Some Royal Questions and Answers

I love receiving royal questions and answering them. Some of them have inspired full articles, other times the questions only require a short answer. This is unfortunate since they are no less interesting. Sometimes I can't answer them, whether it's due to the scope or lack of expertise. In those cases I try to point the person in the right direction. I've decided to post some of the questions and answers. I hope you enjoy them.

Do you know the exact manufacturer and the name of Diana's wedding china that she chose?

As far as I can locate: Royal Worcester Evesham. You may want to confirm this with the General Trading Company where she was registered at the time of her wedding.

I have an item I'd like to sell [insert item description]. Can you tell me the value of it?

No. I'm not an expert on royal commemoratives. You may want to check with a local antique dealer who sells royal commemoratives, they might be able to assist. You could also try a search on eBay to see if someone is selling this item or one similar.

What do Prince Edward and Princess Sophie do? I have heard nothing about them for a long time in the media or blogs.

Any current information and activities of members of the royal family can be found by going to the official site: http://www.royal.gov.uk/

I have some royal ancestors/history in my family. Can you tell me more about this?

Lucky you! No, I can't help with this. You may want to check out a genealogist or possibly a royal historian, they might be able to help you.

I've seen pictures of certain jewellery (brooches, earrings, rings..) worn by Camilla/The Queen, can you tell me more about the them?

I've written a few articles about royal jewels and tiaras. While the Queen does wear familiar brooches, some of Camilla's jewels are new or have never been worn publicly(or we haven't paid attention until now). Some of the "newer" brooches the Queen has worn might have come from the collection of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother or are redesigned older pieces. There are some very good books on royal jewels in general that you may find useful (see related links)There are also several threads on royal jewels at The Royal Forums (Scroll down). You might find your answer there.

Do you know where Kate Middleton is?

I wish I had that kind of insider information! Unfortunately I don't. For the best source of Kate updates go to The Kate Middleton Report - All Kate, all the time.

At what time did the British monarchy lose executive power over the United Kingdom? Why did this happen, and who was head of state at the time?

And

Has the roles of Princesses changed over time? (Are they considered more important today than they were yesterday?) What must a Princess do to gain popularity? Are there any qualities she should possess to win people’s hearts?

You know, there's nothing more satisfying that cracking open a book and doing your own homework...

© Marilyn Braun 2008

Related Articles:

Recommended Books: Royal Jewels
Jewels fit for a Queen
Question: The Queen's Pearls
Camilla's Tiara
Royal Focus: The Spencer Tiara

The Royal Report for Sunday December 7th, 2008 - A Review of Royal Residence Websites

On this episode I reviewed the various websites for the Royal Residences.

You can listen to the episode here.

Publications mentioned

William & Harry The People's Princes by Ingrid Seward

Websites mentioned

World of Royalty
The Royal Collection
The Official Site for the British Monarchy
Althorp
Harewood House
The Royal Channel on YouTube

Royal Residence Websites

The Royal Residences - Official Site Link
Historic Royal Palaces
Sandringham Estate
Balmoral Castle

Tune in to the next Royal Report on Sunday December 14th, 2008 9:00PM EST (North America) The topic will be: 2008 - Royal Year in Review

© Marilyn Braun 2008

Royal Profile: Sir George Pinker

A member of a family that can trace their history back to the Norman Conquest, he was possessed with a fine baritone voice. When he turned down a contract with the D'Oyle Carte Company to pursue a medical career, little did he know that in the process he would modernize the delivery of royal babies.

George Douglas Pinker was born on December 6th, 1924 in Calcutta, India, the second son of Queenie Elizabeth née Dix and Ronald Douglas Pinker, a horticulturist who worked for Sutton's Seeds for 40 years and headed the bulb and flower department for 25 years. At the time of George's birth he ran Sutton Seeds Indian Branch in Calcutta. His older brother Kenneth Hubert was born in Reading on September 15th, 1919.

Kenneth and George returned to England and were looked after by their aunts. At the age of four he and his brother were sent to the exclusive all-boys Reading School in the town of Reading, Berkshire, England. In 1942 he entered St Mary's Hospital Medical School, Paddington, qualifying as a doctor in 1947. As a student in 1946, when the Music Society put on its first post-war production, The Mikado, he sang one of the leading roles. His first brush with royalty came when Queen Elizabeth attended the performance as patron of both the hospital and the medical school, accompanied by the two young princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret.

