Duchess Kate: It ‘really resonates with me’ that the Queen loves ‘simple things’

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For the life of me, I cannot find any additional videos from the Duchess of Cambridge’s interview for the ITV special The Queen at Ninety. The program aired on Sunday in the UK, and we have more quotes from Kate, but I cannot find any of the videos of Kate saying these words. I would love to see her and hear her, because I find that I love listening to her uber-posh accent, and God knows I love to nitpick what she says. As we discussed previously, this is the first on-camera (or otherwise) interview Kate has done since marrying Prince William in 2011. Previously, we learned that Kate thinks the Queen has been “very generous in not being forceful at all” when it comes to getting Will and Kate to get off their royal arses. Kate also gave the Queen homemade chutney for Christmas 2011. Here are more quotes:

The Queen has a fantastic smile: “I think she’s so, so engaging. I think she has got the most fantastic smile and I think if the Queen does nothing but smiles, it gives people a huge amount of joy and a huge amount of pleasure. She’s so dignified and calm…everyone feels that they’ve had some quality time with Her Majesty – and also a real personal connection, and I think that’s a real skill.”

Kate is astounded by the Queen’s energy:
“I have no idea where she gets her energy from – I need to go and ask a few more questions. Being a mother and new in my job as well, I have no idea how the Queen has done it – with four children of her own. To manage all of those elements of your life – from the family, to the work as well as to the national importance of her role – it’s extraordinary. And for so long too – I think it’s really incredible.”

The Queen’s simple life: “What’s really struck me is her love for the simple things in life. You would expect a lot of grandeur and a lot of fuss. Actually what really resonates with me is her love for simple things, the lack of fuss – and it’s a special quality to have.”

Kate thinks the Queen might be lonely: “All the time William and I are so struck by the Queen’s sense of duty and commitment. And I think to do that by yourself would be a very lonely place to be. But I think to have the support of your husband there by your side on those occasions – and behind closed doors as well – I think is really special.” Laughing, she added: “William and I have got quite a long way to go. But, no, it really, really is fantastic. And to have seen and experienced as much as they have together, it’s really special.”

[From Hello]

Doctoral dissertations could be written about Kate’s interview. While I get the feeling that Kate finds a lot of the Queen’s public and private role “extraordinary,” I also get the feeling that Kate is stunned when she meets normal people who work 9-5 jobs and raise children without access to a beck-and-call helicopter. I’m just saying, it’s not difficult to impress Kate. I laughed out loud at “Actually what really resonates with me is her love for simple things, the lack of fuss…” Says the woman who ripped out a perfectly beautiful new kitchen at Anmer Hall. Says the woman who ripped out a tennis court just because she wanted it moved partly on public land. Says the woman who spends her father-in-law’s money like a drunken sailor.

Meanwhile, the Telegraph had an extensive write-up about Jecca Craig’s wedding, which you can read here. There weren’t that many details about William – he attended the pre-wedding reception on Friday, where 150 guests enjoyed refreshments and lots of food. William apparently wasn’t drinking alcohol (PREGNANT!) but he sipped a Coke. Apparently, huge tents were brought in for the guests to sleep in overnight. Cough.

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Photos courtesy of WENN.

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250 Responses to “Duchess Kate: It ‘really resonates with me’ that the Queen loves ‘simple things’”

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  1. Snazzy says:

    I read the title and immediately scrolled down to see if there was a pic of her pants on fire.

  2. Elizabeth says:

    Is Kate really sitting while the Queen stands in that photo at the bottom?

  3. Tourmaline says:

    That first picture chosen is epic– I like to imagine the Queen is giving Kate a right royal scolding.

  4. Hudson Girl says:

    That was a weird documentary. It definitely felt like the Queen was willing to give access as long as the producers hilighted certain family members that needed some free PR.
    You heard a lot from Will and Kate, the 2 travel sisters- Bea & Eugenie, Andrew, etc. But, nothing at all from 2 of the Queen’s children.

    Will struck me as very unpolished. I was very surprised. Also, he admitted a dumb mistake that had nothing to do with Queen. Kate was desperately trying to be Diana 2.0 and very self absorbed.
    Very odd/uneven documentary for me.

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CD7dAsNxmrQ

    • LAK says:

      i found it weird that William and Kate were highlighted as if they are the next couple in line.

      the voice over goes as far as saying the Queen is training the next Queen….over footage from an engagement…o_0……what about Camilla or Charles?

      Yet, of all the participants, William and Kate, especially William, were the most clueless about the Queen and who unconsciously gave away the fact that they don’t know her. definitely no personal relationship there, and no understanding of her role.

      • bluhare says:

        You know I’m not a fan of the Yorks, but if anyone impressed me it was the Yorks. I was surprised at how genuine they sounded, even if I do wonder how they can be so gushing over a man who hates their mother and won’t let her into any family gatherings. Do they spin the sugar nicely or have they really made peace with it?

      • aaa says:

        @bluhare,
        I agree about being impressed with the York princesses. Their commentary about Prince Philip was a highlight but you make a very interesting and insightful point about them being so gushy about their grandfather even though he loathes their beloved mother.

      • Lauren H. says:

        To be fair, Fergie’s done some shady stuff. She and Andrew used to be pretty close and did spend a lot of time together for the girls. That that’s changed has more to do with Fergie’s behavior over the years. Not that Andrew hasn’t done shady stuff, but it just makes sense that he’d limit contact with Fergie.

        As for the girls themselves, I’ve always gotten the impression that they were very close to the Queen. I saw an interview with Beatrice once a few years ago, and you could tell she really cared about the Queen.

      • LAK says:

        Compartmentalisation.

        Further, they appear to overlook the foibles of all the badly behaving adults in their lives and genuinely love them inspite of it all.

        Fergie also doesn’t have a hate on for Philip which might help in the girls’ opinions of Philip.

        In terms of Fergie being cast out of the royal fold, it’s not as clean, cold cut. The divorce happened when the girls were too young to remember and then all the adults continued behaving as if it had not happened except in public so it was probably less traumatic for them than people speculate.

        The girls continued to see all the adults whether or not their mother was included, and i doubt the mother was being bashed when she wasn’t in attendance.

      • bluhare says:

        Thank you everyone. I know in my own family that some things are overlooked for the sake of harmony so I thought they were the same, if not more so. They have the disadvantage of some of their lives being public fodder.

      • notasugarhere says:

        I think they were highlighted as a PR move. The criticism of them is getting stronger, year after year. The BRF had to highlight them to try to show confidence in the WorkShy Duo.

    • Zimmerman says:

      This is mean, but found it funny that Kate had a couple of stray hairs standing up during the interview.

      Also found it ridiculous how the family kept talking about what an exemplary life of service the Queen has led, but the two most important players aren’t willing to follow suit. They obviously haven’t learned anything despite all that talk.

  5. Goats on the Roof says:

    Does she really refer to herself as new on the job? After five years? Shut it, sister.

    • Squiggisbig says:

      I thought the same thing! Kate will be married 20 years and still saying “as someone new to the job….”

    • littlemissnaughty says:

      I’ve been at my job 2.5 years now and if I said I was new here, my boss would think I’d lost my damn mind. 5 years is not new at the job.

      • Goats on the Roof says:

        By five years in, she should be a damned pro at the job. She shouldn’t still be making excuses for herself.

