There's been a variety of royal news stories involving the Cambridges surfacing over the past few days involving a new addition to staff, the USA visit and more. We begin with a story that particularly piqued our interest: news the Duke and Duchess have been asked to undertake a historic tour of China in early 2015.
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More from The Telegraph's story:
'The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been asked to carry out an official tour of China early next year to improve Britain's diplomatic links with the world's second-biggest economy.'
I did a double take when I read 'Early 2015', Kate could most likely be in her third trimester by then and is expecting her second baby in April 2015. The National Health Service advises pregnant women that most airlines will now allow them to fly beyond 36 weeks of pregnancy, which will be some stage in March for Kate. Back to The Telegraph'story:
'They are hoping arrangements can be finalised quickly enough for the Duchess - who is due to give birth in April - to be able to make the trip, though royal aides admit her participation is in doubt because of her pregnancy.'
Chinese officials are said to be "very excited" about the prospect of a tour by the couple, which would be the most high-profile since the Queen and Prince Philip visited in 1986. Royal tours to China have previously been fraught with unfortunate comments. During the aforementioned 1986 tour Prince Philip told British exchange students, "If you stay here much longer you'll be slitty-eyed", and a leaked diary entry by Prince Charles described Chinese leaders as "appalling old waxworks".
As many of you know, months ago rumours began to emerge about the possibility of this tour for the Cambridges taking place in Autumn 2015. That date would seem much more manageable and sensible for Kate. Royal tours can involve several engagements per day, quite a bit of travelling and are generally considered to be quite exhausting. As it stands, if the trip is to go ahead, it would seem likely it will be a solo trip for Prince William. Perhaps one in which he can focus on his conservation efforts?
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Royal sources said it was "too early" to say whether or not the trip will go ahead, though they did confirm that dates for 2015 are being discussed. Interestingly, whether or not Kate goes, George is not expected to join his parents.
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We'll keep you updated as news unfolds on this.
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There's been an important addition to William, Kate and Harry's staff with the arrival of American PR Guru Jason Knauf as their new Communications Secretary. Kensington Palace announced Jason will begin his new role in the New Year. He replaces Ed Perkins, who left the Royal household earlier this year.
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| The Telegraph |
Mr. Knauf has an impressive résumé and has been described as "fun" and "well liked". More from The Telegraph:
'Mr Knauf, 30, whose experience of crisis management includes trying to diffuse the row over a £963,000 share bonus paid to RBS Chief Executive Stephen Hester in 2012, will be in his new job in time to manage the media arrangements outside St. Mary's Hospital when the Duchess of Cambridge has her second child.
He was appointed as RBS Director of Corporate Affairs in May, having previously been the bank's head of media relations. Before that he worked as a press officer at HM Treasury and as a speechwriter to New Zealand's deputy prime minister Michael Cullen.'
There was some surprise the royals' deputy communication secretary Nick Loughran (pictured below with Kate's private secretary Rebecca Deacon, the two have been in a relationship since last year) wasn't appointed to the senior role, however, given the recent breakdown in communications between the press and the Palace it is undoubtedly a wise move to bring fresh blood into the mix and Jason is perfectly equipped to repair relations and start a new chapter in terms of communication.
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We wish Mr. Knauf the very best of luck in his new role.
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Prince William has been busy of late and we thought we'd share news on his latest engagements too. The Prince was in high spirits on Friday night at the Royal United Service Institute where he presented Melinda Gates with the Chatham House Prize in recognition of her work to end poverty and empower women.
There was a light-hearted moment when master of ceremonies Richard Birtchnell mistakenly announced him as his 93-year-old grandfather the Duke of Edinburgh. (Off topic note, but how much does William remind you of George in this photo!)
William met with Kofi Anan.
We spoke about William's conservation efforts earlier in the post: the Prince has been busy championing such causes closes to his heart this week. Writing for The Telegraph, William wrote 'Time is running out for Africa's most magnificent creatures':
'This year, more than ever, we will be highlighting the danger that park rangers face in Africa. Hundreds have been killed in the past decade in battle-like conditions against heavily-armed poachers. For the poachers, the temptation to make comparatively big money is too tempting to resist.'