During his time at St. Mary's he decided to specialize in obstetrics. He served in the Royal Army Medical Corps in Singapore, where he did much of his specialist training. He continued his training in Oxford and London. In 1958, at the age of 33, he was appointed a consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology in 1958 to St. Mary's Hospital and Samaritan Hospital for Women, both of which he served for the next 31 years. He also held the position of Consulting Gynaecological Surgeon to Middlesex Hospital, Soho hospital for women, Bolingbroke hospital in Battersea, and the Radcliffe Infirmary from 1969-1980. He accepted willingly an increasing involvement with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, serving as Honorary Treasurer, 1970-77. He was a past president of the British Fertility Society and supported the research that led to the birth in 1978 of Louise Brown, the first test-tube baby.

His work at the Royal College earned him international respect amongst obstetricians and gynaecologists. In 1980 he was elected Vice-President and finally President in 1987. Indeed, so respected is his opinion that to this day, according to his nephew Martin Pinker: "My daughter is expecting twins and she's been going to Mount Sinai hospital. All the top doctors in the hospital, all know George Pinker. The minute she goes in with the name Pinker they say, have you anything to do with George. 'Oh yes, he's my great-great uncle.' So she's getting very special attention. "

He gave his own special attention to his patients. Staff liked and respected him, and patients adored him, According to a family anecdote: "...during the interval an performance at the Royal Opera House a lady went into labor. The house manager knew that George was in the audience so he rushed into the Crush Bar and asked in anyone knew Sir George Pinker. At which point 20 - 70 women raised their hands." *

In 1964 he and several distinguished colleagues founded Childbirth Research Centre in 1964. It would eventually change it's name to Birthright in 1972. In the late nineties the name was changed again to Wellbeing of Women. Diana, Princess of Wales, whose two sons had been delivered by him, became a patron in 1984.

In 1973 he succeeded Sir John Peel as surgeon gynaecologist to the Queen. The youngest person to be appointed to the post, which he held until 1990. He would deliver nine royal babies, starting with the Earl of Ulster, Lady Rose Windsor, Lady Davina Windsor, Lord Frederik Windsor, Lady Gabriella Windsor, Peter Phillips, Zara Phillips, Prince William, and Prince Harry. All of these births took place at St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington. A significant break with royal tradition; prior to this all royal births had taken place at a royal residence.

He was appointed a CVO in 1983 and a KCVO in 1990. In the same year he authored the book 'Preparing for Pregnancy'. In 1991 he edited 'Clinical Gynecological Oncology'. He also contributed to several books - Diseases of Women by Ten Teachers (1964), Obstetrics by Ten Teachers (1964), A Short Textbook of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (1967).

His pastimes included a love of music, particularly Opera. He became assistant concert director of Reading Symphony Orchestra and then vice-president of the London Choral Society in 1988. He was a keen skier, sailor, gardener and hill-walker.

On March 31st, 1951 he married Dorothy Emma Russell, a former nurse. The couple would have four children: Catherine & Ian (twins), Robert and William. His wife died in 2003. In his last years he was disabled by Parkinson's disease and partial blindness and he died in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire on April 29 2007.

© Marilyn Braun 2008

Thank you to Martin Pinker for information on Sir George's early years and Pinker family history. For more information on Martin Pinker visit this link.

* Trevor Pinker website: The Oxford

Related Articles:

Royal Christenings

Royal Births

Royal Baby Boom

Royal Baby Names

The Royal Report for Sunday November 30th, 2008 - Can Prince William keep his private life private?

On this episode I discussed Prince William's private life. Can he keep his private life private? Or is he being naive?

You can listen to the episode here

Publications mentioned

Hello! Canada Weekly No. 108 December 8 2008

Links mentioned

Matt Lauer Interview with Prince William and Prince Harry

Fern Cotton interviews Prince William and Prince Harry Part 1

Fern Cotton interviews Prince William and Prince Harry - Part 2

Tune in to the next Royal Report on Sunday December 7th, 2008 9:00PM EST (North America) The topic will be: A review of the royal residence websites. From Buckingham Palace to Sandringham Estate. I'll tell you where to go and how to get there.

© Marilyn Braun 2008

The Royal & The Clueless - Episode 13

On the last episode of The Royal & The Clueless Kate had been kidnapped by a militant group of Kate-haters called Kate-Haters R Us. While they were distracted Enrique agreed to rescue Kate after being given full credit and his own office. Kate is now back at work but tired from her ordeal, falls asleep at her desk. In her dreams it is now 2062. William and Kate, both 80 years old, are still dating; which has broken the record for the longest royal courtship in history. She is at her desk, bent over, still trying to figure out how to use a stapler. Kate, her hair still inexplicably brown and glossy, receives a phone call on whatever technology exists at that time.

William: Hello darling

Kate: What? Who is this?

William: It's William

Kate: Who?

William shouts down the line: It's WILLIAM. Remember, your boyfriend?

Kate: Oh yes, that's right. What do you want?

William: Well, Granny is having a party to celebrate her 136th birthday and I'd like you to come with me.

Kate: Another birthday? She's really getting up there isn't she?

