The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge grace the cover of Vanity Fair

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge grace the cover of Vanity Fair. The cover features a never before seen photograph of the newly engaged couple. William and Kate can hardly contain their excitement, both with beaming smiles. The photograph, taken by Mario Testino depicts a young couple very much in love. Shot in St James' Palace, Testino was not nervous about shooting Kate for the first time: 'I felt very confident she would be an easy sitter because of her natural grace'. It includes iconic photos of Princess Diana taken by Testino. In the July issue the article discusses who does the chores and why the couple had to have philadelphia cheese on their honeymoon. When the couple looked at their wedding footage they were beside themselves with giggles. The issue hits stands on June 3 and it certainly sounds like an interesting read. I think Testino captures William and Kate beautifully!

Prince William & Catherine To Visit Seven Canadian Cities

Prince William and Princess Catherine

To Visit Seven Canadian Cities

Prince William and Princess Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, will visit seven cities across Canada during their first royal tour together, officials announced Monday. The couple, Prince William and Princess Catherine will kick off their visit the Ottawa region from June 30 to July 2, which will almost certainly include a stop on Parliament Hill on Canada Day.

The couple, Prince William and Princess Catherine were married April 29 in a ceremony that attracted millions of viewers around the world. 
As Prince William and Princess Catherine's first international tour, the Canadian visit promises to be a high-profile affair as well, with each of Prince William and Princess Catherine's stops certain to be jam-packed with Canadians hope to catch a glimpse of the famous couple.

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William and Kate's royal tour plans revealed

Calgary Rodeo

The official plans of William and Kate's royal tour have been revealed. After months of speculation the itinerary has finally been announced with a few surprises! The couple will get a taste of the Old West when they visit the world's largest and richest rodeo in Calgary. It offers $2 million in prize money to competing cowboys. The rodeo is known as 'The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.' Close friends of the couple are already describing the royal tour as a 'most significant moment'. Their Canadian visit is set as follows........

June 30-July 2 The National Capital Region, Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau Quebec. 

July 2             Montreal

July 3             Quebec city

July 3-4          Charlotte town, Prince Edward Island

July 4             Summerside, Prince Edward Island

July 4-6          Yellowknife, Northwest territories

July 6-8          Calgary, Alberta

The couple are also said to have requested changing their itinerary in order to order to stay at the Ahwahnee Hotel, the haunted hotel that inspired 'The Shining ' starring Jack Nicholson. Director Stanley Kubrick modelled parts of the interior on the hotel. The 84 year old building in Yosemite National Park in California is one of the most famous landmarks in California. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have provisionally reserved the presidential suite previously used by President John F. Kennedy. This has not been confirmed yet, but William and Kate are very eager for it to happen. The couple are going to downplay interaction with 'Hollywood' and view this as a working visit 'not an opportunity to meet celebrities'. 

Ahwahnee Hotel

Prince William will ensure Kate adjusts to Royal life on her terms

William and Kate enjoy the simple life

Prince William is fiercely protective of his new bride. Not only is he aware of the fact that Kate was not brought up as a Royal and needs time to adjust to her new role and the intense media spotlight she is under but he is naturally afraid of her becoming unhappy as his mother was. Princess Diana was hounded by the press and expected to perform royal duties most days. The 28 year old prince is ensuring their marriage will not be run on the Monarchy's terms. 
The couple decided not to attend the state banquet in honour of President Obama in order to set a precedent of formal behavior they are not interested in upholding. A source said 'They did not attend in order not to put a Kate on strain and also to create a helpful precedent. If you don't turn up for the U.S. President's dinner, you don't need to turn up for anyone else's. After the brief Obama meeting they vanished from view once more'. William and Kate are a new generation of royals. Unlike his cousins Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie who are being pictured constantly attending functions despite the Queen's wish for them not to participate in full time royal duties, William prefers privacy and normality. I think the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will avoid entering the public arena fully for as long as possible. 

TAKE THAT FEVER

Take That fever has reputedly been gripping the North East after Gary, Robbie and the gang launched their new tour from the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.

