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Ashcottmanor
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For all of you wondering about the Middleton's getting titles and how they will be perceived in the royal circle now. It seems from this person's opinion, it won't be very well.
Sorry Mrs M, being a royal in-law is no laughing matter
By Geoffrey Levy
Last updated at 9:15 AM on 18th November 2010
Triumphant: Carole Middleton on the day of Kate's engagement
Any mother will understand why that smile on Carole Middleton’s face was so wide yesterday. Who on earth expects their daughter to become a Queen?
Despite all the history of Kate and William, it must still be a strange and wondrous *feeling for such an ordinary family who make their living selling party paraphernalia on the internet.
You could almost feel a triumphant glow from the former air hostess, and wasn’t it charming that Michael Middleton — both ‘Mike’ and at times ‘Dad’ to his future son-in-law — made sure he got his words right to the scores of assembled media by reading them from a piece of paper?
So they’ll be getting together with *William’s family for a drink over Christmas, won’t they?
Well, no, probably not. The Middletons are certainly not invited to join the royals for Christmas lunch at Sandringham.
And Kate has already *indicated she wants to spend a ‘last’ Christmas with her parents at home in the Berkshire village of Bucklebury, where she has been so happy for most of her life.
The following Christmas, with their daughter a Princess, could be a relatively lonely one for the Middletons.
Once they have supplied their child, these families have usually found themselves on the outside feeling like non-people
For if royal precedent is followed, Catherine will never again be able to see her *parents, or her siblings Pippa and James, for Christmas lunch in the family home.
She will be at the Queen’s seasonal family house party at Sandringham — to which the rest of the Middleton family will not be invited.
In-laws have never been treated particularly well in the royals’ world. Once they have supplied their child, these families have usually found themselves on the outside feeling like ‘non-people’.
Many years ago in a desperate moment of frustration, Anne Phillips, whose son Mark married Princess Anne, *bitterly complained to me at her Gloucestershire home that since the wedding, ‘it’s as though we don’t exist. We never get invited to anything’.
Clearly, William will do all he can to change this anachronistic practice.
Non-people: Anne Phillips, third right, complained her family became invisible after their son Mark married Princess Anne (second and third left)
What’s the betting he and Kate will pointedly join his in-laws on Boxing Day, or go on holiday with them in the New Year?
More...
The Queen, pictured last week, will not be inviting the Middletons to her seasonal house party at Sandringham
But whether or not he succeeds, the Middletons’ elation could soon switch to a chilly disappointment.
First they must prepare themselves for an onslaught on their much-valued privacy.
Then they face the problem of whether to decline social invitations from acquaintances.
No matter how *genuine, refusals will often become perceived slights.
And what will Carole do when her daughter confides in her that she is expecting a baby? Not for her the joyous sharing of news that other prospective grandparents indulge in.
The Middletons will find themselves having to call Clarence House for permission to talk openly about *virtually anything that relates to their daughter’s life.
Some in-laws, of course, almost go out of their way to be outside the royal circle.
Major Ron Ferguson, the Duchess of York’s father, blotted his copybook with his indiscretions — especially when he told me that when his daughter got engaged to Prince Andrew, if she hadn’t ‘lived a bit at 26 people would think there was something wrong with her’.
Protocol: The Duchess of York's father, Major Ron Ferguson, seen here with Princess Diana, made several gaffes
Worse, years later Ferguson could be found in a massage parlour indulging in ‘extra services’. Even though he had been Prince Charles’s polo manager, he never made a full social recovery.
Diana’s parents too were never invited into the family circle, even though her father, Earl Spencer, had been a neighbour at Sandringham and an equerry to the Queen. It was as though the moment his daughter married Prince Charles his social links were severed.
However, this may have been connected to the fact that he was married to his second wife Raine, highly opinionated former Countess of Dartmouth and daughter of the romantic novelist Barbara Cartland.
So are the royals always heartless towards their in-laws? The rare experience of one family suggests not.
Company director Christopher Rhys-Jones’s daughter Sophie married the Queen’s youngest son, Prince Edward, in 1999.
Now 79, widowed Mr Rhys-Jones was seen in one of the Queen’s carriages as she drove up the course at Royal Ascot in June — a poignant, if surprising, guest.
But back to Bucklebury, a village now on every Japanese and American tourist’s itinerary. Rubberneckers have already become part of everyday life for Michael and Carole Middleton.
All in all, having your daughter marry this well certainly comes with a heavy price.
But it will take much more than that thought to remove the smile from *Carole Middleton’s face.
the daily mail
Sorry Mrs M, being a royal in-law is no laughing matter
By Geoffrey Levy
Last updated at 9:15 AM on 18th November 2010
Any mother will understand why that smile on Carole Middleton’s face was so wide yesterday. Who on earth expects their daughter to become a Queen?