      • Chrissy says:

        Where I work, 5 years in is considered senior. What is it about royal life that’s so difficult to learn for Kate? SMH She’s ridiculous.

      • littlemissnaughty says:

        5 years here means you’re up for partner (or you leave). So no, not new.

    • Shambles says:

      I know, right?

      “I have no idea where she gets her energy from – I need to go and ask a few more questions. Being a mother and new in my job as well, I have no idea how the Queen has done it – with four children of her own. To manage all of those elements of your life – from the family, to the work as well as to the national importance of her role – it’s extraordinary. And for so long too – I think it’s really incredible.”

      I read this entire paragraph with my mouth hanging open.

      “Oh, my God,” was all I could say to myself. I really could write an entire dissertation on why she’s a complete and utter idiot for saying all of those things, and how she’s lost every inch of benefit-of-the-doubt I could have possibly given her, but I’ll leave it at “oh my God.”

      Is Sixer in an ice bath? There are probably flames shooting out of her ears right now.

      • Sixer says:

        I’ve got a terrible reputation on this site, haven’t I?! I can be quite nice IRL, honest! That said, Katie Laze Quitter doesn’t bring out my mad peacemaker skillz.

      • Bobbie says:

        Was Chutney trying to intimate that Queenie was taking illegal drugs or something? LOL … that’s how it came off (illegal drugs that gave her enough energy to enable her to do all this stuff … she wanted to talk to her to find out the deets!).

        Chutney is about as useful as a chocolate teapot.

      • Shambles says:

        Oh, Sixer, no! I think you’re lovely and I love your royal commentary. It’s just that she’s at the point of making ME angry after I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt for a really long time, and I’m across the pond. So I can’t even imagine how p!ssed off you must be as someone who is financing this craziness.

      • Sixer says:

        Don’t worry darling: I know you weren’t being mean. That was me laughing at me!

      • Jib says:

        I don’t mind being mean about this! If the Queen loved all simple things, she’d love Kate. And it seems to me that she doesn’t like her at all. It’s all BS, everything that came out of her mouth. She doesn’t know the Queen cause I’m willing to bet the Quedn thinks she’s a do-nothing ninny. But that’s what the Queen wanted, so beware of what you wish for.

      • LAB says:

        I lurk here all the time as a toddler and newborn keep me busy, but @Sixer, I always love reading your comments and search for them on these stories!

    • HH says:

      That “struck me” as well. 🙁

      Also, Kate thinks she and William are actually trying to balance work and family. How insulting is that? I actually find myself somewhat angry. It’s so tone deaf.

      • Tourmaline says:

        For sure. They are Clue.Less.

      • Amelia says:

        I need to see you mad peacekeeper skillz, Sixer.
        Given the right provocation I reckon you could scare IS out of business, dangle a cardboard cutout of the Dolittles on holiday and watch peace and harmony envelop the world.
        Basically, Sixer, I reckon you just need to be everybody’s scary Mum they’re too terrified to mouth off to 👌

      • Chrissy says:

        Talk about re-inventing the wheel. What does she think any non-royals do? Now that is a true balancing act…and without help too for the most part. What a sheltered little madam she is. Wow.

      • Sixer says:

        There are SO many times I wish I were that Mum. Not really. I like gobby kids and encourage mine to surpass me in gobbiness. Is this a virtue or a vice, I wonder?!

      • LAK says:

        Sixer: a virtue. always.

    • bluhare says:

      If you count it in number of engagements performed she still is pretty new. 😉

    • Liberty says:

      …five official years, plus a pile of pre-wedding, princess-training years, right?

      But then again, if you add up only the days she’s “worked” for the Firm, it’s still, what, just her third month.

      • LAK says:

        what People tend to overlook is that her engagements started out at 1hr and now average 45mins. Although this year’s engagements were hitting a range of 20mins-35mins.

        Her combined 5yrs engagements total is 357 . if i am generous and say they were all 1hr engagements, and pro-rata them to the national working week of 40hrs/ week, then she’s worked just under 9weeks total in 5yrs.

      • Liberty says:

        @LAK…..wow. I wish this math would make it to the eyes of the media.

      • Canadian Becks says:

        So this is equivalent to, once every year, working for Less than 2 weeks……then getting the next 50 weeks off.
        The struggle is real!

      • Liberty says:

        @Canadian Becks: huzzah for the struggle!

      • Zimmerman says:

        Awful numbers, but a real eye-opener. Wow!

  6. vauvert says:

    She is a simple minded nitwit. I have to go ask the Queen more questions about where she gets her energy??? You doorknob, what have you been doing for the last five years? (It’s called a sense of duty, responsibility, respect for the people… in case you wonder.)

    Reading these quotes all I can do is shake my head. There is a distinct lack of logic and coherence in most of what she says. The Queen is lonely? But it’s really fantastic how she has her husband’s support – so I guess she is not that lonely, what with a spouse, four kids, siblings, a mom who lived into a ripe old age…

    I give up. Will stop clicking on the McLazy family posts because I just can’t with them.

    • Betsy says:

      She doesn’t get that that kind of joke only lands when you yourself only display a lot of energy. And the rest of it is her second guessing herself and then trying to cover. It sort of confirms for me that Will is a total heel. He should speak reverently of his granny most of the time; his wife, who is clearly deeply insecure, should not need to reach this much.

    • bluhare says:

      We’d miss you if you did!

      • vauvert says:

        🙂 hugs @bluhare. Maybe just not before breakfast then… I read gossip to have fun, but these two are at the point where they make me angry. When one is so fortunate in life to be born (or married in)to extraordinary privilege, you expect them to give something back. It’s one thing to be the progeny of business tycoons and do nothing but ski, suntan and shop (although most do have philanthropical inclinations, if only for tax write-off reasons if nothing else); but when your extraordinary wealth, fame, visibility and platform are a direct result of public funds, giving back should be a priority, and it should be done graciously and consistently.

        What saddens me the most is that on this site alone, based on the thoughtful and educated comments I read daily, there are countless women who would do a stellar job being a royal – supporting charities, being invested in a variety of causes, working hard at being educated about all the topics, while also being hands on parents and loving spouses. DimKate is none of these things. I truly believe now that she has a very low IQ, and that being pretty and consistently pushed by her mom is what brought her to this place. I also believe she is very unhappy, though I can’t muster any sympathy for her. She was very unsuited to this role, and should have either not married Will or worked extra hard to at least meet the basic requirements for the job.

        The worst of the bunch though is Will himself; he is a terrible prince, an indifferent husband and father. Just like Charles caved and married the wrong woman decades ago, he caved and assumed the prince-in-training position he so obviously does not want. He would be much happier as a rich, titled bachelor who had given up his succession right, living it up doing nothing.
        Sorry guys – these two just make me get on my soapbox and rant…

      • bluhare says:

        They make a lot of otherwise rational people rant, vauvert!

      • Betti says:

        @Vauvert, I completely agree with your comment above. Queen in Law Carole is the person behind Kate being in the position she is in now. She groomed her daughter to be a trophy wife to a wealthy, privileged and well connected man, so Kate never really stood a chance to be an individual. Carole persuaded Kate and everyone else that her daughter was up for the job but in reality she sold us all a dud. She clearly can’t handle the pressure or expectations of public life – the attention she got during the GF years was never going to be an indication of what it was like being a full member of the family.

