Showing posts with label Royal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Royal. Show all posts

Thursday, 27 June 2013

Royal ex-factor at society wedding: Harry's 3 blondes and Wills' SIX beauties who Kate Middleton saw off

By Natalie Clarke

PUBLISHED: 22:12 GMT, 23 June 2013 | UPDATED: 10:54 GMT, 24 June 2013

It’s embarrassing enough to run into an ex at a wedding, but on Saturday no fewer than nine women who have been linked to Princes William and Harry were at the nuptials of their friends Thomas van Straubenzee and Lady Melissa Percy at Alnwick Castle in Northumberland.

And if that wasn’t drama enough, the first Royal Baby false alarm was sounded by crowds gathered outside when an RAF search-and-rescue helicopter flew overhead, sparking speculation that the Duke of Cambridge was being rushed back to London to be at the bedside of his heavily pregnant wife.

It flew low and circled the castle for several minutes, according to other witnesses who thought it had been planned as a wedding surprise. But a St James’s Palace spokesman denied that the Prince had arranged it.

William, who shared best-man duties at the wedding, attended the occasion without Kate who at the last minute decided not to attend in case she went into early labour. 

Here, NATALIE CLARKE examines the William and Harry Ex-files...

 SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO 

Fancy seeing you here! Prince Harry having fun at the wedding and Prince William greets his six-pack of exes Fancy seeing you here! Prince Harry having fun at the wedding (left) and Prince William greets his six-pack of exes (right)

Kiss for the bride: Lady Melissa Percy and Thomas van Straubenzee kiss following their wedding at St Michael's Parish Church Kiss for the bride: Lady Melissa Percy and Thomas van Straubenzee kiss following their wedding at St Michael's Parish Church

Astrid Harbord, 31
Not considered princess material, party-loving Astrid and her sister Davina have been dubbed ‘the hardcore sisters’. In 2009, Astrid and Harry were seen in a car entering Clarence House by a rear gate at 1.30am. 

Family is descended from landowner Harbord Harbord, who was made Baron Suffield by Prime Minister William Pitt in 1786. Last year, her father, Charles, committed suicide after being forced to sell the family home.

Astrid, who runs her own PR company, attended the wedding with Davina. 

Hard to miss in red and pink teamed with  Lulu Guinness clutch, ?295, and Jimmy Choo wedges, ?325.

Astrid Harbord was not considered princess material due to her party-loving ways Astrid Harbord was not considered princess material due to her party-loving ways

After six years with Prince Harry Chelsy Davy decided that the royal life was not for her After six years with Prince Harry Chelsy Davy decided that the royal life was not for her

Last week Cressdia Bonas was spotted flirting with a different Harry at a party in London Last week Cressdia Bonas was spotted flirting with a different Harry at a party in London

Chelsy Davy, 27
Her six years with Harry were turbulent and ultimately painful when they split in 2010 after she decided: ‘It’s not a life for me.’

She is the daughter of multi-millionaire Charles, who ran a game reserve in Zimbabwe, and Beverley, a former Miss Coca-Cola Rhodesia. Chelsy is single after splitting from boyfriend Matthew Mills and is working as a trainee solicitor  at respected London law firm Allen  & Overy. 

Maid of honour Chelsy wore an ?8,000, figure-hugging Bruce Oldfield dress, with champagne silk shoes.

Cressida Bonas, 23
Began dating Prince Harry last year and was seen in a clinch with him on the ski slopes in February. But last week fun-loving Cressida was seen ‘flirting’ at a party in London with another Harry — Harry Wentworth-Stanley, an old flame from Leeds University. 

Aspiring actress Cressy’s half-sister Isabella has just married Sam Branson. 

Her mother is renowned Sixties It-Girl Lady Mary-Gaye Curzon.

Cressida dresses up her Heidi Klein boho maxi dress, ?430, with a vintage blue sequin jacket and glitter heels recycled from the
pre-Wimbledon dinner. 

Jecca Craig, 31
In 2003, it was reported that a besotted William had a fling with Jecca during a visit to her family’s wildlife reserve in Kenya. It was even rumoured that they carried out a pretend engagement.

Jecca’s family are part of Kenya’s so-called Happy Valley set — white Kenyan aristocracy. Last year, it was reported she had got back with on-off boyfriend, venture capitalist Hugh Crossley. She now works as a London literary agent.