Despite all the history of Kate and William, it must still be a strange and wondrous *feeling for such an ordinary family who make their living selling party paraphernalia on the internet.
You could almost feel a triumphant glow from the former air hostess, and wasn’t it charming that Michael Middleton — both ‘Mike’ and at times ‘Dad’ to his future son-in-law — made sure he got his words right to the scores of assembled media by reading them from a piece of paper?
So they’ll be getting together with *William’s family for a drink over Christmas, won’t they?
Well, no, probably not. The Middletons are certainly not invited to join the royals for Christmas lunch at Sandringham.
And Kate has already *indicated she wants to spend a ‘last’ Christmas with her parents at home in the Berkshire village of Bucklebury, where she has been so happy for most of her life.
The following Christmas, with their daughter a Princess, could be a relatively lonely one for the Middletons.
Once they have supplied their child, these families have usually found themselves on the outside feeling like non-people
For if royal precedent is followed, Catherine will never again be able to see her *parents, or her siblings Pippa and James, for Christmas lunch in the family home.
She will be at the Queen’s seasonal family house party at Sandringham — to which the rest of the Middleton family will not be invited.
In-laws have never been treated particularly well in the royals’ world. Once they have supplied their child, these families have usually found themselves on the outside feeling like ‘non-people’.
Many years ago in a desperate moment of frustration, Anne Phillips, whose son Mark married Princess Anne, *bitterly complained to me at her Gloucestershire home that since the wedding, ‘it’s as though we don’t exist. We never get invited to anything’.
Clearly, William will do all he can to change this anachronistic practice.
What’s the betting he and Kate will pointedly join his in-laws on Boxing Day, or go on holiday with them in the New Year?
More...
- Haunted by the shadow of Diana: It's a loving tribute, but THAT ring ensures Kate can never be free of the spectre of William's mother
- Charles to pick up William and Kate's lavish wedding bill: But the taxpayers could still have to find £20m for the security
- How the Middletons built a multi-million pound business (thisismoney.co.uk)
But whether or not he succeeds, the Middletons’ elation could soon switch to a chilly disappointment.
First they must prepare themselves for an onslaught on their much-valued privacy.
Then they face the problem of whether to decline social invitations from acquaintances.
No matter how *genuine, refusals will often become perceived slights.
And what will Carole do when her daughter confides in her that she is expecting a baby? Not for her the joyous sharing of news that other prospective grandparents indulge in.
The Middletons will find themselves having to call Clarence House for permission to talk openly about *virtually anything that relates to their daughter’s life.
Some in-laws, of course, almost go out of their way to be outside the royal circle.
Major Ron Ferguson, the Duchess of York’s father, blotted his copybook with his indiscretions — especially when he told me that when his daughter got engaged to Prince Andrew, if she hadn’t ‘lived a bit at 26 people would think there was something wrong with her’.
Worse, years later Ferguson could be found in a massage parlour indulging in ‘extra services’. Even though he had been Prince Charles’s polo manager, he never made a full social recovery.
Diana’s parents too were never invited into the family circle, even though her father, Earl Spencer, had been a neighbour at Sandringham and an equerry to the Queen. It was as though the moment his daughter married Prince Charles his social links were severed.
However, this may have been connected to the fact that he was married to his second wife Raine, highly opinionated former Countess of Dartmouth and daughter of the romantic novelist Barbara Cartland.
So are the royals always heartless towards their in-laws? The rare experience of one family suggests not.
Company director Christopher Rhys-Jones’s daughter Sophie married the Queen’s youngest son, Prince Edward, in 1999.
Now 79, widowed Mr Rhys-Jones was seen in one of the Queen’s carriages as she drove up the course at Royal Ascot in June — a poignant, if surprising, guest.
But back to Bucklebury, a village now on every Japanese and American tourist’s itinerary. Rubberneckers have already become part of everyday life for Michael and Carole Middleton.
All in all, having your daughter marry this well certainly comes with a heavy price.
But it will take much more than that thought to remove the smile from *Carole Middleton’s face.
the daily mail
BritGirlUK
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Why are people posting articles from the Daily Mail as if they were gospel? It's about as believable as the National Enquirer most of the time.
D
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The Daily Mail is all fun I agree. BBC News and The Telegraph are the ones to look at for. Plus on twitter www.twitter.com/royalreporter is very reliable. Enjoy! 
Ashcottmanor
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^ And for being "trash" they sure do get a lot of things right most of the time.
Mummy Middleton will not be happy!
video here
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/40271477#40271477
video here
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/40271477#40271477
Camilla COULD be Queen: Charles breaks five-year silence on future role of his second wife
Prince Charles has given an extraordinary interview to American television in which he concedes for the first time that Camilla 'could be Queen.'
In a dramatic departure from his usual reticence, the heir-to-the-throne gave a clear indication that he wanted his second wife to ascend the throne at his side.