You have no idea how much I enjoyed typing that. Usually when a divorce lawyer discusses Take That Fever it’s because they’ve been deluged with issues concerning the division of house contents or, even worse, had an incident of domestic violence to advise on.

Newspaper Tidbits: Nokesville

The Times (Washington, D.C.) – March 20, 1899

WANTED TO BE A SLEUTH.  His First Case was to Get Swindled Out of $70.

James W. Fultz, the Nokesville, Va., merchant who was relieved of $70 in cash Saturday afternoon by two clever swindlers, left the city yesterday morning over the Pennsylvania Railroad en route to his home.  He was still minus his money and will probably remain so, as the men who secured it are undoubtedly miles away from this city by this time and out of the jurisdiction of the local police.

It was understood yesterday that the object of Fultz's visit to this city was to obtain a position on the police force.  He stated to Detective Sam Browne, who saved him from being ground under the wheels of a railroad train at the Pennsylvania station after the swindle had been perpetrated, that he had recently sold his farm and a quantity of personal effects in Nokesville because he wanted to become a policeman, or, preferably, a detective.  Fultz stated that he felt sure he would make a first-class sleuth because of his wonderful memory for faces.

Harrisonburg Rockingham Register (VA) – May 23, 1905

Mrs. Walter S. Flory and children, of Bridgewater, spent Friday with Mrs. C. C. Lineweaver on East Market Street, while enroute home from Nokesville, Prince William county, where they have been the guests of Mr. and Mrs. James Flory.

Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, VA) - September 24, 1907

The Cedar Run Hunt Club was organized in Nokesville Saturday with thirty members.  It includes some of the best riders in Prince William county and has one of the best fields in the State for fox hunting.  The following officers were elected:  President H. W. Herring, Nokesville; secretary and treasurer, Melvin C. Hazen, Washington, D.C.; executive committee, C. J. Meetz, Bristow; W. J. Green, Nokesville; H. H. Hall, Gainesville; master of hounds, R. L. Adamson, Warrenton; first whip, C. J. Meetze, Bristow; second whip, W. C. Hall.

The Free Lance (Fredericksburg, VA) – January 4, 1910

Mrs. Mary E. Bodine has sold her farm of 101 acres near Nokesville, Prince William county, to Mrs. J. R. Manuel for $4,300.  Possession March 1.

The Free Lance (Fredericksburg, VA) - July 26, 1910

W. R. Free, of Nokesville, died suddenly Thursday.  He was a Confederate veteran.

Kate: Queen of Wimbledon

Kate at Wimbledon in 2008

Former tennis star and British number one Tim Henman may be on the verge of convincing the Duchess of Cambridge to be the Royal Representative at Wimbledon this year. The tournament is the most famous event in tennis, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are among the contenders this year fighting to win the coveted cup.
Speculation has been rife since the announcement of the engagement that Kate was being lined up for the role. As a major tennis fan, Kate is simply the perfect choice. She has attended matches at Wimbledon and has been described as 'tennis mad'. The stunning 29 year old would be the perfect addition to one of the most famous sporting events held in Britain. It has been suggested that she may present the trophy instead of the Duke of Kent. Princess Diana once executed this role and thoroughly enjoyed it. Prince William is reluctant for his new bride to be in the glare of the spotlight. Tim Henman has been invited in too convince Kate it would be the right choice for her. Henman has close links with the Middleton family. Weeks before the Royal wedding William and Kate were seen playing tennis at Queen's club in West London. A friend said 'Kate adores everything about tennis and would love to have an official role at Wimbledon'. I am a huge tennis fan, with a particular interest in Wimbledon, The tournament being on June 20, I'm hoping to see Kate in the Royal box, Even though his tennis career is over we will be hoping Tim Henman can persuade the Duchess. 'Come on Tim'. :) 

Prince William Ensures Princess Catherine Adjusts To Royalty on Her Own Terms

Prince William Ensures Princess Catherine Adjusts To
Royalty On Her Own Terms - Even Meeting President!

