Showing posts with label Catherine Duchess of Cambridge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Catherine Duchess of Cambridge. Show all posts

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Royal Focus: Royal Capricorns

Covering the period from December 21st to January 20th, Capricorn is the tenth sign in the zodiac. Capricorns are said to be hardworking, ambitious and determined. The British royal family have several members born under this sign:

Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy

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Elegant, refined and a popular royal figure in her heyday. Princess Alexandra Helen Olga Christabel was born on December 25th, 1936 at 3 Belgrave Square in London. Her birth marked a high point in an otherwise bleak year marred by the abdication crisis.  She is the daughter of Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent  and Prince George, Duke of Kent. She has two brothers, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Prince Michael of Kent. She married Angus Ogilvy in 1963 and she has two children, James (1964) and Marina (1966) and four grandchildren.

Savannah Phillips

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Born on December 29th, 2010. Savannah Anne Kathleen is the daughter of Peter Philips and Autumn Kelly. Her father is the son of the Princess Royal and first grandchild of the Queen. Savannah herself holds the distinction of being the Queen's first great-grandchild. She has a younger sister, Isla, born in 2012.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

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Born Catherine Elizabeth Middleton on January 9th, 1982 in Reading, she is the daughter of Michael and Carole Middleton. She has two younger siblings, Pippa and James.  She married Prince William in 2011 and they have three children, Prince George (2013), Princess Charlotte (2015) and Prince Louis (2018)

Princess Michael of Kent

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Tall, controversial and never boring, Princess Michael of Kent was born Baroness Marie Christine von Reibnitz on January 15th, 1945. She was previously married to Thomas Troubridge but the marriage ended in divorce in 1977 (the Pope would later grant her an annulment in 1978). She married Prince Michael of Kent on June 30th, 1978 in Vienna. At the time of their marriage, the Act of Settlement 1701 barred royals from marrying Roman Catholics and retaining their succession rights. As a result of their marriage, Prince Michael lost his place in line (15th). After the Succession to the Crown Act passed in 2013, he was reinstated and is now 34th in line. They have two children, Lord Frederick Windsor (1979) and Lady Gabriella Windsor (1981) and two granddaughters, Maud and Isabella.

Mia Tindall

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Mia Grace, first child of Zara Phillips and her husband Mike Tindall, she was born on January 17th, 2014. She is the Queen's fourth great-grandchild. At the age of two, she made a scene stealing appearance proudly holding her 'gan-gan's' purse on the Annie Lebowitz portrait of the Queen with her younger grandchildren and great-grandchildren.


Sophie, Countess of Wessex

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Sophie, Countess of Wessex was born Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones on January 20th, 1965 in Oxford. She is the daughter of Christopher Bournes Rhys-Jones and and the late Mary Rhys-Jones. She has one older brother, David. Prior to her marriage, she worked as a public relations professional, starting her own PR firm RJH Public Relations in 1996. She met Prince Edward in 1993 and they married in 1999. They have two children, Lady Louise Alice Elizabeth Mary Windsor (2003) and James Alexander Philip Theo, Viscount Severn (2007).

© Marilyn Braun 2019

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.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Prince Charles: Putting nails in the coffin for the future of the monarchy, one letter at a time?

Sometimes I wonder about the future of the monarchy.

With the old guard of dedicated, hardworking royals slowly fading away, they are replaced with a newer generation whose work ethic leaves much to be desired. Prince Charles is rumoured to be in favor of a 'slimmed down' monarchy. The rest of the minor royals/royals by proximity, have to find their own way in life. With the exception of William and Harry, the rest of the Queen's grandchildren, including ones with royal titles (Beatrice and Eugenie) can look forward to an existence unbound by the obligations of duty while maintaining the bragging rights.

But while paring down the monarchy makes sense, the attitudes of the remaining royals leaves the future of the monarchy on shaky ground. What with the foibles and celebrification of Prince Harry and Catherine and more worrying, William's reluctance to take on full-time royal duties because of a deluded desire to be 'normal'. These young royals seem to want to have it both ways - royal trappings without working towards earning them. With Catherine's willingness to abet the media in dumbing her down, when she finally rolls up the crisp white sleeves of her shirt (by Ralph Lauren), she has an uphill battle to be taken seriously. That is, if she ever does.

