'She looked gorgeous': Philip Treacy

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

'Gorgeous and beautiful': Celebrity milliner Philip Treacy has defended the headpiece Princess Beatrice wore to the Royal Wedding last Friday


Princess Beatrice's extraordinary choice of millinery for the Royal Wedding has been subject to rampant internet mockery. But today its designer spoke out in defence of the bold design.

Philip Treacy, who made headwear for a large number of guests including Victoria Beckham, Tara Palmer-Tomkinson and Zara Phillips, said Beatrice, 22, and her sister Eugenie, 21, looked 'gorgeous and beautiful' at their cousin's high-profile nuptials.

He told HollywoodLife.com: 'My inspiration was beauty and elegance; it's a 21st century royal wedding.


Outlandish: The Royal sisters both attracted widespread criticism for their outfits


'They didn't tell me [what they wanted] because I've known them for a long time and I wanted them to look gorgeous and beautiful.'

Brushing off the backlash, he continued: 'They trusted me to make them. Gorgeous and beautiful can be open to interpretation...

'I thought they looked gorgeous and beautiful. But no one is crying if anyone didn't.'

The 43-year-old had made a dramatic taupe creation for the elder princess to co-ordinate with her Valentino Couture ensemble.

But the oval headpiece in the shape of a bow with trailing ribbons became an internet sensation for all the wrong reasons.


Celebrity favourite: Mr Treacy at the Met Gala on Monday with Kate Winslet

Within hours it had its own Facebook page, titled Princess Beatrice’s Ridiculous Royal Wedding Hat, attracting 133,282 'likes' so far.

And bloggers have wasted no time in poking fun at the fifth in line to the throne’s headgear, creating a host of ‘viral’ mock-up pictures.

The spoofs suggested various uses for the designer titfer, including a cat flap, a Star Trek stun gun and even a toilet bowl.

Mr Treacy also designed a hat for Princess Eugenie, which also attracted criticism, though not as much as her sister's.

The designer, whose hats have been worn by everybody from Lady Gaga to Sarah-Jessica Parker, typically cost in excess of $1,000.


Hats Off to Royal Wedding Guests


source: dailymail

FHM unveils World's Sexiest Woman poll

By JODY THOMPSON

Feeling blue: Kerry Katona was showing off her toned body and wearing fashionable royal blue at the unveiling of the FHM 100 Sexiest Women In The World party in London last night


Men's magazine FHM unveiled its annual 100 Sexiest Women In The World poll with a party last night - it was just a shame that none of them could make it.

For while Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was voted the World's Sexiest Woman for the first time ever - knocking Cheryl Cole from the title she's held for the past two years - she was otherwise indisposed and unable to collect her title at the London do.

In fact, it looked like not one name from even the Top 30 list of lad's mag lovelies, as voted for by their readers, had turned up at the bash, held at the One Marylebone club.


Not on the list: Kerry was invited to the launch party but sadly didn't make the top 30 of magazine's readers poll of their Top 100 sexy ladies


Instead, it was left to the likes of Kerry Katona and Clare Nasir to represent sexy ladies at the bash - which also randomly saw Katie's Prices ex Alex Reid on the red carpet.

Also in attendance was FHM's latest pin-up, The Only Way Is Essex star Amy Childs, who yesterday spoke of her delight of stripping to her scanties for her debut in the pages of the monthly men's glossy.

The guest list last night was also graced with John Terry's former lover Vanessa Perroncel, Strictly star and former boxer Joe Calzaghe and X Factor loser Shanye Ward.



In the poll which was unveiled last night, Rosie was the winner of the poll of the magazine's readers, winning the coveted Sexiest Woman in the World crown, just days after landing a similar title from Maxim magazine.

However, the 24-year-old model-turned-Transformers-actress was in New York last night, where she had attended the Met Gala the night before.

She lives in Los Angeles with actor boyfriend and FHM hero Jason Statham.


Dark and lovely: Zoe Salmon, Lauren Budd and Clare Nasir were all in their best black - and white - outfits on the bash's red carpet


She managed to send a message to the assembled guests however saying: 'Wow. Thanks for voting guys, I’m so flattered to be FHM’s Sexiest Woman in the World.

'This is a really exciting year for me and I hope you all enjoy Transformers 3.'

Meanwhile, Jennifer Aniston failed to feature in the poll for the first time since it started in 1996.


