Royals Archives - Suggest https://www.suggest.com/c/culture/royals/ We celebrate the self-awareness, empathy, and wisdom of women in midlife. Tue, 07 Feb 2023 17:30:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.2 https://upload.suggest.com/sg/uploads/2023/02/cropped-Suggest-Favicon-512x512-2-32x32.png Royals Archives - Suggest https://www.suggest.com/c/culture/royals/ 32 32 Kate Middleton Posts Amazing Throwback Of Her As A Baby In A Sweet Photo With Her Dad To Promote Latest Campaign https://www.suggest.com/kate-middleton-posts-amazing-throwback-sweet-photo-dad-promote-latest-campaign/2723187/ Wed, 08 Feb 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2723187 Closeup image of Kate Middleton smiling in beige sweater against teal backdrop

Kate Middleton recently launched her latest campaign, ShapingUs, to promote early childhood development. In honor of the new program, the Princess of Wales shared a rare childhood photo of herself and her father. 

The picture shows an infant Middleton reaching out to touch her father Michael’s face. “‘Faces are a baby’s best toy,’” she wrote in her caption before explaining the ShapingUs campaign to her followers. 

ShapingUs was created to “raise awareness of the vital role our early years play in shaping the rest of our lives,” the princess shared. She then encouraged her followers to “spend time with your friends, families, colleagues and communities talking about your early childhoods and how they’ve shaped your lives.”

“I hope you’ll also consider joining me in sharing a picture of yourselves before your fifth birthday to help with those conversations and to share some smiles and memories too,” she concluded. 

The new campaign is part of Middleton’s ongoing work in the world of early childhood development. In a statement provided by Buckingham Palace, Middleton explained why this has become her passion project. 

“The way we develop, through our experiences, relationships, and surroundings during our early childhood, fundamentally shapes our whole lives,” she said.

“It affects everything from our ability to form relationships and thrive at work, to our mental and physical well-being as adults and the way we parent our own children.” 

Middleton called on others to help “build a supportive, nurturing world around the youngest members of our society and those caring for them” in an effort to create a better world for future generations. 

“All of society has a role to play in this, even if you are not directly involved in a child’s life, because we are all responsible for building a more compassionate world in which our children can grow, learn and live,” the Duchess of Cambridge continued.

“In these difficult times, it is more important than ever to help support parents and caregivers provide loving, safe, and secure homes for their babies and young children to thrive.”

Middleton is extremely passionate about her work in the world of childhood development and is hard at work to provide support for caregivers and parents. Her latest campaign is just one more way that she’s working to raise awareness about this important stage in a child’s life.

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Why Archie Probably Won’t Attend King Charles’ Coronation (It’s Not Because Of His Birthday) https://www.suggest.com/king-charles-archie-probably-will-not-attend-coronation-not-because-birthday/2722720/ Tue, 07 Feb 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2722720 King Charles looks off-camera in black suit and blue polka-dotted tie

King Charles III’s coronation is quickly approaching and, while most of the ceremony’s details have been kept under wraps, a few things have slipped through the cracks.

One major thing we don’t know yet is the guest list. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will most likely be invited, but it’s assumed they’ll leave their children, Archie and Lilibet, at home. 

It’s already been announced that King Charles’ coronation will be just an hour long; for comparison, his mother’s was over three. However, even with a shorter time limit, the coronation ceremony will still be too much for a young child. 

Archie will be just four years old on the day of the event. Many royal family members choose to have their young children stay at home so as not to cause a scene at public events.

Prince William and Kate Middleton’s youngest son, Prince Louis, was memorably very bored at various Jubilee events this summer and even skipped some of the longer ceremonies. 

King Charles attended his mother’s coronation when he was four years old but, as the heir apparent to the throne, it made sense that he should be there. Archie is sixth in line and will probably never become a working royal. 

Lilibet will be almost two years old—the same age Princess Anne was when Queen Elizabeth was crowned. Anne did not attend the coronation or any of the surrounding events, so it would make sense for Lilibet to be kept home. 

Putting aside the young ages of Archie and Lilibet, it also seems unlikely Harry and Markle would want them at the ceremony. The couple is very vocal about their desire to keep their children out of the public eye and away from photographers.

For example, when the family traveled to the UK for the Platinum Jubilee, neither child attended any public events with the rest of the royal family. 

Lastly, the day of the coronation, May 6, also happens to be Archie’s fourth birthday. It doesn’t seem likely his parents would make him sit through a long day of official ceremonies and parties on his birthday. 

The Sussexes have yet to confirm whether or not they will be attending the coronation if they are invited, but it’s pretty safe to assume that their young children will be staying home that day.

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Disgraced Prince Andrew Reportedly Booted From Plush Buckingham Palace Apartment https://www.suggest.com/prince-andrew-reportedly-booted-from-plush-buckingham-palace-apartment/2721648/ Mon, 06 Feb 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2721648 Prince Andrew looking ahead in gray suit and tie

Prince Andrew is being stripped of yet another royal privilege. King Charles III has evicted his brother from Buckingham Palace as part of his ongoing punishment for the sexual assault scandals that recently rocked the royals. 

Like many senior royals, Andrew has long maintained an apartment at Buckingham Palace, where he stays while he’s in London. The prince also has a home at Windsor Castle; the Royal Lodge, where he lives with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson. 

The Sun recently reported that Andrew will have to say goodbye to his London digs due to Charles’ ongoing renovations of the palace. His possessions have already been removed, with no plans to put them back after the renovations are finished. 

“The King has made it clear that Buckingham Palace is no place for Prince Andrew,” a source told the outlet about Andrew’s ousting from the palace. “First his office closed last year and now his sleeping quarters. 

The source continued, “Andrew loved having a suite at Buckingham Palace where he was not only set up for marital life with Sarah Ferguson but used it as a bachelor’s pad after his divorce. He brought back a string of new girlfriends to his home in the Palace—even model Caprice.”

Andrew might have gotten kicked out of Buckingham Palace, but that doesn’t mean he will no longer have a royal residence to stay in when he visits London. The prince can join other royal family members at locations like Kensington Palace and or St. James Palace. 

However, the prince might not be too excited about his move to a different royal residence. “A bachelor’s flat in St James’s Palace doesn’t have the same allure for a single man,” The Sun’s source shared. 

Not only has Andrew been removed from Buckingham Palace and his former offices, but he has also been stripped of all his royal duties amid the allegations of sexual assault leveled at him by Virginia Guiffre. 

Andrew was friends with notorious sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Guiffre, one of Epstein’s victims, claimed she had been forced to have sex with him while underage. A lawsuit was brought against the prince, which was settled out of court for an undisclosed sum. 

He also had to sell his Swiss ski chalet to settle a lawsuit brought against him and Ferguson alleging that the couple owed the house’s owner $9 million. Andrew reportedly sold the chalet for $23.7 million, which undoubtedly helped him pay Guiffre’s settlement. 

Andrew’s removal from Buckingham Palace is just the latest royal privilege that he has lost as a result of the ongoing scandal. Many are not surprised that King Charles hopes to distance himself and the throne from Andrew amid his scandals.

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Prince Harry And Meghan Markle’s Charity Raised An Impressive Amount Of Money In 2022 https://www.suggest.com/prince-harry-meghan-markle-charity-raised-impressive-amount-money-2022/2721954/ Sun, 05 Feb 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2721954 Meghan Markle smiling in a white dress with arm around Prince Harry in a black suit

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Archewell Foundation released their first official impact report since its 2020 formation, revealing just how much money they raised and where it ended up going. 

Even though the Archewell Foundation was started in 2020, 2022 was the organization’s first full year of operation. In total, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex raised $13 million. This money was used to expand the foundation’s staff as well as donate to worthy causes. 

Archewell Has Donated Millions So Far

So far, the Archewell Foundation has donated $3 million to organizations that promote vaccination equity, support women-owned small businesses, and aided Ukrainian and Afghan refugees. 

Their report went into specifics, stating the money had provided 12.66 million COVID-19 vaccinations, helped resettle 174,497 refugees, served 50,000 meals to the hungry, and rescued 7,468 people from Afghanistan. 

The Archewell Foundation also supported 13 academic fellowships at the Institute for Rebooting Social Media at Harvard University, helped create a positive masculinity guide, and worked to create a play space in Uvalde, Texas, following the tragic school shooting in that community. 

Harry and Markle partnered with a variety of different charities and organizations to make these things happen, including Global Citizen, Operations Allies Welcome and Welcome.US, World Central Kitchen, and the Human First Coalition. 

The Couple Volunteers Their Time As Well

The couple frequently talk about their dedication to charitable work and their commitment to lending a hand wherever they can. Harry and Meghan don’t just donate money, either. The couple volunteer their time and services as well.

In the summer of 2020, the duke and duchess showed up to hand out basic essentials, school supplies, hygiene products, clothing and meals to families in need at a Baby2Baby charity drive in Los Angeles. 

What’s Next For The Archewell Foundation?

As the Archewell Foundation begins its third year, co-executive directors James Holt and Shauna Nep shared their goals for the upcoming year, including continuing an “unwavering commitment to key issues which have an overwhelming ripple effect on our collective well-being.”

“Dovetailing off of the impact we’ve made during this start-up phase, we will continue to build a better world online, work to restore trust in information, and above all, uplift communities online and offline, local and global,” the pair explained. 

Harry and Markle have made humanitarian work their main focus as they shift away from the royal family. This report shows just how much of an impact their work has had on the world so far.

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The Surprising Connection Between Grace Kelly And Princess Diana’s Iconic Philadelphia Eagles Jacket https://www.suggest.com/grace-kelly-princess-diana-surprising-connection-iconic-philadelphia-eagles-jacket/2721862/ Sat, 04 Feb 2023 19:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2721862 side by side photos of Grace Kelly and Princess Diana in her Eagles jacket

Princess Diana and Grace Kelly have left strikingly similar legacies. They were both quite young when they were thrusted into royal life. They were both beloved by their people, and, most bizarrely, both of their lives were cut short in tragic car accidents.

Yet, despite their many similarities, it only seems like they met once before Kelly’s death in 1982. According to taped recordings Diana provided for Andrew Morton’s biography Diana: Her True Story—In Her Own Words, she met Kelly at a musical recital at Goldsmiths’ Hall in 1981, shortly before marrying Charles.

“It was a horrendous occasion … At the time everything was all over the place. I remember that evening so well. I was terrified—nearly sick.” Diana remembered Kelly pulling her into a private conversation in the bathroom and telling her, “Don’t worry, it’ll only get worse.”

Kelly died the following year at just 52 years old. However, Diana carried an unexpected connection to Kelly for years in the form of her iconic Philadelphia Eagles jacket.

Princess Diana in an Eagles jacket walking her two children up stairs into a school
Diana, Princess of Wales, wearing a Philadelphia Eagles jacket to drop off her son Prince Harry at Wetherby School in London, January 1991. Prince William is accompanying them. (Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images)

During a recent episode of Royally Obsessed, Rachel Bowie and Roberta Fiorito took a dive into Diana’s unexpected connection to Kelly. Citing the Philadelphia Enquirer, the podcasters revealed that Princess Diana was gifted the iconic NFL merchandise after a chance encounter at Grace Kelly’s funeral.

Apparently, while paying her respects to the late Princess of Monaco, she met Philadelphia Eagles statistician Jack Edelstein, who was a longtime friend of Kelly’s brother. Edelstein later looked back on their fateful meeting, calling the princess a “very warm person, very sweet, very kind.”

Inquiring about his profession, Diana asked Edelstein what the Philadelphia Eagles’ team colors were. Of course, he informed her that the players wore green and silver. “Those are my favorite colors,” Diana apparently replied, and it stuck in his memory.

Inspired by their interaction, Edelstein convinced the team’s owner at the time, Leonard Tose, to put together a bag of Eagles merchandise as a gift to the princess. Of course, that included her custom Eagles bomber jacket.

Diana loved the gift and told Edelstein as much in a thank you letter. She proceeded to wear the letterman jacket on multiple occasions—for years it was one of her go-to casual pieces. A photo of her wearing it even graced the cover of People magazine.

It’s unknown where the jacket ended up after Diana’s death in 1997, but it’s most likely in one of her sons’ possessions. The jacket was a powerful symbol of Diana’s individuality, and it’s still one of her most memorable pieces of clothing to this day. Not to mention, given its connection to Grace Kelly, it’s a piece of royal history!

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Kate Middleton’s Uncharacteristically Bold Earrings Had A Secret Meaning https://www.suggest.com/kate-middleton-uncharacteristically-bold-earrings-had-secret-meaning/2721788/ Sat, 04 Feb 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2721788 Kate Middleton smiles in closeup image while wearing pale pink scarf and burgundy jacket

Kate Middleton is a style icon who often sends subtle messages through her fashion choices and accessories. At a recent event, the Princess of Wales wore a pair of bold earrings that were a bit of a departure from her usual style. As it turns out, there was a reason for her choice.

Middleton looked stunning at a January 30 event she attended for the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. The princess wore a bright red Alexander McQueen dress paired with some chunky silver earrings—which were noteworthy for their boldness as Middleton tends to keep her accessories understated.

Closeup photo of Kate MIddleton wearing red blazer and statement earrings
(Eddie Mulholland – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The earrings were made by Chalk, a design studio in London that creates unusual geometric jewelry. All of the studio’s items are handmade by architect Malaika, who loves fusing her love of design and buildings with jewelry.

Since all of Chalk’s pieces are influenced by architectural elements, the dangling pair donned by Middleton paid homage to the Royal Opera House of London.

According to the company, “The regal forms from the ornate details and geometry found within the Main stage auditorium ceiling of the Royal Opera House has been reimagined throughout this collaboration to create a timeless collection.”

The London landmark holds special meaning to Middleton and Prince William. The Royal Opera House was where Princess Diana surprised her husband, then-Prince Charles, by dancing on stage with ballet dancer Wayne Sleep.

The two danced a routine choreographed to “Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel in December 1985 that delighted fans, media, and of course Diana’s husband.

The earrings also represent Middleton’s dedication to sustainability and affordability. When the princess appears in public, she often sports items that are budget-friendly.

This time is no different since the gold and regency green earrings retail for £75.00 or roughly $92 dollars. Plus, the jewelry is made to order—which means less waste— and composed of naturally occurring elements such as walnut and gold.

Although it’s rare to see the princess wear such bold dangling earrings, she has donned this pair before. Back in June 2022, Middleton first wore them to the unveiling of the National Windrush Monument at London’s Waterloo Station. She sported them for a second time when she and her husband visited Elevate, a youth program in South London.

We love seeing the princess meld her passion for affordability and sustainability in pieces that have secret meanings. We’ll be on the lookout for the next symbolic fashion choice she makes!

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Kate Middleton Embraced The Barbiecore Fashion Trend With This Winter Staple https://www.suggest.com/kate-middleton-embraced-barbiecore-fashion-trend-winter-staple/2721074/ Fri, 03 Feb 2023 17:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2721074 Kate Middleton waves in powder blue coat against cream and blue-patterned backdrop

We could teach an entire college course on why Kate Middleton’s style is so brilliant. The Princess of Wales is in a league of her own when it comes to fashion, and she’s showing no signs of slowing down in 2023. In fact, over the past few weeks, Middleton’s has been brightening up the dreary English winter months with some bold and daring color choices.

What makes these looks so genius is how she uses the colors. You’ll never see Middleton chase a trend. The ever-regal Princess of Wales sticks to classic styles beloved by the royal women that came before her. However, she has the amazing ability to elevate a typical nine-to-five outfit to something headline-worthy.

During a recent outing, Middleton’s outfit included a subtle nod to the trend that dominated the red carpet last year: Barbiecore.

What is Barbiecore, you ask? It’s the fashion movement that had us digging through our closets asking ourselves why in the world we don’t own hot pink stockings! Middleton just proved that this color does have its place in professional wear, and it’s truly just what this season needed.

Last week, the Princess of Wales and her husband visited the Windsor Foodshare, an organization that provides food and basic household cleaning items for local individuals and families in need.

During her visit, Middleton was the perfect embodiment of the Barbiecore trend in a bright pink iteration of her winter staple peacoat. The princess layered the berry-colored coat over a just as bright—but just as pink—turtleneck sweater.

Kate Middleton walking outside in hot pink jacket and dark blue pants
(Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Both the coat and sweater are from designer Hobb’s London. She actually wore both pieces before while visiting a local high school in 2021. We love a good royal re-wear!

Middleton matched the coat’s black buttons with long black trousers, providing the perfect contrast to the bright pink. She wore her hair down in loose waves and went light on both her makeup and accessories, letting the brilliant ensemble speak for itself.

The Princess of Wales has been going bold with her color choices in recent months, opting for solid colors instead of her usual floral and polka-dot printed ensembles. While Middleton never fails to turn heads no matter what she’s wearing, we certainly aren’t complaining about her new normal.

