The Royal Report for Sunday March 16, 2008 - Should Prince Harry have been pulled from Afghanistan?

The next Royal Report will be on Sunday March 23rd, 2008. Inspired by a recent Angus Reid poll on the subject, I will discuss the question: Should the throne skip a generation and go to Prince William instead?

Upcoming Royal Report: Should Harry have been pulled from Afghanistan?

Join me for the Royal Report on Sunday March 16th, 2008.

The topic will be: Should Harry have been pulled from Afghanistan?

Note that the show will be on at a different time: 6:00PM Pacific time (9:00PM Eastern time)



© Marilyn Braun 2008

Royal Rant: The succession question

Ah yes, a new poll which includes the question about who people would prefer to succeed the Queen: William or Charles.

I already wrote about this in my article: The Sport of Royal Watchers, so it should be clear on how I feel about the subject. So I'm not going to focus on that. What I will focus on is the paragraph:

So, let me state categorically, for the record, that barring any tragedy..he (Prince Charles) will succeed the Queen as the next King. No Angus Reid poll, heated message board discussions, or your personal opinion on the matter will change that.

When that paragraph was written, it was in the heat of the moment. First of all, regardless of how strongly I feel about this subject, everyone is entitled to their opinion. And there are differing opinions. The comments make that clear. However, when this question is asked I think it focuses less on whether Charles is a capable future monarch and more about Prince William and his good looks. That's probably what bothers me the most about it. Charles is next in line to succeed. Again, barring any unforeseen tragedy, he will become king. It's not a question, it's a fact.

I'm wagering a guess that the people who choose Prince William, answer this question with the Charles/Diana/Camilla tabloid triangle in the back of their minds. Just my opinion. What do most people know of Charles otherwise? Maybe play a word association game in your mind. What is the first thing that comes to you when you think of Charles: Ears? Diana? Tampons? Camilla? I'll be honest, some of these things do come to my mind. But they don't distract from whether he's capable of being a good king. It never occurs to me that the monarchy should skip a generation. Because it can't.

I'm not a monarchist, I'm not necessarily a die-hard fan of Prince Charles. But he's next in line to be King. That's it. No poll results change that. Other than looking the most like Diana, and being young, what qualifies Prince William replace Charles? It's a fact that he will. Eventually. But what are people basing their answer in choosing William? Maybe that's a poll in itself?

I have now grown resigned to the question of whether the succession should skip a generation. But that won't stop me from ranting about it.

© Marilyn Braun 2008

Is Kate Middleton too upwardly mobile?

Minus the evil step-mother, step-sisters, relentless servitude, and fashion savvy mice, it should have been a Cinderella story. The handsome Prince had finally found the woman of his dreams: beautiful, photogenic, stylish, and very patient. And this woman, had found the man of her dreams: titled, rich, socially prominent, and handsome. A love story if there ever was one.

However, other than his title they really have very little in common with the traditional tale. Many even go as far as to say that she schemed her way into Prince William's heart. Cinderella was just a dreamer, looking longingly at the palace as she cleaned house. She didn't apply to the same university as Prince William, or model a diaphanous outfit in front of him. No Cinderelly had sheer luck going for her when her fairy godmother magically appeared in her life.

Modern Cinderella wannabes need more than sheer luck. They need determination and ambitious mothers who see the long-range picture. Mothers who then need to back off and let columnists spin the relationship into a fairytale. Columnists who then turn her daughter into the ideal future princess and inevitable royal bride if only Prince Charming would make up his mind. The ball is now an exclusive club with expensive drinks. Today's glass slipper is now a stylish Jimmy Choo with a three-inch heel; ready to step on anyone who gets in her way. Cinderella never looked so good.

And she only had to contend with her step-mother and step-sisters. Kate Middleton has to deal with something far more virulent: jealous royal watchers who viciously tear her apart for her fashion choices, background, and continued prescence in William's life. A new show called 'William and Kate - A Royal Romance' tackles these snooty royal watchers and palace snoops, with James Hewitt, Diana's one-time toyboy, chiming in for good measure.

Maybe the truth will finally be revealed. More than likely not. But isn't it fun to speculate?

© Marilyn Braun 2008

Royal Report for Sunday March 9th, 2008

Unfortunately, there will be no Royal Report tomorrow night. I dislocated my shoulder earlier in the week, which makes it very difficult to type a script.

Hopefully I will be back to my old self, with two working arms, next week.

