The Royal and The Clueless - Episode 21

Location: Clarence House

Staff member #1: We must find something more to do with Her Royal Highness. She's getting bored of the dog.

Staff member #2: Right, we must utilize her. I hear there's a $1000 toast rack for sale. If Catherine is seen using it then it will fly off the shelves!

Staff member #1: Maybe she could wear the Harris Tweed and kill two birds with one stone!

Prince William: I think we should leave the hunting out of it. Too much multi-tasking.

Catherine: Maybe I could do more duties?

Prince William and the others seem to notice Catherine for the first time

Prince William: Oh darling, you're back from getting your hair done?

Catherine: I...I..I've been sitting here all along..

Prince William (to his staff): What is she wearing?

Staff member #1 (consults his notes): Marc Jacobs scoop-neck peach and lilac silk blend dress with woven poppy pattern and contrasting ecru side panels

Catherine: Why is that important? I'm more than just a fashion plate, you know.  I did some research and found these causes..

Catherine holds up some papers. Staff member #2 gets up and gently takes them from her.

Prince William: Careful darling, we don't want you to get a paper cut

Catherine (angry): And what if I did? Would be far better than what I'm doing now!

Prince William (soothingly): Darling, I'm back now. We are so proud of your speech. You're taking to all of this so well. What was it Edward said? Like a 'duck to water.' But you must be exhausted so I have a surprise for you! We're going skiing!

Catherine: But, isn't there a memorial service coming up for the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret?

Prince William: We'll just tell people we have a 'prior committment'. Everyone will understand. Won't they?

The staff members nod in agreement.

Catherine: But what if they don't? Won't it look bad?

Staff member #2: Sir, maybe we could book an engagement upon your return?

Prince William: Yes something involving small children or maybe some baby animals. Catherine make sure you wear something brand new.

Catherine: I don't believe this!

Catherine sobs and runs out of the room.

Will Catherine get a paper-cut? Will she wear something new? Where is Enrique? Find out on the next episode of The Royal & The Clueless.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Stop treating Catherine Cambridge like she's made of china

Fresh off my post encouraging Catherine to develop her royal role sooner rather than later, imagine my chagrin when discovering an article in the Express. Her father-in-law, the Prince of Wales, has reportedly requested that Catherine use her influence to increase a global brand of tweed.

Not the economic crisis or hunger. Clothing. Not to diminish the cause. All charities think they are worthwhile and important and deserve attention. But it makes me wonder whether Clarence House is underestimating Catherine's ability to be more than just a fashion plate or a part of their arsenal to promote their own interests.

It's obvious that Clarence House is trying to ease her into royal life. There's no denying it's a major adjustment and so far she hasn't put a foot wrong. This is because she isn't allowed to. But are they being too careful with her? Much as been said of Catherine's age, and how this will help her cope with the demands of royal life. When are they going to expose her to those demands? It seems as though Clarence House has her on an extremely short leash. If I were Catherine I would be quite frustrated by this.

Catherine will not shatter into a million pieces if she is given more to do. If she has to shake more hands, give more speeches, take on more causes, glue and paint with more small children. No one is expecting her to compete with Princess Anne in the number of engagements. No one is allowing her to even try. So far her duties have required little of her. This is a mistake. Like with any job, the only way you learn is by doing it. Then challenging yourself to do more. The royal family, of all institutions, should know better than to do otherwise.

I for one believe that Catherine is capable of more than this. One day I hope she will start to believe it too.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Fumbling towards Republicanism

I'm thinking of becoming a republican. Or whatever you're called when you disagree with an institution that hold themselves above others, expects deference and rules by birthright rather than having earned their positions.

I'm not planning on signing a petition or becoming a card carrying member of the republican party. Not planning to make a donation, buy a mug or go door to door to spread the word. Nor do I have any interest in going toe-to-toe with a die-hard monarchist to argue whether the monarchy is relevant or not. It's just a slow leaning I've had over time. Getting stronger as the Diamond Jubilee approaches and people bend over backwards to commemorate it.

