Earl and Countess of Wessex and Family Current Events 9: March 2015-November 2018


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Sophie looks like a surgeon about to operate, but she seems to be in good spirits about it!
 
I love, love, love the dress from yesterday. It's so beautiful.

I am also a big fan of today's sartorial choice as well. It's brave and I feel Sophie pulls it off well.
 
@BritishMonarchy: The Earl of Wessex at today's service marking the 75th Anniversary of #BattleofBritain @StPaulsLondon #BoB75 http://t.co/7DKoJL6EGD
 
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The Earl of Wessex was in Nottingham on September 25 to visit the Theatre Royal on the occasion of its 150th anniversary.



** nottinghampost.com: Prince Edward cuts cake replica of Theatre Royal..**


** westbridgfordwire.com: In Pictures: Prince Edward HRH The Earl of Wessex at Theatre Royal...**
That cake! Wow! So pretty! And that's a small job for her! Seriously! Like to see what her big jobs are! Blown away by her talent! So not one of mine!
I see Edward's point- but I loved hers- that the best part for her is people enjoying her creations! And I bet that cake was really yummy!
 
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Yesterday, October 2nd, the Earl and Countess of Wessex attended the Autumn Racing & CAMRA Beer Festival meet at Ascot Racecourse.




** gettyimages gallery **
 
The video of Edward cutting the cake is amusing and that is a MIGHTY cake!

Lovely to see them both at Ascot. :D
 
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Yesterday, October 2nd, the Earl and Countess of Wessex attended the Autumn Racing & CAMRA Beer Festival meet at Ascot Racecourse.




** gettyimages gallery **

Thanks for posting those - Sophie looks really lovely (I love her suit), and I always love to see pictures of her at Ascot because she always gets quite into it. Her reactions can be priceless.
 
Express promises news from the Countess tomorrow on her daughter's eyesight struggles.
 

Nice interview. I'm glad to hear her talk a little about Louise's eye problems, if only because it helps set the record straight on some things (e.g. it's interesting to hear her point out that Louise never had exotropia, because that's what the papers always said it was. Yet further proof that just because a piece of information gets repeated over and over again, it doesn't mean it's true!). And it's really great to hear that Louise's eyesight is perfect now.

I know Sophie has declined to discuss Louise's eye problem in the past, but I think it's often helpful for people to discuss their personal reasons for supporting a particular cause.
 
Nice interview. I'm glad to hear her talk a little about Louise's eye problems, if only because it helps set the record straight on some things (e.g. it's interesting to hear her point out that Louise never had exotropia, because that's what the papers always said it was. Yet further proof that just because a piece of information gets repeated over and over again, it doesn't mean it's true!). And it's really great to hear that Louise's eyesight is perfect now.

I know Sophie has declined to discuss Louise's eye problem in the past, but I think it's often helpful for people to discuss their personal reasons for supporting a particular cause.
My daughter has exotropia and her appearance was exactly like Louise's (my daughter had surgery at four, but the drifting reappeared in her teens - not an uncommon occurrence btw) so it wasn't that far a stretch for people to assume she did. However, I'm a little disappointed that Sophie used the term "squint" as in the US that would be considered a derogatory term and makes no medical sense at all. I would have like to have her use the exact diagnosis as that would enable people to be a little more educated on the various kinds of complications of prematurity. Oh well.
 
My daughter has exotropia and her appearance was exactly like Louise's (my daughter had surgery at four, but the drifting reappeared in her teens - not an uncommon occurrence btw) so it wasn't that far a stretch for people to assume she did. However, I'm a little disappointed that Sophie used the term "squint" as in the US that would be considered a derogatory term and makes no medical sense at all. I would have like to have her use the exact diagnosis as that would enable people to be a little more educated on the various kinds of complications of prematurity. Oh well.

Oh, I'm not surprised that the assumption was that she had exotropia, but more that it seemed to be reported as fact for so long - that's just bad journalism. I realize, though, that Edward and Sophie have obviously been quite private about Louise's eye condition, and continue to be. I, too, found it a bit odd that Sophie used the term "squint," largely because it means something quite different to me (e.g. to me, squinting is what one does if the sun is too bright). However, there are obviously general differences in vocabulary in the US and the UK, and I find these differences to be most pronounced when it comes to anything medical. As for specificity with regard to the exact diagnosis, it does mention strabismus, but I realize that's a very broad condition - is there usually a more specific diagnosis? I am glad that Sophie did at least mention that the issue was connected to prematurity, because I know I've heard some people doubt if that had anything to do with Louise's eye condition (I had always assumed it did. I'm no medical expert by any means, but was aware that eye problems were common in premature babies). Overall, it seems as if Sophie still wants to keep the specifics private (fair enough - as it's do to with Louise's health, not her own). I'm frankly surprised it took her so long to discuss it at all, because Sophie has been involved with charities related to vision problems since before Louise was even born, and it seems to be one of the causes she's most passionate about. Even just mentioning a personal connection can, I think, help draw attention to such things.
 