© Marilyn Braun 2008

The Royal & The Clueless

On the last episode of The Royal & The Clueless, Prince William and Kate Middleton's relationship crisis came to a head, necessitating urgent discussion. This week, they continue talking.

William: Kate, there's something I have to tell you. I think we should cool it for a while.

Kate: But why William? Don't you see that I love you?

William: Yes, but I've got so many things going on...flying planes...dancing with blonde's...

Kate: But our love is real...and true...

William takes Kate in his arms and looks into her eyes

William: Let's make a secret pact, that no one but us will know about until one of our friends leaks it to the media.

Kate: (Breathless) Oh that sounds so wonderful!

William: We need to wait. Put things on hold until I finish my flight training.

Kate: (looks dreamily off into the distance) And then we'll finally be together!

William: Uh...well, yes...then I have to take on royal duties...you know, token charity work...

Kate: Yes, of course. And then we'll finally be together..

William: Uh...well..I have to establish myself in my royal role. That's going to take some time...

Kate: And then we'll finally be together?

William: I'll have my private secretary check my calendar..the earliest would be 2011

On the next episode of The Royal & The Clueless, William and Kate take a make or break holiday, where they continue talking.

© Marilyn Braun 2008

The Royal Report for Sunday March 2nd, 2008 - Should the Diana Inquest end?

Note: This show cut off after 14 minutes. I continued blathering on about the topic for another 15 minutes, finally coming to the conclusion that the inquest will continue, like it or not, and that we should enjoy the ride, in all its voyeuristic glory, while it lasts.

The next show will be on Sunday March 9th 5:00PM PST (8:00PM EST)

The topic will be: Should Prince Harry have been sent home from Afghanistan?

Upcoming Royal Report: Should the Diana Inquest end?

The next Royal Report will be on Sunday March 2nd, 2008.

6:00PM PST (9:00PM EST) Note the time change!!

The topic will be: Should the Diana Inquest come to an end?

© Marilyn Braun 2008

The Trouble With Prince Harry

It was inevitable.

Reporting that Prince Harry was in Afghanistan was just too good a story to pass up. Even if it meant putting Harry and his comrades at risk. Some could say that he should never have been sent in the first place. That the danger was there all along. But initial reservations for his safety and that of the men he would serve with, were put aside. Official announcements were made, first they said he will, then they said he won't. If you can't believe a denial from top British Military officials, then what can you believe?

For all of wanting to serve, for not wanting to be left behind, for wishing he wasn't a prince. Harry needs to face the reality of his position. He's a marked man, if not in a war zone then in the life that he leads. Everything he does, from the moment his mother's pregnancy was announced in February 1984, to now is and will always be newsworthy.

He can't be blamed for wanting to serve. By doing so he's upholding a family tradition. He's not the first heir to serve, and he won't be the last. But it's the naivety of thinking he would get to do so like everyone else. Were he to end up in the wrong hands, one can only imagine the resources that would be spent and negotiations that would take place for his safe return. Some ordinary soldier indeed.

Because of this news, it's reported that he will end his tour of duty prematurely. Or will he? Until he returns to Britain, I won't hold my breath.

© Marilyn Braun 2008

The Royal Report for Sunday February 24th, 2008 - Should Kate Middleton propose to Prince William?

Upcoming Royal Report - Should Kate Middleton propose to Prince William?

The next Royal Report will be on Sunday February 24th, 2008.

5:00PM PST (8:00PM EST)

The topic will be: According to one report, 15 million people would like Kate Middleton to get down on bended knee and propose to Prince William this leap year.

Should she propose? Or should she wait for William to pop the question?

Email and let me know what you think or share your thoughts live on Sunday.

© Marilyn Braun 2008

The Diana Inquest: Will Kevin Bacon take the stand?

Yikes!

My eyes have obviously deceived me. CNN has reported that Diana's death was 'hot'murder and I read it as not murder.

For a moment it seemed that people had finally come to their senses, declaring what should have been obvious all along. Maybe my prescription has changed, maybe this is what I wanted to read. Maybe CNN should have been a little clearer with their headline. It's certainly eye catching. The phrase 'hot' murder comes from Mohammed Al Fayed, who took the stand at the Diana Inquest yesterday. Now we'll finally hear the truth according to Al Fayed. His outlandish theories have implicated amongst others, Prince Philip, Robert Fellowes - Diana's brother-in-law - and now her sister, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, in the cover-up. Yes, these conspiracy theories are becoming like a game of Six-degrees of Kevin Bacon - all you need to do is open the right doors in Al Fayed's mind. Who knows? Maybe Kevin Bacon is involved too!

