You can rent Prince William & Duchess Kate for a night at the cost of $1 million

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We’re less than three weeks away from Duchess Kate and Prince William’s magical New York City trip – it’s scheduled for December 7th through the 9th. As I mentioned in a previous post, one of Will and Kate’s activities during the trip will be attending a basketball game in Brooklyn between the Nets and Cavaliers. This will be the second time any royal family member officially visited Brooklyn, and it will be the first official basketball game attended by a royal family member. So, did Will and Kate just add this game to their itinerary out of the blue? Nope. It sounds like their people approached the NBA and some kind of deal was worked out: Will and Kate would agree to meet “King” James LeBron and the NBA forked over $1 MILLION to Will and Kate’s latest charity initiative. Is it just me or is that really shady?

Basketball bosses have made a $1 million donation to Prince William and Kate Middleton’s charity as a ‘thank you’ for the couple attending an NBA game, MailOnline has learned. The Duke and Duchess will watch the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Brooklyn Nets during their three-day visit to New York next month. The decision by the couple to attend the match means they will meet LeBron James, currently America’s biggest sports star.

NBA brass believe that the image of the royal couple at the match at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center will be shown around the world, helping the sport gain new fans. In return they have made a donation of $1 million to the royal couple’s new charity initiative, which focuses on conservation.

‘It’s an incredible publicity coup for the NBA,’ an insider told MailOnline. ‘The images of them all together will be seen all over the world – it’s a marketing man’s dream. A million bucks is a small price to pay for the publicity the NBA’s going to get.’

Insiders say that Kate and William had expressed an interest in attending a basketball game at legendary Madison Square Garden when they were planning their December 7-9 visit to the Big Apple. But they snubbed the New York Knicks vs Portland Trailblazers game on December 7 in favor of seeing LeBron play the following night.

‘Kate and William are both big sports fans,’ explains the friend. ‘And although basketball isn’t big in Britain, William has heard of LeBron James… although Kate apparently had no idea who he was!’

Adam Silver, the NBA’s commissioner -its equivalent of chief executive – will be present at the match. He was said to be beside himself with excitement at the coup.

‘All the stars have aligned for them. No wonder Adam Silver is leaping up and down and celebrating. It’s perfect timing that Kate and William are visiting New York at the exact same time as LeBron James is in town.’

The pregnant Duchess might, however, find herself in more familiar company with a couple of other famous faces expected to attend the game. Beyonce and Jay Z are avid Nets fans, and both are expected to mingle with the royals when they take in the hoops action. While most attention-seeking celebs sit courtside, the Duke and pregnant Duchess are expected to be viewing the game from the relative safety of a private box.

‘I don’t think anybody likes the idea of Kate being in the front row and a huge, great basketball player crashing into her – especially in her condition,’ says the insider.

[From The Daily Mail]

Well, I think this means that Duchess Kate won’t be sitting next to Queen Beyonce. Queen B always sits courtside. She wouldn’t go to a game if she couldn’t sit courtside. But Kate is going to be stuck up in a private box. Which sucks, because it would have been amazing to see Kate and Will sit courtside and have LeBron run over to them for selfies. And while I realize basketball is a very American pasttime, I wonder if the Daily Mail realizes that basketball is very popular in many countries? And it’s not just Americans who view LeBron as some kind of god? LeBron was in London for the 2012 Olympics and he went out and partied with a lot of local celebrities too, and it was said that he made a lot of new fans.

As for the whole thing about being paid to attend a particular game… shady. The money goes to a good cause, I guess, so it’s not the worst thing ever. But still, it’s basically like corporate sponsorship of royal family members. You can get Duchess Kate at your event if you “donate” $1 million to some pre-negotiated third party.

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Photos courtesy of WENN, Fame/Flynet.

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136 Responses to “You can rent Prince William & Duchess Kate for a night at the cost of $1 million”

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  1. Lulu says:

    In fact I think this is brilliant. The NBA wtih all the money floating around there – the royals are not stupid. Money for charity – everybody is happy. Don’t see the problem.

    • may23 says:

      agreed!

    • Megan says:

      I agree. Part of their job is to raise funds for their charities and that is what they are doing.

    • LadySlippers says:

      •Lulu•

      The problem is William and other Royals need to maintain a certain level of dignity as ambassadors and representatives of their country. This is not shady per se, but it sure gets them on a slippery slope that often only slides….down. Not good for a constitutional monarchy that exists only because their citizens wish it to stay.

      • annieanne says:

        That slope only gets slippery if the money ever ends up in their pockets. As long as they’re raising money for their charities how is it any different than attending a charity gala where every attendee but them had to fork over $10,000 to get in the door?
        Which they – and all the rest of the royals – do all the time.

      • LadySlippers says:

        •annieanne•

        Perception. It’s always about perception.

        How this is phrased sounds like it’s a bit off which is why it’s raising red flags. When anyone, royal or celebrity raises funds, it’s important that everything appears ‘above the table’ and this is flirting with a ‘cash for hire’ theme.

      • Chris2 says:

        Ladyslippers hi
        Nothing to do with W&K, but there’s a really excellent article in today’s Guardian about the monarchy under Charles. Very much accords with what I think will happen, and with your extensive knowledge you’ll probably get far more from it than I.
        • Failed to transfer a link but it is very prominent on the website:
        http://www.guardian.co.uk
        or http://www.guardian.com
        • The “long read” version is the best.
        🙂

      • LadySlippers says:

        •Chris2•

        The Telegraph had a similar article…good questions and I’ll attempt to answer below (scroll to end as I’ll submit it as its own entry).

      • wolfpup says:

        Chris2: Very interesting read.

