would stay in the castle? That’s the first time I have heard that.
I think the internet rumors and media rumors, are the ones that make this relationship look so complicated.
I’m pulling for the samething Kat.
August 26th, 2009 03:19
im starving again and then i wake up i dont know what to believe in story again about kate and wills about their engagement the magazine are in hungry for wills and kate
August 26th, 2009 14:47
Just been looking back on all the posts. Me @ 25, thank you for explaining that one to me.
I’ve also been trying to catch up on articles. Take note, Vanessa Feltz is a TV presenter and commentator, she is not a royal expert.
As for Q not allowing Charles to sleep with Camilla at Balmoral until they were married, frankly I find it silly. Why would Charles even stay at Balmoral when he has Birkhall, which isn’t far from Balmoral.
I believe it is the not knowing either way which is so frustrating about this relationship.
My views have not changed regards to W & K marrying, but I do feel that Kate has been badly maligned and used by media and royal PR alike.
I’m curious, are there any forum members from Sweden? The reason I ask is because I should like to know how Daniel is viewed? Next year Victoria will marry Daniel, followed by Madeline and her beau. Given that these two were also in long term relationships, I wonder how it affected the monarchy over there.
I maintain, one of the biggest problems here is we are not used to seeing long term courtships within the monarchy. I somehow think it will be better handled by the next generation. Right now, W & K are the new generation breaking ground.
August 26th, 2009 16:20
Hi Everybody,
Hale that is very true indeed, many are not use to long term relationships, when it comes down to the royals. I find nothing wrong with it.
I too wonder how the media and public view Daniel and Jonas? The media pays a great deal of attention to these people but not quite like the young British royals.
Hale I agree with that, the media has used and abused Kate far too much. With no voice of her own and no royal status after all this time, things just get interesting every year. Like I said before, if 2010 is just another waiting year, the royal PR need to kick in for her more and just bring her out of the background. I hope 2010 is not another waiting year, I have my fingers crossed on that.
August 26th, 2009 16:29
Hale
I am not from Sweden but I like to think that I keep up on the Swedish young royals relationships. Daniel had a very tough time with the press firstly because he was a commoner and secondly becuase he is similar to William and hates the press. He is as you know a personal trainer and many swedish aristo turned up their noses. There were also many rumors that the King was not happy with Victoria’s choice and thought that Daniel was not well spoken and not good enough for his daughter. So he has been through the wringer as has former royal girlfriend Emma Pernald. She also is a commoner from a modest family and the press went to town with her. She is supposed to be very outspoken & also had a job in PR. I will post something I found on another forum in a second…
August 26th, 2009 16:31
This is from the internet forum and paints a very dark picture about what has been going on behind the scenes with the swedish royals engagement. It’s not the fairy tale that it looks like either.
The engagement of crown princess Victoria of Sweden to her long-term lover, former gym owner Daniel Westling was announced in February. And the country collectively shrugged.
The tabloids, sensing a brand new opportunity to whip up dwindling sales, immediately lurched into overdrive. Cue huge headlines followed by oversized exclamation marks and an incredible array of “exclusive” insights, as each one attempted to outdo the competitors by flaunting their “insider” credentials.
The attempts to browbeat the poor citizens into a state of euphoria ended in failure. Not so much because people were not happy for Victoria – most were – it was just that the announcement, coming after nearly seven years of open cohabitation and a steady drip of “titbits” over the years, was rather an anticlimax.
More interesting, though, were the speculations on the royals’ demeanour as the announcement was made. Body language experts remarked upon the apparent stiffness in the parents’ posture during the pre-filmed announcement, particularly that of the queen. Indeed, while a radiant Victoria and a rather less inhibited king Carl XVI Gustaf talked about their pleasure at the engagement, there was great astonishment that the queen actually had to read from a piece of paper to express her happiness at her daughter’s betrothal.
And yet, in the midst of all this, the most glaring issue was left untouched.
It is generally understood, and indeed, widely accepted, that Daniel Westling proposed to the princess early last summer (2008). Shortly before that, they had been on a series of “romantic getaways”, after which Mr. Westling had moved onto the royal, taxpayer-maintained property, ostensibly as a “tenant”, according to the palace’s June 2008 clarification.
