The Royal Report for Sunday September 26th, 2010 - The wit, the wisdom, the life and times of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

The wit, the wisdom, the life and times of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Listen to the episode here

Publications mentioned

Hello! Canada Weekly No 188 27 September 2010

The Duke of Hazard: The Wit & Wisdom of Prince Philip

Queen Elizabeth II: A Photographic Portrait

Television specials

The Royal Tour - Day Nine

Ahh, all good things must come to an end, on this, the last day of her visit to Canada.

She had attended a state dinner the night before at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto. Looking lovely as always, she brought out the tiara and priceless jewels. But it was not the jewels that people noted but the gown she was wearing: a long white lace gown adorned with sequins and pearls around the neckline and a glittering maple leaf appliquéd to the shoulder. Yet another fashion tribute to Canada. (Oh, stop Your Majesty, you're making us blush!)

Looking sprightly despite the heat and late-evening, the Queen was ready for the 21-gun salute at Ontario's Legislature, afterwards unveiling the last plaque of her visit: commemorating the 150th anniversary of the dedication of Queen's Park by her great-grandfather, before he was crowned King Edward VII.

She then headed to Pearson International Airport for a badge ceremony with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean before departing on an Airbus bound for New York City.

Given her age, there is some discussion regarding whether this will be her last visit to Canada. I like to think that it isn't. During her 2005 visit I had the same thoughts and yet she visited us again and she is reportedly scheduled to return in 2012 to mark her Diamond Jubilee.

Let's hope that's true!

© Marilyn Braun 2010

The Royal Tour of Canada - Day Eight

Admit it. When we visit countries on vacations or for business, or for royal tours, we like taking souvenirs back with us and not declaring them. In this case, the Queen and Prince Philip toured the Research in Motion factory in Waterloo where Blackberrys are made. She was presented with one of her own, with no bells and whistles other than an image of children holding out flowers.

Will she declare it? I can see it now:

Hapless customs agent: Do you have anything to declare?

The Queen's minions: (Nervous but trying to sound casual) No, nothing other than a St James Cathedral tea towel..

Hapless customs agent: Wait a moment, didn't the Queen receive a Blackberry...Why yes she did! Here's the photographic proof!

Hapless minion sighs and begins filling out the paperwork.

© Marilyn Braun 2010

Image via PicApp

The Royal Tour of Canada - Day Seven

And on the seventh day she....went to church and the race course...

What would God think?

When the Queen and Prince Philip attended mass at St. James Cathedral in Toronto the pews were filled to capacity. Seems that everyone had found religion for one day. An 'security breach' occured in what was otherwise a fairly unremarkable visit when a woman broke free of the waiting crowd, and approached the Queen with a black plastic bag in her hand. The woman handed the Queen the bag and was ushered away. The contents of this 'security breach'?

A commemorative St. James Cathedral tea towel.

Maybe the woman should have used something less suspicious looking, like a white plastic bag, or an environmentally friendly reusable grocery bag. I can only imagine how this 'breach' would have been labelled had it been a small child approaching the Queen.

No such security issues occured later on in the day when the couple attended the 151st running of The Queen's Plate. The last time she had attended was in 1997. With an estimated 25,000 people in attendance, security was extremely tight. Good luck trying to get anywhere near her, even if you are a small child with an innocuous grocery bag.

But the event was not without incident. As the Queen presented the winning trophy to the Queen's Plate winner Big Red Mike, the owner of the horse, Dom Romeo, placed his arm on the Queen's back. Oh, the horror! This is not the first time the Queen has been physically touched by a Canadian. During a previous visit in 2002 when Canadian cyclist Louis Garneau inadvertently broke royal protocol by placing his arm around Her Majesty as his wife took a picture.

I'm wagering a guess that the Queen doesn't mind these 'incidents' and afer 84 years has learnt to take them in stride, especially when it comes from a Canadian.

Considering that she's visited Canada more often than any other Commonwealth country, why else would she keep coming back?

© Marilyn Braun 2010

The Royal Tour of Canada 2010 - Day Six

On Day Six of the tour, the Queen and Prince Philip visited the province of Manitoba before returning to Toronto later on in the evening.

Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport welcomed its first passengers; Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh. When the Queen and Prince Philip deplaned at Bridge 7, they became the first official passengers to the airport, arriving in the new terminal, currently still under construction. 

