Princess Beatrice of York Current Events 4: July-August 2006

[Skydragon]

As for the Queen and Prince Phillip, yes they are old...but they didn't have to stay..they could have been there for the presentation as well. Charles IMO is doing what he does best. Thinking of himself.

What presentation, it was a birthday bash, that is all and it seems some people are putting far more importance on who did or did not attend, than is warranted. It was only an 18th birthday party anyway, not a 21st.

Poor Charles, seems he can never do right for some, why would you suggest he was thinking of himself, have you seen the reason he gave to Andrew as to why he wouldn't be there?

From the little we have seen, a few of Andrew and Sarah's friends were invited, a relative popped in but, the majority of the guests were people of Beatrice and Eugenies own age. That is normal at a party for an 18 year old, not a room full of oldies.

 

[Empress]

To miss such an important birthday (her 18th) is quite rude of Prince Charles and The Duchess, as well as Prince's William and Harry. Regardless if you see your family all the time, were is family support in such advents? I dare to think how Prince Charles would have been unpleased if the members of the royal family wouldn't have shown up for Prince William's big bash ( even if he is heir to the throne.)

But than again I don't believe that Prince Harry had a big party, it will be interesting to see if Princess Eugiene has such an elaborate party when she turns eighteen. Maybe these types of parties are for the first born children only?

Just so that we are all on the same page, it is not yet her birthday. Likely, there will be a small FAMILY gathering on her actual birthday. This seemed to me more of a friends, and "coming out" ball. The definition of which is to introduce a young lady to society. Typically, the extended family would not attend such an event, even in America. So my GUESS would be that her parents were definitely there, as her parents should be at a coming out ball, however, the rest of the family will probably celebrate with her privately, as most royal family occasions are often celebrated.. There is generally a public, and a private celebration.

Also, young women typically enter society at 18. So that is the reason for the big celebration. I would imagine that Zara had something like this, as will Eugenie. In America they are called Debutante Balls.

For Goodness sake!

 

[Patsy]

What was the reason Prince Charles gave to his brother Prince Andrew for not attending the party?

 

[Skydragon]

Just so that we are all on the same page, it is not yet her birthday. Likely, there will be a small FAMILY gathering on her actual birthday.
Also, young women typically enter society at 18. So that is the reason for the big celebration. I would imagine that Zara had something like this, as will Eugenie. In America they are called Debutante Balls.

For Goodness sake!

It was just a birthday party, IMO, not a debutantes ball. The Queen abolished the ceremony of presentation at Court of any woman, including debutantes, in 1958. Coming out balls have faded out since then, although the social season still exists.

 

[Oppie]

....and Zara didn't have any thing like this at least not publically, neither did Peter or Harry, so far it has just been William and he had the entire family at his (except Edward and Sophie, who had a good excuse).

Royals are traditionally given big birthdays when they turn 21, but because of Beatrice birthday (all the 8's) she had one now.

 

[Jo of Palatine]

It was just a birthday party, IMO, not a debutantes ball. The Queen abolished the ceremony of presentation at Court of any woman, including debutantes, in 1958. Coming out balls have faded out since then, although the social season still exists.

"Just a birthday party"? Somehow, that doesn't sound right: Maybe it just stresses my personal imagination , but a birthday party for half a million pounds sounds quite expensive... when in other articles it is said that the private house of the duchess of Cornwall is worth 2.5 m. Five parties of that kind....

I also wonder where Beatrice found the 500 friends? 30, 50, even 100 friends but a number of 500 for a 18 yo school girl is a bit much, IMHO.
Does anyone know if the youngsters were invited to dinner as well or if most of them arrived only afterwards for the party?

IMHO - really, that's just what I think, - it was more the party of Sarah. She has ridden quite sucessfully on the royal card for years and while it is okay doing that, one day you have to give something back in return. As she is no longer a royal, her daughter is the only means I can think of: invite the kids of your sponsors/social relations (like Demi Moore's daughter) to your daughter's ball at Windsor Castle and you have repayed quite some of the invitations and favours of the last years. While the press won't write about such a suspicion as they don't want to hurt the feelings of princess Beatrice. And rightfully so!

Sounds unkind? It isn't. I think acting this way is well within the limits of today's society. Here in Germany you could even present the bills for the party to the taxman in order to save taxes - if you declare it a party for business purposes. Is it the same in the UK or the US - whereever Sarah mainly lives? I wonder if Sarah will use the bills for tax reduction? Or if this was the reason why only lesser royals attended?