      • Charmy says:

        Well, monarchs are political.
        Imagine Obama would visit some sports event if you donated 1 Mio Dollars to a charity of his choice!

      • Pippa Mids says:

        KarTrashion celeb show all over – $1M NBA, 100K per table at the Met .- this is a shame from HMs family! W*W should be giving quality work/ time like Diana, K Henry.

        Willy and Waity middleton will slowly destroy the monarchy regal, tradition and history if not remove.
        HMs, PC PR other hard working royals duty and service for the UK GB C’wealth. HM parents and grands maintain and secure service to the people for centuries and here we have another. Eddy and Wallis celebrity type royals again.

        Universities pay speakers, not charitable donations for a Turnip uniiversity with royal, aristos and Titled headhunters attending, collect from those wealthy toffs.

        Give back to real charities in need, and in the US where the collection is taking place. A great deal more needy people/ charities around than andrews university.

    • Pandy says:

      Co sign. Looking for scandal where there really isn’t any.

  2. Jaderu says:

    I think I’ll stick with my original plan for this weekend. Rent a rug shampooer for 30 bucks. Not quite as much complaining and no black eyeliner.

  3. Jessica says:

    I disagree about the whole “Will and Kate are good publicity for the NBA” thing, because I’d see it as backwards, where the NBA would be good publicity for Will and Kate. Millions upon millions of people all over the world watch and love the NBA, whereas only a comparatively small portion actually care about Will and Kate.

    • Hazel says:

      Right. The NBA doesn’t need Will & Kate, but Will & Kate need the good PR. I’m wondering if they’ll stay for the whole game (and note to DM: it’s a ‘game’, not a ‘match’).

      And this places the couple more firmly in the ‘celebrity’ side of things rather than ‘royal’. Sports teams of all sorts pay for celebrities to attend their games, which is why we see photos of this person at an NBA game, that person at an NFL game, this famous couple at an MLB game, and so on. They get a free trip, some publicity, and maybe even an appearance fee. The million to W&K’s charity would be the equivalent of the appearance fee.

  4. GoodNamesAllTaken says:

    Shady and really? People who follow Wills and Kate are going to suddenly like basketball because they went to a game? Huh?

    • Dany says:

      This could happen. I always laugh about the “Kate effect”. But i remember hundreds of comments (DailyHate of course) from Kate fans. Suddenly they all had HG like Kate. I bet most of them hadn´t heard of it before. I wouldn´t be surprised if they all start liking basketball in a few weeks LOL 😉

    • Dena says:

      How big is the NBA in Britain & across the Commonwealth? Is the NBA making other efforts to make inroads n2 a soccer loving community? In truth, a mil $$$ is a drop in the bucket for the NBA. Or is this simply a “corporate friend” trying to legitimize W/K’s day or night out at a game?”

      On that note, I don’t think it’s a good thing that W/K are directly engaged in pay for performance. It shouldn’t be so transparent IMO. How are they now different from Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian or other celeb endorsements?

      • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

        Right. The pay for appearance seems sort of cheesy and undignified, though it’s hard to turn down a million dollars for your favorite charity. Idk, I’m sort of waffling back and forth, but it just doesn’t seem like a great thing to me.

      • FLORC says:

        I’m also not on board with how it’s a paid appearance like this.
        William changed dates to meet LeBron. It’s to accomidate what he wants and not simply a charity donation/appearance deal. That just seems shady. William can’t simply accept 1 million for his charity while watching a game. It must be the game he wants so he can meet a specific celeb/player. It seems all too often William shuns charity work unless he feels like it’s less about the chairty and more about the fun. Meeting LeBron, polo, hunting, etc…

        And i’ll hold my praise on the million donation until it’s confirmed. Sometimes it’s more complicated than that.
        And what are the odds the NBA will somehow be funding a lot of accomidations for the Cambridges? I bet it’s pretty good a few truck loads of perks are headed their way. We know they accept gifts openly.
        That said, atleast it’s something.

      • hmmm says:

        It looks like the Dolittles are using charities as an excuse for them to have fun, again, on someone else’s dime. Plus ca change….

        Another pair of venal celebutards, royal variety. The NBA should make them wear crowns, or at the very least, ermine robes. I fervently wish Spitting Image would make a comeback!

      • ArtHistorian says:

        Just a question:
        I read that Kate received the proceeds from her bridal dress exhibit for a charity of her choice. Does anyone here know which charity got the money from Kate. I can’t remember how much money it was, only that it was a substantial amount.

      • MinnFinn says:

        hmmm – Charles/Wm/Harry all use charities as an excuse for fun when they play in charity polo matches.

        This trio have been playing in polo matches in exchange for charity donations for years. How is that any different than this deal with the NBA?

      • LadySlippers says:

        •hmmm•

        I’m going to have to agree with •MinnFinn• and broaden the net. *ALL* royals often combine work with play. All of them. In fact, most human beings do it too. How many of us have tried to finagle some fun to accompany work? Most of us have because we do need a balance of work and play.

      • Dena says:

        I’m not saying that can’t have fun while out supporting charities & while involved in charitable endeavors. However, it doesn’t look good if the only way they will show up to something if (a) a celeb, a star athlete or musician is involved, and/or (b) they are essentially being paid.

      • LAK says:

        ArtHistorian: the slice of the funds from the bridal exhibition attributed to Kate’s dress was £300K which was given to the royal foundation.

        I think it was very slyly reported in order to make it look like Kate had gone out, raised the funds personally and then wrote a cheque to the foundation for it.

        While we are here, POW transferred £1M from his own charities to the Royal Foundation so that they could start whatever it is they do.

