Duke and Duchess of Cambridge: Tour of Canada - June 30-July 8, 2011

[Sister Morphine]

As someone who has been the victim of real, honest-to-God sexual harassment AND taken someone to court over it, I find the continued assertion that the publishing of the pictures equals sexual harassment to be incredibly offensive.

 

[ghost_night554]

I don't think it has anything to do with abuse IMO for me it was just awful that the photographer decided to publish it DAYS LATER. Why not just keep the photo to yourself why did it need publishing?

 

[HRHHermione]

As someone who has been the victim of real, honest-to-God sexual harassment AND taken someone to court over it, I find the continued assertion that the publishing of the pictures equals sexual harassment to be incredibly offensive.

As someone who also has been, I find the assertion that a woman being discussed in a sexual context in a public forum without her consent is NOT being sexually harassed equally offensive, but that's not something we'll resolve on this forum.

I think we can all at least agree the publishing of those pictures was extremely distasteful and leave it at that.

 

[Queen Penelope]

I don't think it has anything to do with abuse IMO for me it was just awful that the photographer decided to publish it DAYS LATER. Why not just keep the photo to yourself why did it need publishing?

It's both the photographer and the editor's fault. The fault of the photographer for not deleting it in the first place and for selling it and the editor for buying the picture and publishing it. They're both sorry individuals!

 

[MRSJ]

The DM printed them days before the Sun and put the title of the article as 'flashing some royal thigh' (which was distasteful)....posters on the forum put them up as the pics were being taken, some put up the pic of her in the McQueen dress flying up....I really think it's making a mountain out of a molehill....but to each their own...

 

[jemagre]

I still do think you grossly underestimate what this tour was like for Catherine. Even Sarah, Duchess of York has said that tours like these are gruelling. They are not as "easy" as they might look to you.

A bit more respect for at least holding on so long and not letting on how tired one must be won't hurt and is in its proper place - IMO.

This was not a grueling tour even by royal standards. They had plenty of time off and most of their events only lasted about 1-1.5 hrs. Anybody can last that long and not look tired.

Not trying to be rude..but I did give her some credit. I said that she seemed friendly and that she has decorum. However, she can do more with her life than just smile and wave. I would like to see that. I would hope we would all like to see that.

I will at least give the tour some credit...it made more sense than the L.A. one. Here at least they did not appear to hobnobbing with celebrities. (even if it was for charity)


I hate to see people taking pictures of her like that but I can't say I am shocked. The media can be a vicious animal at times. However I hope in the future that she checks the weather when she is planning her outfits because the only people that are going to watch out for her when it comes to things like this is herself.

I think she should be all right coping with it though because these are not the first bad pictures taken of her. (not that I am saying that it was right)

 

[soapstar]

This was not a grueling tour even by royal standards. They had plenty of time off and most of their events only lasted about 1-1.5 hrs. Anybody can last that long and not look tired.

Not trying to be rude..but I did give her some credit. I said that she seemed friendly and that she has decorum. However, she can do more with her life than just smile and wave. I would like to see that. I would hope we would all like to see that.

Well, she did more than just smile and wave on this tour. She participated in a boat race, met and spent time with sick children, helped plant a tree or two, met with veterans and their families, put together care packages for military children, attended a youth parliament session, visited a town devastated by fire, took time for walkabouts, cooked a meal, helped save Stan, and even painted a snail.

Seriously though, these tours aren't easy and she did a dang good job.

 

[Sister Morphine]

If all you think Catherine (and William) did on this tour was "smile and wave", you weren't paying attention.

 

[LadyFinn]

HQ photos
Los Duques de Cambridge en los Territorios del Noroeste de Canadá: Galería en Bekia
Guillermo y Catalina de Cambridge felices y aventureros en Canadá: Galería en Bekia

 

[Zonk]

I don't get the criticism that Catherine didn't work (or didn't work too hard) on this tour.

Let's be real, while the work that Catherine (and William) for that matter can't be compared to the life and work of a waitress, a construction worker, a lawyer, doctor, etc. it can and should be compared to the same amount of work that other Royal ladies )and men for that matter) do on these tours. They are briefed about people and cultural aspects of the cities/countries that they are visiting. They are very much animals in the zoo when they are out and about as every aspect (look, clothing attire, hairstyle, wave, smile, etc.) is pictured and analyzed to the TENTH degree. They are expected to peppy and happy ALL THE time whether they have a headache, are grouchy or just having a bad day. even when they are not.

Catherine did the same thing as Camilla, the Queen, Sophie, Mathilde, Maximia, Margrethe, Sofia, Silvia, Victoria, etc. do every time they step out of their castle to do work. Is is different because its Catherine or do they not "work" as well?