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Kate Middleton’s Earrings Were A Subtle Nod To Queen Elizabeth’s Classic Style https://www.suggest.com/kate-middleton-earrings-were-subtle-nod-to-queen-elizabeth-classic-style/2720710/ Tue, 31 Jan 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2720710 2012 photo of Kate Middleton in a blue outfit smiling sitting with Queen Elizabeth in a light blue outfit, grinning

Kate Middleton is a pro at sending subtle signals through her clothing choices. The Princess of Wales often pays tribute to other members of the royal family with her fashion statements, as she did recently with a stunning pair of pearl earrings. 

Middleton recently welcomed eight early childhood development specialists to Windsor Castle. The group discussed the princess’ work with her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. 

For the meeting, Middleton wore a black Alexander McQueen blazer—one of her go-to designer favorites—and a white v-neck top. She accessorized with a beautiful pair of dangling pearl Simone Rocha earrings. The earrings perfectly coordinated with her classic black and white look, but the jewelry actually had a more meaningful message to send. 

close up of Kate Middleton smiling and looking to her right with a pearl earring on her visible left ear
Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales, talks with experts from across academia, science and the early years sector, at Windsor Castle in Windsor on January 25, 2023. (Daniel Leal/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

Why Pearls Were Significant To The Late Queen

Since the death of Queen Elizabeth last year, many of the female members of the royal family have been seen sporting pearls. This is a sweet way to honor the queen, who had a lifelong love of pearls. Queen Elizabeth wore pearls often—most notably, at her 1937 coronation ceremony, when she wore a pearl necklace given to her by her father, King George VI. She continued to wear pearls frequently throughout her reign.

Queen Elizabeth smiles in patterned suit and matching hat
(Pool/Getty Images)

The Duchess of Cambridge has continued this tradition of wearing pearls, especially following the death of the queen. For example, she wore the Japanese Pearl Choker, an item Queen Elizabeth commissioned in the 1970s, during a 2022 appearance. 

Maxwell Stone, the creative director of jewelry brand Steven Stone, talked more about Middleton’s jewelry tributes to the queen, saying, “It’s not the first time that Kate’s worn pearl jewelry and she’s especially fond of her Collingwood diamond and pearl earrings, which she inherited from Princess Diana.”

Middleton’s Tributes To Princess Diana Through Fashion

Middleton has worn her late mother-in-law’s pearl earrings on other occasions as well. Last year, she paired the earrings with a cranberry Emilia Wickstead coat dress while welcoming South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa to the UK. 

The Duchess of Cambridge also often wears clothing and jewelry that is reminiscent of outfits that her late mother-in-law wore. While attending the Earthshot Awards last year with Prince William, Middleton wore an emerald and diamond choker that Diana wore many times—most memorably as a headband at a 1982 concert. 

Middleton has mastered the art of sending messages and honoring others through her fashion choices. Adding more pearls into the mix when it comes to choosing jewelry is just one more way for the Princess of Wales to pay tribute to the late queen.

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Prince Harry’s Troubling Comments On Racism Reveal He Still Doesn’t Really Get It https://www.suggest.com/prince-harry-unconscious-bias-racism/2719903/ Mon, 30 Jan 2023 17:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2719903 Prince Harry in navy blue suit and tie

Amidst the saga of royal drama, betrayal, and intrigue that has been Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s departure from The Firm, one would assume the prince had plenty of insight to glean from his experience. However, recent comments made in an ITV interview suggest otherwise. 

While promoting his fast-selling memoir Spare, Harry sat down with journalist Tom Bradby to discuss the royal institution, his family, and accounts of racism within both. Harry’s comments revealed a glaring lack of understanding and excess of privilege in the wake of his wife’s experiences—and the world noticed. 

The vague, icky feelings Harry’s comments stirred within us were later confirmed as sociologists, activists, and writers took to the internet to collectively say: No, Harry, you’re actually wrong on this one.

The Start Of A Scandal

As a novel upset to the British monarchy’s long-held tradition of homogenous elitism, the start of Harry and Meghan’s relationship in 2016 (and their 2017 engagement) sent the first titillating ripples through an otherwise placid pond. 

While the family maintained a welcoming appearance, this didn’t stop an influx of racist rhetoric from tabloids and royal onlookers alike. And once the couple started to pull away from the family, the widespread assumptions that their romance would prove to be a royal upset started to solidify. 

In March 2021, the couple sat down with Oprah Winfrey in a jaw-dropping interview and offered an alternative cause: racism, both institutional and otherwise. From Meghan’s perspective—and with Harry at her side—she described the discrimination she felt in and outside the family. 

From hateful derogatory comments to alleged conversations concerning the skin color of Harry and Meghan’s future child, it’s clear that the entire experience disturbed the biracial, 40-year-old mother. Harry, too, was getting a secondhand understanding of what it meant to be a Black woman in the spotlight.

The Royal Mansplaining Of It All

However, his comments suggest he still doesn’t really get it. Bradby brought up the skin color conversation in his recent interview with Harry and asked the prince whether he would describe the conversation as racist. “I wouldn’t,” Harry replied. “Not having lived within that family.”

“Going back to the difference between what my understanding is because of my own experience, the difference between racism and unconscious bias, the two things are different,” Harry continued. 

“But once it’s been acknowledged, or pointed out to you as an individual, or as an institution, that you have unconscious bias, you, therefore, have an opportunity to learn and grow from that so that you are part of the solution rather than part of the problem. Otherwise, unconscious bias then moves into the category of racism.”

Harry goes on to say that “any other mixed-race couple around the world” would likely have a scenario in which the “white side of the family [has] either openly or secretly discussed, ‘what are the kids going to look like?’” However, people were quick to point out the trouble with simply brushing these comments aside.

“There’s Zero Difference”

Though Harry’s perspective might have been innocent enough in his mind, it places an undue focus on the intent of the biased. After all, if I’m unconsciously aware of it, then how guilty can I be? This ironclad copout overshadows the experience of the individuals on the receiving end of their bias.

“You’re WRONG,” lawyer and activist Dr. Shola Mos-Shogbamimu tweeted in response. “There’s ZERO difference between racist conscious/unconscious bias and racism. Bias is the presence of racism, & the actions/words are proof therein.”

“When Harry states that members of his family hold unconscious bias, he does not situate this within the larger context of institutional racism. This is particularly concerning when we consider who, exactly, he is talking about,” wrote Meghan Tinsley, a Presidential Fellow in Ethnicity and Inequalities at the University of Manchester. 

Indeed, the trouble with Harry’s comments runs deeper than semantics. Racism and the British empire are irrevocably intertwined. The royal family is a direct byproduct of violent colonialism. All things considered, whisperings about infants’ skin color are just another extension of this age-old form of “othering.”

Unconscious Unaccountability Isn’t Good Enough

Of course, no one is perfect—not even a prince. While Harry is no stranger to tense accusations around racism, he has shown a concerted effort to stand with his wife as an ally. Does this recent interview show he has much more work to do? Certainly. 

One could argue removing the rose-colored implications of “unconscious bias” would be an excellent place to start. Terms like this sugarcoat the seedy underbelly of the monarchy. It takes away the responsibility of the discriminator and places it on the discriminated to not take it the wrong way. 

But it’s not that simple. A 2022 study published in the British Medical Journal cited racism as a leading cause of death in the United States—yes, including the kind of racism that stems from the unconscious bias Harry was haphazardly trying to defend. In times as contentious as these, being “not consciously racist” just won’t cut it. 

Even those uninterested in the monarchy can appreciate the complexity of a public family riff interlaced with centuries’ worth of ideological tradition. (Can’t we all relate to the old ‘can’t choose your family’ bit?) Still, Harry and Meghan stand to be a powerful representation of change and inclusive progress within the institution. 

Consequently, how they wield that influence—and the words they do or don’t choose—become all the more critical. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, right?

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King Charles’ Coronation Will Be Very Different From Queen Elizabeth’s, Starting With How Long It Will Be https://www.suggest.com/king-charles-coronation-very-different-from-queen-elizabeths-how-long-it-will-be/2719450/ Sat, 28 Jan 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2719450 King Charles in a black suit and coat walking with Queen Consort Camilla in a tan coat

We’re just a few months out from King Charles’ coronation, and we’re now learning new details about the upcoming event. Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the celebrations will commence on Saturday, May 6. According to recent reports, the first 21st century royal coronation is going to differ greatly from Queen Elizabeth’s historic 1953 coronation.

According to the Daily Mail, King Charles’ official coronation ceremony will only last a single hour. For comparison, Queen Elizabeth’s lasted over three. Apparently, this is because Charles has done away with many of the ancient rituals that characterized her majesty’s own coronation.

“The king has stripped back a lot of the coronation in recognition that the world has changed in the past 70 years,” an insider told the publication.

In fact, while previous coronations have followed strict methods of honoring the British throne, reports suggest the king will be making a conscious effort to be more inclusive during the event. Apparently, Charles plans for a “more religiously and culturally diverse” service. All of these details are in line with the king’s long-surmised intentions to modernize the monarchy.

This intent is also evident in Charles’ efforts to give citizens a more active role in the coronation. On January 21, Buckingham Palace announced that Windsor Castle will host a special Coronation Concert on Sunday, May 7 to be broadcasted by the BBC and BBC studios. Free tickets will also become available to the public as the date gets closer.

According to the palace’s statement, “the Coronation Concert will bring global music icons and contemporary stars together in celebration of the historic occasion.” This marks a big change from the modest coronation concert hosted by the monarchy in 1953 (per the University of Westminster Archive) and will certainly serve as a cultural touchstone for Charles’ reign.

Additionally, charitable organizations will play a large part in the coronation celebrations. On that same Sunday, communities across the UK will take place in the Coronation Big Lunch. Hosted by the Eden Project’s Big Lunch initiative—of which the queen consort has long been a patron—various volunteers will work to bring the royal celebrations straight to local communities.

Finally, on Monday, the crown will close the coronation weekend with a “Big Help Out” event. This day is meant to encourage citizens to volunteer for their community service or charitable cause of choice.

These updates serve as a great gauge for measuring the kind of reign King Charles has ahead of him. In his efforts to focus on community building instead of showcasing royal grandeur and opulence, it seems like Charles is chasing his long-suspected goal of slimming down the British monarchy.

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Kate Middleton Rocked This Foolproof Outfit Combo In An Unexpected Color https://www.suggest.com/kate-middleton-foolproof-orange-winter-ensemble/2719422/ Fri, 27 Jan 2023 22:25:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2719422 Kate Middleton laughing at Windsor Castle in 2023

The “Kate Middleton effect”—the tendency for clothing worn by Kate Middleton to sell quickly sell out—is a well-known fashion phenomenon that happens just as frequently today as it did when she joined the royal family more than a decade ago. It’s not hard to see why that is.

The basics of Middleton’s seemingly effortless wardrobe can easily be adapted by just about anyone. She often turns to structured pieces—like shirtdresses and jackets—as well as chic monochromatic looks. And seriously, we’ll never get enough of her fantastic coat dresses.

Recently, the 41-year-old beamed like an absolute ray of sunshine when she visited the Foxcubs Nursery in Luton, England. Middleton stopped by for a visit with the staff, parents, and students as part of her work highlighting the importance of early childhood development.

Kate Middleton in an orange ensemble visiting Foxcubs Nursery in 2023
(WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The Princess of Wales once again showed off her signature style for this royal appearance, donning an orange knit turtleneck and matching skirt from designer Gabriela Hearst—a classic look that blends simplicity and comfort with style and that can be recreated with relatively minimal effort.

She paired the go-to, foolproof combo with a brown belt and suede boots and accessorized with Kiki McDonough citrine pear-shaped drop earrings and a Stuart Weitzman clutch.

Topping off the look was a gorgeous Massimo Dutti camel coat, which she wore last winter while making the rounds at Clitheroe Community Hospital in Lancashire. For that appearance, Middleton wore the camel coat with another monochromatic look, a mocha-colored knit set and brown suede knee-high boots.

Kate Middleton visiting Foxcubs Nursery in 2023
(WPA Pool/Getty Images)

During her visit with the folks at Foxcubs—a free childcare and early education center that encourages family involvement—she spoke with educators and parents about the nursery and the work they do for kids in their earliest years. 

The mom of three was obviously in her element, goofing around with the kids in a sand pit. She also took part in an arts and crafts activity, prompting some giggles when she put on one of the handmade bunny masks.

In an Instagram post after the visit, the princess reiterated why early childhood care and education continue to be an important cause for her. 

Middleton’s love for children shines in visits like this—and so does her elegant style. We have yet to see her in a bad look!

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Kate Middleton’s Gorgeous Gold Citrine Necklace Has A Remarkable, Time-Honored Message https://www.suggest.com/kate-middleton-gold-citrine-necklace-hidden-meaning/2718963/ Thu, 26 Jan 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2718963 Kate Middleton wears citrine necklace at reception for England Wheelchair Rugby League Team

While her in-laws are dominating the news cycle from across the pond, Kate Middleton just debuted a new jewelry piece. As it turns out, the tiny gem packs a powerful message.

Last week, Middleton hosted a reception at Hampton Court Palace for England’s Wheelchair Rugby League team in honor of their recent World Cup victory against France. The Princess of Wales re-wore a flattering burgundy Roland Mouret suit for the occasion, but she paired it with a never-before-seen gold and citrine necklace.

The stunning necklace is all at once dainty and eye-catching. The yellow gold chain and setting serve to compliment the citrine quartz’s warm honey-like shine. This specific piece, which has been identified as Danielle Draper’s Gold Citrine Baby Treasure Necklace, retails for £825.00 ($1017.13) and is still available on the jeweler’s website.

For centuries, this jewel in particular has symbolized positivity, mental clarity, and prosperity. Citrine is also referred to as “the merchant’s stone” for its reputation as a bringer of good luck. Even now, some businesses have a tradition of keeping a citrine stone in the cash drawer or near the register for good fortune.

Knowing that citrine is valued for its powerful symbolic properties, it’s no wonder Middleton is a fan of the gemstone. As a royal figure singularly celebrated for her grace and poise, it makes sense that she would resonate with citrine’s message of positivity and optimism.

As far as we know, Middleton owns two other citrine jewelry pieces. The Princess of Wales was photographed wearing a stunning citrine ring in 2008, years before marrying into the royal family, and has been spotted wearing the same piece multiple times since. Middleton even wore the ring to the No Time To Die premiere back in 2021, as reported by Hello! Magazine.

In addition to her long-beloved ring, Middleton also owns a pair of Kiki McDonough citrine earrings. According to Kate Middleton Style Blog, the Princess of Wales has worn the earrings to more than 40 public engagements, making them one of her most-worn jewelry pieces to date.

Although Middleton has access to some of the rarest and most luxurious jewels in the world, she clearly adores this yellow quartz. Citrine is certainly a gorgeous stone, but it’s a fairly common one in the jewelry world. With that in mind, it’s safe to assume that Middleton values citrine for its symbolism just as much as for its aesthetic properties.

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Prince Harry’s First Texts With Meghan Markle Had ‘Bizarre’ Connection With Princess Diana https://www.suggest.com/prince-harry-meghan-markle-princess-diana-first-texts-bizarre-connection/2718765/ Wed, 25 Jan 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2718765 Meghan Markle (L) and Prince Harry sitting and smiling with their arms linked

It seems like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s romance truly was written in the stars. In Harry’s record-breaking memoir, Spare, he reveals a touching detail about his and Markle’s first interactions. According to the duke, he first started talking to his future wife on Princess Diana’s birthday.

The Sweet Way The Sussexes Met

In the book, Harry went into full detail about those early days of his and Markle’s relationship. Apparently, Harry saw an Instagram photo of a mutual friend and Markle. Intrigued, Harry asked the friend for the then-actress’ contact information.

Harry later realized that this first domino in a long line of them actually fell on July 1, 2016—what would have been his mother’s 55th birthday. Harry doesn’t come outright and say that it was a sign—but, come on, it was totally a sign.

“Eventually, we exchanged phone numbers, and mitigated the conversation over to text, going late into the night,” Harry wrote of the momentous day in Spare. The duke recalls “texting like a teenager” in his and Markle’s first conversations.

“It occurred to me how uncanny, how surreal, how bizarre, that this marathon conversation should have begun on July 1, 2016. My mother’s fifty-fifth birthday.”

As we know, these phone conversations eventually culminated in a real-life date. “We met for a drink, and then I think very quickly into that we said, ‘Well what are we doing tomorrow? We should meet again.’ ” Meghan has recalled, via People.

Things Moved Quickly For The Pair

Harry and Markle managed to keep their relationship a secret during the first few months. During their first interview with BBC, Harry revealed that, after only two dates, he invited Markle on a remote getaway in Botswana.

“I managed to persuade her to come and join me in Botswana … We camped out with each other under the stars, she came and joined me for five days out there, which was absolutely fantastic,” the duke explained. That November, Harry confirmed publicly that they were dating, and the rest is history.

However, Harry has talked about keeping his mother with him in his and Markle’s relationship. He actually designed Markle’s engagement ring to include gems from his mother’s personal jewelry. Then, of course, they named their daughter, Lilibet Diana, after the late Princess of Wales.