        However, when reporting of WHK’s charitable fundraising efforts for that year, the sum total of the Foundations’s coffers was reported as thought the 3 of them had indeed gone out raised the funds personally when the money could be traced directly to the dress exhibition and POW’s contribution.

      • FLORC says:

        Edit: To add to LAK’s answer. There’s some repeated information here.

        ArtHistorian
        The 1st 2 top search results gave me conflicting answers so this might be a bit tough to nail down an exact number and how much was truly donated. Here we go…

        International Business Times states it was 1.57million (dollars? Pounds? Doesn’t say) that they are donating to charity/charities. It does not break down that number or the charities. Only that it’s been stated they will donate that amount at some point to possibly numerous charites.

        2nd… This site had a story how Kate was donating 300,000 pounds to charity from her wedding dress exhibit. Only the 300k was a gift from the Queen and while did not stipulate, wished Kate to use it as a donation to her favorite charity. Apparently the Middleton’s purchased Kate’s dress so it’s privately owned to begin with.

        Another few sources state the dress exhibit raised 8million and 250k so it’s tough to sort out.

        What Kate Wore blog said there were a total of 26 charities that were to receive a portion of the exhibits funds.

        And last a few sites claimed that all numbers on final tallied donations are bloated. They include the total sum donated by regular people/well wishers for the Cambridges and not at all from WK or any fundraising from the exhibits. Instead of sending gifts to donate to a given list of their favorite charities. Many donations were directly linked to being donations in the spirit of the newlywed couple.

      • Bridget says:

        DidI miss something? Do royals and other dignitaries no longer get plum tickets to sporting events and the like? Cause I’m fairly sure this isn’t unusual. Would anyone even bat their eyes if the President attwnded a sporting event like that? In fact, the part that I find odd is that any sort of quid pro quo like a donation would be necessary.

        And really, who in their right minds would have chosen Knicks/Blazers over the Cavs?

      • FLORC says:

        To edit my comment just a bit more.
        4th line from bottom “and not at all”. Meant and not entirely all.
        Too many comments of mine are picked apart from minor grammar mistakes like this. I’ll try to be more aware of my phrasing.
        Also, some of the doantions were to go to the upkeep of the other exhibits also on display, but not part of the Wedding Dress display. Many sources state this is pretty basic. A certain percentage is usually set aside for art upkeep. To not donate a portion is frowned upon.
        This is just what i’m finding for information. I’m no expert on these matters/subjects.

      • notasugarhere says:

        Adding to these, it wasn’t KM’s wedding dress exhibit. It was an exhibit of many royal wedding dresses, Kate Middleton’s included. No way of knowing what percentage of visitors attended to see which dress.

        I think the call for donations related to the wedding made less than £1 million. That’s where Charles stepped in and (possibly illegally) moved money from a Duchy charity or Prince’s Trust to the Foundation, to get them over the £1 million mark.

      • FLORC says:

        Bridget
        There’s accepting tickets and there’s having money shelled out in teh 7 figure region for your attendance on top of the tickets. And i’m not even sure it’s still thought highly of to do that. Kate sat in the royal box at W. Outside of that I can’t think of another time. Olympics they worked. Althought left whe it came time to the paraolympians… because… their fun was had?
        Also, William and Kate know very little of Basketball. I believe the reports William wanted to meet LeBron after he partied hard in William’s region. People were taken and that’s why there’s a game built in. If LeBron was on the cavs he’d rather see them.

        It’s rent a royal of sorts.

      • FLORC says:

        Nota
        Was the the same or a seperate exhibit. Was there 1 with just Kat stuff and another with royal gowns including Diana’s? I read there’s a wager on what gown gets the most attention. Whicheer one gets the most wins… something.

      • LAK says:

        Florc: it’s always the same exhibition of ALL royal wedding dresses going back to Victoria. Kate’s dress simply joined the parade so to speak and was displayed more prominently as it was the newest addition.

        Diana’s dress hasn’t been part of the exhibition for a very long time because the Spencers used it for their annual worldwide tour of Diana things.

        As WH have finally turned 30yrs old, they’ve taken back all her things, including her wedding dress. I hope they add it to the Royal wedding exhibition permanently.

  5. Allie says:

    I don’t think its shady. It’s not like they’re keeping the money themselves. I feel like this site has a problem with everything this royal couple does. Will and Kate definitely have their issues, but in this case, I don’t see a problem at all.

    • pem says:

      Agree. And I doubt they would (be allowed to) turn up for ANY event paying good money. The Palace will filter the types of things they can and can’t attend.

      Kim K’s perfume launch, for example – no amount of money will get them there, I reckon.

      • notasugarhere says:

        “The Palace will filter the types of things they can and can’t attend.” Again, W&K are running the show. The California polo charity fiasco should have taught them better, but they’re still not listening to advice.

      • halina says:

        What polo charity fiasco, notasugar?

      • Sixer says:

        Notasugarhere: my mind went straight to polo fiasco also! And bloody hell: they’re moving into Sarah Ferguson territory here. Sigh.

      • LAK says:

        Definitely Fergie territory Sixer.

      • ArtHistorian says:

        PR-wise I think that they have made a mistake. Granted they got money for their charity but they also made it seem like they are for hire and that is never a good idea when it comes to royalty. They have to tread a much finer line than ordinary celebs precisely because they are royalty and in that respect represent their country.

        Rent-A-Royal isn’t really something that they should aspire to be, unless William aren’t planning on staying in the succession. The rent-a-royal scheme was something that the Duke and Duchess of Windsor excelled in since they had a very expensive lifestyle that needed to be funded.