Case in point. This morning I learned that members of the British parliament are considering renaming the tower commonly referred to as Big Ben to the Elizabeth Tower. Big Ben is the name of the bell within the tower, which is more accurately called the Clock Tower. Unimaginative? Maybe, but why change the guidebooks unnecessarily?

Via British Monarchy Flickr

I'm not against commemorating the Diamond Jubilee. But I'm wondering whether her subjects have already done enough. Plans include a concert, service at St Paul's Cathedral, a pageant of 1000 boats on the Thames, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Jubilee windows, coins, medals and stamps to mark the occasion. Not to mention all of the plaudits in Commonwealth countries where she is head of state. Considering all of those things I tend to wonder whether people are going overboard with this too.

Via British Monarchy Flickr

But would the Queen appreciate yet another Jubilee gift? Looking at photographs of the Queen, notice the lack of enthusiasm as she unveils yet another window, school or plaque with her name on it. Why add to it? It's quite possible that the Queen does not remember all of the things named in her honor. And why should she? Isn't it just another day at work for her?

Via British Monarchy Flickr

I'm in Canada and Elizabeth II is the Queen of Canada. It would stand to reason that I should support the monarchy. I should be unquestioningly loyal. When it was announced that the government of Canada would be putting aside $7.5 million to celebrate the jubilee, I thought it was appalling. Not to be a party-pooper, but when there are cut-backs left, right and center, I have a hard time with putting this amount towards the Jubilee. Not that the Queen isn't worth it. There's no arguing with the Queen's dedication. It's undeniable and admirable. When she's gone, we will not see her like again.

The jubilee, like the royal wedding, is a time to celebrate. To do the same job well for 60 years is an accomplishment that should not be ignored. It's an event that may make people forget their problems but ultimately watching privileged people, with unimaginable wealth, celebrate on a lavish scale is not something people struggling can put in the bank or on the dinner table. I have a difficultly reconciling this.

Embracing republicanism could be problematic. I've never made any secret that I'm not a monarchist. It's in the tag-line of this blog. I've never been able to reconcile my interest in them with my indifference towards the institution itself. (Do Americans have this dilemma?) Previously I couldn't care one way or the other. Now I seem to be caring more and more. And it took a historic event to take a hard look at it. But questions linger. Will I be able to collect books? Stamps and coins? What will I do with my commemorative china? Can I go to England and enjoy the royal landmarks? Will I need to turn off television specials? Avert my eyes from pomp and pageantry?  I'll cross that bridge when I make a final decision.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Catherine Cambride has style, but does she have substance?

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

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

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

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

The choice is now up to her.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Royal Book Challenge: The Little Princesses by Marion Crawford

18/500

The Little Princesses: The Story of the Queen's Childhood by her Governess, Marion Crawford
Published 1950
314 Pages
ISBN: 0312312156

As royal biographies go The Little Princesses by Marion Crawford is arguably the most famous and also the most maligned. But in comparison to today's revelations it is actually quite tame. I have yet to find a biography that doesn't mention this book, which is often referred to as the definitive version of the Queen and Princess Margaret's childhood.

Covering the period from 1933 until the birth of Prince Charles in 1948, The Little Princesses is a charming and sentimental, account of the early lives of the Queen and Princess Margaret. But reading it was bittersweet. Knowing the trust the royal family gave her, the unparalleled access she had to the royal family, it's easy to see why this was a betrayal. Nonetheless, it's an enjoyable read, offering an insiders account of the Abdication, the war years and a behind the scenes view of Princess Elizabeth's wedding.

Having learnt the royal stiff upper lip from her grandmother Queen Mary, we are never given an idea of Princess Elizabeth's true thoughts. One gets the impression that Princess Elizabeth is the more favored, and that Princess Margaret is the naughty one. A description that would continue throughout Princess Margaret's life.