The timing of the proposal suggests that there were approximately eight (8) months between the engagement and the official announcement. Now normally, in royal circles, when that much time is allowed to pass before the public is informed, it is because the period of silence has been used to facilitate behind-the-scenes preparations such as the setting of the date, the initiation of pre-marital counselling, the selection of members of the bridal party, the preparation of invitation lists, even decisions on dressmaker(s) and various design preferences and wedding themes.
So naturally, people were surprised to hear that at the time of the official announcement, no date had been set (that was to be announced later), and plans for the wedding (beyond the announcement) had not been set in motion. Indeed, the announcement itself appeared to have been made in a bit of a rush, as if it could not have been restrained any further. So much so that protocol was abandoned, in that the television crew that filmed the royal family’s announcement found out about the engagement before the prime minister, who ended up having to rush to the palace to receive the news before it leaked (it did). Half of Stockholm apparently found out about the impending announcement before the people who officially had to consent to the engagement, i.e., the Swedish parliament.
But the most astonishing takeaway from the proceedings was the fact that the wedding was not to be scheduled for this summer, 2009, but next summer, 2010, more than a year and half after the announcement. In other words, after living with her lover for nearly seven years, the soon-to-be 33 year-old crown princess will have to wait for more than two years after they actually became engaged to him to marry him.
Even now, nearly four months later, there are more questions than answers. And this most pertinent of issues is still being studiously avoided by the media which so desperately want the country to be more ecstatic.
Why did it take all of eight months to make the official announcement if no wedding plans were being finalised during that time? Just how “pleased” were the king and queen, at the prospect of a marriage between the two finally becoming a reality? Why did the queen appear to be so ill at ease during the televised announcement, despite having had so much time to prepare for it, not to mention the fact that she has had more than 30 years of exposure to television cameras?
The king has never made any secret of his bitterness over the fact that he was forced to watch as his son and original heir, prince Carl Philip, was literally robbed of his birthright when he was retroactively stripped of his title of Crown Prince, and the title handed to his older sister Victoria. The retroactive implementation was unprecedented (many legal scholars and royal experts say illegal), and was considered a victory for the militant feminist movement that was in ascendancy in Sweden at the time. Last year, on at least two occasions, the king again voiced his feelings, saying how “sorry” he was for “poor” Carl Philip. The queen, it has frequently been reported, has never had much regard for Victoria’s choice of partner, not that she, also a commoner, could credibly raise much objections to the match on such grounds. Similarly, it was said that the king felt that Daniel Westling was too unrefined, was uninformed about world affairs and had a terrible grasp of the English language. Nonetheless, the queen made a point of stating (twice) last year, in response to direct questions from reporters, that she would want her children “to marry for love”. The final utterance of this statement, said in a tone of absolute resignation, prompted royal watchers to speculate that this indicated that a wedding between Victoria and Daniel Westling was now “inevitable”.
So why wait eight long months to announce the engagement? Was the king urging Victoria to wait longer, or even to reconsider? Was the queen? Or was she being urged to abandon her position as heir to the throne in favour of the “rightful” heir, Carl Philip, if she decided to marry Daniel Westling? Did the king wait eight long months before giving his consent, even after having already consented to their cohabiting within the palace grounds?
Why, with the decision finally made, has the couple been forced to wait for nearly a year and a half after the official announcement before marrying? So far, none of the explanations given ring true. If the wedding was to take place so far in the future, why did they not plan the wedding in secret and then announce the engagement closer to the date? It is certainly unprecedented, in modern times, for a royal engagement to be officially announced more than a year before the wedding date.
One of the theories that was floated back in February was that the reason for the lengthy period of engagement was to give Mr. Westling time to adjust to royal life, to prepare him for the role and to introduce him to other royals. But he has been with the crown princess for close to seven years. He has met and privately socialised with the royals from the neighbouring countries and others over the years and has met all of Victoria’s friends and acquaintances, not to mention members of the Swedish government and various politicians and business officials throughout this period. As a result of the meet-and-greet theory, the prospect of seeing the crown princess together with her new fiancé at public events had been eagerly hyped by the tabloids and other royal watchers. His continued absence from her side in the three months after the announcement – as the princess continued to undertake royal duties on her own – therefore raised more eyebrows, and the palace once again found itself fielding questions about Mr. Westling’s non-existent post-engagement profile. The response? “Daniel Westling will not be joining the crown princess in any official capacity before the wedding”. High drama in the royal court. This, needless to say, did nothing to alleviate the increasing sense of disquiet surrounding the engagement.
