General News for the Cambridge Family 2: January 2015-March 2017

[Countessmeout]

What I tire of is the lengths people go to in making it look like an attack on the couple. They certainly aren't the only royals who get bad press when they use the helicopter. There is a lot of flack to go around.

 

[tommy100]

Sophie used a helicopter on back-to-back days, May 19 and May 20. I checked the Wessex thread to look for tommy100's criticism, strangely I couldn't find any. hmmm..

may 19 - https://twitter.com/TRH_WandC/status/734205501337145344

may 20- https://twitter.com/KarlRobbins/status/733655210879520769

Personally I don't see why W&K or any royal should use a helicopter to get from one multimillion pound residence to another for their own convenience, its different if they are going from event to event or event to residence but W&K have a taxpayer funded house in London so they can attend events in the capital city. They chose to live out in Norfolk and should be prepared for travel that involves.

I wasn't attacking them personally and wasn't making a comment on wider use of helicopters by the RF, I simply said it was daft as they got a lot of negative media attention for doing similar before.

 

[Rudolph]

Personally I don't see why W&K or any royal should use a helicopter to get from one multimillion pound residence to another for their own convenience, its different if they are going from event to event or event to residence but W&K have a taxpayer funded house in London so they can attend events in the capital city. They chose to live out in Norfolk and should be prepared for travel that involves.

I wasn't attacking them personally and wasn't making a comment on wider use of helicopters by the RF, I simply said it was daft as they got a lot of negative media attention for doing similar before.

But the Sovereign Grant makes it clear it's for use between royal residences and royal functions. You may not like it but that's the reason the Queen leases it.

If the helicopter shouldn't be used for the very reasons it's leased, then the family should travel by car and train no matter where they're going.

 

[tommy100]

But the Sovereign Grant makes it clear it's for use between royal residences and royal functions. You may not like it but that's the reason the Queen leases it.

If the helicopter shouldn't be used for the very reasons it's leased, then the family should travel by car and train no matter where they're going.

And I'm sure the Queen will go on leasing it, good for her! I simple expressed an opinion that was opposite to the rules of the Sovereign Grant. I'm not calling for W&K to be sent to the tower or for the monarchy to be abolished!

 

[miche]

Which other royal get criticize for using the helicopter?

 

[Skippyboo]

I have only seen William, Kate and Charles get criticized for using the helicopter. Charles gets it because he is eco friendly and the helicopter isn't green enough transport.


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[miche]

Thanks Skippyboo.
This is a none issue to me and doesn't need to be in the frontpage news.

 

[Curryong]

Does the fuel bill for the helicopter get paid by the Queen as well, via the Sovereign Grant, or is that paid from another fund?

 

[Lady Nimue]

New picture courtesy of a thank you note;
https://twitter.com/pdratcliffe/status/735427552827826176

Very appealing portrait. They look settled and comfortable with each other (and the camera).

Sophie used a helicopter on back-to-back days, May 19 and May 20. I checked the Wessex thread to look for tommy100's criticism, strangely I couldn't find any. hmmm..

may 19 - https://twitter.com/TRH_WandC/status/734205501337145344

may 20- https://twitter.com/KarlRobbins/status/733655210879520769

Simply adore the color and overall look of the helicopter in the first picture, the wine-red one. Really elegant. (The blue one is plenty fine, too).

Regarding the use of helicopters, I see it as practical sense. These folks are popping here and there all the time (part of their 'job'), and spending (cumulative) hours in transit over a week, a month, and the whole year (which is what they would do if they were relegated to travel solely in cars and trains), is illogical. I think if they were required to sit for long stretches in cars trundling from here to there, it's likely their schedules would be far more modest. JMO.

 

[muriel]

Fair point. However, on this occasion, W & K were headed home after a few engagements in zlondon, and could have just as easily used the train. I am not usually one to nitpick about these small things, but I do think that W&K could use the train a big more between London and Anmer.