Earlier this month, Harry told People that his mother is his “guardian angel.” In recent years, the duke notes, he’s only grown closer to Diana. “The healing process has allowed me to get to a place where I now feel the presence of my mum more than ever before. She’s with me all the time.”

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Kate Middleton And Prince William Stepping Out In Color-Coordinating Outfits May Have A Deeper Meaning https://www.suggest.com/kate-middleton-prince-william-stepping-out-color-coordinating-outfit-deeper-meaning/2716804/ Fri, 20 Jan 2023 19:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2716804 Prince William (L) and Kate Middleton smiling against patterned backdrop

When it comes to the royal family, there’s no better team than Prince William and Kate Middleton! The couple frequently works together, from visits to charitable organizations to learning about green farming initiatives. The Prince and Princess of Wales recently stepped out together in coordinating outfits, once again showing the world how perfectly paired they are. 

For their first official appearance of 2023, William and Middleton visited the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. The couple visited staff and mental health service workers while touring the new hospital facilities. 

“They were so welcoming. They were so warm and friendly,” ophthalmic imaging technician Amber Otto said of the couple’s visit. “Even when they were being rushed out, they made sure they made time for everybody.”

Frieda Sebastian, a deputy ward manager at the hospital, said it was “really encouraging and motivating” to have the couple visit, and praised William and Middleton for “understanding what we as nurses do for the NHS.”

The couple even color-coordinated their outfits for their first public appearance of the year. William wore a navy blazer and trousers, paired with a forest green sweater and light blue button down shirt. Middleton sported a matching navy belted dress, with a coordinating dark green and navy plaid overcoat. 

Prince William (L) in green sweater and navy blue pants walking outside together
(Bruce Adams-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

After leaving the hospital, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stopped at the Open Door Charity, an organization that uses creative projects to help young people handle challenges in their lives. Some of their projects include introducing mindfulness techniques to teens and putting on activities like movie nights and dance classes for young people in the area. 

Middleton And William Love Color-Coordinating Their Outfits

This isn’t the first time the Prince and Princess of Wales have presented a united front through their clothing choices. On their Boston visit last year, the couple wore matching burgundy ensembles—Middleton in a burgundy suit, William in a matching sweater.

During a 2021 visit to Scotland’s European Marine Energy Centre, the pair took the matching one step further. Both Middleton and William wore jeans and matching olive green jackets to greet the crowds. 

The Prince and Princess of Wales are the perfect team when it comes to public appearances, from their shared commitment to promoting positive mental health to making sure their clothing matches their solid relationship.

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Radio Host Blasts Jeremy Clarkson For Meghan Markle Remarks And Ties Comments To Toxic Misogyny Culture-Wide https://www.suggest.com/radio-host-blasts-jeremy-clarkson-for-meghan-markle-remarks-ties-comments-to-toxic-misogyny-culture-wide/2717400/ Fri, 20 Jan 2023 17:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2717400 side by side close ups of Jeremy Clarkson in a black suit and Meghan Markle in a white dress

In his memoir, Spare, Prince Harry embraced exposure, choosing to present his story on his own terms. Since his book’s release, the duke’s public image has never been more divisive. He’s drawn both praise and criticism for his candidness. However, Harry insists that his memoir is no different than his family’s alleged practice of briefing the British press on private family matters.

Now, it seems that the gloves are off for the British press. Jeremy Clarkson—a British broadcaster with a long history of pouring scorn on Meghan Markle—lashed out at Markle last month following the premiere of Harry & Meghan. Except this time, observers from all sides admitted that Clarkson finally went too far.

Jeremy Clarkson Says He ‘Hates’ Meghan Markle

In a column for The Sun, Clarkson wrote that he feels “rather sorry” for Prince Harry since he’s “just a glove puppet” of Markle’s. As far as Markle is concerned, though, Clarkson writes that he harbors a deep hatred for the duchess. “I hate her,” Clarkson writes. “Not like I hate Nicola Sturgeon [the First Minister of Scotland] or Rose West [an infamous British serial killer]. I hate her on a cellular level.”

If that wasn’t bizarre enough, Clarkson goes on to describe a graphic recurring fantasy he has about Markle inspired by a Game of Thrones scene. “At night, I’m unable to sleep as I lie there, grinding my teeth and dreaming of the day when she is made to parade naked through the streets of every town in Britain while the crowds chant, ‘Shame!’ and throw lumps of excrement at her.” 

Thankfully, no one was content with letting this one slide. The backlash was instant and overwhelming. Clarkson didn’t immediately address his comments. However, on Monday, a month after the Sun column was published, Clarkson posted a lengthy public apology to Instagram. He wrote that he “felt sick” and “was very angry” with himself after re-examining his words.

However, his statement has mostly been dismissed as a half-hearted, floundering attempt to salvage his reputation. Towards the end of his “apology,” Clarkson writes at length about how, contrary to what it may look like, he’s not a misogynist. “I’m just not sexist and I abhor violence against women,” he wrote. He also calls his lapse in judgment “inevitable,” which unfortunately cheapens his entire statement.

James O’Brien Calls Clarkson ‘Pathetic’

It’s clear that Jeremy Clarkson’s apology wasn’t the fix-all he was likely hoping it would be. Even British radio presenter James O’Brien was unimpressed by it. On his show, Leading Britain’s Conversation recently gave his own perspective on the controversy, pointing out that it is merely a symptom of a larger problem in the media today.

“All bets are off with Meghan Markle,” O’Brien observes. “There are lines you can’t cross, but they lifted those lines for Meghan Markle. This is not just about Jeremy Clarkson. It’s also about everyone who read his column and decided that there was absolutely no problem whatsoever with putting it in the newspaper.”

The truth is that Meghan Markle has become a lightning rod in the press for people’s hatred and prejudice. When Markle joined the royal family in 2018, she faced an uphill battle. She was a dramatic foil to the regal and rigid British royal family. Looking back, it seems impossible that the British press would ever have accepted Markle in the same way that it has now accepted a woman like Kate Middleton.

When Markle and Harry decided to leave their royal duties, their fates were sealed. In her life as a working royal, Markle enjoyed certain protections from the press at large. However, once it seemed like her bond with the senior royals was in question, it gave the media the freedom to express everything it was holding back from day one.

Still, people offered their criticisms in the name of the queen, the royals, and the UK as a whole. However, Clarkson did something different in his Sun column. With his repulsive comments, Clarkson removed the thin veil that other journalists have been hiding under.

First, he likened her to Nicola Sturgeon, although it isn’t immediately clear why he dislikes the Scottish politician. He also referred to the vivid scene from Game of Thrones of Cersei Lannister’s “walk of atonement,” likening Markle to a cruel and calculating fictional royal. Then, possibly most shockingly, Clarkson likened Markle to Rose West, a real-life serial killer that tortured and killed at least nine young women and girls.

Is there any similarity between these women other than their gender? It just isn’t subtle anymore; the cat is out of the bag. It’s now crystal clear that Markle’s cardinal sin is being a woman in a powerful position. To Jeremy Clarkson and his friends in the press, a powerful, opinionated woman may as well be a serial killer.

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King Charles Has A Very Practical Approach To Fashion That We Should All Appreciate https://www.suggest.com/prince-charles-very-practical-approach-fashion-we-should-all-appreciate/2716702/ Thu, 19 Jan 2023 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2716702 Prince Charles smiles in mustard yellow blazer over blue top

Although he is the ruling monarch of England, King Charles III also reigns supreme when it comes to fashion sustainability. Known for his “make do and mend” mentality, the king’s very practical and environmentally friendly approach to fashion is one we could all stand to learn from.

The King On Fashion: ‘I Can’t Bear Any Waste’

Reduce, reuse, recycle is more than a phrase for the king. In fact, His Majesty practices what he preaches. Known for being a committed environmentalist, the sustainable king shared with British Vogue why he has a difficult time getting rid of clothes.

“I’d rather have them maintained, even patched if necessary, than to abandon them,” Charles remarked. “The difficulty is, as you get older, you tend to change shape, and it’s not so easy to fit into the clothes. I can’t bear any waste,” the king continued. “I’d much rather find another use.”

One “other use” the king has found is rewearing vintage threads, including a morning suit he’s owned for 40 years. He’s been seen in the Anderson & Sheppard suit several times, including at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s wedding in 2018.

When asked if he had thought about wearing a new piece to the wedding, the king admitted to considering it. “But in the case of that particular morning coat,” His Majesty said, “as long as I can go on getting into it, I only wear it a few times a year, in the summer, so obviously you want to keep those sorts of things going. But if I can’t fit into them, then I just have to have something new made.”

Turns out, the king doesn’t have to worry too much about not fitting into his old clothes. In fact, the monarch was seen wearing another 40-year-old piece this year at St. Mary Magdalene Church’s New Year’s Day service in Norfolk: a longline tweed double-breasted overcoat. Fans of the royal family easily recognized the vintage coat.

Even though the king makes an effort to re-wear pieces when possible, he does have some expensive and well-made clothes. For these pieces and everything else in his wardrobe, the monarch is committed to having them maintained by tailors and cobblers.

As the king said, “I happen to be one of those people who’d get shoes—or any item of clothing—repaired if I can, rather than just throw it away.”

It’s a good reminder in our disposable society that rewearing and repairing clothes are part of a sustainability mindset!

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Why Kate Middleton Made The Rare Choice To Remove Her Engagement Ring During Official Duty https://www.suggest.com/kate-middleton-made-rare-choice-remove-engagement-ring-during-official-duty/2715897/ Wed, 18 Jan 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2715897 Kate Middleton smiles in bright blue top and matching cardigan

Kate Middleton recently returned to her public duties after a short break to celebrate her 41st birthday. While the visit to a new hospital was business as usual for the royal, eagle-eyed fans noticed something was missing: her engagement ring!

Where Was Middleton’s Engagement Ring On Recent Hospital Visit?

Middleton and her husband Prince William traveled to Liverpool to visit the new Royal Liverpool University Hospital. She and the prince toured the hospital and met with patients, even taking selfies with some lucky people. 

As always, the Princess of Wales was dressed to impress. She wore a navy belted Cefinn dress with coordinating heels and a tartan overcoat. Middleton accessorized the look with a set of stunning sapphire earrings. 

The earrings would have perfectly matched her eye-catching sapphire engagement ring—if she had been wearing it, that is. The princess is almost never seen without her ring, which caused some fans to panic. Why did Middleton ditch both her engagement ring and the eternity ring William gave her after the birth of their first child, Prince George?

The answer is pretty simple: the hospital patients’ health and safety. Excess jewelry could lead to the spread of germs. At the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, as well as many other hospitals Middleton has visited, protocol asks visitors to wear minimal jewelry (per Hello!). This rule about leaving jewelry at home explains why Middleton didn’t remove her gold wedding band. 

This isn’t the only time Middleton has left her sapphire engagement ring at home. The Princess of Wales also removes her rings—barring her wedding band—when she attends events that might require physical activity, such as the Commonwealth Games. 

Middleton’s Stunning Sapphire Engagement Ring

A close up of Kate Middleton's engagement ring
(Photo by Arthur Edwards – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

It makes sense that Middleton would be protective of her engagement ring. The diamond and sapphire ring was once worn by William’s mother, the late Princess Diana, and is estimated to be worth about £390,000. 

William has spoken about his decision to give Middleton his mother’s ring, saying it was his “way of keeping her sort of close to it all.” The 12-carat ring is made up of large Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds. 

“It’s beautiful—I hope I look after it,” Middleton said of the statement-making ring during the couple’s engagement interview. “It’s very special.”

It’s strange to see the princess without her now-trademark engagement ring, but Middleton is a stickler for following hospital policy. 

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There Was One Thing Ronald Reagan Wanted To Do With Queen Elizabeth More Than Anything Else https://www.suggest.com/ronald-reagan-queen-elizabeth-one-thing-wanted-do-more-than-anything-else/2715911/ Wed, 18 Jan 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2715911 Queen Elizabeth II and Ronald Reagan walking in front of several men in suits, both looking at the camera

If you had the opportunity to do one thing with a member of the royal family, what would it be? Perhaps you would go on a shopping trip with Kate Middleton, have tea with King Charles III, or visit Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at their home in California.

Turns out, Ronald Reagan had one thing he wanted to do more than anything else with Queen Elizabeth II back in the ’80s. Of course, the president got his wish!

During Reagan’s 1982 European Tour, the president had a few items he wanted to cross off his bucket list, but his top priority was riding horseback with the queen. Since the former monarch was a huge fan of horseback riding, she granted the president’s wish.

The two enjoyed a 30-minute ride on the grounds of Windsor Castle. For the ride, the queen rode a horse named Burmese, which had been given to her by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. On the other hand, Reagan rode on a black gelding named Centennial.

A ‘Fairy Tale Experience’ For Reagan

Since the president had been a movie star before becoming the world leader, he was always up for a photoshoot. This time was certainly no different. Breaking protocol, Reagan asked the queen to speak with him atop their horses in front of the hopeful media and photographers. Of course, this was famously something the former monarch never did.

Ronald Reagan and Queen Elizabeth speaking while riding horses
June 9th, 1982: American President Ronald Reagan and Queen Elizabeth II engaged in conversation while horseback riding on the grounds of Windsor Castle, Windsor, England. (Express/Getty Images)

Apparently, Reagan had planned all along to ask the queen to do so. According to royal historian Robert Hardman, the president had reasons for this request. “The emphasis [of Reagan’s visit] was on informality, even though the Reagans’ stay would include a state banquet and an address to both Houses of Parliament,” Hardman explained.

The historian went on to share, “Foreign Office files, newly released after a Freedom of Information request, reveal that President Reagan had singled out one event above all others as the most important element of the entire presidential grand tour of Europe: the prospect of riding with the queen in Windsor Home Park.”

Turns out Reagan was very intentional about being seen horseback riding with the queen. As Hardman said, “Over the next few weeks, numerous confidential memos flew to and fro across the Atlantic about the president’s ideal horse, saddle and riding style, along with ideas for dinner guests at the queen’s banquet.”

Apparently the experience more than lived up to Reagan’s expectations. The president even wrote in his diary that the trip to Windsor was magical and a “fairy tale experience.”

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The Reason Meghan Markle’s Wedding Tiara Supposedly Wasn’t Her Choice Of Headwear https://www.suggest.com/meghan-markle-wedding-tiara-reason-wasnt-choice-headwear/2714506/ Tue, 17 Jan 2023 17:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2714506 closeup of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry riding in a carriage on their wedding day with Meghan waving wearing her wedding dress and silver tiara

For the royal family, headwear can be extremely controversial. Tradition abounds for what type of headpiece one wears to certain events. Plus, it can certainly be a faux pas to wear the incorrect piece to certain events, especially a wedding. Perhaps then it’s no surprise that Meghan Markle’s wedding tiara wasn’t her first choice of headwear for the big day.

When it comes to wearing tiaras, there are specific occasions and places that women in the royal family are allowed to wear them. Women are allowed to wear tiaras to formal events that occur after 6:00 p.m. However, any event prior to that time requires a hat. Of course, the most notable occasion a female royal family member wears a tiara is on her wedding day.

When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry, she wore a beautiful diamond tiara. However, reports suggest that the stunning tiara Markle donned wasn’t the one she initially wanted to wear. Instead, the Duchess of Sussex wanted to wear a lovely emerald tiara.

The problem is that controversy surround the emerald tiara. For the royal family, some family heirlooms are a bit tainted. Turns out, the emerald tiara is one of those pieces.

A Tiara Tainted By Controversy

According to the Daily Mail‘s diary editor Richard Eden, “There was one tiara that, I think, Meghan had expressed an interest in wearing. Then it was pointed out that there were Russian connections, which were all a bit awkward. Then it was decided that she wouldn’t wear that one.”

The royal historian, Robert Lacey, confirmed that Markle wanted to wear the controversial emerald tiara. As Lacey explained, “Unconfirmed by the palace—but not denied—we were told that [Queen Elizabeth II] felt that she had to say ‘no’ to Meghan’s first choice.” Since the “beautiful emerald headdress” supposedly came “from Russia,” Markle was not allowed to wear the piece.

Lacey also mentioned, “The treasure was one of those that had found its way into Windsors’ hands through ‘undefined’ not to say dodgy channels—and for an undisclosed price—in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution.”

Turns out that Queen Consort Camilla is currently in the same predicament. The Queen Consort hopes to wear the famous Koh-i-Noor 105.6 carat diamond tiara to the upcoming coronation. While the headpiece was last worn in 1937 by the Queen Mother, tensions surround the tiara. 

The controversial diamond tiara was given to Queen Victoria by the 11-year-old Maharaja Duleep Singh in 1849, as part of the Treaty of Lahore. Due to the colonial history of the treaty, the royal family may be accused of cultural insensitivity if the piece is worn.

Since Markle didn’t wear the emerald tiara due to its Russian connections, King Charles III may keep Camilla from donning the similarly controversial diamond tiara.