Yes, it could be fun to ponder. Unfortunately this isn't a joke or a game. Even if the Inquest takes on a farce like quality with each passing day. As the months have gone by the witness testimony has built up to this apex. These theories started with Mohammed Al Fayed, and it would be fitting for the Inquest to end with him. If only to remind everyone how much time and money has been wasted by indulging the grief of a man who chooses to blame everyone but himself.

He wanted his day in court and he's got it. But I hope he gets what he deserves.

© Marilyn Braun 2008

The Royal Report: The Diana Inquest - Will anyone take responsibility?

Upcoming Royal Report - Sunday February 17, 2008

The next Royal Report will be on Sunday February 17, 2008.

5:00PM PST (8:00 EST)

The topic will be: The Diana Inquest - Will someone ever take responsibility?

I hope you can join me!

© Marilyn Braun 2008

Interview with Jerramy Fine - Part Two

In Part Two of my interview with Jerramy Fine, author of Someday My Prince Will Come, she shares her thoughts on Gordon Brown's sex appeal, what she would have done differently, the lesson she's learned about herself, and her next book.

One thing I noticed about your story is that you don't shy away from people's opinions of your goal. You face it head on. It was necessary but do you think that you were taking a certain risk in doing that? That it would add more to the readers’ skepticism? That you would have more work in getting the reader to relate to you?

My editor and I debated at length over the start of the book – where I my friend Max tells me I’m delusional in the very first sentence. My editor had your very same fears – that perhaps it would alienate readers and they would think I was nuts from the get go. But I felt strongly about keeping that section in. I wanted to show that despite my fairytale-sounding goal, that I was completely self-aware and used to the constant criticism. I wanted to show that I knew my ambition sounded crazy – but that I wasn’t living in la-la land. And that when it came to visions of princesshood, I was dead serious.

When you refer to Tony Blair as the sexiest world leader, I thought that was the best line in the book. What do you think of Gordon Brown?

I have to say that Tony has become significantly less dreamy since he first came to power in 1997. But ten years ago, before he developed gray hair and bags under his eyes from making all kinds of insane foreign policy decisions, Tony was my poster boy! I loved him. Gordon Brown, while perhaps more grounded, doesn’t begin to compare. However, London mayoral candidate Boris Johnson (who roomed with Earl Spencer at Eton) has precisely the kind of devilish wit and old-school English charm that drives me to distraction.

With the benefit of hindsight, is there anything you would have done differently?

In hindsight, I would have chosen to do my masters at a British university outside of London (i.e. someplace like Oxford, Cambridge or Bristol) – LSE was great academically but because it was a city campus, rather than one enclosed by ivy-covered walls – it was very hard to meet people (especially English people!) – much less make friends. I also should have researched how hard it was to get a work permit – and perhaps should have studied a subject that would be more conducive to Home Office quotas.

If you could have a conversation with the person you were then vs. the person you are now, what would you say, what advice would you give?

I think I was very naïve about a lot of things. For a long time, I honestly thought the world was one giant Disney movie (very much like the heroine did in the wonderful film Enchanted) – and I was shocked to my very core when I discovered that some people could actually be very and quite intentionally evil. Still, I don’t think telling my old self this would have made a difference as I was pretty headstrong back then. I would also tell my old self that life is about the journey – not the destination. Quite a simple concept, I know – but I was so focused on getting to my goal that I often forgot this.

What did you learn about yourself?

That true royalty comes from within.

What do you think would have happened if Peter Philips had called you? Where do you think you'd be today?
Getting ready for a Windsor wedding in May? Just kidding! Another thing I’ve learned is “what if’s” can drive a girl crazy. I’m at genuinely peace with where I am today and very happy with the wonderful Englishman I am with today. (Besides, it’s not like marrying Peter would have made me a princess!)

Any plans for other books?

I’m hoping to write a guide for Americans living in London – dating etiquette, table manners, which neighborhood to live in, etc. I want it to be a cross between Daily Candy and Debrett’s!

© Marilyn Braun 2008

Related Posts:
Interview with Jerramy Fine - Part One
Royal Review: Someday My Prince Will Come by Jerramy Fine

Interview with Jerramy Fine - Part One

Jerramy Fine is the author of Someday My Prince Will Come. I had the opportunity to interview Jerramy about her experiences as a wannabe princess. In Part One of this interview she discusses her inspiration behind the book, her thoughts on being a princess, and who would play her in Someday My Prince Will Come, the movie.