She wore a  Reiss Nerissa dress, ?189, M&S heels, ?49, and added a little glamour with an Alex Monroe bumblebee necklace, ?150.

Davina Duckworth-Chad, 34
Once accompanied William on a cruise of the Aegean Sea in 1999 with Prince Charles and Camilla. Rumoured that having his father on board gave Wills a perfect ‘cover’ for inviting lots of pretty girls on his ‘love boat’.

Davina comes from old money, being the daughter of Norfolk landowner Old Etonian Anthony Duckworth-Chad. Her brother, James, was equerry to the Queen. She married baronet’s son Tom Barber in 2004 and has twin daughters.

Her black Marzi hat, ?209, is quite funereal, but Davina adds a pop of colour in a coral Reiss ruffle-hem dress, ?179.

Jecca Craig is rumoured to have carried out a pretend engagement with Prince William Jecca Craig is rumoured to have carried out a pretend engagement with Prince William

Davina Duckworth-Chad comes from old money and once accompanied William to the Aegean Sea Davina Duckworth-Chad comes from old money and once accompanied William to the Aegean Sea

Natalie Hicks Lobbecke is too serious and clever to have been a princess Natalie Hicks Lobbecke is too serious and clever to have been a princess

Natalie Hicks-Lobbecke, 33
An Army officer’s daughter from Warminster, Wiltshire, she used to flirt with William at the Beaufort Polo Club.

Too serious and clever to have been a princess, the Bristol University graduate has worked as a security consultant in Iraq for a London-based company.

She is married to property entrepreneur Ed Milbank (son of baronet Sir Anthony Milbank), with whom she has a son, Harry.

Showing off her legs in a silk taffeta bespoke skirt and jacket, Natalie accessorises with a Sylvia Fletcher for Lock and Co hat, ?865.

Rosie van Cutsem, 29
William reportedly dated Rosie briefly after he split from Kate Middleton in 2007.

Aristocratic with a hint of the bohemian, she is a passionate equestrienne and a headhunter in the City. Last month, Rosie (nee Ruck Keene) married William van Cutsem, with Wills and Kate among the guests.

With hints of the Great Gatsby, on Saturday she went for a jewelled floral hair slide and mint green flapper-style dress.

Rosie Van Cutsem and Will dated briefly when he split from Kate Middleton Rosie Van Cutsem and Will dated briefly when he split from Kate Middleton

Olivia Hunt had a flirtation with the Prince while she was at university in Edinburgh Olivia Hunt had a flirtation with the Prince while she was at university in Edinburgh

Rose Farquhar was William's first love when they met at Beaufort Polo Club Rose Farquhar was William's first love when they met at Beaufort Polo Club

Olivia Hunt, 31
She had a flirtation with Wills when she was at Edinburgh University.

An aspiring literary agent, she and William have many posh mutual friends, such as the van Cutsems. And her best friend Mary Douglas-Home’s father is close to the Queen.

Here Olivia is wearing the same style of Whiteley hat, ?119, that Kate is so keen on.

Rose Farquhar, 29
Ravishing Rose was William’s ‘first love’, when they met at Gloucestershire’s Beaufort Polo Club. Youngest daughter of Captain Ian Farquhar, master of the Beaufort Hunt.

Rose attended theatre school in New York and is now a singer. Friends say she has a serious new boyfriend, but is keeping it secret.

Her Peony print maxi dress, ?575, from Beulah London must have seen a party or two as we spotted a gaping hole!

Bride and breezy: A gust of wind blows Lady Melissa Percy's veil into the air as Chelsy Davy (seen left) and her fellow bridesmaid attempt to keep the bride's gown under control Bride and breezy: A gust of wind blows Lady Melissa Percy's veil into the air as Chelsy Davy (seen left) and her fellow bridesmaid attempt to keep the bride's gown under control

Big day: Bride Lady Melissa is accompanied by her father the Duke of Northumberland and two bridesmaids - including Prince Harry's ex Chelsy Davy (right) - as she makes her way into St Mary's Church in Alnwick Big day: Bride Lady Melissa is accompanied by her father the Duke of Northumberland and two bridesmaids - including Prince Harry's ex Chelsy Davy (right) - as she makes her way into St Mary's Church in Alnwick