My daughter has exotropia and her appearance was exactly like Louise's (my daughter had surgery at four, but the drifting reappeared in her teens - not an uncommon occurrence btw) so it wasn't that far a stretch for people to assume she did. However, I'm a little disappointed that Sophie used the term "squint" as in the US that would be considered a derogatory term and makes no medical sense at all. I would have like to have her use the exact diagnosis as that would enable people to be a little more educated on the various kinds of complications of prematurity. Oh well.

I think it is unfair to criticise Sophie for using a term that is derogatory in the US. I've already read on this forum someone being criticised by people for not liking a term that is American

Can we just accept that terminology has different meanings across the globe and just give the speaker a pass? It is the context in which the term is used that matters and Sophie was obviously talking about something she cares for a lot.
 
I think it is unfair to criticise Sophie for using a term that is derogatory in the US. I've already read on this forum someone being criticised by people for not liking a term that is American

Can we just accept that terminology has different meanings across the globe and just give the speaker a pass? It is the context in which the term is used that matters and Sophie was obviously talking about something she cares for a lot.

Yeah. I can understand being a little taken aback if someone uses a medical term that I've only known to be derogatory (though I've never heard "squint" used in that way,) but Sophie is British and was speaking to a British newspaper. I certainly doubt she would be using that term if were derogatory in the UK - aside from the fact that I don't think Sophie would use an insulting term generally, she certainly isn't going to do so if it's an issue that she's very passionate about that that affects her own daughter. Unfortunately, medical terms (whether formal or informal) can just be tricky and I find that to be the most confusing part of US English vs UK English, even having lived in both countries.
 
I think it is unfair to criticise Sophie for using a term that is derogatory in the US. I've already read on this forum someone being criticised by people for not liking a term that is American



Can we just accept that terminology has different meanings across the globe and just give the speaker a pass? It is the context in which the term is used that matters and Sophie was obviously talking about something she cares for a lot.


To my knowledge, it isn't. I'm Legally Blind and have a squint at times when the conditions are such that it happens. We were told it might happen by my Eye Specialist, and that's what he called it, because that's what it is and does take place when it happens.

However, most people end up squinting at some point in their lives due to the light or...Whatever!!! No big deal unless you want it to be.

I really found Sophie's interview and talking about their experiences w/Louise's eye issues very enlightening. You only have to go back to those overhead shots of Kate's Bridal Procession to see Louise was noticeably weaving as she walked. That hinted to me Louise has Depth Perception problems, which is why it does not shock me to see her in flat soled shoes or ones w/a very slight heel. I know all too well trying to cope w/DP is tough enough, but when I'm in one of my Dress Shoes that have Wedge Heels & not very high ones at that, it can make things far more tricky.

Better Louise be in shoes that she not only likes and is comfortable in, than ones that while fashionable, end up making things even more trickier than needs be. Or worse, such as taking a bad step and thanks to your fashionable shoes not having any support to them, turning your ankle or breaking it.

Which does happen far too often for those of us w/severe vision problems. My Foot/Ankle Orthopedic Surgeon once told me about half of his calls to the ER are People w/Vision Issues who misjudged a curb or step and broke their ankle. I'm only one bad step from my left ankle breaking due to how many severe sprains it's had, the ligaments and tendons are shot.

I'm sure Louise is dealing w/the same issues, which is why I never say anything about her footwear. So what if she's wearing Mary Janes for formal Family Events? If she feels more confident in her walking in the Public Eye when wearing her Mary Janes, such as the Annual walk for Christmas Day Church Service, then more power to Louise and the building of her confidence.

Which far more important than wearing the latest thing in Fashion IMO.




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To my knowledge, it isn't. I'm Legally Blind and have a squint at times when the conditions are such that it happens. We were told it might happen by my Eye Specialist, and that's what he called it, because that's what it is and does take place when it happens.

However, most people end up squinting at some point in their lives due to the light or...Whatever!!! No big deal unless you want it to be.

I really found Sophie's interview and talking about their experiences w/Louise's eye issues very enlightening. You only have to go back to those overhead shots of Kate's Bridal Procession to see Louise was noticeably weaving as she walked. That hinted to me Louise has Depth Perception problems, which is why it does not shock me to see her in flat soled shoes or ones w/a very slight heel. I know all too well trying to cope w/DP is tough enough, but when I'm in one of my Dress Shoes that have Wedge Heels & not very high ones at that, it can make things far more tricky.

