Is Tina Brown just as clueless as the rest of us?

Just when I'd give up all hope of an engagement between Prince William and Kate Middleton, Tina Brown, author of The Diana Chronicles, throws us a bone by claiming that June 3rd and 4th have been mysteriously blocked out in the Queen's calendar. Brown, having been a friend of Diana's, knows something we don't. Maybe she got an exclusive from the ghost of Diana.

This tidbit has set the media and blogsphere on fire. Engagement predictions are nothing new and after so many years of dating, they're taken more seriously in the absence of any solid news. Raising hope in those rooting for the couple and striking fear into those who are not. But there's hope for the naysayers. These reports forget the fact that the Queen is supposed to be away on those two days and William will be unavailable for the obligatory engagement day photos. Or that engagement announcements are not traditionally announced in June. But William and Kate could be bucking the royal trend on this part. It was inevitable that some royal couple would come along and blaze a trail, why not them? It's not as if they have to worry about the availability of venues or their favorite photographer.

Other media royal watchers have been quick to downplay Tina Brown's revealations, possibly out of jealousy. No one can be completely certain but the evidence is weak. Other than Buckingham Palace purchasing 300 bottles of champagne and Party Pieces expanding their line to include wedding favors, there's little to go by and Clarence House isn't talking. Right now these are just guesses, but oneday someone might get lucky and won't they look prescient when that happens?

© Marilyn Braun 2010