The Royal Report for September 16, 2007 - The Queen, What does she actually do?

Why I buy royal books I can't finish and my excuses for doing so

It must be a form of insanity. Buying books I can't finish. I can't remember the last time I actually read a book (that wasn't a childrens book) from cover to cover. Maybe having two small children will do that. Reading used to be a pleasure, now it's a luxury. I have piles of books on a variety of subjects - podcasting, writing, baking, child care, and royal books. Now normally I have no problem with reading royal books, but over time I've noticed that it's taken me much longer to get through some of them. Here are a few on my list:

Diana - by Sarah Bradford

I have been trying to read this book for at least 3 months. I'm not sure whether the library misses it or not, but I keep renewing it and renewing it in the hopes that I will be able to read it. It never happens. I'm beginning to think I should buy my own copy; just so that it can continue to sit amongst my pile of books without anyone missing it. Right now it's due back on the 27th, so hopefully I'll be able to read it before then. But probably not. One of the reasons that I would like to read this book, is mainly to be able to compare it to the next book on my list.

The Diana Chronicles - by Tina Brown

Unlike most Diana biographies, which I usually borrow from the library or wait until they come out on paperback, I bought this book, in hardcover, within a week of its release. There's been a lot of hype with this book and I would love to review it but I just can't seem to get around to doing it. By the time I actually do read it, it will no longer be noteworthy enough to discuss.

Five Gold Rings - A Royal Wedding Souvenir Album by Jane Roberts. The Royal Collection

I truly looked forward to receiving this book. I love royal weddings and this book, heavy on pictures than on text, is right up my alley. I do believe that pictures can tell their own stories, so one would think it would be easy to read this book. No such luck. Hopefully I will have read this book before their 65th or 70th wedding anniversary. Fingers crossed!

Diana Style by Colin McDowell

A recent acquisition, also heavy on pictures than on text. It must have too many words, otherwise why would it take so long to read it? I enjoy reading about Diana's fashion, or should I say, looking at pictures of her fashions. But that doesn't make for a very interesting review, now does it? In my defence, I only received this book on Monday.

Coronation by Roy Strong

Beyond royal weddings, I can't say that I have much interest in other types of royal ceremonies. This book however piqued my interest. Covering the Coronation ceremony from the 8th to the 21st Century, it is not a book you read in a week. So that's my excuse for this one!

If you've read any of these books and would like to tell me about them, feel free to have your say. If you don't have any of these books but would like to read them for me, you can order them by clicking on the book image.

© Marilyn Braun 2007

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Like royal books? Visit Marilyn's Royal Bookstore!
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10 tips for Princesses in waiting

Maybe you've applied and been turned down. You think you have the right credentials, but you never know. You can learn from experience, as some former royal girlfriends have done, or you can use this invaluable list of tips. Good luck.

1) Choose your prince carefully. Always aim for the first son, the heir. Lots of benefits there - generous fashion stipend, better jewels, and endless media glorification. Only choose the second or third son if the first is married, you are genuinely attracted to him, and you don't mind his ever diminishing proximity to greatness.

2) Feign interest in absolutely everything he does. He loves Polo? You've always dreamt of learning. Football? Pretend you understand everything going on. Sustainable Agriculture in the Punjab? You're buying your plane ticket as we speak. Specialist Cheese makers Initiative? You'll bring the crackers.

3) Laugh at his jokes. Listen to his speeches with enraptured thrall, extolling his brilliance when it comes to fly fishing in the North Pole.

4) Dress nicely. Even if you can't afford it. Beg, borrow, raid the closets of fashion conscious friends. Of course you could get lucky while wearing your regular clothes and be lauded for your sense of style - fashion that regular women can wear.

5) Smile. The media will hunt you down. An unfortunate consequence of dating royalty, but nevertheless an occupational hazard. Get used to it.

6) Always remember who you are dating. Observe royal protocol. Even Diana had to call Charles 'Sir' until their engagement. Show deference to his mother, grandmother, aunts, uncles and second cousins once removed. You never know who will put in a good word for you.