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Princess Anne Took A Play Out Of Kate Middleton’s Playbook With Symbolic Brooch https://www.suggest.com/princess-anne-took-play-out-kate-middleton-playbook-symbolic-brooch/2715873/ Tue, 17 Jan 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2715873 Princess Anne in a black coat with a light ascot and brooch

The royal family is famous for not making public statements—one of Queen Elizabeth’s mottos was “Never complain, never explain.” However, there are a few ways the royals can subtly signal things to the public, and that includes jewelry. Princess Anne recently took a page from the Princess of Wales’ book by choosing a particularly powerful brooch.

Princess Anne’s Subtle Show Of Support To UK Troops

Princess Anne visited Cyprus, touring the Presidential palace with President Nicos Anastasiades. For the engagement, she wore a gray suit and striped button down shirt, with her hair pinned back in her usual bun. 

She accessorized the suit with a very significant pin on her lapel. The princess sported a Royal Logistics Corps Lapel Badge. The piece is small and plastic, featuring a crest and the French phrase “Honi soit qui mal y pense.” This translates to “Shame on him who thinks evil of it.” At the bottom of the pin, “We Sustain” is printed. 

Princess Anne smiling and talking with President Nicos Anastasiades of Cyprus
Britain’s Princess Anne, Princess Royal, is welcomed by Cyprus’ President Nicos Anastasiades at the Presidential palace in Nicosia, during an official visit on January 11, 2023. (Iakovos Hatzistavrou/AFP via Getty Images)

While most members of the royal family are seen wearing pretty pricey pieces of jewelry, the princess’ pin costs just £5.95 ($7.25). The pin is worn to signify an affiliation with the Royal Logistic Corps, which is the largest corps in the British Army. It provides logistical support functions to the Army. 

It makes sense that Princess Anne would be supporting this branch of the British Army. She is the Colonel in Chief of the British Army’s Intelligent Corps. It’s also assumed that Anne wore this pin to support and honor the British soldiers who are currently serving in Cyprus with a United Nations peacekeeping force. 

Kate Middleton’s Meaningful Jewelry Choices

Princess Anne is far from the only member of the British royal family who sends messages through their jewelry choices. Kate Middleton typically chooses significant pieces that mirror either the event she is at, or current events in the world at large. 

Middleton memorably supported the people of Ukraine in their ongoing conflict with Russia with her jewelry during last year’s Commonwealth services. The Duchess of Cambridge wore the same sapphire-and-diamond earrings and necklace she wore when meeting Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife, Olena, in 2020. 

While the members of the royal family prefer to let their spokespeople relay official messages to the public, they do like to make their feelings known from time to time. Princess Anne’s subtle nod to the UK’s troops in Cyprus was a small but meaningful tribute to her nation’s soldiers. 

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Where Is Prince Harry And Prince William’s Nanny, Tiggy Legge-Bourke, Today? https://www.suggest.com/tiggy-legge-bourke-prince-harry-prince-william-nanny-where-today/2715616/ Tue, 17 Jan 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2715616 Prince Harry (L) and Tiggy Legge-Bourke in closeup image

While Prince Harry’s divisive memoir, Spare, has managed to attract readers from all walks of life, there are certain nuances that longtime followers of the royal family will appreciate immensely. For example, some readers will immediately recognize the name Tiggy Legge-Bourke while others will be seeing it for the very first time.

She Worked For The Royals For Six Years

For those who don’t know, Legge-Bourke was Prince William and Prince Harry’s nanny. She began working for King Charles—then the Prince of Wales—and Princess Diana after they announced their separation in 1993. While she was beloved by the young princes, Legge-Bourke became a major point of tension in Charles and Diana’s rapidly deteriorating union.

Harry admits as much in Spare, writing that Diana saw her as a “rival” not only for his and William’s affections but for Charles’ as well. Throughout her years of service to the royal family, she managed to incite a firestorm of controversy with her unconventional child-care style.

For six years, the British press prophesized her impending firing, but, per The Guardian, Harry and William’s fondness of Legge-Bourke kept her firmly employed.

Finally, in 1999, Legge-Bourke resigned from her position when she married security consultant Charles Pettifer, bringing over half a decade of media obsession to a close.

She Kept In Touch With Prince Harry

So, where is Legge-Bourke today? Spare digs up some shocking insights from her past. For example, she allegedly performed a “blooding” ceremony on a young Prince Harry, “tenderly” smearing rabbit blood onto his face, per The Daily Mail. However, we didn’t learn much about the former nanny’s current life.

Upon further research, we found that Tiggy Legge-Bourke stayed close to Prince Harry over the years. Per Hello!, Legge-Bourke showed up to support Harry when he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 2006. As reported by the same publication, she attended Harry’s 2018 wedding to Meghan Markle.

According to People, Harry even named her as one of Archie’s godparents. As confirmed by ET, the duke hinted in Spare that his former nanny disapproved of his 2020 interview with Oprah. Going off of Harry’s word alone, it’s safe to assume she wouldn’t look kindly on his most recent activities either.

The BBC Issued Her A Formal Apology

In 2021, Legge-Bourke’s name made headlines once again in relation to Princess Diana’s infamous 1995 BBC Panorama interview. As reported by the BBC, a prior investigation had revealed that journalist Martin Bashir forged documents to coerce the princess into sitting for an interview.

Among those documents was a faux abortion “receipt” in Legge-Bourke’s name, leading Diana to believe the caretaker had become pregnant by Prince Charles. In 2022, BBC issued a formal apology to Legge-Bourke for Bashir’s actions and agreed to pay her an undisclosed amount in damages.

She Ran A Bed And Breakfast For Over 10 Years

Beyond her involvement with the royal family, we don’t know much about Legge-Bourke’s private life. After marrying Pettifer in 1999, it looks like the childcare professional settled into a relatively quiet life.

Sometime around 2009, Legge-Bourke began operating a bed and breakfast in Gliffaes, Wales called Ty’r Chanter. The establishment earned glowing reviews on Trip Advisor during its 11 years of operation. Unfortunately, it looks like Ty’r Chanter stopped hosting guests in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and has yet to re-open its doors.

For Tiggy Legge-Bourke, a woman who’s been relentlessly criticized in the press since the early ’90s, no news seems like good news. What’s clear is that she had a hand in shaping two of the most prominent figures in the public eye today.

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Prince Harry Breaks Silence About Prince Andrew’s ‘Shameful Scandal’ In Light Of Security Conflict With Palace https://www.suggest.com/prince-harry-prince-andrew-breaks-silence-shameful-scandal-security-conflict-palace/2714357/ Sat, 14 Jan 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2714357 Side by side image of Prince Harry (L) and Prince Andrew, both looking somber

Over the past few years, both Prince Harry and Prince Andrew have become royal pariahs for very different reasons. Yet, despite the disgraceful circumstances surrounding Andrew’s fall from grace, Prince Harry has stayed in line with his royal relatives by not commenting on the scandal. However, it seems like Harry is done ignoring the blemish Andrew has left on the royal institution.

Prince Andrew Has Faced Enormous Controversy

It seems like there’s no limit to what Prince Harry is now willing to speak about publicly. Despite being raised by one of the most private families in the world, the duke is now practicing a level of transparency previously unheard of for a member of the royal family.

In his memoir Spare, Harry is giving his account of all of his family’s highest and lowest points.Given his willingness to speak unflatteringly about those closest to him, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that he had no reservations about discussing Prince Andrew.

Most will recall that Prince Andrew became steeped in controversy after Jeffrey Epstein was arrested for sex trafficking. Despite Andrew’s best efforts to bury his previous friendship with the convicted sex offender, his connection to Epstein was undeniable.

RELATED: Prince Harry Answers The Question Of Whether Or Not He’ll Attend King Charles’ Coronation

Flash forward a couple of years, and one of Epstein’s victims publicly alleged that Andrew sexually abused her when she was just 17. She filed a lawsuit against the royal, which was subsequently settled in early 2022.

While Andrew has never faced any criminal charges, his reputation has been ripped to shreds. He’s been dismissed from all public royal duties and no longer represents The Firm in any official capacity.

Prince Harry Speaks Out About His Uncle

It turns out that Harry isn’t trying to stick his nose into Andrew’s scandal. His bone to pick actually had to do with an ongoing battle with his family concerning royal security.

As readers may remember, Harry publicly expressed his disappointment that he and his family would not receive the usual royal security protections while visiting the UK.

In his new book, Harry says he never believed he would lose those protections—especially, the duke points out, after his mother, Princess Diana, died the way she did. However, Harry also mentions he never would have dreamed that he’d lose his security privileges before Prince Andrew.

“Also, not in the wake of my Uncle Andrew. Despite being embroiled in a shameful scandal, accused of sexually assaulting a young girl, no one had even suggested removing his security,” Harry wrote. “People have had plenty of reasons to complain about us, sex crimes weren’t one of them.”

Harry brings up an interesting double standard for the family. Unfortunately, the royals are unlikely to ever address his many, many claims from Spare. The controversial memoir hit shelves on January 10.

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What Has Happened To Queen Elizabeth’s Beloved Corgis After Her Death? https://www.suggest.com/queen-elizabeth-what-happened-beloved-corgis-after-death/2714324/ Fri, 13 Jan 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2714324 Queen Elizabeth leaning over in an armchair to pet a corgi with a wagging tail

Since Queen Elizabeth’s passing back in September, people have wondered how the family will deal with the inheritance of some of the queen’s most prized possessions. A large concern for royalists was the matter of her majesty’s wardrobe and jewel collection.

It’s no secret that Queen Elizabeth’s closet was legendary, so it’s understandable that this was a matter of great intrigue. However, those who knew what the queen held nearest and dearest to her heart were immediately concerned about her beloved pet corgis. So, let’s find out what’s happened to the royal pups!

Queen Elizabeth Owned Two Corgis When She Passed

One fascinating fact about Queen Elizabeth is that, since her childhood, she almost always owned a pet corgi. It’s speculated that the monarch owned more than 30 pet corgis throughout her lifetime. So, when her majesty passed away on September 8, 2022, she left behind two corgis: Muick and Sandy.

The two pups were still quite young as Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson had just gifted them to the queen for her 95th birthday. So, it should come as no surprise that the Duke and Duchess of York have welcomed the pups back into their own home now that the queen can no longer care for them.

RELATED: Does Prince Harry See Camilla Parker Bowles As An ‘Evil Stepmother’? Here’s What He Says

A “source close to Prince Andrew” has informed the BBC, “The corgis will return to live at Royal Lodge with the duke and duchess. It was the duchess who found the puppies which were gifted to Her Majesty by the duke.” According to that same source, it’s only fitting that Ferguson is now caring for the queen’s dogs.

“The duchess bonded with Her Majesty over dog walking and riding horses, and even after her divorce, she would continue her great friendship with Her Majesty, by walking the dogs in Frogmore and chatting,” the insider explained.

Sarah Ferguson Has Adopted Muick And Sandy

Thankfully, it seems like Muick and Sandy are well taken care of. Back in October, Sarah Ferguson posted the most adorable photo of herself playing with the two pups in a field. “The presents that keep giving,” she captioned the post, indicating that these were the two corgis that she gifted to the queen just one year prior.

It’s comforting to know that Muick and Sandy have landed in a loving home. For those still mourning the queen, it’s also a comfort to know that she is finally reunited with her dozens of departed corgis.

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Judge Judy Weighs In On Prince Harry, Calls Him ‘Selfish, Spoiled’ And More https://www.suggest.com/judge-judy-prince-harry-weighs-in-calls-selfish-spoiled-more/2715170/ Thu, 12 Jan 2023 15:32:40 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2715170 side by side image of Judge Judy (L) and Prince Harry, both smiling

The whole world has been devouring all the details from Prince Harry’s new memoir, Spare, from family fights to how he really feels about being a member of the royal family. It seems like everyone has an opinion on Harry’s tell-all—including Judge Judy. 

Prince Harry Tells All In ‘Spare’

Spare was released on January 10, but portions of the book—which had gone on sale early in Spain—made their way online before its U.S. release. Harry shared stories about his mother and father’s marriage, his romantic entanglements, and the arguments he had with his brother William. 

Excerpts of Spare have been going viral on the internet, with many praising the prince for his candor and commitment to truly telling all. Others are not as impressed and have criticized him for not keeping some things private. 

Judge Judy Calls Harry ‘Selfish’ And ‘Spoiled’

One of those critics? Judge Judy. She recently appeared on Good Morning Britain, where she shared her thoughts on Prince Harry’s divisive memoir and how she would feel if a family member wrote something like that.

“I will tell you that I would be furious,” the TV personality said of Harry’s revelations. 

“[I] would think that that child—or grandchild—was a selfish, spoiled, ungrateful one. That’s what I would feel,” she continued. “[I would] be really hurt. I think anybody with a brain would see that. It’s disingenuous, it’s biting the hand that fed you, it’s unseemly.”

RELATED: He’s Not Foolish Anymore’: Judge Judy Says Former Neighbor Justin Bieber Has Come A Long Way Since Early Career Days 

Judge Judy might not be a fan of Spare, but there are plenty of people who are. Harry’s book is topping Amazon and Barnes & Noble bestseller lists, and he’s already sold over 1.4 million copies. 

Harry’s Response To Critics

The prince understands he has critics but has revealed why he felt the need to share his story this way. “I will sit here and speak truth to you with the words that come out of my mouth,” he said during a recent appearance on 60 Minutes.

“Rather than using someone else, an unnamed source, to feed in lies or a narrative to a tabloid media that literally radicalizes its readers to then potentially cause harm to my family, my wife, my kids.” 

Love it or hate it, it’s undeniable that the world is endlessly fascinated by any personal stories Prince Harry wants to share. People love the gossip, but many, like Judge Judy, have thought about the impact it would have on their own families. 

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Does Prince Harry See Camilla Parker Bowles As An ‘Evil Stepmother’? Here’s What He Says https://www.suggest.com/prince-harry-camilla-parker-bowles-evil-stepmother-what-he-says/2713769/ Wed, 11 Jan 2023 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2713769 (L-R): Camilla Parker Bowles in brown outfit standing next to a young Prince Harry, who is wearing a navy blue suit and tie

Prince Harry has been dropping bombshell after bombshell these days, from his and Meghan Markle’s Netflix series to revelations from his upcoming memoir. In a recent interview, Harry shared his true feelings about his stepmother, Queen Consort Camilla Parker Bowles. 

Harry Says He Has ‘Compassion’ For Parker Bowles, But Needed To ‘Draw A Line’

Parker Bowles and Harry’s father, King Charles III, famously carried on a years-long extramarital affair that ultimately ended the then-future king’s marriage to the late Princess Diana. It’s understandable that Harry’s relationship with Parker Bowles might be complicated, but he insists he has “compassion” for her. 

“I have a huge amount of compassion for her, you know, being the third person within my parents’ marriage,” Harry said in a recent interview with Good Morning America.

However, he went on to say that he needed to “draw a line” with Parker Bowles when he found out that she was leaking negative stories about him to the British press. 

He Claims Parker Bowles Leaked Private Conversations Between Him And William To The Press

In Spare, his upcoming memoir, Harry claimed Parker Bowles leaked details from a private conversation between him and Prince William shortly after meeting the boys for the first time. He wrote about his “complicated feelings” towards “a stepparent who …had recently sacrificed me on her personal PR altar.”

RELATED: ‘It Was Terrifying To Have My Brother Scream At Me’: Prince Harry Opens Up About Prince William’s Reaction To Leaving The Royal Family

“She had a reputation or an image to rehabilitate, and whatever conversations happened, whatever deals or trading was made right at the beginning, she was led to believe that that would be the best way to do it,” the prince explained. 

He went on, “I don’t have a problem with any member of my family needing to rehabilitate their image, but if that rehabilitation or that relationship with, in this case, the British tabloids, comes at the cost of my girlfriend or my family—my close family or my larger family—then I draw a line at that.”

Despite all this, the prince insisted he does not see Parker Bowles as an “evil stepmother.” 

How Does Harry Feel About His Stepmother Today?

“I see someone who married into this institution, or got involved with this institution, and has done everything that she can to improve her own reputation and her own image for her own sake, and I can understand why,” Harry said. 

The Duke of Sussex also elaborated on his claims that the Queen Consort had leaked private information about him and William, saying he can “forgive that, but it needs to stop.”

Harry and Parker Bowles’ relationship is obviously still complicated, and many are waiting to see how Buckingham Palace will respond to these claims. 

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If Prince Harry Is Removed From Official Role At King Charles’ Coronation, It Might Solve A Bigger Problem https://www.suggest.com/prince-harry-if-removed-from-official-role-king-charles-coronation-might-solve-bigger-problem/2713926/ Wed, 11 Jan 2023 19:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2713926 Prince Harry looking stern in a black suit and tie

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind for royal watchers around the world. While the British royal family quietly celebrated the holidays, the media has been hard at work broadcasting every leaked detail from Prince Harry’s memoir Spare. Given the circus, it’s no wonder new reports are saying Harry will not have a role in King Charles’ upcoming coronation. However, the historic move may be killing two birds with one stone.