Again, I realize that this isn't the same type of work they you and I do so I am no way trying to compare the two. I am open to negative and position opinions I am just trying to understand is it Catherine that is the problem or royal work in general?

 

[LadyFinn]

I like William and Catherine very much. I think that they are a lovely couple in love and good for Great Britain. But when I look at the photos of this trip, I get the feeling that the main thing was to present Catherine´s wardrobe, what kind and how many outfits she had. I don´t know why the feeling is so strong, compared to e.g. the trips of Victoria and Daniel or Felipe and Letizia?

 

[Zonk]

Its the same exact thing when the couples you mention (and those who aren't mentioned) are on tour. The press and the public always focus on the royal ladies clothes. Can anyone tell me what Prince Phillip wore when he and the Queen went to Ireland? I can't, but I can give you an idea of two to three of Her Majesty's outfits. If I followed Mary or Maxima on a regular basis I could do the same.

The royal ladies shouldn't be blamed because the press (and the public) focus on their attire. Although its worth nothing that one of their goals is to promote Britian (Dutch, Danish, Canadian, etc) fashion. And this is just one aspect of what Kate did on this trip.

 

[LadyFinn]

Its the same exact thing when the couples you mention (and those who aren't mentioned) are on tour. The press and the public always focus on the royal ladies clothes. Can anyone tell me what Prince Phillip wore when he and the Queen went to Ireland? I can't, but I can give you an idea of two to three of Her Majesty's outfits. If I followed Mary or Maxima on a regular basis I could do the same.

The royal ladies shouldn't be blamed because the press (and the public) focus on their attire. Although its worth nothing that one of their goals is to promote Britian (Dutch, Danish, Canadian, etc) fashion. And this is just one aspect of what Kate did on this trip.

Maybe I feel like that because I´m not so interested in the wardrove of the royal ladies. I can live without knowing who is the designer of the outfit, it doesn´t mean anything to me. I´m interested in what the royals do, which things they are interested in, how they interact with people. I also think that the press was more focused on Catherine´s clothes on this visit than in many other visits.

 

[KittyAtlanta]

That IS disgraceful, and I think it's a pretty blatant form of sexual harassment. Reports from the day said that it was insanely windy and no one expected it to be that bad. Kate likely did all she could to prevent it, and humiliating her like that is uncalled for.

That's what happens when you don't have a dresser. Perhaps she'll wear underwear (a liner or slip that's more form fitting) from that point forward.

As far as the article, it was what it was. Skirt blown up showing the royal booty.

**********************************************

I was on vacation while the tour was going on, so didn't see much. I hope everyone enjoyed them being in the limelight, as I think their participation going forward will be few and far between, as they're now going to hole up in Wales. Unless, Kate is now enamored of the press, in which case, you'll see them (or her) all the time.

 

[Zonk]

Maybe I feel like that because I´m not so interested in the wardrove of the royal ladies. I can live without knowing who is the designer of the outfit, it doesn´t mean anything to me. I´m interested in what the royals do, which things they are interested in, how they interact with people. I also think that the press was more focused on Catherine´s clothes on this visit than in many other visits.

What other visits? You mean the local trips that she made around the UK? Those where heavily publicized in the UK media as well as the forums with the same amount of attention on her clothes as her trips to St. Andrews, Ireland and parts of England.

The only thing that has changed (because it was the same focus on the clothes AND the events she attended) was the international coverage . And really, it appears that more people are aware of Kate than before so they are following her as well. For those of us, who follow the BRF on a regular, its the same as it was with Diana, Sophie, Sarah and Camilla. When Camilla first married Charles there was a lot of focus on what she wore and what she did. Nothing has changed.

 

[lancchick]

Wind was unexpected and she was on her way to an event she needed to be dressed appropriately for. Plus she's not the one at fault here. I know she's a public figure, but I don't think that makes it ok for someone to take advantage of an embarrassing moment beyond her control and that's what this paper did.

Are you saying it was a known fact that no meteorologist had predicted wind or that wind in general is unexpected? Living in a very windy area, I know that it can be generally predicted so why couldn't she have packed some slacks? Just in case, for a "rainy day?"

 

[soapstar]

Maybe I feel like that because I´m not so interested in the wardrove of the royal ladies. I can live without knowing who is the designer of the outfit, it doesn´t mean anything to me. I´m interested in what the royals do, which things they are interested in, how they interact with people. I also think that the press was more focused on Catherine´s clothes on this visit than in many other visits.

Just like they focused on Diana's clothing choices and what Fergie wore. I remember when Mary and Frederik came to Washington, there was a lot of focus on her wardrobe. It happens with all royal and first ladies - especially popular ones.