Later on in the afternoon the Queen unveiled a statue of herself created by the late Leo Mol, Manitoba’s most famous artist and sculptor. Mol created the statue of The Queen for her visit to Manitoba in 1970. It stood in the courtyard of the Manitoba Centennial Centre, but was recently relocated to the garden of Government House.

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh planted a shrub in the Government House garden, renamed the Queen Elizabeth II Gardens. This shrub, the Amber Jubilee Ninebark, was specially created in honour of The Queen’s upcoming Diamond Jubilee.

Accompanied by various dignitaries, en route to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights - the first national museum created in over 40 years - The Queen and Prince Philip crossed the striking Esplanade Riel (pedestrial bridge) to arrive at The Forks, where The Queen dedicated the cornerstone for the new museum.

For this historic dedication, The Queen used a stone from Runnymede – the site of the 1215 signing of the Magna Carta. Once officially opened in 2012, this national museum will be a national centre of learning, where Canadians and people from around the world can engage in discussion and commit to taking action against hate and oppression.

Afterwards the couple attended the Manitoba Homecoming Canadian Concert for Human Rights at The Forks, where the Queen delivered a speech.

The concert featured performances by various Manitoban performers, including Aboriginal drummers, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, as well as Manitoba born singer Chantal Kreviazuk.

© Marilyn Braun 2010

Not a monarchist, just semi-fascinated at the moment

The Queen and Prince Philip are in Canada for their 22nd royal tour.

(Insert stifled yawn here)

Considering that I'm covering the visit for this blog (and will continue to do so), I just can't rouse myself to feel any true excitement for the tour.

Having an 84 year old woman and her 89 year old husband displaying impressive energy and stamina when it comes to shaking multiple hands and unveiling plaques, just doesn't do it for me. It's something I noticed when Charles and Camilla visited last November. It was the same lack of excitement. Where was the glamour? The youth factor? At minimum, couldn't someone have fallen off a horse?

While it may be nice to have the Queen amongst us if only to compare her likeness to our currency, I have to ask what the point of these visits are? But then again, I had to ask what the point of the recent G20 visits were, an event that could have easily been accomplished by video teleconference equipment (yes, we have the technology!), wasted a billion dollars and led to a small group of anarchists overshadowing peaceful demonstrators with legitimate issues. Unlike the G20 world leaders, who we barely saw, the Queen does not hide behind partitions and cement barriers. We are not strongly encouraged to stay away, leaving the downtown core a ghost town. We are encouraged to come to see a woman who is the last of her kind, to celebrate her visit and to see the Queen of Canada who, as the most well-travelled monarch in history, and has seen and met more of of her subjects than any of her predecessors. While she may not enthusiastically wade into the crowds like the younger generation of royals, shaking all hands proffered, she is here, in the flesh, and visible.

When I look back on her previous visits, the first one in 1951 as Princess Elizabeth, the photos show an excitement to be marvelled at for the wrong reasons. Not to be viewed as the natural consequence of a deferential age but as a questionable response to a young woman far removed from our reality. It was inevitable that those types of reactions would reduce for subsequent royal visits. In the 1970s, when she brought her children, it increased the excitement factor. The photos from Charles and Diana's various visits show the same type of excitement and enthusiasm that was briefly repeated on Andrew and Fergie's 1987 tour, but has not been seen since then. Other royals may come and go, but it's just not the same.

With Charles and Camilla's recent tour, I chalked the lack of enthusiasm up to having the opening act instead of the star of the show perform. I had honestly thought that the Camilla curiosity factor would have increased the interest in the tour; it didn't. The lackluster response for their tour seemed to be an omen for this visit. Except in this case we have the star of the show in attendance. If the people from the 1950s were capable of viewing photos from this tour, they would marvel at our cynicism and in some cases our lack of respect.

At the risk of sounding like a monarchist - which I'm not - I'm glad she's here. I may not appreciate her visits until she's gone and that's a shame. In the future, other royals may come and go, but it just won't be the same.

© Marilyn Braun 2010

The Royal Tour of Canada 2010 - Day One

The Queen and Prince Philip have arrived in Canada to begin their 22nd Canadian Royal Tour!

Arriving on a rainy day in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Queen carried a clear umbrella; a deliberate choice to allow people to view her despite the weather conditions. The couple are welcomed  by officials, including the Hon Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and the Queen's personal flag is raised to signify the presence of the Queen of Canada.