First of all, I'd like to congratulate you on your book. Why did you choose Someday my Prince will Come as the title?

To be honest, the title was my publisher’s choice. The original title I had envisioned for the book was Lie Back and Think of England -hence the girl lying down and thinking of England on the cover! This title was also a playful double entendre for the popular saying used by Victorian women to remind themselves of their childbearing duty to the British Empire. However, at the last minute, my publisher decided that most readers would not understand the double meaning and that we had better think of a new, more commercial title asap! I suggested many options including “Can I have your Throne Number?” – but eventually we settled on Someday my Prince will Come because of my affinity with Snow White.

To a degree I found the title Someday my Prince will Come to be somewhat of a contradiction. After all, you don't wait for your prince to come; you go out and get him. Do you think this is something wannabe princesses have to do nowadays?

You’re right. I certainly wasn’t waiting for my prince to come to me! I mean, even if my prince was actively looking for me, my hometown was so far away from any civilization (the nearest city was a six hour drive in any direction), there was no way he’d be able to find me! But, yes – just like with anything you want from life – be it a career as an astronaut, a degree from Harvard, or marriage to a prince – you can’t just sit around waiting for it to happen. You must take destiny into your own hands and go after what you want with all of your heart.

When did you get the idea to write this book? Were you recording your experiences all along?

I decided to write this book about 3 years ago, after many events in my life had come full circle. I’ve always kept a small diary, but luckily I also possess what I’ve been told is a superhuman memory. While I almost never remember things that I’ve read, – I can usually tell you what anyone said or wore at almost any occasion sometimes as far back as 15 years ago. And I have to say this definitely made things easy for me once I sat down to write the book!

You mentioned making a pilgrimage to Althorp and visiting Diana's grave. Earlier in the book you also mention Princess Masako of Japan. Knowing the experiences these two women have gone through, you didn't seem even remotely disillusioned by it. Why do you think that is?

I never wanted to become a princess because I thought it was going to be a painless or pampered life. On the contrary. One of the major things that always attracted me to princesshood was the amazing sacrifice these rare women made for their countries. The idea of living a life of duty - for the sake of your subjects, rather than yourself - still brings tears to my eyes.

One of things I loved about Diana more than anything else - more than her stunning beauty and more than her royal title – was that she genuinely understood the unique and far-reaching power of being a Princess. Wherever she went, for better or for worse, Diana knew the press would follow – yet she had the principles and the courage to use this incredible power to draw the world’s attention away from herself and onto those that needed it most.

While of course I wanted Diana’s wardrobe, palaces and parties (what little girl wouldn’t?), I also yearned for that distinctively royal strength: to be able to think beyond yourself any situation.

As I was mingling at your book launch party, I asked people what they thought of your goal. A few people reacted by saying 'well, that's Jerramy!' How did you maintain such focus despite this type of attitude? Was there anyone who actually supported your goal?

Yep – most of my family and friends simply humored me –and viewed my princess complex as just a quirky and rather amusing endearment. I always knew that when it came to my royal ambitions, I was pretty much on my own – but it never bothered me for a second. They were welcome to stay in their “real world” – I had other plans!

You have several setbacks throughout your story, yet you still maintained such a strong faith and belief in yourself and your goal. It's remarkable, actually. What do you attribute that to?

I know it sounds strange, but it was almost as if I didn’t have a choice. I simply HAD to come to England. And I simply HAD to stay in England. And I simply HAD to meet Peter Phillips. Every logical fiber in my body told me to give up and go home and start leading a nice, normal American life. But the pull I felt in my heart was more powerful than anything I can describe - and fighting it was futile.

As I was reading, I couldn't help but think your story would make a good movie. Someday my Prince will Come with Joan Collins as the Queen, Hugh Grant as himself... Who would play you?

I would love for Someday my Prince will Come to be a movie! (I’ve actually had a dream that Hugh Grant agreed to produce and star in it! Hopefully it will come true!) As for the lead actress, my first choice is Kate Hudson. She can be silly and innocent, as well as prim and proper – and there’s the added bonus that she was raised by bohemian parents who have a house in Colorado.

In Part Two of my interview with Jerramy Fine she discusses Gordon Brown's sex appeal, the lessons she's learned, and her next book.