7) Have no outside interests. Don't go to parties. As a matter of fact, don't leave your house at all. You'll be accused of being an attention seeker.

8) Don't involve lawyers. They'll do nothing but bill you.

9) Never, ever say 'Pleased to meet you' or ask where the toilet is.

10) Hang in there. Camilla waited 30 years and look where she is today.


© Marilyn Braun 2007

The Royal Report for September 9th - Prince Charles, born to be king. But should he be?

Should Prince Charles be king?

Have your say on the next Royal Report - www.nowlive.com/marilynbraun

Sunday September 9th, 2007 - 5:00pm PST (8:00pm EST)



© Marilyn Braun 2007

Goodbye Diana?

Whenever any big royal event occurs, I always try to collect the newspapers reporting on them. With the 10th anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, there was no doubt in my mind that it would be a cover story, maybe a special insert included. So when I bought the newspapers for August 31st, I was truly surprised to see the event barely covered. One of the newspapers had a small article on the inside cover, another an editorial cartoon, but that's about it. Maybe, I thought, there will be something in the next day's papers. But, scanning the covers, there was nothing there either.

I'll be honest, this kind of bothered me. While recent royal events like Charles and Camilla's wedding or the Queen's 80th birthday, haven't necessarily dominated newspapers, this was Diana we were dealing with. Diana, the one whose face has sold a million covers. Diana, the subject of countless tell-alls and television specials of varying degrees of quality. What happened?

Maybe the constant email news alerts, where every second word seemed to be about Diana, had lulled me into a false sense that this would be a major story to everyone else. How could it not be? 10 years ago Diana's death had brought the world to a virtual stand-still. The coverage was unavoidable. If you'd claimed to have missed it all, you were either deaf, blind, or lying. It seemed as though it would never end. And until I read the papers on August 31st, 2007, it had never occurred to me that it would.

While coverage seems to have waned, I don't believe it will ever end. We will still see tell-alls, and when Prince William or Prince Harry marry, she will no doubt be discussed. But what do we do until then? Or what do I do until then? I like reading about her, even if I don't learn anything new. Even if she hasn't been up anything these days. For some reason I want to know, even if I don't necessarily understand why.

Has major coverage of Diana reached the end of the road? Or is this just the case with newspapers outside of the UK? Will I have to look at back-issues of People and Hello magazine to remember the glory days? Probably. I won't learn anything new either way, and it doesn't add to my collection, but it's better than nothing.

© Marilyn Braun 2007

This article was inspired by this post on the World of Royalty Blog.

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Operation Heads Will Roll

The recent Diana Memorial service was turned into a debacle when Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall bowed to public opinion and withdrew from attending the service. A furious Camilla took off for the Mediterranean, to plot her revenge. Beautifully tanned, Camilla has returned and is ready to strike. This mission, if you choose to accept it is indefinite and has no expiry date. Hang on to the tape just in case.

Location: A palace somewhere in London

The Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Camilla, sit at the table and open their dossiers. They pull out 8 x 10 glossies of the various courtiers, the famous grey men.

Camilla: (seething)My popularity has been set back five years because of the whole Diana memorial. These men make mistakes and then I end up paying for them. Well I've had enough.

Charles: What are you going to do darling?

Camilla: You tell me dear, or are you all out of good ideas?

The Queen: Pa and I tried to intervene, but it was too late.

Philip: (to Camilla) Never listen to Charles, he takes his advice from plants.

Charles: (to both his parents) You just don't understand me, you never have. Scientists have actually backed me up...

The Queen: (over-dramatically) Oh no one understands me...I'm so put upon....

Camilla: (indignant) Can we get back to me? I have an idea. I propose to take my revenge when they least expect it. When I'm Queen...

Philip: And when do you suppose that will be?

Camilla: When Charles ascends the throne

The Queen: I'm still in the room you know!

Camilla: Sorry Mama

Philip: When Charles comes to the throne, do you really think you'll be Queen? That people will accept that?