Their visit starts with an official welcome ceremony to Canada and Nova Scotia, in the Garrison grounds at the foot of the Halifax Citadel Hill, a national symbol of Halifax's role as a major naval station in the British empire and in Canada's development from colony to nation. In attendance at this welcome ceremony is Prime Minister Stephen Harper, The Governor General Michaëlle Jean, and other prominent Canadian's and dignitaries. After the Prime Minister's speech, the Queen addressed the crowd:

"My mother once said that this country feels like a home away from home for the Queen. I'm delighted to be back among you all. Canadians have by their own endeavours built a society that is widely admired across the world," she said. "I am very proud of this country. Thank you for your welcome. It is very good to be home."

The Queen and Prince Philip paid a visit to a Mi'kmaq festival, and unveiled a plaque, rededicating Government House, the restored residence of Nova Scotia's lieutenant-governor — the oldest official residence in Canada, which had undergone a three-year renovation. 

The Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, Her Honour the Honourable Mayann E. Francis, presented The Queen with the ceremonial Royal Key, made of gilt-sterling silver and engraved with The Queen’s Royal Cypher. This presentation of the key, to be returned at the end of the tour, begins a new tradition at Government House. The Royal Key will also be presented to future Lieutenant Governors and important visitors who stay at Government House.

© Marilyn Braun 2010

All images via PicApp

Male Royal Consorts

I rarely blog about non-British royals but in honor of the upcoming marriage of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden to Daniel Westling, I thought it would be appropriate to give a brief history of male royal consorts. Their destiny is to walk two paces behind, living in the shadow of their reigning wives. The future Prince Daniel is in good company.

Prince Albert, Prince Consort

Arguably the most famous Prince Consort in history, he his the only consort of a Queen Regnant to hold the title. He was a first cousin of Queen Victoria. They married in February 1840 and he was a devoted hisband until his death in 1861. Victoria mourned him for the rest of her life, imortalizing him in countless statues and landmarks.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Currently the longest serving royal consort in history. The husband of

Queen Elizabeth II, he was born in 1921 on a dining room table in Villa Mon Repos on the Greek island of Corfu. He was known as Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark until his engagement to Princess Elizabeth in 1947. He became a naturalized British subject in the same year, giving up his royal titles to become plain Ltn. Philip Mountbatten. Upon his marriage he became HRH Duke of Edinburgh and in 1957 he was given the title Prince of the United Kingdom. In 2007, The Queen and Prince Philip celebrated their Diamond wedding anniversary - the first for any British monarch in history.

Prince Claus of the Netherlands

The late consort of Queen Beatrix was a controversial choice for the Crown Princess. He was German and a former Hitler Youth Member. 60,000 Dutch signed a petition against the marriage and the Jewish community boycotted the celebration. They were married on March 10, 1966. On the day of the ceremony there were several attempts at sabotage, Dutch TV crews had an important cable cut. Protestors lined the route with smoke bombs. He gradually won over the Dutch public and was a popular member of the royal family when he died in 2002.

Prince Henrik of Denmark

The consort of Queen Margarethe II of Denmark. Henri Marie Jean André de

Laborde de Monpezat was born in 1934. He married the heir presumptive to the Danish throne, Crown Princess Margarethe, in 1967. Prior to his marriage he was a French diplomat. Raised as a Catholic he converted to Protestantism. At the time of his marriage his name was 'Danicised' to Prince Henrik.

© Marilyn Braun 2010

The Royal Report for Sunday December 6, 2009 - A look back at the Queen and Prince Philip's 62 years of marriage

On this episode, which royal will not be going into outer space? What does the Lord Chamberlains office think of William and Kate's wedding planner? Why do I have a bone to pick with Hello! Canada?

Listen to this episode to find out.

Publications mentioned

Hello! Canada Weekly No 153 7 December 2009

The Little Princesses: The Story of the Queen's Childhood by Marion Crawford

Resources

60 Diamond Wedding Anniversary Facts

Philip and Elizabeth: Portrait of a Royal Marriage by Gyles Brandreth

Five Gold Rings - A Royal Wedding Souvenir Album from Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II by Jane Roberts

There will be no episode next week but The Royal Report will return on Sunday December 20th, 2009 at 9:00PM EST.

Topic to be determined.

© Marilyn Braun 2009

The Royal Report for Sunday April 26th, 2009 - Royal Consorts

In honor of Prince Philip becoming the longest serving British consort in history, I took a look back at royal consorts of the past.

You can listen to the episode here

Publications mentioned

Tatler - April 2009 Volume 304 Number 4

Blog articles mentioned

Royal Dontopedalogy

Tune in to the next LIVE episode of The Royal Report on Sunday May 3rd, 2009 9:00PM EST.