William: Papa says that all the time

Kate: I thought he was cryogenically frozen?

William: We've unthawed him for this event. He looks very good, not a day over 100.

Kate: I don't know William, I'll have to check my calendar.

William: Hello! will be there..

Kate: Who?

William: I SAID HELLO! WILL BE THERE

Kate: Yes, hello, who are you?

William: (*Sigh*) As your boyfriend and future sovereign I demand that you do my bidding..

Kate: Oh put a sock in it!

William: What?

Kate: PUT A SOCK IN IT! You've kept me waiting long enough!

William: Well I guess I'll have to find someone else to take to the party then..There are lots of women who want to go out with me...

Kate: Who? Everyone you've ever dated is dead. All of our friends are dead. We're the only ones left.

William: Harry and Chelsy will be able to set me up with someone.

Kate: How long have they been married anyways?

William: 52 years

Kate: Why couldn't that have been us?

William: What?

Kate: I SAID WHY COULDN'T THAT HAVE BEEN US?

William: I can't hear you. What are you saying?

Kate: Why haven't you married me?

William: Well, I've been so busy. What with the flying, royal duties, dancing with blonde's in bars..

Kate: Excuses, excuses

William: Are you coming with me or not? I can be at your backyard in half an hour.

Kate: I can't do this anymore

William: You can't do what anymore?

Kate: I can't do this anymore. I can't do this anymore. I can't do this anymore...

Kate wakes up at her desk. Enrique, intense and smouldering yet professionally dressed, stands over her.

Kate: (Wipes drool from the side of her mouth. There is an imprint of a stapler on the side of her face) What's going on?

Enrique: You were having a nightmare. You kept saying you can't do this anymore. Over and over.

Kate: (Confused) No, I meant I can't fall asleep at my desk any more..

Will Enrique believe Kate's lame excuse? Will Kate continue doing what she's going? Tune in to the next episode of The Royal & The Clueless.

© Marilyn Braun 2008

The Royal Report for Sunday November 23rd, 2008 - A Salute to Prince Charles at 60

On this episode I saluted Prince Charles, discussed the infamous Cherry-Brandy incident, Camilla-gate, my feet, and some revealing photographs Prince William.

You can download the podcast here.

Publications mentioned:

Hello! Canada No 107 December 1 2008

People Magazine Sexiest Man Alive! Issue

The Prince of Wales - A biography by Jonathan Dimbleby

Websites mentioned

The Official Site for the Prince of Wales

Royal Insight - Test your knowledge of the Prince of Wales

Interesting links

The Queen in Flares - Judge for Yourself. Is this her?

Anyone with a picture of Kate's feet send it to... (Note I was having an off foot day when I took this photo. And it was supposed to be a joke)

Tune in to the next Royal Report on Sunday November 30th, 2008 9:00PM EST (North America)

The topic will be: Prince William was once asked in an interview about his private life and he replied that his private life was between him and himself. Is this realistic?

© Marilyn Braun 2008

Question: Queen Victoria's Wedding Dress and Bouquet

Could you tell me more about Queen Victoria's wedding dress and bouquet?

Thank you very much for your question.

On her wedding day Queen Victoria wore a shoulder-free white satin court dress. The bodice had a low, round neck and edging the neckline were narrow rows of piping and the short, full sleeves gathered into double puffs. The fullness of the skirt was taken in at the waist in a series of deep forward-facing pleats. The skirt had a deep panel of Honiton lace at the front, chosen by Victoria to support the declining lace trade. A court train, made of the same silk satin, measured 6 years in length and had a border of orange blossom sprays matching the coronet of orange blossoms from which her veil was suspended. The choice of orange blossom is significant and somewhat prophetic. In the Mediterranean, it was a symbol of fertility; Queen Victoria would later have nine children. In China it was an emblem of purity, innocence, and chastity; bywords for the Victorian era.

Queen Victoria wanted her entire ensemble to be made of materials of British manufacture. Probably the most well known aspect of her dress is the honiton lace used for her veil and for the flounce. The design of the lace is attributed to Wiliam Dyce and a colleague at the Government School of Design in London. It took more than one hundred lace makers six months to make the exquisite lace and the pattern was destroyed so that it could never be copied. Of her five daughters only her youngest, Princess Beatrice, would get to wear it on her wedding day in 1885. The veil was amongst Queen Victoria's most prized possessions and she would eventually be buried with it.

Because her gown and veil were all in white, she is credited with helping to establish a custom of wearing white, which continues to this day. Previously royal brides had worn gold and silver colors in order to express their wealth. Commoners often wore dark colors in order to use their gowns for other special days. It is said that the simplicity of her dress would set a pattern for other royal wedding dresses - although looking at some of the wedding dresses that followed, I would disagree with that. Many royal wedding dresses have been quite elaborate with beautiful embroidery - hardly simple at all. If anything it would be 120 years later that simplicity would return with Princess Margaret's dress in 1960.