Camilla:(livid) Hasn't this been sorted out?

Charles: No, we're still working on Operation Queen Camilla. We sent William and Harry to infiltrate the offices of Majesty magazine..

The Queen: Where are those boys? It's been months, shouldn't they have rewritten Ingrid Seward's editorial by now?

Philip: Darling, they must choose their words carefully...

Camilla: Excuses, excuses..I want heads to roll..and when I'm Queen they will!

Philip: I guess the grey men will be waiting a long time then. They probably won't even remember what they've done..

Camilla: (furious) I don't care, I want revenge..I can't wait any longer..

Camilla picks one of the 8 x 10's from the pile

Camilla: I'll start with this one

To be continued

© Marilyn Braun 2007

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The Royal Report for September 2, 2007 - Royal Tell-Alls

Prince William and Prince Harry get it right

Diana's Memorial service was held today. All of the controversy surrounding who should/shouldn't/wouldn't attend has evaporated. In its place, an atmosphere of forgiveness, conciliation, and love came through in the brightness of the Guards Chapel. It is only appropriate that for this day all petty frustrations be put aside.

For once, someone has gotten it right. And who better for it to be than her beloved boys?

In the run up to the service, many focused on who wasn't invited. The Prince's decision to invite Camila as wrong, as a mere nod to etiquette. And as a evidence of their naivete in a situation they were too young to understand. But their understanding should only be of their mother and commemorating her memory in the best way they possibly could.

Prince Harry's eulogy stands in sharp contrast to his uncle Earl Spencer's electrifying speech 10 years ago. It will not stand as a historical speech, but it doesn't have to. Untinged with bitterness, not trying to settle any scores, or defend her honor, it was filled with love. What the memorial should have stood for all along.

While we try to define her legacy, understand the outpouring of grief at her death, Prince William and Prince Harry remember her with love and affection. The service was not a time to be sad, but to be a celebration. The flowers laid at Kensington Palace focus on her death. Today is a day to remember her life. We were privileged to be allowed to watch a service which should have been a private occasion. But the Prince's, recognizing that they were not the only ones who loved her, let us join them. And for that we should be thankful.

© Marilyn Braun 2007

Anatomy of a Diana Tell-All

It seems like every year a new book on Diana comes out. Some are by the familiar faces, the ubiquitous royal watchers: Ingrid Seward, Judy Wade, Sarah Bradford, and Andrew Morton. This year's big release is The Diana Chronicles by Tina Brown. Getting in on the act are the books by her former employer, her psychic, her childhood nanny, and Trevor Rees Jones, the sole survivor of the 1997 crash.

In a special category by themselves are the ones written by people who worked in her service. Some might consider this to be a betrayal of her memory, others (like myself) enjoy the juicy bits while pretending to be offended. Yet, while these books cover different details of her public and private life, they have a pattern, in variation, that is hard to ignore.

The Disclaimer

Includes why the book was written, usually to because they want to set the record straight because they can no longer stand by idly while her memory is being tarnished. Simone Simmons even claims Diana told her to write her book. Each author claims to tell the truth - Jephson's book: 'most authoritative, balanced account'. Paul Burrell: 'the one man who can separate the myth from the truth of the Diana years'. And Ken Wharfe: 'His account represents the most intimate portrait of Diana to date'.

Author's Bio and Credentials

From childhood to present day we get a recap of the author's biography: where they were born, went to school, if they are married or have children. Previous job experience. Their rise in the royal ranks and how they came to the exalted position beside the princess. And in the case of Jephson and Wharfe, how they eventually fell from grace.

The Special Closeness
Each of them shared a special, exclusive closeness with her, to the point where they barely acknowledge their competition. In Wharfe's case he only refers to Jephson in relation to his job and an inaccuracy in his book. Jephson acknowledges a debt of gratitude to Wharfe and explains his departure. In two sentences, Burrell mentions Jephson's exit and generously acknowledges his closeness to Diana. However, despite being 'loyal to the end' and Diana's 'rock', neither Jephson or Wharfe make specific reference to Burrell.

