Princess Charlotte got to play with balloons & a dog named Moose in Canada

Considering the British papers were making such a BFD about the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge bringing their kids on this Canadian tour, I really thought we would be seeing Prince George and Princess Charlotte more often. Not every day, obviously, but there were a few photo-ops this week which would have been reasonably kid-friendly. But Will and Kate waited until Day 5 of their tour to bring out their children – these are photos from a kid-friendly party held at Government House in British Columbia. It seems like all of the British employees put together a little fair for the kids, complete with balloons, a big, fluffy therapy dog, ponies and bubbles. And the press had access to all of it, so not only are there photos, there’s video too!

First, a word about the fashion. Kate wore a “cream £300 See by Chloe dress and an old pair of Monsoon wedges.” HA! Those wedges were like, Surprise, bitch. Bet you thought you saw the last of me.” We had almost completed the tour without an appearance from those damn Monsoon wedges. The dress is… very Kate. A girlish doily with a loose skirt (and Kate did some low-key flashing, of course). As for Princess Charlotte, she wore “a £74 blue and coral smocked dress by Pepa & Co.” Very cute. See? Smocking is totally fine… on a toddler’s dress, not on an adult’s dress. I like Charlotte’s little barrette too!

As for the videos, there are so many! Here’s Charlotte racing towards the balloon arch and going HAM (with delight) at the tower of balloons.

Here’s Charlotte sitting on a big, fluffy therapy dog and then sort of bouncing on top of him. His name is Moose. He’s a good dog!

Charlotte is balloon-crazy, much like President Bill Clinton. She was having a special balloon animal made when her big brother stormed over and wanted a balloon too. Apparently, he asked for a spider.

And here’s a great compilation of footage.

Several things struck me: one, Kate is very engaged with her kids, and you can see that she’s constantly talking to them, touching them, introducing them things and generally being in tune with them. William… not so much? Two, this would have been a perfect moment for her jeggings and a pair of sneakers. She knew she was going to be bending over and crouching down a lot. Three, Charlotte has just as much personality as George! I thought Charlotte was going to be the easy-going kid to George’s big personality, but no: Charlotte is just as much of a little pistol. She might even be less shy than George.

Photos courtesy of Getty.

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192 Responses to “Princess Charlotte got to play with balloons & a dog named Moose in Canada”

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  1. Jack Daniels is my patronus says:

    If you haven’t seen the bunny photo with charlotte yet, go look it up. It’s adorable and heart melting and now I want to adopt princess charlotte and buy her a pet bunny. Squeeeeeeel

    • Erinn says:

      That photo is just pure joy. I love it.

    • Bex says:

      The picture of Charlotte and bunny really is so sweet. I can’t stand Wills and Kate half the time, but their kids are lovely.

    • Tia says:

      I know this isn’t the place to say this , but there isn’t a pre comment section. Today’s trip to Haida Gwaii you will see a lot of people wearing Orange. ( Haida colours are Black and Red) there was a huge acrimonious rally Wednesday night in response to the LNG . The Matriarchs reminded everyone that the treatment of guests is not a reflection on the guests but on the people themselves. So to be respectful to the Royals isn’t a reflection of subservience , but rather on the DIgnity of the HAida. ORANGE is the colour of the New Democratic Party , so it was felt this was appropriate way to protest the Provincial and federal Government ( liberal- Red) without being rude to the visiting royals. HAida Nation never Treatied with the federal government, and have always viewed themselves as a Sovereign Nation, it’s their wins in Supreme Court that are blocking Governmental oil development. One of the largest oil deposits in the world sits in the Queen Charlotte Basin, Haida Soverign Land. Do not snark about the ” fishing” part of the visit today , as they will be going out on The Highlander and Atlas. The Highlander is used to Clean up contaminated debris from Japanese tsunamis along isolated coast line, the owner’s are : Danny former director, program coordinator and mentor of Swanbay Rediscovery ( cultural immersion program for at risk youth in the community) Trent current Band Skidegate Band councillor ( Swanbay Rediscover) and NIka , curator of Museum, lead for the repatriation of Haida artifacts ( and Bill Reid’s granddaughter) you will see her extensively in the Skidegate welcome. co owner of Atlas ( back up for weather and to hold entourage and media) is co owned by lead biologist of CHN Fisheries ( instrumental in current Supreme Court challenge )who’s sister is at Skidegate health which uses ART THERAPY to treat child , and post residential trauma. These are very heavy hitters in their community on the front lines of all controversies that have popped up this week thanks to Trudeau blindsiding every one with his three announcements . These people HAD personal relationships with the Prime minister. This ” fishing” time was suppose to be quite time to have a little discussion about ” things”

      • Tia says:

        PS yesterdays event was very quiet, press didn’t have free run, there were not a lot of people ( as you can see from pictures)so it was very secure and relaxed, the the event was at the side , back so it was hidden from any prying eyes of neighbouring houses of the grounds nothing was visible from street, and if you didn’t know there was an event going on.( normally when there are events street and driveways are full of parked cars) you would never have known anyone was at home other that a couple of news cameras out side main gate. I have seen a lot of Royal visits to government house from other countries, I have never seen an Royal tour so quiet…as if they aren’t actually here, people are leaving them alone/ not interested.

      • Tia says:

        PSS I’m looking to see if Terri Lynn Davidson will be singing welcome with Nika( this is how it would normally be for a royal visit) BUT Terri Lynn is on Legal council for CHN in treaty negotiations , and her husband Roberts design infamously graces the Prime Ministers Tattoo. There is a ” black out” on social media right now after the Rally in Skidegate, so….

