Out of all of the inescapable royal wedding coverage, Kate Middleton's royal wedding dress is the subject of endless speculation. Who will design it? What style will she wear? And on and on it goes..
Royal Wedding dresses are the subject of intense speculation and this rabid desire for information is nothing new. In the absence of any real news, media outlets try to desperately get the scoop on what this dress will look like with the chosen designers resorting to subterfuge to avoid leaks.
Case in point, the designers of Diana, Princess of Wales' wedding dress resorted to hiring a safe and a security guard to protect the dress while it was being made. They would try to throw the press off the scent by putting fabric swatches of different colors in their garbage. Samantha Shaw, who designed Sophie Rhys Jones' wedding dress, quietly disappeared to a secret address to complete the project, Norman Hartnell, who designed Princess Elizabeth's dress in 1947, white-washed the windows of his workroom.
Much has been made of why Kate has not announced the name of her designer. But looking at the experiences of previous royal wedding gown designers, it's difficult to blame Kate for wanting to avoid putting a designer through the ordeal. But Kate has many designers who would love the commission. Rumor has it that Kate has already chosen a designer or at least has a short list to choose from. One of them is reportedly Bruce Oldfield, a favorite of Diana, Princess of Wales. However with his multiple media appearances it's unlikely he's been commissioned to design Kate's dress.
But previous royal brides, such as Princess Anne, Diana, Fergie and Sophie have chosen relatively little-known designers. Maureen Baker was the chief designer for Susan Small, made Princess Anne's 1973 wedding dress. The Emmauel's had graduated from the Royal College of Design four years before Lady Diana Spencer approached them. Lesotho born Lindka Cierach's first commission was a wedding dress for a Bahrain princess, but she received global acclaim as Sarah Ferguson's designer. Low profile society designer Samantha Shaw made Sophie Rhys Jones' 1999 dress.
It would not be surprising if Kate followed the trend and chose a little known designer for her own dress. Unlike Bruce Oldfield, they may shun publicity to focus on the quality of the dress and maintain the discretion that Kate is entitled to on her wedding day.
Fingers crossed she gets it.
© Marilyn Braun 2011
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Showing posts with label Princess Anne. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Princess Anne. Show all posts
Win a copy of Someday My Prince Will Come by Jerramy Fine
Listen to the episode to find out how you can win a copy of her book.
The Royal Report for Sunday September 5th, 2010 - An Interview With Jerramy Fine
© Marilyn Braun 2010
The Royal Report for Sunday August 22, 2010 - The Princess Royal at 60
Princess Anne, The Princess Royal celebrated her 60th birthday on August 15th. The only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, she is considered to be the hardest working royal yet her causes get little attention. On this episode I look back at her life and highlight this misunderstood royal.
Listen to the episode here
Publications mentioned
Hello! Canada August 23, 2010 No 184
Star Magazine August 23, 2010 issue - Cover story William & Kate Royal Romance in Ruins
OK! Magazine weekly August 23, 2010 - Cover Story The William & Kate Wedding Tell-All!
From My Royal Collection
Riding Through My Life HRH The Princess Royal with Ivor Herbert
Resources used for this episode
The Official Website of the British Monarchy - The Princess Royal
The Princess Royal by John Parker
Princess Anne;: A royal girl of our time by Anne Matheson and Reginald Davis
Anne: The Working Princess by Paul James
Anne and Mark - Text by Judith Campbell, Photographs by Srdja Djukanovic
Tune in live to the next episode of The Royal Report on Sunday August 29, 2010 at 9:00PM EST (North America)
The topic will be: August 31, 2010 will mark the 13th anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. On this episode, a tribute to the late princess.
© Marilyn Braun 2010
Listen to the episode here
Publications mentioned
Hello! Canada August 23, 2010 No 184
Star Magazine August 23, 2010 issue - Cover story William & Kate Royal Romance in Ruins
OK! Magazine weekly August 23, 2010 - Cover Story The William & Kate Wedding Tell-All!