Yes, let's line up the nails for the coffin.  The young royals will supply the hammer.

When compared to the dedication of the Queen, her dignity, her ability to remain impartial, the rest of the royals look diminished in comparison. The Queen will always be a tough act to follow, but not an impossible one. Just look at Queen Victoria and her heir, King Edward VII. Unlike the present Queen, Victoria did not have a reputation for remaining impartial, but her sheer longevity earns her respect. For all of his accomplishments as a 'Peace-maker', King Edward VII's reputation as a bon vivant and arbiter of fashion take precedence. In that respect, Charles shares something in common with his great-great grandfather. Any good deeds he does are overshadowed by his personal life. Unfortunately, the same can be said for the present young royals. The Queen is indeed, the last of her kind.

Prince Charles is in a unique position to help.  And he should be lauded for the work that he has done. He walks his talk. But while he has the freedom to do this while Prince of Wales, it will be different once/if he becomes king. Like his mother, he will be expected to remain impartial and above politics. So far the signs are not good. Prince Charles does not have a reputation for being impartial nor does he cultivate one. Looking at the controversy surrounding letters he has written to politicians and the antics of the younger royals, it raises questions about the future of the monarchy. Questions we won't know the answer to until Charles becomes king. If he becomes king.

Yes, it really does make me wonder. 

© Marilyn Braun 2012

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.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Catherine Cambridge shouldn't be shocked, she should be resigned

Oh dear!

Topless photos of Kate Middleton/Catherine Cambridge have been published!

Shock, horror and the royal couple are 'saddened and disappointed'.

Seriously, I'm starting to get tired of the complaining.

I didn't always think this way. I used to get just as incensed as the next person about the prying eyes of the paparazzi. Now I'm no longer surprised. And in all honesty, Kate shouldn't be surprised either.

Much like putting up with  being called Kate Middleton for the rest of her life, photos taken in private moments seem to be inevitable. Honeymoon, holidays, walking on the beach, it's all fodder for what she does and what she wears. She signed up for a life of being in the public eye. She just saw what happened to Prince Harry and his photos. Regardless of whether it invaded his privacy, the nude photos became a story for a few days until Harry magically became a hero by stepping on a plane to Afghanistan. Catherine take note.

Catherine is holding her head high and putting on her brave face. What choice does she have? Shying away doesn't change anything.  She may even get an award for it. Since her marriage, people are  interested in every single aspect of her life. From her pantyhose, to her hair, to the groceries she buys, to drinking water instead of wine, to her shoes, to a scar on her head. No detail is too minute to feed an insatiable appetite. Would media outlets really publish these photos if there wasn't some sort of demand for them?

It's very clear that the media has learnt absolutely nothing from what happened to Diana. Nothing has changed and with cameras at every turn, it's only going to get worse. Catherine would be naive to think otherwise.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

 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.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Catherine Cambride has style, but does she have substance?

Catherine has mastered the royal wave. She can graciously accept flowers from small children and present shamrocks with élan. Her ability to sell people on pantyhose is par none. She's photogenic and has injected the royal family with much needed glamour. By appearances and demeanor she is born to be royal. Respectful, deferential and silent, minus the field hockey skills, she would fit in well with the Japanese royal house. High upon the pedestal we've placed her, she can do no wrong. For now.

March 19th will mark a milestone occasion for the duchess. She will be making her first speech. Almost a year after her marriage, it has been a long time in coming. Diana made her first speech three months after her wedding on October 29, 1981, when she received the Freedom of the City of Cardiff. Adding some words of Welsh to her acceptance, it was an appropriate touch for the Princess of Wales.