      • Blue says:

        I can’t help but think this whole trip was planned as a distraction. Or at the very least, once the tour was planned it was seen as an opportune time to bury the announcement in pictures of cute kids.

      • SnowAngel says:

        I believe orange is worn to remember the victims of the Residential Schools. Where Native Canadians were removed from their homes and suffered horrendous and unspeakable abuse mostly by the Catholic Church. I think today (Friday) is wear orange day here in Canada, officially. They wanted to draw attention to the issue, rightly so.

      • Tia says:

        Snow angel I’m speaking directly to the Haida Nation , there was NO plan to do this prior to Wednesday night, there was NO plan to bring up residential schools publicly .The Orange IS for NDP today specifically, we have a provincial election coming up. this is a direct snub to Trudeau Christie Clark and Liberals. I have a glorious picture from the Legacy Pole raising of Trudeau and his family.will check if it’s public domain and share. Trudeau is symbolically adopted Haida ( old Massett) he was viewed saviour in this die hard NDP territory, THIS Nation believed they had a PERSONAL relationship with PM, HE arranged this portion of the trip based on PERSONAL contacts. THEY ( CHN , Skidegate, Old Massett)were blindsided by the the Patronas announcement . Wednesday night they had a huge scram onions rally to address it. I’m off to check on picture it’s funny . The gist of it is the leader of the liberal party( Trudeau) is standing at the raising ( he brought his whole family) and behind him is a man clearly wearing a shirt with Jack Laytons ( beloved leader of NDP)picture on it it was a reminder to Trudea that while he may be ” adopted” into Haida Clan, he was in NDP country. I ll post picture seperately if it is inappropriate they won’t post it. I can post public domain pics

      • supposedtobeworking says:

        @Snowangel, you are also correct – BC has done this for a few years but Alberta started this initiative this year. September 30th is the “Every Child Matters” to honour a young First Nations girl who had her brand new orange shirt stolen. Serendipitous that the Haida orange and Every Child Matters happened today.

      • Tess says:

        People across Canada are wearing orange today and it has nothing to do with the NDP or opposing the current government. It is Orange Shirt Day, also known as Every Child Matters, a day of reflection on the horrible tragedy of and ongoing trauma caused by Canada’s residential schools. Read up about Phyllis Webstatd and how Orange Shirt Day came to be. It’s a day that is mostly observed in schools but is growing in recognition among all Canadians. I am impressed that the royals have had so much contact with First Nations communities and people during their visit, however sugar coated it may be. It’s high time Canada’s indigenous people be recognized as worthy of attention. Goodness knows they don’t get much most of the time.

      • Hazel says:

        Thank you for the inside scoop, Tia, I know nothing of Canadian politics, so this is fascinating.

    • Tessy says:

      There is also a very nice photo of George and Wills cuddling. It looks like Wills is more hands on with his kids than people assume.

    • Tia says:

      Up date Kate is wearing form fitting kaki green jacket and matching pants pants with her brown cowboy boot thingy and President of CHN is standing beside them inside the them inside the performance house everyone is laughing and joking as the children are dancing their blankets for them. It’s giving me chills.

  2. Birdie says:

    She really does love flashing. The kids are adorable!

    • Zimmer says:

      Spot on! I think Charlotte resembles the Queen a lot in her eye area, not just color, also shape and maybe distance between her eyes.

      • Nancy says:

        They are blue bloods, so the resemblance is natural. Little George just owns it with his personality. Little sis looks like his twin but has chipmunk cheeks which will disappear as she gets older. Kids much more interesting than the parents. Will be interesting to see Harry’s children, if he has a family of ginges or not!

      • RJ says:

        @Nancy–isn’t any genetic resemblance natural? Not sure what you mean by use of “blue blood” (yes, I know it means noble birth, but that is a social construct not a genetic one, other than perhaps historically higher rates of inbreeding)

      • Anners says:

        That last pic of her was totally QEII clone. So cute!

      • KiddVicious says:

        I think Charlotte is the Queen’s mini-me. Same expressions, same eyes. She’s adorable.

        I like seeing everyone so animated and not just still photos. It’s nice to see the interaction between the kids and Will/Kate. Seems like they may actually be good parents!

      • Jwoolman says:

        That was my first thought also- she looks very much like the Queen in this particular photo.

    • MIssyD says:

      The biscuit has got to air at least once on each trip otherwise it gets stale

      • mary simon says:

        MIssyD – thanks for the laugh – I needed that. Could Kate not have worn pants knowing she would be bending down and tending to her children at a children’s party? Or would that be some kind of breach of protocol? I must say, though. she’s got strong legs and great balance if she could just drop down that low in those heels and stand back up without wobbling or toppling over.

    • ravensdaughter says:

      They are adorable, and they seem quite well behaved, (Must find bunny photo)…

  3. Rocio says:

    Kate looks adorable so do the kids.

  4. Seraphina says:

    There are times where I think the press releases pics that they normally would not have years ago. For example, the shot of her where she is with Charlotte and you can see inside her coat and dress. I think they like pouring honey on her and then getting their digs in.

    And that little girl is a Windsor without a doubt.

  5. lilacflowers says:

    Charlotte likes things that pop. Balloons! Bubbles! Must pop them now.

    And she looks like a little clone of the Queen, especially when she smiles.

  6. Soothsayer says:

    Jeggings at a garden party? No. Her outfit is perfect and the kids look darling.

