Royal Book Challenge: Happy and Glorious! by Marion Crawford

28/500
Happy and glorious! by Marion Crawford
Published 1953
93 Pages
ASIN: B001GF6UM0

Nowadays, it is very rare for me to walk into a used bookstore and find a book about the royal family that I do not already own. So when I came upon Happy and Glorious! I was delighted. Having enjoyed Marion Crawford's previous publication The Little Princesses, I was thoroughly looking forward to reading this as well.

Marion Crawford was the Queen and Princess Margaret's governess for seventeen years. When she wrote The Little Princesses, the royal family saw this, understandably, as a betrayal. Having become a pariah, Crawford had nothing to lose by milking her royal connection. Not that she offers any dirty secrets. The appeal of Happy and Glorious! is that it is written by someone who holds affection for the Queen, offering a true insight into the character in a respectful, informative and insightful way.

© 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: Princess by Robert Lacey

27/500
Princess by Robert Lacey
Published 1982
128 Pages
ISBN: 978-0812963298

 Princess by Robert Lacey covers the period from Diana's engagement to the early months of her pregnancy with Prince William. Much like other books, it contains typical photographs of Diana at her loveliest, showing her burgeoning sense of style. The photographs offer few hints of the glamorous princess she would become. Nor do they offer any clues to the marital and personal troubles behind the smiles.

Many comparisons have been made between Catherine and Diana in terms of how they have adapted to royal life. The text offers some striking similarities between the two women. Notably Mr Lacey questions the adulation heaped upon Diana for doing nothing more than marrying into the royal family. By that point she had said and done very little of substance to warrant it. One passage about Diana is just applicable to Kate 30 years later.

'Our admiration, of course, derives from other things: her freshness, her royal status, the yet more royal status awaiting her in the future, her youth, her beauty - and her dress sense. She looks like a princess, groomed, elegant and clad in garments which are familiar to any woman but which, somehow have been dusted with an extra glamour..'

Mr Lacey offers a nice portrait of a princess on the verge of something greater. Given all of the troubles that would occur later, it's nice to read about a more innocent, younger Diana, with a glittering future in front of 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: Rose: My Life in Service to Lady Astor by Rosina Harrison

26/500

Rose: My Life in Service to Lady Astor by Rosina Harrison
Originally published in 1975
368 Pages
ISBN: 9780143120865

Capitalizing on the success of the television series Downton Abbey, publishers are rushing to release books about the lives of servants in Edwardian times. Rose: My Life in Service to Lady Astor by Rosina Harrison, is one of them. 

Rosina (Rose) Harrison was born in Yorkshire with a desire to see the world. Destined to a life of service, she became a lady's maid, joining the service of Lady Astor in 1925.There she would remain for the next 35 years, until her ladyship's death. 

Lady Astor was one of the most interesting women of her time, being the first woman to take a seat as a Member of Parliament. This book does not give an idea of just how remarkable Lady Astor was because that side of her is barely depicted. Instead Rose focuses on her experience as Lady Astor's dresser for some of these important events. Though Rose obviously holds affection for her, Lady Astor could be a demanding and mercurial employer.

While it's interesting to read, at first, there's a repetitiveness to this memoir. Rose travelled all over the world with Lady Astor, resulting in endless rounds of packing and unpacking. Rose experiences stresses with Lady Astor's jewels and grumbles about travelling about too many of Lady Astor's hats. She does not glamorize her work but it is difficult to gain any insight into the experiences of a true Edwardian servant, who were not nearly as fortunate in the positions they held.

Other than Rose being on the receiving end of 'Shut up, Rose' from Lady Astor on more than one occasion, there's little conflict between the two. The description reads that Lady Astor has 'met her match', but any battle of the wills is anticlimactic at best.