Like Catherine's wedding dress, there is a great deal riding on this appearance. Aside from her engagement interview, wedding vows and some awkward remarks in Denmark, she has said very little in public. This occasion will be a chance to prove herself. Will her voice be a Jacqueline Kennedy whisper? Or will she deliver her words with confidence and conviction? This voice will set the tone for her future role and it is important to get it right.

Until recently, Catherine has had to do little more than stay two steps behind the royal-in-laws and gaze in admiration at everything Prince William does. When her patronages were announced in early January, it was a step in the right direction. Counting the royal tour of Canada, she has carried out more joint engagements than solo.  Now it's time to kick off the training wheels. She's shown she can look the part but now comes the hard work. Like royals before her, Catherine will need to carve out a unique role for herself. Become more than just a fashion plate and someone who supports her husband in his duties. If that's all she is, it is going to be a long, superficial, boring 20 or 30 year wait for the throne.

The choice is now up to her.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

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.

Sunday, October 02, 2011

The Royal Report for Sunday October 2, 2011 - Royal Patronages and Charities

Members of the royal family receive many request to be involved in charities as patron. Far more than they can lend their support to. On this episode the history of royal patronages, a look at charities that members of the royal family support and the reasons they do so.

Listen to the episode to find out: Royal Patronages and Charities

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday in Canada, there will be no episode next week. The Royal Report will return with a new episode on Sunday October 16, 2011 at 9:00PM EST (North America).

Topic to be determined.

© 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.

Monday, August 08, 2011

Catherine Cambridge, use your fashion powers wisely

Dear Catherine, err Your Royal Highness:

It was with great alarm that I read the title of the following article 'Kate Middleton made us a nation of nude-ists'. My first thought is that you had set another trend, this time for going without clothes. While you can pull this off and some would regard this as "liberating," I feel that you might be abusing your fashion power over us.

Imagine my relief when I realized this article was about your shoes. However looking at the bigger picture I can't help but wonder whether we are headed in this direction. This concerns me. Many trends that have laid dormant for years should not be brought back (the corset, platform shoes, polyester pant-suits, anything from the 1970s/ early 1980s). No matter how much fashion designers lack inspiration. It is one thing to recycle ideas in the film industry; few films have the ability to embarrass the collective consciousness. Whereas what we wear/don't wear could adversely affect our job prospects. You don't have to worry about this so it is of no concern to you as you recklessly change fashions at whim with no thought for the rest of us.

Take for instance your hats. Persist with this and we could become a nation of people wearing over sized potato chips/satellite dishes on our heads. The chaos that could ensue at baseball games and the movies is a frightening thought. Skinny jeans or hot pants on the wrong figure is a horrifying image. Depending on the season/climate pantyhose, no matter how sheer, is simply irresponsible.

I fear for the future and where this could lead. What's next? Leggings? Popped collars? Shoulder-pads? Crimped hair? I almost fear you taking this as a challenge when you're bored in Anglesey.

Whatever you do, keep your clothes on. People will thank you for it, myself included.

© 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.

Tuesday, August 02, 2011

How long will it take before we kill this royal golden goose?

You would think that we would have learned. Looking back on Diana, we have the benefit of hindsight to see where it went wrong. This time, it is supposed to be different.

It started out harmlessly enough. With the engagement announcement and the lead up to the royal wedding, it is understandable that we would want to read about Catherine and speculate on the details. Now that the wedding is over the scrutiny has only increased. We're focusing on her weight, on the minute details of what she wears, and whether she has a baby bump or not.

There's almost a sense of deja vu.

Newly married and adjusting to her royal life, in November 1981 Diana was photographed in Tetbury buying sweets, much like Catherine's recent trip to the supermarket. These ordinary details fascinate whether they deserve to be captured or not.

The comparisons may grow tiring but Catherine is expected to meet or exceed the benchmarks set by Diana. To be the perfect princess and provide a male heir in a timely fashion. She is also expected to avoid the pitfalls that come with the public interest. Don't overshadow Prince William or the royal family at important events. As if she has any control over this to begin with.