Bridesmaid Chelsy Davy looked delighted as she walked into the church - despite having to face her ex-boyfriend Prince Harry and his new girlfriend, Cressida Bonas Bridesmaid Chelsy Davy looked delighted as she walked into the church - despite having to face her ex-boyfriend Prince Harry and his new girlfriend, Cressida Bonas

Don't upstage the bride! The high society wedding was eagerly watched by many Alnwick residents, who turned out in their droves to watch the lavish ceremony Don't upstage the bride! The high society wedding was eagerly watched by many Alnwick residents, who turned out in their droves to watch the lavish ceremony Don't upstage the bride! The high society wedding was eagerly watched by many Alnwick residents, who turned out in their droves to watch the lavish ceremony

Just get me to the church on time! Lady Melissa Percy makes her way to the church with her father Ralph Percy, the 12th Duke of Northumberland Just get me to the church on time! Lady Melissa Percy makes her way to the church with her father Ralph Percy, the 12th Duke of Northumberland

he bride looked ecstatic as she arrived at the church gates and gave enthusiastic hugs to those waiting Beaming: The bride looked ecstatic as she arrived at the church gates and gave enthusiastic hugs to those waiting

Rain can't dampen their spirits! The bride's mother said that the miserable weather had not troubled the couple, who were too excited about their wedding to care about the weather Rain can't dampen their spirits! The bride's mother said that the miserable weather had not troubled the couple, who were too excited about their wedding to care

Prince Harry braves the rain Prince Harry braves the rain, while his girlfriend Cressida Bonas seemed in a sunny mood, laughing out loud after the service Prince Harry braves the rain, while his girlfriend Cressida Bonas seemed in a sunny mood, laughing out loud after the service

Who has he spotted? Prince Harry was pictured with raised eyebrows - but who or what had prompted his reaction is unknown Cressida Bonas Who has he spotted? Prince Harry, who was among ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davy and current love Cressida Bonas, was pictured with raised eyebrows - but who or what had prompted his reaction is unknown

Prince William and his brother's ex-girlfriend, graduate Chelsy Davy, gathered together to applaud the newly weds Royal approval: Prince William and his brother's ex-girlfriend, graduate Chelsy Davy, gathered together to applaud the newly weds

Prince William is seen arriving for the wedding of Lady Melissa Percy and his friend Thomas van Straubenzee Looking dapper: Prince Harry and Prince William are seen arriving for the wedding of Lady Melissa Percy and Thomas van Straubenzee Looking dapper: Prince Harry and Prince William are seen arriving for the wedding of Lady Melissa Percy and Thomas van Straubenzee

Pippa's heavily pregnant sister the Duchess of Cambridge was unable to attend Sophisticated: Pippa wears a white and black patterned peplum dress, with a black fascinator and black patent leather heels Pippa's heavily pregnant sister the Duchess of Cambridge was unable to attend - but the younger Middleton still managed to turn heads with a monochrome outfit and hat

Finery: Prince Harry's girlfriend Cressida Bonas, left, wearing a blue and white maxi dress and a sequinned blue jacket, walked into the church with Princess Eugenie, who chose a green dress and co-ordinating jacket Finery: Prince Harry's girlfriend Cressida Bonas, left, wearing a blue and white maxi dress and a sequinned blue jacket, walked into the church with Princess Eugenie, right, who chose a green dress and co-ordinating jacket

Princess Eugenie of York (centre) and Princess Beatrice of York (right) arrive alongside Cressida Bonas, the girlfriend of Prince Harry, for the high society wedding Princess Eugenie of York (centre) and Princess Beatrice of York (right) arrive alongside Cressida Bonas, the girlfriend of Prince Harry, for the high society wedding

Dapper: The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry could be seen among the party of dapper gents behind groom Thomas van Straubenzee (left) as he arrived for his wedding today Support: The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry could be seen among the party of dapper gents behind groom Thomas van Straubenzee (left) as he arrived

Dressed in their finest: Pippa Middleton, centre, leaves after attending the wedding, accompanied by other glamourous-looking guests Dressed in their finest: Pippa Middleton, centre, leaves after attending the wedding, accompanied by other glamorous-looking guests