      • HH says:

        @ArtHistorian – I couldn’t agree more. They are definitely moving into celebrity territory.

        Also, I can’t help but to be cynical. Kate definitely started to feel better at the “right” time. Charity galas and a trip to NYC coming up… oh, the life.

      • Dena says:

        My thoughts exactly. I posted this above:

        How big is the NBA in Britain & across the Commonwealth? Is the NBA making other efforts to make inroads n2 a soccer loving community? In truth, a mil $$$ is a drop in the bucket for the NBA. Or is this simply a “corporate friend” trying to legitimize W/K’s day or night out at a game?”

        On that note, I don’t think it’s a good thing that W/K are directly engaged in pay for performance. It shouldn’t be so transparent IMO. How are they now different from Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian or other celeb endorsements?

      • Sixer says:

        Dena: basketball is quite popular in the UK but in really only in terms of participation – my brother played for his university team and there are lots of amateur leagues up and down the country. Wheelchair basketball is also very popular. NBA? Not so much. I’m sure basketball fans keep up with it but it doesn’t penetrate the mainstream at all. For example, Sky, the biggest TV sports provider, has eight sports channels and barely covers it. If there was any viewership demand at all, they would.

      • LadySlippers says:

        •notasugarhere•

        The courtiers will vet events to prevent faux pas and other missteps, however, I’d bet that William might not listen to those recommendations either and continues on his course regardless. I’d bet this story ‘accidentally’ found its way to the DM precisely because William wouldn’t listen.

      • Zimmer says:

        Speaking of Kim, it will surprise me if she and hubby don’t find a way to attend said game. Can’t let Jay Z and Beyonce one up them by meeting the royals!

      • wolfpup says:

        These royal meetings are all to celebrate Britain in some way, or for William’s wildlife interests. Kate will go to a daycare and a youth center with the mayor of NYC’s wife, while Wm is in DC. I’m kind of surprised how focused their trip is on Britain. Although William will attend a meeting *at* the World Bank, it is as president for his trusts. At the Metropolitan, they will have a dinner celebrating St. Andrews. The NBA has announced a new initiative between them and William’s wildlife interests. There is little or no American hosting of their events; it looks planned and prepared by the grey men, at their wits end. They will visit the 9/11 Memorial; but that is about it for their celebrating anything American. It seems strange to me that all of these events are basically being hosted by the British consulate in New York City, or receptions held in recognition of Wm wildlife interests. We are told Kate cares about what seems to be a photo call for her “interests” (that were Diana’s). These two seem totally self-involved; but perhaps this is the only way that William would come…

      • LadySlippers says:

        •wolfpup•

        In reality, most Royal trips are based on both the country of origin of said Royal(s) and sister charities the Royals are interested in. Sometimes it’s more American focused and (the Brirish Royals have caught flak for that too) sometimes not. It’s honestly a tight rope to walk.

    • halfpint says:

      Yep, exactly. And plus, we’re fine when individuals sell pics of their new babies/wedding photos and donate to charity. Why not this?

      • notasugarhere says:

        Those individuals aren’t funded by the taxpayers to represent a nation on the global stage. Rent-a-royal is really not the image these two slackers need.

    • Dena says:

      Thanks Sixer! But u know what? I’d feel as if I’m being trotted out for some rich man’s whim.

    • Pippa Mids says:

      The Jolie -Pitts put these two to shame and have more regal class. donating to their charities.

      PW# Waity are jokes to other /EU royals. Over 300M pounds support HM the BRF W*W is not. Like Hollywood types/celeb – aka the Clooneys – UN and Human Rights; spending 13M on a wedding!

      Yes. Waity will be based in NY while Will in DC, reports Jecca will be there. . W*W will be at the Met and game but Wills even have a NY reception without Doolittle.

  6. Someonestolemyname1 says:

    The NBA game attendance is for charity, but IMO It’s typical William modus operandi, finding a way to incorporate his fun time into the charities. Yes I know they have a partnership with the NBA, but this is the launch conveniently with William.

    Interesting the Palace is keeping Kate away from Washington, she’ll be in NYC doing charities with the Mayors wife, which is great ,but I wonder if they wanted to avoid the Diana goes to Washington comparisons…but then there will be plenty of Diana comparisons with the NY trip too anyway.

    P.S. guess who the press is saying William and Kate may have requested to meet with at the game…..JayZ and Beyonce? I guess we’ll see.

    • LadySlippers says:

      •Someonestolemyname•

      I wondered the same thing and their excuse for why Kate wasn’t going to DC was so lame too. *eye roll* She can make a transatlantic flight but not hop a short flight from NYC to DC? Okay….

    • notasugarhere says:

      Or William is keeping her away, not the Palace. The Washington event is for Jecca’s charity, right?

      • notasugarhere says:

        Looks like the Tusk Trust event is in NYC not DC, but William is attending without Kate. “On his return to New York, His Royal Highness will attend a reception organised by the Royal Foundation, in recognition of the conservation work carried out by Tusk Trust and United for Wildlife partners: Wildlife Conservation Society; Conservation International and The Nature Conservancy. “

    • Megan says:

      The event in Washington is a World Bank meeting. I’m not sure it is appropriate to bring a date.

  7. Angie says:

    And I would do that because…….? I have thought of two dozen things I would do if I came into a large sum of money and renting the royals just never came up! Unless they cook for me, give me a manicure, pedicure, massage, facial, whisk me away in their private jet – treat me like a royal! Might be funny to see Kate do some cooking while William is massaging me 🙂

  8. Talie says:

    Oh bummer — courtside pics would’ve been great to see. That’s more of a Harry move though…

  9. Natasha says:

    If I ever win the lottery, I now know what my first purchase will be…………NOT!