The 62-year-old Prince has side-stepped public comment on the notoriously thorny issue in the past to avoid further alienating a hostile British public.
Put on the spot: Prince Charles was directly asked if Camilla could be Queen by American interviewer Brian Wililams
Wrong-footed: The heir to the throne appeared stunned by Williams's question and gave a bumbling answer
The interview took place at the Castle of Mey in Scotland, the one-time home of the Queen Mother
But he appears to have been put on the spot during an interview with NBC's Brian Wililams due to be screened in the States later tonight.
Asked if Camilla will become Queen, Charles appears stunned before giving a faltering reply.
'That's well... perceivably. We'll see won't we? That could be,' he says, looking distinctly uncomfortable.
In a dramatic departure from his usual reticence, the heir-to-the-throne gave a clear indication that he wanted his second wife to ascend the throne at his side.
The 62-year-old Prince has side-stepped public comment on the notoriously thorny issue in the past to avoid further alienating a hostile British public.
Put on the spot: Prince Charles was directly asked if Camilla could be Queen by American interviewer Brian Wililams
Wrong-footed: The heir to the throne appeared stunned by Williams's question and gave a bumbling answer
The interview took place at the Castle of Mey in Scotland, the one-time home of the Queen Mother
But he appears to have been put on the spot during an interview with NBC's Brian Wililams due to be screened in the States later tonight.
Asked if Camilla will become Queen, Charles appears stunned before giving a faltering reply.
'That's well... perceivably. We'll see won't we? That could be,' he says, looking distinctly uncomfortable.
Charles's public position has always been that Camilla will become 'Princess Consort' when he takes the throne.
The title was concocted as a diplomatic fudge at the time of the couple's wedding in 2005.
Royal aides felt that a public still entranced by the late Diana would barely accepted Charles's long-term mistress as his second wife.
The prospect of her becoming Queen, they advised, was a step too far.
Second wife: The Royals had originally agreed that Camilla would be known as Princess Consort when Charles became King
However, privately Charles has always wanted - and believed - that Camillla would take the title when he was crowned.
Queen of hearts: Royal aides felt the public would not accept Camilla as Queen after the death of Charles's first wife Diana
The interview with Williams was recorded before Charles's son William, 28, confirmed that he was engaged to his long-term girlfriend Kate Middleton.
The announcement has ripped open the debate about the future of the monarchy - and whether the Prince of Wales should abdicate in favour of his eldest son.
Wiliams travelled to Scotland to meet Charles in an interview intended to highlight the environmental causes which occupy much of the Prince's time.
But instead he staged something of a journalistic ambush bringing up the taboo subject of Charles's succession.
'People around you said please avoid the k-word so I've been quite good today,' Williams said.
Charles conceded that his interviewer had been 'very good' before volunteering that it was better 'not to think about it.'
'If it comes to it regrettably it comes as a result of death of your parent which is not too nice to say the least,' he said. 'Obviously if it comes then you have to deal with it.'
Charles said it was difficult to describe his job as Prince of Wales. 'The thing is it isn't a job description,' he said.
'You rather have to make it up as you go along which doesn't always appeal to everyone else.'
The Royal also spoke about his fears for his sons, especially for Harry when he was serving on the frontline in Afghanistan.
'He was terribly keen to go,' Charles said. 'When he was out there I worried the whole damned time and I can understand, profoundly, what other families are going through.'
[dailymail]
The title was concocted as a diplomatic fudge at the time of the couple's wedding in 2005.
Royal aides felt that a public still entranced by the late Diana would barely accepted Charles's long-term mistress as his second wife.
The prospect of her becoming Queen, they advised, was a step too far.
Second wife: The Royals had originally agreed that Camilla would be known as Princess Consort when Charles became King
However, privately Charles has always wanted - and believed - that Camillla would take the title when he was crowned.
Queen of hearts: Royal aides felt the public would not accept Camilla as Queen after the death of Charles's first wife Diana
The interview with Williams was recorded before Charles's son William, 28, confirmed that he was engaged to his long-term girlfriend Kate Middleton.
The announcement has ripped open the debate about the future of the monarchy - and whether the Prince of Wales should abdicate in favour of his eldest son.
Wiliams travelled to Scotland to meet Charles in an interview intended to highlight the environmental causes which occupy much of the Prince's time.
But instead he staged something of a journalistic ambush bringing up the taboo subject of Charles's succession.
'People around you said please avoid the k-word so I've been quite good today,' Williams said.
Charles conceded that his interviewer had been 'very good' before volunteering that it was better 'not to think about it.'
'If it comes to it regrettably it comes as a result of death of your parent which is not too nice to say the least,' he said. 'Obviously if it comes then you have to deal with it.'
Charles said it was difficult to describe his job as Prince of Wales. 'The thing is it isn't a job description,' he said.
'You rather have to make it up as you go along which doesn't always appeal to everyone else.'
