Happy Anniversary to…Me!

Happy New Year royal watching friends! In addition to being the first day of 2013, today is also the one year anniversary of my first blog post! It has been such an incredible year putting my royal thoughts to paper (well, wordpress) and getting to know all of you. The best part of this whole blogging thing has been the Twitter conversations and relationships developed – us royal watchers have to stick together! I can’t thank you all enough for reading, posting and tweeting along with me.

So, in honor of this special occasion I’m taking a different approach to the typical “royal year in review” posts. I present to you, my top ten favorite blog posts from 2012. In chronological order – I don’t want to play favorites with my favorites!

1. Prince Harry’s Tour – Top Moments

2. An Interview with Victoria Arbiter

3. Happy Anniversary William and Catherine!

4. Hey Harry, Call Me..Maybe?

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5. Keep Calm and Float On

6. Today’s News: Kate Looks Great, Harry Has Date

7. America for the Win!

8. Confession: I Miss Prince Harry

9. Christmas Gifts for the Royals

10. A Chat with Kelly Lynch

It was difficult to pick just ten..but there you have it! What were your favorite royal moments of 2012?

A Chat with Kelly Lynch

This year brought countless royal headlines and exciting events that have left us all buzzing about what the hottest moments were and what’s to come in 2013. For me, this reflection period mostly meant looking back at all of the new friendships made in our cozy little royal watching bubble. One of the ladies who made my first year tweeting and blogging so fun was Kelly Lynch, who quickly proved to me that great minds don’t only think alike, but they share the same name. For those of you who may not know (and to that I say – shame on you), Kelly is the Editor at Socialite Life and the brains behind The Duchess Diary. This year, Kelly saw something she wanted and she went after it, and every Thursday we are thankful for that. Kelly and I  could spend forever discussing The Duchess of Cambridge – Kate is to McQueen as peanut butter is to jelly – so what better way to recap the year in Kate and speculate about the year to come than to put those chats in blog form?
Let’s start with The Duchess Diary – brilliant idea, I love it. What inspired you to start that and how did it all come about? 
Socialite Life’s parent company (Buzz Media) had just built a gorgeous state-of-the-art studio, and were looking for original content pitches.  Since I was always reporting on the royals, I suggested we do something about Kate Middleton and the rest of the royal family.  A few weeks later, the VP of video and one of the senior producers approached me about ‘The Duchess Diary.’  It was a little weird to think that I would have my own show about Kate Middleton.  I don’t think it’s sunk in yet how lucky I am to be a part of such a phenomenon.
What’s your dream for TDD in 2013? 
Great question.  You and I both know that part of the fun of being a royal reporter is learning from those who have been in the game a long time, and trading information with one another.  I had the Daily Express’s Richard Palmer on once, and his experience on the South East Asia tour was something you just don’t hear every day.  Getting the story first hand from someone like Palmer was a real treat.  Another little dream would be to partner with a fashion mag on Kate’s looks; perhaps be a royal guest editor for a day!
If you could have one guest on the show – not a member of Kate’s family (royal or Middleton) – who would it be? 
I am always entertained by the subjects interviewed for top notch royal documentaries, like the Hon. Margaret Rhodes and Lady Pamela Hicks, people who were right beside the Queen in her most significant moments.  These women have seen a lot, and the way they tell a story makes you sit and listen.  I also wouldn’t mind having a chat with Angela Kelly.  Oh, to be a fly on the wall when she and the Queen are clucking together.
Let’s talk fashion, if you could own one item from her wardrobe what would it be? 
Oh my goodness, Kelly.  What an unfair question!  The wedding dress.  Of all Kate’s gorgeous attire, none was more breathtaking than the Sarah Burton for Alexander Mcqueen wedding gown.  That day felt like a fairy tale due largely in part to the princess dress.  It made everyone stop dead in their tracks.  
Kate Middleton reveals her McQueen gown as she arrives with sister Pippa at Westminster Abbey for the Royal Wedding
Hate to say this, but she disappointed us a few times this year..one item from her closet you would throw out? 
I think you and I were talking about the lilac Erdem dress she wore to this year’s Trooping of The Colour.  That look was at the bottom of my list until I saw Kate in the bell-sleeve Temperley dress while at a Buckingham Palace reception for Team GB Athletes.  It was far too busy and – I hate to say it – cheesy for Kate.
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We often debate on what colors she looks best in and what we would like to see her in, pick one color she has to wear for all of 2013.
I love seeing Kate in green, and most of her wardrobe (at least until summer) will be maternity.  The royals are all about color so as to make people smile, so I say that whatever color Kate selects, she’s going to look great in it.  I do love it when she goes bold more than if she chose a pastel.
We are always on the edge of our Twitter timelines waiting too see what designer she’ll step out in next, who would you love to see her in that she has not worn yet? 
The Duchess does a wonderful job of promoting British labels, but what if she were to done something from Burberry for an outing?  Part of me would love to see Kate sport Dior, but it would have be very ladylike.  I do, however, feel that Dior belongs to Princess Charlene, the same with Chanel.  I appreciate that Kate sticks to tried and true British designers. 
It’s Monday, December 3, 2012.. you find out Kate is pregnant. Your reaction – go! 
A silent cheer ran from my stomach up through my throat, and I just let it take me over.  My friend texted me from DC, and since I’m on the west coast, I’m always the last to know about these things.  It’s something that Kate and William have talked about for ages, and I couldn’t be happier for those two.  Some of us feel as if they are our friends since we watch their every move.  I do wish, though, that they would have been able to announce the pregnancy on their own terms, rather than having their hand pushed because of media speculation.
Baby predictions? Boy? Girl? Both? Names? And most importantly, will it wear McQueen to the christening?
I had my mother on the show a few weeks ago because she chewed my ear off about her own morning sickness.  So, my mother strongly believes that Kate is going to have a girl (mom had three gals).  The color is gone from Kate’s face and she looks fatigued, so perhaps this might just be the future queen who is kicking around in there!
Some speculate that if it is a girl, William and Kate will name her Diana.  No shot!  They would never put their daughter through that kind of scrutiny.  If she is a girl, I guarantee that Diana will be one of the middle names, as will Elizabeth and Frances.  I wouldn’t be surprised if Margaret was thrown in there too (Margaret is the Queen’s late sister).  As for a Christian name, my guesses are: Victoria, Mary, Charlotte or Anne.  Something traditional and strong.  If the blessed child is a boy: My middle name guesses are: Philip, Henry, Charles, George.  First name?  James, George (I think it could be one or the other), or Edward. 
Oh, Kelly.  Imagine what Kate’s McQueen christening outfit will look like?  It’s safe to assume that the child will be christened in the gown that’s been passed down through the ages from Queen Victoria’s first daughter.  So now at least we can focus more on mom and how fantastic she’ll look.
 