© Marilyn Braun 2008

Related post

Royal Review: Someday My Prince Will Come by Jerramy Fine

Those Ubiquitous Sources

Pick up any biography on the royal family and you will read quotes or comments from unnamed people, or 'sources' as they're referred to. Whether 'Speaking on the condition of anonymity', or a 'trusted friend', they readily offer up intimate details. You may not realize this, but sources are everywhere. Maybe they're in the form of a co-worker or relative. You may be one yourself.

Sources are the life-blood of unauthorized biographies. Friends, relatives, servants, all willing to cooperate with the author to make the book more interesting or to present the subject's side of the story. Diana, her true story by Andrew Morton, and Prince Charles' autobiography by Johnathan Dimbleby, are two very good examples of this. Some sources, such as Deep Throat, are infamous.

Wanting to understand the phemonena of sources, I decided to track some down and interview them. I located three willing to talk to me: SOCA (Speaking on the condition of anonymity), TF (Trusted Friend), and US (Unnamed source).

M: What do you feel your role is?
SOCA: To get the truth out there
TF: Yes, sometimes the person may not be able to speak for themselves, so we go out there and do it for them.
US: Sometimes make them look good. Sometimes to make them look bad.

M: TF, don't you feel that you have a particular responsibility to maintain the privacy of your friend?

TF: I'd be out of a job if that were the case now wouldn't I?

M: Has there ever been any overlap? Where you know the same person? What do you do in that case?

SOCA: Well, newspapers love quotes so they can never have enough unnamed sources.
US: Yes, I'm in great demand.

M: Do you make any money?

US: We'll never tell
SOCA: (speaking to US) Don't you make money?
US: Should I?
SOCA: Well, being a servant doesn't pay as much...oops!

M: Do sources have their own sources?

TF: As a trusted friend I'm in a good position not to need to do that.
SOCA: TF has always been a good source for me
US: I don't like revealing my sources
SOCA: Thank you, I appreciate that

M: Have you ever fabricated a story?

US: Define fabrication
SOCA: Yes, that's a rather subjective term isn't it?
TF: That's a bit of an insult. We're professionals. We're good at what we do and we take a lot of pride in our job.
SOCA: Although sometimes the well does run dry. The royals can be pretty dull..
US: Yes, then we're doing them a service

© Marilyn Braun 2008

The Royal Report - Is the Queen too old to reign?

Upcoming Royal Report - Sunday February 10th, 2008

Tune in to the next Royal Report on Sunday February 10th, 2008.

5:00PM PST (8:00PM EST)

The topic will be: Is the Queen too old to reign?

© Marilyn Braun 2008

Prince William makes himself useful

Certainly Prince William has a long time to wait before coming to the throne. What with the longevity of his grandmother. It makes sense for him to try on different careers for size. So far he's been photographed wearing a hard hat while holding something heavy, looking pensive in a school library, and writing the word 'Wombat' on a chalk board. Not only that, he's pushed paperclips at HSBC, worn dirty overalls, joined the military, and learnt how to fly a plane. Now he plans to become a journalist. And people say Kate Middleton has no focus.

I think it's great that he's making good use of his time. You can only go on so many exotic vacations before it becomes dull. Yes the monarch of tomorrow must be in touch with his subjects. Therefore a good grounding in all industries should be sufficient. He's paid lip-service to the environment, playing polo makes him understand sports, and stumbling out of clubs has made him understand the beverage industry. But there are several industries he hasn't covered yet. Here's some ways William can expand his skill set:

Hospitality: He can take a job at McDonald's

Healthcare: Sit in an emergency waiting room or a Doctor's office and see how it really works

Legal & Publishing: Look at his legal bill and he'll understand how creative expensive lawyers can be. He can combine this with Healthcare by chasing after ambulances

Transportation & Education: Drive a school bus and he'll kill two birds with one stone

Business: Sit in a corporate vice-president's office and see how little they really do for the money. Alternatively, sit at a secretaries desk and see how much they do for the money.

Travel: Uncle Andrew should be able to tell him all about it.

Music: Record a demo and send it in under an assumed name. See William, doors don't open as easily now do they?

© Marilyn Braun 2008

The Royal Report for Sunday February 3rd, 2008

Due to ill health (yes, I'm human) there will be no Royal Report tonight.

Please join me on February 10th, when the topic will be: Is the Queen too old to reign?