    • katlaps says:

      And wedges are perfect, heels on grads she would sink in.

      • Chinoiserie says:

        Of all the things to complaint about her wedges are not one to of them. They are comftable, much more practical than heels, not just on grass but on gobblestones and other uneven pavement she might have to walk on on tours and they look better than sneakers.

    • Anett says:

      I am not intrested in her slip, still I have seen it. Why exactly? Inappropriate and not perfect.

    • notasugarhere says:

      It wasn’t a formal garden party with high heels, gloves, and hats. It was an event that would involve toddlers, grass, and animals. She could have been in an attractive trouser suit, not flashed us her slip, and been appropriate. Beatrice Borromeo wore a nice trouser suit to a wedding a year or two ago that would have been good here.

  7. detritus says:

    Kate looks like a great mom. The kids look really happy and engaged, and super cute.
    I love the serious George picture, with Charlotte in the background just going nuts for those balloons.

    • Trace_smiles says:

      I agree.
      I don’t comment much (but read the comments all the time) and I never have on Kate and William. I have to say though, she comes across as a completely engaged mother who adores her children.
      She’s not a good enough actor to act interested so, this is her real passion.
      Oh and I think she looks lovely too.

      • Megan says:

        I disagree that William is not engaged with the kids. The Daily Mail has video of him with the kids that shows he is vey engaged.

    • Sarah says:

      Charlotte was bouncing on a dog at the party.

      As an animal rescuer and animal rights activist, Kate should never have allowed charlotte to sit on that dog, nevertheless do two or three bounces on it. Yes, I know, therapy dog, quiet, didn’t mind, but she could have hurt it and gotten hurt herself. So I don’t know if Kate really knows what she is doing, cause I can guarantee the nanny never would have allowed that.

      • bluhare says:

        I agree with you. My first thought was that is one mellow dog to let a kid bounce on him like that, and my second was that I hope she didn’t hurt him and get hurt herself!

      • LAK says:

        Since when is Kate an animal activist?

      • bluhare says:

        Good point, LAK, but I guess I thought Sarah was referring to herself? It never dawned on me she could mean Kate!

      • addie says:

        My concern too, though there was no attempt to stop Charlotte from bouncing on the dog, to treat him tenderly.

  8. vava says:

    Cute kids!

    Did William and Kate even talk to the plebs at all?

    Kate’s wardrobe choice is ridiculous.

    I saw some commentary by news media where they were ticked off for being locked out of this event.

    This seemed like a bit of a charade, very much a PR stunt by the Cambridges.

    • MinnFinn says:

      Both talked to plebs a little. But in this video, their focus was quickly back on their kids. None of the parents introduced themselves to each other which I thought strange. At a playground, if a parent came up to me, I’d quickly introduce myself then chat a bit. It was also interesting to me that this video cut out the bit where Charlotte sat and bounced on the dog.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVgLs4xrMOs

      • Tris says:

        Gawd, hope that isn’t because the dog got pissed off at being bounced on and snapped at her. They are lovely adorable children, but I would have been telling my wee ones, “Gentle. Gentle!” at the balloon hitting and the dog sitting!

      • Amy Tennant says:

        It may have been because they didn’t want someone talking about how they shouldn’t have let her bounce on the dog. Which, whether it snapped or not, they shouldn’t have. I hate to say it. I know the tot didn’t mean harm.

      • ChloeL says:

        The dog is a therapy dog. Dogs cannot get that certification if it displays any snapping, biting or aggressive behavior. They also have to display ease around kids. It’s part of the qualifications/requirements.

        And right before the video cuts off, you can actually see Kate pulling Charlotte up so that she can’t jump up and down on the dog anymore!

        The children are ADORABLE! LOVE IT

      • Sarah says:

        The video is on the DM site and shows the dog bouncing and a lot of people are not happy commenters. Someone cut it somewhere.

      • bluhare says:

        I’m glad to read Kate wised up and got her off the dog. Trained or no, it wasn’t a good idea.

      • Original T.C. says:

        Emergency room doctors will drown you in stories of shocked parents coming in with bleeding children who can’t believe their gentle and well trained dog attacked their toddler!

        Animals, just like humans, have their breaking point. Kids can be cruel to animals without realizing it or meaning to be. Parents are still responsible for using common sense to protect both pet and child. Kate and William think press pictures of their children are the biggest risk to their lives but think it’s harmless for a toddler to treat a dog like a horsey by bouncing up and down on it.
        *God save the Queen for at least a decade more!*

    • notasugarhere says:

      I read only two Cambridge-kowtowing photographers were allowed in. Waiting for confirmation on that one.

      • LAK says:

        The photo bylines should tell you who was allowed in. As far as i can tell, most photos released seem to be taken by Chris Jackson, their preferred photographer.

  9. Nicole says:

    The press noted that Charlotte seemed less inhibited than George. Remember when we thought she would be the easy child? She’s a delight. I smiled seeing these videos. Charlotte and balloons. George and bubbles. Very cute.

    I still cannot get over how much Charlotte looks like the Queen. Spitting image

  10. Cool Character says:

    Charlotte to me looks like Eugemie

    • ElleBee says:

      I thought the same. I think that is funny since it has long been rumored that Kate and the Yorks don’t like each other

    • perplexed says:

      That’s what I thought too.

      Or maybe Princess Anne. I’m not sure.