From My Royal Collection
Riding Through My Life HRH The Princess Royal with Ivor Herbert
Resources used for this episode
The Official Website of the British Monarchy - The Princess Royal
The Princess Royal by John Parker
Princess Anne;: A royal girl of our time by Anne Matheson and Reginald Davis
Anne: The Working Princess by Paul James
Anne and Mark - Text by Judith Campbell, Photographs by Srdja Djukanovic
Tune in live to the next episode of The Royal Report on Sunday August 29, 2010 at 9:00PM EST (North America)
The topic will be: August 31, 2010 will mark the 13th anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. On this episode, a tribute to the late princess.
© Marilyn Braun 2010
Are we becoming one with the royals?
Princess Anne waiting in line for a brew? Or taking the train? Whats next? The Queen will be using the stairs? Or Prince Charles will be squeezing his own toothpaste?
These actions alone prove that we are becoming one with the royals. At the end of the day we all need refreshments and to get from point A to point B. What we imbibe and how we travel to our destination isn't as important as when the royals do it. These mundane actions take on a special, magical, outerworldly glow. As if the mode of transport runs more efficiently, or the beer tastes better, or the stairs are less steep once the royals proceed forward.
Who knew that Princess Anne could get thirsty? Or that the Queen can still walk up stairs? We Canadian's aren't normally as solicitous with our own aged family members so consider Nova Scotia's concern for Her Majesty as a compliment. Yes, the Queen can walk up stairs, or downstairs, or sit or stand, or do any of the other myriad things mortals do. Did you know she even sneezes? (Spoiler alert! As do many of her family members).
We drink therefore we must be like the royals. We take the same form of transport therefore we must be like them too. At this rate,they will not have come down to us, we will have caught up to them. Ultimately, they envy and want to be like us! Otherwise, why would they make all of these person of the people moves?
Why, every day, every action you take. Right now. You, are acting like a royal. Reading? They do it too. Snacking? They get hungry as well. Watching TV? Where do you think they learn to be like us? You'd almost think we were one and the same except for the titles part.
It's a burden living an extraordinary life in ordinary circumstances. No matter how many books they may read or movies they watch, the royals can never truly appreciate our experience. Day in and day out the waking, showering, eating, working, playing and sleeping. They will never understand because we make it look effortless.
But when they try to act like us it's not a big deal.
Really, it isn't.
© Marilyn Braun 2010
These actions alone prove that we are becoming one with the royals. At the end of the day we all need refreshments and to get from point A to point B. What we imbibe and how we travel to our destination isn't as important as when the royals do it. These mundane actions take on a special, magical, outerworldly glow. As if the mode of transport runs more efficiently, or the beer tastes better, or the stairs are less steep once the royals proceed forward.
Who knew that Princess Anne could get thirsty? Or that the Queen can still walk up stairs? We Canadian's aren't normally as solicitous with our own aged family members so consider Nova Scotia's concern for Her Majesty as a compliment. Yes, the Queen can walk up stairs, or downstairs, or sit or stand, or do any of the other myriad things mortals do. Did you know she even sneezes? (Spoiler alert! As do many of her family members).
We drink therefore we must be like the royals. We take the same form of transport therefore we must be like them too. At this rate,they will not have come down to us, we will have caught up to them. Ultimately, they envy and want to be like us! Otherwise, why would they make all of these person of the people moves?
Why, every day, every action you take. Right now. You, are acting like a royal. Reading? They do it too. Snacking? They get hungry as well. Watching TV? Where do you think they learn to be like us? You'd almost think we were one and the same except for the titles part.
It's a burden living an extraordinary life in ordinary circumstances. No matter how many books they may read or movies they watch, the royals can never truly appreciate our experience. Day in and day out the waking, showering, eating, working, playing and sleeping. They will never understand because we make it look effortless.
But when they try to act like us it's not a big deal.
Really, it isn't.
© Marilyn Braun 2010
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!
Which will result in
Royal Watchers Are
And Predicting
© Marilyn Braun 2008
Enjoy!
Which will result in
Royal Watchers Are
And Predicting
© Marilyn Braun 2008
Princess Anne gets her due
She is an expert horsewoman and competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
She one of the hardest working members of the royal family.
But yet these accomplishments pale in comparison to one dress worn twice in 27 years. Princess Anne might have now wished that she'd kept it in the closet. Fashion has now threatened to overtake all of her hard work. All the years spent trying to work hard for crown and country. Becoming known as a clotheshorse, albeit an economical one, as opposed to being recognized for her hard work. She must be shaking her head.