Prince William’s bucking convention in favor of a happy home with Princess Catherine!

Prince William and Princess Catherine are definitely meant for each other, and Prince William is making sure Princess Catherine’s happy by ensuring their marriage is not run on the monarchy’s terms!

Many pundits were miffed when the newlyweds, Prince William and
Princess Catherine met with President Barack Obama and chose not to
attend the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace — but attending the formal
dinner would have set a precedent of formal behavior Prince William and Princess Catherine are not interested in upholding, the Daily Mail reports.

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Kate plans forty new outfits to dazzle the U.S.

Kate will need forty new outfits for her first tour

On William and Kate's first public engagement as Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Kate looked relaxed and poised. She is settling into both married life and royal duties with ease. However, William is determined they remain as 'normal' as possible insisting they spend just twenty minutes with the Obamas without television cameras. He also decided they should not attend the state banquet. We would all have loved to see them there, especially for the purpose of seeing what Kate would have worn at her first state dinner. 
With preparation underway for the Royal visits to Canada and the U.S. Kate's wardrobe is taking priority. She wants to be conservative enough for Canada yet glamorous enough for California. Wardrobe worries are best tackled at Clarence house where her mother and sister Pippa help her choose the most appropriate clothing. For the Duchess there is more to consider than simply liking the outfit. She will want to present the best of British fashion while giving a nod to local Canadian and American designers. It is estimated she will need forty outfits not allowing for changeable weather. The palace are reported concerned that Kate does not want a lady in waiting, A source said 'On tour you cannot iron all your own clothes, don't have time to unpack, can't hold all the flowers you are handed and, most importantly, need someone to start chatting in a crowded room'. I think it would be ideal if Kate could take Pippa myself, Unfortunately she has just started a new job. A friend of the couple's said Kate's reticence to hire staff has logic to it 'The more you embrace the trappings of royalty, the more people expect from you and you can't reverse it'. Kate is also brushing up on her French as she knows a large proportion of the Canadian population speak it fluently. The first royal tour for the new couple is looking like it's going to be a memorable one!

Mario Testino finally talks about shooting William and Kate

Testino at the Gala with Kate Winslet and Anna Wintour

Royal photographer Mario Testino was honoured last night in New York at a gala celebrating his incredible thirty year career. Testino, 56, was Princess Diana's favourite photographer. He is deeply trusted by the Royal family. William and Kate insisted no one else should shoot their official wedding photographs. Academy Award winning actress Kate Winslet gave a speech praising Testino beginning with a joke: 'The two other Kates, Kate Moss and Kate Middleton were unavailable so you'll have to make do with me'. She continued to say he has the ability to 'dispose of a woman's insecurities'. The world famous photographer spoke about shooting royals in depth: 'For me photographing the Royals is my way of giving back to the country: documenting this tradition and the history. For a Peruvian - apart from Paddington Bear, there are very few of us that can be a part of it. I feel very attached to England'. When asked about shooting the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge he said: 'They are a young couple in love. The Duchess looked fabulous and even helped to do her own make up'. However the atmosphere on the shoot was anything but calm: 'Everything is compacted into such a short time because we have to produce these pictures. It's more like me screaming and trying to get everything to go'. Whatever his method is, the official engagement photographs are beautiful. Testino has shot some of the most famous figures in the world. Which lucky star is his favourite? He answers this one with ease: 'I've been asked this many times. It would have to be Princess Diana. It took my career to another level.'

Will: William Lee, Sr.

