Changes To Line Of Succession Approved

Sunday 29th March, 2015

Prince George

New changes to the Line Of Succession mean that if the new Cambridge baby is a girl, subsequent brothers cannot overtake her in succeeding the throne. 

An example of the previous law meant that Princess Anne, although second born child, was overtaken by brothers Andrew and Edward. 

Also, a monarch can now be married to a Catholic whereby previously, a member of the royal family had to give up their place in succession if they married a Catholic. This is the case for Prince Michael of Kent but he has now had his place restored.

A third change is that only the first six in line to succession need to seek the Monarch's approval for marriage instead of all members of the royal family. 

Australia was last of the Commonwealth countries where the Queen is Head of State to pass a law approving the changes this week. Britain had rushed through it's law in 2013 before the birth of Prince George of Cambridge but needed all other fifteen countries to add their consent via their own law changes.

"Not Long Now" Says William

Saturday 28th March, 2015

copyright: Rex

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended three engagements on Friday. This was Catherine's last day of work before the birth of the couple's second child in mid-to-late April. 

Prince William was quoted as saying "Not long now". 

An extra member in the family must be playing on the expectant Dad's mind and quipped to waiting admirer Claudia French, "The first time is a learning experience, the second time is a game-changer."

The extra logistics and workload of a new baby is something that daunts most parents. Despite having a nanny and household support staff, Catherine and William are no different to mums and dads the world over.

express.co.uk quotes Paul Reardon from West Norwood, "William said he couldn't wait for the baby to be born, he said he wanted it now, he couldn't wait another minute."

No doubt Catherine will be glad to give birth to the new baby after suffering through another pregnancy with extreme morning sickness.

Photo Of Grandpa Charles And George

Saturday 28th March, 2015

source: daily express

The Prince of Wales has issued a video statement in support of Earth Hour.

Directly behind Charles is a photo of him holding grandson Prince George wearing a sun hat.

Similarly, a snap of Charles holding George at his Christening was seen in the background of another video late last year. 

Prince George at the London Science Museum

Sunday 22nd March, 2015

Prince George spent a few hours on Thursday at the London Science Museum with his mum The Duchess Of Cambridge. 

The royal duo were accompanied only by their protection officers and spent most of their time at the Museum's Pattern Pod.

According to the Museum's website, the exhibition is aimed at 3-7 year old children and is a hands-on, multi-sensory gallery.

"It also shows that patterns are just not visual - there are sound patterns, time patterns, movement patterns and texture patterns too."

http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/educators/plan_and_book_a_visit/things_to_do/galleries/pattern_pod.aspx?keywords=pattern+pod

At an engagement this week, Catherine said her second baby is due "mid to late April". The Duchess has undertaken several public engagements over the past few weeks and has three visits planned on one day alone in the coming week. She is then expected to retire from the public eye until the birth. 

St Patrick's Day 2015

Housekeeper Required For Amner Hall

Sunday 15th March, 2015

Amner Hall Building Works

The Duke and Duchess and Cambridge are believed to be looking for a new housekeeper for Anmer Hall. 

A large ad placed in The Lady magazine seems to match the Cambridges' home help requirements. It includes:




Housekeeper
Private employer, Kings Lynn.
Permanent,full time

"Housekeeper sought for a large family home in Norfolk. We are looking for someone with previous housekeeping experience, ideally within a large private house, and preferably within a family environment with dogs. 

Main duties will include: cleaning all areas of the house to a high standard; caring for and maintaining the home owners' clothing; cleaning silverware and glassware; purchasing groceries and general provisions for the house; and dealing with deliveries. 

Discretion and loyalty is paramount and a current valid UK driving licence is essential. 

The current wife and husband housekeepers are leaving and it is rumoured that Carole and Michael Middleton have stepped into the breach to establish the running of the house and grounds in the interim. 
As Prince William will be starting work as a helicopter pilot with East Anglia Ambulance in the summer, it seems Anmer Hall will be the Cambridges' primary "family home" where they can relax in private and bring up their children away from London.