Many thanks to “The Other Kelly” for taking time out of her Christmas holiday to rehash some of our favorite (and least favorite) Kate moments and dream of the year ahead. Be sure to follow Kelly on Twitter @HRH_KLynch and over @TheDuchessDiary for a cheeky look at what’s new with The Duchess of Cambridge! She may even surprise you with some Made in Chelsea talk here and there.

Hey Harry, Call Me..Maybe?

Last night was Katie Couric’s special episode of 20/20 – “The Jubilee Queen.” For those of you who were able to watch, you know that it had its touching moments..and its ridiculous moments. What was my favorite moment?

“I’ve longed for kids since I was very, very young. And so … I’m waiting to find the right person, someone who’s willing to take on the job.” - Prince Harry

Oh yea, William says he and Kate are keen on having kids as well..but let’s focus on Harry, shall we? If you recall, in his March interview with Seth Doane, Harry spilled the beans that, “I’m 27 years old, and not so much searching for someone to fulfill the role, but obviously, you know, finding someone that would be willing to take it on.”

I don’t know if it was the water in Brazil or his kiss from model Fernand Motta, but the eligible bachelor has been all about letting American journalists in on his romantic hopes and dreams.

Harry, it’s okay.. I know you might think dropping hints to American journalists, who I clearly follow, is the way to get my attention but if you call, I promise I will pick up the phone. Stop sharing your personal feelings with the media and just call me, maybe.

If you were following my live tweets last night, you may have realized I have put my sassy pants on one leg at a time prior to watching (@RoyallyKate and @PetiteHRH can attest to that). In all seriousness, despite it’s “Dumb American” moments (Would you kill me if I went on the balcony? Does your grandmother text you? Maybe the Queen will friend me on Facebook..), there were some special highlights that caught my attention..

She would have loved Kate..” – William on his late mother, Princess Diana

She had the best seat in the house probably.” – Harry on Diana not being here for the royal wedding

You don’t mess with your grandmother.” – Prince William

I’m just very keen to have a family and both Catherine and I, you know, are looking forward to having a family in the future.” – Prince William

Once you’re in the military, she means a lot more to you than just a grandmother. She is the queen. And then you suddenly, it’s like start realizing, you know, wow, this is quite a big deal. And then you get goose bumps and then the rest of it.” – Prince Harry on his grandmother

Without him she would be slightly lost I think.” – Prince Harry describing his grandparents’ relationship 

The man is an absolute gem.” Arthur Edwards on Prince Charles

 Fascinators off to you, Katie Couric.

 

 

 

and no, I am not actually expecting Prince Harry to call me.. I’m not delusional :)

Happy Anniversary William and Catherine!