Father-to-be Prince William Father-to-be Prince William seemed in high spirits as he waved to the crowds Father-to-be Prince William seemed in high spirits as he waved to the crowds and beamed at other guests, while his pregnant wife stayed at home

Holly Branson was spring like in a grey and coral combination Tara Palmer Tompkinson was all smiles as she arrived for today's ceremony Guests: Holly Branson was spring like in a dove-grey and coral combination, while a cheery Tara Palmer Tomkinson chose a striped outfit to attend the big day

Venue: The couple will marry at St Mary's Church in Alnwick ahead of a lavish reception at the bride's sprawling ancestral home - which has doubled for Hogwarts School in the Harry Potter movies Venue: The couple married at St Mary's Church in Alnwick ahead of a lavish reception at the bride's sprawling ancestral home - which has doubled for Hogwarts School in the Harry Potter movies


View the original article here

Monday, 24 June 2013

Tennis fans Pippa and James Middleton take their seats in the royal box for the first day of action at Wimbledon

Pippa and brother James watched Roger Federer in his opening matchPippa wore sky blue Sandro dress previously worn by Kelly BrookShe also donned dress seen on Kelly to recent wedding
Prince and Princess Michael of Kent also in royal box at Wimbledon

By Lucy Waterlow

PUBLISHED: 13:07 GMT, 24 June 2013 | UPDATED: 15:16 GMT, 24 June 2013

It appears Pippa Middleton has a new style icon in the form of Kelly Brook. The magazine columnist looked smart in a sky blue Sandro dress embellished with beads with a matching jacket as she arrived in the royal box at Wimbledon today.

The ?299 dress was previously seen on curvaceous model Kelly in March. It's not the first time Pippa has copied Kelly's look. Last week to a society wedding she wore a Tabitha Webb peplum number that Kelly, 33, wore in May to appear on Celebrity Juice.

At Wimbledon today Pippa was joined by her brother James who wore a grey suit and tie with a tennis club pin on his jacket.

Double match point: Pippa wore a Sandro dress previously seen on Kelly Brook in March, right, to Wimbledon today Double match point: Pippa wore a Sandro dress previously seen on Kelly Brook in March, right, to Wimbledon today Double match point: Pippa wore a Sandro dress previously seen on Kelly Brook in March, right, to Wimbledon

Best seats in town: Pippa and James Middleton in the royal box on the opening day of play at Wimbledon Best seats in town: Pippa and James Middleton in the royal box on the opening day of play at Wimbledon

Coveted view: The pair are shown to their seats but they weren't always so lucky, once when she was younger Pippa queued for hours for tickets Coveted view: The pair are shown to their seats but they weren't always so lucky, once when she was younger Pippa queued for hours for tickets

The pair arrived in time to see defending champion Roger Federer take on Victor Hanescu on the first day of the tournament.

The siblings were shown to their seats and chatted with the other spectators around them before settling down to enjoy the tennis.

The Middletons are life-longs fans of the game and Kate joined her sister to watch last year's final. It is not yet known if the heavily pregnant Duchess will make an appearance at this year's championship.

Pippa is a keen tennis player herself having attended Malborough College on a sports scholarship and last year won a place in the women’s first team at the exclusive Queen’s Club in West London.

The 29-year-old wrote about her love of the game in her recent Vanity Fair column where she explained the British traditions around the tournament including the penchant for strawberries and cream with a glass of Pimms.

Packed the essentials: Pippa carried a large beige clutch bag Packed the essentials: Pippa carried a large beige Lamb 1887 clutch bag

Real royals in the box: Pippa chatted to Princess Michael of Kent who was seated in font of her Real royals in the box: Pippa chatted to Princess Michael of Kent who was seated in font of her Real royals in the box: Pippa chatted to Princess Michael of Kent who was seated in font of her

Tennis fans: Pippa once dreamed of playing in the final Tennis fans: Pippa once dreamed of playing in the final

True to her word: Pippa advised in her Vanity Fair column against wearing heels and instead wore wedges True to her word: Pippa advised in her Vanity Fair column against wearing heels and instead wore wedges

She provided her top tips on spectating including urging women to abandon high heeled shoes and not make plans in the evening in case a match runs on.

