Royal style & gossip: who's got the best gownage and crownage?

[QueenOfTheAndals]

Here we go again, and as always say what you like about the clothes but keep it civil re the wearers of said clothes!

previous thread

I'm guessing Kate isn't a natural public speaker so it must be hard for her. Still, it's not like these engagements are going to lessen so she needs to find a decent speechwriter and someone who can show her how to give speeches without looking like she's reading off a piece of paper too much. Maybe she could ask Meghan for tips 😂

Interesting comments about Kate wearing tartan in Scotland. I have to admit that I do avoid wearing tartan in Scotland mainly because, as an American and a former resident of Scotland (as a student), I do feel that it is a bit touristy.

But as a Scottish-American with a Scottish surname, I do sometimes wear it here in my US city. In fact, just this past Saturday night DH and I sported a bit of tartan at the annual Burns Supper held by our local St. Andrews Society. No kilt for DH, but about half the men were wearing the kilt.

At least Black Watch "reads" more black or blue than tartan so it's not quite so attention seeking. On balance, I think Kate looked fine.

@WhitherShallIWander I can't remember where I read it, it may even have been someone's granny on MN, but the rumour was that the QM had given birth to a son with severe disabilities and he was spirited away and raised in secret in some village in Scotland.

On the one hand it would've been easier to hide a pregnancy and birth in the days before social media and 24/7 tv coverage but on the other, really?? It sounds like someone conflating the story of the monster of Glamis (the Bowes-Lyon) family stay and the (true) story of the QM's nieces who were shut away in an institution for most of their lives.

For me I don't think (I'm sure people are going to come alone with examples to prove me wrong here). Kate ever looks bad or even anything less than fine. I just think with some tweeks she could be on another level. Fair enough of she doesn't want and of course there are risks being more fashion forward so if she's happy and confident then that's enough. For me though there is always an element of frustration for me thinking of what could of been.

I agree with pp about Kate and speeches. She's had a very expensive education, which usually involves speaking practise if not exams. She's been married for almost 8 years, and it is part of her job - and will be increasingly. She needs to get good writers, have a coach and practise in front of a mirror!

itswinetime I agree with you that most of the time Kate looks good, but I think she plays safe and this means she doesn't have the wow factor which we know she's got when she gets an outfit spot on. She always looks nice, well turned out, but it's all a bit safe (and samey if it's a dress coat). I much prefer her in the casual type outfits, she seems more herself and youthful.

frugalkitty yes that's what I was tying to say but you worded it much better thank you!

@QueenOfTheAndals
WhitherShallIWander I can't remember where I read it, it may even have been someone's granny on MN, but the rumour was that the QM had given birth to a son with severe disabilities and he was spirited away and raised in secret in some village in Scotland.

It was from me on these threads and the blind gossip (now sadly departed ones) I've heard this via Westminster sources. Except the last bit about a village in Scotland! He was put into a care home somewhere. And it is not to be confused with the cousins.

It seems incredibly unlikely - I know they were more discreet about pregnancies then but surely it would have been noticed if the then Duchess of York had been full term pregnant and then silence?

Thanks @Paradyning maybe I made up the bit about Scotland! But I seem to remember that another poster on that thread said she'd heard the rumour too (from her granny or did I make that up too??).

Were pregnancies routinely announced back then? Or was it considered bad manners to do so and an announcement was only made after the birth? Being Duchess of York rather than Princess of Wales would've meant less scrutiny too.

Not announced, but presumably seen while she was doing her royal round.....?

Those shapeless 1920s dresses could hide a multitude of sins I suppose, and if she retired from public life in the third trimester...

Not that I'm saying it's true, mind! I agree it's highly unlikely.

Thank you for that. I’m not sure how likely it is. Would be a big cover up if true. Government would need to be involved.

Wonder if the Queen & Princess Margaret pregnancies were announced. If they were then rumour of a third is even more unlikely.

They were announced. The term was "expecting". The QM needed medical help to conceive, according to the Dr's notes. I doubt the story of the other child.

Thanks Clionba makes it even more unlikely unless it was a twin birth with either the Queen or PM. But going towards conspiracy now & rumour!

Not sure what the event is but CP Mary is wearing an army evening uniform for women.
IMHO it looks awful and she looks uncomfortable wearing it...

Bit more info. It’s a dinner for Navy officers. Just can’t believe she chose to wear that.

Yay! Maxima yesterday.
Love the berry colour; it’s my favourite winter colours and seems to suit everyone; blondes & brunettes.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/PrinceJohnnoftheeUnited_Kingdom

Isn't that story just a muddle of Prince John and the older girls?

Queen Mathilde New Years reception ( they are still going on!).
She is always so immaculately coiffed; but she is another who looks old for her years. Mathilde is the same age as CP Mary and a year younger than Maxima; but her style of dress and coiffed hair make her look like a well preserved 50 something.

No it is not a muddle of anything. I am saying what I heard from Westminster. I also asked re: pregnancy not being seen and it was easier to hide back then as pregnancies were not routinely announced.
Can we not get into the whole bollocks about whether I'm lying or not. I am not lying about what I heard from Westminster.

And by Westminster I mean directly from the office of a then ex party leader circa 1993/4

@paradyning
Would this child have been before or after HM’s birth?
Interestingly Princess Margaret was born in Glamis castle in Scotland; the QMs ancestral home. Presumably a handicapped child would be easier to hide away ( old family retainers etc). And there is a 4 year gap between the Queen and her sister, so there definitely would be space for a full term pregnancy.
The Home Secretary had to be present at all Royal Births at that time, so the government would have been aware...

So @paradyning; would you mind repeating your story please?
I think I vaguely remember it from an earlier thread, but would like to hear the details. Thanks.

Kate: I'm going to Scotland so I'll wear tartan as I'm the QUEEN of literal dressing!
CP Mary: Hold my drink...

@CurlyWurlyTwirly Mathilde always looks like a 50-something Upper East Side matron on her way to a board meeting of her favourite charity. But as I've said before, she's looked that she from about 25 and I suspect she'll still look it at 60!