  10. LAK says:

    Princess Eugenie has attended quite a few basketball games whilst in NYC. Courtside. Madison square gardens.

  11. Linn says:

    I don’t think it’s shady but I’m not sure if William and Kate are worth the money.

  12. TX says:

    Meh I don’t see a problem here *shrugs*
    Why not use their influence for good?

  13. scout says:

    For charity, I am ok with that.

  14. The Original Mia says:

    What will those hip Cambridges wear to the game? Will Will pull out his trusty blue jumper and jeans while Kate pairs her trusty wedge heels with pregnancy jeggings? I cannot wait to see the pictures from this historic meeting of the reigning NBA king and the future monarchs of UK. Cannot wait. /sarcasm

    • Someonestolemyname1 says:

      Kate skinny jeans, maybe she’ll do boots since NY gets rainy ,cooler weather this time of year.

      Yesterday someone said Buffalo NY had 61 inches of snow, with 90inches of snow expected, I know NYC weather is not as fierce as Buffalo but it will be cold, in NYC, so I’d expect some boots from Kate just in case and she likes her skinny jeans…..

    • Pixelated says:

      LOL +1000

  15. Sumodo1 says:

    If the NFL plays some games in London, why not the NBA? Why not slip the royals a mil to gain access to them? Maybe attract enough public interest so that basketball can be played in London, too? This is how the NBA is thinking. It’s paid access. Sarah Ferguson and Randy Andy worked this way with businessmen. Kate has that shady uncle who worked deals/vacations for Harry and also later, for her and William. It’s pay for play, folks. Next, we’ll see product endorsements?

    • LAK says:

      Kate’s Uncle Gary has never worked any type of deal for Harry.

      I’d wager the wedding was the first and the last time they met.

    • notasugarhere says:

      ” It’s paid access. Sarah Ferguson and Randy Andy worked this way with businessmen.” Is this supposed to be an endorsement of W&K’s actions?

    • Someonestolemyname1 says:

      Kate’s Uncle had shady vacations with WILLIAM only…..Pr.Harry has NO CONNECTION AT ALL to Kate’s family or her Uncle.. That’s William, he went to Ibiza and stayed with Kate’s uncle.
      Pr.William stayed at Gary’s Maison Bang Bang or whatever it’s called and William,Kate also stayed on a yacht in Ibiza that was used in a Porn film.

    • Hazel says:

      Sumodo1: As for product endorsements, I think that’s a matter of when, not if, because the apparatus is already in place, vis: holders of the Royal Warrant. I checked online, and currently only the Queen, Prince Phillip, and Prince Charles have granted warrants (aka ‘endorsements).

  16. Ciria says:

    What is wrong with the NBA donating to charity?

    I highly doubt Will and Kate would just go to any random’s event just because someone offered them money.

    Kate’s coat and fascinator are so beautiful. Very chic.

    • LAK says:

      And yet that’s exactly what they’ve done here.

      There is the free trip to that Maldives resort back in the spring.

      The free trip (s) to Mustique (Hibiscus villa) during dating days.

      The Ark Dinner soon after their wedding.

      • Ciria says:

        What do a trip to Maldvies and Mustique have to do with the NBA donating to charity? I seriously do not see anything wrong with the NBA donating money to a charity where the money will be used for good. Do you think donating to charity is bad or something?

      • LAK says:

        You said WK would never go somewhere without getting something for it. Just pointing out some things they did in exchange for a kick back.

        Further, many celebs, and at this point that’s what WK are, use charity to attend events. They don’t attend out of the goodness of their hearts otherwise there would be fewer charity parties/events and only the truly charitable would attend those.

        BTW: Ark is a charity.

      • Sixer says:

        LAK: remind me – haven’t there been stories about outlandish salaries paid to people working for their foundation? Who, coincidentally, come from a predictably narrow gene pool? Was it the foundation? Or was it Sentabalu? I forget.

        Ciria: Of course charitable donations are cool. But official representatives of a country selling themselves is not cool. If we Britons must have a monarchy, we expect it to be upright and beyond reproach. Why haven’t W&K done their due diligence and organised trips to highlight worthwhile American charities?

      • LAK says:

        Sixer: that was Sentebale.

        The royal foundation isn’t so transparent. There are afew known things about their accounts from the POV of where some of it is coming from, but not so much about inner workings/outgoings etc.

      • wolfpup says:

        It’s too easy to dislike like these two. Their entitlement issues only emphasize their lack of character. I don’t believe this reflects the nature of Britain and it’s people. Monarchy is hard to understand when celebrity is the most common denominator in the US, in understanding well, celebrities.

        Angelina Jolie does much better than this in controlling her image, and the conversation.

        On the other hand, who could not respect the Queen of England?

      • ArtHistorian says:

        wolfpup,
        I definitely agree that when it comes to PR it is paramount to control the coversation. Jolie is very good at this – the fact that she doesn’t have prof PR is even more impressing. Her UN work is, of course, the most impressive thing of all.

      • notasugarhere says:

        LAK and Sixer. The Foundation documents state that they spent something like £455,000 on staff in the first year or second year, and that those were funded by donations. What donations or where they came from is unclear. For a foundation that raised so little, that is a questionable figure to me.

        http://www.royalfoundation.com/assets/pdf/TRFDDCPHAccountsJuly2012-V1.pdf

        http://www.royalfoundation.com/assets/pdf/Accounts_2012.pdf

      • LAK says:

        Notasugar: didn’t realise the foundation was starting to publish accounts of sorts.

        Definitely going to go have a look. Thanks for heads up. 🙂

        I remember reading somewhere that some grants had been made to a few causes, but the sums awarded felt so small that I was reminded of The Diana Memorial Fund.