HOUSEKEEPER

Private Employer

Location:	UNITED KINGDOM, Kings Lynn
Salary:	Not specified /year
Job type:	Permanent, Full time
Functions:	Housekeeper

Date:	Thursday 5th March 2015
Closing date:	Sunday 5th April 2015
Our reference:	BOX20543
Jobs available:	1

Job description

Housekeeper sought for a large family home in Norfolk.  We are looking for someone with previous housekeeping experience, ideally within a large private house, and preferably within a family environment with dogs.
Main duties will include: cleaning all areas of the house to a high standard; caring for and maintaining the home owners' clothing; cleaning silverware and glassware; purchasing groceries and general provisions for the house; and dealing with deliveries.  On occasions, the role will also involve the preparation of meals, assisting with childcare and caring for dogs.
Discretion and loyalty is paramount and a current valid UK driving licence is essential.
The Housekeeper will be required Monday to Friday, but with the flexibility to work during the weekend on occasion, and to work additional hours if ever required. 
Self-contained accommodation will be provided (suitable for a couple). The partner may be offered ad hoc maintenance work, although there is no guaranteed work provided for them.
Please apply with full CV, and covering letter with your salary expectations.

- See more at: http://www.jobs.lady.co.uk/job/detail/id/1721#sthash.7BX5lOim.dpuf

Housekeeper sought for a large family home in Norfolk.  We are looking for someone with previous housekeeping experience, ideally within a large private house, and preferably within a family environment with dogs.
Main duties will include: cleaning all areas of the house to a high standard; caring for and maintaining the home owners' clothing; cleaning silverware and glassware; purchasing groceries and general provisions for the house; and dealing with deliveries.  On occasions, the role will also involve the preparation of meals, assisting with childcare and caring for dogs.
Discretion and loyalty is paramount and a current valid UK driving licence is essential.
The Housekeeper will be required Monday to Friday, but with the flexibility to work during the weekend on occasion, and to work additional hours if ever required. 
Self-contained accommodation will be provided (suitable for a couple). The partner may be offered ad hoc maintenance work, although there is no guaranteed work provided for them.
Please apply with full CV, and covering letter with your salary expectations.
- See more at: http://www.jobs.lady.co.uk/job/detail/id/1721#sthash.7BX5lOim.dpuf

Housekeeper sought for a large family home in Norfolk.  We are looking for someone with previous housekeeping experience, ideally within a large private house, and preferably within a family environment with dogs.
Main duties will include: cleaning all areas of the house to a high standard; caring for and maintaining the home owners' clothing; cleaning silverware and glassware; purchasing groceries and general provisions for the house; and dealing with deliveries.  On occasions, the role will also involve the preparation of meals, assisting with childcare and caring for dogs.
Discretion and loyalty is paramount and a current valid UK driving licence is essential.
The Housekeeper will be required Monday to Friday, but with the flexibility to work during the weekend on occasion, and to work additional hours if ever required. 
Self-contained accommodation will be provided (suitable for a couple). The partner may be offered ad hoc maintenance work, although there is no guaranteed work provided for them.
Please apply with full CV, and covering letter with your salary expectations.
- See more at: http://www.jobs.lady.co.uk/job/detail/id/1721#sthash.7BX5lOim.dpuf

Housekeeper sought for a large family home in Norfolk.  We are looking for someone with previous housekeeping experience, ideally within a large private house, and preferably within a family environment with dogs.
Main duties will include: cleaning all areas of the house to a high standard; caring for and maintaining the home owners' clothing; cleaning silverware and glassware; purchasing groceries and general provisions for the house; and dealing with deliveries.  On occasions, the role will also involve the preparation of meals, assisting with childcare and caring for dogs.
Discretion and loyalty is paramount and a current valid UK driving licence is essential.
The Housekeeper will be required Monday to Friday, but with the flexibility to work during the weekend on occasion, and to work additional hours if ever required. 
Self-contained accommodation will be provided (suitable for a couple). The partner may be offered ad hoc maintenance work, although there is no guaranteed work provided for them.
Please apply with full CV, and covering letter with your salary expectations.

