Kate’s in ship shape!
The Princess of Wales sails into summer
The Princess of Wales proved what a trooper she is, this week, as she launched a new ship in Glasgow and attended her first Buckingham Palace Garden Party in two years.
Catherine missed last year’s parties due to ill-health, but on Tuesday, she co-hosted a party at the Palace, with Prince William and what we like to call the GPDT – the Garden Party Dream Team – of Zara, Eugenie, Sophie, Edward and the Gloucesters.
Catherine looked glorious in buttercup yellow, wearing an Emilia Wickstead dress and Philip Treacy hat. Zara – who always pulls off a style coup at a Garden Party – also looked splendid in a floral dress by Anna Mason. William and Kate chatted to teen photographer Liz Hatton’s family, and were touched as her brother, nine-year-old Mateo, gave them yellow Jellycats, in memory of Liz.
On Thursday, Catherine and William travelled to Glasgow to launch HMS Glasgow. “I have the pleasure to name this ship HMS Glasgow,” Kate declared, before smashing a bottle of whisky on it. “May God bless her and all who sail on her.” A funny moment came when the couple left and a well-wisher shouted, “You’re beautiful!” to Catherine, before adding, “You too, William!” He replied, “You don't have to say that, don’t worry!” Watch the footage here.
Time Magazine this week hailed Wills and Kate for their “modern royal agenda”, including them in their inaugural Time100 Philanthropy list, saying the duo were “less concerned with cultural preservation and more attuned to social issues”, marking a shift in the Royal Family’s priorities. On that note, William launched a new TV series on Friday, introducing Guardians, showing how wildlife rangers have “one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet”.
Meet the newest member of the Royal Family
It’s a royal baby – ok, a fur one. This week, Camilla introduced us to her latest bundle of fun, five-month-old Moley, who she adopted from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, of which she’s patron. “Meet mischievous Moley,” her Insta post read, a, “new much-loved canine companion.” Moley is a Jack Russell-cross and companion to Bluebell, who she also adopted. The Queen sadly lost Beth, another Jack Russell, in November. We’re sure Moley and Bluebell will be best buddies, alongside the King’s new addition, a curly-haired Lagotto Romagnolo called Snuff. Kerry wrote about Moley for Reader’s Digest - read more here.
The Royals head to Chelsea Flower Show
Moley’s debut was to promote the Dog Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, designed by Monty Don and featuring paths with the names of VIP woofers including Moley, Bluebell, Beth and Snuff. The King and Queen visited on Tuesday, alongside Prince Edward and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Chelsea Flower Show ended yesterday and the garden will now be installed at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
Charles and Camilla looked to be thoroughly enjoying their visit to the famous show and caught up with bestie David Beckham, who sported the brand new pink and white rose, The King’s Rose. Onlookers overheard him thank Charles and Camilla for their 50th birthday gift. “You got it, didn’t you?” the Telegraph reported the King said. “It was incredible, thank you,” Beckham replied. “It was very kind.”
Meghan’s mood board
It was a special week for Meghan and Harry, as they celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary. The pair tied the knot on May 19, 2018 and to mark the occasion, Meghan shared a mood board on their relationship, with her three million Instagram followers, featuring images of her and Harry on holiday, getting married and the birth of their children. “Seven years of marriage. A lifetime of stories,” she wrote. “Thanks to all of you (whether by our side, or from afar) who have loved and supported us throughout our love story - we appreciate you. Happy anniversary!”
Have a royal day out
It’s half term in the UK, so here’s our pick of days out ideas:
Madame Tussauds: This week they’ve launched a new waxwork of the Princess of Wales, madametussauds.com
Cartier at the V&A: A glittering collection of royal jewels (read our review here), vam.ac.uk
Dress Codes at Kensington Palace: An exhibition of royal fashion, hrp.org.uk
The Edwardians at King’s Gallery: Buckingham Palace has an exhibition of the Age of Elegance, rct.uk
Royal Portraits at Palace of Holyroodhouse: The photography exhibition has moved from Buckingham Palace to Edinburgh, rct.co.uk
Royal bike tour: Take a tour of London’s royal sites, from the saddle, fattiretours.com