We can vow it will be different, Catherine won't suffer the same fate as Diana. The good intention is there but struck by the novelty of having a bone-fide royal superstar. It's been 14 years since Diana's death, best on hold tight lest Catherine disappear too.

Bemoan and decry the paparazzi for invading her privacy, at least we know what she wears to the supermarket and that she doesn't use cloth bags. Take note she flies economy, as long as she doesn't make slumming a habit. Pictures of her in a bikini on expensive vacations are far more interesting.  All of the glitz and glamor come at the price of our fickle expectations.

Should we succeed in killing this goose, we'll be innocent because we can't help ourselves. It will be Catherine's fault for not realizing that in the first place.

© 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.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

The Royal Report for Sunday July 17, 2011 - Is Catherine Cambridge a style icon?

Since the announcement of her engagement, everything that Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge has worn has set trends and sold out. But is this just media hype or a sign that she's a style icon?

Listen to the episode to find out: Is Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge a style icon?

Publications discussed

People Cover story: 'Will & Kate Conquer America' July 25, 2011

Maclean's Cover story: 'Will & Kate's Canadian Honeymoon' July 18, 2011

Hello! Canada Weekly No 224 18 July 2011

From My Royal Collection

Kate Style: Chic and Classic Look

Diana Style: Foreword by Manolo Blahnik

Tune in to the next episode of The Royal Report on Sunday July 31, 2011 at 9:00PM ET (North America)

The topic will be: Can Sarah Ferguson rehabilitate her public image?

© 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.

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

Day Four - William and Catherine's Royal Tour - Québec City, Quebec

Source: Royal Tour website
The Royal Couple arrived in Quebec, city aboard the HMCS Montréal. They joined the crew for morning worship in the chapel aboard the ship. Catherine was wearing a new outfit, an electric blue lace  'Jacquenta' dress by Canadian designer Erdem. This dress is the second one she wore from the designer. On her feet she wore LK Bennett pumps.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meets staff during a visit to the Maison Dauphine centre for homeless teenagers and youths
Source: British Monarchy Flickr
After the service they departed the vessel to head off to La Maison Dauphine, a shelter which offers programs to street youth of Québec. The homeless is an issue close to Prince William's heart. He is patron of Centrepoint, which helps homeless youth in the UK.

The couple then took part in a freedom-of-the-city ceremony at City hall; a ceremony honoring Canada's Royal 22nd Regiment. Prince William delivered a speech in French where he thanked attendees for their patience with his accent. Kate was presented with a bouquet by two-year old Raffaela Cheater who was at the event with her father, David.  He later told reporters: "Kate said to me, 'What a beautiful daughter you have.' " He added: "When I said to her I wished her and William well with starting their own family, she said, 'Yes, I hope to.' " Thus setting the rumor-mill in motion upon their return to the UK.

Source: Royal tour website
Later on in the afternoon William and Kate later joined the Lévis Community Celebration.  Kate had changed into a cream-colored Vanessa sleeveless crepe dress by Joseph. The couple attended the event to celebrate the 375th anniversary of the Lauzon “seigneurie”, the 150th anniversary of the founding of Lévis, and the 10th anniversary of the new City of Lévis.

In the evening, the couple departed Quebec City for a visit to Prince Edward Island.

Sources: The Star, Global Montreal, 2011 Royal Tour website, Yahoo News, People.

© 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.

Tuesday, July 05, 2011

Diagnosis - Catherine Fashion Fatigue

I don't want to sound ungrateful, or anything.

After all, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have chosen Canada for their first official visit. And it's wonderful and an honor to have them in our midst.

I've been following the daily reports of William and Catherine's tour. Enjoying all of the suspense (will Prince William's souffle rise or fall?) as well as the public displays of affection. But I need to get something off of my chest. From all of this coverage I must say that I'm starting to suffer from Catherine fashion fatigue.

I never thought I'd say this but I'm actually starting to look forward to the end of the tour.