The topic will be: Why are we so interested in Kate Middleton?

© Marilyn Braun 2009

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

Survivor Balmoral - Day 34

Trapped in their home for 39 days with no servants to wait on them, no private secretaries as go between, the royals must communicate directly with each other and make their own beds. Through a series of challenges, each contestant will prove that they are the real Royal Survivor.

On the last episode of Survivor Balmoral, Paul Burrell won the immunity idol for winning the bed making challenge. Prince Philip had a setback after he failed the child rearing challenge. And Prince Edward narrowly escaped being permanently trapped in the loo. On this episode, the very survival of tribe Saxe-Coburg-Gotha is at risk when Princess Anne faces the challenge of cutting a slice of bread.

The Princess carefully approaches the counter. Four knives lay before her - Table, Paring, Bread, and Swiss Army. Along with them a wooden spoon. She picks up one of the implements up eyes the loaf with trepidation.

Prince Edward: I'm hungry

Prince Andrew: Yes, me too

Princess Anne: (turns towards them with the wooden spoon in hand) Stop it or I'll call Mummy.

Both men are silent. One of their stomachs growl audibly. Paul Burrell sits on a chair in the kitchen, chuckling to himself.

Paul: Need some help?

Princess Anne: Go away

Paul: Well, just thought I'd let you know that you can't cut a loaf of bread with a spoon.

Prince Edward: I can't handle this any longer.

Prince Edward grabs the bread off the counter and starts to savagely tear at it with his teeth. Prince Andrew wrestles the bread from him.

Meanwhile, in another part of the castle. Prince Charles sits beside a mop and bucket. He is weeping.

Prince Charles: (to the camera) I didn't realize it would be this hard. I don't even know which end of the mop to use. (He looks at the mop closer). You know, if it weren't for this monstrous carbuncle of fabric, this might be good for walking in the hills.

Prince William calls from another room.

Prince William: Papa!

Prince Charles: What is it Wills?

William, in a heightened state of anxiety, points to a crumpled piece of paper on the floor. Both princes look at the floor with trepidation. Charles takes the stick and pokes at the paper. Inching it closer to the wastebasket.

William: No Papa, this is my challenge.

William bravely bends down on the floor and starts to blow the paper. It slowly moves. Soon he is out of breath. He sits up, tears of frustration roll down his cheeks. Charles hugs William.

Prince Charles: We'll get through this together.

Later on at tribal council, the members of the Saxe-Coburg-Gotha tribe arrive tired and exhausted. Prince Edwards stomach rumbles. Paul Burrell sits and smiles smugly.The tribe members glower at him.

The Queen: Do you why you're all here?

Paul Burrell: Yes, it's so disappointing your Majesty. But they've tried so hard, with my help of course. May I offer you a glass of Royal Butler wine?

Prince Philip: (looks at Paul) What is that I hear in the distance? the authorities? I think someones looking for you Paul!

Paul Burrell looks around nervously, gathers his wine, and runs for the hills.

Princess Anne: (exasperated) That's no good, he's the only one who knows how to cut bread. Now what are we going to eat?

The tribe members look at each other. Prince Edward sizes up Prince Andrew, pinching him. Stomachs growl audibly.

On the next episode of Survivor Balmoral the remaining members of tribe Saxe-Coburg-Gotha descend into turmoil over the simplest of tasks.

© Marilyn Braun 2008

Royal Review - Peter Phillips & Autumn Kelly Hello Wedding Issue

I've written several reviews for this blog but I don't believe I've ever written one about a magazine. Given the amount of interest in this issue, I've decided to do so.

I'll admit that when I saw the engagement interview that Autumn and Peter gave to Hello I was delighted with it. I couldn't get my hands on it fast enough. It was an interesting interview, no earth shattering revelations with lovely photos of the couple. But I found it curious that Peter would have done an interview given the privacy he has maintained so successfully for the last 30 years.

But I was further surprised when their wedding got the Hello treatment. Although it is referred to as a Royal Wedding, I find it rather difficult to call it that. Despite being the Queen's grandson, Peter is not royal in that he has no title nor does he carry out public duties. The only royal aspect of this wedding is the location and the guest list which included senior members of the royal family.

