Buckingham Palace confirms Duchess Kate is 'not pregnant with twins'

I was surprised when I saw the cover of celebrity gossip magazine 'Star' claiming that the Duchess of Cambridge was expecting twins, a boy and and a girl. (These gossip magazines are very thorough :)) The magazine claiming they had a reliable source wrote 'William almost collapsed with joy and relief when Kate told him she was pregnant. The palace was buzzing with word that the first ever royal twins were on the way'. The article continued to strangely write about the fact that the Duchess was struggling to gain weight.

A representative from Buckingham Palace has denied these rumours saying 'Suffice to say that were it true, it would be us to announce it not a gossip magazine'. This is the third time 'Star' has claimed that the Duchess is pregnant. It may be a case of printing the story so many times it has to be true eventually! I know many people are hoping for news that Duchess Kate is pregnant, In my opinion it will be a while. I think she will adjust to married life. William said in their engagement interview 'Obviously we want children'. William and Kate do things at their own pace, Perhaps they will wait until William completes his work with the RAF?


 The only information Buckingham Palace has recently released about the Cambridges has been in relation the the enormous success of Kate's wedding dress display which is estimated to pull in £8 million. The display has been their most successful to date.

Duchess Kate takes a shopping trip to Peter Jones UPDATED

Yesterday Duchess Kate was spotted shopping at a Peter Jones store in London. The home goods store is part of the John Lewis chain, A favourite of Kate's. She stocked up on essentials for Kensington Palace including pillows, bed linen and cutlery and other kitchen items. She left the store carrying her own shopping bags escorted by a security guard. They left in a range rover. Coincidentally the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge just donated a range rover given to them as a wedding present to Mountain rescue!

Duchess Kate wore light blue skinny jeans, her black ballet shoes, I believe they are her London Sole ones and a loose fitting cream peasant top. Duchess Kate wore her hair down with sunglasses. We rarely see Kate photographed wearing sunglasses. Would love to have seen the top from the front but from what I can see it looks quite interesting. Perhaps Whistles or Reiss? She always pulls off casual chic excellently and looks just like any other young wife out shopping.

The photos were taken mostly from behind. I imagine the photographer didn't want to be too intrusive or to interfere with her day. It is excellent to see photographers respecting Kate's privacy. Today is Pippa's 28th birthday, (Happy Birthday Pippa :)) perhaps Kate was out shopping for a gift for her sister? I imagine Pippa will have a family celebration so there may be more photos very soon!

UPDATE: It was confirmed that William and Kate did indeed celebrate Pippa's 28th birthday with her younger sister and Alex Loudon. Unfortunately no photos thus far but I'll keep a look out!

Royal Tour number two confirmed for next year

With a reaction like this, A second Royal tour was always going to be sooner rather than later

After William and Kate's tremendously successful tour of Canada and California. It seemed inevitable Royal aides would be eager to make arrangements for another. I'm sure you will all be delighted to hear the couple will undertake their second Royal tour on behalf of the Queen next year. Prince William is reportedly eager to visit Australia and New Zealand however a Royal aide said 'The couple will be undertaking a tour but it's unlikely to be Australia and New Zealand'. Apparently the Caribbean is a more likely destination. Would love to see Duchess Kate's fashion choices there! Wherever the tour is I'm positive it shall be a resounding success and fellow Kate watchers will be look forward to it!


As you have all noticed, The Cambridge's have been keeping a very low profile. For some reason pregnancy rumours seem to have accelerated. I have received quite a few tweets in relation to whether or not Duchess Kate is expecting. Thus far there is no reason to believe she is. Should there be confirmation of this rumour in the near/distant future I assure you it will be literally everywhere. Of course I will post about it here immediately too! 

Kate singing the Welsh National Anthem in Anglesey

In other news, The Duchess of Cambridge is reportedly learning to speak Welsh in order to fit in with the locals in Anglesey where she and William spend most of their time. A source said 'She is picking up the language and doing well. Because they live in Wales she is surrounded by the language when she is out about. It is not a case of a lesson a week, she hears the language around her and learns it like that. Anglesey is her home-If you immerse yourself in the culture you pick things up'. The Duchess has been practicing by speaking to locals in supermarkets and around town. In February Kate sang the Welsh National Anthem on her first official visit with William for the launch of a new RNLI lifeboat on Anglesey. 

Kate with Willem Marx in 2008

Those of you who are familiar with Kate's earlier days will remember her first boyfriend from Malborough Willem Marx. Marx has reportedly found love with a girl who bears a striking resemblance to Kate. He has been seeing magazine editor Shirley Leigh Wood Oakes for a while. The press are indeed turning this into a dramatic story but Kate was photographed with Willem in 2008 and the pair were clearly happier as just friends.