        What has Carole and William done to a woman who was once described as being outgoing and friendly? However i still can’t feel sorry for her – sometimes you should be careful what you wish for. I know i wouldn’t like being under that kind of microscope – not for all the Cadbury Creme Eggs in the world.

    • Sixer says:

      Don’t go vauvert. Naysayers are the best sayers.

    • Magnoliarose says:

      Don’t leave us. I love reading your comments. So for purely selfish reasons stay. We need comrades in disgust here because these two are ramping it up and it helps to vent.

      • vauvert says:

        That’s why I love this site – you ladies are awesome.

        I would (for the record) hate being married to Will – but if my awesome husband were a royal, I think of all the wonderful things I could do and it burns that she sits on her duff all day. How selfish can you get??? Sure there’s scrutiny and dealing with some loss of privacy, but when you get so much in return it’s surely not too much to ask to put in a few hours of work every day. Ugh.

  7. Calico Cat says:

    “What’s really struck me is her love for the simple things in life. ” So, is this Kate’s way of saying the Queen loves her?

  8. Tulip says:

    “William apparently wasn’t drinking alcohol (PREGNANT!) but he sipped a Coke. ”

    LOL! Yes. This is why you rock Kaiser:)

    • Shambles says:

      He’s definitely pregnant– mood swings, anyone? Lack of energy? Cravings– CHEESE TOAST?

    • notasugarhere says:

      PR assuring us he didn’t drink too much and break another tooth at a wedding?

      • bluhare says:

        Speaking of that tooth, that is ALL I CAN SEE in those photos. That bloody tooth! Sticks out like a sore thumb!

    • hmmm says:

      I found that an odd and seemingly irrelevant interjection. Unless…he’s infamous for his drinking. I think he got hammered and blacked out more than once at that 4 day party.

    • Embee says:

      My guess it was a condition of his being allowed to attend lol

  9. GoodNamesAllTaken says:

    “Resonates with me” is on my last nerve. Such buzz talk. Anyway, she is so full of it, it’s not even surprising anymore. This isn’t about the Queen at all. She’s just trying to get across messages about herself. It doesn’t sound as if she is close to the Queen at all.

    • COSquared says:

      “I think”…”I think”…”I think”. Good grief, she’s got a limited vocabulary.

      • INeedANap says:

        That was the impression I got too. Simple statements, repeated phrases, and every thought was punctuated with a “summary” (“it’s really incredible”…”it’s really special”…)

        Didn’t she go to college? For an art history degree, which presumably would have involved a lot of writing? How did she pass?

      • vava says:

        That’s what got me, as well…..I think, I think, I think…..blah blah blah. I think.

      • Christin says:

        And “really special”.

        Not just special. Really special. Repeatedly really special.

      • MinnFinn says:

        That’s what I noticed too Christin. So much so that I think “really special” is the new “keen”.

      • hmmm says:

        She always tosses in a couple of “William and I” as well.

    • Shambles says:

      I actually really like the phrase “resonates with me,” but that’s because I’m a hippie yoga teacher/ psychology student who spends a lot of time talking about chakras and energy :p

      When it’s being used as filler by someone who needs some filler for the empty space between her ears, I can’t though. I can’t.

    • bluhare says:

      I’m surprising myself here, but I think she was really, really nervous. At the end of the program, her voice sounded very quavery. I recognize that as mine would do that when I was really nervous and had to get up and talk, and would keep doing it even when the bout of nerves had passed. So I think she’s seriously got stage fright. The only way to get past it is to keep doing it, which she doesn’t appear to want to do. She needs scripts she can read and multiple unless she takes a deep breath and goes out to conquer it.

      • Betsyh says:

        Bluhare, i agree. I remember seeing an interview with william and her shortly after their engagement, where she was asked a political question (i think it was?). She rambled and made little sense. I was sympathetic because she was so out of her depth. I think her fear of public speaking makes her memorize scripts, and have extensive coaching on what to say and how. Coaches may be responsible for her posher voice. I sympathize with her fear of public speaking but i do think if william would prioritize joint engagements she would be more comfortable. I think william ultimately is responsible. He is the future king. He should be the one to take the lead.

      • Liberty says:

        @bluhare, okay, I’ll bite.

        But what type of stage fright includes fear of public speaking, combined with the desire to engage in repeated public flashing,……modeling see-through dresses…….being quite fearless at movie premieres……and being snarkily fearless when down under and at sporting events?

        What kind of stage fright is that? I am fascinated.

      • bluhare says:

        She’s not talking to a lot of people in those instances, Liberty. Just being yelled at by William, if that one photograph in Australia tells the story!

        Kate’s obviously used to being photographed, and unlike her husband I think she either likes or doesn’t mind it. She’s not used to speaking in public and needs to start small and keep doing it. It’s part of her job!

      • Magnoliarose says:

        I couldn’t find the Australia photo but I have seen him near rolling his eyes when she speaks. Do you recall where the photo is?

      • Christin says:

        Selective stage fright?

      • bluhare says:

        I don’t know where the photo is Magnoliarose; it’s one of the series by the helicopter. Some thought he was telling her off or arguing.

        Christin, I think it’s fear of speaking. She seems quite comfortable with her looks and body; but I don’t think she’s comfortable at all with speaking. She hardly ever does.

      • notasugarhere says:

        I don’t know that is proof he was yelling at her the way some think. You can clearly see the yellow earplugs in his ears and they are under the noisy chopper blades. He might have been “yelling” to be heard above that, but that doesn’t mean it was-or-wasn’t him criticizing her. The flashing came when they walked away from the helo, so he wouldn’t be going after her for that in these photos.

      • hmmm says:

        She’s in front of a camera (which she loves) not millions of people. I’m guessing she’s anxious because she is not used to having to describe others since she has no interest. It’s not stage fright- it’s the consequence of her indifference to other human beings other than Workshy Willy. And she is asked to do something adult- actually she is asked to something required of her. I am surprised she didn’t roll her eyes.

      • bluhare says:

        She’s speaking to a lot of people even if they aren’t in the room. I can accept the fact that she is afraid of it because she gives every indication that’s the case.

      • hme says:

        “She’s speaking to a lot of people even if they aren’t in the room. I can accept the fact that she is afraid of it because she gives every indication that’s the case.”

        Indeed. Fear of public speaking, is just that: fear of SPEAKING in PUBLIC. And doing an interview for broadcast to the world certainly qualifies as public in my book. I hate speaking in public, whether that be having to give a presentation or make small talk with strangers. I’ve never been interviewed on camera but I can’t imagine I would like that much either. My heart pounds sometimes just THINKING about speaking up in front of a group of people. And yet I can stand on a stage in front of an audience and sing a solo no problem. (I mean I still get nervous before I sing but nothing like when I have to speak)

        So I can absolutely believe that Kate can be both comfortable being in the public eye and yet very uncomfortable speaking in public. She’s been visibly nervous every time she’s spoken in public so I don’t really know why people have a heard time believing its something that makes her uncomfortable.

        I’m no Kate defender but I do sympathize with her in this area. HOWEVER I know from my own experiences that public speaking can and will get easier to do the more you do it. But you have to MAKE yourself do it. This hiding away, only giving short speeches once a year isn’t helping her problem at all.