Sexy ladies: Model Olivia Inge with her sister Alexia, Vanessa Perroncel and Adele Silva donned their best glad rags for the event


This year, Katy Perry takes second place this year knocking former 2008 champion Megan Fox back into fourth.

New mother Abbey Clancy drops out from 10 down to 28.

And newlywed Kate Middleton enjoyed a massive surge of popularity this year. The Princess entered the list previously with a number 25 ranking in 2007.
This year, the only royal represented in the list re-enters at 39.


Lads' night out: Alex Reid and former X Factor winner Shayne Ward were among the male guests at the party


Winner: FHM's Sexiest Woman of 2011 Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was in New York instead last night





source: dailymail

Following in Kate's footsteps

By JODY THOMPSON

In step: Kate Middleton was seen leaving Buckingham Palace the day after the Royal Wedding wearing shoes like those tried on by Chelsy Davy today


She's already bagged herself a prince - and now Chelsy Davy seems determined quite literally to follow in the footsteps of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.

Chelsy, 25, was seen trying on a pair of shoes just like some of Kate's black wedge favourites - and was even shopping in her preferred stomping ground for shopping, London's King's Road.

The royal formerly known as Kate Middleton, 29, was seen wearing the black patent platform shoes from LK Bennett both before and after the Royal Wedding.


Sloane ranger: Chelsy was in Kate's favourite shopping area, London's Kings Road, but left the Office shoe shop empty handed - for the time being


Kate wore the £129.99 black LK Bennett patent pumps when she arrived at London's Goring Hotel for her last night as a commoner before marrying Prince William.
She teamed them with a white cardigan and a black dress with a white print.

Kate then emerged for her first full day as a member of the Royal Family and with her title Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wearing the same shoes again, this time teamed with a royal blue dress and black jacket.

She walked hand in hand from Buckingham Palace with William the day after their wedding to a waiting helicopter where they left for a night at a secret honeymoon location before their honeymoon proper later this month.

Chelsy, the on-off girlfriend of William's brother Prince Harry, meanwhile had decided to plump for a much cheaper version from Office.


Bride-to-be: Kate wore the same black wedges when she arrived at London's Goring Hotel with sister Pippa for her last night as a single woman on the eve of the Royal Wedding


In suede rather than patent leather and with a higher rattan heel rather than the more modest cork elevation of the LK Bennett pair, the trendy Office pair were on offer for a mere £60.

Indeed, Chelsy seemed quite keen on the shoes and paraded around the shop in them.

However, perhaps unlike in Cinderella, the shoe didn't fit for Chelsy, and Prince Harry's on-off girlfriend left the shop wearing the same white plimsolls she started out with on her shopping expedtition - or perhaps she picked them up later...

Chelsy, who is currently back on as the girlfriend of Prince Harry, was a guest at the Royal Wedding at the weekend.

She's apparently back in London for the summer to spend time with him and to work for law firm, Allen & Overy.

But despite a similar love of shoes, there is no sign of her following in Kate's footsteps down the aisle for another Royal Wedding just yet.

source: dailymail

Two little friends... united by courage

By PAUL SIMS

Here's how to do it: Ellie (right) shows off her new prosthetic leg to Charlotte, who hopes to get her first pair in a few months


Smiling together, the two pretty blonde girls could easily be mistaken as sisters, not new friends with a unique bond.

The lives of Ellie Challis and Charlotte Nott have taken almost identical paths. Both started life as healthy babies — until they contracted meningitis and had to have all of their limbs amputated.

The incredible survival story of Ellie, now seven, gripped the nation after she fell ill in 2005 at just 16 months old. And in December, three-year-old Charlotte narrowly survived the illness, but at the cost of her arms and legs.


Hello, pet: Seven-year-old Ellie, who contracted meningitis in 2005, makes friends with the lambs during a day at a farm


‘Charlotte put her stumps up against Ellie’s to say hello,’ said her mother Jenny Daniels, 29, yesterday. ‘She was so happy to see someone else with stumps just like hers.

‘Ellie was great — she showed Charlotte that she could get around easily with or without prosthetic legs and Charlotte hobbled after her. It was very special.’

The girls spent the day giggling with one another as they cuddled rabbits and fed lambs at Mead Open Farm in Bedfordshire.

‘I love Ellie’s legs and I can’t wait until I get some, too, so we can run around together,’ said Charlotte, from Oxford.


You have a go: Little Ellie is all smiles as she shows a curious Charlotte how to operate the wheelchair


Ellie’s parents Lisa, 37, and Paul, 47, have helped her learn to walk on prosthetics, start school and ride a bike. ‘I know exactly what Jenny is going through,’ said Mrs Challis.