WILLIAM LEE SR. Will

Prince William County Will Book L, pg. 343

24 Jun 1820; proved 09 Aug 1820

I WILLIAM LEE SENR. Do hereby make my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say: 1^st I desire that all my estate or property after my decease my just debts & funeral expenses being paid shall remain in the hands of my beloved wife MARY LEE & her to be in full possession & enjoyment of the same during her natural life.  2^nd To my son WM. LEE I give & bequeath a cow & calf at the death of my wife to come into his possession. 3^rd To my daughter NANCY I give in like manner one heifer be hers at my wife’s decease. 4^th To my son HENRY I give & bequeath a bed which now goes by the name of his to fall to him in like manner at my wifes decease. 5. To my two daughters ELIZABETH & WILHELMINA I give & bequeath all the remaining property over which I now have controul after my just debts & funeral expences are paid and the above items are fulfild after my wifes decease. And lastly I do hereby constitute & appoint my friends Col. GERARD ALEXANDER Sr. & Major CHARLES EWELL SENR. Executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all other or former wills or testaments by me heretofore made.  In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal this 24^th day of June in the year of our Lords one thousand eight hundred & twenty.

WM. LEE SENR.  {seal}

Signed sealed published & declared as & for the last will and testament of the above named WM. LEE SENR. In presence of us

WM. P. DUNNINGTON, JOHN W. PETTY

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for Prince William County Aug 9^th 1820 This last will and testament of WM. LEE SENR. Decd was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of WM. P. DUNNINGTON and JNO. W. PETTY is ordered to be recorded.

Teste, PHIL. D. DAWE

William and Kate wont rush a baby

As William and Kate returned from their honeymoon they faced the vicious rumours that have been circulating in relation to Kate's fertility. Allegedly the Duchess of Cornwall confided in friends claiming health problems during Kate's adolescence have left her with fertility problems. The speculation reached fever pitch recently with eating disorder rumours escalating when William and Kate greeted the Obamas. Admittedly Kate is very slim, however headlines such as 'Scary Skinny Kate' seem a tad exaggerated. Any bride will tell you as wonderful as getting married is, it's also a stressful time.
What are William and Kate's plans regarding starting a family? An extended member of the royal family reportedly said: 'Don't get too excited. Knowing William it won't be any time soon. He's like his father and thinks everything through before he does anything. He will be the same about planning a family. Harry is the opposite. He is much more like his mother, Harry goes with his gut. He will probably have a baby before William.' Now that would be interesting! If William and Kate do not produce an heir someday the throne would go to Harry's eldest male child. Harry has been pictured with actress Charlize Theron recently and sources claim he may rekindle his romance with trainee solicitor Chelsy Davy. The media is placing a huge amount of pressure on William and Kate. William is still working with the RAF and is still only 28 while Kate is adjusting to her role as Duchess of Cambridge.

William and Kate may enjoy married life before starting a family

Prince William & Catherine Score Seeds, Honey, And Laptops From Obama Family

Prince William and Catherine Score Seeds, Honey, And Laptops From Obama Family

To honor the recent wedding between Prince William and Princess Catherine (now known formally as the Duke and Duchess of  Cambridge), President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama decided to present a mix of nature and technology.  As a donation to the Charitable Gift Fund setup by the Royal couple, Prince William and Princess Catherine the Obamas gifted laptops to PeacePlayers International – which aims to unite, educate and inspire young people in divided communities through basketball (which, as most know, is the President’s  favorite sport).

During a personal meeting with the Royal family this week, the President and First Lady presented Prince Charles and Prince William and Princess Catherine with seeds and plants from the gardens at Monticello, the plantation home of Thomas Jefferson, Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, and (according to Hello!) from the South Lawn White House garden. They were contained within a handcrafted box made from the wood of a magnolia tree that came down on the White House grounds during a February 2009 snowstorm.

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Hollywood Dazzled As Prince William Backs British Film

Hollywood Dazzled As

Prince William Backs British Film

Royal newly weds Prince William and Princess Catherine will arrive in
Los Angeles on July 8th to promote the best of British film and television to an
already captive audience of Hollywood stars. Following Prince William and Princess Catherine's impending week-long tour of Canada, Prince William and Princess Catherine are expected to underline the Prince William's recent appointment as President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, (BAFTA).

Prince William has asked the organisation to propose an event with
suggestions to date including an English tea party, a cricket match
and also a more formal gala evening to promote the British film industry.
It has already been reported that any such event attended by the Royal couple,
Prince William and Princess Catherine will be the hottest ticket in town - assuring
BAFTA of a massive mid summer boost.