      • Amy Tennant says:

        I saw a picture of a little Anne that looked a lot like Charlotte. Strangely, I cannot see Eugenie, as much as I am trying because so many of you are saying it. To me Eugenie looks a lot like the Queen Mum, and a lot of the other royals seem to look more like George VI’s side of the family (Beatrice looks like Victoria to me). The picture for this story before you click on it on the homepage, when Charlotte’s face has sort of a serious look, that is pure Queen Elizabeth to me. It’s funny! People see different things. Someone was saying on here that Brangelina’s bio-kids look just like Brad, and they kind of do unless you’re looking at Angelina’s baby pictures!

  11. Kitty says:

    Charlotte is cute as well as George. See I told you guys anytime they hear their kids its positive PR and if overshadows William and Kate lack of work ethic and sense of duty. No offense but how do we know Kate takes care of her kids at all times?

    • Nic919 says:

      She doesn’t because they have a nanny. This is a photo op so of course she wasn’t going to act like trailer trash mom and just ignore them. She was hovering around them a lot though and there was nothing dangerous for them to get hurt with. It is almost like she isn’t around them enough to know what boundaries they will push so she gets nervous and hovers.

      But having the other parents and kids there and ignoring them was rude. More PR to cover how little they do.

      • notasugarhere says:

        More than one.

      • Amy Tennant says:

        She probably doesn’t. But at least the kids like her. You can’t fake that. They’re not acting like “Who is this strange lady, and where is my trusted nanny?

      • mary simon says:

        I think Kate and William are very connected with their children, and at the moment, they are a very happy little family. Their little toddlers are out and about in front of the world and anything can happen that could be awkward – a fall, a spat, or even a meltdown, (god forbid)! I’ve seen a couple pictures of Charlotte picking her nose. The thought of my little angel being filmed for the world to see, picking her nose and putting her finger in her mouth would be cause enough for me to hover!

    • kaiko says:

      MTE. Kate is a glorified WAG with unlimited cash. Sure the kiddies are cute but all of them are at this age. It’s natural to feel the love and coo a bit, but to congratulate their parents is silly. Perhaps Charlotte is so well adjusted and sweet BECAUSE of the highly qualified nanny taking care of her most of the time, not KM.

    • bluhare says:

      Kate has a nanny 24 hours a day plus by all accounts her mother is around a lot too. But I don’t see how anyone can look at her with her children and say she isn’t a hands on mother.

      • notasugarhere says:

        I’d say that when she is with them, she is hands on but nanny is still there. KM is not doing the heavy lifting 24/7/365. There is a whole lot of each day dedicated to herself, grooming, personal trainer, shopping, hairdresser. Plenty of time to work more, just pretending there isn’t.

      • bluhare says:

        I’m not talking about whether she works, nas and there’s no question she could get out more. I’m talking about whether she’s a hands on mother and I think she is.

      • Timbuktu says:

        Well, why wouldn’t she be a hands on mother? She sure isn’t hands-on anything else. For someone who uses kids as an excuse not to pose for pictures (a.k.a her “job”) a lot, she better be a hands on Mom. Does she want a cookie for it or something?

      • addie says:

        A lettuce leaf would be more her thing.

  12. Lara says:

    I did notice that whenever Will was left alone with the children they automatically looked for Kate!

    • Cool Character says:

      Well William has a ‘job’ so unlike Kate he isn’t around them all day.

      But you should watch the video where Charlotte calls out for her ‘Dada’. Kate was in eye shot. Or the picture of William and George hugging.

  13. Frannydays says:

    Aww such precious kids. Making my heart melt and putting a smile on my face this morning. They are too cute.

  14. Bex says:

    George and Charlotte are adorable. As is that dog! That is one fine looking dog. But who turns up to a kid’s garden party wearing a cream dress and heels? That’s just asking for trouble.

  15. Lainey says:

    The media didn’t have much access at all. Only two British reporters were allowed in and no Canadian print press had access at all. And I think Chris Jackson was the only British photographer allowed. They only had access for an hour and then had to leave.
    For all Williams talk that George is a terror he seemed much shyer than Charlotte. Seemed to stick close to his parents and was heard calling for Kate. While Charlotte seemed like she would have been fine running around on her own. Her face when she sees the balloons is adorable.

    • Kitty says:

      @LANIEY, I do think William and Kate are more into family life than being royals or doing Royal duties which makes me upset because they are in this huge position to do great things for the world and influence good and be great humanitarians like Diana was but seem not to do that because they don’t have the passion for it compared to Harry who does.

      • Kitty says:

        @Lainey, I too agree with you. It makes me sad since they can influence good around the world like Diana did. Does William really want to be King?

      • Lainey says:

        I don’t think so- the perks that come with it yes but not the work. He wants to be normal, but the normal he sees is that of his rich, aristo friends not people like you and me who work every day to pay a mortgage, childcare etc. He wouldn’t survive that life at all.

    • MinnFinn says:

      No print press allowed in from their host country. What a stupid and arrogant decision. And Chris Jackson being the only Brit photographer let in, note that he’s the guy engaged to Kate’s stylist Natasha.

      • Lainey says:

        Yeah, one of the Canadian journos tweeted from outside. They weren’t impressed. https://twitter.com/ByJamesKeller/timelines/781555571824726016
        @ Kitty i agree there’s no problem wanting to be with your family, but stop taking tax payers money for a job you refuse to do. And i hate when they call royal duties boring. They get to work with charities that do amazing work but refuse to. They don’t seem to have an interest in anything but themselves.