Opinion on the end of the fairy tale

No tell-all about Diana would be complete without offering an opinion on the breakdown of her marriage. Understanding the pressures she experienced, some side with her exclusively, others take a more balanced view.

The Difficult Princess

Revelations on how notoriously difficult she was to work for. Yes, she had her bad days, but she's still the much beloved 'People's Princess'. So this is balanced by a list of her good qualities, including allowances made for the unique pressures she faced. Jephson's book in particular gives a rather acerbic account of his time with Diana as well as psychological analysis of her personality. This is also the section for any residual bitterness the author may hold towards Diana.


Maverick Princess

Yes, each of them had a special, pivotal role in helping her deal with her position. Surreptitiously enabling her, organizing special escapes and meetings with her lovers. Each of them have an admiration of her ability to contravene the royal system. However, in Jephson and Wharfe's cases this is one of the reasons why they left her service.

The Toll

Diana could be a demanding employer. As she left the royal circle, her staff started to shrink to bare bones. Those that remained took on multiple duties. As such, the author details the toll working for her, took on them psychologically, as well as on their relationships or lack of relationships.

The Day she died & conspiracy theories

Where they were when they found out. How the accident was preventable (in Wharfe's case, if only he'd been there), including a post-mortem of events leading up to the accident and laying the blame with Trevor Rees Jones. Burell in particular reminisces about putting Diana's seat belt on her the last time he saw her. The tears and reluctant mixed feelings. The shortcomings of the Queen and the rest of the royal family in their reactions. Of the three, Jephson briefly mentions her death and chivalrously steers clear of any speculation.

The Epiphany

What they are doing now. What they've learnt, how Diana made them a better person or gave them a new understanding of themselves. Interestingly, but unsurprising, each of them, whether writing books or appearing in television specials, has made a career out their experience with her. The security guard Ken Wharfe, and the ex-Private Secretary, Patrick Jephson who now takes their places amongst the other royal watchers in giving us an inside behind the scenes look. Burrell's book covers his trial and offers a tantalizing hint of future books. True to his word he wrote The Way We Were: Remembering Diana.

Any book on Diana can, and will be looked upon as a betrayal of her memory; yet people will still buy and read them. While I enjoyed each of these books, I feel that Wharfe's has the most balanced view - neither acerbic nor fawning. Burrell unfortunately seems to be obsessed with Diana, and Jephson is too cynical. Jephson and Wharfe seem to possess an integrity that Burrell lacks, terms of their ability to draw the line, once they realized they couldn't effectively serve Diana. As well as not allowing their duties or their recollections to consume them as it seems to have done with Burrell, even 10 years later.

© Marilyn Braun 2007

To purchase any of these books, click on the links and book covers.

Other resources consulted:

The Diana I knew by Mary Robertson
Diana: The Secret Years by Simone Simmons with Susan Hill
Little Girl Lost by Mary Clarke
Love and War by James Hewitt
Princess in Love by Anna Pasternak

The sad day Camilla pandered to you

I'm mad.

I don't remember the last time I was this disappointed. I've just found out that Camilla is not attending the Diana Memorial service on Friday. And I just want to say to all of the people who were against her attending.

Are YOU happy now?

This is an article from CNN. According to Clarence House, Camilla has decided not to attend because it 'could divert attention from the purpose of the occasion'.
But who was accusing her of doing so? Princes William and Harry wanted Camilla to attend, they invited her. Shouldn't that have been good enough? No, obviously it wasn't. If William and Harry can live in the present, forgive Camilla and their father, why can't we?

Maybe you feel that you're defending Diana's memory. By your complaints, you actually did the opposite. In all the time spent making this a controversial issue, you ignored Diana's memory completely. Was it ever about that for you? Or was it just an excuse to channel your negativity?

I don't know who I'm more disappointed in. You or Camilla. She pandered to you. Gave in to your tantrum. Now what are you going to do? Are you going to remember Diana or are you going to savour your victory? Probably the latter. To quote one reveller, and hard-core Diana fan: "I couldn't be happier if I’d won the lottery." Enough said.