Despite earning plaudits for wearing the same outfit, and fitting in to it, people still criticized her lack of imagination with accessorizing. Anne has never been known for her fashion sense. She never had the glamour of her mother circa 1950's, wasn't in the same league as Diana. And probably couldn't care less; which shows.
"Poor Princess Anne..she's eighteen and nobody thinks she's a pretty girl.." as one woman's fashion magazine commented at the time. Princess Anne would never fit the fairy-tale princess mould, regardless of the lack of options the royal family had at the time. It took Diana to fill that void. Princess Anne must have breathed a sigh of relief. There is then a sense of irony that fashion plate Diana would eventually want the focus taken off her own clothes in favor of serious causes. But that would be a decade later. In that time Anne had been working, behind the scenes, on her own causes for over 20 years, namely Save the Children. Had she looked like Diana we might have even heard about it.
It's nothing new for royal women to recycle outfits. Camilla was recently seen in the same outfit she wore on 60th and 61st birthdays. Look at the Queen's fashions over the last 30 years and you'd find some old favorites trotted out time and again. She may not have been the most fashionable person, but her clothes have never detracted from who she is or the work she does. Her regal personage transcends fashion. She has even inspired designers the Autumn/Winter Dolce & Gabbana Collection. And in 2007 she named one of the world's most glamorous women by British Vogue Magazine. All while never catering to the fickle fashionistas. Something Princess Anne can only dream about.
The Princess now treads a fine line between being a fashion icon and being a hard working royal. She can be one or the other, but it seems not both. Will she risk it again?
Royal watchers and fickle fashionistas await her choice.
© Marilyn Braun 2008
Related Articles
In Royal Fashion
Royal Profile: The Princess Royal
She one of the hardest working members of the royal family.
But yet these accomplishments pale in comparison to one dress worn twice in 27 years. Princess Anne might have now wished that she'd kept it in the closet. Fashion has now threatened to overtake all of her hard work. All the years spent trying to work hard for crown and country. Becoming known as a clotheshorse, albeit an economical one, as opposed to being recognized for her hard work. She must be shaking her head.
Despite earning plaudits for wearing the same outfit, and fitting in to it, people still criticized her lack of imagination with accessorizing. Anne has never been known for her fashion sense. She never had the glamour of her mother circa 1950's, wasn't in the same league as Diana. And probably couldn't care less; which shows.
"Poor Princess Anne..she's eighteen and nobody thinks she's a pretty girl.." as one woman's fashion magazine commented at the time. Princess Anne would never fit the fairy-tale princess mould, regardless of the lack of options the royal family had at the time. It took Diana to fill that void. Princess Anne must have breathed a sigh of relief. There is then a sense of irony that fashion plate Diana would eventually want the focus taken off her own clothes in favor of serious causes. But that would be a decade later. In that time Anne had been working, behind the scenes, on her own causes for over 20 years, namely Save the Children. Had she looked like Diana we might have even heard about it.
It's nothing new for royal women to recycle outfits. Camilla was recently seen in the same outfit she wore on 60th and 61st birthdays. Look at the Queen's fashions over the last 30 years and you'd find some old favorites trotted out time and again. She may not have been the most fashionable person, but her clothes have never detracted from who she is or the work she does. Her regal personage transcends fashion. She has even inspired designers the Autumn/Winter Dolce & Gabbana Collection. And in 2007 she named one of the world's most glamorous women by British Vogue Magazine. All while never catering to the fickle fashionistas. Something Princess Anne can only dream about.
The Princess now treads a fine line between being a fashion icon and being a hard working royal. She can be one or the other, but it seems not both. Will she risk it again?
Royal watchers and fickle fashionistas await her choice.
© Marilyn Braun 2008
Related Articles
In Royal Fashion
Royal Profile: The Princess Royal
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
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
Survivor Balmoral - Day 33
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.
This week, tribe Windsor merges with tribe Hanover. Joining the Windsor's are Paul Burrell and Prince Harry's girlfriend, Chelsy Davy. The tribe descends into turmoil when Paul Burrell tries to ingratiate himself with Chelsy. The remaining members of tribe Windsor are: Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince Andrew, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and Prince Philip. Now that the tribes have merged, a new tribe called Saxe-Coburg-Gotha is formed.