From the moment she stepped off the plane in Ottawa to now, all aspect of her clothes have been analyzed. Few reports pass up a chance to mention her appearance. The minute details poured over and tracked by fashionistas. Twitter is filled with tweets about everything from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. The level of interest is impressive and staggering.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the royal updates. But I'm trying hard to understand this fascination. Maybe it's the novelty aspect of it. After all, the royal family hasn't had someone like Catherine in their ranks in a long time. Tall, beautiful and photogenic she has obviously filled a void where royal fashion is concerned. Add to that, her flawless royal performance to date and it's almost insufferable. Thank goodness she lost the boat race, otherwise the perfection would be unbearable.

Judging by the articles, it seems Catherine can do no wrong in her choice of clothes. That is, as long as she wears something new. But even that is poured over in detail, if only to repeat what we already know about it. She's not the first woman to wear the same outfit twice (or three, or four times) and she won't be the last. I'm waging a guess that like Diana, Catherine won't win when it comes to what she chooses to wear .

I think I'm beginning to understand the people who complained about the royal wedding coverage. I enjoyed it but you can have too much of a good thing. And like news reports about the royal wedding, maybe I'll appreciate the tour more once Catherine returns to Anglesey. But right now, enough is enough.

*Waves white flag*

© 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.

Saturday, July 02, 2011

Day Three - William and Catherine's Royal Tour 2011 - Ottawa

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Via Governor General's Twitpic
With all of the fuss surrounding the religious wedding ceremony in Monaco, it would be easy to forget that William and Catherine were still on tour in Canada.

While the traditional tree planting in the Royal Grove on the grounds of Rideau Hall is not as glamorous as what the new royal bride, the Princess of Monaco was wearing, the couple did their best to be stoic about it.

This will be the first of many trees that Catherine will plant, she carried it off with elan, as if she had been doing this her entire life. Dressed in a grey Catherine Walker 'Kensington' dress, a favorite designer of the late-Diana, Princess of Wales, wearing the same ring, using the same spade and stopping to admire a tree Charles and Diana had planted on their own first visit, ran the risk of comparisons but thankfully there were few.

The couple planted a Canadian hemlock, a tree with a lifespan of 800 years. According to the Governor Generals office:
"They have chosen it as a symbol of love and marriage and are planting a similar tree that was planted by the emperor and empress of Japan on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary,"
Canadian heritage flickr
Afterwards the couple attended a reception at the Canadian War Museum, meeting with 25 veterans from the Korean War, the Second World War and Afghanistan. The couple also unveiled a massive mural. Painted by Augustus John and commissioned by Lord Beaverbrook, who'd intended it to be part of a collection at a national war memorial art gallery.

The couple continue Day 3 of their visit in Montréal, Quebec.

© 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.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Day One - William and Catherine arrive in Canada

Prince William and his new wife Catherine have finally arrived in Canada. This is Prince William's third visit to Canada and Catherine's first. William's last visit to Canada took place in 1998 when he accompanied his father and brother to Vancouver for a private holiday in Whistler, British Columbia.

Anticipation of their arrival had been building daily with a constant stream of tweets from royal watchers, bloggers, royal reporters and those eager for a glimpse of what Catherine was wearing. She departed London wearing wearing a navy blazer by Toronto label Smythe les Vestes, over a sheath of the same color by French label Roland Mouret. She accessorized this with Manolo Blahnik Calogera shoes and a Mulberry Polly Push Lock bag.

Upon landing in Ottawa the airbus seemed to taxi for an interminable length of time. As dignitaries lined up, William and Catherine made their way down the stairs for a meet and greet. Catherine had her hair pulled back from her face, had changed into a different outfit and was wearing a black and white lace dress by London-based Canadian designer Erdem Moralioglu accessorized with a nude clutch and heels. From the designers 2012 collection, the description for the navy, lace Cecile shift is as follows:
The fitted scoop-backed dress of contrast stone neoprene crepe with a navy lace overlay had a sheer lace sleeve with a scallop detail and was made in the United Kingdom.
A nice, subtle nods to Canada; which we may see more of as the tour progresses.