Prince Harry ‘Written Out’ Of Coronation

Per the Sunday Times, Prince Harry no longer has a role in King Charles’ coronation. According to the publication’s inside source, the Duke of Sussex has been “written out” of the event. In past coronations, royal dukes have served as “liege men.” To pay homage to the monarch, the dukes were also required to kneel before them, touch the crown, and kiss them on the right cheek.

Given the increasingly palpable tension between Harry and The Firm, it was previously unclear if Harry would have a role in the historic event. Now, per this new report, it seems like Charles and his team have reached a verdict. Apparently, Prince William will be the only liege man to pay homage to Charles during the coronation.

RELATED: All About Princess Anne’s Husband, Who Has No Royal Title And Is Rarely Seen In Public

Of course, this means that Harry wasn’t the only exclusion. Queen Elizabeth’s cousins, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, have apparently been cut from the ceremony as well. Not to mention, this order excuses Prince Andrew from any role he would otherwise have in his brother’s coronation.

In fact, while many royalists are concluding that this decision was directed at Harry, we’re guessing it had just as much if not more to do with Andrew. Given his involvement with Jeffrey Epstein and subsequent legal troubles, the Duke of York has become one of the most controversial royals in recent memory. We wouldn’t be surprised if the king didn’t want his brother’s presence to complicate the momentous occasion.

An Unsurprising Development

To those who’ve been paying attention, this development was honestly expected. Experts have long speculated that King Charles planned to slim down the monarchy. The king failed to issue multiple expected titles upon his ascension, instead only bestowing the Prince and Princess of Wales titles to Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Per the Daily Mail, the coronation ceremony is expected to last only one hour. For reference, Queen Elizabeth’s lasted about three. Then, Charles petitioned Parliament to appoint his siblings, Princess Anne and Prince Edward, as Counsellors of State in lieu of Harry and Andrew.

If the Sunday Times‘ source is reliable and King Charles truly has dismissed the royal dukes from acting as his liege men, then he’ll be one step closer to achieving the minimalist monarchy royalists have been predicting for years. King Charles’ coronation is scheduled for May 6, 2023.

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The Royal Family’s Birthday Wish To Kate Middleton Is A Photo Of Her Doing What She Does Best: Talking To Kids https://www.suggest.com/kate-middleton-royal-family-birthday-wish-photo-talking-kids/2713742/ Mon, 09 Jan 2023 14:49:43 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2713742 Kate Middleton (L) in powder blue jacket laughing with baby, who is wearing a toy crown

The royal family is taking some time to celebrate Kate Middleton’s 41st birthday by posting a sweet tribute to Instagram. The photo shows the Princess of Wales taking part in one of her favorite activities: spending time with children. 

The Royal Family Posts Sweet Tribute To Kate Middleton

King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla Parker Bowles’ official Instagram account posted an adorable picture to their story of Middleton from a public engagement. In the photo, she’s wearing a bright red coat and accepting a bouquet from a sweet little girl. “Wishing The Princess of Wales a very happy birthday today!” they captioned the post. 

Middleton’s passion projects are all about children and she can frequently be seen connecting with kids of all ages on her various public engagements. Suggest has previously reported on the Princess of Wales’ techniques when interacting with children, from kneeling down to get on their level to finding ways to personally connect with them

Middleton Is One Of Just Four Royals Who Enjoy This Birthday Privilege

This isn’t the only special tribute the royal family will make to the princess. Middleton will also receive an honor that only four other members of the royal family are granted. At 1 P.M. on her birthday, the bells of Westminster Abbey will ring. 

RELATED: Kate Middleton And Prince William Did One Thing At Christmas All Parents Can Relate To

The only other royals who also receive this privilege are King Charles, Camilla Parker Bowles, and Prince William. Less senior members of the royal family used to enjoy this privilege, too, but in 2022, it was decreed that only leading members of the family would be celebrated in this way on their birthday. This was a cost-cutting move on the royals’ part.

A spokesperson for Westminster Abbey explained, “Due to the financial challenges posed to the Abbey by the COVID-19 pandemic, and in consultation with Buckingham Palace, the bells will now ring only for the birthdays of HM The Queen and HRH The Prince of Wales.” It looks like the policy has been relaxed to include Parker Bowles and Middleton. 

How Will Middleton Celebrate This Year?

So, how will Middleton celebrate her birthday this year? No details have been released, but it’s safe to assume she will celebrate privately with William and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, as she has done in the past.

Even though the princess likely won’t have a big birthday bash, it looks like the rest of the royal family have found some small, sweet ways to celebrate Middleton this year!

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Kate Middleton Followed In Princess Diana’s Footsteps With This Innovative Jewelry Trick https://www.suggest.com/kate-middleton-princess-diana-followed-footsteps-innovative-jewelry-trick/2713091/ Mon, 09 Jan 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2713091 Split image (L): Kate Middleton in gold dress (R): Princess Diana in black dress

As Kate Middleton turns 41 today, we can’t get over how much the princess looks to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, for fashion advice. Although Middleton is one to set fashion trends, she’s also not afraid to take on vintage pieces for inspiration.

In fact, the Princess of Wales is following in Diana’s footsteps when it comes to this timeless jewelry hack.

From sporting Diana’s emerald choker to wearing the late princess’s sapphire earrings at the queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Middleton is known for donning her classic accessories.

The thing is, Middleton is taking more than one trick from Diana’s jewelry playbook. Similar to how her mother-in-law put her own spin on vintage accessories, the Princess of Wales isn’t afraid to alter the family jewels.

RELATED: Kate Middleton And Prince William Did One Thing At Christmas All Parents Can Relate To

Just as Diana was known for reimaging a choker into a headband, Middleton is finding innovative ways to wear classic accessories. One piece that the princess often wears in an ingenious way is Queen Mary’s diamond chain link choker.

Instead of a necklace, Middleton dons it as a bracelet. Created in the 1920s, the choker is most notable for appearing in one of Queen Mary’s portraits.

After Queen Mary died in 1953, the Queen Mother inherited the choker but did not publicly wear it until 1975. Turns out, the Queen Mother was also one to go against tradition because she also wore it as a bracelet in a series of portraits that year. Looks like Middleton is taking fashion advice from many royal family members!

Jewelry Hacks We All Can Learn From

Although Queen Elizabeth II received the choker after the Queen Mother’s death in 2002, the late queen never wore the diamond choker. In fact, the choker-turned-necklace wasn’t seen again until 2015 when the late monarch loaned the versatile piece to Middleton.

Apparently, the princess is a huge fan of the diamond choker. After wearing it to a State Banquet in 2015 to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, Middleton also donned the piece the next year at the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices “A Taste of Norfolk” gala. She then wore it in 2017 at a gala dinner hosted by the British Ambassador to France.

The princess most recently showed off the diamond accessory in 2018 when she attended the Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace.

PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 17: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke Of Cambridge attend a dinner dressed formally
(Photo by Dominic Lipinski – Pool / Getty Images)

Evidently, Middleton is a fan of Queen Mary’s jewelry because she donned Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara with the bracelet.

Middleton also isn’t afraid to alter pieces that once belonged to Diana. In fact, the princess opted to remove some of the stones in her mother-in-law’s sapphire earrings.

By giving the earrings her own personal style, Middleton transformed the dazzling pair into jewelry fit for the 21st century. Since Diana also made jewelry modifications, we think that the late princess would be delighted with Middleton’s alterations.

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Prince Harry Answers The Question Of Whether Or Not He’ll Attend King Charles’ Coronation https://www.suggest.com/prince-harry-king-charles-answers-question-whether-not-attend-coronation/2713063/ Sun, 08 Jan 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2713063 Prince Harry in navy blue suit and tie

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been dropping all kinds of bombshells about their relationship with the rest of the royal family lately. Harry recently sat down for an interview with ITV about his upcoming memoir, where he revealed whether or not he will be attending his father’s coronation. 

Prince Harry’s Upcoming Tell-All Interview

Harry is currently promoting his memoir, Spare, which is due to release on January 10. The prince sat down for an interview with ITV to talk about the book, as well as his relationship with the royal family. The interview will air later this week, but a trailer has been released with some juicy details.

Will Harry Attend King Charles’ Coronation?

ITV News anchor Tom Bradby asked Harry outright, “If you are invited to the Coronation, will you come?” The Duke of Sussex answered, “There’s a lot that can happen between now and then.”

“But, the door is always open. The ball is in their court,” the prince continued. “There’s a lot to be discussed and I really hope that they’re willing to sit down and talk about it.” There has been no official word yet on whether or not Harry and Markle will receive invitations, but many are sure the couple will be invited. 

RELATED: ‘It Was Terrifying To Have My Brother Scream At Me’: Prince Harry Opens Up About Prince William’s Reaction To Leaving The Royal Family

The trailer for the interview also revealed some other interesting parts of the upcoming interview, including Harry’s new Netflix series Harry & Meghan. Bradby asked the prince, who has been outspoken in his desire for privacy for himself and his family, if he felt that he had violated the royal family’s privacy. 

“That would be the accusation from people that don’t understand or don’t want to believe that my family have been briefing the press,” Harry shrugged. In other commercials for the interview, the prince has said his relationship with his family “never needed to be this way,” and that they are portraying him and Markle “as villains.”

Harry: ‘I Would Like To Have My Brother Back’

Even though things are undoubtedly rocky between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the rest of the royal family, Harry has made it clear that he wants a reconciliation. “I would like to get my father back,” he said. “I would like to have my brother back.”

Only time will tell if Harry and Markle will be invited—or attend—King Charles III’s coronation, but many royal fans are hoping that the couple and the rest of the royal family can manage to smooth out their rocky relationship.

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Kate Middleton Started Off The New Year The Right Way—With A Flattering Boot Trend You Can Wear All Year https://www.suggest.com/kate-middleton-started-new-year-right-flattering-boot-trend-wear-all-year/2712967/ Sat, 07 Jan 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2712967 Kate Middleton smiles in red turtleneck dress

The holidays may have passed, but winter has only just begun. So, leave it to Kate Middleton to teach us how to dress for this season and the next! During a recent outing, the Princess of Wales rocked a timeless style that we’ll definitely be channeling all throughout 2023.

Middleton Just Reminded Us Of This Closet Staple

While the Princess of Wales stunned several times during the holiday season (here’s looking at you, red gown), we’re still thinking about the outfit she wore to the Christmas Day church service. Ever the modern royal, Middleton turned the traditional Christmas worship ensemble on its head for a look that would work anywhere—from the chapel to the office.

Instead of the deep red tones Middleton usually opts for this time of year, she leaned into the greenery by donning an olive-green Alexander McQueen coat dress with a matching wide-brimmed fedora hat. Middleton flourished the bold headpiece with a white feather, and she paired the look with dangling gold earrings.

(From L) Britain's Princess Charlotte of Wales, Britain's Prince George of Wales, Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales, Britain's Prince Louis of Wales and Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales leave at the end of the Royal Family's traditional Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, eastern England, on December 25, 2022.
(Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)

Her accessories didn’t stop there. Middleton opted for brown leather gloves and a matching leather clutch. Yet, no matter how stylish her ensemble was, we’re still thinking about only one feature—her shoes. For the occasion, Middleton finished off the military-chic look with brown suede knee-high boots.

RELATED: Kate Middleton And Prince William Did One Thing At Christmas All Parents Can Relate To

These are shoes that can be dressed up or down, and they immediately elevate any outfit. The deep brown suede has a comfy, casual look.

However, the heel and height of the shoe make it effortlessly classy and totally flattering. That means they’re the perfect shoes for a night out on the town or a day in the office.

Furthermore, these aren’t the stiletto sock boots we’ve grown accustomed to seeing. Instead, Middleton’s pair opts for the far more durable and comfortable chunky heel. By combining versatility, comfort, and class, this is the ultimate New Year’s resolution shoe.

According to KateMiddletonStyle.org, the royal owns a pair of Gianvito Rossi brown suede knee-highs. However, if you can’t shell out $1k for some new kicks, no worries. Plenty of brands from Michael Kors to DSW have their own versions of this closet staple!

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Prince Harry’s Latest Revelations Spark Fears They Could Make Him A Terrorist Target https://www.suggest.com/prince-harry-latest-revelations-spark-fears-could-make-terrorist-target/2713319/ Fri, 06 Jan 2023 19:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2713319 Prince Harry in a blue suit with Meghan Markle in a white dress

Prince Harry’s upcoming memoir has already hit bookstores in Spain, and many juicy details have already hit the internet. While most are just gossipy stories, one story has some worried Harry might have made himself a terrorist target. 

Harry’s Military Service In Afghanistan

The prince’s memoir, Spare, is Harry’s chance to tell his side of the story, from fights with his brother and father to sweet details about his romance with Meghan Markle. He also shares stories about his time in Afghanistan. 

Harry was first deployed in 2007, where he served as a forward air controller. However, that tour was cut short when a news organization broke the media’s news blackout promise about the prince’s movements and actions in the Middle East. 

In 2012, after learning to fly Apache helicopters, Harry was deployed to a camp in Southern Afghanistan. During this second tour, he flew on six missions and revealed in his book that he killed 25 people. 

Harry Says The Number Does Not ‘Embarrass’ Him

In Spare, Harry shared that he didn’t see them as “people,” but rather as “chess pieces” that needed to be removed from the board. “[The Army] trained me to ‘other’ them and they had trained me well,” he said of the experience

RELATED: ‘It Was Terrifying To Have My Brother Scream At Me’: Prince Harry Opens Up About Prince William’s Reaction To Leaving The Royal Family

“I made it my purpose, from day one, to never go to bed with any doubt whether I had done the right thing … whether I had shot at Taliban and only Taliban, without civilians in the vicinity,” Harry wrote. “I wanted to return to Great Britain with all my limbs, but more than that I wanted to get home with my conscience intact.”

He went on to say that soldiers typically don’t know the exact number of people they have killed, but “in the era of Apaches and laptops,” he could say “with exactness how many enemy combatants I had killed. And it seemed to me essential not to be afraid of that number.”

“So my number is 25,” the prince concluded. “It’s not a number that fills me with satisfaction, but nor does it embarrass me.” Some are a little surprised by his neutral attitude towards the people he’s killed. However, Harry explained that, after seeing what took place on 9/11, he wanted to take on these “enemies of humanity.”

“We fire when we have to, take a life to save a life,” he said of his military service. In fact, Harry shared that the only shots he thought twice about were the ones he didn’t take. One specific moment he regrets is a time when he was unable to help Gurkha troops, whom he referred to as his “brothers,” when they were under fire from the Taliban. 

Could These Revelations Risk An Attack?

Many are impressed by Harry’s military service, and his candor in discussing them now—it’s the first time the prince has ever spoken in great detail about his time serving in Afghanistan. Others are worried the Duke of Sussex has put his personal safety in jeopardy. 

Harry has long been seen as a terrorist target because of his status as a member of the British royal family. His military service increased that risk. Some fear that the details he revealed in Spare might put him, as well as his family, in danger of an attack. 

While serving in Afghanistan, it was reported that the Taliban told their commanders “to do whatever they can to eliminate him.” With these new revelations about his specific actions while serving in the Middle East, many are worried terrorists will focus on him as a target. 

Harry’s Fears For His Family’s Safety

The prince has often spoken about his safety fears, especially after he and Markle gave up their royal duties in 2020. By stepping away from the royal family, the couple lost their taxpayer-funded security detail. 

Harry even took legal action over the British Home Office’s decision to not provide him and his family during a recent visit to the UK. His attorney said Harry “does not feel safe” while in England because of this lack of security. 

He also spoke about his security concerns in Netflix’s Harry & Meghan, saying the lack of security detail was one of the main worries he and Markle had when deciding to leave the royal family. So far, no threats have been made towards Harry for what he revealed in Spare, but it’s safe to say that he and his family’s security team will be on guard in the coming months.

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Kate Middleton And Prince William Did One Thing At Christmas All Parents Can Relate To https://www.suggest.com/kate-middleton-prince-william-did-one-thing-christmas-all-parents-can-relate/2712574/ Wed, 04 Jan 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2712574 (L-R): Prince William, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, and Kate Middleton holding hands

For people around the world, traditions abound during the Christmas season. One family that knows this all too well is the royal family. In fact, Kate Middleton and Prince William are making their own holiday traditions now that they have three young kids. As it turns out, one thing they did at Christmas is something all parents can relate to. 

For many families, Christmas is a time to see Santa and his reindeer, drink hot chocolate, and enjoy time together. Some families visit Santa’s workshop, look at Christmas lights together, and visit various shops and stores.

The Prince and Princess of Wales also enjoy some of these traditions and are starting their own customs with their young family.

A Season For New Traditions

During the holidays, the prince and princess were spotted at Lapland UK, a Christmas-themed park with a toy factory, Father Christmas and his reindeer, elves, and a magical forest.