Thanks,

Marilyn

Royal Review: Someday my Prince Will Come by Jerramy Fine

I'm going to start off by saying that when I first heard about Someday my Prince Will Come I immediately thought it was fiction. Indeed, it is actually categorized as Adult fiction at my local library.* How can someone realistically pursue their dream to become a princess? It seemed implausible. And to her credit, in James Frey style, Jerramy acknowledges that at the start. This is indeed a true story.

I'll be honest, based on the premise of this book - a woman who sets her sights on finding a prince - I was prepared to humor her. But page after page it became clear that Jerramy is dead serious. And once the initial scepticism wore off I started to admire her chutzpah. The way she pursues her goal is not so unrealistic after all. It actually starts to make sense.

Jerramy, raised in a small town, feels it is her destiny to become a princess and marry Peter Philips, the son of Princess Anne. She chooses a university that has a study abroad program, ending up in the U.K. An affinity for all things English (Referring to Tony Blair: "seriously, can you name a sexier world leader?"), leads her to return to the U.K to study at the London School of Economics, where she whirls from party to party in her quest to find Peter Philips. Understandably, not all of her tactics are successful. But she perseveres and along the way she ends up in India, gets her heart broken, evicted, almost deported, and has to contend with some crazy and colorful flatmates. Touching and humorous, but not necessarily the stuff of fairy tales.

The book has a rather charming prologue: Jerramy, as a child discovering her destiny. It would be easy to continue to focus on the dream, but that would make her seem naïve. Chapter One brings us back to reality with an exchange between Jerramy and one of her more outspoken naysayers. But at no point is there a plea for sympathy or understanding. Never for one moment did I feel sorry for her. This is a heroine that takes care of herself.

Her book has an intimacy to it, with helpful footnotes on English culture included. You almost feel as though you're having tea with Jerramy as she recounts her adventures. You can start to imagine her experiences - her nerve-racking meeting with Princess Anne. To too much information: her parents Christmas trip to a clothing-optional hot springs. Despite the implausibility of her goal, she's so likeable and entertaining, you start to root for Jerramy. Despite myself, I didn't expect to get so emotionally wrapped up in her story. Towards the end it actually brought tears to my eyes.

But like all fairy tales, her story eventually does come to an end. So, does she meet her prince? Does she live happily ever after?

I recommend you read the book and find out for yourself.

© Marilyn Braun 2008

* Strongly compelled to right a wrong, I emailed my local library, letting them know that her book had been categorized incorrectly. While I'll never know if I had anything to do with it, it's now listed as "Non-fiction".

Recommended Books: Royal Jewels

I'll be honest. While I've collected royal books since I was a teenager, it wasn't until about 10 years ago that I developed an interest in Royal Jewels. Royal Jewels were the Crown Jewels - interesting, but who wants to stare at that all day? Royal Orders were just ribbons with pictures on them. Tiara's were just things royal brides wore on their wedding day. Luckily I've changed my views since then.

My article called Jewels fit for a Queen remains the most popular article I've ever written, followed closely by Royal Weddings. There are blogs and websites devoted to royal jewels, people just can't seem to get enough of them. Since I started my blog I've received some questions about royal jewels, here's one as an example. But sometimes I find that the question goes beyond my level of expertise (Yes, it's true, I don't know everything there is to know about royalty!). So if you want to know about royal jewels, where do you go for information? Thankfully there are some wonderful books out there.

The Royal Jewels by Suzy Menkes. This was the very first book I ever bought on the subject and it really and truly inspired me. Covering royal jewels from Queen Victoria's time to 1988. It is fairly comprehensive in terms of the highlights of the wearer, towards the end it features several Appendix, one of which lists all of the jewels worn by The Queen on State and Semi-State Occasions.


The Queen's Jewels: The Personal Collection of HM Queen Elizabeth II by Leslie Field.
I have poured over this book more so than any other book in my collection. That's how fascinated I am with it. This book features the personal jewellery collection of HM The Queen. If you've ever been curious about what she keeps in the vaults, this book will give you a very good idea. I would highly recommend this book as a good starting point on the subject.


Tiara's: A History of Splendour by Geoffrey C. Munn. If you're interested in tiara's and their history then this is the book for you. Covering tiaras from 300 BC to 2001, you could look at this book just for the close-up photographs alone. But there's more to it than that. It shows the evolution of tiara's. There's an entire chapter alone on how to wear tiara's in your hair! I won't lie though, this book is expensive but well worth the price if you're truly interested in the subject. There's also a more condensed version of this book which accompanied the exhibition at the Victoria & Albert museum.