‘I remember thinking that Ellie would never have a normal life. But it’s great that we’ve been able to show Charlotte and her family that there’s very little Ellie can’t do.’

Charlotte’s parents - Jenny, an administrator for a book publisher, and air conditioning repairman Alex Nott, also 29 - are just starting to come to terms with what has happened to their daughter.


I'll race you: Charlotte (left) and Ellie giggle together as they get behind the wheels of toy cars


‘When Charlotte caught meningitis, my world fell apart. I was terrified about what the future held for her,’ said Miss Daniels.

‘So to see Ellie running around was so special to me - it has given me hope for Charlotte’s future.’

Ellie became the youngest person ever fitted with £10,000 carbon ‘flex-foot’ legs two years ago.

Ellie also let Charlotte have a go on her wheelchair - it is too tiring for her to use her prosthetic legs all the time. She controls it with the stumps of her arms.

Charlotte will have to wait until she is five before the NHS can provide her with a wheelchair.

She hopes to get her first pair of prosthetic limbs in the next few months once her wounds heal.

‘I still say thank you every day that Charlotte is still here with us,’ said Miss Daniels.

‘Watching her playing with Ellie was a miracle.’

source: dailymail

Internet virals of White House bunker...

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Royal bridesmaid Grace van Cutsem has been inserted into the picture behind the table


When she clutched her ears to block out the noise on the Buckingham Palace balcony, Grace van Cutsem unwittingly became the focal point of one of the iconic images of the year.

So it should come as no surprise that with the announcement of Bin Laden's death her image would be used in comedy virals about his demise that are sweeping the internet.

In the photo of Barack Obama and his national security team watching the assault unfold there she is propped up on the desk of the situation room, hands covering her ears.


Princess Beatrice's wedding fascinator makes not one but eight appearances


With an election looming next next year, some people have remarked that the death of Bin Laden could be a welcome boost for Obama's campaign



Jersey Shore star The Situation makes an appearance in the Situation Room


source: dailymail

Days after two billion watched his wedding, Prince William returns to the day job

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Prince William returning to his RAF Valley in Anglesey today, days after his wedding was watched by two billion around the world


A few days ago his every move was watched by an estimated two billion people.

But today it was back to more familiar territory as Prince William returned to work at his RAF base in Anglesey.

Wearing sunglasses he was behind the steering wheel of an Audi seen arriving at the Air and Sea Rescue HQ.


Wearing sunglasses, Prince William drove into the Air and Sea Rescue HQ at RAF Valley


It was thought Prince William and his bride would honeymoon this week until it emerged that the new Duke of Cambridge had to return to work.

Despite his status as second in line to the throne he, like his colleagues, had to apply for leave like his colleagues.

He was given a week off for the wedding but was told that he would have to split any further holiday requests – hence the delayed departure date.

The Mail revealed this week that the couple are due to fly out by private jet in mid-May before being taken by helicopter from the mainland to a tropical retreat.

Two Scotland Yard protection officers checked the destination a fortnight ago to ensure it would give the couple the privacy they crave.


As her son-in-law returned to work, Carole Middleton and daughter Pippa were seen arriving back at their Berkshire home


Prince William had to delay his honeymoon as he was ordered to split his leave requests with colleagues


The Mail is not publishing details of the location, and it is understood that not even Kate is aware of the exact destination.

The Prince is not the only wedding guest who returned to their everyday life just days after the global event of the Royal Wedding.

Five days ago the Queen was the proud grandmother overseeing a wedding watched by two billion people.

But after the bank holiday it was back to the daily routine for the monarch yesterday as she visited Newmarket, Cambridge.


Refreshed: Five days after the wedding the Queen met children at Newmarket Day Centre

source: dailymail

Floored! The moment female 'sexism row' referee was flattened by football player...

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Full force: Assistant referee Sian Massey feels the power of Cardiff City player Kevin McNaughton's shoulder as she is hurled out of his way


This is the moment that the female linesman at the centre of a sexism row is violently knocked to the ground by a Cardiff City football player.

Defender Kevin McNaughton is seen running to keep the ball in play when he appears to drop his shoulder and steer himself into Sian Massey.

She is hit with such force that her head snaps back and she is flung across the pitch.

Ungentlemanly McNaughton simply gets up and walks away without even checking to see if she is injured, let alone help her up or apologise.


