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#1
11-06-2003, 04:10 PM
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www.thesun.co.uk
EVERY girl dreams of marrying a prince – and now the goal is within reach. Traditionally, only girls born into royalty or the nobility had any chance. But now princes are turning to “commoners” to find the perfect princess. This week the future King of Spain, Crown Prince Felipe, announced he will marry divorced TV newsreader Letizia Ortiz. He is not the first Royal to look beyond the blue-blooded birds for a bride. The marriage of the heir to the Dutch throne, Crown Prince Willem Alexander, to Argentinian lass Maxima Zorreguieta last year was hugely popular. His younger brother, Prince Johan Friso, recently gave up his right of succession in order to marry human rights activist Mabel Wisse Smit. And Danish Crown Prince Frederik has announced his engagement to Australian estate agent Mary Elizabeth Donaldson. Norwegians are used to their royals marrying commoners – the current Queen Sonja is one – but Crown Prince Haakon’s wife Mette-Marit is more common than most. She was a single mum and a regular on Norway’s drug-fuelled rave scene before settling down with her prince. Further back, American-born Queen Noor caught King Hussein’s eye during a visit to Jordan. And of course our own Duke of Windsor gave up his throne to marry American divorcée Wallis Simpson. So how do you go about bagging a prince? Here is Sun Woman deputy editor SINEAD DESMOND’s guide, with tips from etiquette expert Jean Broke-Smith. Then, when you have brushed up on your manners and donned your tiara, check out our line-up of royal bachelors to see who is still available. 
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#2
11-06-2003, 04:11 PM
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What to wear
YOUR clothes should be fashionable but classical. A knee-length skirt or suit is fine for most occasions. Jean, pictured with model Sinead, says it is important that your handbag and shoes match. Limit jewellery to a simple necklace and earrings. Princes expect a degree of polish and refinement so they go for girls who take care with their appearance.
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#3
11-06-2003, 04:12 PM
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Hair & make-up
GO for a sleek and sophisticated hair style. Long hair should be worn away from the collar in an elegant arrangement such as a chignon. Being a princess is a full-time job and you have to look the part. If you have messy hair you are giving the wrong impression. Make-up should be subtle but effective. Use it to highlight your good points without going over the top.
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#4
11-06-2003, 04:12 PM
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Table manners
SIT up straight, with your bottom right back in the chair. Do not lean over your food or put your elbows on the table. Do not cross your legs. Your left leg should be tucked behind your right. Work through cutlery from the outside in with each course. Hold a glass of white wine by the stem so you do not warm it. Red wine can be held by the bowl. If you have to leave the table, excuse yourself to your Prince, step out to the right side of the chair and put your napkin on it if you are coming back. If not, put the napkin on the table. Keep the conversation light and stick to topics you are interested in. If you know nothing about golf, for instance, don’t bluff it. Pay attention to cues from your Prince. If he seems keen to drop a subject, take the hint and move on. Be careful about jokes. If you don’t know your Prince very well, you can’t tell if that mother-in-law gag will offend him.
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#5
11-06-2003, 04:13 PM
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How to stand
PUSH your shoulders back and hold your head up. Pull your tummy in and tuck your bottom under your torso. When posing for a picture, put one foot forward and keep your weight on the back foot. Push your hips and pelvis forward, toes turned out. When you sit down, do not cross your legs and never rest your elbows on your knees because you will look squashed up.
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#6
11-06-2003, 04:14 PM
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Where to go
IF you want to meet a prince you have to wangle your way into the haunts of the rich and famous. Try hanging out in the bars and nightclubs of St Tropez and Monaco or take up skiing in Klosters or St Moritz. Visiting clubs and pubs near St Andrews in Fife, Prince William’s university, is a good bet. Or Europe’s nobility are often seen in top London restaurants such as San Lorenzo and The Ivy. Holiday resorts you should try include Mauritius, pictured top, Barbados and St Barts. And society events such as Henley, Ascot and polo matches often attract royalty. If a prince asks you to dine with him, keep cleavage to a minimum. Less is definitely more. If you have lovely jewellery wear it but make sure it is co-ordinated. Make sure your shoes are in keeping with the outfit and that they are comfortable. Offer to pay the bill but don’t put up too much of a fight when he insists on flashing the royal Amex card. Whether you are at a cocktail party, posh dinner or greeting people with your prince, always remember to project an image of confidence and control.
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#13
11-06-2003, 04:18 PM
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Great tips. Now meet a prince....
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