Queens' Jewels by Vincent Meylan. Unlike the previous books I've mentioned, along with British jewels, it also covers royal jewels from Russia, France, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Iran, Austria, Belgium and The Balkans. Yes there are more jewels out there than the British ones! It has a lot of intriguing, rarely seen photos and presents the various jewels and their history in vivid style.

© Marilyn Braun 2008

The Royal Report - Has Paul Burrell cooked his own goose?

Upcoming Royal Report - Sunday January 27th, 2008

The next Royal Reportwill be tonight 5:00PM PST (8:00PM EST)

The topic will be: After Paul Burrell's rather embarassing appearance at the Diana Inquest, has he finally cooked his own goose?

I hope you can join me!

Diana's mother love is nothing new

Diana was no saint.

There, I've said it. So why do people try to make her out to be? A recent Hello Magazine article her words of motherly 'wisdom' are being shared with the world: 'Rediscovered and published for the first time since her death - A Mother's poignant plea.' What will be rediscovered next? Diana's poignant words about fashion? global warming? men?

Let's see:

"Each step I take in my Manolo Blaknik's makes me one with the suffering of the world"

"Climate change starts with changing my hair products"

"Men can never understand giving birth"

Give it a break already.

I have several books about Diana, so I've probably read every variation on how wonderful she was. But when people try to put her on some sort of pedestal I get tired. No one is perfect, not even Diana. What can she possibly share with us about motherhood that is special, unique, gives mothers around the world guidance in raising their children? It's like those inspirational desk calendars or Chicken Soup for the Mother's soul - lip service wrapped in a saccharine, pink ribbon, chamomile tea, floral package.

"There are children who suffer in silence, holding on to their inner turmoil"

Zzz....*Yawn* Sorry, where was I? Aren't there organizations that recognize this already? Organizations that actually do something about this problem? Oh wait, yes, one of them comes to mind - it's called Save the Children! And guess who's working with them? Princess Anne. Will her poignant, less than photogenic, words of motherly wisdom be shared with us after her death?

I doubt it.

I admit, I have not read the Hello magazine article. Maybe doing so would tug at my heart strings and change my mind. Yes, knowing Diana's profound posthumous observations have made the world a better place. Or they could be on par with horrible teenage angst ridden poetry. Wince inducing and not worth revisiting.

No doubt someone will write a book or make a desk calendar about Diana's sayings; 365 days of paraphrased quotes. And it will provide inspiration to mother's everywhere. Or maybe it won't.

Either way, I'm not buying it.

© Marilyn Braun 2008

The Royal Report - Should Princesses Beatrice & Eugenie be using police protection?

Upcoming Royal Report - Sunday January 20th, 2008

The next Royal Report will be on Sunday January 20th 5:00PM PST (8:00PM EST).

The topic will be: Recent reports criticize the cost of protecting Princesses Beatrice & Eugenie of York, daughters of Prince Andrew.

The princesses are presently 5th & 6th in line to the throne. Do they need to be protected? Should they use police protection?


© Marilyn Braun 2007

Adventures in New York City

So I have just returned from my weekend in New York City where I attended the book launch party for Someday my Prince will come by Jerramy Fine. It was a rather impulsive trip - I don't normally go to New York City for the weekend. But I had a fantastic time and as you can see, I came back in one piece. Despite my expectations to the contrary, I found New Yorkers to be friendly and helpful.

I left on Friday January 11th. Going through Immigration I was met by a gum chewing officer who wore the name tag: Rodgrigues. The following exchange took place.

Rodgrigues: Is your trip for business or pleasure?

Me: Pleasure

Rodgrigues: What will you be doing while you are in New York?

Me: Attending a party for the launch of a book.

Rodgrigues: What book?

Me: It's called Someday my prince will come and it's about a woman who wants to become a princess and moves to London in order to find her prince.

Rodgrigues eyes narrowed. He looked sceptical.

Rodgrigues: Does she marry a Prince?

Me: No

Rodrigues: So how does her situation resolve itself?

Me: I don't know, I haven't read the book!

Rodgrigues still looked sceptical but he stamped my paperwork and I was on my way.

I arrived late at night and went on a wild shuttle ride to get to my hotel, a few blocks from Times Square.