Guess I'll never know.

 

[Avalon]

do

"Just a birthday party"? Somehow, that doesn't sound right: Maybe it just stresses my personal imagination , but a birthday party for half a million pounds sounds quite expensive... when in other articles it is said that the private house of the duchess of Cornwall is worth 2.5 m. Five parties of that kind....

500.000 punds???? I didn't know it was worth hald a million pounds! Wow!
Guess it's her (and her parents) buisness how they spent their money.

 

[Lady Marmalade]

Just so that we are all on the same page, it is not yet her birthday. Likely, there will be a small FAMILY gathering on her actual birthday. This seemed to me more of a friends, and "coming out" ball. The definition of which is to introduce a young lady to society. Typically, the extended family would not attend such an event, even in America. So my GUESS would be that her parents were definitely there, as her parents should be at a coming out ball, however, the rest of the family will probably celebrate with her privately, as most royal family occasions are often celebrated.. There is generally a public, and a private celebration.

Also, young women typically enter society at 18. So that is the reason for the big celebration. I would imagine that Zara had something like this, as will Eugenie. In America they are called Debutante Balls.

For Goodness sake!

It was not her coming out ball. It was a birthday party. Zara did not have one. And Harry, I believe at the time, felt a large one would not have been appropriate given the difficulties he was in with the arm band incident and the many stories about parties and drugs at that particular time.

In America, families do attend family held coming out balls at their own private homes. If your presentation is at a formal coming out ball put on by the members of society in your city, ie: Chicago, New York, and in the case of St. Louis, the one formerly known as Veiled Prophet Ball, then your parents and escort go with you.

There is a difference between the two.

 

[HighGoalHighDreams]

The reason Harry didn't have an 18th birthday party is because he really needed the time to focus on his schoolwork and not organizing the party. He spent the day with his family. He explained so during the interview.

 

[HighGoalHighDreams]

Also, I don't think this was a "coming out" party. It hasn't been billed as such, and no one has said it is. Sarah may say it was at some point in the future, but for now, all we can tell is that it was a birthday party.

 

[Kelly]

It would probably be bigger if it were a "coming out" party and maybe all the BRF would have been there.

 

[Royal Fan]

Maybe shell have an even bigger party when she turns 21

 

[Skydragon]

"Just a birthday party"? Somehow, that doesn't sound right: Maybe it just stresses my personal imagination , but a birthday party for half a million pounds sounds quite expensive... when in other articles it is said that the private house of the duchess of Cornwall is worth 2.5 m. Five parties of that kind....

I also wonder where Beatrice found the 500 friends? 30, 50, even 100 friends but a number of 500 for a 18 yo school girl is a bit much, IMHO.

I suppose you spend what you can afford.

500 guests is nothing really, first you have to halve it (invites nearly always say Mr & Mrs or and partner), so I would imagine between them (Beatrice, Eugenie, Andrew and Sarah) they would only have to 'know 62 people each.

 

[kimebear]

Since when was this whole party for Sarah? I have not seen one comment so far that slams Andrew for the guest list, the costumes or anything at all really, although they hosted the party jointly. Quite frankly, the whole Sarah-bashing thing is getting old. I'm not even a big fan of hers but I find myself defending her time and again. Why not spend that much money on their daughters party? She's a royal princess with wealthy parents. How her parents spend their personal money is nobodys business. My parents spent over $100,000 on my wedding and you better believe that there were a lot of their friends invited to it. I am not a princess and we certainly are not wealthy, but we were happy celebrating a joyous occasion and wanted a very big party that we all would always remember. Poor Beatrice could use a festive occasion to cheer her up from being called unattractive, overweight, unstylish and odd. Its enough to plunge the self esteem of a young woman into the negative numbers.

As for the royals who didn't attend, its a personal matter. At some point they are going to have to explain to Bea why it was not important enough for them to come, that is their burden.

 

[ysbel]

I think the reason was that Beatrice really wanted a big party. She seems to like that type of thing, she is close to the Queen and the family can afford it.

 

[Skydragon]

In America, families do attend family held coming out balls at their own private homes. If your presentation is at a formal coming out ball put on by the members of society in your city, ie: Chicago, New York, and in the case of St. Louis, the one formerly known as Veiled Prophet Ball, then your parents and escort go with you.