        Frequently, when reporting on WHK’s work, as well as mentioned in their speeches, reference is made to the work that the foundation is engaged in, but honestly, apart from Harry’s work, I haven’t a clue what the foundation does.

        Harry’s work feels like a solo effort put under the foundation’s umbrella so the foundation (and WK) can boast tangible results. However, despite the stated aims, I can’t point to a single thing that they’ve done.

        A failing PR-wise.

      • Ciria says:

        I still disagree with you. I don’t see the royals as regular “celebrities” such as reality tv stars or Hollywood film actors. They represent a government. Also, I don’t see anything wrong with representing your charity by showing up to the organization’s sporting event (NBA) who is donating to said charity.

        LAK: “You said WK would never go somewhere without getting something for it.”

        I seriously doubt WK would show up at say, the Kardashians, even if they donated to one of their charities.

        Your argument seems reaching.

      • FLORC says:

        Ciria

        Name 1 instance WandK both or just Kate showed up just for the sake of it without getting a single thing in return?
        No vacations, no new home, no recent bad press that needed major damage control. The Cambridges don’t just show up unless they have to. This is a sad case.
        Meanwhile there are many royals who keep heavy schedules. Yes, it can be argued they receive perks being royals so they do it to keep the perks coming, but that argument has many holes.
        I’m talking directly gaining something. NBA tickets, vacations, BAFTA dinner.., etc…

        And I’ve heard more people (in and out of the UK/Commonwealths) approach Wills/Kate as a celebrity couple. Not as represenatives. Their arguments were solid too. The way they play the press. The Midds involvement in public profiles, vacations, clothes, etc… All things we associate with celebs. Take Harry. He’s their age-ish and also a royal. He’s known for his charitable deeds, service to his country’s military and as a hardworking member of the monarchy. These qualities are not associated with the Cambridges. On paper they are royals. In hearts and minds they are celebrities.

        I would enjoy a back and forth on this though my reply is late in the game..

  17. A fair affair says:

    I would laugh my butt off to see William try a jump shot!

  18. Someonestolemyname1 says:

    Sorry but William and Kate just come off as lightweights on these tours…..
    Yes it’s great bringing in a million for charity,

  19. Bucky says:

    You mean they managed to wring $1 million out of the NBA for charity? Usually, it takes a high-profile athlete doing something terrible to get an ad hoc donation like that, so I am FINE with this. I mean, it’s more transparent than the NFL’s forced contributions to domestic violence organizations (I’m very glad they’re donating, but I don’t think they would have if there hadn’t been a PR mess).

    • Hazel says:

      You know, I was wondering what scandal might have prompted this, but I couldn’t think of anything I’d seen in the news lately about NBA players, Football players, yes (domestic violence) & baseball players (steroids), but not basketball players (outside of monster-sized egos). Time will tell.

  20. LNG says:

    Isn’t this what everyone is always wanting them to do? Leverage their positions/popularity to help raise money and/or awareness for charity? I seriously see nothing shady about this.

    • ArtHistorian says:

      The only problem IMO is that they are hurting themselves and by extension the BRF as royal representatives of their country (even if this isn’t a state visit, they are in a sense representatives of the BRF) with deals like these. A “rent-a-royal” image something like this projects isn’t a good one for the BRF. Especially not when it comes after the exploits of the Duke of Windsor (se post above) and Prince Andrew/Fergie, and I would argue that the possible PR-damage could be worse because William is in the direct line of succession. Hopefully, they won’t make a pattern out of cases like this because that could seriously hurt not only their own standing but also the standing of the BRF.

      Again, I think it is a serious problem that William won’t take advice. I know that other members of EU RFs have been approached with press offers and more in this vein but where the PR advisors have turned them down because deals like this are very fraught with risk when it comes to the public image of the monarchy – and today constitutional monarchies are very much dependant of public perception, the positive kind. And that is a very fine balance that William will always have to negotiate, and that’s where I think he has failed in this case.

      It would have been smarter for Will and Kate to host a dinner for the charity and invite potential donors. However, I suspect that he wanted to see the game. He could have done that as well, in conjunction with a dinner, but have paid for a ticket himself. That would have avoided the “rent-aroyal”-association. He would have gotten money for his charity and the NBA would have gotten the royal stardust at a game.

      • The Original Mia says:

        Exactly! There’s nothing wrong with charity, but why have the NBA pay for your presence at the game?

      • MinnFinn says:

        As I said above, Charles/Wm/Harry have been rent-a-royals for a long time. They play in charity polo matches and in exchange companies like Cartier sponsor the match and they make a donation to a charity.

      • anne_000 says:

        @ArtHistorian – Good points. I think they should have done it your way. Accept the money but do it in a more tactful way. Don’t make it so obvious. Don’t take it so directly that there’s just no other way to view it other than as a Rent-a-Royal gig.

    • LadySlippers says:

      •ArtHistorian•

      EXACTLY!!!!

      I just read/re-read Sarah’s autobiography ‘My Story’ and she has said that the Grey Men almost exclusively use the DM to vent their frustrations about Royals…so I don’t wonder if that’s the case here. If William won’t take advice from them (and the Grey Men *do* vet events the Royals and their staff orchestrate) perhaps they try and get him to listen to public opinion?

      • FLORC says:

        Interesting theory. It certainly groups with what the DM has been coming out with lately. Not the usual pre visit to another nation routine. More painting a picture on what is most frustrating about William to those on the inside.