Camilla should have gone. There, I've said it. I don't live in the past. If Camilla wanted to honor Diana's memory, she was perfectly entitled to do so. Especially when Princes William and Harry personally invited her. That's what should have been important. Or are you forgetting that? Diana was their mother. They're planning the service. Not YOU.

But articles have called William and Harry naive. They can't possibly understand the problems Camilla caused their mother. That they had only invited Camilla, according to James Whittaker, because "she is the wife of their father, whom they adore." But who is blaming them for their lack of judgement in this matter? YOU are. Diana would be thrilled.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Okay, people didn't want her to go. Fair enough. But who ultimately threatened to make this about something other than Diana?

YOU did.

I hope you're proud of yourselves.

© Marilyn Braun 2007

The Royal Report for August 26, 2007 - Diana's legacy - Does she have one?

The one and only Royal Report

Listen to The Royal Report live on www.nowlive.com/marilynbraun on Sunday August 26, 2007 5:00pm PST (8:00pm EST)

The topic will be: Diana's legacy - Does she have one?




© Marilyn Braun 2007

Royal Profile: Edward John Spencer, 8th Earl Spencer

View image | gettyimages.com

When Lady Diana Spencer married Prince Charles in 1981, the Spencer's - one of England's preeminent aristocratic families, moved into the spotlight. While he is probably best known as the father of Diana, Princess of Wales, Johnnie Spencer was also a gifted amateur photographer, filmaker and people person.

Edward John (Johnnie) was born January 24, 1924, at 24 Sussex Square, London, the son of Albert, the 7th Earl Spencer and Lady Cynthia Hamilton. He had an older sister, Anne (born 1920).

He attended school at Wellesly House in Kent, where he boarded from the age of eight. He was popular, excelled academically, was good at sports, in particular cricket. Like generations of Spencer's, his son and later his grandsons, Princes William and Harry, Johnnie went to Eton in 1937. He excelled at soldiering, and also like his royal grandsons, he was educated at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. Around this time his talent for photography began to emerge, and during wartime he chronicled bomb damage with his Box Brownie.

After Eton he went into the Army, fighting in the Second World War. He was mentioned in dispatches for bravery, eventually gaining the rank of Captain in the Royal Scots Greys. After the war he served as ADC to Lord Norrie, Governor of South Australia, before becoming a courtier. He served King George VI and the Queen as an equerry, accompanying her on her tour of the Commonwealth in the early 1950s. He became a Member of the Royal Victorian Order in 1954.

He married The Honorable Frances Burke Roche on June 1, 1954. Their wedding was considered the social event of the year, attended by the Queen, the Queen Mother, and Princess Margaret. After their marriage, the couple settled at Park House and Johnnie studied at the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester. They would have five children (one died in infancy) - Sarah (born 1955), Jane (born 1957), Diana (1961-1997) and Charles (born 1964), the present Earl Spencer. The couple were divorced in 1969, after Frances left Johnnie for Peter Shand Kydd. In the ensuing divorce, he won custody of his children.

He was passionate about photography, his wine cellar and people. As his eldest daughter Lady Sarah McCorquodale recalls:

"My father had an instinctive way with people...He was brilliant, and he stood in this wonderful shop at Althorp selling wine and he would come in and say, 'I've had a really good day today.' So we would say, 'Oh, have you sold lots of wine?' 'No' he'd reply, 'two divorces and a hysterectomy.' People would talk to him and he was gripped. He loved it.

He became the 8th Earl Spencer upon the death of his father in 1975 and the family moved to Althorp. He married his second wife, Raine, Countess of Dartmouth, the daughter of the romance novelist, Barbara Cartland, on July 14, 1976. In September 1978 he collapsed due to a stroke, but recovered sufficiently to walk Diana down the aisle at her 1981 wedding.

He was chairman of the National Association of Boy's Clubs and a member of Northampton Council for 29 years. In 1983 he wrote a book with Raine called The Spencer's on Spas.