For a member of the royal family to sell their wedding to a magazine is somewhat unprecedented. There's nothing new about the royal family stage-managing photo-ops. But this type of interview is something you would see a celebrity couple do, not royalty. Can you imagine Charles and Camilla sharing their love on the cover of Hello? or the Queen and Prince Philip opening the doors to their fabulous Scottish retreat, as they reflect on the enduring love of their 60-year marriage? Royal PR in the 21st century.

Despite all the speculation and uproar surrounding the wedding issue, it's actually fairly tasteful. No one looks uncomfortable. As if anticipating the furor Hello points this out: "Royalty did not appear displeased", and "spontaneous applause from the guests - which did not appear to ruffle the Queen in the least". It's interesting to note that once the wedding photos have been taken that senior members of the royal family, save for Sophie, are not photographed at the reception. The focus on the younger generation, specifically Kate Middleton and Chelsy Davy. Photos show Kate laughing, Chelsy and Kate on the dance-floor, Sophie smiling and clapping enthusiastically, Chelsy and Harry sharing an intimate moment, and the bride laughing as she leaves the reception. This is obviously a joyous event; save for the historic location no different from the wedding reception of any young couple.

The photos during the ceremony are lovely, touching and in no way intrusive. With royal weddings reverting to private occasions, it is a privilege to be privy to this one. The special looks between the couple, the first kiss after being pronounced husband and wife, and the clear delight on Princess Anne's face, makes for a new style of royal wedding; intimate and real.

Does this herald a change for the next royal wedding? Hopefully we won't have to wait long to find out.

© Marilyn Braun 2008

The Royal & The Clueless - Episode 5

On the last episode of the Royal & The Clueless Kate had a visit from royal girlfriends past and present. We also learnt that William snores. On this episode, Kate goes to Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly's wedding, standing in for Prince William, who is having a perfectly innocent visit to his childhood sweetheart, Jecca Craig, in Kenya. Kate vows to herself to change her image and decides to have people call her Catherine instead.Currently, Kate mingles at the wedding reception. Kate approaches Peter and Autumn in the receiving line.

Kate: Congratulations on your day. You look lovely. And the mini-doughnuts are an inspired choice.

Autumn: Thank you Kitty

Kate: Actually it's Catherine

Autumn moves on to another guest. Peter greets Kate next.

Peter: Hello Kat, so lovely you could make it.

Kate: Thank you Peter. I'd love it if people would call me Catherine from now on.

Peter: No problem Katie.

Kate approaches Prince Philip. Although contrary to popular belief, not mandatory in any way, Kate curtsies.

Prince Philip: Hello Kit

Kate: Actually it's Catherine sir. I'm trying to revert back to my real name - Catherine - Kate is just a nickname...

Prince Philip walks away

Prince Philip: I don't need a bloody lesson you know.

Kate grows increasingly more frustrated. Chelsy Davy approaches Kate.

Chelsy: Hello Cassi

Kate: It's Catherine

Chelsy: What?

Kate: Call me Catherine! I want people to call me CATHERINE!

Chelsy: (looks around, embarassed) Calm down Trina

Kate screams: AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Will people ever call Kate by the name Catherine? Will we ever find out what the Queen really thinks of the Hello magazine photos? Tune in to the next episode of The Royal & The Clueless.

© Marilyn Braun 2008

Royal Profile - Prince Andrew of Greece

Many biographies paint Prince Philip's father as a serious, distant figure who spent his life in exile as a playboy. But according to his great-niece, Queen Alexandra of Yugoslavia, he was "a tall genial, smiling gentleman, a truly lovable figure." He "was a connoisseur of all the good things in life." According to his son, he was a cheerful man who enjoyed pranks and practical jokes.

Born in Athens on February 2, 1882, one of the first babies of Tatoi, he was the fourth son of King George I of the Hellenes and Queen Olga. He grew up in the Palace of Athens with his four brothers and two sisters. A family of many languages, his parents spoke German to each other, English to their children. The children spoke Greek to each other. Devoted to the country of his birth, Andrea, who would only speak Greek to his parents, insisted on sticking to Greek as his first language, speaking it more fluently than English. But like his son Prince Philip, he was not really Greek at all. Through his mother he was Russian and on his fathers side two parts Danish, one part Dutch and five parts German.

Tall, good-looking, quick witted and intelligent, Andrea was short-sighted and wore spectacles in early life, later adopting a monocle, which added an aura of distinction. Andrea was brought up to be a soldier and was passionate about his military career. At the age of fourteen he became a cadet at the Military School in Athens and in 1901 he was commissioned a subaltern in the calvary. In that year he met Princess Alice of Battenburg (daughter of Victoria, Marchioness of Milford Haven ). They became engaged the following year and were married (in one civil and two religious ceremonies) in Darmstadt on October 6th & 7th 1903.