      • bluhare says:

        Oh my, Lainey, that twitter page is a thing of beauty!! George petting an emu! HAHAHAHA

      • Anna says:

        So, wait, this playdate (for a couple of hours) was the ONLY public event W&K did during that whole day??? What was the point of the tour exactly? This is so upsetting.

    • Betti says:

      Re: restricting UK press is not new, they have history of excluding them on tours and at some UK events. Chris Jackson has access because of his personal relationship with Kate’s stylist. They went went to an exhibition of his work a few years ago.

      They r playing with fire when it comes to the UK press, the dirt that they have on these 2 is just sitting in a drawer waiting to be published.

    • Natalie S says:

      I keep wondering if they have a deal with Chris Jackson. Why let only the photographers make money off their children? Why not have a few preferred photographers and in addition to controlling the pictures, also keep some of the cash for themselves?

      • Betti says:

        Chris Jackson is engaged to Natasha Archer, Kate’s personal stylist who travels with her on tours. He’s been a royal pap for years.

      • Natalie S says:

        I’m wondering if they used his connection to Natasha to create a monetary arrangement with him -so he gets much better access and they get some of the profits from the pictures as well as editorial control.

        It’s a really lucrative source of income and seeing how grifter-ish the Middletons tend to be…

      • notasugarhere says:

        Natalie S, I could see a financial relationship like that happening. Most of the photos they release are copywritten, either by Kate Middleton or the Middleton family.

  16. Georgia says:

    There are pictures with William and the kids as well and they are utterly adorable

  17. PHAKSI says:

    This would have been the perfect time to wear jeans. When she was croutching down with Charlotte we saw right up her dress

    • HappyMom says:

      No-all the ladies were dressed up. It would have been totally inappropriate to wear jeans. I didn’t love the dress-but it was appropriate for the occasion.

      • PHAKSI says:

        I meant dark dressy jeans, not the jeggings she favours. I did not need to see her slip. Thank goodness she was actually wearing a slip

  18. Almondjoy says:

    Toooo cute 😍

  19. Rose says:

    Am i crazy for thinking Charlotte looks like the Queen? I can really see it!

  20. LAK says:

    I thought Kate and William were helicopter hovering over the kids and not letting them let loose or interact with others.

    The few moments they weren’t hovering is where we got Charlotte going ham on those balloons or bouncing on the dog.

    • Betti says:

      Yes I noticed that too, it was like they didn’t want them playing with the peasant kids. The kids were used as a crutch not to interact with the people there,Kate in particular does this.

      • Mel M says:

        I have to agree with that. It was nice and cute to see them and all (honesty they seem just like your average toddlers to me) but it seemed like everyone else was made to just stand back and watch as the family just interacted with each other. Really odd actually. Love the children’s clothes though, that’s wear my clothes envy is.

      • Nic919 says:

        Kate did the same she did when arriving in Victoria and ignored the Trudeaus. She used the kids to ignore the other adults when Charlotte in particular seemed to have no issues occupying herself with the balloons.

      • Citresse says:

        I don’t know if they were made to stand back but if they were told do not speak to them unless spoken to, then it would create some kind of social barrier. As for W&K hovering over their children, it makes sense if William is following Kate’s lead; Kate was hovered over a child turned into hovering parent just like Carole. And as we see it doesn’t promote much independence as adults.

      • HappyMom says:

        Kids at that age just do their own thing. They don’t usually play with other kids.

      • Mel M says:

        @citresse, ok yeah if they were told not to speak to them unless spoken too I get that but then the question is, why didn’t W & K make more of an effort to interact with the other families. That just makes it seem like they are an attraction in a zoo or something which makes then seem “other” which is something they so desperately try and prove otherwise through poor Jason. What’s the point of going to a family event like this if you aren’t even going to interact with anyone else? Photo Op perhaps? And by controlling who they let in, getting only the photos they want out. Ugh, they give me a headache. Anyway, I do agree with your assessment of Kate’s upbringing and how it didn’t make for an independent adult.

  21. carolind says:

    Jeans not suitable for a garden party. I think from this she seems a very hands-on mother and he a committed father. Rightly or wrongly, at this stage in their lives their priority is their children. That is not to say I think Kate never leaves the children with a nanny or that I think they should not be doing more ordinary engagements.

    I also think they are very obviously committed to their marriage and, yes, each other. Again it will not be perfect – nothing ever is for very long – but they do look quite at ease together and happy.

    • Kitty says:

      I agree but don’t you think its obvious they don’t care about royal work and their duties as royals?

      • aaa says:

        I don’t think that William and Kate have the passion and/or strong sense of duty for royal work that the Queen and Prince Charles have but I think that it is too strong to say that they “don’t care” about their royal duties.

      • Kitty says:

        @aaa, what do you mean its so strong to say? I mean they don’t have passion and a strong sense of duty. You are telling me if they had a choice to do their royal duties or live without it they would chose royal duties?

      • aaa says:

        I am inclined to agree that if given the choice they would choose to live without doing royal duties but that still does not mean they “don’t care” about their royal duties.

  22. Jackie Jormp Jomp says:

    I love her outfit here. And I find her style guy or miss. But this is a hit. Very pretty for a garden party.

    • graymatters says:

      Wedges are good in the garden. These are again a not-quite match and do nothing to elevate an oatmeal dress, but okay. The dress is nice and very Kate. It is also, as many people have noted, perfect for a garden party. It is not, however, perfect for a garden party during which one might squat down in front of a camera. She would have done better to wear a top similar to the top part of that dress with garden-party appropriate trousers. I’ m thinking wide-legged trousers in the same material as that skirt. And then different, maybe colored, maybe leather wedges.