There is a difference between the two.

There is normally a round of balls (formal dress) here in the UK, at either your home or a hotel but, they are no longer referred to as debutante balls, the girls are 'merely' being introduced to society. In reality it is a chance for their mothers to dress up and show off to their friends! The marriage stakes element has definately gone, IMO

 

[Bella]

I also wonder where Beatrice found the 500 friends? 30, 50, even 100 friends but a number of 500 for a 18 yo school girl is a bit much, IMHO.

Most big parties, be they weddings or bar mitvahs or "coming out" balls, are not just about the person(s) being celebrated but usually about the parents (mainly the mother) as well. So while there may have been 500 guests at Pss. Beatrice's party (and I recently heard it was actually closer to 300), they weren't all her friends/acquaintances. Alot of them were no doubt friends/business associates of her parents. I think this is pretty standard whether it's a royal party at Windsor or an average-size wedding at the Hilton.

And though I quite honestly feel that smaller parties/weddings/etc. are more personal and somehow seem to have more class, there are alot of people that want their big day, and that's fine if you can afford it. It does seem that Pss. Beatrice's party was a bit over-the-top (what are they going to do when she gets married?) I do think the party was as much for Sarah as for Beatrice. Alot of parents live vicariously through their children, esp. the mothers. Which is probably why ppl are looking more at Sarah than at Andrew. And also, Sarah is notorious for seeking out publicity while Andrew is not. This isn't a stab at Sarah, it's just fact. I think Sarah likes attention and she likes the bowing and scraping she receives because of her close association to the BRF. Plus, she's always been a true party girl. She was probably in her glory.

 

[Empress]

It was not her coming out ball. It was a birthday party. Zara did not have one. And Harry, I believe at the time, felt a large one would not have been appropriate given the difficulties he was in with the arm band incident and the many stories about parties and drugs at that particular time.

In America, families do attend family held coming out balls at their own private homes. If your presentation is at a formal coming out ball put on by the members of society in your city, ie: Chicago, New York, and in the case of St. Louis, the one formerly known as Veiled Prophet Ball, then your parents and escort go with you.

There is a difference between the two.

Yes your parents go with you. I believe that I said that. I said that the whole FAMILY does not normally go. I do not believe that this would be considered in any way a party in ones own home, even though the home happens to be owned by a family member. Coming out ball was just slang for a debutante ball. But when one refers to such things, most people see them as one in the same.

 

[Zonk]

And though I quite honestly feel that smaller parties/weddings/etc. are more personal and somehow seem to have more class, there are alot of people that want their big day, and that's fine if you can afford it. It does seem that Pss. Beatrice's party was a bit over-the-top (what are they going to do when she gets married?)

In regards to this being over the top (and not trying to offend the younger members of the Forum), I really think its a generational thing. Have any of you guys ever watched My Super Sweet 16 on MTV....Beatrice's generation (I don't know if they are XX or XY whatever) do everything over the top. Many of these girls spend at least 50 to 100K on a sweet 16 party and they are not even royal. And yes, while watching these shows ( I swear its like a train wreck sometimes)...I have been known to say...what will their parents do for their weddings!

Without a doubt these were not all Beatrice's friends, I am sure some were friends of the parents. And in response to the message about blaming Sarah...its always Sarah's fault I think even when she isn't looking for attention people naturally assume she is looking for it.

From what I gathered about Beatrice, she likes to party, is very smart, dedicated to BOTH of her parents and adores her grandparents. So I am sure this party was very much her idea.

 

[Lady Night Stalker]

I don't know what the big fuss is over her party with people going, "omg it was so expensive! It was so lavish!" Grant it you could buy your own small island with that amount but jeez its really no different from all the other spoiled kids you see on MTV's Super Sweet 16. The girls party may have been expensive but there are some teenagers whose parents spend just as much if not even a little more to give their kids the most perfect day. Beatrice is a princess. She's never had a birthday party this extreme or far out. The girl is entitled to having a crazy party. For the queen's birthday bash it was like the whole nation was invited.

Just because 500 people were invited doesn't mean Beatrice knew them all. When people throw parties and invite a couple hundred people usually they don't necessarily know every single one. Some of them are probably just acquaintances who got lucky or friends of the family. I mean Demi More and Ahston Kutcher? Andrea Casiraghi? I doubt she has ever sat down and had tea with them or anything but when people throw big parties they invite tons of people just to have tons of people.