The Royal also spoke about his fears for his sons, especially for Harry when he was serving on the frontline in Afghanistan.
'He was terribly keen to go,' Charles said. 'When he was out there I worried the whole damned time and I can understand, profoundly, what other families are going through.'
[dailymail]
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Ashcottmanor
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I've never been a Camilla Supporter, but as of right now I would rather see Camilla as Queen then Kate.
Ashcottmanor
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More reliable?
Royal wedding: rift leaves 'rough' side of Kate's family out in the cold
The "rough and tumble" side of Kate Middleton's family will almost certainly be absent from her wedding
Carole and Kate Middleton Photo: CAMERA PRESS
Victoria Ward 11:55PM GMT 18 Nov 2010
She famously hails from working-class stock, with builders and Durham miners among her ancestors.
But the "rough and tumble" side of Kate Middleton's family will almost certainly be absent from her wedding to Prince William next year.
A long-standing family feud means several relatives of Miss Middleton's mother, Carole, are unlikely to receive invitations. One relative, who asked not to be named, said there was "no chance" of several of Mrs Middleton's side of the family being invited.
Related Articles
"We know we won't be invited to the wedding, but it's not Carole's fault. Her parents fell out with the rest of the family when she was young."
Mrs Middleton has had little contact with her father's family since she married her husband, Michael, in 1980.
The rift dates back to 1978, when Mrs Middleton's father, Ron Goldsmith, a builder, fell out with his oldest sister, Alice Tomlinson.
Mrs Tomlinson's husband, Bill, tried to visit the builder but Mr Goldsmith's wife, Dorothy, would not let him into their home in Norwood Green, west London, saying they were too busy. Mr Tomlinson died two weeks later, and his widow banned the Goldsmiths from his funeral because she felt they had snubbed him.
Mrs Tomlinson, who is Kate Middleton's oldest surviving relative, is the only one of Mr Goldsmith's five siblings who is still alive. She will be 100 in May and will receive a telegram from the Queen within weeks of the likely date of the wedding. Ironically, she does not expect to hear from her great-niece, the future queen, whom she has not met.
"Alice will watch the wedding on television, I am sure," said one relative. "She thinks of how humble Ron was and is thrilled to think that someone who had absolutely nothing has a granddaughter who will be queen one day."
Ron Goldsmith drove lorries before becoming a builder and had, by his own family's admission, a "terrible life".
The youngest of six children, he was brought up in a run-down terrace house in Southall, west London. His widowed mother, Edith, worked at a jam factory while the young children were cared for by their older siblings.
When Mr Goldsmith married Dorothy Harrison, a shop assistant whose ancestors were miners in the North East, the couple lived with his mother in a council flat into which she had moved and where Kate Middleton's mother was born in 1955.
• Kate Middleton may have let slip her preferred wedding venue after making a private visit to Westminster Abbey, but the question of who will conduct the ceremony is still undecided. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, is the most likely person, but Miss Middleton and Prince William could choose the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Richard Chartres, who is a close friend of the Prince of Wales.
The Telegraph
Royal wedding: rift leaves 'rough' side of Kate's family out in the cold
The "rough and tumble" side of Kate Middleton's family will almost certainly be absent from her wedding
Victoria Ward 11:55PM GMT 18 Nov 2010
She famously hails from working-class stock, with builders and Durham miners among her ancestors.
But the "rough and tumble" side of Kate Middleton's family will almost certainly be absent from her wedding to Prince William next year.
A long-standing family feud means several relatives of Miss Middleton's mother, Carole, are unlikely to receive invitations. One relative, who asked not to be named, said there was "no chance" of several of Mrs Middleton's side of the family being invited.
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18 Nov 2010 - Kate Middleton to continue working at family partyware firm until Royal wedding
18 Nov 2010 - Prince William and Kate Middleton: The royal wedding world exclusive that never was
18 Nov 2010 - Royal wedding: Kate and William longing for a happy family of their own
18 Nov 2010
"We know we won't be invited to the wedding, but it's not Carole's fault. Her parents fell out with the rest of the family when she was young."
Mrs Middleton has had little contact with her father's family since she married her husband, Michael, in 1980.
The rift dates back to 1978, when Mrs Middleton's father, Ron Goldsmith, a builder, fell out with his oldest sister, Alice Tomlinson.
Mrs Tomlinson's husband, Bill, tried to visit the builder but Mr Goldsmith's wife, Dorothy, would not let him into their home in Norwood Green, west London, saying they were too busy. Mr Tomlinson died two weeks later, and his widow banned the Goldsmiths from his funeral because she felt they had snubbed him.
Mrs Tomlinson, who is Kate Middleton's oldest surviving relative, is the only one of Mr Goldsmith's five siblings who is still alive. She will be 100 in May and will receive a telegram from the Queen within weeks of the likely date of the wedding. Ironically, she does not expect to hear from her great-niece, the future queen, whom she has not met.