      • zinjojo says:

        That dress is very “Sister Wives” to me, but of course, also very Kate. I agree, graymatter, a pair of nice, wide-leg slacks would have been more appropriate for the event given that she’s squatting down with the kids frequently and almost flashing.

        The kids are adorable.

    • Tris says:

      Pretty outfit, yes, but ridiculous when you know you are going to spend the entire day squatting. Trousers would have been pretty and appropriate, and spared us crotch peeks.

  23. Amelie says:

    Every time I see on a miniature horse all I can think of is Lil Sebastian from Parks and Rec. Looked like the kiddies had fun!

  24. Canadian Becks says:

    Charlotte is an interesting combination of Lady Sarah Chatto, Princess Margaret’s daughter, and of Carole Middleton.

    She has a very strong resemblance to Sarah and Princess Anne in the lower jaw area, and she has very similar eyes to Carole. Both Carole and Pippa do not have a discernible double eyelid.

    I am glad she doesn’t favour Diana at all, and she appears a very confident little girl- no hesitation with that large dog at all.

    • Chicken says:

      Agreed. I see so much of Lady Sarah and QM in there, but the eyelids are all Carole Middleton (and I think Pippa has the same eyelids as Carole, Kate didn’t get that trait). Something about Charlotte in motion just looks so much like the Queen to me.

  25. Starlight says:

    I think the Canadians have seen more of George and Charlotte in one day compared to 9 months in the UK – the children are rarely seen in public if at all in Britain. I don’t know why this is when you compare prince Frederick and a Princess Mary’s children who seem extremely well behaved comfortable in the public eye, but they in comparison are seen regularly. I think it’s admiral that Kate is attentive but I want to scream put Charlotte down she can walk, they seem really over protective in my view for two children who are going to have to express kingship from an early age. It would have been nice to see both children interacting with other Canadian children instead of balloons and a dog or did I miss something. The children have been seen out in the public I expect they won’t be seen again until Christmas Day at Sandringham church visit.

    • LAK says:

      They are too young for the Sandrigham christmas pap stroll. On average, they all tend to bring the kids along when they are 7 or 8yrs old.

  26. Cerys says:

    It was nice to see pictures of the children enjoying themselves. William and Kate do seem like hands-on parents and there were a few nice pics of William with Charlotte and George which we don’t often see.
    Kate, as usual, managed to wear something that had the potential to reveal everything whenever she crouched down beside Charlotte. Surely some nice trousers (not the dreaded jeggings) or a straighter skirt would have been better. As she was walking on grass, the wedges, for once, were more appropriate than heels.
    However, I just get the feeling the whole thing was just a PR exercise to try to boost their popularity and distract everyone from the usual comments about their work ethic etc. The DM has been in sycophantic meltdown today.

    • Kitty says:

      I agree with the DM and the comment boards. Its been like that this whole tour. Also, this is totally PR!

  27. The Original Mia says:

    Kate looks ridiculous. A nice pantsuit or slacks would have been perfect for helicoptering her kids. Instead we get upskirt shots and another bland, high collared dress.

    The kids were cute. Nice to see them.

    • Azurea says:

      Aw, I think they all look fine. I just wonder if George pooped his blue shorts right before leaving for the event.

  28. Thaisajs says:

    This made my week. Seriously. I cannot get enough photos of them. Too, too cute.

    Also, isn’t it just sad that Princess Diana never survived to meet her grandkids? They look like a bit of a handful, but how much fun she would have had playing with them. Can’t help but think how proud of William she would be that he turned out to be such an involved, loving dad.

  29. NOLA says:

    Would it have killed her to wear trousers? I know some of you are saying it’s appropriate clothing for a garden party, But I’m reading this as a fair-themed party for the children. I would have worn pants.

    • Nic919 says:

      I agree. and a white dress too because kids won’t get dirty? Don’t moms start thinking about this stuff months into raising their kids because of the messes kids make, sometimes on their parents clothing?

      All of this is PR to make people forget how they get millions from the taxpayer and do nothing. So they aren’t monsters to their kids, so what? Most parents do the same every day without any help.

      • msthang says:

        She wanted to throw in a cheap dress, so people would know what an average Jill she truly is, in comparison to all the other pricey outfits, like designer or not it makes no difference to her!!!

  30. Jade says:

    I’m not surprised Kate is very attached to her kids. Like it or not, they’re also her link to the throne and a likely comfortable life, even if she’s divorced. Anyway, she has not shown any other interest aside from being attached to her family and dependent on her mother. Nor has she shown closeness to the royal family. Any close friends? Feel free to correct me. So, I’m not surprised that is being extended to her kids. Hope she doesn’t turn toxic or blackmailing, like some helicopter parents.

    Please note I’m not saying mothers who don’t work or show no passion for anything else besides her kids, are bad. This is just the way Kate has shown herself to be before and during marriage.

    • Betti says:

      Given how tied to Carole’s apron strings Kate and her siblings are, being a helicopter parent is probably all Kate knows how to be. She doesn’t know how to be independent so her children won’t either unless Nanny Maria is able to teach them that.

  31. Mumbles says:

    I was struck at how Charlotte got so excited at the balloons and seemed to want to pop them. Most kids are scared of popping balloons. She seems like a secure and confident little kid. Same with her ease around animals (they’re probably used to dogs because of Lupo.)