After their wedding, the couple lived in Greece, first in the Palace of Athens and later at Mon Repos, the Greek royal residence on Corfu. They had four daughters: Margarita (1905-1981), Theodora (1906-1969), Cecile (1911-37), Sophie (1914-2001), and one son, Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in 1921.

In 1912-13 he took part in the Balkan Wars, during which his father was assasinated. His brother Constantine became king but he was forced to abdicate because of his neutral stance in the First World War. Prince Andrew and his family were banished with him and for three years they lived in exile in Switzerland. When Constantine was reinstated, they returned to Greece in 1920.

In 1922 he took command of the 2nd Army Corps in the war in Asia Minor. The Greeks were heavily defeated by the Turks and the King was once again deposed. Prince Andrew was allowed to remain in Greece, provided he stayed on Corfu, but he was summoned before the revolutionary court, charged with treason for his part in the disastrous Asia Minor campaign, imprisoned and sentenced to death. Princess Alice appealed to King George V for help. The British government intervened and negotiated Prince Andrew's release. He left Greece aboard the HMS Calypso, picking up Princess Alice and the children in Corfu.

The family settled in Saint-Cloud, on the outskirts of Paris. Prince Andrew wrote a book, Towards Disaster - his account of the campaign against the Turks. He returned to Greece briefly for the installation of his nephew as King George II in 1935, but the rest of his life would be spent in exile. The family drifted apart and eventually he moved to Monte Carlo where he settled with his lady friend the Countess Andrée de La Bigne.

He died of a heart attack in the Hotel Metropole in Monte Carlo, on December 3rd, 1944. According to his great-niece, "he got out of bed and donned his dressing-gown, slipped his monocle in his right eye, seated himself in his armchair and quietly died, meeting death itself like the great gentleman he always was." He was taken to rest in the Russian Orthodox Church in Nice. Two years later his body was returned to his own country and buried in the gardens of Tatoi, the royal residence to the north of Athens.

His gravestone reads:

Andrea Vasilopais (Son of a King)
Prince of Greece
Prince of Denmark
1882-1944

© Marilyn Braun 2008

Yes, the Royals do death rather well

Some reports about Prince Philip's recent stay at a hospital for a chest infection have included a biography of his life, sounding like a preliminary obituary, ready to replace the 'Prince Philip is' with 'Prince Philip was'. At the age of 86 and currently the oldest member of the royal family, media outlets are gearing up for the inevitable. Indeed, many have already prepared obituaries, not only for the royal family but for other public figures. Morbid efficiency at it's finest.

I don't wish ill on anyone. People don't like to discuss death. But when any member of the royal family dies it is a big event. The equivalent of hitting the jackpot. "The British do death rather well" is one quote I've heard over the years. Planned down to the last detail, even the royals themselves are masters of morbid efficiency. Nothing is left to chance. That is, until Diana died, and then everything was thrown into chaos.

Other than a U.S. President/ex-president, no one marks death on such a major scale like royalty. With the masses suffering from inescapable media coverage, they go outside, gather, lay floral bouquets, and sign condolence books which will be archived unread. Comparisons to Queen Victoria's widowhood will be made. Majesty magazine will have a special issue. The Republican movement will have their slingshots, BB guns and petition forms out. Horse drawn corteges rumble through the streets, and close-ups of royal grief will be analysed. Prince Philip's controversial sayings will be poured over; sadly defining a life lived in the spotlight for 60 years. It may not be what Prince Philip would have wanted, but will people settle for anything less than that for the longest serving royal consort?

Maybe this article is premature. But mark my words, it will happen.

© Marilyn Braun 2008

Operation Imminent Engagement

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to leave Prince William and Kate Middleton alone so that they can 'let nature take its course'. This mission is difficult. It will take a lot of patience. Should you fail, we will disavow your actions.

Location: A palace somewhere in London

The Queen, Prince Philip, and Prince Charles sit at a table and open their dossiers. They pull out 8x10 glossies of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Prince Charles: Mummy, I don't know why we have these photos. We know perfectly well how they look.

The Queen: Yes, but I'm wondering which one to use on the stamps

Prince Philip: Darling, shouldn't we wait until there's an engagement?

The Queen: You're quite right. Charles, I think it's time.

Prince Charles: It's time?