"Alice will watch the wedding on television, I am sure," said one relative. "She thinks of how humble Ron was and is thrilled to think that someone who had absolutely nothing has a granddaughter who will be queen one day."
Ron Goldsmith drove lorries before becoming a builder and had, by his own family's admission, a "terrible life".
The youngest of six children, he was brought up in a run-down terrace house in Southall, west London. His widowed mother, Edith, worked at a jam factory while the young children were cared for by their older siblings.
When Mr Goldsmith married Dorothy Harrison, a shop assistant whose ancestors were miners in the North East, the couple lived with his mother in a council flat into which she had moved and where Kate Middleton's mother was born in 1955.
• Kate Middleton may have let slip her preferred wedding venue after making a private visit to Westminster Abbey, but the question of who will conduct the ceremony is still undecided. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, is the most likely person, but Miss Middleton and Prince William could choose the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Richard Chartres, who is a close friend of the Prince of Wales.
The Telegraph
Ashcottmanor
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^ That's the point. B) Oh Wills what have you done? Here we go...
Kate Middleton, the sixth-former saving herself for Prince Charming
By Rebecca English
Last updated at 11:29 PM on 19th November 2010
Her ability to charm saw fellow sixth-formers vote her Person Most Likely To Be Loved By Everybody.
It is a trait which will no doubt stand Kate Middleton in good stead in her new role as future Queen.
Former classmates from her days at Marlborough College recall a teenager who had blossomed into a stunning young woman but shunned the attention she received from the opposite sex, intent on saving herself for someone special.
Fun times: Kate, right, with pals at a sleepover in 1998
The portrait of a princess in the making emerged as her Year Book, compiled by students at the £29,000-a-year school to celebrate their graduation in 2000, was opened up to the Mail.
More...
‘Catherine was really good for a laugh,’ recalls one former classmate. ‘She was always raising people’s spirits and could be very goofy but was very sweet and quite shy at times.’
Kate’s only vanity while at school – according to her Year Book entry at least – was a very teenage obsession with her changing body.
Her peers write: ‘Catherine’s perfect looks are renowned … but she is often found squinting down her top screaming, “They’re growing!”
'First love': Kate with Willem Marx, left, said to be her first boyfriend and another Marlborough pupil Nick Jenner
‘Catherine has had a few hiccups through her time at school. Being a late starter her innocent honesty with Mrs P [a teacher] landed her in a couple of tricky situations:
“Where do I put my clothes Mrs Patching, they smell of smoke?”.
‘However it would be true to say that with all Catherine’s mannerisms, life is definitely more interesting and fun with her around.’
Even then the brunette was a hit with the boys – but was always reserved in her behaviour with the opposite sex.
‘She was stunning – every boy in the school fancied her rotten,’ one pupil recalls. ‘But apart from a couple of snogs she never went out with anyone. I got the very distinct impression that Catherine was the kind of girl who wanted to save herself for someone special.’
Among her tight-knit group of friends were several with close links to William, although the pair were never actually introduced until they enrolled as History of Art students at St Andrews University.
Early friendships: From left, Ruth Currie, Rebecca James and Kate
They included Emilia d’Erlanger who, shortly after leaving school, was herself romantically linked with William after she joined him on a Mediterranean cruise, but has gone on to become one of Kate’s closest friends.
Then there was polo player Mark Tomlinson, whose parents are old friends of Prince Charles.
Another pupil, Willem Marx, was rumoured to have been her ‘first love’, although her name appears alongside Henry Preston in the list of ‘Best Couples’.
Unlike many of her classmates, Kate was not a big drinker.
One weekend she was among a group of girls invited to a black-tie party held at the house of Olympic horseman William Fox-Pitt.
Kate, who had eaten nothing all day, spent the night dancing and drinking champagne.
‘The following morning the girls got back on the train to Waterloo very hungover and without any sleep,’ a friend recalled.
‘As the train approached London, Catherine started looking very pale and she was violently ill.
‘That was the first and only time anyone ever saw Catherine drunk or even slightly out of control. It was so out of character.’
House party: Kate, centre, with friends at a house party at her old school
dailymail
By Rebecca English
Last updated at 11:29 PM on 19th November 2010
Her ability to charm saw fellow sixth-formers vote her Person Most Likely To Be Loved By Everybody.
It is a trait which will no doubt stand Kate Middleton in good stead in her new role as future Queen.
Former classmates from her days at Marlborough College recall a teenager who had blossomed into a stunning young woman but shunned the attention she received from the opposite sex, intent on saving herself for someone special.
The portrait of a princess in the making emerged as her Year Book, compiled by students at the £29,000-a-year school to celebrate their graduation in 2000, was opened up to the Mail.
More...