Duchess of Cambridge among the first to try new 'miracle' cream

The Duchess of Cambridge and her sister Pippa will be among the first in Britain to sample a new 'miracle' cream. Yes we know all creams claim to be miracle workers but those of us who love beauty products tend to buy into the hype, no matter how nonsensical :) The two have been sent Lancome Visionnaire serum, A new product that has generated waiting lists of thousands. 

You might ask what 'miracle' does the Lancome serum offer? Well, It simply claims it is effective at correcting skin imperfections it eradicates the need for botox. At  £57 for a 30ml bottle it contains LR 2412 'a unique multi tasking beauty molecule'. An ambassador for Lancome said Kate and Pippa were sent the product as 'a goodwill gesture'. Selfridges have been selling more than fifty a day since it launched there on a two week trial and House of Fraser now has an exstensive waiting list. 21 year old Harry Potter star Emma Watson is the face of the brand. Despite the staggering response to the serum, Lancome are clearly eager to have Duchess Kate's seal of approval Kate is a huge fan of Lancome. She was spotted purchasing their mascara and Hydra Zen moisturiser in the run up to her wedding. We all know the effect Duchess Kate has had on the fashion industry she simply has to be seen in an item and it's sold out in a matter of hours. Perhaps she will do the same for Lancome! 

Cambridge bits and pieces

Birkhall

It does appear we have come to another dry spell in relation to Duchess Kate news. (Every time I write that new photos emerge so perhaps we wont be waiting for long :)) However the couple have been in the news quite frequently this week.
The Cambridges spent the Bank holiday weekend cosying up with both sets of in laws as guest of Prince Charles at his Scottish estate, Balmoral. Kate's parents Michael and Carole Middleton were reportedly delighted to join the Queen at Birkhall house in Aberdeenshire situated on the edge of Balmoral. A source said 'The Prince of Wales has made a huge effort with Kate's parents. Birkhall is his favourite retreat and the fact they have been invited shows there is a genuine friendship there. It's wonderful to hear the Royal family are including the Middletons and hopefully they feel relaxed knowing their daughter is a credit to the Royal family.

Visitors to Kensington Palace might be in for a scare this Halloween

With Halloween fast approaching it seems officials at Kensington Palace are keen to welcome a select number of visitors to see if rumours about the Palace being haunted are true. A source said 'There are many unusual and strange stories that have been logged by the warders over the years like bumps in the night, screams and ghostly sightings.  It's not for the faint hearted but fascinating'. The 'ghost tours' will take place over four nights from October 28-31. It does sound incredibly exciting (If not a tad scary), Perhaps they will meet the Cambridges in Halloween fancy dress too? :)

I was delighted to read the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on their wedding day has been voted the UK's favourite TV moment. It was revealed after their nuptials Prince William asked Duchess Kate if it was ok to kiss her on the balcony. He certainly is Prince Charming! The couple initially shared a very brief kiss. After which William asked 'Another kiss? One more. Let's give them another one. I love you. Go on, Come here'. The second kiss lasted 1.25 seconds before Kate pulled away with a huge smile on her face. A wonderful choice for most romantic moment! Click on the video above to see the magical moment, One can never see it too many times.


In a quick style update. Some of Kate's favourites appear to be back in stock. John Lewis currently have the LK Bennett Maddox Wedge Patent Court Shoes

The beautiful Libelula Dulwich coat is currently on sale for £217. It is sold out in many colours but available in a gorgeous shade of purple.

Duchess Kate signs up for Prince Charles's cause to prevent riots

The Duchess of Cambridge's visit to Birmingham where she met riot victims was hailed as a great success. A source on the day said that Duchess Kate was eager to understand what measures were being taken to ensure these terribly riots come to a speedy end. The visit clearly touched Kate's heart and she is reportedly now considering becoming the patron of a charity working with young people affected by riots around the country. 'Catherine is keen to do what she can to keep young people on the right track. One of the things that she respects most about William's family is their efforts to help people less fortunate than themselves'. A friend of Kate's said.
A spokesman for St James's Palace, where Kate's official office is based said she is putting much thought into her charitable work. 'Since returning from Canada and California, the Duchess has been using the time to research her options for where she can most make a difference for causes close to her heart'. During Kate's visit to Birmingham she met the families of the men killed while trying to protect their homes and businesses. Kate obviously feels this is a charity which needs help now. I would love to see her working with riot victims. Britain has been left shocked and devastated in the wake of these horrific riots and should the Duchess lend her patronage to a charity in their aid it would not only give a morale boost but ensure the charity gets the support it deserves. The Duchess has not been the only Royal who feels compelled to help. Prince Charles has announced his trust will invest £2.5 million to help communities affected by the riots.