Aside from their rarefied circumstances, Crawford conveys the two princesse as ordinary little girls in extraordinary surroundings. The writing style harks back to a more innocent, deferential time with a lack of sensationalism. In this day and age of royal tell-alls, the Windsor's didn't realize how good they had it.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Royal Book Challenge The Royal 100 by Alan Hamilton

17/500

The Royal One Hundred: A Who's Who of the First 100 People in Line of Succession to the British Throne by Alan Hamilton
Published 1986
130 pages
ISBN: 0907516939

If you're ever in a royal trivia smack down and need to know who was 57th in line to the British throne, circa 1986, then this is the book for you. Otherwise the charm of The Royal 100 lies in the biographies of those relations who cannot coast on their birthright and keep it real by working for a living. Some who are far down the list even downplay their proximity. As if they have any other choice.

While the first four positions are still currently unchanged, the last 26 years have drastically altered the top 100.  Case in point. The 100th person in this book, Princess Marie Cecile of Prussia, is now, according to some lists, in position 217.

Covering the descendants from King Edward VII to Elizabeth II, the entries are interesting and occasionally humorous. The author touches on Queen Victoria but does not cover all of her descendants. As a result, the reader misses out on the Swedish, Belgian, Spanish, Greek and Danish royals who extend beyond the scope of the list. With almost 6000 people currently in line, it's understandable that the author limited the list to 100.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Royal Book Challenge: From a Clear Blue Sky by Timothy Knatchbull

16/500

From a Clear Blue Sky: Surviving the Mountbatten Bomb by Timothy Knatchbull
418 Pages
Published 2009
ISBN: 9780091931469

For many royal watchers, the death of Lord Louis Mountbatten, 'Honorary Grandfather' to Prince Charles, may only exist as a tragic circumstance for the Windsor family. A royal footnote in history and nothing more. But From a Clear Blue Sky makes it very clear that this was anything but that for those on the boat.

In 1979 Lord Louis Mountbatten was assassinated by the IRA when a bomb planted on his fishing boat exploded. Also on board were his daughter Patricia, her mother-in-law, husband John Bradbourne, twin sons Nicholas and Timothy Knatchbull and a local boy named Paul Maxwell. The only survivors of the explosion would be Patricia, her husband, and Timothy.

Timothy Knatchbull recounts in harrowing and at times graphic details the aftermath of the explosion and the recovery process for his family. The author doesn't hold back in his recollections and at times I felt like an intruder. Otherwise From a Clear Blue Sky is a moving and personal account of his journey towards healing.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Royal Book Challenge: Undoubted Queen

15/500

Undoubted Queen by Harry Tatlock Miller & Loudon Sainthill
255 Pages
Published 1958
ASIN: B001X6A36Q

There is no actual year of publication listed, nor an ISBN so I've taken the information from Amazon. Judging by the photos of the Queen, Prince Charles and Princess Anne, I would say that 1957/1958 time frame would be accurate.

Undoubted Queen takes its title from a phrase in the Order of Coronation. And like that event, the overall feel is reverential. Other than captions to identify locations, there is very little text outside of the bibliography. Comprised of photographs of Elizabeth II throughout her (short) life, the glamorous young queen is primarily presented in the line of duty, on ceremonial occasions and on her travels around the world. Not all of the photographs are particularly flattering, there are some out of focus pictures and grainy closeups. On her travels to Nigeria and Australia, photos of tribesmen and aboriginals add a National Geographic feel.

It is hard to tell what the point of Undoubted Queen is. It has very few words and the photographs are mainly from her coronation and travels during the early years of her reign. Beside illustrations of previous queens regnant, the reader is left to draw their own conclusions about the new queen and her place in royal history.

Little could the authors have known just how significant that place would be.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Royal Book Challenge: William and Kate: A Royal Love Story by Christopher Andersen

14/500

William and Kate: A Royal Love Story by Christopher Andersen
Published 2011
312 Pages
ISBN: 9781451621457

When I went to the store to buy this book, the display it was on had a sign that said: 'The truth is always a good read'.