      • ArtHistorian says:

        hme,

        Agree. Speaking in public is a whole different ballgame from being photograped in public. Personally, I am much more uncomfortable with the latter but many people fear public speaking – and she is on the world stage, her words and delivery being seen and heard by thousands. I can certainly sympathize with how this can be experienced as very intimidating.

        However, the only way to conquer this fear is hard work, which she seems to be allergic to. You need to do extensive prep work – know the speeches inside out and practice, practice, practice! Then you need to go out and do it, again and again. This is hard, especially if there’s a lot of anxiety in play. But then you need to find some helpful tools to manage the anxiety. It is possible but it takes effort and hard work.

        I think it is a problem that she she’s being coddled so much – and I do think that William is a problem as well. I get the impression that he doesn’t do a lot of prep wotk either and just relies on winging it, except that he is no longer at a stage where winging it is going to cut it anymore.

  10. Lainey says:

    I watched that documentary and she’s so inarticulate. I really struggled to understand what her point was every time she spoke. she also kept looking down which I found really distracting.And with everything we know about her I was laughing at most of the things she said. She only spends 45 mins to an hour at engagements, how could she be spending to much time talking to people.

    • Karen says:

      I honestly think her looking down was to mimic Diana who had that famous peep through your eyelashes look in interviews.

      She didn’t do it in their engagement interview.

      • Bobbie says:

        I agree. The tone of her voice and her behaviour both seemed to be based on Diana’s Panorama interview.

    • L says:

      I want to pick on her grammar, particularly the use of ‘has got’. Shouldn’t it just be ‘has’? As in ‘The Queen has the most amazing smile.’? That bothers me.

      • bluhare says:

        English usage, I think L. Brits use “got” much more than we do in the US.

      • Sixer says:

        Definitely Britisher usage – and also a dead giveaway as it’s plebby Britisher usage! You shouldn’t use it in formal situations, such as interviews about the monarch!

      • Magnoliarose says:

        Woah Sixer. That makes me cringe even more about her fake speech.

  11. Sixer says:

    Doctoral dissertation? I think a brief perusal of the Hallmark archive has it covered. Meaningless platitudes delivered by – I assume, because I was relying on you for clips of the lowlights, Kaiser! – a karaoke impersonation of Diana.

    A documentary like this is always going to be hagiographic and deferential but Katie Laze Quitter is not the one to make it sound credibly patriotic!

    • Kaiser says:

      I would love to post the clips where she’s saying these quotes, but I honestly couldn’t find them online. If anyone sees the clips (not the whole bloody special), please email them to me at kaiser@celebitchy.com

      • Sixer says:

        Likelihood is that ITV are taking down any unauthorised clips that get uploaded, I suppose. Darnit. Because I am NOT watching the whole thing!

        ETA: you said bloody! Hooray! We’ll make a Britisher of you yet.

      • Bobbie says:

        Kate Middleton Review had the clips broken down by person (I think)

    • Hudson Girl says:

      I posted a link to the full documentary above. Kaiser, hope that’s ok. 😬 It was odd to watch and I would say necessary for anyone intrigued by this family and its PR moves.
      Sixer, you are exactly right about Kate= Diana 2.0

    • MinnFinn says:

      Well Sixer, as a documentary it was really really boring. So there’s that. But as a propaganda film, it was interesting and for me somewhat puzzling. (I watched the whole thing on youtube yesterday.)

      • bluhare says:

        I did too, MinnFinn., and I tend to agree. I was expecting a puff piece as it was sanctioned, but I was surprised that it was mostly the grandchildren talking about her. And my favorite was Harry. He comes across so well.

      • Sixer says:

        I think also interesting – particularly as you say, if it’s straight-out propaganda – that they gave it to ITV and not Auntie. Despite ever-loyal deference, the BBC isn’t doing well out of the BRF just now.

      • MinnFinn says:

        bluhare, Harry was great. He always seems so sincere to me and in this film his affection for his granny was very sweet. The York sisters also did a good job in that they seemed sincere as well as well-spoken. There were no word chutneys in any of that trio’s clips!

      • notasugarhere says:

        Sixer, isn’t BBC criticized by RepublicUK whenever they create programs about the royals? I remember them complaining about the taxpayer-funded “propaganda” special about William at SAR.

  12. Betti says:

    Simple things, simple minds and all that! The interview just supported the view that she’s still a clueless twit after 5 years on the job. Someone needs to tell her she’s not Diana 2.0.

    She came across as unprepared and very nervous and am sure she was told what to say but still she struggle to speak and sound convincing.

    • Gg says:

      #simplethings for the Duchess: private helicopter rides, custom designer clothing, multimillion dollar renovations, showing up somewhere for half an hour and calling it a day. The jokes just write themselves. It’s #pippatips all over again!

  13. lower-case deb says:

    “resonates with me”
    what tosh; are you a pitch fork?

    • COSquared says:

      No, I am Diana 2.0, tradition-breaking feminist and saviour of the monarchy. Also a keen mental health campaigner.

      • notasugarhere says:

        Who will hit the ground running after her skiing vacation and month off before she works a few hours a day for 6 days in a row.

      • Christin says:

        And I genuinely hope no one remembers the real Diana, for I am a rather simple imitator at this point.

    • Who ARE these people? says:

      tuning fork, yes? (sorry!)

      • lower-case deb says:

        yes, that’s it! no need to be sorry. i do apologize! i did mean an out-of-tune-ing fork!

        i must have it mixed up with the one Kate has to use to serve hay salad and grass chutney every dinner time for her husband, the two-legged horse.

      • Who ARE these people? says:

        HA, great image!

        I thought it was you thinking about the pitchforks the angry villagers will have out for her and William before too long.

  14. Canadian Becks says:

    Kaiser, there are quotes on other sites from people in Britain, where “Our Queen at 90” has already aired. The quotes are slightly different from yours.

    In one particular quote, Kate uses “as well” more than a few times. She sounds a bit like English is not her first language.

    ***
    “Being a mother and new in my job as well, I have no idea how the Queen has managed to do it with four children as well of her own. To manage all those elements of your life, from the family as well as to the work, to the national importance of her role, I think it’s extraordinary and also for so long as well”.

  15. Karen says:

    I think she speaks as clearly, I think, as Sarah Palin. Which I think it a low bar to set. I think.

  16. Natalie says:

    The woman who tools around in Hermes scarves, runs horses at Ascot, gives her dogs bottled water and has attempted to pilfer public funds for the poor to heat her homes likes the “simple things?”

    • Bobbie says:

      Hahaha – good points! Kate wouldn’t even be aware of half this stuff, I’m sure.

    • notasugarhere says:

      Well the cereal is kept in tupperware to keep it fresh, and she measures the biscuit cake to make sure none of the staff sneak any of her favorite dessert …

    • bluhare says:

      Doesn’t everyone give their dogs bottled water? 🙂

      • notasugarhere says:

        And individually cooked meals, where the dogs have to wait in rank order to be fed.

      • bluhare says:

        Waiting in line to be fed? HAHAHAHA. In our house it’s every beast for him/herself!

  17. Lulu says:

    First things first: I am a complete make-up amateur and even I flinched at the header picture. Katie, even if you refuse to employ a make-up artist, half an hour spent on Youtube tutorials would do your image wonders.