Kevin McNaughton stops the ball from going over the line, just where Sian Massey was standing


Some viewers have demanded that he should say sorry for his actions. However his agent has said he does not need to apologise for anything.

Massey was at the centre of a row over comments made by Andy Gray and Richard Keys who said that women 'don't know the offside rule', ultimately leading to them losing their jobs at Sky Sports.

Video footage from Monday's match between Cardiff City and Middlesbrough shows McNaughton running for the ball to try to keep it in play, but he was blocked by opposing player Rhys Williams.

He manages to stop the ball from going over the line but then continues running at full pelt, and looks like he swerves, hurtling into Miss Massey.


She is flung along the pitch a couple of metres by the force of the 'collision'


She takes the full brute force of his shoulder barge and is sent flying to the ground without an apology or offer of help back to her feet.

Fortunately, Miss Massey takes the event in good humour and is seen smiling as she gets back up off the ground.

The football crowd cheered as she falls to the ground but, keeping her composure and professionalism, she gets back up and even gives a goal kick before having a chuckle with referee Graham Scott.


Massey is flung to the ground but McNaughton runs off without as much as an apology


Some have speculated on YouTube that the actions appear to be deliberate. One user said: 'He changes direction. It's deliberate and disgusting. The fact that he just trots off makes it more obvious.'

Another said: 'He makes the challenge on the Boro player and then deliberately side steps and increases his speed into the path of Sian Massey before using his body weight to barge her over.

'She's lucky not to have any broken bones.'


She sees the funny side of the incident, however, and shares a chuckle with referee Graham Scott


A club spokesman said: 'Kevin didn't do it on purpose - he was trying to get the ball.'

John Viola, McNaughton's agent, said the allegations were 'absolute nonsense'.

He added: 'He is not that type of guy, he is the nicest player you would ever meet in your life so anyone suggesting he did it on purpose is crazy.'

When asked why he didn't stop to help her back to her feet or apologise he said: 'He was concentrating on the game. He is a focused footballer.

'I don't know (if he will be contacting her to apologise), I'm abroad at the moment and I haven't spoken to him about that.'


Knockdown: Cardiff City player Kevin McNaughton has been accused by some fans of running into assistant referee Sian Massey on purpose



The referee was brought to the nation's attention after sexist remarks by Andy Gray, left, and Richard Keys - leading to them losing their jobs at Sky Sports


Cardiff city player knocks over female linesman!!



source: dailymail

Secrets of the royal snaps - a £1 worm!

By RICHARD KAY

Happy occasion: The Royal portrait with Eliza and her wiggly friend at the front, second from left


As Royal Family wedding portraits go, it was reassuringly traditional. But there was an unexpected guest in the line-up — and it kept the Duchess of Cornwall’s granddaughter Eliza Lopes smiling for the camera.

In her hand was a £1 ‘wiggly worm’ which Camilla revealed yesterday had been bought by her stepson Prince Harry especially for the occasion.

Yesterday, the Duchess revealed that she had been ‘terribly worried’ that three-year-old Eliza and the other bridesmaids might find the event overwhelming.


Happy occasion: The Royal portrait with Eliza and her wiggly friend at the front, second from left


When Eliza, whose mother Laura Lopes is Camilla’s daughter, looked scared at the roar of the crowd on the carriage ride from Westminster Abbey back to Buckingham Palace, best man Harry quickly pulled it out of his pocket to make the youngster laugh.

The trick worked so well that Eliza refused to hand the toy back and insisted on hanging on to it for the official wedding photographs, taken by society snapper Hugo Burnand.

The photographs were sent around the world — but no one has spotted the toy until now.

‘Did you see the wiggly worm? That was the funniest thing. I can’t believe no one has spotted it,’ Camilla said yesterday.

‘I was so worried about Eliza. She is such a lovely little thing and looked so gorgeous in her dress but it was a very big occasion for a child of her age.


source: dailymail

On the scent of every detail... the Duchess of Cambridge wore on her wedding day

By JENNIFER MADISON

Flower power: According to fragrance bloggers, Catherine was wearing the White Gardenia Petals fragrance by Illuminum on her wedding day


When the new Duchess of Cambridge walked down the aisle on April 29, the best-kept secret in fashion was finally revealed.

But while the world cooed over her Alexander McQueen gown, the perfume industry's noses were buzzing about what scent Catherine chose for her big day.

According to fragrance bloggers, Prince William's bride was wearing White Gardenia Petals by Illuminum, a little-known British brand.