 

[Dman]

Fair point. However, on this occasion, W & K were headed home after a few engagements in zlondon, and could have just as easily used the train. I am not usually one to nitpick about these small things, but I do think that W&K could use the train a big more between London and Anmer.

The royals don't use helicopters because they just like taking them, but take them when it's best to do so. Remember, it's their officials that make these arrangements and its The Queen that gives the approvals.

I do find it annoying that the Cambridge's are always criticized when they use the helicopters when conducting official engagements or when they have to get somewhere. Although, I think this happens because others believe some royals work harder than the Cambridge's and don't have a problem when they use it.

 

[Rudolph]

The train argument can always be used. After a London engagement, Charles and Camilla can stay at CH and take the train the next day to whatever estate he's going to or his next function but they don't. All senior royals have at least two residences.

The cost of leasing and using the helicopter is factored into the budget every year. It's part of what the royal household does.

It's not for just emergencies, it's not just for the Queen. There is absolutely no abuse in taking a helicopter between Norfolk and London, especially when you're the 2nd in line to the throne.

William and Catherine use British Airways when travelling internationally, and Charles charters private jets. So it's all relative I suppose.

 

[Skippyboo]

They do take the train between London and Norfolk. They got photographed at Kings Cross with Lupo one time. Their movements aren't followed 24/7 by the press. We don't know how often they go by train, drive or helicopter. The kids were at KP that day. How did they get back to Amner?


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[hernameispekka]

The train argument can always be used. After a London engagement, Charles and Camilla can stay at CH and take the train the next day to whatever estate he's going to or his next function but they don't. All senior royals have at least two residences.

The cost of leasing and using the helicopter is factored into the budget every year. It's part of what the royal household does.

It's not for just emergencies, it's not just for the Queen. There is absolutely no abuse in taking a helicopter between Norfolk and London, especially when you're the 2nd in line to the throne.

William and Catherine use British Airways when travelling internationally, and Charles charters private jets. So it's all relative I suppose.

Exactly. And also, train vs helicopter when it comes to security will be VERY different. So I wouldn't be surprised if helicopter rides are not mainly for convinience, but rather to avoid alot of security checks etc that would be needed with car and train.

 

[sndral]

They do take the train between London and Norfolk. They got photographed at Kings Cross with Lupo one time. Their movements aren't followed 24/7 by the press. We don't know how often they go by train, drive or helicopter. The kids were at KP that day. How did they get back to Amner?


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Good question - do we know the helicopter went to Amner, or is the Fail just assuming that they were headed there. When and how did the children go home? Where was William's polo match & how did he get there?
The Queen should just buy William and Harry a helicopter and let them pilot themselves wherever they want to go - just kidding.
I did see Andrew and one of his daughters criticized for taking a really short helicopter ride a couple of years ago.

 

[duchessrachel]

You'd think the helicopter took Prince George and his friends to McDonalds and then to a playground for the afternoon.

Travel between official residences and travel in pursuance of royal functions is literally what the helicopter is for. Says right in the Sovereign Grant Act.

I know people go to any and all lengths to have a go at W&K but this helicopter stuff is so old.

Why does the DM dislike W & K?

 

[Princess of Durham]

I suspect it is more a matter of getting "clicks" from all the nasties rather than the Fail disliking them. The Fail just uses them .....

 

[duchessrachel]

I suspect it is more a matter of getting "clicks" from all the nasties rather than the Fail disliking them. The Fail just uses them .....

I have gotten to where I don't even read the comments from the Daily Smell (I meant Fail) It makes me wonder what rock the commenters crawled out from under.

 

[Lady Nimue]

Fair point. However, on this occasion, W & K were headed home after a few engagements in london, and could have just as easily used the train. I am not usually one to nitpick about these small things, but I do think that W&K could use the train a bit more between London and Anmer.

I disagree. Their 'job' is related to travel and to being seen.