William recorded two videos in which he speaks of his concerns over the Ebola epidemic in West Africa and teamed up with Angry Birds in a bid to save the anteater which is in danger of 'being eaten to death' in its native China.
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| United for Widlife |
On Tuesday, Prince William will have the opportunity to honour and commend heroes at the Tusk Conservation Awards at Claridges Hotel. Last year, the Duke and Duchess attended the inaugural awards - this year it will be a solo for William.
For those who asked about the increase in engagements for the Prince, he's currently training and doing exams until March and will start his work as a Air Ambulance co-pilot then.
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We're only a couple of weeks away from the Cambridges' visit to New York and there's been an unusual amount of discussion regarding suitable attire (and no we're not talking about Kate).
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| Place2Be |
A look at the report from the NY Daily News:
'We threw off British Rule in 1776 - but American reporters still face a royal dressing down if they don't bow to sartorial standards when William and Kate come to town. U.S. reporters applying to cover a visit by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to New York and Washington next month have been reminded of Buckingham Palace's posted policy on proper dress for covering the Royal family'.
The official website of the Royal family states:
'Journalists wishing to cover royal engagements, whether in the United Kingdom or abroad, should comply with the dress code on formal occasions out of respect for the guests of the Queen, or any other member of the Royal family. Smart attire for men includes the wearing of a jacket and tie, and for women a trouser or skirt suit. Those wearing jeans or trainers will not be admitted and casually dressed members of the media will be turned away.'
Several media outlets suggested (and later amended) that a 'communique' has been issued to US journalists advising them how to dress, however, this was not the case. Last week the Senate Periodical Press Gallery sent out an email reminding reporters of the general rules of etiquette while covering Congress. Separately the media was referred to the official website which states the rules mentioned above. It looks like it all originated from a story by Politico, as correctly noted by our commenter Stephanie.
There is nothing new whatsoever in these rules and the Palace certainly didn't send out specific instructions to US media. It's very much a storm in a teacup situation. I know from following royal reporters over the past few years they always dress smartly and in a manner befitting the event they are covering.
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Next, a brief fashion update. Kate's elegant black lace DVF Zarita gown proved so popular with readers, we received a number of emails requesting 'Repli-Kate's'. With the festive season just around the corner (is it too early to say we're feeling very Christmassy already) a great black dress is a perfect piece for so many events.
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It just so happens our friends over at Kate Middleton Style have found the perfect alternative - the Adrianna Pappell Long Sleeve Lace Gown. The striking dress also features sheer sleeves, a V back and a scalloped neckline. The dress is currently discounted from $218 to $99.99 with Free Shipping at 6 pm.
The dress is available in Cassis and Mulberry at Nordstrom and comes in regular and petite sizing. Shorter versions of the dress in an array of colours are also available at Nordstrom with Free Shipping.
With thanks again to the ladies at Kate Middleton Style.
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| 6pm |
The dress is available in Cassis and Mulberry at Nordstrom and comes in regular and petite sizing. Shorter versions of the dress in an array of colours are also available at Nordstrom with Free Shipping.
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| Nordstrom |
With thanks again to the ladies at Kate Middleton Style.
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Place2Be shared an album packed with images from the 'Wellbeing in School Awards' via their Facebook Page. To view the album in its entirety please click here.
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| Place2Be |
The photos were taken by the incredibly talented Hugo Burnand who took William and Kate's official wedding photos. Below we see stunning images from Kensington Palace.
Finally, renovations completed, William, Kate and George have finally moved into their country home Anmer Hall (with thanks to Roya Nikkhah from The Sunday Times).
That's all the news for today! We'll see you on Tuesday when Kate attends East Anglia's Children's Hospices Norfolk Capital Appeal Launch.
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| Place2Be |
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Finally, renovations completed, William, Kate and George have finally moved into their country home Anmer Hall (with thanks to Roya Nikkhah from The Sunday Times).
That's all the news for today! We'll see you on Tuesday when Kate attends East Anglia's Children's Hospices Norfolk Capital Appeal Launch.
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