As for her bouquet, Queen Victoria carried a small posy made up solely of snowdrops (Prince Albert's favorite flower). It's somewhat unfortunate but I can only find one source for this information. In reference to bridal bouquets, there is a royal wedding tradition of brides including a sprig of myrtle in their bouquets. This bush was grown from a cutting brought from Coburg by Prince Albert. Sprigs have been included in the bouquets of all royal brides since the 1850s.

© Marilyn Braun 2008

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.

Sources:

Royal Wedding Dresses by Nigel Arch and Joanna Marschner. A Historic Royal Palaces publication.

Royal Weddings by Friederike Haedecke and Julia Melchior

Legendary Brides by Letita Baldrige

I Do: 100 Years of Wedding Fashion by Caroline Cox
Britain's Royal Brides by Josy Argy and Wendy Riches

Five Gold Rings - A Royal Wedding Souvenir Album - by Jane Roberts for Royal Collection Publications

Two Centuries of Royal Weddings by Christopher Warwick

Related Articles

Royal Weddings
Royal Wedding Dresses
Question: Princess Diana's Wedding Bouquet

© Marilyn Braun 2008

The Royal Report for Sunday November 16th, 2008 - Is the monarchy in safe hands?

On this episode I discussed the future of the monarchy once the Queen dies. Is the monarchy in safe hands with Prince Charles, Prince Harry, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie?

You can listen to the podcast here.

Publications mentioned:

Hello! Canada Weekly no. 106 November 24, 2008

Patronages

Prince William's Charities & Patronages

Prince Harry's Charities & Patronages

Information on Princess Beatrice's and Princess Eugenie's ITV Orphanage Report

Blogs mentioned:

Royal Truth

Tune in to the next Royal Report on Sunday November 23rd, 2008. It will be live at 9:00PM EST (North America)

The topic will be: A Salute to Prince Charles

© Marilyn Braun 2008

The Royal & The Clueless - Episode 12

On the last episode of The Royal & The Clueless, after Kate dropped off The co-worker a few cubicles over who calls himself Enrique (Or TCWAFCOWCHE for short) at an undisclosed location Kate was caught with a cell phone in her hand whilst sitting in the drivers seat of a car. Kate was brought in for questioning and was grilled by Good Cop and Bad Cop. After being released without any charges being laid, Kate was subsequently kidnapped by a militant group known as Kate-Haters R Us, and taken to an undisclosed location not far from where TCWAFCOWCHE was dropped off. Presently Kate, hands tied behind her back and hooded is led into a sparse room. One of the kidnappers takes the hood off Kate and unties her hands. Kate shakes out her glossy hair and looks around a dingy basement apartment filled with IKEA furniture.

Kate: (Recoiling from the surroundings) Where am I?

Kate-Hater #1: We can't tell you that

Kate: Why am I here? What are you planning to do with me?

Kate-Hater #2: Well..we haven't decided yet..

Kate: You're a disorganized lot aren't you? Don't you think that people are going to miss me? What are people going to discuss on message boards now? Who are they going to Kate-bash? What will Hello! do without me on their cover?

Kate-Hater #1: Good point. I never thought of that. What are we..err..people on message boards supposed to do now?

Kate-Hater #2: There has to be someone else?

Kate-Hater #1: Chelsy?

Kate-Hater #2: I rather like Chelsy

Kate_Hater #1: Me too. Unlike Kate here she isn't waiting around. She's independent.

Kate-Hater #2: So therefore we can't bash Chelsy. Who else is there? Beatrice? Zara? Eugenie?

Kate-Hater #1: They're rather boring. I mean, what has Zara done other than get her tongue pierced?

Kate-Hater #2: Yes, a rather desperate move on her part. So no Chelsy, Beatrice, Zara or Eugenie. Sad state of affairs then.

Kate-Hater #1: Quite.

While the Kate-haters are discussing their options TCWAFCOWCHE quietly creeps into the house hoping to use the phone to call for help.

Kate: (Whispering to Enrique) Oh Enrique! I'm so happy to see you!

Enrique: You are?

Kate: Are you here to rescue me?

Enrique: No, why should I? You dropped me off at an undisclosed location in the middle of nowhere..

Kate: That was in the past. I need your help.

Enrique: (To Marilyn, as she writes this episode) Are you kidding me? You write me out of these episodes, and mysteriously get rid of me.

Marilyn, as she writes this episode: But I did leave your return open. Anyways, Kate needs your help and your presence makes you look like a hero.

Enrique: OK. So what's in it for me?

Marilyn, as she writes this episode: What do you want?

Enrique: Credit, creative consultation and my own office. I don't like the cubicle.