    And yes I have my issues with Katie Waity the wisteria sister but she clearly loves these kids, is delighted by them, and from her interactions she is spending a lot of time with them.

    I think Charlotte is as cute as a button but I like how she’s not fake china-doll “pretty.” She looks like a normal little girl.

    I think the event was for kids who have a parent deployed in the armed services so maybe they felt the need to dress up for the occasion.

    • LAK says:

      Kate and the kids were dressed up. William was pretty casual.

    • Timbuktu says:

      I’m seriously not getting the gushing. Young children are cute! No cuter than most other toddlers I know, really. Lots of kids are confident and secure. Kate loves her kids! Oh my goodness, stop the presses, a mother who loves her kids!

  32. aaa says:

    Charlotte has always looks like William to me and still does but I am also seeing the resemblance to Pippa/Carole and Eugenie/Lady Sarah Chatto, however I’m still not seeing the resemblance to the Queen.

  33. Elizabeth says:

    And the kids bring positive PR.
    There are many videos on twitter that are s funny..

    https://twitter.com/TheDu…status/781689814630346753 her talking to another mom starts about 2.49 She also calls Charlotte ‘Little Charlotte come look’ When she calls her over to see the dog. Does she even know how to talk to children and sound like a normal person? How does she call George, “Tiny George” or even “Big George”? No, sorry I forgot ‘big’ was reserved for “Big Willy” 😛
    From the videos, Kate is ridiculous. I had to laugh when Will, Kate and Charlotte were with the ponies and George was running away and she called “Guuuge? Guuuge!” She can’t even say the name of her own child without that weird fake accent. I’m sure he thinks that is another of his many names.

    • Meow says:

      Aha yes. “Guuge! Churrrlurt! Mu Buuutux he’s runnung urt!”

    • Chicken says:

      The “Guuuuge” is ridiculous. Like, William is right beside her and he very clearly says, “George” like a normal person. She was talking to Charlotte later and she said “Charlotte” pretty normally, and then she said, “Ah, are you relaxing?” to Charlotte, and it didn’t sound stilted at all, it sounded totally normal and much like William’s accent. I wonder if she mades slides in and out of that uber posh accent sometimes without meaning to.

      I also can’t get over William’s reaction to the one really tiny horse. I genuinely think that’s the happiest I have ever seen him.

  34. OTHER RENEE says:

    DM has a very touching photo of William holding George close with their faces touching. It is obvious he’s a hands in Dad. I’m sure no such photo exists of Charles holding William like that.

    • LAK says:

      There are plenty of photos and video of Charles being affectionate with William in public from babyhood to adulthood.

      What Charles suffers from is the hatchet job Diana did on his reputation as a father which colours people’s view that he was not a loving father.

      The few photos and video that exist show a man as loving and as affectionate as his ex-wife.

    • hmmm says:

      Love doesn’t make one a hands on father.

  35. Robin says:

    Not a fan of kids bouncing on dogs (or trying to ride them, which Charlotte didn’t do). She’s too young to know better, but her parents should have stopped her…or the dog owner should have. Even the most placid dog can snap if someone is bugging it too much.

    • Citresse says:

      Where were W&K??? They let Charlotte bounce on the dog? Terrible.

    • Danielle says:

      Thank you. I was going thru the thread to see if someone pointed that out. You don’t sit on a flipping dog, let alone bounce on one!!!

    • Elaine says:

      Agree. Its a living thing. Not a bouncy house.

      She doesn’t know that. She needs to be taught that, by stopping the activity so she can begin to understand.

      I’m not really getting the point of this party. Who benefits? Who is this helping? So we see a rich little boy riding a pony at a party paid for by taxpayers. Why?

      Was it for charity?
      Were the other partygoers families in need?

      Or do George and Charlotte just need an opportunity for more free gifts and pony rides?

  36. perplexed says:

    This was a weird party to watch. No one is talking to each other. Huh.

    • Citresse says:

      Aside from royal protocol, I think if William wasn’t so obsessed with secrecy, we’d see a them comfortable interacting with others…… it’s like Kate is hyper aware of William’s feelings at all times.
      I think it must be exhausting to be married to neurotic William.

    • Chicken says:

      I thought that too, but then I saw a BC TV video that shows Will and Kate interacting with a ton of other parents, and they interviewed some parents on their way out and the parents said how nice it was that Will and Kate made a point to speak with pretty much everyone there. But yeah, going on the first videos I saw, I totally thought they just laser focused on their kids and excluded the other parents and children from their little party of four.

  37. Deedee says:

    This whole “family tableau” seems to be the main reason they made this trip. Obvious PR is obvious.

  38. Moon says:

    Charlotte looks so much like her great grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II!

  39. Meow says:

    This party is so weird and stiff – like a stage party, with all the extras moving quietly in the background.

    William strikes me as a very bizarre man in his mannerisms.

  40. Cee says:

    Charlotte is definitely the leader! I just loved how she raced to get to the balloons and George had to follow behind her. Same with the balloon animals! Get ready, George, your sister is going to lead you everywhere.

    The bunny photo is ADORABLE. Charlotte was delighted.

  41. Dlo says:

    Beautiful children! Is it me or does Charlotte look spitting image of the Queen? And I see Diana’s brother all over George. Anyone else?

  42. nicegirl says:

    LOVELY!!! Happy children melt my frozen heart

  43. Sarah says:

    Are my comments being blocked? They don’t show up.