Although Rose does not come across as a prude,  towards the end she opines on religion, raising children, alcohol and the excesses of wealth, offering nothing controversial or juicy in the process. If you want to get an idea of the experience of a servant who travelled the world first class, packing and unpacking clothing, with a wry observation thrown in for good measure, then this book is for 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: Elizabeth: Reigning in Style by Jane Eastoe

25/500
Elizabeth: Reigning in Style by Jane Eastoe
Published 2012
112 Pages
ISBN: 978-1862059481

As mentioned in a previous post about Robert Lacey's new book, A Queen a Life in Brief, I am concerned that there will be nothing new to add about the Queen's life once she heads to that great, palace in the sky.

In this respect, Elizabeth: Reigning in Style stands out. While she was beautiful  and stylish when younger, referring to the Queen has a fashion icon stretches it - in my opinion. If anything, the author at least offers a (somewhat) new perspective on her life. We may not know her true opinion on politics or anything else for that matter, but at least we now know who designed her clothing and footwear and who is responsible for some of the atrocious hats she has worn throughout her life.

© 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 Queen: A Life in Brief by Robert Lacey

24/500
The Queen: A Life in Brief by Robert Lacey
Published 2012
166 Pages
ISBN: 9780062124463

In the introduction, noted author  Robert Lacey writes, 'this little book is intended to distill and reshape what I've learned into one pleasant afternoon's reading.'

And so it does. Even if it took me more than an afternoon to read it.

Despite being written by the well respected and noted royal historian Robert Lacey, I was skeptical. Could a book about the Queen, the second longest serving monarch in British history, ever be brief yet do justice to her at the same time? With book-a-zines, documentaries and a dozen or more new books attempting to offer fresh perspectives on Queen Elizabeth's life and reign, The Queen: A Life in Brief, is just another book amongst them.

So far, none have offered any new insights or revelations that haven't already been published before. This book breaks no ground in this respect either. It just offers the Queen's life story in a more condensed fashion. Which is very appealing considering the weighty, repetitive books competing with it.

The amount of releases marking her Diamond Jubilee makes me wonder whether there will be anything new left to say when she dies. Other than updating these publications with the date of her death, my prediction is that there won't.

© 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: Marrying Up by Wendy Holden

23/500

Marrying Up by Wendy Holden
Published 2012
384 Pages
ISBN: 0755342631

Marrying Up revolves around the destinies of three women, Polly, an archaeologist, the beautiful but clueless Lady Florence (Florrie) Trevorigus-Whyske-Cleethorpe and Allison Donald, who will do anything to become rich, famous and marry well. Including changing everything from her name to her appearance.

Allison Donald, who changes her name to Alexa MacDonald, will do anything to marry well. Love is a secondary consideration to titles and money. Accompanied by her equally ambitious and irrepressible sidekick, Barney van Hoosier, from auctions to funerals, no opportunity to find a titled and wealthy husband is passed up. Her scheming becomes so pathetic, it's a cautionary tale in the making.

Polly is the opposite, an accomplished archaeologist with a broken heart, marrying well is not on her radar when she falls in love with Max, a veterinarian and unbeknownst to her, Crown Prince of Sedona. A reluctant royal, Max must leave Polly behind in England, and return to Sedona to marry and secure the royal line. Unaware of his destiny, Polly finds out he's a prince and goes to find him, for entirely different reasons than Alexa.

Lady Florrie is a clueless yet stunningly beautiful aristocrat whirling from one party to another, her ambitious mother Lady Annabel schemes to have her daughter marry into the royal family. Polly, Alexa and Lady Florrie, eventually end up in Sedona, two as potential brides for Prince Max.

Marrying Up has several unexpected plot turns. At times in it's a bit heavy handed with the royal title satire: Ancient Order of the Norwegian Reindeer Smokers, Royal Swedish Order of the Golden Cod, (OK I get it, the titles are ridiculous) it is otherwise a fun read.

© 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.

30 Facts about Prince William, Duke of Cambridge

In honor of Prince William's 30th birthday on June 21st, here are 30 facts about him.

1) Prince William was born on June 21st, 1982 at 9:03 PM at St. Mary's Hospital Paddington. He weighed 7lbs 1 1/2 oz.

