What's in a name?

Clarence House, London

Clarence House was built between 1825-1827 to a design by John Nash, and commissioned by the Duke of Clarence, who became King William IV in 1830. There has been specualtion about the title that will be conferred on Prince William on the day of his marriage, (so as to provide his wife with a title and name). The royal dukedom of Clarence is one such name mentioned, and it would indeed be an interesting repeat, as William will accede to the throne as King William V.

The popular press will doubtless continue to call Catherine "Kate", just as they called the late Princess of Wales "Princess Diana". Neither were born royal princesses, so they cannot correctly use that nomenclature.

Clarence House is attached to St James's Palace, and shares gardens with that property. It underwent extensive renovations after the death of Queen Elizabeth, who had lived there from 1953 until 2002. It is now the London residence of the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry, and will remain the London residence of the newlyweds. 

Images of the interior of the house can be seen on the British Monarchy website here.

My photograph is from a visit to London in autumn 2008. It is perhaps surprising to note the very minimal security, in the person of one sentry.

Harry vs Chelsy - Who will lose last?

I love a good game as much as the next person. UNO - count me in. Scrabble, ur..I'll grab my dictionary. Twister - let me do my warm-up stretches first. What I don't like are the kind of emotional games Chelsy and Harry are reportedly playing out since their breakup. He, inviting a pliant Chelsy look-a-like back to Clarence House for a nightcap. She, hanging with a rugged chap who can hunt crocodiles. He, wearing pink nail-polish. She, wearing..well who really cares whether she's wearing nail polish. Tit for tat. These are games high school kids play, not the sign of two people who are meant to be together.

Just divide your Facebook friends down the middle and be done with it.

© Marilyn Braun 2009