    Secondly, I think it’s rather difficult to speculate on the precise nature of the BRF’s internal relationship, both because of the formality and reserve of the older generation and the fact that even the most obsessed royal watcher will never have a full picture of what goes on behind the palace doors. However, I think it’s very safe to say that the Queen is nowhere near as close to KM as the latter (and her mother) would like to pretend. We know the Queen’s personal interests; horse-riding (Kate’s allergic and rarely shows at the races), dogs (the Cambridges do have these, but Kate’s never really indicated a massive love of animals), history (I think if Kate was making any use of her art degree she could try to bond with the Queen over the RF’s paintings and jewellery collections, but we’ve heard nothing in her blathering about the kind of shared interest the Queen and Sophie have displayed in their pouring over historical documents together) and a surprisingly up to date interest in technology (the Queen’s got an iPhone and was apparently behind a lot of the BRF’s advances into the internet like their Youtube channel while Kate’s shown no innovation in this area whatsoever despite coming from a far more tech-savvy generation). In short, there seem to be very little common ground between the Queen and Kate outside of their work as royals – which is an obvious problem given how great the gap between their royal duties is. Which is probably why Kate has to keep going on about herself in these interviews – outside perhaps raising an eyebrow over Kate’s fluttering hemlines, it seems the Queen has very little meaningful interaction with Kate at all – which should be very concerning considering that only the Queen and Charles’ continuing health stand in the way of Miss Bucket’s role as queen consort.

    Finally, I really must protest a trend I’ve noticed on CB – likening KM to Marie Antoinette. I find this is actually a massive disservice to the latter. Unlike KM, Marie wasn’t coddled about her royal duties – she was plunged into her role as queen almost immediately with very little preparation (she even wept before she was crowned “God help us, we are too young to reign”). She actually did charity work, including remonstrating with her children to give their new toys to needier children, and yet often found herself in situations where she couldn’t win with the public (if she was painted in extravagant outfits, she was wasting money and out of touch, if she was painted in simple blouses she was damaging the image of France and not supporting the cloth trade, etc, not to mention being viewed with suspicion over her Austrian roots). She also had a far more respecting relationship with Louis than Wills ever offered Kate – he was far more active in defending her from slanders such as infidelity than Will was in preventing KM from being called ‘the mattress’ and only took off his wedding ring the eve before his execution, sending it to Marie with the message that he parted from it “only at the last and with great reluctance”. Now, she did lead a very pampered life and was definitely out of touch with the misery of a lot of her subjects – but she did try. And that should be ringing the alarm bells – because what does it say for Britain, if Marie Antoinette was a far more suitable queen consort than the woman married to the heir’s heir?

    • Alix says:

      Thank you for coming to MA’s defense! The poor woman has been grossly treated by history. And for what it’s worth, she NEVER said “Let them eat cake”!

    • bluhare says:

      I like your post, Lulu! I think the Marie Antoinette comparison is more a comparison of Kate toward the image of MA. I think most of us who know history recognize she was a bit more than a lover of cake. And you ask an excellent question!

    • teacakes says:

      yes, and wasn’t Marie Antoinette all of 14 years old at the time of her marriage? Waity Katie was more than double that and still manages to muck it up.

  18. LAK says:

    Kaiser, that telegraph article. Did you notice a sentence buried in the middle that said this: ‘The occasion is expected to be an emotionally-charged one for the Duke, who has remained closed to Miss Craig since they dated as teenagers’

    when broadsheets, nevermind tabloids, are saying these things, we really have to believe that there is something to the *speculation. Afterall, why should a happily married mother of 2 feel emotionally charged by the wedding of a friend?!

    * speculation is one sided.

    In defense of Kate [checking windows for flying pigs] the above joint engagement happened when William was in the Falklands. She had a 6week ran of solo or joint engagements in which she appeared to be doing well and improving as with each successive engagement. There was hope that despite the late start and the obvious nerves, she would do well.

    When William returned from the Falklands, her engagements came to a screeching halt, IIRC she had 2 more engagements to do which were cancelled. It was this occasion that the palace put out a statement saying she was cancelling because William was back and in any case the engagements had stressed her out so much that her hair had started to turn grey. i remember thinking what a peculiar statement for the Palace to put out, and lo and behold, when she turned up in Nottingam a few months later for a joint Jubilee engagement, you could see the grey of roots at the side of her head where she had pulled her hair in a half up/half down hairstyle.

    She’s been terrible at her engagements ever since, and done all she can to avoid work.

    • Janis says:

      I guess Will thought she was trying to overshadow him or was even trying to consort with the enemy, the Queen? Either way, he rules the roost and probably puts the fear of God into her everyday. What a way to live. I can understand her being a bundle of nerves and afraid to make a move without Will. Small wonder she runs home to Mummy so much as she probably needs constant pep talks to keep towing the Middleton line.

      • Bobbie says:

        I agree, Janis. I think he must be absolute hell to live with. She never used to seem so deflated/downtrodden in the dating years as she is now.

    • Canadian Becks says:

      It’s the DUKE who is emotionally charged, no?
      That said, it still raises eyebrows, because it implies he’s not over her.

    • COSquared says:

      So do you think she *delibarately* messes up at engagements to appease to Bill’s ego? Idk, if she does do this, she’s only hurting her own public image but gets to keep the marriage intact by being his doormat once again.

    • Sixer says:

      LAK – I agree that the Telegraph quote is significant. It’s the Telegraph saying this stuff now. The Telegraph! This is not transatlantic clickbait gossip. This is the Telegraph doing some signalling. All. Is. Not. Well. Things are ramping up.

      • Betsy says:

        I can’t help it, but I love the speculation. What is coming? What’s next? What fit will William pitch next?

      • Sixer says:

        Well! I think it means that the establishment leash will be applied to Normal Bill at some point in an increasingly near future, and he will be dragged, kicking and screaming, to duty. On the other hand, Liberty thinks he will be cast asunder altogether.

        Either way, something is afoot for the most establishment-loving broadsheet in the country to insert sentences like that into their articles.

      • Betsy says:

        I cannot wait – mostly because I think he will not tolerate any sort of leash. I think it will be a short unwinding from there.

        I do feel bad for Kate.neveryohe mocks her for being Waity Katie, but it’s anachronistic family, her anachronistic behavior is baffling but unbothersome yo me.

    • Magnoliarose says:

      Very interesting. Things must be very bad behind closed doors.

    • LAK says:

      Correction: Father!!!!…meant to say father of two

    • Christin says:

      They officially claimed her hair turned grey during that time? I remember when she had obvious roots, which seemed odd since she was supposedly partaking five-hour salon appointments.

    • Canadian Becks says:

      Another grey roots theory through deductive reasoning:

      When she cancelled the Shamrock pinning and the next day showed up for her 25 minutes at that charity shop, her hair had obviously been freshly coloured. The engagement right before all those was the Commonwealth Day service where she covered her hair with that Large, grey, wide-brimmed hat……maybe she picked that hat to hide the grey roots. Big hats like that which cover all her hair is not the usual style of someone who considers a woman’s hair her ultimate “crowning glory”.

      That would also explain that ill-fitting, heavy coat, which seemed an odd choice for this time of year, but picking that hat meant picking that grey coat.

      http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/7000811/Duchess-of-Cambridge-Kate-wears-matching-grey-hat-and-coat-for-Commonwealth-Day-service.html

  19. realitycheck says:

    Does anyone else think that her words strung together make no sense at all? “Generous with not being forceful at all.” Is that even the right way to speak?