Lord Spencer died on March 29th, 1992 of a heart attack, at Humana Hospital, Wellington, London, where he had been admitted for pneumonia on March 21st. He was cremated and buried at the traditional Spencer burial place, St. Mary's Church, Great Brighton, Northamptonshire.

© Marilyn Braun 2007

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The Royal Report for August 19, 2007 - Should Camilla attend the Diana memorial?

Join me live for my show next week - August 26, 2007 5:00pm Pacific time (8:00pm Eastern time). My topic will be: Diana's legacy - Does she have one?

Note: I seem to be having some difficulties with the widget for the show. To listen to it, please select detach and the player should come up for you.

© Marilyn Braun 2007

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The Royal Report Ad

Tune in to The Royal Report on Sunday August 19, 2007 at 5:00pm (PST) & 8:00pm (EST)

The topic will be: Should Camilla attend the Diana memorial?



© Marilyn Braun 2007

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Like royal books? Visit Marilyn's Royal Bookstore!
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Here comes the revolutionary?

I don't know about you. Maybe if I was in the same situation I might feel differently. When I was planning my wedding, the last thing on my mind would have been trying to change history. I was too busy fretting over seating arrangements, favours, choosing a unique wedding dress, perfect tiara, rings, photographer, and guiding my errant, indecisive maid-of-honor towards a dress, in the chosen color, we would both be happy with.

I wasn't 10th in line to the throne. So I didn't have to worry about gaining the Queen's approval. I wasn't marrying a Catholic, so I didn't have to worry about losing my place in the line of succession because of my future husband. I was a bride trying to enjoy my day. And I did.

Unfortunately, sometimes it isn't that simple. Look at Autumn Kelly, the fiancée of Peter Philips. Engaged to the grandson of the sovereign, young, beautiful and Canadian - she has everything going for her. But did I mention she's Catholic? Were it not for who she's marrying, this wouldn't be a problem. Now we're discussing a religious quandry. Will she give up her religion? Does she need a special dispensation from the Vatican? Can love conquer the Act of Settlement of 1701? Bridal nerves takes on a whole new meaning. We're talking about changing history.

It's not something brides usually add to their checklist. You won't find it in any of the wedding planning books; religious quandary pros and cons, dispensation applications, phone numbers for the Vatican. Maybe people trying to hijack this event can supply these to Peter and Autumn?

For most couples, these issues don't normally come up. But Peter Philips is different. He falls under the Act, which along with the Royal Marriages Act of 1772, regulates royal marriages and excludes Catholics or anyone marrying a Catholic, from coming to the throne. There have been two examples of this in the immediate family: Prince Michael of Kent, and his nephew, George - Earl of St. Andrews, both of whom married Catholics. And as a result, forfeited their place in the line of succession. But giving up ones place, especially if unlikely to succeed, doesn't seem to have done either of these men any harm. Maybe you lose bragging rights, but that's about it.

But while many are trying to make this into an issue. Make it seem that someone is going to have to make a painful sacrifice of their identity. How do the couple in question actually feel? Or is that incidental to people trying to promote their own interests? Will Peter and Autumn leave changing history to others or will they allow their wedding to become a catalyst for change?

If so, they might be the best looking revolutionaries in the room.

© Marilyn Braun 2007

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Should Camilla attend the Diana memorial?

Maybe asking this question falls under the category of a lost cause. After all, according to a recent poll 54% say that Camilla should not attend the Diana memorial. If you ask women - 61% think she should not attend, that it would be completely innapropriate. How can you ask such a question in the face of such overwhelming opposition?

Yes, it should be a no-brainer. Camilla, stay home! Don't come out of the palace until we approve of you. When you married Prince Charles, you obviously snuck under our radar. Well, you're married now, so we can't do anything about it. The cheers when you arrived drowned out our hisses and boos. Even if 39% of people feel that you've strengthened the monarchy by marrying Charles. Notice that 37% feel that you've weakened it - so don't get too comfortable. We're recruiting the 25% 'Don't know' contingent as we speak. They'll come to their senses and agree with us, eventually.