What other visits? You mean the local trips that she made around the UK? Those where heavily publicized in the UK media as well as the forums with the same amount of attention on her clothes as her trips to St. Andrews, Ireland and parts of England.

Yep. The media (even the US one) has been reporting on her wardrobe since the engagement. This trip was nothing new.

 

[LadyFinn]

What other visits?

I meant the visits of other (crown)princesses.

 

[ladongas]

Hard Work

They flew (not counting the trip back home) about 10 or 12 thousand miles (a guess) across 8 or so timezones. Can you say jet-lag?
They were on and off helicopters, float planes, canoes, dragon boats and cabin cruisers, and in and out of limousines, SUVs, stagecoaches, and motorcades.

They slept in about 8 or 9 different beds, including the Winnebago-like cabin on the Canadian plane, and the tiny ships cabin on the Montreal to Quebec City cruise. Have you ever had to get dressed, groomed and made-up multiple times a day in a strange room every day, with different lighting and mirrors? Not easy. (And yes, we all know that William slept in his blue suit and just rolled out of [strange] bed every morning- he's a bloke!)

They had to use dozens of different bathrooms, making sure everything was tidy, zipped and tucked before re-emerging to the gaze of thousands.

Their pictures were taken every public minute of every day, by news organizations, and by the public.
(They could only hope there was no spinach or orange pulp stuck in their teeth.)

They shook thousands of hands, and engaged in hundreds of conversations with total strangers. With the possible exception of some polo players and David Beckham, they knew no one. And I would guess that the majority of the conversations-including, no make that especially, those with the Hollywood types- were BO-RING.

Every word they said, every movement and gesture they made, and every look they shared between them was observed and analyzed ad infinitum. They had to be aware of that every moment of the tour.

And fer cri-yi, they are newlyweds who plainly adore each other. Yet they couldn't pat, hold hands, snuggle, cuddle or kiss when they were under the eyes of millions world-wide. I've been married for eons, but my husband and I can't resist being appropriately affectionate with each other.

And every morning, no matter how they felt, nor how much they wanted to sleep in, nor how little they wanted to be dutiful Royals, they got up and performed in an admirable and charming manner.

Does anyone really think that being a Royal on tour is easy?

 

[WillKate]

^^Great post ladongas! I agree.

About the attention on Kate's clothes. The fact is, she's a stunning girl and picks her own clothes. She does classic with a modern twist really well. She completely out shined all the Hollywood actresses at Bafta without a stylist! She isn't afraid to wear her clothes more than once and doesn't mind wearing high street clothes to high profile engagement. And more importantly, she sells clothes like no other. That is why everyone calls her a fashion icon. Because without trying too hard, she looks ridiculously gorgeous and women want to emulate/copy her style. Its not surprising that the media talks about it a lot. Kate herself doesn't seem to care about it though. She just exudes confidence and knows who she is. The girl can have a successful career as a stylist.

Having said that, she really needs to buy some new suits for William.
http://www.theroyalforums.com/forums/members/ladongas-61965.html

 

[Super Baroness]

Does anyone really think that being a Royal on tour is easy?

I don't believe anyone said it was "easy" - people were just saying that they thought the tour wasn't as difficult as others have made it out to be. It's all perception I suppose - simply differing opinions.

I personally don't think being a Royal in general, whether on tour or in life, can ever be easy - especially for the royals whose everysinglesolitarymove is captured, reported upon, and, ultimately, criticized.

 

[ladongas]

I don't believe anyone said it was "easy" - people were just saying that they thought the tour wasn't as difficult as others have made it out to be. It's all perception I suppose - simply differing opinions.

I personally don't think being a Royal in general, whether on tour or in life, can ever be easy - especially for the royals whose everysinglesolitarymove is captured, reported upon, and, ultimately, criticized.

No one- that I've noticed- said it was 'easy.' But it was remarked that it was 'not grueling.' I simply beg to differ. I've not been a royal on tour, but I have escorted groups (of strangers) through foreign countries, and the routine (except for the glamour and the photographers) is similar. And it is grueling.

 

[Zonk]

I meant the visits of other (crown)princesses.

Well, we must agree to disagree because I find that a LOT of attention is paid to the wardrobe of other Crown Princesses (Mary, Maxima, Letizia, Mathilde). Some just receive a little more press attention than the others. You just have to pick up a German/Australian/Danish magazine to get wiff on how much attention is paid to Mary and Maxima's clothes.

Either way, once the true work starts in Britain the focus will be on the work and the clothes.

 

[KristineML]

There were also some private events on the schedule that weren't really publicized. Like the evening reception on Canada Day. There was another private reception in PEI.

 

[jemagre]

If all you think Catherine (and William) did on this tour was "smile and wave", you weren't paying attention.

