Green Eyes and Jam

Finally, a member of the royal family has done something to write about! Thank god for undercover reporters who dress up as sheikhs to get minor royals to make controversial comments. He has entrapped a royal before, Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, was his first unwitting victim. However, her indiscretions just pale in comparison to the revelations of Princess Michael of Kent.

Of all of the comments she has made, this one just has gone too far. After all of these years, does she still need to go for the jugular? Send yet another royal into a seething rage? You may now wonder, what she has she done this time?

She criticized Prince Charles' jam. Now it's personal.

Out of the many things I have done, there is one thing I would never do; dis someone's preserves. No matter how questionable something tastes or is made, you should never take it to a public forum and broadcast it to the world. Not only is it bad manners it's also not appropriate; let other people find out for themselves.

I don't want to rush to any judgement; to be fair I haven't tried either person's jam. Mainly because I probably couldn't afford it and also because I have plenty of homemade jam in my pantry. Although I'm not a huge fan of raspberries, if I did decide to choose between the two, in a blindfolded taste test I would probably go with the more homemade one. No doubt made with the loving care of underpaid servants. However, I might be lured by the feeling of the label to think that it's better quality; see here for yourself, doesn't it make your mouth water? http://www.duchyoriginals.com/preserves_raspberry.htm

I don't see what the problem is; don't we all make snippy comments about our relatives when they've stayed too long at our house? Aren't we all offered homemade jam that we end up passing on to other people? Those ubiquitous 'sources' say that Prince Charles is 'furious' and will confront the Princess. I would buy tickets to that dressing down. Maybe he'll send her packing with a lifetime supply, that would fix her!

Until I started this blog I never really paid much attention to Princess Michael (wife of Prince Michael of Kent). While the other royals are behaving themselves, I appreciate her so much more. After all I can't keep writing informative royal profiles forever now can I?

This is not the first time she's made disparaging comments towards her family, so it's no surprise. We will never understand 'Princess Pushys' motives; is she naturally malicious? Green with envy? Misunderstood? Or just brutally honest?

One thing is for certain, she's always entertaining.

© Marilyn Braun 2005

Royal Profile: Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone

At the time of her death Princess Alice Mary Victoria Augusta Pauline was the oldest ever member of the royal family, the longest lived princess of the blood royal, and she has the distinction of being the longest surviving grandchild of Queen Victoria. She was born on February 25, 1883 at Windsor Castle, the daughter of Queen Victoria's youngest son, Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany, and his wife, Helen, the Duchess of Albany. Her father had haemophilia and died when Alice was a little over a year old. She had one brother, Charles Edward, who was born four months after their father had died.

In February 1904 Princess Alice married His Serene Highness Prince Alexander of Teck, brother of Queen Mary. After her marriage she was known as HRH Princess Alexander of Teck. They had three children: May, Rupert and Maurice, who died while still an infant. Princess Alice inherited the haemophilia gene from her father and her eldest son Rupert suffered from it, eventually dying at age 21. In 1917 Prince Alexander gave up his German name and titles and was created Viscount Tremation and Earl of Athlone, adopting the name Cambridge. Princess Alice, however, was a princess of Great Britain and Ireland and a Royal Highness in her own right, and from 1917 until her death she was known as Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone.

Princess Alice was active in war work from 1914 to 1918 and later lived in South Africa and Canada during her husband's terms as Governor-General of each country. She was an expert gardener and during her husband's tenure in Ottawa, she designed and helped to build rock gardens. She overcame the restrictions of short summers and extreme winters by keeping five hothouses running in order to produce beautiful plants and flowers. Princess Alice was Honorary Commandant of the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service, Honorary Air Commandant of the Royal Canadian Air Force (Women's Division), and president of the nursing division of the St. John's Ambulance Brigade.

After her husband's death in 1957 she lived in their home in Kensington Palace. During her lifetime she carried out many royal duties and she attended the coronations of four monarchs: Edward VII, George V, George VI and Elizabeth II. Her pastimes included needlework, gardening and reading and in 1966 she published her memoirs, For My Grandchildren, giving an inside view of Queen Victoria and her family.

She died in January 1981, aged 97 years, 10 months and 9 days. She is buried beside her husband in the Frogmore burial grounds, Windsor.

© Marilyn Braun 2005

Lest we forget Diana

Author's collection

Today is the eighth anniversary of Diana's death.

Now that I've reminded you of this, you probably fall into one of these categories:

• You're completely indifferent
• You believe her death was a tragic accident
• You believe that her death was a conspiracy of impressive, strategic proportions - a mission that switched gears effortlessly upon the whim of it's targets - and you won't rest until the truth is revealed.
• You're undecided, weighing the pros and cons of the investigation, not jumping to any conclusions until all of the evidence has been reviewed.

According to Mohammed Al Fayed's website: http://www.alfayed.com/details.asp?aid=148 94% of Daily Express Readers believe that she was murdered, so there is some peer pressure to withstand. Everyone else who reads the Daily Express has made up their minds, why haven't you? You would have to be totally cold-blooded, or a well-adjusted individual who doesn't bend to peer pressure, to just say no.

Regardless of how you feel, it's okay to admit it. Beneath the layer of fashionable denial, you know the truth. Personally my feelings vacillate on any given anniversary of her death. Here is my progression:

• On the 1st anniversary I was disappointed there wasn't more coverage
• On the 2nd, I was further disappointed but realized that yes, life does go on
• on the 3rd, I almost forgot but then I looked at the calendar
• on the 4th, and 5th I don't remember what I did
• On the 6th, I made my pilgrimage to Althorp to visit her grave, buy souvenirs, and to say I'd done it
• On the 7th, I don't remember what I did
• On the 8th, I'm writing this article

So you see, we all deal with grief in our own way. At the moment I have no plans for the 9th but that could change. Maybe once August 31, 2007 rolls around I will finally have decided once and for all. Until that point I await the official commemorative books, china, dolls, stamps and newspaper articles to add to my collection.

© Marilyn Braun 2005

Royal Profile: David Linley

David Linley could arguably be considered the most successful royal of his generation. Unlike some of his cousins who are expected to perform royal duties, he has created his own successful business, by his own effort, talent, and on his own terms.

David Albert Charles Armstrong-Jones, Viscount Linley of Nymans, was born on November 3, 1961 at Clarence House. His parents were the late Princess Margaret, sister of the Queen, and Antony Armstrong-Jones, Lord Snowdon. He has a younger sister, Lady Sarah Chatto (nee Armstrong-Jones) born in 1964. He also has two half-siblings, Lady Frances Armstrong-Jones, born in 1979 and Jasper William Oliver Cable-Alexander, born in 1998.

He bears a striking resemblance to his father, the renowned photographer who goes by the name Snowdon, and he has taken after him by pursuing an artistic career. Although he and his sister grew up within the shadow of Buckingham Palace, unlike their cousins, they enjoyed comparative freedom from the press and public eye. Princess Margaret said of them: 'my children are not royal, they just happen to have the Queen for an aunt.' David's parents separated in 1976 and after the divorce, custody was given to Princess Margaret. However, both children were on equally good terms with both parents.

At first David was educated, along with his cousins at the schoolroom in Buckingham Palace. He went on to a London day school and then a preparatory school. He did not distinguish himself academically and along with his sister, was then sent to a progressive co-educational school, Bedales in Hampshire. David excelled at school in art and woodworking and he went on to the John Makepeace School for Craftsmen in Dorset. He made his cousin Prince Charles, a dining-room table as a wedding present in 1981. In 1982, he and a partner set up their own cabinet-making business. Within three years he had proved successful enough to open a shop, David Linley Furniture Limited now known as Linley. Today, he is a manufacturer of furniture, upholstery and interior design products. He also opened a restaurant called Deals and within a few years he opened a second restaurant. He has written three books and lectured around the world at various prestigious venues.

In 1993 he married the Honourable Serena Stanhope, daughter of a wealthy landowner. They have two children - the Honourable Charles Armstrong-Jones born in 1999, and the Honourable Margarita Armstrong-Jones born in 2002.

© Marilyn Braun 2005

Royal Profile: Prince Michael of Kent

Prince Michael George Charles Franklin was born on July 4, 1942 at the family home, Coppins, near Iver in Buckinghamshire. The last name was in honour of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was a close friend and one of the baby's godfathers. His father was Prince George, Duke of Kent, fourth son of King George V and Queen Mary, and his mother was Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark.

One of the guests living with the family at the time noted that 'the Duke seems to love this tiny infant. Every evening, he leaves the table shortly after ten o'clock and carries his youngest son to the nursery and lays him in his cot and stands watching and watching. Nannie told me that each night she discreetly leaves the room, but she can hear the Duke talking softly to him. Perhaps he is unconsciously preparing him for the future.'

Seven weeks after his birth, his father was killed in a plane crash while on active service. After his father's death, his mother raised him, his brother - Edward, the current Duke of Kent and sister, Princess Alexandra, quietly at Coppins.

Like his father, cars and anything mechanical fascinated him. He showed an interest in geography and he was musical, playing the tambourine in the school percussion band. His childhood ambition, however, was to join the fire brigade. In 1951 he was sent to Sunningdale preparatory school, and in 1955 he entered Eton. From there he entered the Army and went to Sandhurst, the Royal Military Academy in 1961.