Saturday January 12th

Started the day by visiting the WTC site. I have a non-royal story idea I'm working on so I felt somewhat compelled to go there. It was strange to ask for directions to the site, as if I was looking for a tourist attraction. But I have to say that I was disappointed that there was no proper area to view the site. Or that other than a list of those who'd died, there was no type of real tribute. The noise from the construction drowned out any sense of respect towards the victims.

After visiting, I was off to find The Strand bookstore. With 55,000 square feet of space, it is a book lovers paradise. However, with minimal space in my carry-on, I was on a mission to find one book: the Diana, Princess of Wales Christie's catalogue for her dress auction in 1997. Having coveted this item for some time, I'm happy to say it is now part of my collection. Behold.


I had lunch and I was then off to 5th avenue, which I eventually reached after getting lost on the subway system. Mecca for window shoppers, my focus was on the toy store FAO Swartz and Tiffany's. At the toy store I saw the infamous piano from the movie Big. If you want one of your own it will set you back $250,000. I also visited St. Patrick's Cathedral and Rockefeller Centre.


After a day of window shopping, I went back to the hotel, had dinner and changed for the party. I arrived at Soho House, where the party bustled with friends and people from the publishing industry. The guest of honor circulated amongst the crowd and signed books. I finally managed to get a photo taken with her. Congratulations Jerramy!

Sunday January 13th.

My last morning in New York City was spent getting lost on the subway system, and taking long walks to my destination because of it. I eventually made my way to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and by the end of the day my dogs were definitely barking.

Monday January 14th

I'm writing this article about my thoroughly enjoyable trip! I highly recommend visiting New York City if you get the chance. Albeit for longer than a weekend!

© Marilyn Braun 2008

What's wrong with wanting to be a princess?

Y'know. Every so often someone writes an article* about the negative impact of little girls dressing up as princesses and it really sticks in my craw. So I've decided to write about it, even though questioning this topic might look like I'm missing some sort of important point while living in the dark ages waiting to be rescued.

I understand that the Princess myth doesn't fit into reality. Write about the princess themed merchandise that makes up a $4.4 billion dollar industry and the phrases 'women's oppression,' 'bad role model,' and 'pandemic' inevitably come up. The hidden dangers lurk everywhere waiting to ensnare little girls with tiaras, dresses, puzzles, books, and movies. Speaking of movies, the Disney company "shamelessly profits" by releasing yet another princess movie. The conspiracy to appeal to little girls of all nationalities and cultures is clearly apparent with Disney's new African American princess.

Today's informed parent should protect all of their children from ever stepping foot in a toy store lest they be accosted by a princess themed item that their daughter cannot obviously live without. Shield the eyes of your child. Take the moral high ground when you see Princess costumes in the street on Halloween. Tsk tsk, you say to yourself. If only those parents knew that they were perpetuating a myth, that it's unhealthy for little girls to dress up and pretend. Better to focus your efforts on moulding your child into your definition of success.

It's easy to use Diana or Princess Masako of Japan as a parable of how royalty doesn't live happily ever after. Or speculate on the downfall of royal marriages. Extreme examples only show the one side. Must we rewrite Cinderella, revealing the cold hard reality to our children? Isn't this why those stories end with 'And they lived happily ever after?' The story-tellers knew the reality way back then didn't they? Another conspiracy. But useful. When feminists run out of things to write, at least they've got the princess myth to complain about.

Sometimes I wonder whether we're not giving our children enough credit for being able to see past this fantasy. Children who once believed in Santa Claus are not scarred for life once they find out he isn't real. Must the desire to have the latest Princess barbie doll lead to the downfall of the women's movement? Is it really that important?

Obviously to some, it is. But do those same people analyse the impact on society when boys pretend to be knights in shining armour? Isn't that just as unrealistic? Maybe I'm biased because of my interest in royalty. Or the fact that as a little girl, I too wanted to be a princess. I eventually grew out of it because it was just a dream. Regardless of how unrealistic, I won't stop my daughter from dressing up like a princess, or playing make believe with the idea. Because there's nothing wrong with it.

© Marilyn Braun 2008

* This article was inspired by a posting on the World of Royalty Blog.

The Royal Report for Sunday January 6, 2008 - Do the royals have a right to complain about their lives?

Upcoming Royal Report - Sunday January 6, 2008

The next Royal Report will be broadcast on Sunday January 6th - 5:00PM PST (8:00PM EST).

The topic will be: Do the royals have a right to complain about their lives or is it just a perpetual bad day at the office for them?

© Marilyn Braun 2007