William and Kate get two tickets for the price of one at Cineworld

Yesterday William and Kate enjoyed a trip to their local cineworld in Llandudno to see The Inbetweeners. It as reported by other people watching the movie that both William and Kate were in fits of laughter throughout the comedy. Funnily enough it was 'bargain Tuesday' at the cinema which meant they got two tickets for the price of one. Even the Royals are becoming frugal in these recessionary times. :)

The couple are obviously major movie fans having been seen at the cinema recently watching the smash hit comedy 'Bridesmaids'. As you can see the photo's are not very clear. I'm sure the photographer (possibly just an excited fan) wanted to keep a respectable distance so the couple could enjoy their evening out in peace. Personally (And I know you would all agree) I would rather see photos like these than close up ones of William and Kate being hassled. 

Duchess Kate (from what I can see :)) pulled off casual chic yet again. Wearing light blue jeans with a grey cardigan and her black espadrille wedges. It's lovely to see them taking time out for a 'date night' like any other couple. In Wales they seem to enjoy a certain anonymity. As you will see in the photo's, the other cinema goers are not staring nor asking for photographs. It proves how attitudes towards the Royals is changing. Could you possibly imagine Charles and Diana enjoying a night out at the cinema? 

In other news, Duchess Kate graces the cover of Hello magazine this week. Her visit to Brimingham was extremely well received. Pippa is also on the cover with her boyfriend Alex Loudon.  For any of you who read the magazine, you will know Kate is almost always on the cover. There is a very good reason why, The Duchess has helped to lift sales of the magazine by more than a quarter in the first six months of the year.

 For those of you reading the 'Kate before Cambridge' page. I'm hoping to add at least ten entries a day. As it's in chronological order, do scroll down for new photo's! :)

Kate takes a stroll along the beach with Pippa

Duchess Kate was photographed yesterday enjoying a leisurely stroll with her sister Pippa and boyfriend Alex Loudon at the scenic Llanddwyn Island of Newborough, North Wales. If anyone here is planning to visit Anglesey in the future, there is an interesting page about it Here. The pair have always been famously close. It's nice to see them enjoying time together like any other sisters. Kate and Pippa looked very happy and relaxed. I have noticed in general Kate looks so content in Anglesey, It almost seems a shame she and William will have to relocate full time to London in the future when they become 'full time royals'.

You know you're a style icon when you have men copying your look :)

 Kate looked fresh faced with barely any make up and wore skinny jeans with a pink cashmere sweater by John Lewis (It's currently on sale) pin (It's the same sweater she was photographed wearing the day before the wedding) Her hair is loosely worn down and looks beautiful.

Kate teamed her casual outfit with a green anorak and green wellies. Yes she even looks glamourous in wellies! :) I believe her boots may be these Le Chemau leather lined wellington boots. You will notice the label on the top looks identical.

Kate was photographed wearing this Barbour jacket in 2008 while out shooting with William and the Royals at Sandringham. The brand is famously favoured by the Royals. Below you will see William wearing a matching jacket to Kate's and Diana looking effortlessly chic in an anorak (How do they do it :)) I believe this is the jacket she had with her today. While the exact anorak is out of stock there is one very similar for sale Here

Kate hailed as pro anorexia role model

I've written a few posts over the last number of months about the media's obsession with convincing us all that Duchess Kate has an eating disorder. Sadly the story has continued with revelations that Kate is being hailed as a role model on pro anorexia websites in the U.S. One poster asks on the site 'Is anyone else sort of getting hacked off by how much weight Kate Middleton is losing?' The site charts Kate's weight with a collection of photos from her uni days.
Yesterday a friend of the Duchess said 'Kate will be horrified to learn she is being hailed as a success story on pro ana websites. Kate is very slender but she certainly doesn't have an eating disorder. Yes she has lost weight but that is largely down to the stress she has been under with all the travelling around recently'. I was quite shocked myself to read this story. It is promoting such an unhealthy attitude towards weight. Of course Kate's figure has changed in the past ten years and she is undeniably very slim but I absolutely do not believe she has an eating disorder. Like her sister Pippa (Who has also been included on these sites), Kate is very athletic and has a lot of muscle. (We all saw photos of her rowing). Personally I think the site should remove her photos. Kate is an important role model and most definitely not for the reasons the pro ana site are promoting.
What do you all think of this? Should they take the photos down? It looks like, as with Diana speculation about Kate's weight will be making headlines for some time to come.

Duchess Kate visits Birmingham in McQueen military chic!

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have arrived at Birmingham's Summerfield Community Centre. The Centre is located at heart of the areas worst affected by the riots in Birmingham. Prince Harry visited too and was shocked and saddened at the violence and loss of lives. The Cambridges met with dignitaries and emergency services staff.  The centre is only a short distance from the scene where three men were struck by a car as they tried to protect businesses and their homes. During the visit a source said: 'Kate seemed genuinely interested in how hospitals in the city respond to disorder'.