During his time in the Army he proved himself to be an able linguist. In 1966 he became the first member of the Royal Family to learn Russian and he qualified as a Russian Military interpreter. He joined the Ministry of Defence in 1968, looking after Foreign Defence Attaches in London. He was part of the United Nations Force in Cyprus in 1971, and from 1974-1981 worked in the Ministry of Defence, in the Defence Intelligence Service. Eventually he attained the rank of Major in the Royal Hussars. He has most recently been promoted to Honorary Rear Admiral in the Royal Naval Reserve.

When he retired from the Army in 1981, he began to work full time and he has served on the boards of various companies. In his day-to-day business, he is chairman of his own private consultancy company. Due to his work, the Prince travels extensively on business and has led delegations of British businessmen to China as well as Russia.

Although he acted as a page at the wedding of his cousins, Princess Elizabeth (now the Queen) to Prince Philip in 1947, he does not take part in royal events very often. Unlike his siblings, he does not receive a parliamentary allowance and it was clear from the beginning, and as the second son of a Duke, that he was one royal who would have to earn his own living. However, he has represented The Queen on a number of occasions, including at the State funerals of the Presidents of India and Cyprus in 1977, the signing of the Treaty of Friendship with Brunei in 1979, the Independence Day celebrations in Belize in 1981, and most recently in 2004, for the 150th Anniversary of the Crimean War in the Ukraine. He also regularly attends charity functions.

Prince Michael attracted a lot of publicity when in June 1978 he married Baroness Marie-Christine von Reibnitz, a Catholic and a divorcee. The marriage, although finally approved by the Queen, required him to relinquish his place in the line of succession to the throne, and at first the Catholic Church, because of Princess Michael’s divorce, did not recognize it. As such they could not marry in the church and they had a civil ceremony instead. The Princess was granted an annulment of her first marriage and in 1983 the Pope gave them permission to marry in the Roman Catholic rite; the ceremony took place in the Cardinal's private chapel, Westminister Cathedral. The couple have two children, Lord Frederick Windsor, born in 1979 and Lady Gabriella Windsor, born 1981. Both have been raised in the Church of England and are therefore still eligible to succeed.

A keen sportsman, he enjoys rowing, hunting and squash. He has also represented Great Britain as a bobsleigh driver and was a reserve for the 1972 Olympics. He is a vintage car enthusiast, a competitive rally driver, and he is also a qualified pilot of both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters.

At present Prince Michael and his family live in Kensington Palace.

© Marilyn Braun 2005

Royal Profile: The Princess Royal

On a regular basis I will profile a member of the royal family, past or present, which may not necessarily receive as much notice as the higher profile, glamorous, members. Despite her hard work and tireless efforts, Princess Anne could certainly fit into that description. In the past her caustic attitude, mainly towards the media, has overshadowed her charity work. However, as the years have passed, some now regard her as the monarchy's most valuable asset, after the Queen.

Princess Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise was born on August 15, 1950 at Clarence House. On the day of her birth, her father, Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was promoted to Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy. At the time, her mother was Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh and heiress presumptive to the throne.

When she was 18 months old, her mother became Queen and the family moved to Buckingham Palace. Here she grew up with her older brother, Prince Charles, now the Prince of Wales. The popular images of her as a child show a little girl with blonde curls, blue eyes and gentle looks that belied the reality she was a tomboy, preferring to climb trees than playing with dolls. As she grew older, although the public expected it, she could not fill the role of fairytale princess, preferring to maintain her individuality and regarding clothes as simply a requirement to her position.

She was educated first at home in the palace, then at the age of thirteen she was sent to a girl's boarding school, Benenden, in Kent. She started official duties when she was 18 years old and in 1969 joined her parent in Austria for her first State visit.

At the age of two she was taught to ride by her mother and horses have played a very important part of her life. Through her own ability she is internationally known as an accomplished sportswoman. She herself has admitted, 'It's the one thing I can do well and can be seen to do well.' As a teenager she started to complete in show jumping and dressage events. She has won a number of trophies for her skill as a horsewoman, including the Individual Woman's European Championship in 1971. In 1973 she competed in the European Championships in Kiev and again in West Germany in 1975, where she won silver medals both as an individual and as a member of the British team. She competed in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal on Great Britain's riding team.

In 1973 she married Captain Mark Philips in Westminster Abbey. They had two children, Peter in 1977 and Zara in 1981. In her desire for them to have as normal a life as possible, neither of her children holds royal titles. Her marriage to Captain Mark Philips ended in 1992 and she married Commander Timothy Laurence the same year.

In June 1987 she received the title of Princess Royal from the Queen. She is the seventh holder of this title. In 1994 The Queen appointed The Princess a Lady of the Most Noble Order of the Garter and in 2000, in recognition of her work for charities and to mark her 50th birthday, she was appointed to the Order of the Thistle.

In 2004 the Princess Royal carried out some 599 engagements both in the UK and overseas. She has visited over 70 countries. Much of her travel abroad has been in her capacity as President of Save the Children fund, of which she has been president since 1970. She is associated with over 200 organizations in an official capacity and she also holds honorary rank and appointments in a number of regiments of the Armed Services.

Princess Anne has garnered a few 'firsts'; along with being the first daughter of a Sovereign to attend boarding school, she is also the first to compete in the Olympics, and the first member of the royal family since King Charles I (for treason), to face criminal charges. Her charges, however, were much less serious; speeding and a fine for when her dog attacked two children.

© Marilyn Braun 2005

Here comes the bride..

The hunt for a bride for Prince William has begun! The top contender at the moment seems to be his present girlfriend, Kate Middleton. They seem so happy and so young and so in love and depending on which report you read they plan on getting married. Despite all of the speculation, one must note that William is only 23 years old; merely a pup, and he no doubt would like to 'sow his wild oats'. So, I'm sure we will see a bevy of lovely ladies photographed in close proximity to him, whether he wants them in the frame or not. We will never know the true status of the relationship as royal prince's are not usually photographed touching their girlfriend, so the first we are likely to know about an engagement is when it's announced.

When the time comes for him to choose a wife to bear his children, she will probably be from the upper classes, wealthy, aristocratic and well bred. The options for marrying in his status level are limited. Unlike the good old interbred days, royalty no longer seems to marry royalty. Today people would gasp in horror if he took off with his cousin, Lady Gabriella Windsor, gorgeous as she is. So should things not work out with Kate, I have compiled a list of potential candidates. In no particular order:

Britney Spears - just thought I'd throw her in there since they supposedly emailed each other. Unfortunately, now that she's married, she out of the running. Of course if she happens to be divorced by the time William seriously considers settling down, she may once again be a consideration. Princess Britney does have a nice Barbie doll ring to it.

Christina Aguilera - her version of God Save the Queen would blow the corgis right out of the room

Mary Kate or Ashley Oslen - Maybe they could sub for each other when they're ill. When Prince William does walkabouts he would have one for each side of the street.

Hillary Duff - Didn't she recently play a princess in a movie? What better preparation than that? A modern day Grace Kelly with her own clothing line.

Princess Theodora of Greece - not a bad looking girl and already familiar with the ins and outs of royalty.

Princess Madeleine of Sweden - Beautiful girl, maybe too beautiful. They would be so dazzling together we wouldn't know whom to look at.

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden - the royal power couple of the century.

Charlotte Casiraghi - daughter of Princess Caroline of Monaco. Beautiful but Catholic. Maybe she would consider converting to the Church of England for him.

Princess Leia - He might even get his own action figure.

Chelsy Davy - Prince Harry's girlfriend. The royals do have a precedent of a bride marrying the brother when her fiancé unexpectedly dies.

For versatility, this list can also be used should something unfortunate happen to Prince William. Just change out Chelsy Davy's name with Kate Middleton's.

© Marilyn Braun 2005

The Makeover of Camilla

Seeing recent photos of Camilla, I have to say I'm speechless. Once again, the transformation of Camilla is striking; she looks lovelier the more I see of her. For her birthday she was granted her own coat of arms. Search online and you will even find Camilla impersonators; the ultimate compliment. You know you've made it when you have an impersonator. The unflattering photos, clothes, and the rotweiler comments are now history.

We are no longer throwing bread rolls at her; we are breaking bread with her.

But regardless of how she looks, the fact remains is that the royal family needed Camilla. Would we really be paying attention to Charles' engagements if it weren't for her? Instead of being threatened by the attention on his wife, maybe Charles now realizes her value. President John F. Kennedy realized and even acknowledged it: "I am the man who accompanied Jacqueline Kennedy to Paris, and I have enjoyed it". *Sigh* if only Charles had taken this attitude during his marriage to Diana. Had there been no Camilla, the stamps and souvenirs for Charles' coronation would have looked slightly off. Do we really want a commemorative mug with Charles' mug on it? At the time of his mother's coronation, she had the advantage of youth to hold her own on the china. If the handsome Prince Philip appeared with her it was even better. Charles doesn't have that, if he ever did. Camilla, like Diana, generates an interest, a "what is she going to wear" curiosity. Still finding her legs as the newest recruit, Camilla has a down to earth quality that people seem to like and appreciate.

The makeover of Camilla did not happen overnight. From 1999, when she made her first public appearance with the Prince of Wales to the present, it occurred gradually, under the radar, while people were distracted by the comparisons to Diana. It was complete by the time their engagement was announced. Now she is being complimented and lauded for her fashion sense and naturalness. Camilla positively glowed with happiness and I admit that until the wedding, that was the most beautiful I'd ever seen her.