Better Louise be in shoes that she not only likes and is comfortable in, than ones that while fashionable, end up making things even more trickier than needs be. Or worse, such as taking a bad step and thanks to your fashionable shoes not having any support to them, turning your ankle or breaking it.

Which does happen far too often for those of us w/severe vision problems. My Foot/Ankle Orthopedic Surgeon once told me about half of his calls to the ER are People w/Vision Issues who misjudged a curb or step and broke their ankle. I'm only one bad step from my left ankle breaking due to how many severe sprains it's had, the ligaments and tendons are shot.

I'm sure Louise is dealing w/the same issues, which is why I never say anything about her footwear. So what if she's wearing Mary Janes for formal Family Events? If she feels more confident in her walking in the Public Eye when wearing her Mary Janes, such as the Annual walk for Christmas Day Church Service, then more power to Louise and the building of her confidence.

Which far more important than wearing the latest thing in Fashion IMO.




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While I didn't notice Louise weaving while walking up the aisle as Kate's bridesmaid (though a few people have mentioned it, so I probably need to go back and check the footage ... again. And maybe get my contact lens prescription checked), I have noticed that she typically tends to wear flat and sturdy shoes, and I did wonder if maybe that was related to her vision. Because some of the Mary Janes that Louise wears look more practical than cutesy. As someone who also has balance issues (though unrelated to my vision ... or at least I thought so. As I was researching strabismus earlier today, I discovered that there's actually a name/condition for a problem that I have with my eyes. My doctors never mentioned anything about that, but I assume that's because my eye issue is quite mild. Still, Sophie's interview is even helping me to identify some of my own problems!), I do understand the importance of practical footwear. Being able to safely walk somewhere is a pretty fundamental thing! Sophie did say that Louise's vision was perfect now, though, so I'm not sure if she'd still have the same balance issues.

I must say I've been very confused by the "squint" thing, though I think I'm beginning to understand it. They just call it that because people who have strabismus or whatever tend to squint? Because I don't have strabismus, but I squint quite a lot simply due to the fact that my eyes are very sensitive to light. I'd never heard the term squint used in any other kind of context; it would never occur to me to hear "squint" and think of strabismus. Anyway, I'm glad Sophie discussed it and that it's being discussed, because I always had a bit of confusion regarding Louise's eye issues, and now I'm learning more about all kinds of things, including conditions that I have!
 
My daughter has exotropia and her appearance was exactly like Louise's (my daughter had surgery at four, but the drifting reappeared in her teens - not an uncommon occurrence btw) so it wasn't that far a stretch for people to assume she did. However, I'm a little disappointed that Sophie used the term "squint" as in the US that would be considered a derogatory term and makes no medical sense at all. I would have like to have her use the exact diagnosis as that would enable people to be a little more educated on the various kinds of complications of prematurity. Oh well.
A squint is a medical term for when the eyes are not properly aligned. In what way is squint a derogatory term. One squints when looking into the sun as it also means to slightly close ones eyes to see better.
 
However, I'm a little disappointed that Sophie used the term "squint" as in the US that would be considered a derogatory term and makes no medical sense at all. I would have like to have her use the exact diagnosis as that would enable people to be a little more educated on the various kinds of complications of prematurity. Oh well.

Oh well, in UK medical term is 'squint' or 'strabismus'. Sophie is British, lives in UK, and used the word she knows as a medical term. Plus not every one is familiar with strabismus wording.
Squint - NHS Choices
To clarify, squinting is different (it's when too much light comes to your eyes and you have to squint them), medical 'squint' is a condition where the eyes point in different directions.

We live in the internet era, instead of criticizing, do a little search, or read my article, I always explain things at my blog:
HRH The Countess of Wessex: The Countess talks to Camilla Tominey about how her daughter's battle inspired her own battle for blind and visually impaired people around the world

It's great that she has opened up, for such fabulous cause, and that she put the record straight.:flowers:[/QUOTE]
Btw I live in Poland, English is my second language, plus English and American English is different, but there are dictionaries available with just one click.
 
Earl and Countess of Wessex and Family Current Events 9: March 2015

To my knowledge, it isn't. I'm Legally Blind and have a squint at times when the conditions are such that it happens. We were told it might happen by my Eye Specialist, and that's what he called it, because that's what it is and does take place when it happens.

However, most people end up squinting at some point in their lives due to the light or...Whatever!!! No big deal unless you want it to be.

I really found Sophie's interview and talking about their experiences w/Louise's eye issues very enlightening. You only have to go back to those overhead shots of Kate's Bridal Procession to see Louise was noticeably weaving as she walked. That hinted to me Louise has Depth Perception problems, which is why it does not shock me to see her in flat soled shoes or ones w/a very slight heel. I know all too well trying to cope w/DP is tough enough, but when I'm in one of my Dress Shoes that have Wedge Heels & not very high ones at that, it can make things far more tricky.

