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.

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

Grazia admits 'slimming down' Kate for magazine cover

I'm sure you all recall the speculation that followed when Grazia magazine released their May 9 issue, featuring the Duchess of Cambridge in her Alexander McQueen wedding dress. Duchess Kate looked frighteningly thin on the cover. Immediately we all knew the magazine had made alterations to 'slim down' Kate's already very slender figure. After investigating complaints the Press Complaints Commission said 'The magazine explained how the image had been altered to remove the arm of Prince William so that the Duchess could be featured on the magazine cover alone'.
Today, the magazine released a statement admitting that they did digitally doctor the image.
'We had wanted a great image of the Duchess on her own, but all the photographs had the Duke in too....so we asked our reproduction house to remove him from the picture. This would have left the Duchess with only one arm, so they copied over her arm to complete the picture'. The statement continues with the magazine apologising for giving the wrong impression to readers.
I think whatever the reason, making an iconic figure like Kate appear even slimmer does send out the wrong message. She is already very slender and honestly, there were numerous photos of her on her own. Walking up the aisle, stepping out of the car etc. These magazines often write articles condemning Kate for being too thin yet behind the scenes change photos in this manner on a regular basis. It does send out mixed messages to readers. When I read a magazine I want to see real photos not fakes. These images do not accurately represent the person they are writing about. Digitally slimming celebrities is common practice now. Why do magazines feel their readers want to see this? Does this news change your opinion of Grazia magazine?