Delicate: The scent has notes of coconut, jasmine and amber wood


A description on the company website describes the £70 scent as 'fragrant as a vase of white flowers quivering in the breeze by an open window, this is a delicate and nuanced scent.'

It continues: 'The top note of coconut evokes a seaside location, while heart notes of muguet, ylang ylang and jasmine breeze bring a trio of white flowers into play.

'Amber wood underscores this capricious and light bouquet.'

They were a huge hit with Mr Boadi's former clients - Michelle Obama purchased three scents in 2009 - and the Illuminum brand followed shortly after.

The company is unsurprisingly thrilled by word that Catherine wore their product.
Illuminum spokesman Michael Donovan told BaseNotes.com: 'I am so proud!'


source: dailymail

Justin Bieber befriends bullying victim Casey Heynes

By ANDREA MAGRATH


No one will bully him now: Justin Bieber has befriended Australian viral internet sensation Casey Heynes


One is a superstar, idolised by millions of fans around the globe, and the other was, until recently, an unknown student from the western suburbs of Sydney, Australia.

But when a video of school yard bullying victim Casey Heynes fighting back against his tormentors went viral, he caught the attention of Justin Bieber.

The singer, currently on tour Down Under, tracked down Casey after hearing about his story and invited him to his Melbourne concert.


Support: Justin invited Casey, who became a worldwide sensation when a video of him fighting off bullies went viral, to his concert in Melbourne


Justin, who has been vocal in his campaign to stop bullying, has called Casey a 'real life hero.'

Bieber alerted his 9.3 million Twitter followers to the YouTube video of Casey being punched repeatedly by bullies before snapping and 'body slamming' his attacker to the ground.

Since it was posted online in March, the video has been reported on and discussed in newspapers and on television shows across the globe including the Daily Mail as well as TMZ, CBS and The View.

Despite the violent way in which he reacted, support for Casey, who says he has suffered daily verbal and physical abuse since primary school, has been widespread.


Rising star: The 16-year-old bullying victim introduced Justin's hit song Never Say Never


'When I first saw it on TMZ I thought, this is crazy, like I couldn't believe it, it's amazing,' 17-year-old Justin told Casey backstage.

'It shows everybody else that you have to stand up for yourself and you can't just take it.

'The first thing you should do is go tell someone, but then you might have to hit back, sometimes you have to so I think that was important for you, especially in that situation. I'm proud of you — and so many other people are.'


Meet and greet: Justin told Casey and his family, 'I'm proud of you - and so many other people are'


Bieber invited Casey, dubbed 'Casey the Punisher' onstage, where they hugged and Justin asked him to introduce his next song Never Say Never.

After the show Justin tweeted: 'Pretty special night tonight in MELBOURNE....surprised someone me and the team look up to. A kid with a lot of courage.

'This is Casey the punisher...a kid who stood up for himself against bullying. A real life hero.

He added: 'Well 2nite we tracked down Casey and his family and flew him to the show. Thank you Casey (sic).'


Fellow internet sensations: The singer, who rose to fame on YouTube, tracked down Casey and his family and flew them to Melbourne


In the 40-second video, the bully is filmed prodding Casey in the face and stomach while fellow students laugh and encourage him.

After taking the abuse for a period of time Casey suddenly snaps, picks up his smaller attacker and slams him down onto the concrete ground in a powerful wrestling move.


Fighting back: A video of Casey being punched in his western Sydney school yard before snapping and 'body slamming' his attacker against the ground has received worldwide attention


In an interview aired in March with A Current Affair, Casey says said he had never reacted like that before, but this time, 'Everything had built up over three years.
'All the anger came out of it.'

But he does not promote violent retaliation as a way of dealing with bullies. 'Try to walk away,' he advised. 'But if a fight starts, sometimes things happen.'

With one of the globes biggest stars in his corner, it doesn't look like Casey will be bullied again.


Justin Bieber Meets Casey Heynes (Bully Hero) - TV Interview


source: dailymail

Pretty in pink! Hotels tap into pester power by offering Barbie-themed suites

By DANIEL BATES

Everything Barbie: The suite at the the luxury Hotel Plaza Athenee in Paris which will be available in August


You might not fancy staying here - but your children definitely will.

Hotels are offering rooms in the theme of toys and cartoon characters to lure in parents by working the pester power of their children.

Entire suites are being decked out in the style of Barbie and Shrek right down to the bathroom fittings and pillow cases to completely immerse guests in a world of fantasy.