The Queen: Yes, we need Kate to resuscitate the monarchy. Undo some of the damage Prince Harry has made.

Prince Philip: (to Charles) You need to reign that boy in..he's getting out of hand.

Prince Charles: I'm not taking parenting advice from you..

The Queen: Oh Charles, must we really go into that again?

Prince Philip: At least none of you had a drinking problem.

The Queen: Enough! Charles, see what you can do with William and Kate. Hurry! We need to book the photographer, Westminster Abbey, the organist..And I have to choose my dress....

Meanwhile, on an exotic Island somewhere in Paradise.

Prince William and Kate Middleton have just returned from a relaxing walk on the beach. William has reserved the entire resort for their stay. He wants to make it a special occasion for Kate. Knowing how special he is to her, he wants things to be just right.

Prince William: You know Kate, we've been together a long time

Kate Middleton: Yes William...

Helicopters descend on the resort. The noise is unbearable and the couple try to talk over it.

Prince William: KATE, THERE'S SOMETHING I WANT TO ASK YOU

Kate Middleton: YES DARLING

Prince William: WE'VE BEEN TOGETHER FOR A WHILE AND I WAS WONDERING...

Kate Middleton: WHAT?

Prince William: I SAID THAT, WE'VE BEEN TOGETHER A LONG TIME AND...

Kate Middleton: I CAN'T HEAR YOU

Suddenly photographers appear at their window taking endless photos

Prince William: I WANTED THIS TO BE SPECIAL...

Kate Middleton: WHAT? (turns to the photographers) NICE CAMERA!

Prince William puts his head in his hands and sits down

Prince William: IS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE?

To be Continued...

© Marilyn Braun 2007

Why I buy royal books I can't finish and my excuses for doing so

It must be a form of insanity. Buying books I can't finish. I can't remember the last time I actually read a book (that wasn't a childrens book) from cover to cover. Maybe having two small children will do that. Reading used to be a pleasure, now it's a luxury. I have piles of books on a variety of subjects - podcasting, writing, baking, child care, and royal books. Now normally I have no problem with reading royal books, but over time I've noticed that it's taken me much longer to get through some of them. Here are a few on my list:

Diana - by Sarah Bradford

I have been trying to read this book for at least 3 months. I'm not sure whether the library misses it or not, but I keep renewing it and renewing it in the hopes that I will be able to read it. It never happens. I'm beginning to think I should buy my own copy; just so that it can continue to sit amongst my pile of books without anyone missing it. Right now it's due back on the 27th, so hopefully I'll be able to read it before then. But probably not. One of the reasons that I would like to read this book, is mainly to be able to compare it to the next book on my list.

The Diana Chronicles - by Tina Brown

Unlike most Diana biographies, which I usually borrow from the library or wait until they come out on paperback, I bought this book, in hardcover, within a week of its release. There's been a lot of hype with this book and I would love to review it but I just can't seem to get around to doing it. By the time I actually do read it, it will no longer be noteworthy enough to discuss.

Five Gold Rings - A Royal Wedding Souvenir Album by Jane Roberts. The Royal Collection

I truly looked forward to receiving this book. I love royal weddings and this book, heavy on pictures than on text, is right up my alley. I do believe that pictures can tell their own stories, so one would think it would be easy to read this book. No such luck. Hopefully I will have read this book before their 65th or 70th wedding anniversary. Fingers crossed!

Diana Style by Colin McDowell

A recent acquisition, also heavy on pictures than on text. It must have too many words, otherwise why would it take so long to read it? I enjoy reading about Diana's fashion, or should I say, looking at pictures of her fashions. But that doesn't make for a very interesting review, now does it? In my defence, I only received this book on Monday.

Coronation by Roy Strong

Beyond royal weddings, I can't say that I have much interest in other types of royal ceremonies. This book however piqued my interest. Covering the Coronation ceremony from the 8th to the 21st Century, it is not a book you read in a week. So that's my excuse for this one!

If you've read any of these books and would like to tell me about them, feel free to have your say. If you don't have any of these books but would like to read them for me, you can order them by clicking on the book image.

© Marilyn Braun 2007

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Like royal books? Visit Marilyn's Royal Bookstore!
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Operation Heads Will Roll

The recent Diana Memorial service was turned into a debacle when Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall bowed to public opinion and withdrew from attending the service. A furious Camilla took off for the Mediterranean, to plot her revenge. Beautifully tanned, Camilla has returned and is ready to strike. This mission, if you choose to accept it is indefinite and has no expiry date. Hang on to the tape just in case.