    • bluerunning says:

      It reads very clunky to me. It makes sense, but it’s like she’s awkwardly translating from “normal Kate” to “posh Kate” and it doesn’t always sound natural. But yeah, I noticed it too… some phrases were awkward and kind of “off” to me.

    • Guesto says:

      I think it suggests that she, not having any real thoughts of her own, is coached in what to say, hence the jumbled inarticulacy and ultimate lack of flow and substance.

      • Canadian Becks says:

        Hard to believe she is this substandard. Because you’d expect that she would be allowed as many takes as she needs to get it right, no?
        And what they ultimately aired is the best that she ever got?

      • Guesto says:

        @Canadian Becks – If they persisted until Waity got her act together and managed to deliver her lines meaningfully and coherently, the Queen would very likely be preparing to celebrate her 100th birthday, rather than her 90th.

      • Canadian Becks says:

        Ha! Touché.

  20. The Original Mia says:

    She makes my head hurt with her simplicity. Good God, woman, you went to college! There is no hope for her. She’s lazy. She’s clueless. She’s happy being coddled.

  21. Gg says:

    “We are really struck by her sense of Duty”… dumbstruck apparently!

  22. Murphy says:

    They should have given her minutes to Sophie

  23. Jade says:

    That picture is how she looks struck by the Queen’s sense of duty and commitment.

    HM: Short skirt. Check. Diana ring. Check. Crotch clutch. Check.

    As an aside, I caught one of Sophie’s speeches and was very impressed by her intonation etc. She spoke without a script and sounded so natural. Her background is PR? It shows. I think it would take more than 5 years to reach her level but Kate should really learn from her in the meantime. There doesn’t seem to be a suggestion that she does though. I feel that Kate needs more confidence but in the meantime, it doesn’t hurt if she’s clocking in the hours. I think people would be more patient because public speaking is difficult to master. Too bad they’re just so tone deaf and full of excuses. For the record, I blame Duke Willnot Chopper Workshy more.

    • LAK says:

      When she was first engaged, it was suggested that she shadow Sophie, but William turned the suggestion down preferring to teach Kate himself. We can all see the results 5yrs later.

      If Kate wasn’t so beholden to William, she should have taken up the offer.

    • Green Girl says:

      Sophie would be an excellent choice of mentor to Kate. But I doubt Kate will call her up anytime soon (and TBH, that phone call should have happened either after the engagement or shortly after the wedding, not five YEARS later).

    • Canadian Becks says:

      But what did Sophie ever do to deserve that Sisyphean task?

  24. peanut says:

    Her interviews remind me of another Kate…. remember how Katie Holmes used the same phrases over and over when she was with Tom Cruise and being coached by Scientology? Like her speech and thoughts were not her own..

  25. Houstongrl says:

    “New” in her job? It’s been what, 5 plus years? This doe-eyed newby thing has got to stop, it’s just another excuse and it’s well past its expiration date.

  26. pleaseicu says:

    The documentary came off as 1/4 documentary celebrating the Queen and 3/4 PR fluff piece selling the Cambridges. Kate didn’t do well but I thought William came off the worst in that documentary. He almost makes me feel sorry for Kate. I definitely feel sorry for his poor children.

    Normal Bill came off like the whole thing is a joke to him and offered nothing but superficial platitudes about his beloved granny. The only time he was remotely sincere was when he spoke about the military. And for the love of everything that is good in the world will someone tell the man he’s just not funny? He probably assumes that he’s being really charming and cute with his joke, joke, joke approach but it falls flat more often than not. He doesn’t read the situation correctly. And his humor is usually mean spirited and at the expense of others.

    His delight at the people who were so overwhelmed in meeting the Queen that they fainted or froze and couldn’t speak when they met her was insensitive and in poor taste. The “fancy dress” crack about the diplomats and dignitaries who wore their traditional and/or cultural dress for the diplomatic reception with the Queen was particularly crass. Traditional outfits are not costume play worn to amuse and entertain you tone deaf dolt. There is pride and meaning behind it. If it wasn’t already known before now I thought he revealed that he’s unprepared for and disinterested in his role as future monarch and really doesn’t “get” his grandmother and her legacy at all.

    • LAK says:

      This was my take away too.

      I cringed so much throughout his interview sections.

      And was enraged by his ‘fancy dress’ comment.

      • hme says:

        The fancy dress comment was seriously offensive. Those outfits are NOT costumes, and the fact that that is what is going through his head during those moments and that he then was stupid enough to say it out loud during an interview is very troubling. The future KING people. smh.

        Both William and Kate talked about the Queen’s gentle/quiet guidance with them…..interesting non?

        I also thought it was extremely telling that it was the FIFTH in line, aka Harry, who talked about the significance of the commonwealth and how the Queen put duty first ahead of everything when she was still a young women.

        The shots of William ‘at work’ really pissed me off. Pure ‘see? I really do work!’ propaganda. And he is a co-pilot, not a pilot. He does not fly that helicopter by himself but you’d never know it from they way they shot those bits.

    • Cricket says:

      I thought the worst comment he made was ‘she’s been there, done that, got the t-shirt’. I was like WHAT?!?!

      Best thing to come out of the doc are the two new nicknames: Chutney and Chopper.. love it!

    • MinnFinn says:

      Willy’s face seemed so disdainful when he spoke of granny inspecting the banquet hall before a state dinner. And I also cringed when he thought it was funny that people have fainted when meeting QE. That comment also revealed his contempt for his future role as the monarch.

      • ArtHistorian says:

        He really is his own worst enemy. Every time he opens his mouth he makes me dislike him even more. I’m glad he’s not going to be my Head of State and I extend my heartfelt sympathy to all you unfortunate Britishers here. Based on his past and current pattern of behaviour he’s going to abuse his position for all its worth for the least amount of effort on his part. Maybe it is time for the pitchforks to be brought out of storage and dusted off. I’ll unpack mine and wave it about in solidarity. 😉

  27. Citresse says:

    Yes, it’s unusual the doc didn’t feature comments about HM from others. I wonder if perhaps the doc producers approached Philip for an interview but Philip declined?
    It was nice to see some rooms inside BP, and in some scenes there was a backstage feeling to the main event.
    The interview footage certainly confirmed the fact William and Kate are both so self- absorbed. It’s easy to see why they had so many break- ups during the dating years.
    My only criticism of the doc is the fact it ran a bit long. An hour would’ve sufficed.
    The best scenes of all, IMO, were of HM feeding her horses. I would’ve enjoyed more outdoor scenes of HM, sp with her horses and dogs.

  28. notasugarhere says:

    Meanwhile, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden will be headed to an official engagement tomorrow. Their son was born March 2.

    • bluhare says:

      But it’s not the same at all, nas! Victoria is the heir and WK are not!
      /sarcasm

    • Betsy says:

      Less than a month out? Good on her; I’m always still a sodden mess at that point.

    • kori says:

      Have you ever seen the photos of her carrying out engagements after a skiing accident? She was literally hopping on one foot with the other in a walking boot up onto a stage with no assistance. Nothing gets in her way of her duty.