Chelsy is busy sunning herself. Paul Burrell approaches her.
Paul: (to Chelsy) Did you know I used to work for the royal family? I was Diana's rock..the keeper of her...
Chelsy: Are you lying to me?
Paul: Well, I have been known to be naughty. Can I offer you some of my Royal Butler wine? How about a signed copy of one of my books?...
Chelsy: Go away, you're blocking my sun.
Princess Anne faces a new challenge: Opening the door. Princess Anne goes up to the door, looking at it curiously. She takes a few deep breaths, pensive. She is nervous and gives herself a pep talk before her attempt.
Princess Anne: Just turn the handle and open the door. Turn the handle, open the door...
Unbeknownst to her, on the other side of the door, Prince Andrew is also facing the challenge of opening the same door.
Prince Andrew (wipes the sweat from his brow): Just turn the handle and open the door. Turn the handle, open the door....
Princess Anne and Prince Andrew (frustrated, in unison): Oh bother!
In another part of the castle, Prince Charles has located the kitchen and is preparing to boil an egg. He holds the chicken aloft over the boiling water.*
Prince Philip: Don't you know that you must wait for the chicken to lay the egg?
Prince Charles (to the chicken): I command you to give me fresh eggs.
Prince Philip: (Takes the chicken from Charles) Here, let me do it!
Philip shakes the chicken up and down. Charles tries to grab the chicken back, but it flutters away and runs for its life.
Meanwhile, Prince Edward is still in the loo trying to draw his own bath. The Queen is outside to door, waiting.
The Queen: Edward, open the door, I have to go to the loo
Prince Edward goes towards the door to open it. He looks confused at the handle. He starts to take some deep breaths.
Prince Edward: Just turn the handle and open the door...turn the handle and open the door...
The door does not open
Prince Edward: Mummy I'm stuck!!!
Later on, at Tribal Council, the Queen gathers tribe Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. Prince Philip has failed the child rearing challenge. Paul Burrell has the immunity idol after winning the bed-making challenge.
The Queen: Where's Edward?
Prince Edward: (runs towards the group, panting and sweaty) Here I am, Mummy!
Prince Philip: (to Edward) You're completely out of shape, didn't the army teach you anything?...oh wait, never mind..
The Queen: Tonight someone must go home. It seems there's some dead weight in the tribe....
Chelsy: (sulky) This is so boring!
Chelsy gets up and grabs her sunscreen.
Chelsy: I'm off to Boujis!
On the next episode of Survivor Balmoral, Prince Charles attempts to mop the floor while Prince William cleans up after himself.
This week, tribe Windsor merges with tribe Hanover. Joining the Windsor's are Paul Burrell and Prince Harry's girlfriend, Chelsy Davy. The tribe descends into turmoil when Paul Burrell tries to ingratiate himself with Chelsy. The remaining members of tribe Windsor are: Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince Andrew, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and Prince Philip. Now that the tribes have merged, a new tribe called Saxe-Coburg-Gotha is formed.
Chelsy is busy sunning herself. Paul Burrell approaches her.
Paul: (to Chelsy) Did you know I used to work for the royal family? I was Diana's rock..the keeper of her...
Chelsy: Are you lying to me?
Paul: Well, I have been known to be naughty. Can I offer you some of my Royal Butler wine? How about a signed copy of one of my books?...
Chelsy: Go away, you're blocking my sun.
Princess Anne faces a new challenge: Opening the door. Princess Anne goes up to the door, looking at it curiously. She takes a few deep breaths, pensive. She is nervous and gives herself a pep talk before her attempt.
Princess Anne: Just turn the handle and open the door. Turn the handle, open the door...
Unbeknownst to her, on the other side of the door, Prince Andrew is also facing the challenge of opening the same door.
Prince Andrew (wipes the sweat from his brow): Just turn the handle and open the door. Turn the handle, open the door....
Princess Anne and Prince Andrew (frustrated, in unison): Oh bother!
In another part of the castle, Prince Charles has located the kitchen and is preparing to boil an egg. He holds the chicken aloft over the boiling water.*
Prince Philip: Don't you know that you must wait for the chicken to lay the egg?