Location: A palace somewhere in London

The Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Camilla, sit at the table and open their dossiers. They pull out 8 x 10 glossies of the various courtiers, the famous grey men.

Camilla: (seething)My popularity has been set back five years because of the whole Diana memorial. These men make mistakes and then I end up paying for them. Well I've had enough.

Charles: What are you going to do darling?

Camilla: You tell me dear, or are you all out of good ideas?

The Queen: Pa and I tried to intervene, but it was too late.

Philip: (to Camilla) Never listen to Charles, he takes his advice from plants.

Charles: (to both his parents) You just don't understand me, you never have. Scientists have actually backed me up...

The Queen: (over-dramatically) Oh no one understands me...I'm so put upon....

Camilla: (indignant) Can we get back to me? I have an idea. I propose to take my revenge when they least expect it. When I'm Queen...

Philip: And when do you suppose that will be?

Camilla: When Charles ascends the throne

The Queen: I'm still in the room you know!

Camilla: Sorry Mama

Philip: When Charles comes to the throne, do you really think you'll be Queen? That people will accept that?

Camilla:(livid) Hasn't this been sorted out?

Charles: No, we're still working on Operation Queen Camilla. We sent William and Harry to infiltrate the offices of Majesty magazine..

The Queen: Where are those boys? It's been months, shouldn't they have rewritten Ingrid Seward's editorial by now?

Philip: Darling, they must choose their words carefully...

Camilla: Excuses, excuses..I want heads to roll..and when I'm Queen they will!

Philip: I guess the grey men will be waiting a long time then. They probably won't even remember what they've done..

Camilla: (furious) I don't care, I want revenge..I can't wait any longer..

Camilla picks one of the 8 x 10's from the pile

Camilla: I'll start with this one

To be continued

© Marilyn Braun 2007

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Like royal books? Visit Marilyn's Royal Bookstore!
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Royal Profile: Tim Graham

Tim Graham has been photographing the royal family over 30 years. He may not be as well known a photographer as Patrick Lichfield or Snowdon . And you may not recognize him but, chances are, if you follow the royal family, you've seen his work.

He started his career working as an assistant in a Fleet Street picture agency and slowly started taking over photographic assignments, including the royal family. However, his career as a royal photographer got off to a shaky start when he covered the Queen Mother's arrival at an engagement. He had shown up early to get a prime position. and 'as she stepped from her car and I went to take the picture, I found to my dismay that my flash did not fire. My not-very-well-stifled grown alerted the Queen Mother and she stopped to ask if I would like to take another shot. I was eighteen years old, just started in the job, and it is an incident I have never forgotten.' He worked for several years on Fleet Street, and after three years as a staff photographer with the Daily Mail, he left to become a freelancer in 1978.

A love of travelling sparked his interest in photographing the royal family. In 1968 he covered the first of many royal tours, when the Queen and Princess Anne visited Austria. Since then he has traveled with the royal family to over a hundred countries. His photographs have appeared in every major magazine, newspaper, on stamps, TV documentaries, posters, and he has won on several occasions, the Martini award for best royal photograph of the year. Such is his reputation that he has been invited to take official photographs. In 1982 he took the official 18th birthday photographs of Prince Edward, and in 1983 the Prince and Princess of Wales chose him to photograph them with Prince William ahead of their Australian tour. In 1987 he took the official photograph's of Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip for their 40th wedding anniversary.

More recently he was invited by the Queen, in her Golden Jubilee year, to photograph her and the other six reigning monarchs of Europe at Windsor Castle. This photograph was historic as it is only the second time in a hundred years that such a gathering has taken place. He considers this photograph to be the most difficult he has ever taken: ‘Dreading the prospect of having to direct Your Majesty and His Majesty and Her Majesty, I was relieved to find that, having had such photographs taken on countless occasions during their reigns, the monarchs needed very little directing.'

He is the author of several books, including: On the Royal Road - A decade of photographing the Royal Family, Diana - H.R.H The Princess of Wales, In Private, In Public: The Prince and Princess of Wales, Jubilee - A Celebration of 50 years of the Reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. His book Diana, Princess of Wales A Tribute and William to mark the Prince's 21st birthday have been on the best-seller lists.

He lives in London with his wife Eileen and his two children, Lucy and Tom.

© Marilyn Braun 2007

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Like royal books? Visit Marilyn's Royal Bookstore!
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