Our negative attitude towards out should rightly become a 'string which will alarm supporters.' This should keep you from the Diana memorial, and becoming Queen, even if it doesn't impact our lives in any way whether you do or not. We can complain when you wear the family jewels; zoom in on photographs comparing it to ones Diana wore. We may not barricade the street the service will be held on, but we can participate in polls which have no real relevance to reality. Polls which still ask questions like 'When the Queen abdicates...should the throne pass to Prince Charles or Prince William?' Are we part of the 71% of people who buy into that lost cause?

Even if you do end up attending, make sure you wear a suitably morose, remorseful expression. Whatever you do, don't smile or wave at the crowds. Remember, this isn't your show. If we're lucky, the service will be televised and we can keep tabs on you during the hymns. When the phone rings with a new poll asking us how you behaved, you may just improve your results if you shed a tear or two.

If you don't attend, we'll probably hold it against you too. How can you show us penitence hiding in your palace? Clearly this is a no-win situation for you. But whatever you do, don't wait for us to make up our minds. Trust us, even if our opinions about you change like the weather. Even if the poll caught us during a particularly anti-Camilla mood. Who knows how we'll feel tomorrow. On our way to the service we'll stop at the supermarket and buy eggs to throw at you. If she knew her memory was being hijacked by our antics, Diana would be proud of us.

Maybe the question shouldn't be whether you should attend, but whether this question has made us lose sight of that point.

© Marilyn Braun 2007

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Diana bashing - What's the point?

Tune in to The Royal Report

The next show will be on August 12, 2007 5:00pm PST (8:00pm EST)

The topic will be: Diana bashing - What's the point?



© Marilyn Braun 2007

Happy 19th birthday Princess Beatrice!

Today is Princess Beatrice's 19th birthday. This is an interview from her 18th birthday.

© Marilyn Braun 2007 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Like royal books? Visit Marilyn's Royal Bookstore! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Calling all Royal Bloggers and Royal Website owners!

Do you have a royal blog or website?

Then I want to interview you! à la Inside the Actor's Studio, for my online chat show - The Royal Report.

If interested, please contact me here.

© Marilyn Braun 2007

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Like royal books? Visit Marilyn's Royal Bookstore!
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The Royal Report for August 6, 2007. Kate Middleton: What's the big deal?

The Royal Report: Monday August 6, 2007

The first Royal Report will be presented on Monday August 6th at 5:00pm PST. If I have my time converstion correct, that should be 8:00pm EST.

The subject for the show will be: Kate Middleton - What's the big deal?

Prior to the show, please feel free to send me an email, if you'd like me to address a particular aspect of this subject. Or call in and talk! A variety of dial-in numbers are available for different parts of the United States.

Hope you will tune in.

An Open Letter to Kate Middleton

Dear Kate,

We were so sorry to hear about your break-up with Prince William in April. You guys looked so good together, we truly thought you were meant to be. Well, at least I did. In the devastating aftermath we found out, through the media, that you were coping well. Putting on a brave face despite, what must have been, the crushing weight of our expectations and disappointment.

It's been almost five months and we're glad to see that you're doing better. You looked great at the Concert for Diana. You've joined a rowing team - always good to start new hobbies to get your mind off of things. And your parent's business is doing great; shrewdly cashing in on the Harry Potter craze. It's all good.

But let me get to the point of this letter. We know that you're doing better, but can you please try to be less interesting to us? the whole ordinary shtick just isn't working. Take a vacation. Drive instead of taking the bus. We don't want to see you partying so stay home and watch a chick flick. If you do go out, can you not wear a mini-dress? or have such shiny hair? Must you carry the rowing boat with such élan? Tabloid columnists find it distracting.

Things seem to be looking up for you. We've read that you're back together with William. That's fantastic. Hello magazine just featured your ambiguous smile on their cover for the upteenth time. Not a day seems to go by where someone doesn't write about you. But be careful not to let these things get out of hand, the media might start blaming you for all of this publicity.