The family tried to blend in with the public, but it was difficult to do so with Prince George, 9; Princess Charlotte, 7; Prince Louis, 4; and their nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, along for the journey.

RELATED: Queen Elizabeth’s Cousin Prince Michael Of Kent Surprisingly Has An American President For A Godfather

Even though the royal family didn’t stay disguised for long, they still appeared to have a wonderful time as they celebrated at the magical Christmas park. In fact, all three children were spotted having fun; George and Charlotte had their own snow leopard toys from the fantastical park.

Although the family tried to visit the park in disguise, it was difficult not to notice the royal family. After all, there were six of them! Plus, even incognito, Middleton looked dashing. The mom of three sported a black monochromatic look with a turtleneck jumper, belted coat, and bobble hat. 

The father of three opted for blue jeans and a khaki flap cap to complete his casual look. But the prince also added a surprising accessory to his ensemble: a stuffed animal!

William was seen carrying a stuffed toy under his arm, which most likely belonged to little Louis. After all, the youngest couldn’t possibly go without a stuffed animal if his brother and sister both had one!

With three young children, perhaps 2023 will be the year of new traditions for Middleton and William. Either way, we can’t wait to see what’s in store for them in the new year!

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‘It Was Terrifying To Have My Brother Scream At Me’: Prince Harry Opens Up About Prince William’s Reaction To Leaving The Royal Family https://www.suggest.com/prince-harry-william-terrifying-brother-scream-at-me-opens-up-reaction-leaving-royal-family/2712505/ Wed, 04 Jan 2023 19:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2712505 side by side close ups of Prince William and Prince Harry in suits

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle dropped a lot of bombshells in their recent Netflix series, but one that shocked viewers was about a conversation between Harry and his brother, Prince William. 

Why Markle Wasn’t ‘Invited To Have A Seat At The Table’

The first installment of Harry & Meghan covered the couple’s early lives, how they met, and Markle’s first steps as a member of the royal family. It was the second part, however, that revealed the behind-the-scenes drama between the couple and the rest of the royals. 

Harry gave his account of the argument between his father, King Charles III, William, the late Queen Elizabeth, and himself after he and Markle revealed they wanted to step back from their royal duties. 

“I sent an email to the three most senior private secretaries saying, ‘Let’s have a meeting, let’s get together and have a meeting and talk about this,'” Harry explained in the series. “Because what was happening, what was playing out in public was crazy. And that meeting was rejected.”

TRENDING: Pippa Middleton And Her Husband Win Year-Long Legal Battle Over Seating Area, Petting Zoo On New Property

Markle shared her feelings about the meeting, which was only allowed to take place once she had left the UK and gone to Canada. “Imagine a conversation, a roundtable discussion about the future of your life,” Markle said. “When the stakes are this high. And you … aren’t invited to have a seat at the table.”

Harry Reveals William’s Dramatic Reaction To News

Harry then detailed what went on at the meeting. He was given five options for their future with the royal family, one being all in and five being all out. He chose option three, which meant having their independence but still supporting the queen. 

According to Harry, this decision is what started the argument. “It was terrifying to have my brother scream and shout at me, and my father say things that just simply weren’t true, and my grandmother quietly sit there and take it all in,” he said, admitting that Queen Elizabeth’s “ultimate sort of mission…is the institution [of the monarchy].”

He continued, “The saddest part of it was this wedge created between myself and my brother so that he’s now on the institution’s side. Part of that I get, I understand, right, that’s his inheritance. So to some extent, it’s already ingrained in him that part of his responsibility is the survivability and continuation of this institution.”

William, King Charles, and the rest of the royal family have not commented on Harry & Meghan or any of the things the couple shared in the docuseries. However, it’s clear that Harry and William’s relationship is still tense. 

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Queen Elizabeth’s Cousin Prince Michael Of Kent Surprisingly Has An American President For A Godfather https://www.suggest.com/queen-elizabeth-cousin-prince-michael-of-kent-has-american-president-for-godfather/2709090/ Tue, 03 Jan 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2709090 Prince Michael of Kent in full Royal Navy regalia

When you’re a part of the British royal family, it’s basically a guarantee that your godparents will either be royalty or of some kind of international prestige. For example, King Charles’ eight godparents include five of his royal relatives as well as King Haakon VII of Norway and Prince George of Greece and Denmark. However, one unexpected royal arguably has the most surprising godfather of all!

Prince Michael Of Kent Was Born In 1942

While the Allied and Axis powers were at war in 1942, the British royal family got a little bit bigger when Prince Michael George Charles Franklin of Kent was born on July 4, 1942. As the grandson of the reigning king and cousin to then Princess Elizabeth, Michael’s birth was huge news.

In a historical move, his parents, Prince George and Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark, Duke and Duchess of Kent, decided to name sitting United States President Franklin Delano Roosevelt as one of the young prince’s godfathers. In fact, the prince was even partially named after the political figure.

Since it was wartime, Roosevelt was unable to travel to the UK for Michael’s christening as tradition would demand. In fact, according to The Mirror, the entire occasion—which has always been a well-publicized event—was kept under wraps for the family’s safety. The papers later shared that the young boy’s christening took place in “a private chapel in the country.”

RELATED: King Charles Makes Expected Announcement Regard Princess Anne And Prince Edward

What you may not know is that Roosevelt had a remarkably close relationship with European royalty. In 1939, the president made history by inviting King George VI and Queen Elizabeth I to New York’s 1939 World’s Fair. According to PBS, this marked the very first time a reigning British Monarch had ever stepped foot on American soil.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Died In 1945

Unfortunately, Prince Michael wouldn’t grow up knowing his father or godfather. Just seven weeks after his birth, Prince George, Duke of Kent, tragically died in a plane crash. To compound the tragedy, President Roosevelt passed away in 1945 when Michael was only 2 years old. The politician left behind a legacy of heroism and sweeping economic progress.

As Michael’s cousin, Queen Elizabeth II, ascended to the throne and had her own children and grandchildren, he moved farther down the ladder of succession. Throughout his life, he wasn’t considered a senior royal, but he represented the queen at a variety of overseas engagements. Today, Prince Michael is 51st in line for the British throne. As a consequence, he lives a relatively quiet life. According to Gloucestershire Live, the prince formally retired from his royal duties in June of 2022.

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Kate Middleton’s Best Fashion Moments In 2022 https://www.suggest.com/kate-middleton-best-fashion-moments/2698512/ Sun, 01 Jan 2023 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2698512 Kate Middleton smiles and laughs in bright yellow dress

Kate Middleton is known for her classic fashion sense, and many look to her for style inspiration. In 2022, the Princess of Wales wowed her fans with both her casual and glam looks. Here are some of our favorites!

Middleton’s Favorite Sneakers

The royals are typically dressed to the nines for their public engagements, but every so often, they dress down for more casual appearances. Middleton can often be seen in different jeans and sweaters, but the Princess of Wales keeps it consistent when it comes to her sneakers. 

Middleton seems to be devoted to her Superga sneakers. The princess is such a fan, she owns multiple pairs of the shoes in different colors. Read more about why Middleton loves Supergas here

A Vintage Look From The Princess

Middleton often wears affordable pieces, but the Princess of Wales is no stranger to designer items. At one public appearance this year, she wore a vintage Chanel blazer that royal fans loved. 

The princess’ 1995 tweed Chanel blazer reminded many of her late mother-in-law’s fashion sense. Princess Diana often wore Chanel pieces. Read more about Middleton’s vintage tweed look here

Middleton’s Monochromatic Outfit

During a day of public engagements this year, Middleton kept it simple with an on-trend, monochromatic look. The princess wore a light brown sweater dress that she paired with a matching long coat and tall boots. 

The matching look was perfect for the full day of activity she and husband Prince William had planned. Read more here about Middleton’s appearances that day, as well as her fashionable all-brown outfit

Her Affordable Jewelry Piece

One thing many love about the Duchess of Cambridge is her willingness to repeat outfits and accessories. This year, Middleton was frequently seen sporting affordable hoop earrings from Missoma.

Middleton isn’t the only celebrity who favors the jewelry brand; Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, and even the princess’ sister-in-law Meghan Markle have also worn Missoma pieces. Read more about Middleton’s earrings here

The Duchess Reignites A Shoe Trend

Middleton is always perfectly turned-out, from head to toe. At one royal engagement, the princess sported brown, slouchy boots with a bright red calf-length coat and burgundy turtleneck sweater. 

Recently, low-cut booties have been all the rage, but Middleton’s love of taller boots with a slouching shape has many tossing out the booties for boots. Read more about how Middleton styles her tall boots here.  

From affordable jewelry and shoes to reigniting forgotten trends, Middleton was always on point throughout 2022. The Princess of Wales will no doubt be a huge style influence this coming year, too! 

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All About Princess Anne’s Husband, Who Has No Royal Title And Is Rarely Seen In Public https://www.suggest.com/princess-anne-husband-timothy-laurence-has-no-title-rarely-seen-public/2708334/ Sun, 01 Jan 2023 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2708334 Princess Anne in a black jacket standing in a balcony with husband Sir Timothy Laurence

Earlier this month, on December 12, Princess Anne celebrated her 30th wedding anniversary with her husband, Sir Timothy James Hamilton Laurence. Although the two have been married for three decades, Laurence is rarely seen in public. Plus, as a non-working member of the royal family, Laurence has never received a royal title.

Even though Laurence doesn’t have a royal title, he is extremely supportive of Anne, the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. While the princess is a hardworking member of the royal family, Laurence remains supportive by quietly standing at the side of his wife. Since he often stays out of the limelight, what do we know about Anne’s husband?

For starters, Laurence was born on March 1, 1955 in Camberwell, London. The 67 year old received an exceptional education, attending the New Beacon Preparatory School and Sevenoaks School. Laurence then went on to receive an honors degree in geography from Durham University, where he also served as editor for the famous student newspaper Palatinate.

After graduating, he continued his career path by attending the Royal Naval College Dartmouth. He served on several ships, including the Royal Yacht Britannia. Afterwards, he rose to the rank of lieutenant in 1978 and became a commander in 1985.

Laurence Met His Wife Thanks To His Mother-In-Law

Turns out, Laurence was more than just a great naval commander. His reputation followed him to the point that he became an equerry to Queen Elizabeth II in 1986. This role of the queen’s personal assistant was often filled by someone in the armed forces, making Laurence the perfect fit. Plus, serving as equerry meant that he had the opportunity to meet his future wife. However, it wasn’t without scandal.

RELATED: The First Step In King Charles’ Coronation Has Happened, Here’s How We Know

Back in 1989, Laurence and Anne were rumored to be close and possibly have an intimate relationship when personal letters were stolen and leaked to The Sun, a British tabloid. This was slanderous because the princess was still married at the time to her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips.

Although the writer of the letters was not immediately leaked, Buckingham Palace later revealed that they were indeed from Laurence. The statement from Buckingham Palace said, “The stolen letters were addressed to the Princess Royal by Commander Timothy Laurence, the Queen’s Equerry. We have nothing to say about the contents of personal letters sent to Her Royal Highness by a friend which were stolen and which are the subject of a police investigation.”

Scandalous Relationship Turns Into A Supportive Marriage

Once the princess divorced Phillips in 1992, she was then able to marry Laurence. On December 12, 1992, the two had an intimate wedding ceremony at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral Castle with only 30 guests. The queen, Prince Philip, and Anne’s children—Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips—attended the small affair. 

Following the wedding, the couple moved to the Gatcombe estate in Gloucestershire. However, they have since returned to the apartment in Buckingham Palace. They currently reside in an apartment at St. James’s Palace, the most senior royal palace in London.

RELATED: Queen Elizabeth Almost Forgot This Key Element Of Her Wedding Look Before The Ceremony

As one of the few attendees at their wedding and as the queen’s equerry, the late queen was obviously fond of Laurence. Even though the late monarch didn’t give her son-in-law a royal title upon marriage, he did become a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order and was also a personal aide-de-camp to the queen.

The late queen’s warmth towards Laurence was also evident earlier this year. During the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, her son-in-law was allowed to join the late monarch on the balcony at Buckingham Palace following Trooping the Colour. Although it was first said that only working royals would join Queen Elizabeth for the flypast, she made an exception for Laurence, as well as two of her grandchildren and three of her great-grandchildren.

Rising In The Royal Navy Ranks

While being part of the royal family, Laurence also continued his career in the Royal Navy until he retired in 2010. In 1995, he was promoted to captain and by 2004, he became a vice admiral. Since retiring in 2010, Laurence has pursued charitable interests and has served on the boards of several groups. Currently, he is the chairman of the English Heritage Trust.

Although Laurence remains out of the spotlight, he has remained supportive of his wife for the past 30 years. When the queen passed away earlier this year, Laurence was the loving husband that Anne so desperately needed during such a difficult time.

In fact, Laurence was by his wife’s side as Anne joined the late monarch’s coffin on a six-hour ride. The journey began at Balmoral, where the queen died, and ended at Edinburgh. The queen rested there until she went to London.

Of course, Laurence joined his wife on the flight that brought the late queen’s coffin to London. His support continued as he walked with Anne behind her majesty’s coffin at the funeral. He joined his wife again as the coffin was brought to London on an RAF flight from north of the border and was there in solidarity walking behind the monarch’s coffin during her funeral.

We would expect nothing less of the man who has been such a doting husband.

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Will King Charles Bring Back Gaudy Tradition Of Wearing Crown At Parliament Opening After Elizabeth Stopped It? It’s Likely, Yes https://www.suggest.com/king-charles-bring-back-tradition-wearing-crown-parliament-opening-after-elizabeth-stopped-it/2708722/ Sat, 31 Dec 2022 19:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2708722 closeup of King Charles in a black suit at Parliament

The Imperial State Crown is well known for its many precious stones, weight, and gaudiness. Back in 2019, the late Queen Elizabeth II stopped wearing the crown, opting for a smaller tiara. Even though the headpiece hasn’t been worn in years, it has a long tradition of being worn by the monarch. Once King Charles III is crowned in May, will he bring back the tradition? The likely answer is yes.

Since his majesty is known for keeping with tradition, Charles is expected to reinstate the Imperial State Crown when he delivers the State Openings of Parliament. The crown has been used by the ruling monarch since the 15th century. However, the current version of the crown was made for the coronation of George VI in 1937. Then the crown had to be adjusted for the late queen when she began her 70-year reign.

RELATED: King Charles Reveals His First Christmas Card As Sovereign With A Photo Taken Just Days Before Queen Elizabeth Died

The royal headpiece is decorated with precisely 2,901 stones. These include several precious jewels, such as the Cullinan II diamond, St. Edward’s Sapphire, the Stuart Sapphire, and the Black Prince’s Ruby. The crown’s large frame is made of gold, silver, and platinum. Plus, the velvet cap is trimmed with ermine fur. The crown is also quite large at 12.4 inches tall and weighing in at 2.3 pounds.

Crowns Are ‘Important Things’

The weight of the crown is exactly why the late monarch stopped wearing the gaudy headpiece. In a 2019 BBC documentary, the queen shared that the crown was “unwieldy.” As she said, “You can’t look down to read the speech, you have to take the speech up, because if you did your neck would break—it would fall off. So there are some disadvantages to crowns, but otherwise they’re quite important things.”

When the late queen stopped wearing the crown in 2019, The Sun’s political commentator, Kate Ferguson, pointed out that it was “only the third time she has not worn the Imperial State Crown since 1952.” To be fair to the royal family, one person responded to the tweet by pointing out, “I think it’d be even too heavy for Charles now.”

Even if it is heavy for the new monarch, his majesty will most likely still wear the crown. After all, he is one to follow tradition. Since the headpiece is only worn by the ruling monarch following being crowned, we’ll have to wait and see if the king wears it following his coronation on May 6, 2023.

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TBT: Prince Harry And Cressida Bonas Had Cringy Nicknames For One Another https://www.suggest.com/prince-harry-cressida-bonas-cringey-nicknames-one-another/2711158/ Thu, 29 Dec 2022 19:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2711158 Prince Harry (L) and Cressida Bonas sitting in bleachers talking to each other

Before marrying Meghan Markle, Prince Harry dated actress and model Cressida Bonas. They were in a relationship for two years, dating from 2012 to 2014. While they dated, the two had cringy nicknames for one another that we just can’t get over – “Ken and Barbie.”

Harry and Bonas were destined to meet. Since the actress had a posh upbringing thanks to her parents – her mom, Lady Mary Gaye Curzon, is heir to the Curzon banking business and her dad, Jeffrey Bonas, is a businessman – the prince and model ran in the same social circles.

In fact, Harry’s cousin Princess Eugenie made the initial introduction since Bonas was her classmate at Leeds University. But it was Eugenie’s now-husband Jack Brooksbank who set up the date between the prince and Bonas.

You’re Just Like My Ken And Barbie Doll

While the prince and actress dated, they adopted the nicknames “Ken” and “Barbie” for one another. Although these nicknames may have been cute ten years ago, they’re making us cringe today.

