Prince William, it's time to pass the gold sticky stars around

Take a close look at the picture above. Notice anything?

These are some of the news stories about Prince William’s involvement in a mission to rescue Russian sailors from their sunken cargo ship. A risky mission accomplished in gale force winds. Two sailors were rescued and the search continues for more survivors.

William acted as the co-pilot. But yet, looking at the title of these articles, you could come to the conclusion that he single-handily rescued these men all on his own. He co-piloted the helicopter while putting down a winch to pull the sailors to safety. William must have long, strong arms.

Not to minimize his role but obviously William wasn’t alone. He was a member of a team, vaguely identified as his 'crew' or his 'Royal Air Force Collegues'. Did the other faceless, nameless persons involved in this effort receive the same amount of praise and recognition? After all, they also risked their lives. The Russian Ambassador to the UK even directed his thanks to Prince William for his effort. Sure his colleagues were acknowledged, but not by name like William. If I was them, I would be plenty cheesed off about this too.

Were it not for William’s involvement, would this story receive the same amount of coverage? More than likely it would have been mixed in with all of the other pressing tragic news stories. But because of William, it’s different. Suddenly he's the story and it seems as though his crew and especially the victims are incidental when it should be the other way around.

William had spent many years training as a Search and Rescue pilot. He seems to take the job very seriously and so far he hasn't crashed into anything. Yes, Prince William came to the rescue in a time of need. He put his skills to work. Because that's what he was doing, his job.It was risky and dangerous, but he's not the only one doing it. When a job is well done by a team, everyone deserves recognition, not just one person to the exclusion of everything else.

William will receive enough gold sticky stars throughout his life. Time to pass them around to the others whose lives are just as valuable.

Prince William, of all people, should insist upon it.

© Marilyn Braun 2011

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

The Royal Report for Sunday November 27, 2011 - Royal Focus - Kensington Palace

Tune in to the next episode of The Royal Report on Sunday November 27, 2011 at 9:00PM EST (North America)

The topic will be: It's been called the 'royal aunt heap', it was the birthplace of Queen Victoria and Queen Mary. It was notably the former home of Diana, Princess of Wales and Princess Margaret. It was once the favored home of kings and queens. In 2013 it will become the home of William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. On this episode, a focus on the history of Kensington Palace.

© Marilyn Braun 2011

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

The Royal Report for Sunday November 20, 2011 - Royal Baby Watch - November edition

Tune in to the next episode of The Royal Report on Sunday November 20th, 2011 at 9:00PM EST (North America).

The topic will be: Royal Baby Watch - November edition. Seven months in and still no news of a royal baby. Are William and Catherine under too much pressure to have a baby?


© Marilyn Braun 2011

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Stop the 24-hour royal baby watch, it's a mood killer

Catherine stands by the fireplace trying to ward off the November chill. Wearing a black cardigan from Alexander McQueen's Fall-Winter collection, a pair of Mark Fast Elastometric leggings, and Jimmy Choo ballerina flats, she  pads over to the stereo system and presses play on the iPod. Barry White's velvety voice fills the room as Catherine lights candles. William stands in their bedroom doorway wearing nothing but his honorary medals and a smile. Catherine wraps her arms around his waist and puts her head in his chest. He coos: "Darling, the succession rules have changed, let's make a baby." William and Catherine go into the bedroom and close the door. The screen goes dark.

Royal watchers lean back from the edge of their seats, eating the last of their peanut paste, and tweeting about what William and Catherine are doing behind the door. At the next public appearance, speculation will begin in earnest as the media desperately looks for any flimsy evidence of success. But in a dramatic twist, all may not be as it seems. Behind closed doors, instead of making a baby, William and Catherine are making a pact.

Catherine: (giggles) Did you see headlines about the peanut paste?

William: That was hilarious!

Catherine: Don't you think it's a bit mean?

William: No, serves them right. The should leave us alone.

Catherine: You're right, it really is too much fun.

William: Next time we're in public, make sure you pat your tummy more.

Catherine: Like this?

William: Yes, and pinch your cheeks beforehand so you look like you're glowing. Also, make sure you smile enigmatically while give me a knowing look.

Catherine: Like this? (she smiles and gives William an exaggerated wink)

William: Not so obvious. More of an imperceptible eye flutter. Anything more and they'll think we're expecting triplets.

No doubt this charade is part of their diabolical plans to lead us on. When we read the headlines the next day, the joke is on us. But this is destined to backfire. The more we speculate, the more intrusive it becomes. Intimacy becomes a chore when we expect every swing of the bat to be a homerun. Who can blame William and Catherine for bolting the door and drawing their curtains in an attempt to escape our 24 hour royal baby watch?

Whether it's a week, month or year (or more) from now, a royal baby announcement will be made when William and Catherine are ready. As we've seen with the engagement, our rabid speculation won't make it come sooner. Media outlets take note, hyperactive reports are a mood killer. When the times comes, a royal baby, like the wedding dress, will be worth the wait.

© Marilyn Braun 2011

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.