It really is too bad that it took so long for people to notice. Seeing photos of Camilla in her debutante phase she was a very pleasant looking young woman; not particularly remarkable but attractive in her own way. Now as the wife of the heir to the throne, she is regarded differently. She did not have the benefit, like Diana did, of having youth on her side or the lack of a 'past', a Cinderella story in real life. But before she became a princess, Diana herself could not have been considered to be classically beautiful. She was attractive in a dewy, youthful kind of way, but there was no indication of just how glamorous she would become. In his bachelor days Prince Charles seemed to have a preference for gorgeous blondes and Diana simply didn't fill that mould when she appeared on the scene as a gauche 19 year old. The media helped make her beautiful before we and even she believed it.

Renowned for her beauty, her glamour and royal wife or not, Diana would have fought off the inevitable aging process with all of the botox ammunition at her disposal. According to her brother, turning 40 would have been traumatic for her. She too would have made her 40's and beyond look great, but at the cost of high maintenance. Now Camilla, stepping on to the world stage in her fifties, has the advantage. No retrospective of youthful photos to live up to. She doesn't need to hide her wrinkles; she's earned them. Broken in, so to speak, she appeals to the mature demographic of women once relegated to ads for Geritol, Freedom 55, and anti-wrinkle serum. She isn't a threat and she makes being (almost) 60 look great. One has to wonder though, if Diana were still alive, would we be saying all of this good stuff? Clarence House regards Camilla as a trump card with the potential to fill the Queen Mother's vacant pumps. Probably a relief to Camilla, and already half way there age wise.

We do have double standards for women - in our youth we are prized for our looks but once we get older we are not prized for our experience. This article isn't meant to go into those details but I think that's particularly true in Camilla's case. People wonder what Charles could possibly see in Camilla, how he could have traded Diana in for an 'older model'. In our own cases would we be able to stand up to such minute scrutiny? I'm sure we're far less kind to ourselves when we look in the mirror. Once again, she could appeal to the women out there comfortable in their own skin; Princess Everywoman. But makeover or not, eventually we will see the formal airbrushed photo of her wearing the tiara, priceless jewels and full evening gown. It's only a matter of time.

© Marilyn Braun 2005

Royal Christenings

The purpose of a royal christening serves, much like the christenings everywhere, as an introduction of the child to the Church. In the case of an heir to the throne, the religious significance is, perhaps greater than usual as the British Monarch, is the head of the Church of England.

Like royal weddings, a royal christening is a joyous event, symbolizing the continuity of the monarchy. In 1982, Prince William was christened on his great-grandmother's 82nd birthday. Reminicent of an 1894 image of Queen Victoria, her son, her grandson and her great-grandson, the direct succession unquestionably secured. From that point, the image of four generations has occured with the births of Queen Alexandra's great-grandson, George Lascelles in 1923, the birth of Queen Mary's great-grandson, Prince Charles in 1948, and Queen Elizabeth's great-grandson, Prince William in 1982. If the Queen lives to see the birth of Prince William's child, she will be the first sovereign to see the direct succession secured into the fourth generation since Queen Victoria.

There are some traditions associated with royal christenings:

Christening Robe
Possibly the most well known image of a royal christening is the infant in the robe. Made for the christening of Queen Victoria's first child, Vicky - the Princess Royal in 1841, it is an heirloom that has been worn by generations of royal babies. In 1894 the robe was given by Queen Victoria to the Duchess of York (later Queen Mary), all of whose children were christened in it. In the next generation it was worn by the children of King George VI, of Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, and of Prince George, Duke of Kent. The children of The Queen and of Princess Margaret were christened in it, and it has subsequently been used for the christenings of all The Queens grandchildren and other Royal babies, including the grand children of Princess Margaret. This robe is made of fine Honiton lace lined with white satin, and like her wedding dress, chosen by the Queen to boost the lagging lace making trade, something that was very much appreciated at the time. As the robe is now 165 years old, it has become fragile, with the movement of various energetic babies. After each christening it is washed gently, wrapped in tissue paper, and placed in storage until the next event.

Usually, royal infants are christened within a few months of their birth, when the robe is more likely to fit. In 1990 Princess Eugenie, at 9 months old, wore the robe and the pictures show her to be very uncomfortable in it.

Venue
Royal Christenings have tended to take place away from the public eye as a private ceremony; no heads of state or other public dignitaries are invited. Princess Eugenie of York, daughter of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, was the first royal baby to have a public christening. This occured during morning service at St. Mary Magdalene, Sandringham, in December 1990. This church was also the setting for the christening of her great-grandfather, King George VI in February 1896.

Unlike royal weddings, the venue for christenings doesn't seem to follow any tradition or pattern, however in recent years the tendency has been towards Windsor, either in the private chapel or St. George's chapel. The most recent one was for Lady Louise Windsor, daughter of the Earl and Countess of Wessex. Several christenings have taken place at Windsor, including Edward VII, George V, Prince Harry and the Earl of Wessex himself.

Buckingham Palace has been the birthplace of many members of the royal family, and it has also been the setting of several christenings, mainly taking place in the Music room. The Queen's three eldest children were christened there, as was Prince Willliam. The Queen and Princess Margaret were christened in the private chapel of Buckingham Palace, which was destroyed during the Second World War. The Throne Room has also been used, namely for Queen Victoria's eldest child, the Princess Royal in 1841.

The Chapel Royal, at St. James' Palace is another popular setting, to name a few of the babies christened there: Lord Frederick Windsor in 1979, his sister Lady Gabriella Windsor in 1981, and Princess Beatrice of York in 1988.

Font and water from the River Jordan

The font used for a royal christening is the silver-gilt lily font, brought from Windsor for the occasion. This was designed by Prince Albert, for the christening of the Princess Royal, Queen Victoria's first born child. The child is christened with Holy water, from the River Jordan, a tradition that dates back to the Crusades.

Christian Names

Unlike most babies, the christening names bestowed on a royal baby tend to be longer and more numerous, culled from family tradition, flattery, and ancestors through the centuries. Queen Alexandra had 6 (Alexandra, Caroline, Marie, Charlotte, Louise, Julia), The Duke of Windsor had 7 (Edward, Albert, Christian, George, Andrew, Patrick, David), the last four paying tribute to the patron saints of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. His mother Queen Mary had 8 (Victoria, Mary, Augusta, Louise, Olga, Pauline, Claudine, Agnes). Now the amount of names given tends to be around 3 or 4. In Queen Victoria's time, she expected all of her descendants to bear either Victoria or Albert amongst their christian names. This 'tradition' ended with the birth of the present Queen, she was christened Elizabeth Alexandra Mary. A possible tempt of fate as these are also the names of three Queens.

Godparents
The list of godparents tends be more substantial as well as more illustrious, with royal and aristocratic choices. In the past the usual practice was to honor members of the family, however this has had it's drawbacks. Prince Charles had six godparents, three of whom were so old that they were unlikely to be of any value as mentors or sources of guidance. Today godparents for royal children tend to be contemporaries of the parents.

The Queen and Prince Charles have acted as godparents to numerous children. The Queen has over twenty godchildren, amongst them Charles Spencer, brother of Diana, Princess of Wales. Prince Charles is godfather to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall's son, Tom Parker Bowles. Her former husband Andrew Parker Bowles is a godfather to Princess Anne's daughter Zara. The late Queen Mother was a godmother to Andrew Parker Bowles himself. It is interesting to note that when Diana, Princess of Wales was christened in 1961, out of the four Spencer children, she is the only one to have no royal godparents.

© Marilyn Braun 2005

Rising to the Occasion

Whatever your thoughts on the royals, or even if you don't necessarily have any thoughts on them at all. Once cannot deny that they rise to the occassion during the most sombre of circumstances. Setting an example to the world on how to look tragedy in the face, while continuing stoicly about their business.

With the soap opera dramas that have swirled around them in the past, obscuring their role and purpose to the nation and in turn to the world. No one does pomp and circumstance better than they do. But when tragedy strikes is when we really notice and depend on their support. The Queen, the Princess Royal, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke of York, the Earl of Wessex, Prince William, the Duke and Duchess of Glouchester have visited hospitals, stood for moments of silence, met with the support staff (police, ambulances, doctors, nurses) responding in the wake of the attacks. There have been official memorial services, attended by members of the royal family; in other words, they have done their bit. Far more than most of us, removed from the disasters in the comfort of our own homes and even our own countries. In Canada the media asked people taking public transit if they were worried about attacks, the Minister of Defense has given a press conference, people have signed condolence books. Shocked true, but numb and indifferent. It didn't happen here, it couldn't happen here, or so we think.

Like a good friend we take for granted, dependable but still always there, the royals are expected to respond to national tragedies, not only close to home, but to the rest of the world: like the Tsunami disaster and 9/11. Most public figures are expected, in some way, to respond, but out of all of them the British royals seem to get the most notice. Interesting how the republicans are nowhere to be found in this case, it would not be appropriate for them to show up and hand out flyers; they don't even mention the attacks on their website. Do we see them going to comfort the ill and the infirm, showing appreciation to the response teams? Giving us an economical alternative? It means something to people when the royals listen, meet with them, sympathize, even if only for the moment. While the Republican website hawks t-shirts and teddy bears, requests donations to further their cause, the Queen puts her money where her mouth is.