- See more at: http://www.jobs.lady.co.uk/job/detail/id/1721#sthash.7BX5lOim.dpuf

Housekeeper sought for a large family home in Norfolk.  We are looking for someone with previous housekeeping experience, ideally within a large private house, and preferably within a family environment with dogs.
Main duties will include: cleaning all areas of the house to a high standard; caring for and maintaining the home owners' clothing; cleaning silverware and glassware; purchasing groceries and general provisions for the house; and dealing with deliveries.  On occasions, the role will also involve the preparation of meals, assisting with childcare and caring for dogs.
Discretion and loyalty is paramount and a current valid UK driving licence is essential.
The Housekeeper will be required Monday to Friday, but with the flexibility to work during the weekend on occasion, and to work additional hours if ever required. 
Self-contained accommodation will be provided (suitable for a couple). The partner may be offered ad hoc maintenance work, although there is no guaranteed work provided for them.
Please apply with full CV, and covering letter with your salary expectations.

- See more at: http://www.jobs.lady.co.uk/job/detail/id/1721#sthash.7BX5lOim.dpuf

Catherine Busy Before Maternity Leave

Wednesday 11th March, 2015

Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge has a very busy week of engagements planned before taking time off before the birth of her second child next month.

Monday saw William and Catherine join The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall along with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in celebrating Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey.

Catherine wore the Alexander McQueen pale pink coat that she previously wore to the Trooping of the Colour in June 2013, just weeks before George was born.

Today, Wednesday The Duchess is to visit the Turner Contemporary Art Gallery, Margate in Kent to see the Self: Image and Identity exhibition.

On Thursday Catherine is due to visit Ealing Studios to see the making of Downton Abbey. The show's interiors are shot in these studios and no doubt Catherine will love to see the staging and meet the actors of this successful period series.

Update: On Friday 13th March, Catherine joined the Queen and members of the Royal Family at St Paul's Cathedral for a service to commemorate the war in Afghanistan. (below)

source:Hello

Then on 17th March the Duke and Duchess will visit Mons Barracks in Aldershot to see a St Patrick's Day parade and hand out shamrocks to guardsmen as they have in recent years. The Duke is Colonel of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards.

The Irish Guards' official mascot Domhnall has the rank of Guardsman!

Catherine & Domhnall 2014

 After taking a few months off due to severe morning sickness in the early stages of this pregnancy, Catherine seems to be doing some catch up in these next few weeks.

Duchess Shows Off Bigger Bump

Saturday 7th March, 2015

There have not been any recent sightings of Prince George but his parents have been busy carrying out official engagements.

Prince William undertook a royal tour of Japan and China last week. Whilst Catherine has been visiting charities in both official and private capacities. 

The Cambridge baby bump has grown and the newest royal is due sometime next month. Catherine visited The Goring Hotel to help celebrate it's 105th birthday. This is the same hotel where Catherine and her family spent the night before the royal wedding in April 2011. Photographers captured The Duchess leaving The Goring last Monday.

Kensington Palace

Monday 23rd February, 2015

1A covered in scaffolding. Copyright: Blog Author

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have lived at Kensington Palace since 2011. 

Shortly after their marraige, the couple moved into Nottingham Cottage in the grounds of the Palace. This was a perfect base for the newly weds as it was a secure, private but still intimate London base. At this time Catherine and William were spending most of their time in Angelsey, Wales where The Duke was based as a search and rescue helicopter pilot. 

Plans were made for William and Catherine to eventually move into Kensington Palace's Apartment 1A which was previously the home of the late Princess Margaret. The Princess passed away in 2002. 

1A needed an extensive renovation (see photo above which shows apartment on left covered whilst asbestos removed in April 2013) to replace plumbing, wiring, removal of asbestos and new modern kitchens installed. The apartment was finally finished in October 2013, a few months after Prince George was born. 