I'm sure it is. Whether you find much of it in this book is debatable.

I was skeptical from the start. Claims that Diana, suffering from severe post-partum depression, had an affair with James Hewitt three months after Prince William's birth seem rather far-fetched. According to this book, after William's christening, Diana 'washed down a handful of pills and half a bottle of Scotch' and had to be rushed to the hospital to have her stomach pumped. The most famous woman in the world having an event like that 'magically kept out of the press?' Are you kidding me?

Some of the revelations, such as Kate travelling to New York to meet with Mario Testino have turned out to be untrue. Turns out that until she went to Los Angeles with Prince William, Kate had never travelled to North America. I'm no royal insider but when the bibliography features a comprehensive list of other royal tell-alls, it makes you wonder about the accuracy of the rest of his sources.

Any non-fiction book that requires you to suspend your belief in reality is in the wrong category.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Another future Queen is born!

On February 23rd, 2012 a future queen, Princess Estelle Silvia Ewa Mary, was born in Sweden. Counting her mother, Crown Princess Victoria, who is currently the only female heir-apparent in the world, this brings the total number of future queens regnant to five. The others are Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands and Princess Elisabeth of Belgium. If the Crown Prince and Princess of Spain do not have a son their elder daughter, Infanta Leonor, would make it six.

Barring any unforseen tragedy or abolishing the monarchy, these little girls are changing history. Other countries have had queens regnant before but Princess Elisabeth will be Belgium's first. Should Sweden's little princess inherit the throne from her mother, this will be one of the few times, outside of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, when the Queen of a European throne has been succeeded by another woman. Monarchies are no longer a boys only club. Should William and Catherine have a firstborn daughter, Prince Christian of Denmark will be further outnumbered by his female contemporaries.

Princess Estelle, who cannot be usurped by a male sibling, owes her position to her mother. When Sweden changed their rules of succession in 1980 from agnatic to equal primogeniture, Victoria became Crown Princess despite having a younger brother. Other monarchies followed suit, Norway in 1990, Belgium 1991, Denmark in 2009 and Luxembourg in 2011. The Netherlands, with their own history of Queens, made the change in 1983. Women have ruled the country for so long that when Crown Prince Willem-Alexander succeeds his mother Queen Beatrix, he will be the first king of the Netherlands since 1890. Although Britain has five Queens Regnant, they are currently in the process of changing the rules. If William and Catherine's firstborn is a girl, she will be the beneficiary of this change. If the fates are kind, she may eventually take her place amongst her illustrious predecessors in British history.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Article amended to add the name of the princess.

Royal Book Challenge: Doomed Queens by Kris Waldherr

13/500

Doomed Queens: Royal Women Who Met Bad Ends, From Cleopatra to Princess Di by Kris Waldherr
Published 2008
176 Pages
ISBN: 9780767928991

I own several books about royal death. Out of all of them, hands down, this one is the funniest. I'll go as far as saying that this is one of the best books in my collection.

In 2009 I wrote a review for Doomed Queens, so I won't spoil it for you. Suffice to say that anyone who can take a macabre topic and combine it with gleeful humor, deserves some type of award in the best book about royal death category.

Heads off!..err hats off..to you Ms Waldherr!

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Royal Book Challenge: The Royal Baby Book by Phoebe Hichens

12/500

The Royal Baby Book by Phoebe Hichens
Published 1984
64 Pages
ISBN: 0517454661

My interest in the royal family began the day Prince William was born, June 21st, 1982. I've always loved looking at baby pictures and combined with  royalty, this book is right up my alley.

The Royal Baby Book is about royal children from Edward VIII to Prince Harry. Each royal child has his/her own page with their birth date, astrological sign, short biography along with the significance of their position in the royal family. Along with some delightful photos of the various children, there are some surprising errors in the birth dates of Prince Charles, Prince Andrew and Prince William. To be fair, this was before Wikipedia could be used to double-check these things.