Prince Charles (to the chicken): I command you to give me fresh eggs.
Prince Philip: (Takes the chicken from Charles) Here, let me do it!
Philip shakes the chicken up and down. Charles tries to grab the chicken back, but it flutters away and runs for its life.
Meanwhile, Prince Edward is still in the loo trying to draw his own bath. The Queen is outside to door, waiting.
The Queen: Edward, open the door, I have to go to the loo
Prince Edward goes towards the door to open it. He looks confused at the handle. He starts to take some deep breaths.
Prince Edward: Just turn the handle and open the door...turn the handle and open the door...
The door does not open
Prince Edward: Mummy I'm stuck!!!
Later on, at Tribal Council, the Queen gathers tribe Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. Prince Philip has failed the child rearing challenge. Paul Burrell has the immunity idol after winning the bed-making challenge.
The Queen: Where's Edward?
Prince Edward: (runs towards the group, panting and sweaty) Here I am, Mummy!
Prince Philip: (to Edward) You're completely out of shape, didn't the army teach you anything?...oh wait, never mind..
The Queen: Tonight someone must go home. It seems there's some dead weight in the tribe....
Chelsy: (sulky) This is so boring!
Chelsy gets up and grabs her sunscreen.
Chelsy: I'm off to Boujis!
On the next episode of Survivor Balmoral, Prince Charles attempts to mop the floor while Prince William cleans up after himself.
© Marilyn Braun 2008
*Note: No chickens were harmed while writing this article.
Survivor Balmoral - Day 31
Trapped in their home for 39 days with no servants to wait on them, no private secretaries as go betweens, 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, Kate Middleton left the competition after being humiliated by Prince William once too often. Prince William seems to be coping well despite this set back. Princess Anne currently has the immunity idol after winning the letter mailing challenge. This week, Charles faces his toughest challenge yet: mowing the lawn.
Prince Charles looks for the gardening shed. Confused, he walks over to the Myrtle bush.
"Excuse me, do you know where the lawn mower is?". Receiving no answer, he goes over to the rose bush. "I'm in a bit of a hurry, can you help me find the gardening shed?"
Prince Harry comes by on the riding lawnmover. "Do you think I can play polo on this?"
Meanwhile, Prince Edward is inside Balmoral, trying to run his own bath. Princess Anne has come to his assistance.
Prince Edward: What does this H and C mean? How do you turn it on?
Princess Anne: This is so difficult, we really should pay our staff more.
Prince Edward: Shhhh..don't let them hear that! (looks at the camera) you will edit that out, won't you?
In another part of the castle, Prince Philip finds himself in trouble with The Queen after having forgotten her birthday.
Prince Philip: Lilibet, my memory is not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my memory is not what it used to be.
The Queen: Let's see whether I give you 'Prince Consort' for our anniversary in November!
The Queen walks off in a huff.
Prince Philip (to the camera): What is it with all of this sentimental nonsense. After 60 years, what does she expect?....wait a moment, no Prince Consort???...Lilibet...Lilibet...
Later in the day the Windsor tribe learn that they are safe from Tribal Council after Princess Michael of Kent, in the Hanover tribe, loses to Prince Charles in the jam making competition. Despite this victory, the Windsor's lose a member when Prince Harry is called to duty in Iraq. Prince William is incandescent with rage.
Prince William: It should have been me that went! Harry isn't going to be head of the armed services!
Prince Andrew: Would you really want him to be? Especially after the Nazi costume?
Prince William: But it should have been mmmmmeeeeeeee
Prince Andrew: Look at it as a compliment. We spares are expendible.
Prince William is still disappointed but visibly brightens. "Poor Chelsy, she must miss Harry. How terribly lonely she must be. Do you think she might need some comforting?"
On the next episode of Survivor Balmoral: Charles boils an egg and Anne opens her own door.
© Marilyn Braun 2007
On the last episode, Kate Middleton left the competition after being humiliated by Prince William once too often. Prince William seems to be coping well despite this set back. Princess Anne currently has the immunity idol after winning the letter mailing challenge. This week, Charles faces his toughest challenge yet: mowing the lawn.
Prince Charles looks for the gardening shed. Confused, he walks over to the Myrtle bush.