Regarding travel: One or two or three 'engagements' even in the same area may represent an hour or two or three in travel by car or train, especially if congestion gets factored in at rush hour, etc. To have to spend 2 hours or more in travel, adds up. Every day.

Regarding 'being seen': not a minor matter, especially if there are personal issues stemming from childhood, or stemming from temperament, which appears to operate with William. Unless one is part of a relaxed society around royalty like Sweden appears to be, for example, I could see wanting to minimize the 'ogling' and intrusiveness of the general public. Sad, but a factor.

I can't fault them. They do what they do to make the requirements of their 'job' possible for them. 'Requiring' them to travel like the 'common folk' ('like the rest of us') simply is not feasible except for a particular kind of personality, which is not present. I think it's asking a lot, among so much that is asked of the British royals regarding their personal lives.

Exactly. And also, train vs helicopter when it comes to security will be VERY different. So I wouldn't be surprised if helicopter rides are not mainly for convinience, but rather to avoid alot of security checks etc that would be needed with car and train.

I think you've hit on something very key. Security issues on a given day might have much to do with choices made, as well as just not being up to facing 'the masses' yet again for an hour train ride after having spent hours doing just that.

The train argument can always be used. After a London engagement, Charles and Camilla can stay at CH and take the train the next day to whatever estate he's going to or his next function but they don't. All senior royals have at least two residences.

The cost of leasing and using the helicopter is factored into the budget every year. It's part of what the royal household does.

It's not for just emergencies, it's not just for the Queen. There is absolutely no abuse in taking a helicopter between Norfolk and London, especially when you're the 2nd in line to the throne.

William and Catherine use British Airways when travelling internationally, and Charles charters private jets. So it's all relative I suppose.

Nicely summed up.

 

[Dman]

We could see the Cambridge's enjoying polo this weekend-
https://mobile.twitter.com/MiddletonMaven/status/743855885689171968

 

[Pranter]

They've been busy little bees the past 2 or 3 weeks....


LaRae

 

[Osipi]

Some things never change. Its "the" season in the UK. Time to get out there and see and be seen. So many events, so little time.

 

[Curryong]

This has apparently been trending on Twitter.

WATCH: Prince William scolded by the Queen during celebrations | Key 103 - Number 1 for Manchester. Your Music, Your Life.

http://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/680896/queen-prince-william-telling-off

 

[Sun Lion]

Are Lupo and Marvin not getting along?

"Daily Mail/Mail Online" is reporting that William and Catherine have been in contact with an Italian breeder, and are looking at getting a bolonka zwetna puppy to add to their family - as company for Lupo.

 

[Curryong]

Perhaps Lupo ate Marvin?

 

[Countessmeout]

I believe this as much as the constant pregnancy stories

I highly doubt they have an inside source unless they hacked the couple's computer, to learn they were looking into dogs. And if they were considering company for Lupo, they would likely get another spaniel or a dog with a similar temperament, activity level. This is an active family, I don't see them getting a little lap dog like a bischon.

And the Italian thing is confusing. Even if they cant get one in the UK if they want this breed, these dogs are most commonly bred in Germany not Italy. Would think lot easier and cheaper to get a dog from Germany. But I find it unlikely they were looking into foreign bred dogs. Could be wrong.

 

[soapstar]

Posts regarding Catherine's media coverage have been moved to the Royal Family and the Media thread.

 

[Lady Nimue]

I believe this as much as the constant pregnancy stories.

You mean it's not true? How can this be? I saw a cover story on the pregnancy in a check-out line at the grocery store today. I came on TRF special to catch-up on the happy news.

 

[Countessmeout]

Silly me. We should be expecting an announcement soon. Baby number 6 by now?? Or did I forget to include some of the triplets. So many pregnancies I have lost track of the names

 

[Lady Nimue]

You toy with me. Cruel thang.

P.S. Seriously, I would love for there to be a 3rd baby. Catherine, you can do it!