I only commented yesterday on the lack of Kate photos. Well it was worth the wait. The Duchess looks stunning wearing the Alexander McQueen Military Silk Georgette Blouse. It's currently on sale for $259 from Net-A-Porter:


'Alexander McQueen's military-inspired silk georgette blouse exudes signature sophistication. Tuck this navy-trimmed piece into a structured skirt, adding your highest heels to salute the new season in style.'

Teamed with the McQueen Embellished Wool Crepe Skirt avaialble for $580. The skirt is described as:


'A hit of Alexander McQueen's covetable military aesthetic. In a nautical navy hue, this button-embellished wool crepe skirt is a versatile style. Directional front slits lend it an air of It girl cool - pair with the matching blouse for a head-to-toe look straight from the runway.'

This outfit is the epitome of effortless sophistication and elegance. It is reminiscent of the navy McQueen military coat we saw Kate wear earlier this year (she also wore with her navy pumps) to the Irish Guards Armed Forces day. I wonder is it a possibility this is the o
skirt she wore underneath the coat that day? The fitted structure of the skirt with the slit is typical McQueen genius. Teamed with her navy pumps and her hair worn loosely Kate looks incredible.

This is my favourite photo of the day. William and Kate look very much in love! People are often disappointed they do not show more public displays of affection but compared to other Royal couples such as Charles and Diana they appear very much in love. William always has his arm around Kate. It's lovely to see them together and Duchess Kate is a strong support system for William and always by his side. Where before he had to perform his Royal duties alone, he also looks very content today.

Zara, Dolls, Riots, And Kate makes London the Fashion Capital

Time for the second Kate round up of the week. (Yes we're starved for Kate news) but there are some interesting updates you might like to hear about. Today William and Kate have been spotted in Birmingham, where horrific riots are taking place, They may have been meeting with riot victims. Three people have sadly lost their lives. Perhaps a Royal visit could help settle things down?
Duchess Kate was also reportedly spotted in a Zara store in London's Duke of York square. We all know the Duchess is a huge fan of the Spanish retailer choosing a beautiful blue dress by them on the day after her wedding. A source said 'She was in the store. She came in but left after a few minutes'. Hopefully some photos will surface from today! I'll update immediately if they do :)

Amazingly London has overtaken New York as the fashion capital of the world. It was revealed the Duchess of Cambridge and the death of designer Alexander McQueen, were responsible for the shift. It's quite amazing to see the effect Kate is having on the fashion industry worldwide. I've followed her style for years and always thought her simple yet classic look was perfection. Stylist Rachel Zoe said 'She can do no wrong right now. I actually kind of die for her'. Actress Anne Hathaway admits she is 'so grateful to Kate Middleton. Because she us such an advocate for dressing like a lady. So right now my fashion choices are all about Kate Middleton'. I'm sure you all remember Anne's comic portrayal of Kate on Saturday Night Live. I think Anne summed up Kate's style wonderfully, When did actresses stop emulating classic beauties like Grace Kelly? Kate is making ladylike elegance relevant again.

Kate's ladylike style is reminiscent of the late Grace Kelly

The above photo shows four year old Abbey Chan from Malaysia clutching the new Prince William and The Duchess of Cambridge wedding dolls. Made by Arklu they retail for one hundred pounds as a pair. They launched today in London. Perhaps the Kate doll will become as popular as Barbie? :) Obviously they not identical to the Cambridges but good fun for anyone to add to their collection! 

Since there are no new photos at the moment, I doubt most of you have seen this one. Taken in 2008 for the Middleton family business, Party Pieces. A beautiful photo of both Kate and Carole!

I have quite a large collection of photos of Kate from her time in St Andrews until now. I want to make them easily accessible for you all. I tried Flickr but dislike the format. Perhaps a photos page on the blog or picasa web album? Any thoughts?

A review of William and Catherine, Their Lives, Their Wedding

I have just got around to properly reading, Andrew Morton's book: William and Catherine, Their lives, Their wedding.

I must say I found it an incredibly enjoyable read. The book begins with a section on Williams childhood, One of the most touching elements are the stunning photos of Diana with William and Harry. (I just added a few photos but there are dozens more) The book continues on to discuss Kate's heritage. Followed by William and Kate's time as student lovers at St. Andrew with amusing stories such as the fact, like any other couple, washing up was the bone of contention between them. It caused such friction they purchased a dishwasher between them :) 

The book goes through their relationship, break up and wedding. It is a very interesting read (I'm sure most of you have read it already) but it is the collection of photos that makes it a must have item for fans of the Duchess. I would suggest you all take a look at it, whether for your collection or for a quick look from the library. You can purchase it HERE. Let me know what you think if you do! :)

Photos from the fashion show where Kate caught William's eye

Kate during her early University days