"Excuse me, do you know where the lawn mower is?". Receiving no answer, he goes over to the rose bush. "I'm in a bit of a hurry, can you help me find the gardening shed?"
Prince Harry comes by on the riding lawnmover. "Do you think I can play polo on this?"
Meanwhile, Prince Edward is inside Balmoral, trying to run his own bath. Princess Anne has come to his assistance.
Prince Edward: What does this H and C mean? How do you turn it on?
Princess Anne: This is so difficult, we really should pay our staff more.
Prince Edward: Shhhh..don't let them hear that! (looks at the camera) you will edit that out, won't you?
In another part of the castle, Prince Philip finds himself in trouble with The Queen after having forgotten her birthday.
Prince Philip: Lilibet, my memory is not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my memory is not what it used to be.
The Queen: Let's see whether I give you 'Prince Consort' for our anniversary in November!
The Queen walks off in a huff.
Prince Philip (to the camera): What is it with all of this sentimental nonsense. After 60 years, what does she expect?....wait a moment, no Prince Consort???...Lilibet...Lilibet...
Later in the day the Windsor tribe learn that they are safe from Tribal Council after Princess Michael of Kent, in the Hanover tribe, loses to Prince Charles in the jam making competition. Despite this victory, the Windsor's lose a member when Prince Harry is called to duty in Iraq. Prince William is incandescent with rage.
Prince William: It should have been me that went! Harry isn't going to be head of the armed services!
Prince Andrew: Would you really want him to be? Especially after the Nazi costume?
Prince William: But it should have been mmmmmeeeeeeee
Prince Andrew: Look at it as a compliment. We spares are expendible.
Prince William is still disappointed but visibly brightens. "Poor Chelsy, she must miss Harry. How terribly lonely she must be. Do you think she might need some comforting?"
On the next episode of Survivor Balmoral: Charles boils an egg and Anne opens her own door.
© Marilyn Braun 2007
Survivor Balmoral
Trapped in their home for 39 days with no servants to wait on them, no private secretaries as go betweens, 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.
Day 30
Harry: "Look William, there's a cheap blonde at the bar!"
William is distracted and lets Harry go. Harry lunges at Edward. Kate phones her lawyers.
The Queen: "Kate, I'm under the impression that you're not suitable royal bride material..some say you're middle class".
Everyone gasps
Kate: "William doesn't mind...do you William?...William?"
Philip: (Looks over at the bar) "Does he have his hand on her...."
Kate: "That's it!...I can't take this anymore!"
Kate runs off into the night. The remaining contestants look at each other, confused.
The Queen: "I guess the commoner has spoken!"
On next week's episode:
Charles tries to mow the lawn. And Edward draws his own bath.
© Marilyn Braun 2007
Day 30
On last week's episode we saw tribe Hanover prevail in the immunity challenge. Currently there is dissention in tribe Windsor, alliances have been formed and broken. Andrew currently has the Immunity Idol after winning the smiling and waving challenge, which Edward failed.
Edward: "Mummy, my arms are tired".
The Queen is not amused, she rolls her eyes.
The Queen: "I've been doing this for 80 years. Suck it up".
Next challenge: Charles attempts to iron his shirts and squeeze his own toothpaste. Without success.
Charles: "I dare say, this is harder than it looks. Where do you plug the toothpaste in?"
Philip: (already brushing his teeth) "You don't know what hardship is really like do you?"
Exasperated, Charles looks for paper and pen to write a memo to his father.
Charles: "This really isn't fair. How are we supposed to communicate with each other anyways?"
Meanwhile, William and Kate Middleton are having a disagreement....
Kate: "Where's the toilet?"
William: "No, it's called a 'lavatory'. Let's spell that together..L..A..V..."
Kate: "Pardon?"
William: "What?"
Later that day, at Tribal Council, the Queen waits for the remaining members of Tribe Windsor. Philip, Charles, Anne, Andrew, Edward, William, Harry and Kate Middleton, meet at Balmoral to vote off the next contestant.
Kate: (to the Queen) "Pleased to meet you."
Everyone glares at her.
Queen: You have come here today because, once again, your tribe lost the immunity challenge against Hanover, why do you think this happened?