Marilyn, as she writes this episode: Done. Now can we get back to the story line? This episode is getting too long.

Enrique gives Kate a smouldering look. He now wears a white unbuttoned dress shirt that shows off his trim, muscular physique. His hair blows in the wind from an unexplained source. His voice has suddenly become deeper with a Clint Eastwood type tone.

Enrique: (To Kate, seductively) Take my hand and let's go..

Will Enrique actually get his own office?...

Enrique: (To Marilyn as she writes this episode) You'd better.

Marilyn, as she writes this episode: Sorry. Where was I?

Will the two Kate-haters ever notice that she's gone? What will royal watchers do without Kate? Find out on the next episode of The Royal & The Clueless.

© Marilyn Braun 2008

The Royal Report for Sunday November 9th, 2008 - More Royal Blogs!!

The Royal Report has a new home!! www.blogtalkradio.com/royalreport

On this episode I discussed some more fantastic royal blogs. You can listen to the podcast here: More Royal Blogs!!

Publications mentioned:

Hello! Canada Weekly No # 104 November 10, 2008

Royal Blogs mentioned:

The Merry Royals
Princess Eugenie
Royal Anecdotes
Ana Maria's Royal Perspective
The Royalist
The Raucous Royals
Monarchico
Royal Video
World of Royalty Blog

Tune in to the next Royal Report on Sunday November 16th, 2008. It will be live at 7:30 AM EST (The timeslot will change but for now it's in the morning).It will be available for download afterwards.

The topic will be: When the Queen goes to that great palace in the sky, is the monarchy in safe hands? Should we be worried?

© Marilyn Braun 2008

Where did The Royal Report go?

© Marilyn Braun 2008

Royal News Generator

Recently we've had a slow news week. It happens at the best of times. The royals can't be interesting all the time and I'm sure that they relish the break from our unrelenting scrutiny. In the interim, while we're waiting for them to do something, I've decided to come up with a trusty royal news generator to create your own stories (just like the tabloids do). Hours upon hours of fun should ensue as you go through each interesting possibility. The royals had better watch their backs. With this tool nothing is sacred.

Enjoy!

Choose a Royal Prince Charles The Queen Prince Philip Prince William Prince Harry Princess Michael Prince Andrew Prince Edward
Princess Anne
Fergie


Is Has Wants Needs

Choose a Problem/Issue In Love
Furious
Jealous
Lonely Seething Parental Approval Disappointed Jealous Amused Not Amused Incandescent with rage Having an affair To be a Super Hero
Join the Circus



With In Because Because of

Choose a person Chelsy Davy Kate Middleton
Prince Harry
Prince William
Princess Michael
Prince Philip
Camilla The Ghost of Diana Mohammed Al Fayed Paul Burrell Ingrid Seward David Starkey
Nicholas Witchell
Penny Junor
James Whittaker

Of With
Is Because Because They Because they're
Has

Choose a reason Enjoy their writing Hate their writing Make better Jam Won't go away Hungry for power Desperate Curious Always harbored feelings
Extremely glossy hair Doesn't have enough hair Having a baby Getting engaged

Which will result in

Choose a result An epic Constitutional Crisis worse than Edward VIII in 1936 The Queen Abdicating A Shotgun Wedding The continuation of the Windsor Dynasty The End of the Monarchy
Interesting Reading
A make or break vacation
A Reality Show Conspiracy Theories A Media Field Day Nothing

Royal Watchers Are

Choose what they're doing In a tizzy Blogging Bemused Stunned Shocked Fervently Discussing

And Predicting

Choose a Prediction The End of the Monarchy

© Marilyn Braun 2008

Royal Profile: Dorothy Wilding

According to the National Portrait Gallery, Dorthy Wilding "is best known for her brightly lit linear compositions photographed in high key lighting against a white background." Known as the 'Wilding Look'. She was the first female appointed as the official royal photographer for the 1937 Coronation. However, her royal legacy would be one portrait known to philatelists the world over.

Dorothy Frances Edith Wilding was born on January 10, 1893 near Gloucestershire. She was the last child in a family of 10 and at the age of four she was taken to be raised by a childless aunt and uncle in Cheltenham. Her initial ambition was to be an actress but her uncle disapproved. Fiercely independent she saved up money and at sixteen bought her first camera. She taught herself the art of photography, convincing her family to let her move to London where she began her photographic career as an apprentice to Bond Street photographer Marian Neilson.

In 1915 she had saved up enough money (£60) to lease her own photo studio. Unable to afford a proper lighting set up, she took her portraits in daylight. She gained success and opened a larger studio, moving her business to Bond Street, In 1929 she had her first royal sitting when she photographed 17 year old Prince George, later Duke of Kent. Her royal portraits continued with a session featuring Wallis Simpson. The Prince of Wales (later the Duke of Windsor) was so impressed with the photographs that he posed for her himself.