But then, as these things go, came a new twist in the saga of the Swedish engagement. Daniel Westling underwent surgery, receiving a kidney donated by his father. The tabloids saw a new chance to endear him to the public, and of course, cash in on the engagement story, their initial attempts to do so having failed miserably. Cue a new round of flashing headlines and sympathetic stories of people in similar situations. People were invited to sign online condolence pages to “wish Daniel a speedy recovery”. It was claimed that people rushed to sign up as organ donors in the wake of the news of his operation. The message? “Embrace him, damn it! With great outpourings of love. After all, he is Sweden’s Daniel now.” Ironically, in an apparent attempt to dampen possible suspicions about Daniel Westling’s genetic makeup and fears for any future heirs to the Swedish throne (and not, mark you, out of concern for his physical health), the papers took great pains to emphasise the fact that the condition that warranted a replacement kidney, despite being congenital, was “not hereditary”.
With the wedding over a year away, there is no need to rush the arrangements. So far, the future prince has been “sequestered” at the royal palace since being discharged from hospital. His doctors say he has made a remarkably speedy recovery. Tabloids have used this to further emphasise his “exceptional” good health. He was spotted out on the jogging trails only days after leaving hospital, apparently power walking with his newly assigned bodyguards. Daniel Westling is the new Superman. Apart from the brief sentence that Mr. Westling’s father is “doing well” that is routinely tacked on to each report about the son, there has barely been a mention of the generous gentleman.
Much has been made of the fact that the crown princess did not cancel her trip to Greenland with the crown princes of Denmark and Norway to remain lovingly at her fiancé’s side as he underwent surgery or rush back as soon as the procedure was over, with some reporters seemingly resenting the fact that they were denied dramatic images of a stricken princess, in torment over the prospect of losing her love. Indeed, all through the trip she was continuously hounded with questions about how much she was missing him, couched in terms that seemed designed to coerce a tearful breakdown.
In the meantime, Victoria, back from her trip, stoically continues with her royal duties, smiling as she goes. It is clear that she is happy that she will finally marry the man she obviously loves. But it is more than that. As she said in the engagement interview, beaming with joy, “when I am with Daniel, I feel safe”. Which perfectly encapsulated the depth of her emotions. It is exactly how a woman in her position needs to feel about the man she is marrying. Everyone who has observed her over the years and followed her ups and downs understands what she means. The people of Sweden are happy for her. They genuinely like and admire her and naturally wish her well. If anyone deserves to be happy, it is she. It will take some time to get to know her future husband. After all, there have been both good and bad reports about him, and there is still a sense that for all his “prince training” over the years, he is a work in progress. Much improved since he first met the princess, both in terms of dress and manner, but nonetheless, still a work in progress. Yes, the people had long grown accustomed to him as Victoria’s boyfriend, even though eyebrows were raised when they started openly living together – the palace’s denials notwithstanding. However, getting to know him in this new capacity will take time. Until that happens, Swedes will continue to shrug, and even to object to blatant attempts to pressure them into displaying unbridled enthusiasm and unabashed euphoria at the prospect of a royal wedding, especially one that is still a year away.
Perhaps the most encouraging sign so far was a blurb that was recently reported in an evening tabloid: the queen, who is said to have once been one of the most vociferous objectors to the idea of Daniel Westling as her daughter’s future husband, has now taken to boasting about her future son-in-law.
It remains to be seen how the saga will unfold in the months ahead.
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August 26th, 2009 17:05
EXpress:
Sadly for Kate and her ambitious mother Carol though, I can reveal that there has been no invitation and neither will there be one this summer.
I wonder why this has come out now?