I did pay attention. Just because I don't agree with you doesn't mean I can't see/hear/understand anything.

As for the tree planting...she threw dirt on the tree. Someone else planted it. She steered a boat and paddled with help from someone else. It was nice she spent time with sick children but it was only about an hour. You could so much more in that arena if that is what you are interested in.

As for the press she knew what she was signing up for. After all she dated William for 9yrs and while doing so had her privacy invaded and her family attacked on a constant basis. There was also the pre-engagement events of his Sandhurst graduation and Garter ceremonies in which she got a taste of the media spotlight while standing with the family. She also had knowledge of how the press attacked Diana/Fergie and every other member of the royal family. If she was not prepared for the lifestyle then she shouldn't have married in to it. I am not saying she deserves to be chased while driving or anything that extreme but you know that touring is in your future so you can easily step-up to the plate for that.

Did William not say in the engagement interview that he dated her for so long so she could back out if it all got to be too much?

Also why did they feel the need to take personal trips on the Canadian taxpayers dollars? They could have saved that for after the tour and paid for it privately. They toured for 8 or 9 days. That is not a long time.

 

[MRSJ]

Does anyone really think that being a Royal on tour is easy?

Can't say myself....never been a Royal on tour so no clue if it's easy or not.....but should anyone want to lend me a tiara I'll give it a try lol .....

 

[soapstar]

I did pay attention. Just because I don't agree with you doesn't mean I can't see/hear/understand anything.

As for the tree planting...she threw dirt on the tree. Someone else planted it. She steered a boat and paddled with help from someone else. It was nice she spent time with sick children but it was only about an hour. You could so much more in that arena if that is what you are interested in.

And she has. She has been involved with Starlight Children's Foundation for a number of years.

Yes, I know she didn't plant a tree, it was a joke. You said she only waved and smiled so I pointed out that she did more than that.

As for only spending an hour, I'd wager that didn't matter to those kids. The only thing that mattered is the fact that she and William took the time to sit down and speak with them (or as in the case of Diamond helped make her dream come true). It may not mean much to you, but it's something those kids will remember.

What personal trips are you talking about?

 

[roseroyal]

...And I was just about to post that article . I guess great minds think alike.

This was a very touching story. It's wonderful to see people using their own experiences to help others.

By the time these 2 have ended their royal careers, I will have used so much Klenex! William would be the most understanding person you could ask for in that scenario.
I think Diana would have strongly approved. Diana could not have imagined dying in that manner, leaving her young children without a mother.
But she would have been proud of Will using his pain, and the tragedy to help others.
I am willing to bet it does William's heart some good too....

 

[roseroyal]

They flew (not counting the trip back home) about 10 or 12 thousand miles (a guess) across 8 or so timezones. Can you say jet-lag?
They were on and off helicopters, float planes, canoes, dragon boats and cabin cruisers, and in and out of limousines, SUVs, stagecoaches, and motorcades.

They slept in about 8 or 9 different beds, including the Winnebago-like cabin on the Canadian plane, and the tiny ships cabin on the Montreal to Quebec City cruise. Have you ever had to get dressed, groomed and made-up multiple times a day in a strange room every day, with different lighting and mirrors? Not easy. (And yes, we all know that William slept in his blue suit and just rolled out of [strange] bed every morning- he's a bloke!)

They had to use dozens of different bathrooms, making sure everything was tidy, zipped and tucked before re-emerging to the gaze of thousands.

Their pictures were taken every public minute of every day, by news organizations, and by the public.
(They could only hope there was no spinach or orange pulp stuck in their teeth.)

They shook thousands of hands, and engaged in hundreds of conversations with total strangers. With the possible exception of some polo players and David Beckham, they knew no one. And I would guess that the majority of the conversations-including, no make that especially, those with the Hollywood types- were BO-RING.

Every word they said, every movement and gesture they made, and every look they shared between them was observed and analyzed ad infinitum. They had to be aware of that every moment of the tour.

And fer cri-yi, they are newlyweds who plainly adore each other. Yet they couldn't pat, hold hands, snuggle, cuddle or kiss when they were under the eyes of millions world-wide. I've been married for eons, but my husband and I can't resist being appropriately affectionate with each other.

And every morning, no matter how they felt, nor how much they wanted to sleep in, nor how little they wanted to be dutiful Royals, they got up and performed in an admirable and charming manner.

Does anyone really think that being a Royal on tour is easy?

I do not. I could not do it. I admire them so much for doing it. Everybody thinks of the pros. Nobody thinks of the cons.

 

[Humera]

A couple of great pictures of the royal couple with various Canadian politicians: In Pictures: Politicians love royal photo-ops - The Globe and Mail
(below the pics are several other galleries from the couple's visit)