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William and Kate given 'White House Honey' by Obama family

President Obama and his wife Michelle kindly decided to honour William and Kate's wedding by presenting them with a mix of nature and technology as a belated wedding present. As a donation to the Royal wedding charitable gift fund the Obamas gifted laptops to Peace Players International, which aims to unite and inspire young people through basketball. 
On a more personal note during their meeting with Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace earlier this week, the Obamas presented them with with seeds and plants from the gardens at Monticello and the South Lawn White House garden. They were contained in a beautifully handcrafted box made from the wood of a magnolia tree that came down on the White House grounds in February 2009. The newlyweds were also given a jar of honey from the official White House beehive. Maybe these gifts will inspire William and Kate to attend the annual Chelsea flower show next year? I think the Obamas obviously, put quite a lot of thought into the gifts. Given the fact they were not invited to the wedding it was a generous gesture. 

Kate and Michelle Obama enjoying their chat

Family law is failing kids - The Drum Opinion ABC http://ht.ly/53qP6

Newsletter: Brentsville Neighbors

The June 2011 issue of Brentsville Neighbors is out.  Give it a read!

Is Kate Middleton too thin?

Kate Middleton looked stunning greeting the Obamas in her nude Reiss dress. However, there is no denying that the Duchess of Cambridge is looking slimmer than ever. On her first Royal engagement perhaps she has been feeling nervous about entering public officially and the stress may be contributing to her significant weight loss. I had thought that she would regain some of the weight she lost in the months coming up to her wedding on their luxurious honeymoon in the Seychelles, however this is clearly not the case.
Gym owner, Steve Jordan said: 'Kate looks like she has lost at least fifteen pounds. She's probably consuming no more than fourteen hundred calories a day and her diet would consist of fish and vegetables.' The Duchess has reportedly gone from a size 6 to a 2. The real question remains. Is Kate clinically underweight? From what I can see she looks healthy and extremely toned. If she lost anymore weight I presume we would see protruding bones and a skeletal frame emerge. Kate has always had a healthy, athletic figure and it would be a shame for her to lose it. As a blossoming fashion icon she is obviously cautious about her weight, but she could afford to gain a little. Meanwhile, Kate came sixth in a poll calculating the most searched for styles over the past three months published by mycelebrityfashion.co.uk. Her younger sister Pippa came first! Designers will be eager to have one of the Middleton sisters seen in their clothing!

Kates Obama Shoes

Continuing her support of the British High Street Kate accessorised her Reiss Shola Bandage Dress with Black pointed court shoes from LK Bennett. The Bella retails for £145 and there are still a few left in stock.

William and Kate to visit Anne of Green Gables landmarks

The house that inspired 'Anne Of Green Gables'

Children of all have ages have enjoyed reading the bestselling novel 'Anne Of Green Gables'. The novel describes a couple who were sent an orphan girl instead of a boy mistakenly, yet decide to keep her. Author Lee Maud Montgomery used her own childhood experiences in Prince Edward Island for the book. Obviously Kate was one of the many children who adored the novel, insisting on a visit to Prince Edward Island during her state visit to Canada.

A source said, 'It is something of a sentimental journey. The book was Kate's favourite when she was growing up. The details of the Canadian tour are still being worked out but she requested that Prince Edward Island be on their itinerary so she could see the house and places mentioned in the book'. The character has become an iconic image for the island and an excellent source of tourism. Locals are excited about the visit, 'It's good, there are definitely no negatives to this visit'. Royals including Prince Charles and Sophie of Wessex have visited the island while touring Canada. The Duchess of Cambridge who performed her first official public duty as William's wife yesterday greeting the Obamas did a splendid job. She graces the cover of almost every newspaper today and has been hailed a style icon, crashing the Reiss site after wearing their shola camel dress.