August 26th, 2009 17:15
jdt, did you see the other article in the express? If not, here it is:
http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/122694/Wise-Queen-puts-Kate-in-spare-room/
August 26th, 2009 17:17
Steve
I hope you don’t mind postings about the swedish royals. Hale here is another article badly translated but also hints towards the fact that Madeline was threating to just get engaged without the permission of her father because he would not give consent to Victoria and Daniel marrying and that Jonas had to wait several years in a holding pattern in order to be able to become officially engaged. Seems like the swedish royals have their own problems…..
http://tinyurl.com/kuekov
August 26th, 2009 17:21
Very interesting post, JJ. Thanks…
Perhaps the lengthy engagement is a compromise between the King and Queen who appear to be less than keen on the match and Victoria who wanted the formality and recognition of an engagement. This way, if the relationship doesn’t work out after all, the ending will be a lot less complicated.
August 26th, 2009 17:22
JJ,
Very interesting story about Victoria and Daniel! Thanks for sharing!
August 26th, 2009 17:37
Thank God I had some time to read that, very interesting read JJ. It makes me wonder on what’s going on behind the scenes with the W&K situation.
The media is continuing to print the idea of a 2011 wedding because it’s being said that William is far too busy, but CH has denied this claim. A lady ‘claimed’ that william said that he will be visiting Australia soon and now the media has got this boy going to Australia & Africa. None of these trip has been officially confirmed by CH or SJP. All I know for sure is that William will continue to train next year, everything else at this point, is media speculation to me.
Also the media is claiming that Kate is getting some formal training but why do that now, if the wedding is a whole year away. Ever since the couple started making public appearences, Kate has always presented herself like a royal. If you look back at the video of Kate arriving at William’s Sandhurst graduation, Kate arrived like she was a royal already. Kate knows the royal family and the royals knows her. It’s been 7 or 8 years now, the royals have grown accustomed to Kate.
It’s hard for me to buy this whole “too busy” idea the media is pushing.
August 26th, 2009 17:38
everyone.. yeah i think everybody has a problem royals even them they like normal people
August 26th, 2009 17:40
Well Daniel had also been with Victoria for 7 years and he had to take “prince” lessons. Victoria herself I am sure has been learning her whole life. It’s better that she get some sort of help Rman than be left to the wolves. Who knows what is going on but yes hearing about the Daniel and Victoria sheninagans it does make you wonder what is going on behind the scenes with William and kate. I’m sure there is a lot going on…..
August 26th, 2009 17:51
yeah a lot of speculation in the desk i don’t know how to beleive
August 26th, 2009 17:52
yeah a lot of speculation in the desk i don’t know how to believe
August 26th, 2009 17:54
jj,
thank you so ver, very much. 
I found those articles fascinating and extremely informative. Thank you once again for going to so much trouble.
August 26th, 2009 18:02
I agree with you jj and bluefire. JJ, thanks for taking the time to type all of that for us!
It was an interesting read, and it really gave an insight into the behind-the-scenes happenings with the Swedish Royals.
Rman, if Kate is actually receiving some formal training, that is a very good sign. And I hope you’ll feel better when I remind you that Wills and Kate have only been together 5 going on 6 years, not 7 or8.
W & K didn’t start dating until December 2003. Prior to that Kate was in a relationship with Rupert Finch, and Wills was just out there having fun and dating casually. They were flatmates, but they weren’t dating.
So it’s only been 5 full years for them, it won’t be 6 until December this year. IMO there’s nothing wrong with a couple being in a relationship 5 or 6 years. It could be that an engagement will be announced next year, and the wedding will take place in 2011.
I think things are fine between Wills and Kate, and if Kate really IS receiving some sort of training, that’s the best sign we could hope for that things are progressing.
August 26th, 2009 18:30
None of it looks promising for an engagement. The longer he put this off the less her chance.
This might be the last summer for them either way, together or not together.
How does the press know they are away on a vacation, it all sounds so much like the same reports as every summer. Won’t be following the relationship anymore after this summer.
Good luck to Kate and William
August 26th, 2009 18:56
I think the longer they put off an engagement, the less HIS chance.
August 26th, 2009 19:15
he’s in his 20’s, going into 30, so he’s got plenty of time. I worry more for her at 27, if william does not marry her.
I give up on this after this summer. If he wants her he should engage to her now.
I hope he is.