 

[maud_888]

he

i hard Andrea of Mnonaco attended the party? is there a pic of him? thanx!

 

[Jo of Palatine]

Andrea Casiraghi? I doubt she has ever sat down and had tea with them or anything but when people throw big parties they invite tons of people just to have tons of people.

Wasn't she with her mother in Monaco lately for the GP? Probably she met the Casiraghis there.

 

[Iluvbertie]

Maybe shell have an even bigger party when she turns 21

I seem to remember reading earlier this year that normally the royals have the big party at 21 e.g. William and Harry but because of her unusual birthdate - 8.8.88 the Queen agreed to her having this big celebration at 18. I therefore doubt that she will have another big party at 21 but she will probably still have a family party at 21.

 

[hayz64]

I seem to remember reading earlier this year that normally the royals have the big party at 21 e.g. William and Harry but because of her unusual birthdate - 8.8.88 the Queen agreed to her having this big celebration at 18. I therefore doubt that she will have another big party at 21 but she will probably still have a family party at 21.

i agree.I don't think her 21st party will be as big as her 18th in regards to what the Queen will contribute but i'm sure she will have a huge family one!

 

[Lady Marmalade]

There is normally a round of balls (formal dress) here in the UK, at either your home or a hotel but, they are no longer referred to as debutante balls, the girls are 'merely' being introduced to society. In reality it is a chance for their mothers to dress up and show off to their friends! The marriage stakes element has definately gone, IMO

Hi Skydragon..

Hope all is well with you. I laughed on the last part as that is true in the U.S., the chance for the mothers to dress up and show off as well.

Nice to know it is the same over by you to...lol..

Take care,

Nicole

 

[CATS]

I don't see what the big deal is, my relatives neaver attended any of my birthdays or other things. But we did get together at other times. I survived.

 

[iceflower]

Thanks to all who posted the lovely pics of Beatrice's party, seems it has been a great evening and I like the fact that Sarah, Andrew and the girls took the opportunity for a (special) family portrait - very nice!

 

[ap3]

the Daily Mail has an article about Fergie, Beatrice and Eugenie and their dress sense. A bit harsh but I agree with the article's main points about their style: the girls dress too old and fussily, and worst of all, unflatteringly. They also look like they are borrowing clothes from someone older, a size bigger, and an adherence to what is fashionable and works for a super-skinny model but not necessarily for a teenager who still has her baby fat.

"Why does Fergie stifle her daughters in matching outfits?
They're dressed alike to look just like Mummy (Oh dear!). So what IS Fergie up to?"
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/femail/article.html?in_article_id=396222&in_page_id=1879&in_a_source=

I don't agree completely with the article's idea that it's all part of a diabolical plot by Fergie to make herself look better in comparison. But I do agree that her ideas of what a royal should dress like (old, fussy and expensive)have resulted in very bad fashion choices for her daughters - in my opinion!

 

[Duchess]

I suppose you spend what you can afford.

500 guests is nothing really, first you have to halve it (invites nearly always say Mr & Mrs or and partner), so I would imagine between them (Beatrice, Eugenie, Andrew and Sarah) they would only have to 'know 62 people each.

500 guests is a good sized party even for a venue as large as large as Windsor Castle. guest lists for parties like this aren't halved...the invitations are sent out to couples are an invitation for 2 so you count it as two. they may have only sent out 250 invites but if there are 2 names on it then they'd have counted for 500.

 

[Tzu An]

I kind of agree that it seemed very much Sarah's night as it was Bea's. I mean, what were Sarah's old flames doing there (Paddy McNally)?

I do think the party was as much for Sarah as for Beatrice. Alot of parents live vicariously through their children, esp. the mothers. Which is probably why ppl are looking more at Sarah than at Andrew. And also, Sarah is notorious for seeking out publicity while Andrew is not. This isn't a stab at Sarah, it's just fact. I think Sarah likes attention and she likes the bowing and scraping she receives because of her close association to the BRF. Plus, she's always been a true party girl. She was probably in her glory.

I think Sarah hasn't let go of her past royal connections. She shouldn't have had her ex flame there, (bad taste) and there were others that Beatrice hardly knew, if at all. Furthermore there was that magazine cover with Sarah on it, it should have been only Beatrice.