  44. Freddy Spaghetti says:

    Those kids are so cute! I also thought Charlotte would be quieter, personality wise, but she is definitely giving George a run for his money. And Kate may be work shy, but she’s clearly an involved mother–no signs of the kids looking around for a nanny and I thought her love for them was obvious. I think William tries, sort of, but even with Diana, he had a much more formal upbringing.

  45. Charlie says:

    She’s so cute. I was watching Prince George not agreeing to high five Trudeau the other day. Cute kids.

  46. Guesto says:

    Charlotte is so Sarah Chatto!

    The parents are a pair of witless dullards.

  47. Amy says:

    Kate is flashing kids again! She and her staff are clueless. She has to know she will be photographed from all angles and when you stoop down to talk to your child there is no way to protect yourself. She should have worn jeans. She is certainly thin enough to do so. William was dressed appropriately ..Kate was ridiculous. She just doesn’t get it. It’s a shame. I think the way she carried Charlotte into the party was designed to show her off. Almost like she was holding a large doll. George looked over-whelmed. His lack of exposure to events like this shows him to be shy and sensitive. What happened to the boy we saw in Australia? What have they done to him?!! He needs to go play with other kids and let loose and be a kid. It really is so sad. I thought William actually was doing a better job than Kate today. He let George go off for a few moments and that’s when it look like George finally was himself until Kate immediately ran off to retrieve him. They should have stood back and let the kids loose and just followed them around and let them explore at their own pace and interact with the other kids. I’m sure there were kids there the same ages.

    What an unnatural ‘children’s’ party..the commoner kids are not even seen interacting with the royal kids!
    Good to also see charlotte is has personality and is cuter in video than in still photos. But both of them clearly suffer from no socialization with other children plus they have horrible helicopter parents. This will not end well. George is already stifled like they want him to be so Charlotte will be their next victim.

  48. Meh says:

    Dear parents:
    Do not allow your children to “bounce” on a dog. A dog is a living being, not a piece of furniture.

    • CrystalBall says:

      I agree. A dog is not a piece of playground equipment. This behaviour – condoned by Charlotte’s mother- was disrespectful and inappropriate. I hope Charlotte develops into a better person one day: someone who truly has empathy and respects all animals. Not just the endangered ones.

    • Tough Cookie says:

      Thank You. I didn’t think my opinion of them could sink much lower until I saw that.

      • Betti says:

        @vava – wow, she was really really rude toward those people who had just taken her around. She clearly couldn’t wait to get off that boat and walk away – William at least had the manners to hang around a bit. She was off like a shot making those little rude type waves. But this is not new behaviour from her – she’s behaved like that for years. The stories of her rude and entitled behaviour go way back to the beginning of the GF years.

    • Crumpet says:

      I remember doing that to our family dog, and my father gently remonstrating me (because he was nothing but gentle with my sister and I). But he made me see it from the dog’s point of view, and I certainly never did it again.

    • mimi says:

      Charlotte looks like Ma Middleton and Pippa. She doesn’t look at all like the Queen, much less like Sarah Chatto, who is the spitting image of her father, Lord Snowdon. He’s not a blood relation of the Queen. Also, Windsor genes kick in later in life, that’s why most royals were very cute kids. And Charlotte is the opposite of cute at the moment.

  49. Patty says:

    Eh. I’m still not impressed. Don’t get the fascination with Bill and Kate; don’t get the fascination with their kids, who aren’t any cuter than the average kid. I’m flummoxed by their appeal.

    And every time I see an unphotoshopped picture of The Duchess, I’m perplexed as to why she is considered stylish, fashionable, and beautiful. She was cute when she was younger but she just looks haggard to me now. Eye of the beholder and all that jazz.

  50. Deeanna says:

    George is prettier than his sister.

  51. sunshine gold says:

    I think it would be very hard to conclude that a father is disengaged from a press event. William comes from a lot more formal of a family than Kate (A LOT) and grew up without too much PDA, relatively, so it’s maybe this is just his behavior in public? We really have no idea how he is when he’s roughhousing on the floor with them, he could be fantastic. Or maybe he doesn’t roughhouse at all but still loves them to pieces.

  52. Kate says:

    I kind of fear for these kids’ futures with William calling the shots.

    Which is unfortunate, because I think we all had less to fear with William and Harry because Charles was their father.

    I know it’s fashionable to make fun of mothers looking out for their children, but (given that those two kids are already here) I’m hoping that “mom” is the job Kate is working the hardest at (and hoping she’s working at least 20X as hard at it as anything else), because William clearly has not learned anything from his own upbringing.

    Frankly, I’m already pitying Charles and Camilla. Once George and Charlotte are old enough to talk about Daddy and Mummy, Normal Bill and Katie Bucket are likely to shift the blame to Grandpa and step-Grandma.

  53. Stevie says:

    There was a lovely photo of William cuddling George

  54. Grinling Gibbons says:

    Coming in a bit late to the comment section you guys, but Celebitchy — please cover this hilarious article spelling out in very plain English how little Bill and Cathy truly work compared to the rest of the royal family: http://www.macleans.ca/society/which-royals-dont-work-all-that-much/. Love live line charts! Sort of puts all of their very “keen” hard work on this Canadian tour into perspective. Kids are cute, but obvious PR is obvious!

  55. WyoGirl says:

    I’m American so I can say this as a neutral observer: Charlotte is not a pretty little girl.

    • tracy says:

      in fact these kids are not attractive or appealing. the European royals have georgeous kids and very well dressed. !!!!