2) Prince William is the first direct heir to the throne to be born in hospital

3) He was christened William Arthur Philip Louis on August 4, 1982, his great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother's 82nd birthday.

4) According to genealogists, William was born the most British heir to the throne since King James I.

5) He was nine months old when he accompanied his parents on their tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1983, becoming the first royal baby to be included on an official visit.

6) Prince William was the first royal prince to attend an ordinary nursery school, rather than be educated at home.

7) During his childhood he was affectionately known as 'Wombat'

8) Just before his fourth birthday, he was made the six-millionth member of the Automobile Association and given an AA lifetime membership.

9) He started learning to ride a horse at the age of four.

10) On June 3, 1991 he was accidentally hit on the head with a golf club. To this day he retains a mark on his forehead, which he has referred to as his 'Harry Potter scar'.

11) He carried out his first official public engagement on March 1, 1991 when he accompanied his parent on a visit to Wales to celebrate St David's Day.

12) The 1997 Christie's auction of his mother's dresses was his idea.

13) He was confirmed on March 9, 1997 at St George's Chapel, Windsor

14) He passed his driving test on July 27th, 1999, just five weeks after his seventeenth birthday.

15) In 2000, on his 18th birthday, he was granted his own Coat of Arms. The design includes elements from the Spencer Coat of Arms from his mother's side of the family.

16) William has stated that his favorite part of his gap year was year was spent working as a farm labourer on a dairy farm in England with an hourly wage of £3.20, rising before dawn to milk cows and “performing mucky jobs” along with everyone else.

17) In 2003 he celebrated his 21st birthday with an African themed party hosted by the Queen at Windsor Castle.

18) He is godfather to Prince Konstantine Alexios of Greece, the son of the Greek Crown Prince and Princess Pavlos. Prince William's own godfather is the former King Constantine II of Greece, Prince Konstantine's grandfather.

19) Owned a black Labrador named Widgeon.

20)  He met his future wife, Catherine Middleton, while they were both students at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

21) On June 23rd, 2005, William graduated from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland with a 2:1 Master of Arts in Geography.

22) He has a rose named after him - Royal William

23) He is left-handed

24) He entered Royal Sandhurst Military Academy in 2006 as an officer cadet. He was commissioned as an army officer in December 2006 and joined the Household Cavalry (Blues and Royals) as a Second Lieutenant in January 2006.

25) On 11th April 2008, Prince William received his RAF wings from his father The Prince of Wales, becoming the fourth successive generation of the monarchy to become an RAF pilot.

26) As a child William was given a specially modified, electrically powered, bright red Jaguar XJS Cabriolet miniature sports car. A gift from the manufacturers.

27) He was appointed a Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter on April 23rd, 2008. He is the 1000th knight in the register. 

28) He is a keen sportsman and has participated in many sporting activities: swimming, water polo, skiing,  rugby, polo, football, basketball, cross country running and clay pigeon shooting.

29) On the day of his wedding, April 29, 2011, the Queen granted William the titles Duke of Cambridge, The Earl of Strathearn and The Baron of Carrickfergus.

30) On 29th May 2012, The Duke of Cambridge was conferred to the Order of the Thistle in the year of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

© 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 Review: The Great Survivors by Peter Conradi

The Great Survivors: How Monarchy Made It into the Twenty-First Century by Peter Conradi
Published 2012
384 Pages
ISBN: 978-1846882159

In 1948, King Farouk of Egypt is reportedly quoted as stating: 

"The whole world is in revolt. Soon there will be only five Kings left--the King of England, the King of Spades, The King of Clubs, the King of Hearts, and the King of Diamonds."

He was incorrect. While the House of Windsor is, by far, the most media prominent, it isn't even remotely the only one left. Excluding their Asian, African and Middle Eastern counterparts, six other European countries are monarchies: Belgium, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, and the Netherlands. Not to mention the royal rulers in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and principalities of Monaco and Liechtenstein. These are The Great Survivors. How they survived when other royal houses tumbled and continue to endure in the twenty-first century is something Peter Conradi (co-author of The King's Speech) tackles in his new book.