Catherine was presented with a bouquet by nine-year-old Kellen Schleyer before the couple headed to Confederation square for a wreath laying ceremony. Greeted by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife Laureen, the Duke and Duchess approached the national war memorial for a ceremony of remembrance. Afterwards the couple met with veterans for 20 minutes before heading towards the crowds for a walkabout.
The couple then headed to Rideau Hall, the Governor General of Canada's official residence where they met with Gov.-Gen. David Johnston and his wife Sharon. After the official welcome, the Duke gave a short speech

The couple will attend a private event at Rideau Hall later on in the evening. Tomorrow they will be on Parliament Hill for Canada Day.

© 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.

Royal Protocol: What to do if you don't meet William and Catherine

You've practiced the correct way of saying 'Ma'am'. Studied official sites in preparation for meeting William & Catherine during their royal tour of Canada. While there is plenty of information on what the royal protocol is for meeting the couple. What do you do when the inevitable occurs and you don't meet them? Here is some unofficial protocol should that situation arise.

1. Don't take it personally

Unless you are a small child, an elderly woman with a sob story/110 year old war veteran, or you simply can't afford to, your chances are slim to none. They will be meeting a lot of boring dignitaries/celebrities with an inflated sense of their own importance. As such they are bound not to notice you. No matter how charming you think you are. Whatever you do, do not take it personally. Instead face reality. It was never likely to happen to begin with.

2. Don't let your new skills go to waste

You've perfected that curtsy/head bow, practiced your loyal toasts and not speaking unless spoken to. All of that time and effort. Now what do you do? Manners are like a muscle, you have to use them or you will lose them. Continue to curtsy/bow daily until the next royal visit. Your mother-in-law will appreciate it.

3. Save Face

Instead of complaining to anyone who will listen, and to avoid those "I told you so's' from everyone, make up a story. If you saw their plane flying overhead, say "I was there when they arrived." If you watched their appearance at Parliament Hill in HDTV say "I had the best seat in the house and I couldn't have gotten any closer."  To make this more legitimate, sit in the sun for a while to give yourself that' I waited five hours for them to appear-look'.

4. Don't despair. They'll be back

If it's any consolation, unless the monarchy is abolished in Canada, William and Catherine are likely to return. The Queen is anticipated to visit Canada in 2012 to mark her Diamond Jubilee. While not the same, it's better than nothing.

© 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.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Time to face reality, maybe Catherine Cambridge isn't cut out to be royal

Let's face it, maybe Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge isn't cut out to be royal.

Sure one could say she's still on the learning curve but so far it doesn't look good for Catherine. It seems the royals have reason to be concerned. In fact, this could be bigger than the abdication crisis.

The problem?

Catherine is too independent. She still has silly ideas about 'doing things herself'.  Days after her wedding, when we saw her at the supermarket, pushing her own trolley, it wasn't just an act. She  genuinely seems to be resisting conforming to the royal way of doing things.

From the time of her engagement to the wedding day she was supposed to get all of that out of her system. Doesn't she know that once she has the wedding ring on her finger she was supposed to give all of that up?

(*Gasp*) I'll bet she still squeezes her own toothpaste!

That's semi-acceptable in private, but when she's in public it's an issue. For instance, on her upcoming trip to Canada and the United States, Catherine will not be bringing a dresser with her. Unsurprisingly, this is eliciting shocked responses from the media. Doesn't she know that dressing herself just isn't done?

Queen Victoria must be rolling over in her grave.

If Catherine wants to survive in the royal system, she has to learn a new way of not doing things for herself. A special type of learned helplessness exclusive to royalty. No longer should her hands touch a door-handle. Running her own bath? Forget it. Using her own utensils is borderline. Allowable only after she's been shown the royal way of not using them. Have you ever seen a photo of the Queen holding a fork? I rest my case.

There are encouraging signs. Thankfully she's come to her senses and is bringing a hairdresser along. She's already unlearnt how to use a brush. Given time, she'll unlearn how to do her own makeup.

Maybe just maybe, there's hope for her yet.

© 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.