- Queen Camilla? For the first time Charles states publicly that his wife COULD be crowned at his side
- Best wishes... but keep costs down: Cash-strapped public's verdict on Wills and Kate’s wedding
‘Catherine was really good for a laugh,’ recalls one former classmate. ‘She was always raising people’s spirits and could be very goofy but was very sweet and quite shy at times.’
Kate’s only vanity while at school – according to her Year Book entry at least – was a very teenage obsession with her changing body.
Her peers write: ‘Catherine’s perfect looks are renowned … but she is often found squinting down her top screaming, “They’re growing!”
‘Catherine has had a few hiccups through her time at school. Being a late starter her innocent honesty with Mrs P [a teacher] landed her in a couple of tricky situations:
“Where do I put my clothes Mrs Patching, they smell of smoke?”.
‘However it would be true to say that with all Catherine’s mannerisms, life is definitely more interesting and fun with her around.’
Even then the brunette was a hit with the boys – but was always reserved in her behaviour with the opposite sex.
‘She was stunning – every boy in the school fancied her rotten,’ one pupil recalls. ‘But apart from a couple of snogs she never went out with anyone. I got the very distinct impression that Catherine was the kind of girl who wanted to save herself for someone special.’
Among her tight-knit group of friends were several with close links to William, although the pair were never actually introduced until they enrolled as History of Art students at St Andrews University.
They included Emilia d’Erlanger who, shortly after leaving school, was herself romantically linked with William after she joined him on a Mediterranean cruise, but has gone on to become one of Kate’s closest friends.
Then there was polo player Mark Tomlinson, whose parents are old friends of Prince Charles.
Another pupil, Willem Marx, was rumoured to have been her ‘first love’, although her name appears alongside Henry Preston in the list of ‘Best Couples’.
Unlike many of her classmates, Kate was not a big drinker.
One weekend she was among a group of girls invited to a black-tie party held at the house of Olympic horseman William Fox-Pitt.
Kate, who had eaten nothing all day, spent the night dancing and drinking champagne.
‘The following morning the girls got back on the train to Waterloo very hungover and without any sleep,’ a friend recalled.
‘As the train approached London, Catherine started looking very pale and she was violently ill.
‘That was the first and only time anyone ever saw Catherine drunk or even slightly out of control. It was so out of character.’
dailymail
Beaming Kate Middleton visits parents... but smiles hide unease at family feud which means relatives won't be invited to Royal wedding
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 4:57 PM on 19th November 2010
An ongoing family feud means that several of Kate Middleton’s relatives will not be invited to the Royal wedding.
News of the bitter rift came as Kate was pictured leaving her parents’ home in Bucklebury, Berkshire today.
Smiling behind the wheel of her Audi, she gave no hint of the turmoil that has surrounded the family since 1978.
Betraying no sign of the feud that has dogged her family for more than 30 years, Kate Middleton was pictured leaving her parents' home in Bucklebury this morning
All smiles: Kate can't keep the grin off her face
The row is said to have erupted after Kate maternal grandfather, builder Ron Goldsmith, fell out with his oldest sister Alice Tomlinson.
Mrs Tomlinson’s husband, Bill, tried to visit Mr Goldsmith but was barred from the house by wife Dorothy, who claimed they were ‘too busy’, the Telegraph reported.
Mr Tomlinson died two weeks later and the Goldsmiths were banned from the funeral after the perceived snub.
A relative, who asked not to be named, said there was ‘no chance’ of several of Carole Middleton’s family members being invited.
‘We’re the rough and tumble side, we’re the workers, the working class. None of us are ashamed of our background, it’s just the way things are.’
The source added: ‘We know we won’t be invited to the wedding, but it’s not Carole’s fault. Her parents fell out with the rest of the family when she was young.’
More...
The feud erupted when Carole Middleton's father Ron Goldsmith fell out with his oldest sister Alice Tomlinson
Betrothed: Prince William will make Kate his wife early next year
Carole's brother Gary Goldsmith fell victim to a newspaper expose which saw him supply undercover journalists with Class A drugs
Mrs Middleton, a builder’s daughter descended from a family of Durham coal miners, has had little contact with her father’s family since marrying her husband Michael in 1980.
Meanwhile Alice Tomlinson, who is Kate’s oldest surviving relative and will turn 100 in May, is expected to watch her great-niece’s nuptials on TV.
The pair have never met.
Another relative who is perhaps unlikely to receive an invitation to the wedding is Carole’s brother Gary Goldsmith.
The property developer lives on the Spanish party island of Ibiza with a former lap-dancer.
Mr Goldsmith is the proud owner of a £5million villa is called Maison de Bang Bang (which translates as House of Sex).
Last year he fell victim to a Sunday newspaper expose in which he supplied undercover journalists with Class A drugs and introduced them to a pimp.
His first words to Prince William when he visited his villa in 2006 were ‘Oi, you f***er,’ he revealed.
dailymail
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 4:57 PM on 19th November 2010
An ongoing family feud means that several of Kate Middleton’s relatives will not be invited to the Royal wedding.