The royal response to events is not new. One only has to look at WWI and WW2 to see examples that even then they were out in force. Some royals even lost their own, such was the sacrifice, the willingness to do their part. During WW2 the Queen joined the services, the only royal female to do so; the other women having only honorary titles. She did not see combat but she signed up to do her part. Prince Andrew, the Duke of York fought in the Falkland Island wars, his grandfather, King George VI, as Prince Albert, fought in the battle of Jutland, the only British Sovereign to have seen action in battle since William IV. King George V, during the four years of WWI made over 450 visits to his troops and over 300 to hospitals. In WW2, the King made broadcasts, and stayed in the country, thereby sharing in the dangers of his people. The King and Queen visited bombed cities, comforting those who had lost relatives, friends and possessions. They too experienced bombing with their fellow Londoners, when bombs fell on Buckingham Palace and it's grounds nine times during the war.

Today people may look upon them as far removed from their subjects, the republican movement labelling some of their efforts as PR stunts, but I believe their compassion is genuine. This support is something we tend to forget, unfortunately, until the next disaster happens. Not factoring it in the next time we calculate the costs of maintaining them. Why do we forget?

Because it's priceless.

© Marilyn Braun 2005

The Royal Holy Grail

I have a dream. My dream is to come within restraining order proximity of a member of the royal family. Or even on the cusp of breeching security. I've come close but I just seem to have all the luck.

One would think that having over 200 books on the royals (no bragging, there is a point to my mentioning this) would qualify me for a special visit, reward miles, discounts at the official royal store, or at minimum, an inside scoop on their whereabouts. My unwavering obsession with collecting books goes unrewarded. I have to find out like everyone else, through the Internet, checking the official site on a regular basis or the occasional newspaper article.

Two years ago I was in England, in August and the Queen was in Scotland. Windsor Castle had no royals there, however we did see the royal apartments from the outside (and I've got the photo to prove it). During the tour, my thoughts wandered towards the best way possible to scale the walls and get into the Royal Library. I think I could die happy, perusing the private correspondence of Queen Victoria, possibly adding to my already extensive collection of 200 books, periodicals and china. Maybe I could say that I got lost? Pretend to be a mobile library. Those wacky Canadian tourists never know what they'll do!

Since I couldn't find breathing royals, I tried to find some dearly departed ones. Unfortunately even this wasn't possible - St. George's Chapel was closed, the line-up for Westminster Abbey was too long. I did get into St. Paul's Cathedral and I pretended to walk down the aisle, much like Diana did but without the fanfare. A glorious moment for me and an unsubtle hint to my future husband. However, there were no notable royal people buried there. We toured Kensington Palace, which had a nice selection of the Queen's dresses and hats, but that was about it - not minor royal to be found.

Of course I had to go to Althorp, in the slightest possible chance of catching a glimpse of Earl Spencer. This is Diana's brother for the indifferent yet curious; I try to convert people to royal watchers whenever possible. Now I'm easy to please, I would have settled for a hand closing a blind, the waft of cologne, underpaid servants gossiping in the hallway, the Earl on his riding lawnmower. As I toured the house, I noticed that it was spotlessly clean, how do you do that with 5 children? There were personal touches, like family pictures (not counting the dead aristocrats lining the walls), cds and board games. But no dust bunnies, haphazard toys to trip over, or coffee rings on the tables. Do these people even live here? I had to settle for an informative and affordably priced guidebook, some officially sanctioned Diana china, and some photos of us standing in front of the Spencer manse. A picture perfect postcard 'Wish you were here!'

I have to say that I've taken it for granted that the royals will come to Canada. Since I'm unlikely to go back to England anytime soon it's the only chance I have of meeting any of them. I missed the visits in the 80's, Charles and Diana, Andrew and Fergie. So that leaves the Queen and Prince Philip. But they are getting on in age and how many pairs of moccasins can they possibly need? The last time the Queen was in Canada I worked around the corner from the hotel they were staying at, the Fairmont Royal York. When I myself stayed at that hotel we tried to press the elevator button to take us to the Royal Suite, to no avail. Maybe if I'd scaled the walls? Those wacky Canadian tourists never know what they'll do!

I've just recently returned from a trip to Alberta (which I will be writing about in another article) and apparently I just missed the royal visit by mere weeks. Instead, I went to various landmarks and noted the commemorative plaques on the wall (Queen dedicates this, Duke of Edinburgh sanctions that). At the Royal Turrell Dinosaur Museum in Drumheller Alberta, could I have stood in the same spot as the Queen, minus the sensible shoes? I pretended to pull the curtain on the plaque, which she probably gave a cursory glace to; they must all look alike now. I wandered into the Banff Springs hotel, past security and elderly tourists, where the Queen and Prince Philip stayed. The closest I got to anything royal was to observe some photos on the wall of previous visits.

Hopefully Charles and Camilla will visit. After all, they are the next best things. I would give them a warm welcome; invite them over to our house. Of course I wouldn't invite them over just to look at how the other half lives: maybe they could autograph a few items while they're at it, point out factual errors in unauthorized biographies, regale me with family anecdotes. I would laugh heartily and politely while transcribing their comments.

My last and only hope is to live to be 100 so that I can receive an official anniversary message. If I haven't already outlived various ungrateful children and grandchildren who never come to visit, maybe I could guilt them into letting the monarch at that time know of this milestone. With the advances in medicine, if I live to be 105, I would get another message, and every year thereafter (according to the official site). Even celebrating a Diamond (60th), 65th or 70th wedding anniversary and every year thereafter, would entitle me/us to a message. If we reach that special time and either of us live that long, I would be 92. I wouldn't have to hold out for the big 100!

Here's to a long and healthy life.

© Marilyn Braun 2005

Three's Company

Remember when Diana famously said, "there were three in this marriage"?

Camilla could now safely say the same thing about her marriage to Charles The fact that Diana has been dead for eight years doesn't seem to mean a thing. Nope, with all of the conspiracy theorists wedged in the woodwork and people who claim to have her internal organs, Camilla doesn't stand a chance of coming out of Diana's shadow, no matter what her good qualities are.

The ghost of Diana will continue to be a threesome in Charles and Camilla's marriage. For people who are into that sort of thing it might not be a problem, but don't the royal newlyweds deserve a break? It must be a burden to know that every single retrospective and book on their lives, and the lives of William and Harry will include a guest appearance by Diana. I can hear the commentary at William's wedding, not to mention the speculation "What would Diana think?" "Is (insert name of bride here) the new Diana?" Not to mention the tabloid reports of Diana haunting the future royal bride and ominous warnings beyond the grave. Good times...good times...

Don't get me wrong; Diana did a great job, bringing her own style to being a royal lady. She set the bar quite high and no one will ever live up to it. However, I'm sure Camilla will be just as good at kissing babies, shaking hands, and wearing tiaras. Well someone has to do it! Who else is there? The Queen has earned the right to avoid small children except when accepting flowers from them. I'm sure Princess Anne has frightened her fair share, not to mention when her dogs attack them. Sophie tries but just doesn't seem up to the task. Yes, someone has to be the friendly, cuddly face now that the Queen Mother's grandmotherly image is gone. True she's not particularly photogenic but who amongst the roster of immediate female royals are? Now that Camilla doesn't have anyone else’s marriage to destroy, she's completely harmless. A Barbara Bush, except with better jewellery.

She could eventually become the matriarch of the royal family, giving her regal blessings to the younger generation, teaching them the royal wave and which fork to use. Some might say that Camilla is a pretender to Diana's throne, but there was a vacancy so Camilla filled it. She's the Mary Kay of royal mistresses. Camilla will eventually move up the ladder, earning a golden page in the royal history books, while relegating Diana and all of those conspiracy theories to a footnote. We're the only people keeping Diana in their marriage, Charles and Camilla moved on long ago.

When future generations read those history pages, Diana will be like one of Henry VIII's wives who kept her head - what's her name? Maybe Charles and Camilla will become one of those classic love stories, love conquering all; negative opinions, public outcries, even ghosts that don't exist.

May the golden page end in a happily ever after.

© Marilyn Braun 2005

Royal Watch - Day 8

Summary for the day:

• William says royal duties ruining my dreams - Thems the brakes Will!
• Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie of York to be confimed by the late Queen Mother's chapel
• [Padding]
• Prince Charles' old fashioned views blamed for lack of new housing
• [Insert spacing to make the list look longer]
• Everyone still alive
• [Deliberate padding]
• Mounting costs of Diana investigation questioned

Royal Watch Day 7

Summary for the day (actually the past few days. I've been remiss in my duties)

• French woman claims to have Diana's kidney - the ultimate Diana collector's item. But will she sell herself on eBay?
• Prince Charles speech on demolition of historic houses, labelled "biggest attack on the government for several years" - Who knew politicians were so touchy?
• Charles and Camilla appear smiley in public - ahhh to be a newlywed again
• Camilla carries out first solo engagement and little girl gives her a kiss. Never underestimate the PR value of a small child.
• Queen poses for official photo and *gasp* asked to smile
• Harry still in military training
• Diana conspiracy theories revived - as if we could be allowed to forget
• No mortal wounds or sword fights

Royal Watch Day 6

Summary for the day:

• William, the reluctant royal, to carry out first solo engagement in New Zealand
• Paul Burrell to school contestants in royal etiquette for new Australian reality series
• Queen and Prince Philip in Canada
• Royals save millions in property deals for Crown Estates- where can I get a deal like that?
• Charles and Camilla not pregnant

Royal Watch Day 5

Summary for the day

• Everyone still alive
• Andrew plans to sell Sunninghill Park but Fergie won't move out
• Prince William going to New Zealand with a rugby team. Every team needs a royal mascot
• Prince Harry to enjoy romantic weekend with his girlfriend
• Injured knee sidelines Harry from 5k march
• Prince William building future home

Royal Watch - Day 4

A slow day for British royal news therefore I've padded the list by adding extra spacing

Summary for the day

• Edward and Sophie still married - doesn't anyone have affairs any longer?
• Bets on Prince Harry following his uncle Edward's example and dropping out of military training.
• Disgruntled former employee who accused Prince Charles of unfair dismissal and sexual discrimination loses her case.
• Lady Sarah McCorquodale (Diana's sister) might be axed from her position as president of the Diana Memorial fund for Franklin Mint fiasco
• No one pregnant

Royal Watch - Day 3

This is getting desperate isn't it? I briefly thought about upping the ante and going without coffee for it's duration but I'm not that brave. Coffee and this blog keep me going...okay, I admit I have other nutritional sources and I do go outside for some fresh air occassionally.