The author compares and contrasts the royal houses, covering territory on how they're funded, their controversies and scandals, succession, political power, and grudging love-hate relationship with the media. Clearly, there's more to the relationship between many of these royal houses than their link to Queen Victoria. But researching this information in any depth would require consulting several sources. Now it can be found in one.  For someone like myself, with a passing interest in these monarchies but lacking the energy to delve into individual details, this book is a valuable and fascinating resource. A must have for any royal book collection.

© 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.

Video: The Firm: The Fairy Story of the English Royal Family and Princess Diana

A new take on the story of Diana and the royal family





© 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.

Mmmmmm....Cupcake Queen

What recipe calls for over 50kg of Regal-Ice, 50kg of Royal Icing, 20kg of Marzipan and over 40 tubes of Gel Food Colours? …what else? A  celebration cake fit for a Queen!

To celebrate the Queen's 60 years on the throne, Dr. Oetker teamed up with food artist extraordinaire, Prudence Staite, to recreate a 6m² ‘Cupcake Queen’ portrait of Her Majesty with over 2,012 hand-decorated cupcakes.

The edible artwork used ten cans of Gold and Silver Shimmer Spray, 60,000 Silver and Gold Soft Sugar Pearls and over 140 white Wafer Daisies from the Dr. Oetker baking range to adorn the King George IV State Diadem featured in the original iconic image taken by Dorothy Wilding in 1952.

The ‘Cupcake Queen’ was built in Prudence’ studio in Pamington, Gloucestershire and also featured 20kg of Plain and Milk Chocolate Chips and 30kg of Easy Swirl Cupcake Icing, which were used to define the Queen’s face.

Delicious!


Here's a time lapse video of the making of the Cupcake Queen.



Thanks to Yasir Alani for the heads up!

© 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.

Video: Scenes from London April 28th & 29th 2011

In honor of William and Catherine's first wedding anniversary, some video I shot while I was in London for the event!

© 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.

Can Catherine Cambridge walk on water?

Looking at the saccharine media coverage about Catherine and you would definitely think so. But the comment section in articles and on royal message boards belies that view. Even if people choose to dismiss and ignore it.

Regardless of their personal viewpoint, William and Catherine are the fairytale couple. Perfection, beauty and happiness personified. Catherine by her sheer newness, ability to dress well and look attentive around small children, has reportedly won every heart that has ever come into contact with her. Not to mention sympathy for the incessant comparison to a dead iconic mother-in-law. She is also on par with the Queen in immunity from criticism. Compare her to Princess Anne or Mother Theresa and Catherine will win hands down. Not because of what she has or hasn't done but because she is better looking.

We have been repeatedly reminded that Catherine has not 'put a foot wrong'. It's difficult to do when little has been expected of her. Easing her into her royal position has been an agonizing process for people who would like to see her do something other than smile and sell clothes; no matter how good it may be for British industry. She is capable of more than that. After a year, she has reportedly graduated to a fully-fledged royal. Here's hoping Royal Year-Two brings a more realistic viewpoint of her skills and dedication. For her sake as well as ours.

© 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 Royals by Leslie Carroll

22/500

The Royals the Lives and Loves of the British Monarchs by Leslie Carroll
Published 2011
175 Pages
ISBN: 9781435136205

I found out about The Royals via @onechicgeek on twitter. I was intrigued, mainly because it features 'rare memorabilia'. At the time I bought it, it was exclusively available through Barnes and Noble. Now it has finally come to Amazon!

The Royals is entertaining and the memorabilia is interesting, though the handwriting is impossible to read. Namely Princess Elizabeth (Future Queen Elizabeth I) letter to her half-sister Queen Mary begging her for an audience. Luckily the author gives transcriptions of these documents, otherwise you'd miss out on the point of them.

Reproductions of memorabilia include the execution warrant for Mary, Queen of Scots, William and Catherine's wedding invitation, the Instrument of Abdication, a ticket to Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee ball, as well as a 1901 funeral card for her. Also included is a reproduction of Charles and Diana's Official 1981 Wedding Programme, which, when compared to the original, is nicely done.