Looking through the book it's clear that, despite covering almost 100 years of royal babies, the fascination with royal infants, their births and the way they are raised, doesn't change. In fact, the desire for more information about the minute of their upbringing has grown. There is no doubt that William and Catherine can expect the same reaction upon the arrival of their own children.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Royal Book Challenge: Settling Down by James Whitaker

Book 11/500

Settling Down by James Whitaker
128 Pages
Published 1981
ISBN: 0704333856

Hard to believe, but at one point Prince Charles was one of the worlds most eligible bachelors. The media was just as interested in his relationships, maybe even more so, than Prince William's bachelor status 30 years later.

In his time the prince was linked with several women, whether he went out with them or not. Settling Down focuses on the courtship of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. Whitaker holds nothing back about his efforts to get the exclusive story, which is far more interesting than the rest of the book. Unlike other books written about their relationship, Diana is not presented as Cinderella, nor is Charles presented as Prince Charming. Whitaker doesn't romanticize either of them. Diana is shrewd, cunning and not even remotely like the 'Shy Di' of lore. And Charles is portrayed as someone 'fond' of Diana but not really in love with her. Hardly the stuff of fairy tales.

No biography of Charles would be complete without covering his relationships with his married friends. Camilla Parker Bowles in particular enjoys 'looking after' him (his quotes, not mine) and states that Diana would 'never come to resent' Charles' friendship with her. In retrospect it was a naive statement to make.

The last chapter recaps the women he dated or was linked to. Including those who introduced him to 'the delights of the bedroom' , the flings with suitable aristocrats, unsuitable worldly blonde's, and the smart women who turned him down. Looking back, with all of the warning signs, it's a shame Diana wasn't one of them.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Royal Book Challenge: Kate & Wills Up The Aisle by Alison Jackson

10/500

Kate and Wills Up the Aisle: A Right Royal Wedding by Alison Jackson
122 Pages
Published 2011
ISBN: 1849490139

Just how 'wild a buck' was Prince William in his younger days? How did Charles and Camilla cope with news of the engagement? How did William propose to Kate? You'll find none of the truthful answers in this book.

However, you can see what their look-a-likes did in those situations. Up The Aisle tells the 'fairytale' story of William and Kate's love story using eerie doppelgangers. If you didn't read the disclaimer at the start, you'd think you were actually looking at Gordon Ramsay giving Kate cooking lessons or Elton John preparing for the wedding by getting a colonic irrigation. *shudder*

Some of the photos border on 'letting daylight in on the magic' (Kate getting a bikini wax, two horses graphically mating, William and Mike Middleton washing a car). Such things should remain a mystery.

Highly entertaining, most of the fun is in marvelling at the freaky likenesses. But it's best to take this book in small doses. There's only so many times you can look at a photo of William in the bathroom admiring a picture of Kate or Camilla wearing a flimsy negligee.

*shudder*

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Royal Pets

William and Catherine have made an addition to their little family - a black cocker spaniel puppy. By choosing a dog, they are following a royal tradition. Dogs have long been associated with members of the royal family. The Queen favours corgis and breeds Labradors, but the types of dogs owned over the years vary by the individual. Some have been adopted and some have been received as gifts. Here is a brief history of royals and their favorite pets.

Princess Victoria with her spaniel, Dash
via Wikipedia

Over the course of her long life, Queen Victoria owned several breeds - terriers, collies, dachshunds, greyhounds and Tibetan Mastiff. When Queen Victoria was presented with a Pekingese, he was the first of his breed to arrive in Britain. She also owned pugs - a favorite of her great-grandson, the Duke of Windsor. Her dogs were commemorated in paintings, photographs, and when they died, statues to mark their graves. One of the last dogs she owned, a Pomeranian named Turi, was at her side when she died in 1901.

Marble effigy of Caesar
Image from the
St George's Chapel website

King Edward VII was partial to terriers and his favorite was an Irish terrier named Jack. He admired Jack's independence and disdain for others. In 1903 Jack died during a trip to Ireland with the King and Queen. After Jack's death the king kept a locket containing strands of the terrier's hair on his writing desk.