Today's summary:

• Princess Michael of Kent (aka Princess Pushy) thinking of moving to France. Many people will be happy about this development. Who will I write about it this happens?
• Prince Charles spends time at a monastery in Romania - interesting possibilities but I won't go there
• Harry photo-op with HIV orphans marred by cigarette
• Charles and Camilla go on a real honeymoon in Greece
• 'Cheating' accusations leveled against Harry by 'mentally unstable' former Eton teacher
• Camilla carries out first solo engagement as a royal
• Prince Andrew spends $200,000 (CDN) of taxpayers money on a trip to Russia

Royal Watch - Day 2

Day 2 and still nothing to make fun of:

• Diana fountain reopens with no pomp or ceremony - no canoeing allowed but you can dip your feet in
• Penny Junor writes another book - I don't like her so I won't mention it's title. You do the work finding it.
• Queen's Maundy money sold on eBay by pensioners. Who knew the elderly could be so computer savvy?
• Prince of Wales has his own brand of bottled water, which is outselling the non-regal competition. It's all about the label these days isn't it?
• Harry enters the Army. Lots of potential for a reality series. Where's Paris Hilton when you need her?

Royal Watch - Day 1

As previously mentioned, the royals are behaving themselves. Therefore, I've decided to start a royal watch, every day, until someone in the British royal family does something interesting. I would prefer if it was an immediate member of the family gaffe, but I'll settle for a minor royal if necessary. This is what it's come to isn't it? Desperate times call for desperate measures. So, I will check my sources daily and try to summarize the more ordinary events. One would hope that this royal watch will not last long, but we will never know.

Summary for the day

• Camilla meets some Avon ladies and greets them with 'Ding dong'. Apparently this is well before my time because this didn't happen to me when I sold Avon. I've been called a lot of things but 'ding dong' isn't one of them.
• Queen hosts reception at the palace for 350 Canadians. So much politeness in one room. Apparently this event is supposed to get her "in the mood" for her upcoming trip to Canada.
• Camilla will have three private secretaries. Maybe one will get sacked and write a tell-all book. Fingers crossed.
• Charles and Camilla still married

Ain't Misbehaving

I'm thoroughly disappointed.

I never thought it would happen.

The royals are behaving themselves.

Unbelievable!

For want of anything better to do, I'm checking my sources daily, watching and waiting for the royals to do something foolish.So far, nothing.Before I started this blog I viewed the foibles of the royal family with bemused indifference. I admit that I'm an inveterate royal watcher, however, I only try to pay attention to the big stuff. Birth's, marriages, adultery, divorces, romances. Death is the ultimate royal event, a veritable win-fall of coverage. But it can't just be any royal, it's gotta be the immediate royals, the Big 5 - Queen, Philip, Charles, William or Harry. Anything further down the line gets a brief mention on the CNN ticker tape. Bad choices of outfit, dogs attacking servants, racial epithets in the heat of the moment, they just don't do it for me. I never thought I would say this, but the British royals are practically boring now. One would think that would have never happened, but the day has come.

I'm beginning to think that I need to look towards the other European royals - the Danes, Dutch, Belgians, Swedes, Norwegians, and Monegasques. I don't want to touch the Japanese royals; I would never satirize the emotional breakdown of the Crown Princess. That's just off limits for me. I don't like it when people make fun of my mental issues. I don't have any but the voices in my head say I'm in denial.

But the other royals are behaving too. The imminent births of the Norwegian, Dutch, Danish and Belgian babies are something to look forward to. It’s wonderful news but not particularly funny. Prince Albert of Monaco apparently fathered two illegitimate children by separate women, interesting but until a DNA test proves anything, it's just mere speculation. Personally, I think Prince Albert is rather dull; he reminds me of someone who works in accounting. You know the type, upper management, eating lunch at his desk; works overtime, comes in on weekends, and doesn't take vacations. So maybe the Prince is even happy about this development; it makes him look like a virile, straight, playboy bachelor, with a penchant for one night stands. The secret life of an accountant revealed. Who knew they could be so wild?

Of course there's always writing about the fall-out of these schenigans (I've always wanted to use that word). The naysayers, partypoopers, killjoys, republicans, coming out of the woodwork to predict doom. What do the republicans do when there's nothing to complain about? Do they have meetings? Monthly newsletters? Rotating shifts? Go to royal engagements to recruit new members? I've always wondered about that. Reports of "devastating blows to the monarchy" are as predictable and fill column space much as my mentioning it here does. But we've come to expect it and it's old news. If the monarchy does come to an end would we really believe it? Seriously, would we? I wouldn't want it to end. Where would I get my material? This blog wouldn't exist. I would have no outlet for my skewed way of looking at things. But what if the royals continue to behave themselves? Then what will happen?

I'll become someone in ACCOUNTING

NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

© Marilyn Braun 2005

Lunch with Paul Burrell

Paul Burrell troubles me.

Not the kind of troubling thoughts I have when I forget to take my medication, go to work, or pick up my neighbours children from school. No, he troubles me because he just won't go away. I wish people would forget about him. Of course my mentioning him here doesn't help with that, nor does the existence of his website www.paulburrellrvm.com a veritable online love fest tribute to himself.

Lest we forget, he pops up on various reality series', newspaper columns, even his own Broadway show. He recently appeared on the British version of the reality show 'I'm a Celebrity get me out of here" where he had to eat a five-course meal of insects, bugs, worms, cockroaches and kangaroo testicles. A classic moment in television history. Apparently this won him a whole new audience of fans; eating insects is enough to garner anyone's respect and admiration. But I do have to wonder on the etiquette involved in doing this. What fork do you use for the worms? Are the bugs considered to be an appetizer? What would be served for dessert?

I recently came across an article that mentioned a sale on eBay to have lunch with him (note that you may need to cut and paste this link into your browser)

http://www.royalarchive.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=630&Itemid=2

Unfortunately I can't locate it on eBay but apparently the highest bid is 16 GBP (which works out to be about $40 CDN). One would think this is indicative that his 15 minutes of fame is long over. However, it doesn't seem that anyone has told Paul that. He says he does these things in the name of charity, which makes demeaning himself just that much more touching. Above and beyond the call of duty.

Since no one seems to be interested, I would like to offer the chance for people to have lunch with ME instead. You get stimulating conversation and you get to pay for the lunch as well. His lunch offers a 3-course meal and mine offers a 6-course meal at the restaurant of my choice. The charity sponsoring him is also throwing in a stay at a local hotel. I've decided that people shouldn't have to pay for that (unless of course they want to, who am I to decline a free stay) so the lucky winner can bunk on the sofa at my place or (weather permitting) pitch a tent in my backyard. You will need to bring your own pillow and blanket, or air mattress and tent. Who wouldn't want to have lunch with me? I'm a cheap date so you would only have to buy me 2 drinks to get me to open up on the mystery that is Paul Burrell.

If you're the lucky bidder you get:

To hear my thoughts on Paul Burrell
My recipe for chocolate covered cockroaches
2 drink minimum
10:00 am check out from my sofa or backyard
The chance to make me breakfast
My unsigned copy of his book on Diana, complete with verbal review
Bragging rights that you had lunch with me (photo of us together is extra)
Directions to the local bus station

I have to wonder what Diana would think of all of this. Would she have sold herself to the lowest bidder? Of course Paul would need to follow through on the auction otherwise he might lose face. How could he possibly disappoint his remaining dedicated fans that are on a limited budget? I don't have that dilemma, bid whatever you want; a free meal is a free meal. He says he wants to leave the whole Diana thing behind him, step out of her shadow, but will he ever really be able to do that? After all, Diana is his bread and butter and talking about her catapulted him to stardom. Were it not for her he would still be walking the Queen's corgi's. Somewhere, the ghost of Diana is betting on eBay because she feels sorry for him.

Someone needs to tell him that his 15 minutes is up and no amount of kangaroo testicles can change that.

© Marilyn Braun 2005

As the tiara turns...