After all, referring to someone as a Barbie doll can be demeaning. It often means that a woman is fake, dumb, and only concerned about her appearance. Even referring to the prince as “Ken” can be uncomplimentary at best. Calling someone by Barbie’s male counterpart’s name often means that the person is bland or stereotypical.

Even though Bonas is a model and Harry is also known for his good looks, choosing these cringe-worthy pet names may have added to the demise of their relationship. Since ending her relationship with the prince, Bonas has opened up to the public about how she felt as Harry’s girlfriend. As she told BBC Radio 4 in 2017, “I find that people are very quick to put you in a box or put you in a corner and think, ‘Oh well, you’re that, so you must be that.’” 

Ultimately, the actress didn’t want to be put “in a box” so she ended the relationship in May 2014. The breakup appears to have been the best for both the prince and model. We all know that the prince married Markle. But surprisingly, the actress went on to marry another Harry.

In 2020, Bonas tied the knot with property developer Harry Wentworth-Stanley. The two dated before she and Harry were a couple and reconciled after the actress ended her relationship with the prince. The model even recently gave birth to their first child. Congratulations to the new parents!

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The Top 5 Moments From Meghan Markle’s Podcast ‘Archetypes’ So Far https://www.suggest.com/meghan-markle-podcast-archetypes-top-5-moments-2022/2692018/ Wed, 28 Dec 2022 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2692018 Meghan Markle smiles while brushing back her hair with her hand

In August, Meghan Markle finally kicked off her podcast Archetypes. So far, the show has successfully unpacked some of the stereotypes that hold women back.

However, the podcast has also given Meghan Markle a medium to open up, letting listeners get to know her better than ever before. Here are our top five favorite moments from Archetypes so far.

When Markle Called Out ‘Deal Or No Deal’

Most fans of the Duchess of Sussex know that, before becoming royalty, she worked for a short time as a briefcase girl on the game show Deal or No Deal. In October, Markle sat down with Paris Hilton to talk about how hard it is to be valued for your looks over your brains—something she felt all too strongly while working on the game show.

“I didn’t like feeling forced to be all looks and little substance. And that’s how it felt for me at the time, being reduced to this specific archetype,” Markle explained. Click here to read more about Markle’s take on the “bimbo” archetype.

When Markle Revealed Her Nigerian Roots

In an episode with Ziwe Fumudoh and Issa Rae, Markle unpacked the “Angry Black Woman” stereotype. She recalled going after acting roles that painted her as having an “edge or an attitude.” She noted how this bleeds into everyday life, instilling black women with the fear of being too demanding.

Markle then revealed that this fact weighs on her now more than ever since she recently took a genealogy test. Apparently, the duchess found out that she’s actually 43% Nigerian, something she hadn’t realized before. Click here to find out how Markle is tackling the “Angry Black Woman” stereotype.

When Markle Talked About The British Citizen Test

We were especially delighted to hear Markle talk about her experience preparing for the British citizenship test. In conversation with actress Pamela Adlon, Markle opened up about how difficult it was to attain British citizenship after she and Harry tied the knot in 2018.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING: Gifts Of Envy: 15 Gifts For Her She Will Love To Show Off

“That citizenship exam is so hard! I was studying for it, and I remember going, ‘Oh my goodness.’ I would ask my husband, ‘Did you know this? Did you know this?’ And people went, ‘Oh, I had no idea.’” Click here to read how Markle and Adlon bonded over the British citizenship test.

When Markle’s Mom Made A Surprise Appearance

In one of the most wholesome moments of the podcast yet, Markle’s interview was interrupted by a phone call from her mom, Doria Ragland. The call was completely on-theme since Markle had just been in the middle of discussing motherhood. After the quick chat, Markle opened up about her and Ragland’s relationship.

“With this episode on my brain, it got me thinking about all the ways my mom supported me, how she took care of me and the house and herself … and how she just juggled so much,” Markle remarked. Click here to read more about the adorable interruption.

When Markle Addressed ‘The B-Word’

In an extra special episode, Markle was joined by co-CEO of Ariel Investments and chairwoman of Starbucks Mellody Hobson. Together, they unpacked all of the stigma that comes with being labeled the “b-word” as a successful woman.

“It becomes a way to take their power away. Keep them in their place,” Markle said of the label. Click here to read how Markle and other successful women hold onto their confidence despite being called such offensive words.

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Kate Middleton’s 5 Best Fashion Statements Of 2022 https://www.suggest.com/kate-middleton-5-best-fashion-statements-2022/2692469/ Wed, 28 Dec 2022 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2692469 Kate Middleton smiling in a blue coat on a visit to Northern Ireland

In addition to her graceful role within the royal family and her heartwarming devotion to humanitarian causes, Kate Middleton is also a full-time fashion icon.

The current Princess of Wales has brought us countless gorgeous looks to gawk at over the years, and 2022 was no exception. Here are our top five favorite pieces Kate Middleton rocked this year.

Princess Diana’s Legendary Sapphire Earrings

First on the list is a big one: Princess Diana’s stunning sapphire earrings. Over the years, there was plenty of speculation that Middleton had these specific earrings refashioned into two smaller sets and a pendant necklace. However, Middleton squashed these rumors by stepping out this June in a pair of earrings nearly identical to the ones favored by Diana.

In a fitting tribute to her late mother-in-law, Middleton styled the earrings with a chic white blazer similar to a style Diana also enjoyed. Take a closer look at Middleton’s gorgeous heirloom earrings, and possibly pick up some dupes for yourself.

This Chic Winter Knit Set

Last January, Middleton showed everyone how to master winter fashion. During a special visit to Clitheroe Community Hospital in Lancashire, the princess stunned in a close-fitting brown turtleneck knit dress.

She paired the flattering piece with a long camel-colored wool coat. To top it off, Middleton chose some incredibly chic suede boots. We were so enamored with the look that we helped our readers hunt down Middleton’s outfit without breaking the bank.

Her Signature Pleated Midi Skirt

This year also saw the rise of a new staple piece in Kate Middleton’s closet: The timeless pleated midi skirt. From leopard prints to bold red, Middleton proved that there’s no limit to how you can style this gorgeous piece.

Inspired by Middleton’s looks, we found some gorgeous dupes that we’ll definitely be taking into 2023. You can find out how we’re styling this Kate Middleton-approved staple.

The Perfect Summer Shoes

Last spring, Kate Middleton brought out her boldest and brightest colors for her tour of the Caribbean. However, we were especially inspired by the princess’ expertly chosen footwear.

While her bold blue floral smock dress was the talk of royal fashion for weeks, we noticed that she paired the darling dress with some stunning wedge jute sandals. Then, after the heels certainly did a number on her feet while trekking through sand, she traded them out for some adorable crochet flats. You can read exactly how we mimicked her look for far less.

This Adorable Gingham Look

Finally, we found out that Middleton takes her style seriously at home, too. While baking cupcakes with her kids to celebrate the queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Middleton rocked the perfect ensemble.

For the festive occasion, Middleton paired high-waisted jeans with an adorable pink gingham top that featured a ruffle-trimmed Chelsea collar and exaggerated short puff sleeves. Feeling inspired, we hunted down all the ways you can incorporate gingham into your summer wardrobe.

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Top Kate Middleton Story Of 2022: Trying To Break The ‘Spare’ Curse https://www.suggest.com/kate-middleton-story-trying-break-spare-curse/2704477/ Tue, 27 Dec 2022 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2704477 Kate Middleton smiles in off-shoulder green gown with feather detail

Kate Middleton has put yet another year on the books as a crucial component of the working royal family. There was so much to love about her and Prince William’s work in 2022.

However, this year, we also learned more about the princess’ life as a mother to her three children. Here’s how one royal commentator believes Middleton will break the dreaded “heir and the spare” curse.

William And Harry Exemplified The ‘Heir And Spare’ Dynamic

Prince William and Prince Harry had an extremely unique upbringing. They were the first royal children to be raised completely in the eye of the press.

Their early lives were marked by their parents’ tumultuous divorce and the sudden death of their enigmatic mother. To add to that, the media was constantly pitting them against each other as the “heir and spare” to the British throne.

RELATED: King Charles Reveals His First Christmas Card As Sovereign With A Photo Taken Just Days Before Queen Elizabeth Died

This reputation followed them into their adulthood. While Prince William bore an impossible weight as the young heir, Prince Harry had his own struggles.

Everyone knew that he most likely would never become the king, but that slim chance kept him from leading his own life or pursuing his own interests. From childhood, he was bound to a throne that he would never occupy.

While it was always clear that he got along just fine with William, Harry carried a certain stigma as the “spare” son. With no other siblings to bear that title with him, the phenomenon certainly left its mark on his psyche. The duke even titled his upcoming memoir Spare in reference to his longtime moniker.

Kate Middleton Battles The ‘Spare’ Curse

Flash forward a good decade, and now Prince William is raising his own heir. However, he and Kate Middleton also share two beloved children who are not in the immediate line of succession.

According to royal commentator Kinsey Schofield, the Prince and Princess of Wales are working hard to combat the polarizing “heir and spare” conception.

“There’s this heir and spare dynamic that we have been talking about for the last few years, in which the spare typically is so completely lost and they fall into trouble… I don’t think that it’s going to happen to Prince William’s children,” the author explained to Express. “I believe that this is where they’re going to break the cycle. I think that they’re going to stop with the spare talk and I think the ‘necessity’ for a spare ends now.”

Schofield adds that she thinks Middleton will fight to “break the cycle,” instead encouraging her children to pursue their own interests outside of the firm.

“I think we’ll see his children go off to school, find careers that they’re sincerely passionate about and be an adult in a way that we never got to see Margaret or Andrew do,” she asserted.

What’s clear is that, now that Charles has ascended to the throne, royal dynamics are in a state of flux. There’s no doubt that we will see the royal family continue to evolve in 2023.

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Kate Middleton’s Jewelry Choices Often Pay Tribute To People And Causes Important To Her https://www.suggest.com/kate-middleton-jewelry-choices-often-pay-tribute-important-people-causes/2698597/ Mon, 26 Dec 2022 19:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2698597 Kate Middleton smiles in gold dress with matching earrings

Kate Middleton is known for her exquisite style and her flawless fashion statements. In fact, the Princess of Wales is so thoughtful about each piece she wears that her jewelry often honors those close to her heart. This year, she has been spotted wearing several accessories that have subtle messages. Let’s take a look at a few of these pieces.

Earrings For Female Empowerment

On October 5, Middleton visited the maternity ward at Royal Surrey County Hospital. The princess was dressed in one of her classic monochromatic outfits, paired with dangling diamond earrings. Although Middleton was stunning in the bright yellow Karen Millen dress, the earrings held a hidden message of female empowerment.

The earrings are part of British jewelry brand Emily Mortimer’s “Hera” collection. Hera is the name of the Greek goddess of marriage, women, and fertility, who was also thought to protect women during childbirth. What a fitting choice to wear these earrings to a maternity ward!

Read more about the diamond earrings here.

Pearls Fit For A Queen…And A Princess

On November 12, the princess paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II by wearing a pair of the monarch’s beloved pearls. When the royal family gathered for the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance, Middleton looked striking in a black cinched jacket with a pleated skirt. However, the pearl choker was the centerpiece of the beautifully coordinated outfit.

The Japanese Pearl Choker was commissioned by the previous monarch in the 1970s. In fact, the pearl necklace is said to be one of the late queen’s favorites as she wore the dazzling piece on several occasions.

Read more about the beloved piece and learn who else wore this necklace

Celebrating A Life Through Jewelry

As the Princess of Wales celebrated the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II just prior to the queen’s funeral, Middleton paid homage through her accessories. When Middleton and Prince William arrived at Buckingham Palace to receive the late monarch’s coffin, the princess celebrated Elizabeth by donning a string of pearls.

Although Middleton adores pearl earrings, she doesn’t often wear the pearls around her neck. When she does, it’s often a tribute to the late queen.

Learn more about how Middleton honored Queen Elizabeth II through jewelry

Middleton Isn’t The Only Royal To Pay Tribute Through Jewelry

Though the Princess of Wales is known for sharing messages through accessories, she’s not the only member of the royal family to do so. Meghan Markle has been known to do the same.

Back in June, Markle attended a UN celebration of Nelson Mandela and sported a piece of jewelry that carried an important message.

The Duchess of Sussex wore a pinky ring from Shiffon Co. The brand’s name is taken from the saying “the shift is on” in regard to women’s equality. In fact, the pinky ring was one of the first pieces designed by the company’s founder and was designed as a commitment to pay it forward and support women.

Learn more about the ring and the important hidden message it carries.

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Everything We Know About The Queen’s Eldest Grandson, Peter Phillips https://www.suggest.com/queen-elizabeth-peter-phillips-everything-we-know-eldest-grandson/2697100/ Mon, 26 Dec 2022 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2697100 Queen Elizabeth (L) in fuschia outfit standing next to Peter Philips, who is wearing a suit and tie and matching hat

Queen Elizabeth’s grandchildren are no strangers to the public. Royals like Prince William and Prince Harry are some of the most recognizable people in the world.

However, many are unaware that King Charles’ heir apparent is not the eldest of Queen Elizabeth’s grandchildren. That honor is reserved for Princess Anne’s eldest son, Peter Phillips.

Here’s everything we know about the private member of the royal family.

Peter Phillips Was Born In 1977

While King Charles is Queen Elizabeth’s eldest child, he wasn’t the first of his siblings to start a family. Princess Anne and her husband, Captain Mark Phillips, blessed the queen with her first grandchild on November 15, 1977, when Anne gave birth to Peter Mark Andrew Phillips.

Queen Elizabeth II with her daughter, Princess Anne and grandson, Peter Phillips at the baby boy's christening, 12th December 1977.
Queen Elizabeth II with her daughter, Princess Anne and grandson, Peter Phillips at the baby boy’s christening, 12th December 1977. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Per the BBC, the young royal was honored with a 41-gun salute at the Tower of London upon his birth. At the time, he was fifth in line to the throne.

Despite his royal status, he was technically born a commoner. According to BBC‘s coverage of Peter’s birth, Princess Anne and Mark Phillips refused the queen’s offer of a courtesy title for their son.

He was the first royal baby to be born without a title or courtesy title in over 500 years. This means that, despite being born as the queen’s only grandchild, he was referred to as “Master” rather than “Prince” or “His Royal Highness.”

Anne and Mark reaffirmed their decision when Peter’s younger sister, Zara Anne Elizabeth, was born on May 15, 1981. Like her brother, she grew up without any royal titles.

She is the second-eldest of the queen’s grandchildren. Despite her lack of a title, Zara went on to become quite the celebrity Equestrian after competing in the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Peter Phillips Graduated From The University Of Exeter

Peter gravitated towards sports from a young age. After graduating from Gordonstoun School in Moray, Scotland, the royal took a gap year and traveled to Australia.

While down under, Peter worked for Sports Entertainment Limited. After the short stint in Australia, Peter returned to England to study sports science at the University of Exeter, per Hello!. He also played on the school’s rugby league team.

After graduating in 2000, Peter went on to work for Jaguar Racing as a corporate hospitality manager. He then went on to work for Williams F1 as a sponsorship accounts manager.

According to Peter’s LinkedIn profile, he eventually left the racing world for a more business-oriented career. He eventually took on various management roles before becoming a Director for e-Mersion Media in 2019. He’s also served as the Chairman of City Racing since 2018.

In 2003, Peter met Canadian Management Consultant Autumn Kelly at the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. The two went on to date for four years before announcing their engagement in 2007, as reported at the time by the BBC. They married at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle on May 17, 2008.

Peter Phillips 30, (L) and Autumn Kelly 31, (R) on their wedding day
(IAN MCILGORM/AFP via Getty Images)

Peter Phillips Is Father To The Queen’s Eldest Great-Grandchild

It’s fitting that Peter, the eldest of Queen Elizabeth’s grandchildren, is also father to her eldest great-grandchild. Her Majesty became a great-grandmother when Peter and Autumn welcomed their first child, Savannah Anne Kathleen, on December 29, 2010. The couple welcomed their second daughter, Isla Elizabeth, on March 29, 2012.

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From what we can tell, Peter is a dedicated father that keeps himself busy with work. Per The Independent, he and Autumn announced their separation in 2020 and finalized their divorce in 2021. They still co-parent their daughters, although little is known about their official arrangement.

Aside from the bigger moments in his life, Peter Phillips lives a remarkably private life for a member of the royal family. His lack of royal titles has allowed him to pursue his own interests and career independently from the royal duties many of his cousins have undertaken.

Peter Participated In Queen Elizabeth’s Funeral

Despite shying away from the spotlight, it seems like Peter still had a close relationship with his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, as her very first grandchild.

Peter made one of his most recent public appearances with his royal relatives when he joined his sister and six cousins during the 15-minute vigil around Queen Elizabeth’s coffin while it laid in state at Westminster Hall, per Wales Online.