I know everyone is saying this today, but wow..can you believe it has been a year?! It feels like yesterday I was up at 3:00 am, crying my eyes out. Yes, I cried – don’t tell me you didn’t too! And then I went to work with puffy eyes; I may have been a little late that day (don’t worry, i was given the ok to watch the kiss before heading in).

Today, William and Catherine, now known as The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, celebrate their first year of marriage..after nearly a decade of dating. I don’t think anyone ever had any doubts that they would coast through their first year, happier than ever. To honor the special day, I am taking a “Will & Kate” approach to this blog post – simple. Word around town is that the young royal couple will be keeping it low key and carefree today – very true to form. I am sure many bloggers/royal watchers will be commemorating the day with lists of favorite moments and such, so I would like to share with you my top William and Catherine moment from their first year of wedded bliss..

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The above picture, taken after the dragon boat races Dalvay-by-the-Sea on Prince Edward Island, completely captures the essence of William and Catherine’s relationship – and the reason why we all adore them. During their first royal tour together just a few months into their marriage, the competitive lovebirds showed their skills in a friendly race, followed by this absolutely adorable moment. This photo embodies the playfulness, compassion, adoration and total love these two have for each other. I also think it displays what a seemingly normal couple they are; a trait that royal fans everywhere admire and can relate to. Sure, she wears tiaras, he will one day be a king and they save the save the world in their spare time..but deep down they are just a regular, married couple – right?

Anniversary Gifts…

The customary first wedding anniversary gift is paper, so why not give William and Kate the best kind of paper…MONEY! As most of you know, in lieu of wedding gifts the philanthropic duo asked guests to donate to The Prince William & Miss Catherine Middleton Charitable Gift Fund, which raised approximately $1.7 million for 26 charitable organizations that are special to The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry.

As I did for Catherine’s 30th birthday this past January, I encourage those who would like to give the couple who has everything an anniversary gift, to donate to one of their many chosen charities, including:

Tusk Trust, Centre Point UKThe Art Room, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, Action on Addiction,  The National Portrait Gallery and The Scout Association. To learn about other causes close to the couple’s hearts you can visit The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry.

Best Wishes from the Fans..

Two nights before the big day I had an idea.. wouldn’t it be nice to have William and Catherine supporters share their hopes for their favorite couple? Yes, the chances of Will and Kate actually seeing these thoughts are one in a million, but is always nice to put good vibes out into the universe and dream that they come true. So, I posed the following question to my royal Twitter family – “What is your wish for Will & Kate during their second year of marriage?

@jennkamienski – a happy marriage like mine

@thecambridges - Happy Anniversary, Will and Kate. May the second year (and many those to come) bring just as much love, warmth and success as the first.

@RoyallyKate - Happy one year anniversary, Will and Kate! You’ve all brightened the lives and opened the hearts of many this past year. I wish you so many more years to come, and endless and indefatigable amounts of love and support to come your way in the future. Here’s to a successful year for a beautiful couple! We love you!

@FabulousKate13 - I wish them another enchanting, amazing, and successful year. May the years to come only bring them happiness and joy. Xx

@Kates_Wardrobe – 4 Kate : an outfit by unexpected designer Ford, Westwood, Saab

@RoyalKateDebate - Congratulation Will and Kate on a wonderful first year of marriage. Your love for each other has captured the world’s imagination. Thank you for sharing your day with us. My wish is that you continue to have the strength in your relationship that you have shown in the past 10 years.

@HRH_KLynch - I wish happiness for the both bc will deserves it. And healthy babies!

@allthingsregal - Hmmmm… dare I say a baby willkat?

@nina_lux - Besides happiness, more time together, a bb and world domination? Not much

@ARightRoyalBlog - Wish people would stop clicking on pap shots of them.

@Royaljournalist - Hoping for twinsc called prince George and princess Victoria.

@MPHenriksen - Wills stays in the military. They have a baby or at least Kate is preggers by the end of yr two.

@HuffPostStyle – Kate to take more fashion risks!

 @Kimmi1287 - I’m thinking the one with the real love and respect not for money and tv

@RoyallyObsessed - BBBBAAAAABBBBBIIIIEEEESSSSS

@shan_harrison - I wish for William and Kate to have another year of wedded bliss… And to get another puppy

My wish for William & Catherine’s second year of marriage – that the guiding hand doesn’t fade away and they continue to look as happy as they do in the above photo. Oh, and I wouldn’t mind a royal bun in the oven (would that be considered a scone ;) ?!). And for Kate to add some bright colors to her wardrobe. And Will should find some new suits. But mostly, keep doing what you’re doing young, beloved royals! xoxo

Happy Anniversary William and Catherine! Thanks for being so fabulous and sharing your love story with the world.