Well, now that Charles and Camilla are married and the furor has died down I'm considering what I can write about next. The wedding was such a good thing because I could bide my time developing non-wedding material. Luckily the wedding isn't the end of the story. I recently read an article on Camilla not wearing her engagement ring just 5 days after her wedding. The writer noted that this shouldn't be seen as a sign of any 'trouble'. I guess they're in the same boat as I am with looking for stuff to write about. Doesn't all of this speculation give you a sense of deja vu?

I could write about impending trouble in their relationship but I think it's too early for that. If Camilla were younger, after a decent period of time we could discuss when the next royal heir will arrive. Since we can't do that we can wonder whether Charles fathered Camilla's children. Unless it sells chocolates and flowers, being in love isn't interesting, except when it's a royal love affair. I've noticed that royal romances tend to follow a fairly predictable pattern. Let's review it shall we?

At the time of the first wedding, the press was practically rabid for information on whom Charles would marry. Early on he made the mistake of saying that 30 was about the right age to get married and they were off! One only needs to look at books on Charles pre-Diana to capture the intense amount of scrutiny he was under; there's even a book dedicated exclusively to the subject (Settling Down by James Whittaker). All Charles needed to do was stand beside a passably attractive woman and he was betrothed to her. This usually happens for most direct heirs to the throne so it's not a surprise. However, by 1981 Charles needed to find a suitable bride, aristocratic and without a 'past' and he was running out of options. Lady Diana fit the bill and Charles duly proposed. Having successfully completed that task I shall continue.

Once the fiancée is chosen, the press laid siege to her private life, going through her garbage, digging up her past

Then they wax poetic about the future bride, compiling family trees that invaribly show that somehow the royal couple are related to each other; something which never fails to trouble me. If they looked into my background would I be distantly related too?

Interviews with the hairdresser, makeup artist, dentist, kindergarten teacher, and shopkeeper who gave her change two years prior to the engagement

Official photos and stamps released. Copies of the engagement ring and commemorative books go on sale

Wedding coverage. What will the dress look like? Where's the dress? Why did she wear that? When can I get a copy? Did she actually vow to obey?

Ah, the honeymoon and things are lovey dovey. One would think they could relax but not so! Speculation on a royal baby begins.

No pregnancy? Why not? Is there trouble in the relationship?

Pregnancy is announced and everyone breathes a sigh of relief. The betting starts. Odds for names, will it be a boy or girl? Media, a curious onlookers camp out at the hospital.

The birth is heralded. When will there be pictures? We haven't seen him/her, is there something wrong with the baby? What's the name? Why did they pick that name?

The press follows them on tours, walkabouts, and various charitable engagements. Coverage includes what the royal wife wears.

When will the next baby arrive? Is she pregnant? Why not?

Repeat pregnancy announcement and heralding of birth

The press follows them on tours, walkabouts, and various charitable engagements. Endless coverage on what the royal wife wears.

"Sources" behind the scenes report on dissention and jealousy. The press prints pictures of the couple looking serious at a state funeral, crops out the coffin, and uses that to predict problems.

Queen labelled a bad mother

Expose books go on sale

Guest appearance by the Republicans

Rumours of separation. Palace issues a denial

Shows of togetherness

Husband/wife sit beside someone of the opposite sex and it's reported they are having an affair

More shows of togetherness

Couple orders individual stationary and take up battle positions

Queen labelled a bad mother

Then if the press is lucky they get caught having affairs and photos appear showing them in compromising positions. No one did this better than Fergie; a tough act for any royal to follow. The couple give their respective sides of the story. After endless denials and exclusives from insiders, they separate and divorce only to start the whole process all over again. The Butler gets a book deal and tv movies are developed. Maybe Dame Judy Dench will play the Queen! So many people making money, I'm obviously in the wrong career.

The only thing missing to make this truly comparable to a soap opera is a kidnapping, coma, illegitimate baby and someone miraculously coming back from the dead. So I'm not completely lost for possibilities. Why, as we speak, the press are writing about William and Kate. At the tender age of 21,Willliam was asked about marriage, and so the hunt for a royal bride begins all over again. What will I write about until an engagement is announced? maybe another royal will do something controversial! With the reports about Harry, I probably won't have to wait very long.

© Marilyn Braun 2005

Jewels fit for a Queen

Jewels are a pivotal part of any royal woman's wardrobe. The Queen’s jewels might go unnoticed but they are beautiful and fascinating for their history and individual craftsmanship. Over the years the Queen has received a number of gifts, whether personal ones or jewels from heads of state and if she is receives a piece of jewellery she will usually try to wear it to the next occasion as a compliment to the presenter. In public or private, it would be very unusual to see the Queen without some sort of brooch or her pearls. In the evenings she can be seen with some type of royal parure, which is a set of matched jewellery usually comprising of a brooch, earrings, tiara and necklace. The Queen is estimated to have in her collection 14 tiaras, 37 pairs of earrings, 105 brooches, 58 necklaces, 37 bracelets, six pendants, 14 watches, and 15 rings.

Some of the jewels are family heirlooms or belong to the Crown to be worn by future queens. Although there are no official guidelines, jewels which are personal property, are bequeathed at the owner's discretion. Queen Victoria and Queen Mary are in large responsible for organizing the collection, deciding which ones would be personal gifts and which ones would belong to the Crown. Regardless of what public event the Queen attends she is usually wearing something on her head, whether it is a tiara, crown, or hat, as a symbol of authority. It would be impossible to mention all of her jewellery so I will confine this article to the more familiar pieces, mainly tiaras.

When most people think of royal jewels they think of the Crown Regalia, specifically the Imperial State Crown, it is most recognizable as it is worn for coronations and state openings of parliament. This crown weighs 2lbs 13 oz. It is set with 2,873 diamonds, 273 pearls, seventeen sapphires, eleven emeralds and five rubies. The Crown also features the 317.4 Cullinan II diamond and the ‘Black Prince’s ruby’. In its long history at one point the crown was transported by cab and until 1962 it was transported to the Houses of Parliament in a closed carriage. Now it is openly displayed for the waiting crowds, as a prelude to the symbolism and pageantry as the Queen carries out her role as constitutional monarch. When the Queen meets children in public at least one of them is invariably bound to ask her "Where is your crown?"

King George IV State Diadem

The most frequently worn part of the Crown Regalia is the King George IV State Diadem. It is completely circular and decorated with symbolic roses, shamrock and thistle. Originally made for King George IV in 1821 for his coronation, but he never wore it. During the Hanoverian period, gems were hired out for the crowns and then stripped bare leaving skeletal frames between each coronation. In1838 the diadem was reset with jewels from the royal collection and Queen Victoria wore it at her coronation. However, with the beginning of this reign the jewels were soldered in, symbolic of the new solidity and prosperity Queen Victoria would come to represent. She wore the diadem constantly for family events, state banquets, formal portraits, and she is pictured wearing it in the first postage stamp issued in 1840. In her will she left it to the Crown. The diadem was a particular favourite of Queen Alexandra.

The present Queen wore this on her way to her coronation and wears this to and from the State Opening of Parliament each year. She is pictured wearing it on all UK postage stamps and the diadem is no doubt seen by more millions of people than any other item of royal jewellery.

Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara

If one looks at photos of the Queen during evening events, you will frequently see the‘Girls of Great Britain and Ireland’ tiara. The tiara gets its name from donations made to a committee formed in 1893 to raise money for a wedding gift to the future Queen Mary. It has diamond festoons, scrolls and 27 collet spikes and Queen Mary originally wore it with upstanding pearl spikes. Minus the pearls, she gifted it to Princess Elizabeth for her wedding in 1947. It was her first tiara and the Queen affectionately calls it ‘Granny’s tiara’. This tiara has also appeared on currency and stamps.

King George III fringe tiara

Princess Elizabeth did not wear 'Granny's tiara' on her wedding day; instead she borrowed the King George III fringe tiara from her mother. A graduated circle of vertical rows of diamonds, it was originally made in 1830 and designed to be worn as either a necklace or a tiara. This tiara/necklace was one of the pieces that Queen Victoria left to the Crown. An interesting story about this tiara is that as the princess was preparing for her wedding the frame of the tiara snapped in half. A royal jeweller was on standby and repaired it in time for her departure. However had it not been fixed, unlike ordinary brides the princess had other tiaras to borrow from the royal collection if necessary. Princess Anne also wore this tiara on her wedding day.

The Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara

Next to the Spencer family tiara, the Lover's Knot tiara is currently most associated with Diana, Princess of Wales. As such we are not likely to see another royal lady wearing it anytime soon, which is unfortunate as I think it's the most beautiful of all of the royal tiaras. Queen Mary commissioned it in 1914 as a copy of one owned by her grandmother. Like "Granny's tiara' this also had upstanding pearl spikes at one point. In the 19th century it was a popular design and there are five known versions still in existence. Queen Mary left this tiara to the present Queen and she wore it occasionally as a young woman, eventually gifting it to Diana for her wedding in 1981.

The Grand Duchess Vladimir tiara

Another of the Queen's familiar tiaras is the 'Grand Duchess Vladimir' and like 'Granny's tiara' this is the Queen's personal property. In 1921 Queen Mary bought this tiara from some the Grand Duchess’ children and in 1953 left it in her will to the present Queen. Originally made in 1890, it has fifteen interlaced circles with a swinging oriental pearl suspended from each. The tiara is also very versatile as the pearls can be interchanged with emerald drops. The emeralds for this tiara are part of a parure consisting of matching necklace, brooch, stomacher, earrings and two bracelets.