Andrew: "I blame Harry, claiming to be sick anytime there's work to be done"
Edward: "Someone should be tested for drugs...."
Charles: "At least he's doing his time in the military".
Edward: "Mummy, are you going to let him say that to me?"
Harry: "Look William, there's a cheap blonde at the bar!"
William is distracted and lets Harry go. Harry lunges at Edward. Kate phones her lawyers.
The Queen: "Kate, I'm under the impression that you're not suitable royal bride material..some say you're middle class".
Everyone gasps
Kate: "William doesn't mind...do you William?...William?"
Philip: (Looks over at the bar) "Does he have his hand on her...."
Kate: "That's it!...I can't take this anymore!"
Kate runs off into the night. The remaining contestants look at each other, confused.
The Queen: "I guess the commoner has spoken!"
On next week's episode:
Charles tries to mow the lawn. And Edward draws his own bath.
© Marilyn Braun 2007
Royal Profile: Cecil Beaton
When Cecil Beaton visited a clairvoyant in 1926, she told him that he would have a lot to do with royalty. At the time he could not have realized just how prophetic that statement would be.Cecil Walter Hardy Beaton was born in London on January 14, 1904, the grandson of a blacksmith, and the eldest son of a prosperous timber merchant. He had three siblings: Reginald (Reggie) born 1905, Nancy (born 1909) and Barbara (Baba) born 1912. When he was 11, his grandmother bought him his first camera, which he taught himself the basics of photography, using his mother and sisters as his first models. When he became more proficient he sent his photographs off to London society magazines, writing under a pen name but recommending the work of 'Beaton'.
Raised in Hampstead, he attended Heath Mount School, London where he felt like an outsider much of the time. It wasn't until he attended Harrow School that he hit his stride and involved himself in the theatre, designing sets, sewing costumes and performing. Although not academically inclined, to please his parents he attended St. Thomas' College, Cambridge, studying history, art and architecture. He continued to work on his photography in his homemade studio, sending photographs to the major fashion magazines. Through his university contacts he was commissioned to photograph the Duchess of Amalfi. The photograph, bought and printed by Vogue, gave him his first ever published work.
In 1925 he left Cambridge without a degree and his father gave him a job in his office as a clerk. He lasted eight days. Bringing along his camera, he spent his time attending society parties, taking photographs of the elite and London glitterati. These photographs formed his first exhibition in 1927. Shortly afterwards he set up his own studio, establishing himself as London's definative society photographer. As his success grew he set his sights on the glamour of Hollywood, eventually photographing Marlene Dietrich, Tallulah Bankhead, Marlon Brando, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Greta Garbo, amongst others.
During the Second World War he worked for the British government and military as official photographer and his images of the devastation were later published in the book Winged Squadrons (1942). In addition to his flourishing photographic career, he wrote several books, worked as an illustrator and set designer for various theatrical productions; winning four Tony awards. For his work in film, he won two Academy Awards for costume design for Gigi in 1958 and My Fair Lady in 1964. His black and white costumes for My Fair Lady were inspired by the 1910 Black Ascot following the death of King Edward VII.
He would photograph the royal family for fifty years, starting in 1930 with Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria. In his royal photographs he was greatly inspired by painters Franz Xaver Winterhalter and Thomas Gainsborough and used blow-ups of their paintings as backdrops for some of his most successful and romantic portraits of Queen Elizabeth and the young Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret. These portraits did much to restore the image of the monarchy after the Abdication in 1936, particularly transforming the image of Elizabeth, Duchess of York from minor royal into regal personage when she became Queen. Some of his most notable photographs included the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor in 1937, the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, as well as the first official photos of the infants Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. Beaton was also influenced by photographers Marcus Adams and Bertram Park and in the 1950's and 1960's his photographs took on a more informal style, inspired by Irving Penn and Richard Avedon.
In 1957 he was became a Commander, Order of the British Empire, in 1960 he was made a Chevalier, Legion of Honor, and he was knighted in 1972. He suffered a stroke in 1974, and although one side of his body would be permanently paralyzed, he taught himself to write and draw with his left hand and had his cameras adapted. However his health would remain damaged and he died in Broadchalke, Wiltshire, 18 January 1980.
© Marilyn Braun 2006
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