News of the bitter rift came as Kate was pictured leaving her parents’ home in Bucklebury, Berkshire today.
Smiling behind the wheel of her Audi, she gave no hint of the turmoil that has surrounded the family since 1978.
The row is said to have erupted after Kate maternal grandfather, builder Ron Goldsmith, fell out with his oldest sister Alice Tomlinson.
Mrs Tomlinson’s husband, Bill, tried to visit Mr Goldsmith but was barred from the house by wife Dorothy, who claimed they were ‘too busy’, the Telegraph reported.
Mr Tomlinson died two weeks later and the Goldsmiths were banned from the funeral after the perceived snub.
A relative, who asked not to be named, said there was ‘no chance’ of several of Carole Middleton’s family members being invited.
‘We’re the rough and tumble side, we’re the workers, the working class. None of us are ashamed of our background, it’s just the way things are.’
The source added: ‘We know we won’t be invited to the wedding, but it’s not Carole’s fault. Her parents fell out with the rest of the family when she was young.’
More...
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- Will a royal baby be top of her list? Kate will give up her job but won't be a working princess right away
- Revealed: How Prince William is following his father's footsteps and actually marrying his nanny
- Ulrika’s dressmaker is bookies’ favourite to design Kate Middleton's wedding gown
- Pictured: The remote Kenyan hut where Prince William proposed to Kate
- March of the middle class Middletons: How Kate's family found themselves in the limelight
Mrs Middleton, a builder’s daughter descended from a family of Durham coal miners, has had little contact with her father’s family since marrying her husband Michael in 1980.
Meanwhile Alice Tomlinson, who is Kate’s oldest surviving relative and will turn 100 in May, is expected to watch her great-niece’s nuptials on TV.
The pair have never met.
Another relative who is perhaps unlikely to receive an invitation to the wedding is Carole’s brother Gary Goldsmith.
The property developer lives on the Spanish party island of Ibiza with a former lap-dancer.
Mr Goldsmith is the proud owner of a £5million villa is called Maison de Bang Bang (which translates as House of Sex).
Last year he fell victim to a Sunday newspaper expose in which he supplied undercover journalists with Class A drugs and introduced them to a pimp.
His first words to Prince William when he visited his villa in 2006 were ‘Oi, you f***er,’ he revealed.
dailymail
Pictured: The remote Kenyan hut where Prince William proposed to Kate
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 2:46 PM on 19th November 2010
The pair were enjoying a 24-hour stop over at the spartan Rutundu Log Cabins during their Kenyan holiday when the Prince popped the question.
Far from the opulence of the Royal residences back home, the cabin does not even have electricity and guests are advised to bring all their own food and drink.
No mod cons: The Rutundu Log Cabin in Kenya, where Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton
Snug: The pair spent their first night as an engaged couple in a four-poster bed carved from local trees
So romantic: The newly engaged pair appeared on TV this week to officially discuss their engagement and show off the ring - once worn by William's late mother, Princess Diana
But the simple surroundings did nothing to dissuade the Prince from slipping his mother’s diamond and sapphire engagement ring onto his sweetheart’s finger.
The 28-year-old groom-to-be asked Kate to be his wife on the veranda of their cabin, The Sun reported.
The pair then enjoyed a bottle of champagne – kept cool in the outdoor ‘fridge’ – a wooden cupboard, before tucking into a meal prepared by the resort staff.
Before retiring to their four-poster bed, the pair are said to have snuggled happily in front of a roaring fire.
Accessible only by air, horseback, or via a 15km walk from the nearest road, the estate is a favourite hideaway for the Prince, who first visited it two years ago.
Surrounded by elephant, hyena, buffalo and leopard, the isolated spot is also famed for its trout fishing at both Lake Rutundu and Lake Alice.
A source said: ‘Short of being inside the SAS’s base at Hereford, this is the safest place in the world for William.
‘It is the one place he can be himself. And he does not have to be guarded because the wildlife there are his guardians.’
The newly engaged pair are even said to be considering having their honeymoon at the rustic bolthole.
On their departure, dated October 21, the happy couple signed the Rutundu guest book, with William declaring: ‘Such fun to be back!
‘Looked after so well. Thank you guys! Look forward to next time, soon I hope.’
More...
Loo with a view: The bathroom features a tub set into a wood panel and an enamel toilet standing over a cesspit
This week the couple discussed the proposal for the first time on screen with ITV's Tom Bradby.
The Prince said: 'We had been talking about marriage for a while so it wasn’t a massively big surprise. I took her up somewhere nice in Kenya and I proposed.'
Kate added: 'It was very romantic. There’s a true romantic in there. I really didn’t expect it. It was a total shock... and very exciting.'
William also revealed he had been carrying is mother's £28,500 engagement ring around in a rucksack for the duration of their three week holiday.