For more detailed information on the royal jewels, please check out the books listed below.

References:

The Queen’s Jewels – The Personal Collection of Elizabeth II by Leslie Field
The Royal Jewels by Suzy Menkes
Queens Jewels by Vincent Meylan
Hello Magazine No. 863. 21 April 2005

© Marilyn Braun 2005


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 Proust Questionnaire

After over 50 years on the throne, Queen Elizabeth II has become Europe's longest reiging monarch and one of the most respected heads of state in the world. In all her time in the public eye, she has never given an interview. After years of speculation, gossip, the soap opera antics of her family, she has decided to set the record straight once and for all.

What is your most marked characteristic?
My stare. It can freeze water.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?
Everything but my ear-lobes

What is the quality you most like in a man?
Stamina and looking good in a uniform

What is the quality you most like in a woman?
The ability to flatter and borrow their clothes

What do you value most in your friends?
Their potential as heart donors.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
That I'm too serious at times

What is your favorite occupation?
Being Queen, I love the perks. If I wasn't Queen I would have been a lounge singer

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Canoodling with Philip on the sofa on a rainy day...oh I'm sorry, that's too much information

What you do regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Being only half-way through this questionnaire

Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Queen Victoria however I'm biased as she's a family member.

What is your biggest fear?
Skydiving, although I would like to try it.

Which living person do you most despise?
Where to begin.....

Which living person do you most admire?
Dame Edna, she reminds me of my mother

What is the trait do you most deplore in yourself?
Restraint in dealing with annoying people

On what occasion do you lie?
When doing my taxes..shhh..don't tell anyone!

What is your greatest extravagance ?
Manicures & pedicures.

What is your favorite journey?
Let's see, I've been pretty well everywhere but I do enjoy going to Florida. We have a condo there and we meet up with some friends every year and play bridge

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Monogamy

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Most people would think "we are not amused" but I prefer the more direct "sod off"

What is your greatest regret?
Not spending more time with my children when they were younger

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My husband Philip

What do you consider your greatest achievement
Having kept quiet until now

What is your most treasured possession?
My collection of commemorative plates. I have almost all of them.

When and where were you most happiest?
Before I came to the throne

If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
I wish they would be quiet at times

If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be?
A thorn in the side of the paparazzi and newspaper editors

What is it that you most dislike?
Death, although I'm in favor of it for certain people.

In which country would you like to live?
Canada. They're so nice there.

What are your favorite names?
Charles, Anne, Andrew, Edward

What is it that you most dislike?
Reading tell all books about myself and being quoted by people I've never met.

Which talent would you most like to have?
Selective hearing and being able to play the trombone.

How would you like to die?
Unexpectedly, although not during a public event, it would spoil the pagentry.

What is your current state of mind?
Remarkably sane

What is your motto?
Honi soit qui mal y pense 'Evil to him who evil thinks'

© Marilyn Braun 2005

Wanted: Sovereign of the British Royal House

Job Type: Permanent Full time
Location: London, UK
Job Category: Executive
Industry: World Rulers
Company URL: www.royal.gov.uk
Experience: Nepotism
Number Of Positions: 1
Position Start Date: TBD
Salary: Civil List
Education: Honorary degrees an asset

The Opportunity

The British Royal Family has a long history and is one of most well known royal families in the world. The Royal Family's public role is based on identifying with every section of society, including minorities and special interest groups. The Firm is looking for a leader to head up their global operations. Must have a keen interest in people, strong customer service skills. With creativity, enthusiasm and energy your days are sure to be rewarded. Truly an amazing opportunity!

The Responsibilities

• Acting as the United Kingdom's Head of State, Constitutional monarch, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, and ruling over Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the successful candidate will be capable of wearing many hats with ease.
• Perform Investitures, bestow honours, various ceremonial duties and significant constitutional functions.
• The sovereign acts as the focus for national unity, visiting local communities and representing Britain around the world.
• While remaining politically impartial, formally appoints the prime minister and approves various legislation
• Oversee the management of the private estates which are run on a commercial basis. Taking an active interest in all aspects of management.
• Act as the 'fountain of honour'
• Head of the Armed Forces. Must use discretion when declaring war and peace.
• Working closely with the Prime Minister of the country, you will set the strategic direction and provide inspiring leadership.
• Handle highly confidential and sensitive matters
• Demonstrating your relationship building capability, you will be required to build international alliances and local strategic relationships, hence raising the profile of the country and commonwealth.
• Inspiring the country to excel while simultaneously balancing varied duties.
• Performance standards, including, but not limited to preparedness for any emergencies, crisises or other unexpected situations;
• Sit for endless portraits
• Allow image to be used for currency and stamps
  

Hours: 24/7 with 2 days off per year (Christmas and Easter).

Benefits: Dental, eyeglasses, vast properties, priceless jewels

Qualifications

• Experience with utlizing the right to be consulted, to encourage, and the right to warn
• Must like flowers
• Demonstrated high level of personal values and ethics
• Must be a people person
• Ability to open hospitals, cut ribbons, review troops
• Bilingualism an asset
• Ability to ride a horse, side saddle preferred
• Demonstrated skills in speech making and dealing with the media
• Comfortable being in the public eye
• Willingness to travel.
• Advanced computer skills
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Able to prioritize and multi-task
• Adaptible to changing duties
• Ability to work effectively in a fast paced environment

If this opportunity interests you please contact Mimi at mimi@royalrecruiting.com

We thank you for your interest. Due to the large volume of applicants, only those qualified for the position will be contacted.

© Marilyn Braun 2005

The Royal Support Group

I enter the room almost tentatively and take my seat. "My name is Marilyn and I collect royalty books"

The group and it's leader says in unison "Welcome Marilyn"

I relax a little, not feeling so alone any longer. The moderator, his calm and soothing voice says "tell me more about your collection, when did it start?"

"Well, I guess it started when Prince William was born - I remember hearing it on the radio"

"My collection began during the Silver Jubilee celebrations" a man named George says to me while fingering his commemorative mug.

"After Prince Willliam was born I started to collect the books, cutting pictures out of the newspapers and magazines. I stayed up for the wedding of Prince Andrew and Fergie"

Several members of the group nod in unison. They've been in the trenches, they understand. "I went to London and camped out on the street during the wedding of Charles and Diana." A petite woman named Betty says. We look at her in awe.

"Do you have any flags or tea towels?" Bob asks.

"Yes, I have everything..the oven mitts, the ashtrays, the Charles and Diana salt and pepper shakers.." Betty says, breaking down. "I can't help myself.."

The moderator offers her a kleenex, the woman next to her gently takes her hand. "The purpose of this group is to offer support in a non-judgemental way. Betty, you're safe here."

"No one understands" I say, tears welling in my eyes. "I love my books, the thrill of the hunt of going into a used book store, scouring the shelves to add to my collection." I've moved three times and my friends have helped carry some of the boxes. I know they humor me, one of them even joked that I should start a stamp collection because it's lighter."

"What's wrong with having a stamp collection? GeorgeV has a rather famous one.." Chris says.

"Marilyn isn't judging you Chris, everyone here has something that they collect, whether it be books, t-shirts, keychains. Ed was supposed to be here today but he's buying Charles and Camilla souvenirs with the original wedding date for me." The moderator says. "How many books do you have?"

"Over two hundred. I also have some mugs, plates and I went to Althorp"

"Mecca" Betty says with breathless reverence.

"That's just crazy!" John, says, getting up to get another tea and scone from the snack table. He paces nervously. "People say that I have a problem!"

I stand up to my full height, look him in the eye "yes, I did go and I'm not ashamed to admit it." I say proudly

"The first step is owning your collection and your passion. People may not understand but that's okay. Not everyone has to share the same interests, that's what makes the world go 'round."

I sit down and sigh, a wave of relief comes over me. "When people ask me what I do in my spare time and I tell them about the books, their expressions change. The peer pressure is enormous so I end up telling people that I collect Elvis memorabilia instead. It's more acceptable."

"I tell people that I collect thimbles.." John says, looking down. "I'm so ashamed.."

I get up and walk over to John and hug him.

"We're home John, we're home"

© Marilyn Braun 2005

Gifts for the couple who have everything

Okay, okay..I know what you're thinking..how much more material can she milk out of the whole Charles and Camilla thing...just when you thought that I had exhausted it...well, you're wrong. Now that the wedding has been moved to Saturday instead of Friday it gives me one more day to consider what I will get them. As mentioned, I have not been invited to the wedding but I feel that it's polite to send a gift even if it's just to make them feel guilty.

Of course they have everything they could possibly ever want or need so finding the perfect gift is not as easy as one might think. Tradition would dictate that I buy them something like crystal. However I don't want the gift to be too heavy as I'm loathe to pay the postage for shipping because I don't like them that much. They haven't revealed where they're registered so I can't buy them a soup spoon to match the pattern they've chosen. As such I've decided to think of alternate gifts. Of course there's always the option of re-gifting something from my wedding. Like Charles and Camilla, I had a small wedding - 50 people including guests and obligatory relatives. Some of our gifts were monetary or gift cards - an easy out for those people who couldn't think of something to buy for us or off our registry. We received a few engraved items which guaranteed we couldn't obviously re-gift. A complicated wine opener which would take far longer to maneuver than our old one. This gift came with some coasters, handy for use on our plastic Ikea coffee table. But I digress...