    • Tourmaline says:

      If Kate cared to look outside her cosseted nest, she would find many good role models of female royals from other countries. But somehow I’m sure it’s never crossed her mind, and her and Will-not think they are in a class all their own.

  29. seesittellsit says:

    Well, having never held down a real job for more than ten minutes throughout her twenties as she waited for the SS Wales to sail into harbor, energy on the job rather would amaze Kate.

    As for all that “simplicity” – it rests on the foundation of hundreds of busy little drones doing the gardening, housecleaning, laundering, accounting, etc. There are two kinds of simplicity, see: the forced kind for those on “simple” budgets; and the luxurious, chosen kind of those with nearly limitless budgets.

    • Canadian Becks says:

      Bravo! You do justice to your name.

    • Green Girl says:

      I have to wonder what, exactly, the BRF thought would happen when those two got married.

      • Jib says:

        I don’t think the Royal family knew they were engaged until 1/2 before the interview they gave. I think she was a big FU to his family – she was a commoner, she had a family with coal-mining roots, and she is inarticulate. Maybe he didn’t realize it, but she was pure rebellion. Sad, though: if you are going to rebel, pick someone with some gumption and fire.

    • suze says:

      Dear god. SS Wales to sail into the harbor.

      I may never recover.

      • Canadian Becks says:

        I, too. like that imagery.
        The SS Wales sailing into the harbour after having picked up a doxy in every port he ever stopped at, before he deigned to call it a day and settle for Kate.

  30. sequinedheart says:

    I watched the full documentary and Kate’s interview was painful!! Distractedly so.
    Her efforts to sound uber posh are turning out to be more like a drunken slur. T’s and S’s are lengthened and phrases (which in agreement with all previous comments about this) make no sense. She sounds like a mush mouth. Kate is a moron and her husband sounded like a local lad at the football game than a future king speaking about his beloved grandmother, THE FREAKING QUEEN.. they are a disaster but I can’t help but feed off every article!!!!

  31. Maggie says:

    I really like the Royal Family and all that they represent so it’s very depressing to read such nasty comments from so many. We don’t know what goes on behind closed doors and seem so eager to believe the worst in those that don’t appear to live up to our expectations however unrealistitic they may be. If I’m to get angry over something it’s what’s happening in Syria, child abuse and hunger, slavery those sorts of things. Not a young family taking the time to raise their children while they are so young. I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt and when the queen is no longer able or alive they will step up to the plate.

    • bluhare says:

      Maggie, what’s the best indicator of future behavior? Answer is past behavior.

      As future heads of state, I do not think expectations are unrealistic. Just because your niece met him and thought he was a nice guy doesn’t mean he isn’t all the things he appears to be in his quasi-public role. I think he feels pressured into something he doesn’t really want to do, and I can understand his feelings about it. But he’s got a decision to make if that’s the case.

      • Maggie says:

        I disagree Bluhare. We don’t know all the ins and outs of their life. My niece gave an opinion and that’s not what my comment was based on. It’s my personal belief that W&K will eventually fulfill the queens role. His family was highly disfunctional in the past. Perhaps because they were all raised with nannies? W&K want to be more hands on and perhaps give a bit more guidance to their children to prepare for what’s ahead. The best indicator of future behaviour is past behaviour? That’s a blanket statement and not always true given we don’t know everything other than speculation and feeding off of gossip. You’re free to have your opinion though.

      • bluhare says:

        We don’t know the ins and outs of their lives, which is why I give them some slack sometimes, and I totally agree that William’s upbringing was probably really dysfunctional. However, that’s an explanation for why he is the way he is, but it’s not an excuse. And if they want to give guidance to their children, that’s great, but they also need to set an example. They do that by embracing their roles and showing their children how it’s done, not avoiding it at any opportunity.

        That was a blanket statement, and it’s also quite true. Absent a serious kick in the arse, we all do what we’re comfortable with, and I don’t see William being any different.

    • Betsy says:

      I like the royal family, too, Maggie. That’s why these two lazybones really irk me. Are they trying to end the monarchy?

    • Janis says:

      Carole, is that you? If that is you, I would be ashamed of how your daughter came across in the special. She appears to be a semi-literate, lazy, try-hard dolt. Congratulations.

    • The Original Mia says:

      I can get angry over all the injustices in the world and still think William & Kate are two spoiled, lazybones who need to step up to the plate or step away. They are an embarrassment plain and simple, which should be their coat of arms.

      • Deedee says:

        The Lamebridges have the wherewithal to do something to help with Syrian refugees, hunger, child abuse and slavery, yet they do little work, and what they do usually involves movie premieres and celebs. Perhaps if they put forth a genuine effort, there wouldn’t be so much to criticize?

    • notasugarhere says:

      It is an unrealistic expectation to show up to work? To show up for more than 9 weeks of work in 5 years (thanks LAK!) in exchange for a 50+ room palace and a 10 bedroom country mansion? It is unrealistic to expect publicly-funded government representatives to do their jobs, not lie, and follow the laws of the country regarding freedom of the press? Those expectations are so exhausting.

      They are the third ranked couple in the land, grabbing up all the perks, and giving next to nothing in return. Yes, previous behavior is an indicator of the future. She’s lazy and never worked. He has resented his royal position since he was a toddler, but even then he’d take advantage of his royal role to threaten other to get what he wanted.

      They are going to continue to take as much as they can, do as little as they can get away with, and assume that they are allowed to do whatever they want no matter what their employers (the taxpayers) think. He drew two governments into his charade in order to attend a wedding in Kenya last weekend. Abuse of power by an un-elected government official doesn’t bother you?

    • seesittellsit says:

      @Maggie – of course you are entitled to feel attached to the royals. But re Syria and the rest of it, you don’t know that we aren’t feeling awful about things like that – this, however, is a gossip site. There are plenty of political blogs on which we can express opinions on those issues. We come here for fun. It is all right with you that your future Queen Consort spent her twenties doing next to nothing but being supported by her (newly) wealthy family as she waited to hook the matrimonial prize of her generation – more power to you. Some of the rest of us see something different from what you see.

    • suze says:

      Maggie – I actually like the royal family too, in a general, hypothetical sense. I agree that the relentless cynicism is unpleasant to read, particularly for a fan. I, however, don’t blame the folks doing the criticising. The Cambridges – with the inept help of their staff – have pulled all this down on their own head. In April, 2011, they had all the goodwill in the world riding on their side, and they have managed to squander it.

      I don’t have a major problem with Will and Kate focusing on raising their family, although I sort of doubt they spend all their time doing so. But, for the sake of argument, let’s say that family life is their priority above all else.

      They can still step up a bit more and help out, and have plenty of time for the children and each other. Lots of families juggle far harder obligations.

      If Kate did, say, two engagements a week, and Wills three, for a period of six months, I can guarantee that this criticism would be dampened to a huge degree. If they both made a sustained effort at their patronages and causes, let the press have their photos at these events, and allowed four photocalls with the kids every year – Christmas, Easter, Summer Break and Back to School, they could both raise their family in relative peace and serve the country they profess to love so much. Not to mention, help out the extended family, none of whom are getting any younger.

      How could that hurt? It could only help.

      They are the ones wrapping themselves in this web and it’s so avoidable it’s painful to watch.

  32. perplexed says:

    She and William use the word “fantastic” a lot.