'There’s nothing worse than having to leave Rafael Nadal’s athleticism for a routine pizza with friends,' she wrote.

She took her own advice by not wearing stilettos today hut still gained some height of donning wedge sandals.

She revealed in her column how she dreamed of winning the tournament as a little girl and wrote her wish to do so on a postcard.

And for those who may resent her presence in the royal box, she admitted she wasn't always so lucky to be able to get the best seats in the ground. When she was younger she said she and the Duchess of Cambridge once queued for hours to try and get tickets on People's Sunday.

Pippa arrived at the wedding of Lady Melissa Percy and Thomas van Straubenzee in Northumberland wearing an indentical dress as seen on Kelly Brook in May 2013 Pippa arrived at the wedding of Lady Melissa Percy and Thomas van Straubenzee in Northumberland wearing an indentical dress as seen on Kelly Brook in May 2013 Pippa arrived at the wedding of Lady Melissa Percy and Thomas van Straubenzee in Northumberland last week wearing an identical dress as seen on Kelly Brook in May


Golden company: The Middletons sat next to Olympian Denise Lewis Golden company: The Middletons sat next to Olympian Denise Lewis

All smiles: The pair chatted happily between gaps in the action All smiles: The pair chatted happily between gaps in the action

Involved: Pippa pulls a face after watching one of the shots Involved: Pippa pulls a face after watching one of the shots

Day out: Pippa and James have a chat, left, while the columnist later pulled on her shades as the sun came out Day out: Pippa and James have a chat, left, while the columnist later pulled on her shades as the sun came out Day out: Pippa and James have a chat, left, while the columnist later pulled on her shades as the sun shone

She said in Vanity Fair: 'One of my favourite Wimbledon experiences was queuing from 5am on People's Sunday in 2004 with my sister for three hours and getting ?35 tickets on Centre Court - my first time ever.'

Pippa, who is currently dating stockbroker Nico Jackson, 35, said when she was little she imagined if she ever married it would be in tennis whites.

But she forgoed the colour today to wear a blue ensemble as she smiled and clapped as the game progressed with Federer winning in three straight sets.

Also in the royal box today were former US secretary of state, Dr Condoleezza Rice, Olympian Denise Lewis and actual royals - the Queen's cousin Prince Michael of Kent and his wife.

Queen's cousin: Prince Michael of Kent joined his wife in the royal box Queen's cousin: Prince Michael of Kent joined his wife in the royal box

Also in the royal box: Dr Condoleezza Rice, left, and Denise Lewis Also in the royal box: Dr Condoleezza Rice, left, and Denise Lewis Also in the royal box: Dr Condoleezza Rice, left, and Denise Lewis

Winning look: Mirka Federer wore a smart scarf and pink blouse as she watched her husband take his first victory in this year's tournament Winning look: Mirka Federer wore a smart scarf and pink blouse as she watched her husband take his first victory in this year's tournament Winning look: Mirka Federer wore a smart scarf and pink blouse as she watched her husband take his first victory in this year's tournament

Step closer to the final: Roger Federer won against Romania's Victor Hanescu in straight sets Step closer to the final: Roger Federer won against Romania's Victor Hanescu in straight sets

Pippa was seen sharing a joke with the royal couple as she took her seat behind them.

Andy Murray's mother, Judy, was also in place ready to cheer her son on as he will take to the court later this evening to open his campaign in the grand slam.

The British number one has promised to 'give everything' in his quest for the Wimbledon title this afternoon when he faces Germany's Benjamin Becker.

Murray took to Twitter ahead of his opener to express gratitude to his fans for their backing and encouragement.

'I’ll give everything I have on the court starting with round one', he wrote.

The Scot hopes he can make Wimbledon history this year and become the first British man to take the Wimbledon trophy since Fred Perry in 1936.

Pippa wears Sandro jacket, ?251 Pippa wears Sandro jacket, ?251 Pippa wears Sandro jacket, ?251, right

Her matching Sandro dress is currently ?183 down from ?229 at Selfridges Her matching Sandro dress is currently ?183 down from ?229 at Selfridges

Pippa carries Lamb 1887 capri clutch, ?99 Pippa carries Lamb 1887 capri clutch, ?99 Pippa carries Lamb 1887 capri clutch, ?99


View the original article here