Newspaper Tidbit

Manassas Journal
January 8, 1915

PLEAD WITH SUFFRAGISTS. Mrs. C. E. Nicol and her daughters, the Misses Fanny Julia and Marie L. Nicol, were numbered among the 100 democratic women, many of them voters, who visited the White House Wednesday to try again to persuade President Wilson to support the constitutional amendment for nation-wide woman's suffrage. The President told the women he admired greatly their skill and tenacity in the campaign, but he added that he was opposed to granting women suffrage through federal action.

Prince William Plays Football After Returning From Honeymoon

Prince William Plays Football After

Returning From Honeymoon

St James's Palace announced this weekend that Prince William and his new wife Princess Catherine had returned to Britain after a 10-day break at a £4,000-a-night retreat in the Seychelles.

The Duke of Cambridge, Prince William may be facing the realities of life again after his honeymoon in the Seychelles, but Prince William appeared relaxed as Prince William enjoyed a game of football with friends in Battersea Park last night.

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Obamas Receive A Right Royal Meeting With The Prince William & Catherine

 Obamas receive a right Royal meeting with
The Prince William and Princess Catherine

The US President, Barack Obama, and his wife, Michelle, met the Queen,
Prince Philip, Prince William and his new bride, Princess Catherine, amid great pomp and ceremony in London. Thousands of locals turned out to catch a glimpse of the Obamas as they arrived at Buckingham Palace where they were greeted by the Queen under sunny skies.

Barack Obama chats with Prince William, while Michelle meets Catherine.
It was the first time the Obamas had met the newlyweds Prince William and Princess Catherine.The Obamas were not invited to Prince William and
Princess Catherine's wedding because the Prince William is not the heir to the throne.

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Kate proves style doesn't have to be expensive

The Duchess of Cambridge looked stunning, greeting President Obama and his wife Michelle at Buckingham Palace this morning. The day after her wedding she left Clarence house in a blue Zara dress. Today she opted for a £175 Reiss 'shola bandage' camel dress. The Reiss website has been inundated with visitors all day with fans of Kate trying to snap up one of the dresses also available in blue.  
The 29 year old teamed the dress with LK Bennett black heels and a Maude clutch by Anya Hindmarch Bespoke. Kate looked the picture of elegance proving style doesn't have to be expensive. Dispalying her tan from her honeymoon in the Seychelles, Kate looked strikingly similar to her younger sister Pippa who is never photographed without tan. Her hair was blow dried and worn down. Kate is clearly on her way to becoming a style icon, I would love to see her in Vogue. Her style is different to other royals while still conservative and classic. 

Reiss 'shola bandage' dress

IT'S A MAD, MAD WORLD!

Once upon a time a client contacted me. “I want an injunction,” he said.

Assuming that he had been at the humiliating end of an incident of domestic abuse, I warned him that even court orders that prohibit threats and molestation can have their shortfalls as I prepared to take notes and asked him to tell me what had happened.

“I’ve been having a relationship with another woman for a few years now,” he began, “It’s now finished and I’ve confessed everything to my wife.”

“And she’s got angry and frightened you?” I queried.

"No, it’s the ex girlfriend; she’s threatening to go to the newspapers.”

“Are they likely to publish?” I enquired.

“Look I’m not so bothered about that, I just want to be really famous,” he replied. “I work in a bank, play football at weekends and I’ve even been in the audience of a Top Gear show, so I thought I’d have all the credentials for a truly super injunction.”

“Will trying to stop publication grant you the fame and publicity you are clearly so readily seeking?” I asked.

“Yes, if the whole mad world starts tweeting about me instead!”

Kate meets the Obamas

Back fresh from her honeymoon Kate meets the Obamas wearing the beautiful Shola Bandage Dress in Camel from Reiss retailing for a very respectable £175. Her black clutch was the Maud by Anya Hindmarch (not currently available).

 

Get it while its still in stock! ** UPDATE** Well it was in stock when we took the above screen shot but it is now sold out.....will let you know if they expect to get it back in stock.

PS. We post the latest updates to out Twitter page - HRHKateFashion dont miss out follow us today!