Would the royal couple like some of these items? It would no doubt be a change from all of the more elaborate things. They have announced "No gifts" but do you really believe that? I'll take them at their word but there are many people who won't. I don't blame them the slightest, especially if you don't want them talking behind your back about what a cheapskate you are. They don't know me from a hole in the wall but Prince Harry is another story.

If you want to send good tidings here are some gift ideas for this special couple. These are also perfect for giving to one of the servants afterwards.

A Story Book Romance customized with your name and photo. As two real life star crossed lovers the Romeo and Julietwould be appropriate. Make sure to choose the "Happy Ending Version" otherwise this story could be quite a downer.

All newlyweds need some time alone so why not buy them a special love nest. For only $29.99 per acre it’s quite a deal and they can use it as a home away from home. They can escape from all the media attention and we won’t have to hear Charles grumble about the commute. However if they already have this gift it comes with a 30-day money back guarantee.

It’s well known that Charles cares about the environment so why not buy them his and hers global warming mugs. Just add hot water and he can write his next speech over tea. If you feel uncomfortable sending them the mugs alone, why not pair these up with some monogrammed toilet paper? As a bonus factor both of their names begin with a "C" you only need to buy one set. Unfortunately there are no refunds on this particular item.

With the amazing selection of these unique and affordable gifts the only problem you will have is choosing which one to buy. Happy Shopping!

© Marilyn Braun 2005

Divine Intervention

Well, once again the nuptials of Charles and Camilla have hit a snag. This time it’s a big snag, as the pope died this week. Now please don’t take this the wrong way, I respect the fact that the pope has died, so I’m not commenting on that but more the timing of it.Charles must be thinking that no one wants him to get married to Camilla, including God. It’s bad enough when your parents don’t come to the wedding and when it seems the world is against the whole thing but God is another story. That’s got to be the final nail in the coffin of what has otherwise been a comedy of errors. This must be the ultimate in bad luck and none of the wedding books even mention this breech of ettiquette. Many weddings have been plagued by rain, snow storms, tornedos but I don't believe I've ever heard of the ultimate head honcho giving his seal of disappoval. The speculation is endless on his involvement.. maybe he was a fan of Diana's, maybe he doesn't like Camilla, who knows...God works in mysterious ways.

Charles must just be wondering what else can possibly happen. He has no doubt grown up with having things go his way and then the pope has the audacity to die. It's hard enough to plan a wedding without having God intervene. Next it will be a problem with the seating plan, whether the wedding fruitcake will arrive on time, Camilla's dress might not be ready, the hairstylist and make-up artist could be delayed, the flowers could be wilted, all possibilities with any wedding. We can only cross our fingers hat Prince William won't forget the rings and that everyone will arrive on time. Rain on their wedding day is a good sign but if Charles and Camilla see each other beforehand they might as well call the whole thing off.

The royals have shown the utmost of propriety with changing the date of the wedding so that Charles can attend the funeral. Buckingham Palace has stated, “The Pope’s funeral must take priority”. Once again duty has come before happiness. But to do otherwise would open the royals and Charles in particular to criticism and we know they don't need any more of that. Let’s hope that Charles won’t be grumbling in public about it, possibly wondering why another royal couldn’t be sent in his place. As much as Charles would like his wedding to be a private, it’s inevitable that there would be media interest, however given the circumstances, the wedding might be relegated to a small paragraph near the classifieds section. The pope’s death is a very important event and it would ultimately overshadow anything in comparison. People have worked themselves up into frenzy over Camilla’s title and we’ve got the pope lying in state at the same time. Now that Rainier III has died, will the wedding be delayed to pay respects to him too? I would think that Charles, as the designated mourner in the family will need to make some sort of appearance for Rainier as he was Europes longest reigning monarch. At least once he's done in Rome he can swing by Monaco and wear the same suit to his wedding at the Guildhall.

When Diana died we had a similar schedule conflict, in that case it was who to mourn as Mother Theresa died in the same week. It almost put all of the global hysteria into perspective; someone important had actually died and we were canonizing Diana. Once again, there must have been some sort of divine intervention. God must have been saying, “people get real here” to no avail. Yes Diana planted a lot of trees and opened a few hospital wings but let's give Mother Theresa some column space too. I guess she didn't look as good as Diana while she helped the less fortunate. In this case people are focusing on the pope instead of Charles and Camilla. The Queen must be feeling a bit smug at the moment. I doubt Charles and Camilla will have four million people show up and take photos with cell phones at their wedding.

Having to change the date completely throws everything off -the guest schedules, the venue availability, all of the souvenirs with the original date splashed all over them. Wouldn't you hate for that to happen at your wedding? Luckily there are people who collect these items in the hopes that they will increase in value otherwise we might have a surplus of tea towels to dispose of. I wonder if this episode will go down in history as the most disorganized royal wedding. No doubt every book and magazine article on Charles and Camilla will mention it, reminding them over and over and over. No wonder Charles gets cranky at photo-calls. Once the wedding is over and things return to normal, will Charles and Camilla live happily ever after? God only knows.

© Marilyn Braun 2005

Buckingham Palace - Royal eyesore

According to a recent poll, Britons think that Buckingham Palace is the worst eyesore in London. The Queen must be mortified that her humble abode has been judged so harshly. I know I would. Of course the Queen can't move out, the palace is considered to be the sovereigns official residence. She may not like it, preferring Windsor Castle, but she's put down roots there so she's out of luck. Kings and Queens have lived there since Queen Victoria's day, so it's kind of one of those family heirlooms, care worn perhaps but you still have to smile and send a thank you note when you receive it no matter how much it smells and you wish someone had left it in storage. The Queen, being the sensible, frugal woman she's been labelled as, won't leave. Sort of reminds me of that eccentric old spinster in the neighborhood who lives with 10 cats and collects newspapers. Don't say you don't have one in your family.

Now that the kid's have moved out she and Phil really don't need the space. The grandchildren only stay occasionally so it's not like that's an excuse. Sure you can't have anymore banquets and state dinners but at their age it's probably geting too difficult to entertain everyone anyways. I'm sure the Queen must be tired of holding thanksgiving at her place every year, not to mention the leftovers afterwards.There might be an issue with where to keep the royal carriages but that's what storage centres are for and some have reasonable rates. They wouldn't have to pay so many staff because there's less carpet to vacumn and how many people can it possibly take to make a cup of tea. The only other issue would be the whole balcony appearance, one can't really get the whole family on one of those senior's residence terraces.

I read a posting on a royal board regarding the palace as an eyesore and how Charles has some strong views on architecture, true enough so why not move? We might have to wait until Prince Charles' succeeds before the royals make a change but it's good to have a fresh start and Charles seems like just the guy to buck tradition. But just think of the moving costs and all of the packing tape required to move out. Best to keep costs as low as possible to the taxpayers. If he moves he's got two strapping boys to lift heavy objects, not to mention his future step-children, Tom and Laura to drive the moving vans and pick up pizza. If he needs more help he can always call in a favour from the Blairs, Kent's, Gloucesters, and the exiled Greek royals. But where to put everything? Windsor castle already has too much stuff and Clarence house doesn't seem like it has enough room. He would, of course need help with some of the more valuable objects as moving companies aren't always reliable. However sometimes we put a value on things which might be better off in someone else's basement .He could have a garage sale but then you have to put up with those bargain hunters who don't want to pay ticket price for the Rembrandt no matter how much you've marked it down.

Unfortunately the Queen and Phil wouldn't reap any financial windfall from selling the place as it doesn't belong to them. Lucky they're not poor otherwise they could be quite bitter about that. Given it's age it should be sold 'as is' so you don't need to spruce it up for potential buyers who might want to take a closer look at the plumbing and heating system. Mowing and weeding the 39 acres could be daunting to even the most ardent of gardeners, but there are still plenty of pluses for those who a serious about buying. Despite the facade, with nearly 600 rooms to choose from, there's plenty of room for a young couple just starting their family to expand and handy if you don't like your in-laws. Of course the property taxes and utility cost might deter but the 50,000 visitors who traipse through could be a source of revenue, kind of like a basement apartment. Since it's one of the most famous buildings in the world, you will need to tolerate the gawking and tourist buses but the pride you would feel in your home would make up for that. The back terrace will work great for family bbq's but as it's an annual tradition you'll have to rent out the the property for the royal garden parties. You might have help making the tea and sandwiches but you're on your own with clean up afterwards.

It would take a lot of work to maintain such a palace, what with the dusting and vacumming, window cleaning, floor polishing, etc. You would need to be the mother of all neat freaks to keep up with it. As the previous occupants would take their retinue of servants with them, you will need to do all of the work yourself. A large home is only appealing until you need to clean it. You could put dust covers over everything or in the time old tradition, cover all of the furniture in plastic but that could lead to a few sticky situations with guests and relatives.

Gasp! If it can't be sold, what about tearing the place down completely? Isn't that what we do with buildings that no longer appeal to us? Of course there might be some opposition from the historical societies, but don't they already have enough palaces to conserve? England is just littered with them. If the Queen and Phil want to keep the address they could have a custom bungalow built. Sure it wouldn't sell as many postcards or snow globes but that's what Windsor Castle is for.

I can just see the the Queen and Prince Philip snuggling on the sofa and putting their feet up on the coffee table.

Buckingham Bungalow - home sweet home.

© Marilyn Braun 2005