Remote: The cabins are accessible only by air, horseback, or via a 15km trek through an area teeming with wildlife
He said: 'I literally would not let it go. Everywhere I went I was keeping hold of it because I knew this thing, if it disappeared I would be in a lot of trouble and because I’d planned it, it went fine.
'You hear a lot of horror stories about proposing and things going horribly wrong it went really, really well and I was really pleased she said yes.
'It’s my mother’s engagement ring so I thought it was quite nice because obviously she’s not going to be around to share any of the fun and excitement of it all – this was my way of keeping her close to it all.'
They'll be back: The couple are said to be considering returning to the spot for their honeymoon
dailymail
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 2:46 PM on 19th November 2010
- Kate: Break was 'so romantic' and a 'wonderful 24 hours'
The pair were enjoying a 24-hour stop over at the spartan Rutundu Log Cabins during their Kenyan holiday when the Prince popped the question.
Far from the opulence of the Royal residences back home, the cabin does not even have electricity and guests are advised to bring all their own food and drink.
But the simple surroundings did nothing to dissuade the Prince from slipping his mother’s diamond and sapphire engagement ring onto his sweetheart’s finger.
The 28-year-old groom-to-be asked Kate to be his wife on the veranda of their cabin, The Sun reported.
The pair then enjoyed a bottle of champagne – kept cool in the outdoor ‘fridge’ – a wooden cupboard, before tucking into a meal prepared by the resort staff.
Before retiring to their four-poster bed, the pair are said to have snuggled happily in front of a roaring fire.
Accessible only by air, horseback, or via a 15km walk from the nearest road, the estate is a favourite hideaway for the Prince, who first visited it two years ago.
Surrounded by elephant, hyena, buffalo and leopard, the isolated spot is also famed for its trout fishing at both Lake Rutundu and Lake Alice.
A source said: ‘Short of being inside the SAS’s base at Hereford, this is the safest place in the world for William.
‘It is the one place he can be himself. And he does not have to be guarded because the wildlife there are his guardians.’
The newly engaged pair are even said to be considering having their honeymoon at the rustic bolthole.
On their departure, dated October 21, the happy couple signed the Rutundu guest book, with William declaring: ‘Such fun to be back!
‘Looked after so well. Thank you guys! Look forward to next time, soon I hope.’
More...
- Britain WILL get bank holiday to enjoy a day of national celebration for William and Kate's wedding day, says Cameron
- Will a royal baby be top of her list? Kate will give up her job but won't be a working princess right away
- Camilla goes up in a puff of smoke as she turns on festive lights
- Ulrika’s dressmaker is bookies’ favourite to design Kate Middleton's wedding gown
- Who will William choose for his 'supporter'? Prince Harry and Van Cutsem brothers lead race
This week the couple discussed the proposal for the first time on screen with ITV's Tom Bradby.
The Prince said: 'We had been talking about marriage for a while so it wasn’t a massively big surprise. I took her up somewhere nice in Kenya and I proposed.'
Kate added: 'It was very romantic. There’s a true romantic in there. I really didn’t expect it. It was a total shock... and very exciting.'
William also revealed he had been carrying is mother's £28,500 engagement ring around in a rucksack for the duration of their three week holiday.
He said: 'I literally would not let it go. Everywhere I went I was keeping hold of it because I knew this thing, if it disappeared I would be in a lot of trouble and because I’d planned it, it went fine.
'You hear a lot of horror stories about proposing and things going horribly wrong it went really, really well and I was really pleased she said yes.
'It’s my mother’s engagement ring so I thought it was quite nice because obviously she’s not going to be around to share any of the fun and excitement of it all – this was my way of keeping her close to it all.'
dailymail
Hard to choose the lesser of two evil so to speak. I think Kate should and most liking will wait some time before being Queen.
Deleted member 116957
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My god. I hope somehow Canada can get rid of the Monarchy before I ever see Camilla OR Kate as Queen. I'm so tired of being in a country that claims to be modern but yet has an anachronism as a head of state that supports everything Canadian society tries not to be. Oh my god I sound like a republican, in the truest sense.
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nuitblanche
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Ok.. I am just going to go ahead and say it.. I don't find Kate as pretty as the British press is making her out to be
^ You have to understand, with the Royals, we will consider any who has two eyes, a jaw, and their own hair...someone who can be recognised at first sight as a human being - well, they will be considered gorgeous.
Lol I'm too mean in this thread.
Lol I'm too mean in this thread.
Empress Merel
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They've only been starting to see her pretty as soon as the engagement came out.
Oh dear Catherine, you will be Kate forever to me.Margaret24
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I'm looking forward to seeing this wedding on tv, the only royal wedding I've seen was Charles and Camilla.
But I think they should get rid of the monarchy after the current queen dies
But I think they should get rid of the monarchy after the current queen dies
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