In January 1937 She received a summons to Buckingham Palace to photograph the new Queen Elizabeth. During the session the new King entered the room dressed in his uniform of Admiral of the Fleet. Wilding suggested ‘Your Majesty, don’t you think The Queen looks a little lonely standing there without you? If you joined her, I could make such a lovely portrait of you both’. The King replied: ‘Why not?’ The portrait was used on a Coronation issue stamp and would later be adapted for a Silver Wedding Stamp in 1948. Her portraits of the King were also used on currency and banknotes.

She had mistakenly married young, but met her second husband, Rufus Leighton-Pearce, when he created a revolutionary art deco design for her studio. They would marry some years later after his divorce from an alcoholic wife. With her striking confidence she more than held her own in the male dominated industry. An anecdote from photographer Tom Hustler who worked in her studio, recalled a meeting between Dorothy and Antony Armstrong Jones where he remarked that he preferred natural light to studio work, she replied, "Mr Jones, in my studio I can put the sun where I want it."

She opened her New York Studio around this time and commuted between New York and London by ocean liner. She photographed some of the most famous people of her day and she was particularly known for her "Girls in Pearls" photographs that appeared in society magazines. In 1940, a German bomb destroyed her London studio. She took her ailing husband to New York. After he died she dedicated much her time to building her US business. She was awarded the Royal Warrant in 1943, creating royal portraits for British and Commonwealth stamps.

Her most famous work was the portrait of Elizabeth II used for the new Queen's stamps - now known by philatelists as the Wilding series. The photograph is known as 'The Dorothy Wilding Portrait'. The session took place at Clarence House on February 26, 1952, three weeks after the death of King George VI. All British definitive stamps bore this Wilding portrait from 1952 until 1967. Her work also appeared on many Commonwealth stamps.

Her working relationship with the royal family continued until 1958 when she sold her Bond Street Studio. Her New York Studio had closed in 1957. Her autobiography In Pursuit of Perfection was published in 1958.

After a long illness, she died in a nursing home on February 9th, 1976. Her surviving archives were presented to the National Portrait Gallery by her sister Mrs Susan Morton in the same year.

© Marilyn Braun 2008

Related Posts

Royal Profile: Patrick Lichfield

Royal Profile: Marcus Adams

Royal Profile: Cecil Beaton

Royal Profile: Antony Armstrong Jones, The Earl of Snowdon

Royal Profile: Tim Graham

The Royal Report for Sunday October 26th, 2008 - More Royal Blogs!

Sorry, there will be no podcast tonight. I'm having problems with Nowlive so I can't call in to the show.

I'm currently looking for another place to host my podcast. I don't know how long this is going to take so enjoy my previous podcasts in the interim.

Thanks!

© Marilyn Braun 2008

The Royal and The Clueless - Episode 11

On the last episode of The Royal & The Clueless Marilyn, the writer of these episodes and The co-worker a few cubicles over who calls himself Enrique experienced some creative differences. The co-worker a few cubicles over who calls himself Enrique (Or TCWAFCOWCHE for short) mysteriously disappeared shortly afterwards. On this episode Kate, in the process of dropping TCWAFCOWCHE off at an undisclosed location, called to let Marilyn, as she writes this episode know, and was subsequently photographed with the phone in her hand. After reading about this in the newspaper at their local coffee shop, the police brought Kate in. Presently she sits in the interrogation room with the proverbial cliched hanging light, which has been strategically placed to enhance the glossiness of Kate's hair. Two investigators, Good Cop and Bad Cop, interrogate her.

Bad Cop: What on earth were you thinking? There are people out there who are just waiting for you to screw up. And boy did you ever screw up! Do you know you could face 20 to 30 years, plus community service for this?

Kate: (eyes nervously darting) For...using a phone?

Bad Cop: We know what you did. We have photographic proof.(He shakes his head for dramatic effect. Gets up and walks away. he leans against the wall and hits his fist against it in frustration.

Bad Cop: (Barks) Where were you on the night of January 7th 1982?

Kate: In utero?

Bad Cop: Don't you get smart with me!

(Bad Cop goes and checks Wikipedia)

Bad Cop: (looks at Kate suspiciously) You've won this round Miss Middleton.

(Bad Cop turns away and goes to checks his facts on Wikipedia to prevent further embarassment.)

Good Cop: (Sits on the table on front of Kate, gently patting her shoulder) Go easy on her Bad Cop. After all, it can't be easy with all of the paps chasing her. (To Kate) Would you like some tea? (Good cop goes out to put on the kettle)

Bad Cop: (Returning for round two. He slams his hand down on the table and stares down Kate) Why weren't you at work?