        If this is infact what is going on I have a question. Do you think it will work? That William will submit to some advice or he’ll have a tantrum and insist on more pro pr articles while sending other men to convince journalists they shouldn’t write negative stories… like before.
        And I still find it shocking William had some men meet with a journalist that wrote her true feelings on Kate. And later her encounter with those men!

      • ArtHistorian says:

        I remember that episode because the journalist mentioned it in a colum that was utterly sarcastic in intent beneath the sugar. This is another thing that falls into the category: “on-no-he-didn’t!”, because it is a very stupid thing to do. There are other ways with more finesse for dealing with the press than outright intimidation. However, that would require a give and take for both parties and I doubt William wants to do this.

    • LadySlippers says:

      •Florc•

      If Sarah is correct, the courtiers/Grey Men have been using the DM to shape public opinion for some time. I’m inclined to believe her too as both Diana and Sarah had many run-ins with the hated Grey Men (even HM is none too fond of them).

      The fact (as many long time Royal Loonies have pointed out) that *William* is a target is very troubling. My feeling is this, and this is not dependent on William’s actions either, if the Grey Men want to get into turf battles with the Royals themselves — they may win a great many battles but could ultimately lose the war. Because if they create so much animosity against the Royals, they may be out of a job entirely. I’m fairly certain that’s not their intent.

      Interesting notes:
      1) Sarah states that the courtiers are not above lying and using subversive tactics to win or prove a point; often without HM’s knowledge or approval. 😢
      2) The DM is almost the only tabloid that publishes unflattering pics of Kate, which is probably aimed at William.
      3) Sarah’s comments may explain the huge void between what the tabloids print vs books. You can find a great many nice things about almost ALL the Royals (complete with honest assessments of faults), just not in the tabloids. And if Sarah’s assertions are correct, most of the slander is probably fueled by the bloated and self-important Grey Men. The Royals joke that the courtiers are more Royal then they themselves are. It could be that we see the Royals framed by the frustrations of the courtiers. Worth pondering.

      •ArtHistorian•

      Perhaps strong-arming them is the only tactic that works. Other than that, your guess is as good as mine.

      • FLORC says:

        Thanks for the responses ArtHistorian and LadySlippers. This isn’t an easily answered issue. So many moving parts and some not what they seem to be.
        And it’s always fun when both of you get going 🙂

      • LadySlippers says:

        •Florc•

        The more I read, the more I see why so many British Royals don’t trust the courtiers or the press. The courtiers seem to have their own agenda and use the press (to the press’ advantage, of course) to further the courtiers’ interests. Which is often controlling the Royals and keeping them in-line.

        Office politics is fascinating — as long as I’m not involved and only watching from a distance! Lol

      • FLORC says:

        Office politics is always interesting from the outside!
        I had a very tough time understanding people are only nice for appearance sake and never miss a chance to exploit a weakness whenever needed.
        It’s a terrible culture shock when you’re not aware those you work close with or near have agendas. Even worse it’s so accepted as the norm.

        The gray men must have to tread lightly. Too heavy a hand and they could seal their fate.

      • LadySlippers says:

        •Florc•

        I hate office politics. I don’t play it well because I’m so upfront about myself and my goals. ‘What you see is what you get’ has been on more than one review of mine.

        There IS a lot at play here. I’m actually fascinated by it, especially the parts that seem so opposed to one another.

  21. maddelina says:

    I don’t see anything wrong with this. In fact it’s great. All that money going to charity! Awesome! It seems no matter what these two do people on here will criticize. It gets tiresome.

  22. Mrs. Wellen-Mellon says:

    Basketball, the game of royalty.

    Hey, Windsors! I’m making a snack run. You want some Junior’s cheesecake?

  23. Vava says:

    I think it’s tacky, just like them.

    • FLORC says:

      Vava
      It certainly seems like pattern behavior. As another said there’s a balance of work and play we all have. All we see from WK is play and play with a little work related detour added in almost as an after thought.

      And great if anyone can truly enjoy life and approach their job as if it’s as fun as a vacation. What detracts from this argument regarding WK is they are often exposed to have refused just work for just play. And have appeared or been flat out caught acting resentful when they are seen in only a brief span of time working. (eye rolling, ignoring, calling charities bores, etc…)
      And I bet i’d get restless having to sit through a speech on something i’m passionate about, but just not excited about sitting down for. That doesn’t exuse any behavior I might display while at that event infront of others. There’s no justification for that when you’re an adult.

  24. Nopity Nope says:

    Well, as a Portland Trailblazers fan, I say phooey and boo to the Dolittle Cambridges not wanting to see our team more than Phony King LeBron. PHOOEY I SAY!

  25. Brionne says:

    They’ve attended tennis matches, polo matches etc, but suddenly it’s “shady” to attend a basketball game and meet LeBron James who is himself involved in charities? Interesting!

    • FLORC says:

      Bri
      Those other sports didn’t have to pay them to show up. Kate/Wills watched the tennis matches, horce races, polo events (that Wills and Harry also played in) were for mostly recreational on thei own dime or active fundraising.

      This is also recreational, but it’s also during a trip that should be duty filled and not simply taking in a game in their down time. It’s rent a royal for publicity.

      If nothing else it appears to that W/K have taken a trip to NYC to schmooze with celebs of their choosing with their country, the States, and their new charity picking up the tab for them. Reportedly the Charity is covering some of their costs and calling it a business expense. Now if this trip was for charity awareness and fundrasing why let them spend funds for you to visit and help them?

  26. LadySlippers says:

    •Chris2•

    The Guardian article raises some important questions that I probably cannot do justice without some reflection. However I think it boils down to perception and how anyone’s actions are framed.

