When I saw Kate’s tennis photos, I wondered how the ban would play in her situation. While she and Prince William have been together for years, she is not officially part of the royal family, not until they get engaged, anyway. But with the current reports saying that Kate’s family lawyers are suing the photographer, it appears that the Queen’s ban might also cover Kate, though informally.

Buckingham Palace’s reaction to the recent reports is to say that this is a “private complaint”, and to make it clear that it is not the royal family filing the suit in this case. Which is true. Kate’s family is the one taking action. But their lawyers, Harbottle & Lewis, are also the ones who represent the Queen.

The suit, then, has many interesting possible angles.

For one, the photos were taken at the Restormel Manor, a part of the Duchy of Cornwall. The Middletons were staying there at the time, and it’s not clear whether they were guests of Prince Charles or not. Now, does the suit have legs because of the location, which is a private property of a member of the royal family, though no royal was in the photos (Prince William wasn’t there)?

Or is it because the taking of the photos may be considered harassment of a private family, regardless of the Queen’s ban? Or does it point to a more proactive and deliberate approach taken by the British royals, with a view toward protecting the future bride of Prince William (and Prince Harry, for that matter)?

Too many questions? Well, just consider this then, do you think Prince William was involved/consulted in this decision by the Middletons to sue the photographer?

image via Zuma Press

Post from: TheGloss

AHN is reporting that Jules Knight, a singer friend of the couple, has revealed that Prince William and Kate have decided to wait until at least 2012 before they marry.

"They’ve decided not to marry just yet. William wants to wait until he is 30 and Kate is fine with that."

Prince William is said to be planning to concentrate on his RAF career; Kate, on the other hand, is confident of her prince’s commitment to their relationship and is willing to wait.

These rumors are a departure from what we usually hear (ie., that the two will get married sooner rather than later. I remember the poll from earlier this year. If this report is true, it looks like a quarter of you got it fairly right, that an engagement will be announced during Prince William’s time at the RAF, and the wedding will happen after his service.

Meanwhile, on the Prince Harry-Chelsy Davy front, it looks like there might be chance that they could get back together. 

News of the World is reporting that the couple spent a significant chunk of time together at Prince Harry’s lodgings at Clarence House. According to the article, the two partied at Raffles on Saturday night, met up at Clarence House and watched DVDs until Sunday night.

I want to know what you think of these reports! True, false? Are we to wait until 2012 (or even later) for Prince William and Kate’s wedding? Will Prince Harry and Chelsy really patch things up and stay together this time around?

image: Newscom

Post from: TheGloss

This weekend, speculations have erupted once again about a (secret) engagement between Prince William and Kate Middleton. Only, it’s simply called “an understanding” for now.

The catalyst for the renewed interest in the future of the couple’s relationship is this report by Robert Jobson for News of the World. Jobson presents a reasoned presentation of the why’s, when’s and wherefore’s of Prince William and Kate’s pending marriage. It appears that there is much going on, much planning and strategizing, behind the scenes.

Most of the rumors in the past have simply been proved to be that. However, this round seems to be serious enough that the Today show even has a short segment on it.

So, what do you think? Is the speculation right this time around? Or is the spotlight on Prince William and Kate simply a reaction to all the recent talk of royal weddings, in particular:

• Princess Victoria and Daniel Westling
• Princess Madeleine and Jonas Bergstrom 
• Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall

It will be interesting (and possibly exciting!) to see how this turns out.

Post from: TheGloss

The wedding was held today, August 14, at the Guards Chapel, which is near Buckingham Palace. Capt. Van Cutsem, 31, is an Army officer who is scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan at the end of the year.

Prince William was accompanied to the event by his girlfriend Kate Middleton. Kate wore a blue silk-brocade coat over a white dress for the occasion. Prince William was apparently teased by his friend that he’ll be next down the aisle.

More photos after the jump:

images: Bauer-Griffin

Post from: TheGloss

The photos were taken when Prince William and Kate stepped outside the pub called The Potting Shed, a popular watering hole among polo players. Though the shots don’t show the couple’s faces, it is pretty clear that they are very much into each other. As an onlooker reportedly said, “The spark is clearly still there.”

Now, surely, the whispers that the two have drifted apart and simply stay together out of habit would be laid to rest? Of course, on the other end of that spectrum are the speculations that, based on such a display of affection, they will get married next month! (Not that I’m saying they will, mind you).

I like to believe that Prince William and Kate Middleton know what they’re doing. They’re old enough to be able to plan for themselves, and consider what they both want out of their relationship. Clearly, they have a strong bond, and I’m glad to see that they continue to have the spark for each other.

Post from: TheGloss

The video was taken using a mobile phone, apparently by one of those manning a show stall. Kate was attending the event for her parents company, Party Pieces.

Post from: TheGloss

Obviously, such a report fuels speculations of an impending engagement between Prince William and Kate. Also from the said aide is the news that Prince William and Kate have been invited to spend their Bank Holiday in August at the main castle at Balmoral. During previous visits, the pair stayed at lodgings on the estate but not at the castle itself.

If Kate will indeed have lunch alone with the Queen, there can only be topic of serious discussion, and that is the change in Kate’s life upon marrying a future king.

As always, it is hard to know the accuracy of reports like this. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens, as we’ve always done.

Image: Bauer-Griffin

Post from: TheGloss

Kate Middleton made one of her rare public appearances to cheer for Prince William. Last month, Kate was spotted at the Audi Polo Match with her prince.

Photos below…

Cirencester Park, founded in 1894, is the oldest polo club in the United Kingdom. The tournament last Sunday was played for the Dorchester Trophy, and was to benefit three charities: Centrepoint, in aid of homeless youth; WellChild, which helps sick children and their families and The Prince’s Charities Foundation, which aids 20 different charities.

Image: Bauer-Griffin

Post from: TheGloss

Prince Harry and Prince William at the polo match in Coworth Park on May 10, 2009.

Prince William and Prince Harry played at the Audi charity polo match at Coworth Park last Sunday. Looks like it was a fun and relaxing day for everyone present. Kate Middleton and her sister Pippa were among the spectators. (Photos of Prince William and Kate are here).

The two princes didn’t have fun only during the match. The fun-loving brothers, Prince Harry in particular, hammed it up before mounting their horses. Prince William got into some stretching exercises (a good idea before embarking on any physical activity, anyhow). He was certainly in good form doing his routine.

I don’t know about Prince Harry, though. Either he was trying to show his brother some dance moves or he was making fun of Prince William’s stretching routine. But I like his style. He really seemed to put everything he had into the moves. Photos below (and a bonus one of Prince William and Kate!)

Images: Bauer-Griffin

Post from: TheGloss

Here we’ve got some lovely photos of our favorite royal couple at last! Prince William and Kate Middleton were a cozy couple at the Audi Polo Challenge at Ascot’s Coworth Park Polo Club on Sunday, May 10, 2009.

Prince William and Prince Harry played at the charity polo match with Kate and her sister Pippa watching from the sidelines. Afterwards, Prince William and Kate took a stroll across the grass, looking happy and relaxed.

Kate was sporting a familiar look of a black jacket over a simple blouse, skinny jeans, and brown boots.

With the low profile these two have been keeping in the past months, I am so thrilled to see them looking at ease and enjoying each other’s presence. I get the sense that their relationship has matured and is as strong now as it has ever been. Do you agree?

More photos below!

Images: splashnewsonline.com

Post from: TheGloss