Take care of yourself Kate. And remember, we've always got your back.

© Marilyn Braun 2007

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Introducing: The Royal Report

The Stages of Grief for Kate Middleton

For people who care to remember, April 13th, 2007 will go down in history as the day we heard that Prince William and Kate Middleton had broken up. Since then, we have mourned in our own way. Our experience might even mirror the Kübler-Ross model for grief and tragedy. Let's take a look.

Denial: Royal message boards and newspaper columnists blazed with speculation. "No, it can't be happening!"

Anger: Certainly we shared this feeling with Kate herself. We looked for ways to assign blame: It's the media's fault! Kate was too middle-class. William wasn't ready to settle down.

Bargaining: eBay sellers auction off the rare Woolworth commemorative china for the engagement that never was.

Depression: Who will save the monarchy now?

Acceptance: No, they're not getting back together. Maybe Prince Harry and Chelsy will get engaged?

But it didn't end there. Then we went through the stages again as reports indicated that they are back together.

Denial: They can't possibly be back together! I just sent him my phone number.

Anger: Did I pay too much for the Woolworth china?

Bargaining: Maybe they'll break up again and I can sell it for more than I paid for it.

Depression: Environmentalists cry: "Think of the trees!"

Acceptance: *Sigh* Here we go again.

If any of this applies to you, make sure you seek help immediately.

© Marilyn Braun 2007

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Is defending Camilla a lost cause?

I recently visited a message board that made a comment about my article The Camilla Non-issue, that said:

"it must be difficult defending lost causes, Marilyn?"

First off, I would just like to say that I welcome an open discussion of my articles from readers who don't hide behind the safety of a British royal message board. Especially when I'm addressed personally in the post.

After reading that, and posting a response, I started to think - is defending Camilla a lost cause? Shouldn't I just give up and go with all of the media reports that would have me believe that Camilla is evil, a home wrecker, and doesn't deserve happiness? I guess if I were someone who trusts the media to tell the truth, then maybe I should just spend my time living in the glory days of Charles and Diana's 1981 wedding when Camilla was described as a "trusted female confidante of Prince Charles".

At one point, if you'd asked me, say 10 years ago, about Camilla, I would have said that, while I don't hate her, she was a contributing factor in the break-up of Charles and Diana. I say contributing because each of the three parties had their own role to play in how the marriage ended. In hindsight, I haven't changed that opinion, but my view of Camilla as a person has evolved. If you'd asked me whether she would gain acceptance, I would have said, no way! To a degree, feeling this way, I felt I was extracting karmic revenge on behalf of Diana. When it was announced that Charles and Camilla were getting married, I thought I was hearing things. Even if they were meant to be together, I didn't think it was possible. I found myself being happy for them, and feeling as though I was betraying the memory of Diana by doing so. Media reports about the legal, constitutional, and religious issues of the situation made it seem as though, even if they were married, it wouldn't be legal. And that if it were legal, Charles couldn't be king. Ultimately these issues passed, only to be replaced by the non-issues in my recent article.

While I never expected myself to write positively about Camilla, the ultimate fact is, I don't know her. Does anyone really? And in order to be fair, I have to write about her in a balanced way. No one wants to hear about good/bad Camilla all the time. Not the saccharine reporting of quality royal magazines, nor the claw baring reporting of other publications. This blog is not in the same league but I can still do my part, if only for my own entertainment.

I don't believe in living in the past. I wish Charles and Diana could have had a happy ending, but they didn't. Maybe it was inevitable that they wouldn't. Today I can honestly say that I'm happy for Charles and Camilla. I didn't really have any pre-conceived notions but the fact that she's adapted so well to royal life is wonderful. For an outsider, it's not an easy thing to do.

Is defending Camilla a lost cause? No. That's my opinion. I would be interested in hearing other opinions though. Please feel free to have your say.

© Marilyn Braun 2007

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Like royal books? Visit Marilyn's Royal Bookstore!
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