Kate: I...well..

Bad Cop: You don't have a job, do you??

Good Cop: (Returning with the tea, he places it in front of Kate) Easy Bad Cop, we've seen the strategically placed photograph on the Party Pieces website. You looked lovely by the way.

Bad Cop: Obviously you're scheming and cunning. People underestimate you Miss Middleton. Don't you have anything to say?

Kate: (Kate's bottom lip trembles in an effort to elicit some sympathy) I think I need to call my lawyers..

Whatever happened to TCWAFCOWCHE? Is Kate guilty...of using a phone? Will Kate ever learn how to act? Tune in to the next episode of The Royal & The Clueless.

© Marilyn Braun 2008

The Royal Report for Sunday October 19th, 2008: Why do people like or dislike Kate Middleton?

On this episode I asked the rhetorical question Why do people like or dislike Kate Middleton and speculated on the possible reasons.

You can listen to the podcast here.

Publications mentioned:

Hello! Canada Special Royal Issue

Christie's Auction Catalogues: Property of the Collection of Her Royal Highness The Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon - Volumes I & II

Sotheby's Sale Duke and Duchess of Windsor. The Private & Public Collections - Volumes I & II

Websites Mentioned:

Strand Bookstore New York City

The World of Royalty

The Internet Forum: Kate Middleton Appreciation Thread

Tune in to the next Royal Report on Sunday October 26th, 2008 9:00PM EST (North America).

The topic will be: More Royal Blogs to Introduce you to!!

© Marilyn Braun 2008

Kate Middleton Isn't Your Whipping Post

I'm all for being a law abiding citizen. It works for me. But when recent news reports trumpeted Kate Middleton with a cell phone in her hand while either driving or sitting in a car (it's arguable when looking at the photos), it made me mad. OK, sure it looks as though she broke the law. If she did break the law, she should not be above it or the consequences of doing so. I don't have a problem with that at all.

However, tell me, how many of those people who are making an example of her haven't done the same thing? Maybe it might even be you and you just haven't been caught yet. It's good to live in your glass house, isn't it? Aren't you lucky to not have a pack of paparazzi following you and your every move?

But see, this isn't about a driving with a cell phone. It's not about public safety. It's about making Kate into a whipping post. The Kate-haters looking for any reason to criticize her. The media with a slow news week pouncing on this supposed "story". Driving safety advocates, while not making an example of her, weighing in on the dangers of using a cell phone while driving. So, what do you think they're doing then?

Jumping on the bandwagon.

Enjoy it while it lasts. In a week they'll go back to their lost cause of preventing the problem and the Kate-haters will sharpen their claws until the next excuse comes along.

But authorities are supposed to throw the book at her, aren't' they? She's not above the law. You're absolutely right on that count. They can fine her but that won't be enough, will it? Would knowing she's been fined make you happy? I doubt it. You'll probably use the receipt as kindling while attaching her to the stake. Kate will be made the poster child for this issue. Maybe, if she becomes royal she can become a patron of said driving safety organization? Would that satisfy you?

How many of you are truly incensed enough to make this a safety issue? Maybe you would put together a petition? You could become a catalyst for change. Will you go to the police and report it? Give them a call and let them know you're coming. Or will you simply continue to post vicious comments on message boards? Only you know the answer to that.

She may have broken the law. But where I come from, she's innocent until proven guilty. I'm tired of her being made a whipping post for peoples jealousy and insecurities.

There ought to be a law for that too.

© Marilyn Braun 2008

The Royal & The Clueless - Episode 10

On the last episode of The Royal & The Clueless Kate worked hard at looking as though she was working hard. No sooner had everyone fallen for her ruse then she received news that she might have to wait several years longer for an engagement to Prince William. Kate is in a heightened state of anxiety and goes to talk to the uncredited co-worker now demanding credit.

Kate: I've just found out I might have to wait another eight years!

Uncredited co-worker a few cubicles over who is now demanding credit: You still don't get it do you?

Kate: Get what?

Uncredited co-worker a few cubicles ov....

Uncredited co-worker a few cubicles over who is now demanding credit: My name is Enrique! To the person writing this episode, I think they get it now so knock it off!

The person writing this episode: My name is Marilyn

The formerly uncredited co-worker who calls himself Enrique: Okay Marilyn, I think they get it!

Marilyn, as she writes this episode: (reducing the font size to illustrate regret) Sorry..

The formerly uncredited co-worker who calls himself....

The formerly uncredited co-worker who calls himself Enrique: (To Marilyn, as she writes this episode) Can you just call me Enrique? And can you just call yourself Marilyn?

Marilyn, as she writes this episode: (To Enrique) But how are people supposed to know who you're talking to? It's not like I'm in the room with you.

Enrique: (To Marilyn, as she writes this episode): True, but still...