My main problem with this book is that there is some gossipy information that seems to be stated as fact: The Queen and Princess Margaret were conceived by artificial insemination. Prince Philip had numerous affairs. Yes, there are rumors about these things, but neither have been proven. So why perpetuate them? I'm not familiar with royal history beyond Queen Victoria, so I can't judge whether there are any other factual errors. Though one review seems to think there are several in the Tudors section of the book.

Were it not for the memorabilia inserts I probably would not have bought The Royals. In all honesty, while this book is a fun read, it would be unremarkable without 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: A Hundred Years of Royal Style by Colin McDowell

21/500

A Hundred Years of Royal Style by Colin McDowell
192 Pages
Published 1985
ISBN: 0584110715

I learnt about this book via the @royaltybookfan twitter-feed. It's a fantastic feed to find out about more obscure publications in ebook format. My ereader is seriously close to smoking from the amount I've downloaded since I started following.

Books relating to royal style tend to focus on Diana. As if there were no other trend setters prior to her existence. A Hundred Years of Royal Style is different in that it covers fashions of royal ladies, even those, such as Queen Mary or Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, who would not be considered particularly stylish to begin with.

The author discusses the role of royal clothing as well as how, in absence of any real royal news, it has been portrayed in the media. A focus on Queen Alexandra, consort of King Edward VII, reveals a woman who enjoyed clothing and took enjoyment in developing her own look.  In comparison to many of the other royal ladies, like the Queen who, despite having the resources to have fun with fashion, view clothing from nothing more than a practical standpoint.

The book includes interesting details about clothes as well as sketches of outfits for the Queen and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. There's an interesting breakdown of royal warrant-holders for Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother and the present Queen from 1901 to 1984. If you need to know who supplied Queen Alexandra with perfume in 1914, then this book is definately the one for 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: Frances by Max Riddington and Gavan Naden

20/500

Frances: The Remarkable Story of Princess Diana's Mother by Max Ridddington
Published 2003
256 Pages
ISBN: 1843170434

Frances is unique amongst royal-by-proximity biographies in that it actually has input from its subject. Had it not done so, it would have been culled from what is already in the public domain and Diana's own recollections. This would have made for a sad and incomplete portrait of Frances Shand Kydd, who died in 2004.

It's unfortunate but inevitable that Diana's family will be overshadowed by their association with her. Their individual stories becoming mere anecdotal footnotes in her life story. But Diana would not have become the person she was were it not for her parents - Frances Shand Kydd  and Edward John Spencer, 8th Earl Spencer.

Before Diana and the global fame associated with her there was Frances. And her story is a worthy read in order to find out more about someone who was a fascinating individual in her own right.

© 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 Tombs Of Great Britain by Aidan Dodson

19/500

The Royal Tombs of Great Britain by Aidan Dodson
Published 2004
248 Pages
ISBN: 9780715633106

I've always had a fascination with royal death. With the addition of this book, I now own five on the topic. For some reason The Royal Tombs Of Great Britain is listed for exorbitant prices on Amazon, eBay and Alibris. Looking at the actual book there is no reason for it to cost that much. It is not written in gold script and it isn't even old (published in 2004). It took a while but I finally found a copy in good condition that I felt (at the time) was reasonably priced. If you're interested in buying a copy for yourself do not spend more than $100 on it. Unless you really want to own it I would even say that is too much.

My interest in royal death may sound macabre but death it is truly the great leveller. It happens to everyone, including royalty. But as this book reveals just because someone is a king or queen, does not necessarily mean their remains are treated with dignity or left to rest in peace.

The author details the burial places of sovereigns from the early English Kingdoms all the way to King George VI. There is some fascinating information about the various royal vaults and monuments along with photographs and illustrations. There is detailed information about embalming and the condition of corpses and skeletons which is interesting but I definately wouldn't advise reading about it while eating!

© 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.

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.