Vroom with a view: In addition to the two Barbie-themed rooms, the Hotel Plaza Athenee in Paris also worked with Mattel to create a Hot Wheels room.


The latest to sign up are hoteliers Gaylord who have done a deal with DreamWorks Animation for Shrek and Kung Fu Panda’s Po.

Families who stay with Gaylord will see nothing but cartoon-themed design during their stay and face the prospect of life-sized models of the characters appearing at meal times too.

The aim is to get customers to pay more - in some cases 50% extra - for the privilege of staying in such a room.


All dolled up: At the amazing Barbie Suite in the Fantasy Towers at the Palms Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas the famous doll is everywhere


Gaylord chief executive Colin Reed told USA Today: ‘If you look at all these reality shows on TV, this stuff is fantasy.

‘People like to put themselves mentally and emotionally in different places. This is what we can offer folks.’

In Paris, the luxury Hotel Plaza Athenee has two special Barbie themed rooms for the month of August which are entirely in pink and white - Barbie’s colours.


Style icon: The Palms suite offers a luxurious tribute to the world's most enduring doll


Her fans can choose from the ‘Modern Princess’ room with a pet grooming table and royal linens, or the ‘Fashion Icon’ room with designer furniture and a computer.

In both the pillows have Barbie hearts on them, the desk is embossed with her logo and there are Barbie dolls strategically scattered around in case you forget where you are.

There is no place, sadly, for Ken, who doesn’t get his own room. But it has worked with toy maker Mattel to create Hot Wheels room.

A similar suite has been created by Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas which turned a 2,350 square foot studio into a world of Barbie.


Barbie, Warhol-style: Images of the blonde one adorn the walls of the Vegas suite


For a mere $4,000 a night (plus taxes) you can enjoy a spacious suite decked out entirely in the Barbie Loves Jonathan Adler home decor collection and they feature a sunburst-style mirror made from 65 reproduction 1959 Black & White Bathing Suit Barbie dolls.

The Barbie rooms were built after Marriott’s Spongebob Square Pants style room, although the hotel chain did not carry out such extensive redecorating.

The trend has been so far confined to children save the famous Berkeley Hotel in London which was offering a Sex & the City themed room.

In the style of Carrie Bradshaw’s closet, the suite contains a trunk full of designer clothes which women can pay a premium to wear out on the town.


Barbie Suite Tour



source: dailymail

The Disappearing Duchess: I’m going to be a housewife

By REBECCA ENGLISH

Just wed: Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, wants to savour being an ordinary RAF wife to her new husband Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge


The new Duchess of Cambridge will not become a full-time working royal for up to two years – because she wants to concentrate on being a housewife.

Despite a surge of public interest in the Royal Family following Friday’s wedding, Kate is refusing to conduct any public engagements without her husband for the foreseeable future.

There are only two or three joint events pencilled in over the next couple of months and aides admit the new bride intends to spend most of her time with her husband on Anglesey.


Commitments: Aides insist Kate 'will not be idle' and say that when William is on duty she will be 'pursuing other interests'


Well-placed sources have told the Mail that Kate wants to model herself on the Duchess of Cornwall, who insisted on only a ‘supporting role’ following her 2005 marriage to Prince Charles.

The new duchess has told friends she wants to enjoy life for as long as she can as an ‘ordinary RAF wife’ in the rented farmhouse the couple share in North Wales.

Her approach has the support of her husband who is keen not to throw Kate into the ‘bear-pit’ of public life and has cautioned aides to keep her commitments to a minimum.


Approval: Kate is said to have the support of the Queen who, as a newly-wed, lived in Malta for two years when Prince Philip was based there with the Navy


The only definite dates in her diary following her return from honeymoon are watching Prince William play in a couple of polo matches and key-note events next month including Trooping The Colour and the Duke of Edinburgh’s 90th birthday.

There are no plans for her to attend Royal Ascot with the Queen or join the rest of the royals at this summer’s palace garden parties.

‘She will, in time, become associated with her own charities but this won’t happen immediately as she wants to explore the fields that interest her first.’

Kate is said to have the support of the Queen who, as a newly-wed, lived in Malta for two years when Prince Philip was based there with the Navy. The monarch considers it one of her happiest periods.

‘Catherine wants to enjoy her time with William as an RAF wife,’ said a friend. ‘It’s so rare that someone in her position gets the chance to live as a normal wife and she intends to make the most of it.’

source: dailymail