    If I were her or William, I would have a PR person prepare my answers for me, but maybe she and William don’t like memorizing?

    • Citresse says:

      William is a control freak. He doesn’t want PR preparing answers. The result, unfortunately, is we get a reminder of how dimwitted he really is.

    • Bettyrose says:

      They should vary it with “brilliant.” That’s a Brit term I shamelessly borrow. More so now that the BF has suggested I stop misusing “epic.” Or at least reduce its frequency.

  33. Tina says:

    I finally watched it. My favourite bit was the reception for the Rugby World Cup players, which included a relaxed Harry and some very intimidated (and enormous) rugby players. It was sweet to watch them be nervous to meet her. I also thought Eugenie has a lovely speaking voice, which reminded me of Jessica Brown Findlay (who played Lady Sybil on Downton Abbey). I just rolled my eyes at William and Kate, they’re bad for my blood pressure.

    • LAK says:

      I have a weakness for rugby players…

    • msthang says:

      Tina, Don’t you just love women with grovely voices, until the smoking bit catches up with them, and then they sound like frogs!!

      • Tina says:

        I know, it’s clear that she and Beatrice smoke far too much. But I must admit I have sympathy for them on that point. They’re not naturally thin and it’s effective at keeping weight down. No one ever mentions the decline in smoking when talking about the *ooga booga* obesity epidemic.

      • notasugarhere says:

        I don’t think Beatrice drinks or smokes. She’s a teetotaler like Andrew.

  34. Alexa de Vere says:

    I’m v late to this conversation but for what it’s worth, the documentary was v weird. Harry came across brilliantly- he was engaging, warm, sincere and relaxed. The York sisters were the same actually- they were especially lovely about Philip and seemed moved almost to tears in talking about him. You wonder how his health is doing.
    William was very mumbly and spoke quickly with lots of platitudes – his anecdotes were quite hollow sounding and not massively articulate or relaxed.
    But Kate really worried me- she seemed ‘rabbit in headlights’ nervous and had a really quivery voice I thought. She seemed edgy and actually a bit frightened. I really hope she is ok- I can’t shake the idea that she isn’t feeling well and that she is emotionally/mentally unwell.

    • Magnoliarose says:

      I think something is wrong with her too. I can’t tell what but something.

    • suze says:

      I agree.

      She seems like a different person from the rather confident young woman who married Bill in 2011, and lightyears away from the girlfriend years.

      It’s almost like she was medicated.

    • Citresse says:

      Well, physically she must be OK since she’s scheduled to take part in a six hour hike in Bhutan next month.

  35. Timbuktu says:

    Here’s the thing: I get sounding flat because you have to say something sweet and thoughtful on cue, and repeating oneself… when improvising! However, she had advance notice and access to the best help (with writing and delivering the speech) money can buy. She is also a college-educated woman with no known learning disabilities. Knowing she’d be saying something in a documentary for posterity, how could she not do a better job? I mean, actors do, and some of them are a lot dumber than Kate on paper. Yes, I get that actors have talent, but she wasn’t asked to sell us on the idea that the Queen is like a mother to her, she just had to be reasonably eloquent!
    This is why I could never be a royalist: mediocre people commanding outstanding amounts of wealth and influence is just not good for anyone. Surely there are other and better ways to preserve traditions?

    • mytake says:

      I must agree. Although I hate to rag on another person’s intelligence (because I’m no genius), I found myself wondering, after watching, how Kate got through such a prestigious university? She just doesn’t seem articulate in the way that smarter people tend to be. I don’t get it. What was her major?

      • Timbuktu says:

        Art history, of all things! Aren’t art historians usually great at saying things without saying anything (kidding, of course)?
        I mean, I’m not exactly a Nobel prize winner myself, nor did I go to a super prestigious university, but I am fairly sure I’d manage to omit 3 repeats of “as well” in 1 sentence…

      • notasugarhere says:

        I think a degree is what you make it. Art History can be incredibly demanding – if you choose to make the most of the opportunities and challenges. Taking a shallow degree in mathematics would be difficult. It would be easier to skate by in a self-designed lite version of Art History where they don’t teach you the simplest facts about Faberge, the Romanovs, and the Russian Revolution (???).

      • Timbuktu says:

        I really wasn’t dissing art history! It was truly a joke.

        Gosh, I forgot about her Faberge comment, it was so bad!

  36. Rae says:

    I managed to watch the show with my mother, where by we spent the majority of the two hours discussing how posh Kate sounds compared to the majority of the BRF.

    I agree with everyone who was pleasantly surprised by the two York sisters. I also loved the gravely voice!

    I noticed the lack of Phillip. Add him being MIA with the near tears from one of the sisters, I wonder whether he is struggling health wise?

  37. Tourmaline says:

    Emily Andrews from the Sun is reporting that Kate, Will, and the kids were somehow involved with an Annie Leibovitz photoshoot of the Queen on Monday at Windsor. That Kate “got some snaps for her family album”. She can put them next to the Testino snapshots, yep just a normal down to earth family they are!

    • Tough Cookie says:

      OMG ROFL….yes she is such a “keen” photographer!!! I’m sure Annie Leibovitz was thrilled to have The Duchess of Chutney snapping away.

    • Timbuktu says:

      Well, in all fairness, I wouldn’t be able to resist getting some shots by Annie either.

      • Tough Cookie says:

        well, shoot, who wouldn’t? Get a professional to do all the background and lighting and then barge in with an iPhone to take “snaps” for your family album!! LOL

    • India Andrews says:

      Some of the language used to describe Kate and William was very negative in the Sun article. That was interesting.

  38. Tourmaline says:

    And not to thread-hijack but Richard Palmer with the Express has a story replete with quotes from JASON about what W/K will be up to in India including recreating the iconic Diana/Taj Mahal photo.

    • Citresse says:

      People magazine is reporting HM has posed for official photographs with Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Lovely! I hope the photographs are released just prior to the W&K India tour.

  39. wood dragon says:

    These two precious lolly pops William and Kate could usher end the end of Royalty in England … and no one would miss them.

  40. Charlotte15 says:

    Wow. Kate is the living embodiment of that famous quote,

    “Better to Remain Silent and Be Thought a Fool than to Speak and Remove All Doubt.”

    I always thought she was amazing for the way she held it together during the GF years, always seemed poised, never lost her temper at intrusive paps, etc. But really, all along the truth was that she has absolutely nothing to say. How disappointing.

    I’ve noticed that some of her most hard-core fans are fed up with her. There is just no plausible way to make excuses for her or William anymore. They are an embarrassment.

    And I agree with others upthread who think there’s something “off” with her. My gut would tell me psychological trauma from living with William’s wrath, but who knows. I wonder if we’ll ever know.

    “Be careful what you wish for” is another phrase that comes to mind re: Kate! I wonder what Carole thinks of all the recent negative press.

  41. wow says:

    The only thing I side-eye is about this is…umm, Kate you’re not “new” to this job anymore. You’re five years into boo. It’s great to hear that these two women get along and that The Queen is so helpful.

  42. Murphy says:

    You’ve had this job for almost FIVE years now–you aren’t new anymore so get it the Eff together.

    At my job-if you don’t know the ropes after 30 days you get the boot!

  43. l_invo says:

    Fake-Kate on those foto looks like – Queen? What queen? I don’t care.