Shortly after Jack's death, the King was presented with a fox terrier called Caesar, who accompanied his master everywhere. In 1907 the King he commissioned Faberge to create a group of small carved animals, including one of Caesar. The miniature features ruby eyes and a gold collar that reads 'I am Caesar. I belong to the King'. After the king's death in 1910 he gained fame as part of the king's funeral procession, walking behind the late king's favorite horse. As a result of his notoriety, Where's Master? a book supposedly written by Caesar, was published in June 1910 . He died in 1914 and is buried in the grounds of Marlborough house. In 1927 an effigy of him was included on the tombs of the King and Queen Alexandra in St George's Chapel. He lies curled up at the foot of his master.

King George V owned five dogs, the first was a collie called Heather. After Heather died, the King adopted Happy, the first of four terriers he would own. Like Caesar, he wrote his own book If I were King George, which was published in 1911.

The Royal family in 1968
via British Monarchy flickr

His son, King George VI, owned several Labrador Retrievers, and bred yellow Labradors. He introduced the corgi to the royal family in 1933 when he bought one named Dookie from a local kennel. At present, the Queen owns three Corgis: Monty, Willow and Holly and three Dorgis: Cider, Candy and Vulcan.  On her eighteenth birthday, Princess Elizabeth was given a corgi named Susan, who accompanied her on honeymoon in 1947. Some of the royal corgis have mated with daschunds, resulting in the 'Dorgi' breed. The Queen is one of the longest-established breeders of Pembroke corgis in the world.

The Duchess of Cornwall is patron of several organizations for animals. She owns three Jack Russell terriers, Tosca, Rosie and in August 2011 she adopted another named Beth from the Battersea Dogs and Cats home.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Sources:

Noble Hounds and Dear Companions: The Royal Photograph Collection

The Official site of the British Monarchy

Royal Book Challenge: Gin O'Clock by The Queen (of Twitter)

9/500

Gin O'clock by The Queen (of Twitter)
Published 2011
279 Pages
ISBN: 9781444738957

Queen Elizabeth is quite possibly one of the most enigmatic public figures of our times. During the course of her reign she has never given an interview. To gain an insight into what makes the Queen tick we are reliant on royal commentators, authors, indiscreet friends, relatives and former employees to fill in the blanks.

Until now.

In a spin-off of her twitter account, the Queen has published extracts from her recent diaries to reveal a humorous side so rarely portrayed on currency. With liberal doses of gin, the Queen reveals her true thoughts about her ministers, world events, phone hacking, the Middleton's, Eurovision songs and State Karaoke. Family members are included in all of their quirky and sequined glory. As a special treat, we are privy to select emails, her Christmas shopping lists as well as a preliminary draft of her annual Christmas message.

Insightful and good fun. Heavy on current events and politicians, hopefully the Queen will consider updating future editions for those unfamiliar with the names Nick Clegg, David Cameron and President Obama.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Robert Lacey on the Queen and Diana

Noted royal biographer and commentator Robert Lacey is set to release an update to his acclaimed biographies of the Queen. His new book, A Brief Life of the Queen will be released on January 31st, 2012. The paperback version will be released in May 15, 2012.

In the videos below, he discusses the Queen's relationship with Diana, Princess of Wales.

Thank you to Tim, from the website A Brief Life of the Queen for the heads up about this book.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Royal Book Challenge: Eating Royally by Darren McGrady

8/500

Eating Royally: Recipes and Remembrances from a Palace Kitchen by Darren McGrady
224 Pages
Published 2007
ISBN: 9781401603212

If I could sum up this book in one word it would be: class.

Unlike other books that share tidbits and insights into royal life, Eating Royally strikes just the right balance between offering interesting information without going over the invisible line of 'too much information'.