    For instance, I disagree with QEII courtier-enforced neutrality because she ends up not coming across as ‘real’. It’s too distant and remote. How horrible would it have been for her to say something about the Scottish referendum? The answer would depend on how and what was said. I don’t see why she couldn’t say something to the affect of ‘While it would sadden me to see the countries I so dearly love broken up, I’m proud that the tradition started by the Magna Carta is still being honoured today.’ And so on (it would need tweaking obviously). Same with Charles or William. Stating their opinion is fine (IMHO) as long as its incredibly clear they understand that their opinion is strictly theirs and they still value and respect another’s. Make sense?

    http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/nov/19/becoming-king-not-silence-prince-charles-allies

    • LAK says:

      Personally I welcome an interventionist monarchy. What’s the point otherwise.

      I feel HM has been a disastrous Monarch on many things, but her longevity and age has led to her being regarded with affection and amnesia in the same way I choose to remember my long lived grandparents whilst conveniently forgetting their *actual* lives, good and bad.

      HM has simply followed the dictats of her parents ie don’t rock the boat due to *their* experiences eg the abdication and the sweeping away of their European cousins from their thrones.

      It’s almost as though she’s simply her parents’ avatar rather than putting her own distinct stamp on her own reign.

      The only history lesson I take from her is self preservation at all costs.

      Courtiers can be all powerful, but their power depends very much on their boss. She’s allowed her courtiers to become Sir Humphrey / Malcolm Tucker in their power and that’s all on her.

      I think Charles will be different and I welcome that.

      • ArtHistorian says:

        LAK,
        Quote:
        “I feel HM has been a disastrous Monarch on many things, but her longevity and age has led to her being regarded with affection and amnesia in the same way I choose to remember my long lived grandparents whilst conveniently forgetting their *actual* lives, good and bad.”

        It was the same way with Queen Victoria, who in many respects wasn’t a very good monarch. However, in the end her longevity overshadowed the controversies of her reign. There were some conflicts with the Tory leader and PM Peel early in her reign (she was very young, however, and expertly manipulated by Peel’s political rival Lord Melbourne). However, her self-imposed isolation after Albert’s death really hurt her popularity and her standing and therefore also the standing of the monarchy as such.

        I don’t think that QEII has been a “disastrous” monarch, but she hasn’t been an adaptable one either, and that can be a hindrance when the world changes as dramatically as it has since WWII. I don’t mean dramatic in the sense of wars and revolutions, etc. like in the days of her parents, rather the change has been in technology, socio-economic patterns and the media landscape. It get the sense that Elizabeth’s court is trapped in a timepocket, which may very have had something to do with the influence and the longevity of the Queen Mother.

    • Chris2 says:

      LadySlippers, LAK hi
      (Didnt intend to trap you into dissecting the article, just thought you’d enjoy it)
      I agree though….this priceless royal neutrality’s one of those things valued for no real reason these days. I think there’s a new version of monarchy awaiting us if we can blow away these useless (un)expectations, and a head of state with an input of Charkes’ kind is a Good Thing. He’s been vowed to ‘serve’ all his life….I’ll welcome it.

  27. Apricotvodka says:

    Appereance fees… Icky, icky, icky
    1million for 1 joint attendace
    Now we know why they don’t make more visits to their charities. Charities would have to start donating to themselves in order to make W & K appear more often.

  28. Me says:

    Win win. NBA has money – they have worthwhile charities.

  29. Dany says:

    The money is for charity so i´m ok with that. But i have to say such things always leave a bitter taste in mouth. It´s the same when stars sing or attend parties for billionaires and dictators etc. only when they get money for it. They all say they do it for charity so it doesn´t look shady. The truth is they get 1st class treatment, free vacation, gifts, new contacts and attention.

    Royals are public servants and should behave above such things. They should show up and support without getting freebies. When it comes to William and Kate it´s as if they only do something when they get something in return (in this case 1million image cultivation money).

    • Chamy says:

      Exactly.
      British Royals must not get paid by anybody but the one they serve. And that is the British Taxpayer.

  30. ArtHistorian says:

    Well, the DM has posted a retraction of their earlier claims of a pay-out in return for an appearance at the games. Guess it was all a storm in a teapot then. 🙂

    • notasugarhere says:

      Or it was true and Charles finally yanked W&K’s chains due to public pressure.

      • ArtHistorian says:

        Hard to say. Papers of the DM variety aren’t shy of making things up. It could also be that Palace trying to damage control – though the comments on the article were mostly about the basketball star. It is hard to say since we really don’t know what’s been going on behind the scenes.

      • FLORC says:

        DM won’t load for me. Could someone type out the sum of it please?

        Slightly off the main topic, but…
        So many articles appear like this and in hindsight (sp?) I find it hilarious how poor behavior or judgement isn’t simply dismissed by supporters of WK, but rather justified. Same with critics also. We take things and run with it.

        What was that churchill quote about rumors? A lie can get half way around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on? Something like that. Although to the credit of some royaloonies and levelheaded posters most articles are fact checked and cross checked before they’re taken somewhat seriously.
        *slow phone frustration*

      • ArtHistorian says:

        FLORC,

        From the DM article, at the bottom of the page:

        Earlier versions of this article wrongly stated that the NBA had donated $1 million to The Royal Foundation, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s conservation charity, in return for their appearance at the match. We are happy to clarify that this is not the case and that no donation was made as a result of their collaboration, nor is one expected. We apologise for suggesting otherwise.

      • FLORC says:

        ArtHistorian
        Hah! Thanks.
        That is something. That and the Daily Beast journalist response to the dress code for the royals. So, there’s truly no reason from a charity or work related reason for the NBA game. All that justification given because it was for charity gone.