Kate: (To Enrique) Who are you talking to?

Enrique and Marilyn, as she writes this episode: Nevermind.

Kate: (forlorn) How much longer do I need to wait?

Enrique: The news reports say eight years

Kate: How long is that?

Enrique stares blankly at Kate.

Enrique: (To Marilyn, as she writes this episode) You've got to be kidding right? First the stapler, now this?

Marilyn, as she writes this episode: It's an unexpected plot twist.

Enrique: (To Marilyn, she she writes this episode) Kind of predictable actually. This is the best you can come up with?

Marilyn, as she writes this episode: (To Enrique) Who's writing this episode? Are you?

Enrique: (To Marilyn, as she writes this episode) No, but..

Marilyn, as she writes this episode: (To Enrique) Do you want credit or not?

Marilyn, as she writes this episode gives Enrique nothing to say so he is silent.

Marilyn, as she writes this episode: (To Enrique) That's what I thought. Now stick with the plotline.

Enrique: (to Kate) *Sigh* Do you know...how to count..to...eight?

Marilyn, as she writes this episode: (to Enrique) As if you mean it

Enrique: (to Marilyn, as she writes this episode) But she can't possibly be that...

Marilyn, as she writes this episode: (To Enrique) There are people who think she is..

Enrique: (To Marilyn, as she writes this episode) I wouldn't say that, maybe desperate, scheming, but not that..

Kate: I'm what?..Who are you talking to?

Will Kate ever figure it out? Will Enrique ever realize he's not writing this episode? Can Enrique and Marilyn, as she writes this episode put aside their artistic and creative differences? Tune in to the next episode of The Royal & The Clueless.

© Marilyn Braun 2008

The Royal & The Clueless - Episode 9

On the last episode of The Royal & The Clueless Kate prematurely auditioned potential protection officers without success . The front runner, Frank Farmer decided to ditch the security guard gig and go on tour instead. In a rare flash of insight Kate decided something must be done about her image. Upon the suggestion of her mother and a female co-worker who is attractive but not too attractive as to draw attention away from Kate, she poses for a photograph that if you scroll past all of the adorable children, will be put "discreetly" at the bottom of the main website page. As the photographer sets up, Kate is practicing her poses in front of the uncredited co-worker a few cubicles over who is now demanding credit.

Kate: Do you think I should smile or look serious?

Uncredited co-worker a few cubicles over who is now demanding credit: Let's see. Show me what you've been working on so far.

Kate smiles. A strategically placed light catches her glossy hair.

Uncredited co-worker a few cubicles over who is now demanding credit: I think you need to lose the light. Now serious but with an air of professionalism about you.

Kate looks serious as she sees the lawyer, manager and agent for the Uncredited co-worker a few cubicles over who is now demanding credit.

Uncredited co-worker a few cubicles over who is now demanding credit: I still don't think you understand. How about spontaneously showing teeth?

In slow motion Kate throws her head back and gives her best overpriced sonic electric toothbrush commercial smile

Uncredited co-worker a few cubicles over who is now demanding credit: Too Farrah Fawcett posing for her famous swimsuit poster circa 1976.

Kate: (furrowing her brow while looking confused) Who is Farrah Fawcett?

Uncredited co-worker a few cubicles over who is now demanding credit: *Sigh* Never mind. Now look as though you've been pleasantly interrupted at work by someone who just happens to be walking by with a camera.

Kate picks up the stapler and smiles, mouth open mid sentence as if she had just been in the process of demonstrating how a stapler works.

Uncredited co-worker a few cubicles over who is now demanding credit: You still don't get it do you?

Kate stares blankly and pouts

Uncredited co-worker a few cubicles over who is now demanding credit: No that just won't do. Now the scheming girlfriend of the heir to the throne.

Kate gives her best Cheshire grin

Uncredited co-worker a few cubicles over who is now demanding credit: Perfect!

Will Kate ever get the look right? Will the uncredited co-worker a few cubicles over who is now demanding credit, ever get credit? Tune in to the next episode of The Royal & The Clueless.

© Marilyn Braun 2008

The Royal Report for Sunday October 5, 2008: Royal Niche Blogs

On this episode I discussed Royal Niche Blogs.

You can listen to the podcast here.

Articles discussed

Vanity Fair - Will's Cup of Tea by Vicky Ward

Blog articles mentioned

The Blogs Royal

The Blogs Royal - Part 2

3rd Annual Blogs Royal Listing

Niche Blogs Covered

Sophia's Royal Sweden

Toute Royale

Danish Royal Watchers

Blog Royale

Due to Canadian Thanksgiving there will be no Royal Report next week. The show will return with a new episode on Sunday October 19th, 2008 9:00PM EST (North America).

Topic: TBD

© Marilyn Braun 2008