The author offers behind the scenes anecdotes of working for the royal family and later Diana, Princess of Wales, with good humor.  It's intriguing to learn about the kitchens at Buckingham Palace, Balmoral, Windsor Castle and Sandringham. Menu cards and mementos from members of the royal family offer a nice touch. There are behind the scenes photographs of the Sandringham dining room at Christmas and a table laden with food buffet style.  However I could have done without pictures of a festively decorated boars head and artfully plated beef tongues.

The range of recipes covers the various seasons with delicious looking tea cakes, cottage pies and desserts. Though he offers a recipe for Christmas cake (fruitcake) and extols its virtues, I am still not convinced.  The dishes are beautifully photographed, and the recipe instructions are easy to understand. Even the most ordinary cooks could attempt the Royal birthday cake. It may look nothing like the photograph in this book but chances are it will taste better than the paper it is printed on.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Pippa Middleton, close your eyes and think of England

Pippa, Pippa, Pippa..

What have you gone and done now? Complaining to your lawyers because some guys with cameras took pictures of you? Seriously what are you thinking? It's been nine months since the wedding. You should be used to the attention by now.

Sure, maybe the guy who shoved a camera in your face went too far. Forgive him, he brought a point and shoot. Smile and don't make it more difficult for him. We grudgingly admit, you are entitled to some personal space. But how else was he supposed to get the story about your pores?

Give the guy a pat on the back for originality. No one has yet to do an in depth expose about the pores on your face. Good that he had the guts to aggressively go after the story. Nominate the man for the pore reporting award. It's citizen journalists like him, moonlighting for a cleaning company, who make the world a better place.

Pippa, what do you expect? You can't have it both ways, you know. If you hadn't worn that sexy maid of honor dress, none of this would have happened. Remember the heady moment Kate asked you to be maid of honor? Really, you should have said no. But you had to go and say yes. Now who's to blame? (Don't look at us!)

Pippa, you need to think of the big picture here. We like you but you need to give us a reason to continue to do so. When you leave the safety of your home and go about your daily life, you make so many people happy. People who write about your fashions, relationships and whatever else it is that you do. It's your obligation to maintain our interest. If I can make a suggestion, mix it up a little by holding a baby or a bag of groceries. The purse and sunglasses are getting old.

But don't you dare complain. It just makes you look ungrateful. Then you unleash your lawyers on the press? Might as well drive a dagger into our hearts. When people write books about you, they will need pictures. If you don't cooperate, what then?

So smile, close your eyes and think of England.

Your future biographers will thank you.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Royal Book Challenge: Our Queen by Robert Hardman

7/500

Our Queen by Robert Hardman
Published 2011
ISBN: 9780091936891
356 Pages

I'm a sucker for a new book about the Queen. Especially when I read excerpts featuring interviews with Prince William. My interest was piqued. Here was the chance to avoid the well-worn anecdotes and get to the truth from someone who actually knows her.

Turns out, those excerpts were the highlight of Our Queen. Not that it's a bad book. But it wasn't a promising start. The first 70 pages outlines her strong sense of duty and dedication, how good she is in her role, and how the monarchy must adapt in order to survive. Anyone who has read a biography of the Queen already knows this. But just in case you don't understand, Hardman writes about them in every possible variation within one chapter.

Now that we've duly noted the Queen's dedication, we're on to how innovative the royal household has become. Gone are the days of toiling away thanklessly amongst the splendor. Now employees can be comfortable too. Affordable lattes, access to the Buckingham Palace pool, brightly decorated canteens, email, makes you wonder why you're spending time reading about it when you could be applying for a job of your own instead.

Hardman covers a lot of territory. Amongst other things, we get to know about her relationships with her Prime Ministers and the public, her image, and most interestingly, an insight into Prince Philip. Who knew that behind his crusty exterior lies a sentimental man anonymously buying artwork for his wife?

Our Queen ends on a predictable note. In short, her shoes will be hard to fill. It's reassuring that as of 2011, that view hasn't changed since it was last written about in every other biography.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.