Better Louise be in shoes that she not only likes and is comfortable in, than ones that while fashionable, end up making things even more trickier than needs be. Or worse, such as taking a bad step and thanks to your fashionable shoes not having any support to them, turning your ankle or breaking it.

Which does happen far too often for those of us w/severe vision problems. My Foot/Ankle Orthopedic Surgeon once told me about half of his calls to the ER are People w/Vision Issues who misjudged a curb or step and broke their ankle. I'm only one bad step from my left ankle breaking due to how many severe sprains it's had, the ligaments and tendons are shot.

I'm sure Louise is dealing w/the same issues, which is why I never say anything about her footwear. So what if she's wearing Mary Janes for formal Family Events? If she feels more confident in her walking in the Public Eye when wearing her Mary Janes, such as the Annual walk for Christmas Day Church Service, then more power to Louise and the building of her confidence.

Which far more important than wearing the latest thing in Fashion IMO.




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I have similar issues too, and even though I use a white cane, I still manage to trip, and miss steps while going up, and down stairs, or curbs. Like you, I don't criticize Louise's footwear, because my own choices tend to be in the flat, and sturdy side. Having practical shoes allows me to feel more confident while walking, so I don't worry about losing balance not just because of my eye condition, but the high heels/platforms. I have a squint as well, and it's not a big deal. Also, Sophie may have used that term in the interview because people that are not familiar with eye conditions would be able to understand what she was talking about. 'Squint' may be a medical term, but it's more common in daily speech than 'stabismus'. I use 'squint' when talking about my students' functional vision, and no one has yet told me that the term is offensive.



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I squint as well, and it's not a big deal.
You used this term as verb, which means something different as opposite to 'have a squint'. That's perhaps what confuses people???

Louise HAS a squint, medical condition where the eyes point in different directions.
http://www.naqaishsurgery.com/images/squint.jpg [image showing medical condtition, eyes can point in different directions, not just as in the pic I have chosen]
Another one: http://www.jyotirmay.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Squint-12A-1024x768.jpg

While 'squinting' means to look with the eyes partly closed, as in bright sunlight.
It's a verb and none medical condition, everyone squints in bright light.

Please check my blog post which I posted above :previous::previous::previous:

PS there can be also so called "frequent squinting" -this is medical condition, when eyes blink almost all the time. This may be due to some problems with nerves system, but it's not what Louise has.
 
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You used this term as verb, which means something different as opposite to 'have a squint'. That's perhaps what confuses people???

Louise HAS a squint, medical condition where the eyes point in different directions.
http://www.naqaishsurgery.com/images/squint.jpg [image showing medical condtition, eyes can point in different directions, not just as in the pic I have chosen]
Another one: http://www.jyotirmay.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Squint-12A-1024x768.jpg

While 'squinting' means to look with the eyes partly closed, as in bright sunlight.
It's a verb and none medical condition, everyone squints in bright light.

Please check my blog post which I posted above :previous::previous::previous:

I corrected what I said. Thank you for pointing that out. Yes, I think people do confuse the squint as in eyes pointing in different directions, and squinting as in closing the eye partially in the bright light. Heck, I went to grad school, and have a teaching license to teach kids with visual impairments, and I get these things confused. Again, thank you for pointing this out.



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You used this term as verb, which means something different as opposite to 'have a squint'. That's perhaps what confuses people???

Louise HAS a squint, medical condition where the eyes point in different directions.
http://www.naqaishsurgery.com/images/squint.jpg [image showing medical condtition, eyes can point in different directions, not just as in the pic I have chosen]
Another one: http://www.jyotirmay.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Squint-12A-1024x768.jpg

While 'squinting' means to look with the eyes partly closed, as in bright sunlight.
It's a verb and none medical condition, everyone squints in bright light.

Please check my blog post which I posted above :previous::previous::previous:

PS there can be also so called "frequent squinting" -this is medical condition, when eyes blink almost all the time. This may be due to some problems with nerves system, but it's not what Louise has.

Thank you for clarifying this! Though I've heard it used in reference to Louise's condition for a long time now, I really didn't understand that that was the name of the condition itself (since I'd never heard the term used otherwise, though I do know people who have the condition. Perhaps the term just isn't used very often in the US in that context). I've only ever heard "squint" used as a verb.
 
Those are really beautiful pics. So natural, that they almost are breataking!
 
Oh my God... OK. HRH has confirmed that my tear ducts still work... Very well... The charities name sounds very familiar . I think it's because RH was patron and used to visit back in the day. Don't quote me on that though!
 
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