August 26th, 2009 19:37
Hi Mapleleaf,
I agree that if she is receiving some sort of training, then it’s a good sign. Mapleleaf many of the royal experts believe that they started dating in the beginning of 2003. Infact Kate went to his 21st birthday party as his girlfriend. The media was focused on Jecca Craig but they didn’t know at the time, William was dating Kate. I notice on the royal forums, every year people say the couple only have been dating for 5 years. Correct me if i’m wrong on this but I’m going with what Ingrid Seward and Judy Wade stated about the couple. I remember it was said that William & Kate was already dating when he celebrated his 21st birthday at Windsor.
August 26th, 2009 20:15
JDT, I understand that, but I think it will be easier for her as a private person to choose and do with any guy as she pleases. Science is so fascinating, a rich girl may decide to freeze ovaries and have twins ! at a later stage.
PW has the Royal baggage, who wants that ? After the Charles and Diana saga, sure the middle age generation will tell their under 18 girls.
Hoping here for W&K.
August 26th, 2009 20:30
Don’t worry JDT, that engagement will come. I just hope that if 2011 is the wedding year, then please let 2010 be a good year for Kate. The royal PR team should bring her out of the background next year and make it known that in 2011, she will be a royal bride.
August 26th, 2009 20:56
i agree with Rman entirely. if the wedding is not going to happen until 2011 then at least announce the engagement next year. that way kate will for one be given the extra security. she will also perhaps be able to speak to the press in an official capacity. the signs to me are that kate is already well epuipped and ”princess trained”. some people made such a fuss about how their much publicised kiss was staged. i do not think it was but even if it was it was the icing on the cake for me, that kiss staged or not was sending a clear message- william is standing by kate no matter what. and better again kate has come out of it stronger in my eyes, her poise and dignity amaze me at times. i would love for her to finally be given the official status and respect she not only deserves but has courageously earned over the last 5-8 years!!!lol.
August 26th, 2009 21:49
I agree Danielle, it’s now time for this girl to have some official status. It’s time for her voice to be heard and for people to see who she really is, not what the tabloids make her out to be. I just think she has stood silent for far too long and due to that, she has taken a great deal of beatings. If she have to wait next year, then bring her out of the background next year and jsut let her personality shine.
August 26th, 2009 21:59
here is hoping for 2011. that i think is most realistic. she will be a princess in time for the queens celebrations along with the rest of the royals where she belongs. and hopefully next year we will get to see her in a more public role with the support she needs from the firm.
August 27th, 2009 07:23
Good morning all…In reegads to the princess title, it is my understanding that when William and Kate marry, Kate’s formal title will be The Princess William unless HM grants William a dukedom(?) and then her title will be Duchess of whatever.Then when William becomes the prince of Wales, once Charles is King,Kate then becomes princess of Wales. Correct?
August 27th, 2009 09:39
Morning.
That’s right Lisa. When they marry, most likely the Queen will give William a dukedom title. Some think he will become the Duke of Cambridge if so, their titles will become Their Royal Highnesses The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge. Kate’s full title will be, HRH The Princess William of Wales, Duchess of Cambridge, I think. What I know for sure is when William becomes Prince of Wales, Kate will become the Princess of Wales.
August 27th, 2009 11:12
I think that Kate has so much time for herself.. But she can’t take time for people in need, which is truly very upsetting.. To know that William will marry this person I think is very bad.
She won’t be a popular queen… that’s for sure.
August 27th, 2009 12:25
KJ,In all fairness no one knows what kate does or doesn\’t do for charity or how she will behave once she becomes a public figure. Presently Kate is a private citizen who own nothing to the public. Zip. Nada. Once she is married to William,they people have the right to judge her behavior and or actions.
She did contribute to the roller disco,which IMO was poorly handled on her part but it did raise money for a good cause and her heart was in the right place. She just failed to get good advice on the project,IMO. Additionally her family\’s company has contributed to The Starlight foundation so to say she has no time for others in need is quite false.
August 27th, 2009 12:32
Kate, most likely, won’t be Queen for the next 20-30years, so it’s not possible to say today that she won’t be popular then. By then she has taken time for a lot of people in need, that’s pretty certain.
Personally I think she will be popular the day she is Queen, though,no matter when it happens
August 27th, 2009 19:56
William & Kate have arrived back from their Caribbean holiday.
http://tinyurl.com/kmcnvv
August 28th, 2009 07:51
I agree Lisa – KM is a private citizen and has no obligation to do charity work.