Prince George Outside Apartment 1A

 
 Apartments 8 & 9

Diana's Sitting Room

Princes William and Harry spent most of their formative years in the Palace's apartments 8 &  9. After their marraige in 1981, The Prince and Princess of Wales had these apartments combined to provide a large family home.  It was ready just a month before William was born.

Prince William and his brother spent their early years at Kensington Palace during the week and the country home Highrove House in Tetbury, Gloucestershire on weekends. 

Dudley Poplack was in charge of interior decoration for both Kensington Palace and Highgrove House.  

Diana's eldest sister Lady Jane Fellowes also lived at the Palace in a grace and favour home. Lady Jane's husband, Sir (now Lord) Robert Fellowes was equerry to Her Majesty The Queen. 

Jane and Diana's children are of similar ages so the young princes had easy access to their cousins.

William & Harry's Nursery

Diana continued to live at Kensington Palace until her death in 1997. The Princess' coffin was at the Palace the night before her funeral. The gun carriage carrying the Princess left Kensington Palace for the long journey to Westminster Abbey via Buckingham Palace.

After her death, Apartments 8 & 9 were emptied and  once again separated. It is believed that one apartment is being used by William, Catherine & Harry for official use. 

Prince Harry has indicated he would like to live at Kensington Palace  when he needs a family home. But the future home he prefers is currently being used by either a member of the extended royal family or a servant with a grace and favour lease.

Entrance to State Apartments. Copyright: Blog Author

Is Baby Cambridge Due Sooner Than First Thought?

Thursday 19th February, 2015

Baby Cambridge may in fact be due earlier than first thought. 

It was believed that Catherine was around six weeks pregnant when Kensington Palace was announced in early September that she was suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum i.e. severe morning sickness. Later the palace confirmed the baby was due in April.

source:Clarence House

According to The Sunday Times Paul Cummins (who created the Tower of London Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red exhibit) has said Catherine was suffering hyperemesis gravidarum on 5th August when she and Princes William and Harry toured the installation. 

"Kate was not going to come as, though it had not been announced, she was already pregnant and suffering," Paul told The Sunday Times. "But she insisted. It was her last public outing for a while."

If this is the case then the baby may be due in early April which is only about seven weeks away.

Prince George has not been seen in public of late except for photos of the Cambridge family boarding an aircraft to fly home from their Caribbean holiday. Young George who is now 20 months old was in his pyjamas and carried by his mum whilst dad carried the cabin bags. Not much different from any young family- except for the bodyguards!

source:express.co.uk

Countdown To Baby Cambridge!

Monday 9th February, 2015

Prince George with Catherine and William

With the new Baby Cambridge due "sometime" in April, the countdown to the birth has begun. 

As with big brother George, the new baby will be born at The Lindo Wing, St Mary's Hospital in Paddington.

The Lindo Wing (est. 1937) is a private facility within the greater St Mary's Hospital. Here patients enjoy a more bespoke experience and have their own consultant-led care but if needs be, access to the teaching hospital expertise and neonatal unit is available. 

Other royal babies to be born here: 

• Prince and Princess Michael of Kent's children Lord Frederick (1979) and Lady Gabriella Windsor (1981)
• Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips son Peter (1977) and daughter Zara (1981)
• The Prince and Princess of Wales' sons Princes William (1982) and Harry (1984)

Fees for the hospital birth range from GBP 5215.00 for a normal delivery (first 24 hours) up to GBP 6745.00 for a caesarean section. 

Additional nights are GBP 945.00 (superior), GBP 1155.00 (deluxe) and prices for suites are available upon request. 

New parents are offered Champagne to toast their baby's arrival. Rooms include internet, ensuite bathrooms, fridge, a fully-reclining chair for Dad to stay overnight as well as support from specialist midwives and maternity nurses.

The only problem for Catherine and William will be the noise of well wishers and media outside the hospital! 

Leaving The Lindo with Prince Harry

Diana and Charles Leaving The Lindo with Prince William