(L-R): Peter Phillips, Prince William, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, King Charles III, and Prince Edward gather at Queen Elizabeth's memorial service.
(L-R): Peter Phillips, Prince William, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, King Charles III, and Prince Edward gather at Queen Elizabeth’s memorial service. (Peter Nicholls – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

According to the BBC, he also walked behind the cortege in the state funeral procession last September.

His reputation as a low-key royal is unlikely to change in the coming years, although he will always remain a fixture in the royal family as the eldest of Queen Elizabeth’s grandchildren.

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Kate Middleton’s Christmas Dress Oozes Holiday Cheer https://www.suggest.com/kate-middleton-christmas-dress-oozes-holiday-cheer/2711249/ Sun, 25 Dec 2022 19:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2711249 Kate Middleton in a purple coat, smiling before the royal concert at Westminster Abbey

Kate Middleton continues to spread Christmas cheer this holiday season. As the Princess of Wales prepared for her second annual Christmas concert a few days ago, Middleton showed her festive spirit by wearing a Christmas dress that oozed holiday cheer.

In a recent Instagram post, the princess sparkled in a beautiful red sequined dress. The photo was from a promo of Middleton’s second annual Christmas carol special, Royal Carols: Together at Christmas sponsored by the Royal Foundation.

The special was an event fit for the royal family. Turns out, Middleton, Prince William, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla all attended the concert at Westminster Abbey. Organized by the princess, Buckingham Palace said in a release that the event was a way for the royal family to “celebrate the joy that human connection can bring” with charity staff, community volunteers, frontline workers, and military personnel at the event.

RELATED: Kate Middleton Proves Once Again How She Immediately Connects With Kids

The release went on to say, “This year’s carol service is dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the values Her Majesty demonstrated throughout her life, including duty, empathy, faith, service, kindness, compassion, and support for others. These principles are shared and personified by the inspirational guests who have been invited to the Abbey in recognition of their tireless work to help and care for those around them.”

A Festive Holiday Color For A Princess

In an Instagram post following the special concert, Middleton is seen spreading Christmas cheer in what appears to be her favorite Christmas color. Just as the princess wore red in the promo for the event, she sported a beautiful burgundy jacket dress to the star-studded event.

Apparently red is the princess’s color of choice when it comes to Christmas. Turns out, this isn’t the first year Middleton donned the festive color to the event. In fact, the princess also sported red at last year’s inaugural Christmas concert.

Looking lovely in a red holiday sweater, the princess shared in last year’s promo how the concert was a way to honor the frontline workers who supported their communities during COVID-19. As the princess shared, “We owe them a huge debt of gratitude for all they’ve done in bringing people together and supporting their communities.”

At the concert itself, the princess spread Christmas cheer for all to hear in a red Catherine Walker dress. In a surprise duet with Scottish singer Tom Walker, Middleton gave her first public piano performance on the song “For Those Who Can’t Be Here.”

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Kate Middleton’s Go-To Sneaker Made An Appearance In The Royal Family Christmas Card https://www.suggest.com/kate-middletons-go-to-sneaker-made-appearance-royal-family-christmas-card/2710867/ Sun, 25 Dec 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2710867 Kate Middleton smiling in a purple overcoat in front of a frosted pine tree.

Kate Middleton is a style icon from head to toe, literally. Even for the royal family’s Christmas card, the Princess of Wales is showing her fashion sensibilities along with her go-to sneakers. Turns out, the shoes aren’t just a must-have for Middleton. They’re a pair that most people can afford to have in their closets!

For this year’s Christmas card, Middleton opted to keep it casual with coordinating outfits for the family. While all three children are wearing shorts in the picture, the Prince and Princess of Wales are both sporting jeans. However, the mom of three is the only one in sneakers in this classic color.

As Middleton shows off her pearly white shoes in the Christmas card, the entire family matches in white and blue ensembles. With smiling faces to boot, Prince George, 9, Princess Charlotte, 7, and Prince Louis, 4, all look dashing in their shades of blue.

Although the photo is more reminiscent of summer than winter, we’ll take the sunny holiday wishes. As cool weather sets in for many of us, a hint of summer from the royal family helps to warm us up during the chill of the season. Thankfully, Middleton’s shoes help bring back memories of warmer weather.

Shoes Fit For More Than A Princess

While the rest of the royal family wears navy shoes in the festive photo, Middleton shows off her fashion sensibilities while wearing comfy white sneakers. Turns out, Middleton’s go-to Superga 2750 Cotu Classic sneakers aren’t only comfortable; they’re also affordable!

Since these cotton classics are extremely breathable, they may also become your go-to shoe. Plus, you can find your favorite hues as these shoes come in more than 60 colors and patterns. Even the princess has sported this footwear in more than one color.

While comfort and affordability are two selling features, their classic style also means that they can be paired with just about any casual look. From denim or cargo pants to skirts, the princess has shown us just how versatile these shoes are!

Even as we wait for warmer weather to return, the princess reminds us that classic white sneakers never go out of style. From the variety of colors to the comfort level and price, these shoes can help even when jack frost is nipping at your nose.

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The First-Ever Royal Christmas Speech By George V Was Written By One Of The Most Famous Children’s Authors Of All Time https://www.suggest.com/king-george-runyard-kipling-first-ever-royal-christmas-speech/2701897/ Sun, 25 Dec 2022 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2701897 black and white photo of young King George V in a black coat and bowtie and short moussed down flat hair

Since 1932, the reigning UK monarch has delivered a Christmas message to their subjects. The speeches are broadcast throughout the Commonwealth over the radio, television, and the internet. The first broadcast was given by King George V, and he got a helping hand from a famous children’s author when it came time to write his speech. 

King George V Collaborated With A Famous Author

King George was first approached by the BBC about a potential Christmas broadcast in 1922. He turned them down at first, due to his uncertainty about the value of radio beyond entertainment purposes. 

By 1932, he was convinced of radio’s power and agreed to deliver a Christmas message. The first holiday broadcast was scripted by Rudyard Kipling, an author who was famous for books like The Jungle Book and Just So Stories, as well as poems like “Mandalay” and “Gunga Din.”

The speech Kipling wrote for King George focused on the new technology that made the king’s radio broadcast to all parts of the Commonwealth possible, as well as the need for peace around the world.

Rudyard Kipling’s Achievements As An Author

It might be surprising that the king of England would ask a children’s author to pen his first Christmas message, but Kipling was very politically active, as well as a noted writer in all genres. In 1907, he was given the Nobel Prize in Literature—the first English-language writer to receive the prize, as well as the youngest recipient to date. 

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Kipling was also put forward for the British Poet Laureateship, as well as a knighthood, but declined both honors. Following his death in 1936, Kipling’s ashes were interred at Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey.  

King Charles Is Set To Give His First Christmas Message

The Christmas message has become a beloved holiday tradition for the United Kingdom, and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II both delivered Christmas broadcasts during their time on the throne. The broadcast is one of the few times the reigning monarch speaks to the public without the advice from any of their ministers.  

King Charles III is set to give his first holiday broadcast this year, and the UK population is ready to hear what words of encouragement he will have for them during his first-ever Christmas message.

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What Do Prince William And Kate Middleton Get Their Kids For Christmas? Here’s A Clue https://www.suggest.com/prince-william-kate-middleton-royal-kids-christmas-presents/2710638/ Sat, 24 Dec 2022 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2710638 From left to right, Prince Louis, Kate Middleton, Princess Charlotte, Prince William, Prince George all walking together on a red carpet.

Have you ever wanted to know what the members of the royal family get each other for Christmas? Here’s your chance! A former palace employee revealed the kinds of presents Prince William and Kate Middleton get for their children, and each other. 

Former royal butler Grant Harrold worked for King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla Parker-Bowles for seven years at their Highgrove estate. He recently revealed that, while it’s traditional for the royals to exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, William and Middleton give their kids presents from Santa on Christmas Day, just like any other parents. 

Harrold told The Mirror that Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis probably “have Father Christmas come” and the kids “get traditional presents under the tree.” The former palace staffer also shared that that’s when the Prince of Wales and his wife most likely exchange more serious gifts. 

The Family Probably Exchange More Serious Gifts, Too

The royal family is famous for giving each other gag gifts for Christmas because, as Harrold said, “What do you give a royal who’s got everything?” However, he hypothesized that Christmas Day is when the royals give serious gifts to their spouses or children.

“I also believe they also give each other nice gifts because even though they do the fun thing, the younger royals, for example, like William and Catherine, will give each other nice gifts to each other at Christmas,” he shared. “I have no doubt about that at all.”

RELATED: Prince Louis Could Join Prince William, Kate Middleton In This Christmas Tradition For The First Time

Harrold continued, “I do think they give serious things but unfortunately I don’t know what unless we maybe see Catherine wearing some new jewelry or something like that. When I see her in a new necklace or something, I often wonder if it’s a Christmas gift but we never really know unless they tell us.”

Of Course, The Staff Get Small Gifts As Well

The former royal butler also revealed the Christmas gifts he would receive from the king and Parker-Bowles each year. In addition to a Christmas card from the family, Harrold shared that he would receive small gifts like “a tin of salmon” or “a salt and pepper grinder.”

Harrold also said that King Charles would give the staff “proper gifts” like “tea cups and saucers or whiskey glasses.” He shared, “One year I got a lovely water jug.” It sounds like the Prince and Princess of Wales aren’t afraid to break with royal tradition when it comes to making sure Santa visits Buckingham Palace on Christmas Eve night! 

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Here Are The 3 Royal Christmas Traditions King Charles Is Sure To Uphold https://www.suggest.com/king-charles-royal-christmas-traditions-uphold/2702130/ Sat, 24 Dec 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2702130 King Charles sits at table in front of fireplace while wearing a navy blue suit and tie

Although the royal family’s Christmas will be different this year without Queen Elizabeth II, there are some holiday traditions that King Charles is sure to uphold. While some of these traditions haven’t occurred for the past two years due to COVID, they are set to return this year.

It wouldn’t be a traditional Christmas for the royal family without these three holiday traditions: Christmas Luncheon at Buckingham Palace, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at Sandringham House, and the Royal Christmas Message. For the king, the absence of any of these events would simply mean it’s not Christmas.

Luncheon At Buckingham Palace

For years, the late queen hosted a Christmas luncheon at Buckingham Palace for the royal family. The meal would take place just before the late monarch would leave for the holiday festivities at Sandringham House. For family members unable to make it to the traditional Christmas Day gathering, the luncheon served as their opportunity to celebrate Christmas with the family.

However, COVID changed this customary Christmas meal for the royal family. In fact, the late queen was unable to hold the luncheon for the past two years due to the pandemic. Now that the virus is under better control, the king is reinstating the luncheon.

Since it hasn’t been held in two years, the event is sure to be quite the get-together. The meal will most likely include the typical turkey with all the trimmings. However, we’ll have to wait and see if the king follows his mother’s tradition of giving a small present to the children at the event.

Christmas Eve And Day At Sandringham House

Another traditional royal family get-together that has looked different the past two years is Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at Sandringham House. Although Prince William and Kate Middleton celebrated Christmas at Sandringham last year, the late queen and now-King Charles were unable to attend due to COVID.

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This year, the royal family is returning to Sandringham! The festivities will begin with a gift exchange on Christmas Eve. Showing that they too can have fun, the royal family often gives gag gifts to one another during the exchange. Afterward, the family sits down for a black or white tie dinner that includes lamb as the main entrée. 

Christmas morning begins with the famous walk to St. Mary Magdalene Church, where the royal family will greet people in the town. Then they will have a Christmas Day lunch followed by a fun-filled afternoon of games. We’ve heard that one of the royal family’s favorite games to play is charades!

Royal Christmas Message

This year will be the monarch’s first Christmas address as king. Charles is certain to include a touching tribute to his late mother and celebrate her legacy. We’ll just have to see if he uses the same time slot as his mother. The late queen’s speech always aired at 3 p.m. on BBC.

The royal Christmas message is a long-standing tradition of the ruling monarch. In fact, the royal Christmas message was first broadcast on the radio 90 years ago by the late queen’s grandfather, George V. The first televised speech was given by Elizabeth II in 1957.

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Queen’s Elizabeth’s Poignant Final Thoughts On Christmas Ring Truer Than Ever https://www.suggest.com/queens-elizabeth-poignant-final-thoughts-christmas-ring-truer-than-ever/2710279/ Fri, 23 Dec 2022 19:00:00 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2710279 Queen Elizabeth sits in chair in front of Christmas tree

The royal family and the rest of the world are preparing to celebrate their first Christmas without Queen Elizabeth, but her influence is still leaving its mark. Many are reflecting on comments she made about family and joy this time last year. 

Queen Elizabeth Discussed Family And Joy In Final Christmas Message

Last Christmas, the queen was reflecting on family. She welcomed four great-grandchildren in 2021—Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s daughter Lilibet, Princess Eugenie’s son August, Princess Beatrice’s daughter Sienna, and Zara Tindall’s son Lucas. 

At the time, Queen Elizabeth had not met Lilibet, but she and the rest of her great-grandchildren were clearly on the queen’s mind when she put together her annual Christmas remarks. 

RELATED: King Charles Reveals His First Christmas Card As Sovereign With A Photo Taken Just Days Before Queen Elizabeth Died

“Adults, when weighed down with worries, sometimes fail to see the joy in simple things, where children do not,” the queen started her 2021 Christmas speech, before listing off all the babies that had been born into the royal family that year. 

Queen Elizabeth continued, “And for me and my family, even with one familiar laugh missing this year, there will be joy in Christmas, as we have the chance to reminisce, and see anew the wonder of the festive season through the eyes of our young children, of whom we were delighted to welcome four more this year.”

Former Palace Staffer Says Christmas ‘Will Be Hard’ For Royal Family This Year

The queen met Lilibet later that year, when she, Harry, Markle, and their son Archie traveled to the UK in June 2022 for her Platinum Jubilee celebration. This year, King Charles III will make his first Christmas speech, as well as carry out the rest of the family’s holiday traditions. 

In addition to the speech, King Charles will host the rest of the royal family at Sandringham for their annual Christmas celebration. They will also carry out their traditional walk to church on Christmas morning. 

“It will be hard, as the Queen was all they knew, like most of Britain,” a former palace staff member revealed. “The first year is most difficult, as it is always the first of everything that you notice.”

It will be a difficult holiday season without the queen, but it looks like the royal family is doing their best to continue honoring her traditions. Queen Elizabeth’s Christmas speech last year was especially touching, and the British public is looking forward to hearing King Charles’ holiday remarks. 

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Pippa Middleton And Her Husband Win Year-Long Legal Battle Over Seating Area, Petting Zoo On New Property https://www.suggest.com/pippa-middleton-husband-win-year-long-legal-battle-over-seating-area-new-property/2711119/ Thu, 22 Dec 2022 15:32:31 +0000 https://www.suggest.com/?p=2711119 Pippa Middleton (L) in white dress and sunglasses sitting next to her husband James, who is wearing a blue suit/tie and subglasses

Pippa Middleton, sister of the Princess of Wales, has finally put an end to a year-long battle over Berkshire’s Bucklebury Farm Park, a property she and her husband purchased last year for £1.5 million.

The Changes Middleton Made That Annoyed Neighbors

Middleton and husband James Matthews bought Bucklebury Farm Park last year and quickly got to work on revamping the park. The couple built a covered sitting area very soon after the purchase, and their neighbors took notice. 

Some people told the local authorities that Middleton and Matthews built the structure so quickly, they must not have gotten the right permits. Another neighbor heard about the couple’s plans to move a public footpath and complained, claiming that the area was prone to flooding and the new path would create a muddy mess. 

There was also concern that the new path would be confusing, as it would be unclear whether it was for cars or people. However, Middleton and Matthews stuck it out and, a year later, have triumphed over the legal issues. 

The Couple’s Plans For The Park

The couple received retroactive permission for the covered seating area and have also been given permission to refurbish and revamp an existing “visitor barn,” build a new “play barn,” a storage building, new bathrooms, and a 100-car parking lot. 

RELATED: Kate Middleton’s Sister Pippa Stands To Inherit A Title Of Her Own, Here’s What We Know

Middleton’s nephews and niece will no doubt be excited about this news! Before she and her husband purchased the park, it was a favorite destination of Prince George. Bucklebury Farm Park is just a few miles away from Middleton’s parents’ house, and George was reportedly a big fan of the petting zoo at the park. 

Middleton’s Support Of Princess Of Wales’ Christmas Service

Middleton recently stepped out in support of her sister at the Duchess of Cambridge’s annual Christmas carol service.

The princess began doing the televised service last year, and people around the world were stunned when she showed off some musical skills of her own, playing the piano on one song. 

This year, the carol service was dedicated to the late Queen Elizabeth and the values she “demonstrated throughout her life, including duty, empathy, faith, service, kindness, compassion and support for others.” The service will air on Christmas Eve.

Middleton’s victory in the battle over those complaining about her and her husband’s planned changes to Bucklebury Farm Park came just in time for Christmas!

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