State Visit from the President of Singapore: October 21-24, 2014

[ROYAL NORWAY]

I really don't see any problem either with them not attending the State Banquet. She may be feeling better enough to go to the ceremonial welcoming but I would imagine that sometimes even the smell of food is enough to make her feel queasy.

Also, for the ceremonial welcome, it would be easy to pick an outfit that's comfortable to wear whereas a formal dinner with gown and tiara may be just a bit too much for her right now.

I agree with you.

 

[cepe]

Couldn't someone we've never heard off be chucked orff the table to allow William and Catherine to attend?

No - that is bad manners and HMQ wouldn't do that. She makes a plan, invites the people and that is it.

 

[Molly2101]

Normally Charles and Camilla do this role. Will they be in South America at the time? I find it weird that even William won't attend the banquet, even if Kate doesn't.

 

[Rudolph]

One must first be invited to attend a State Banquet

 

[cepe]

Normally Charles and Camilla do this role. Will they be in South America at the time? I find it weird that even William won't attend the banquet, even if Kate doesn't.

They are not in S America. Tour starts 28 October till 5 November

 

[Skippyboo]

State visit of the President of Singapore: 21-23 October 2014

Did one of the royal correspondents actually say that WK are not going to the state dinner because they don't normally say what royals are attending ahead of time?

They actually have guests on standby for state dinners that eat in a room off the state dining room in case they need a filler. It's usually some members of the royal household. It's like the Oscars.


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[Iluvbertie]

This maybe a low key state visit - like one last year that only had Edward and Sophie attending the state meal even though other royals were around. Anne will be in Australia at that time so she won't be there and it is normal for Camilla to take a week in a spa or somewhere similar to prepare for a visit to a hot climate so I wouldn't be surprised if she won't be there either. That would leave Sophie as the senior royal woman available.

 

[Dman]

Did one of the royal correspondents actually say that WK are not going to the state dinner because they don't normally say what royals are attending ahead of time?

They actually have guests on standby for state dinners that eat in a room off the state dining room in case they need a filler. It's usually some members of the royal household. It's like the Oscars.


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It's totally understandable if they can't go to the State Banquet because Catherine isn't up to it. Other than that, what will it take for them to attend a simple State Banquet? The whole thing is rather simple. You sit for two speeches, stand for two national anthem and the rest is eating and chatting. It's not that hard. It's crazy to take the lead in the welcoming ceremony and then not attend the dinner. I think it's all down to how Catherine feel. If she's all good, they'll go.

 

[Eden]

It's totally understandable if they can't go to the State Banquet because Catherine isn't up to it. Other than that, what will it take for them to attend a simple State Banquet? The whole thing is rather simple. You sit for two speeches, stand for two national anthem and the rest is eating and chatting. It's not that hard. It's crazy to take the lead in the welcoming ceremony and then not attend the dinner. I think it's all down to how Catherine feel. If she's all good, they'll go.

Morning sickness is misunderstood by those who have never had it. You don't just throw up in the morning, you can be physically sick all day & night, anytime of the day & night. I can't imagine anything worse then feeling nauseas, knowing you could be physically ill at any moment AND having to make polite conversation when the smell of food is making your stomach turn. It is also exhausting when the nutrients you take in are coming right back out! Kate will be drained physically and her energy levels are not the same.
Be happy for her to turn up at the welcome ceremony. I agree, if she is over this period by then and feels fine, she will make the call.


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[Skippyboo]

If we take the HG and put it to the side, does anyone think that WK would be going to the state dinner if she wasn't pregnant?

On paper, this one seems ideal since they were in Singapore in 2012. But the palace seems reluctant to use them for state dinners or the other types of receptions at BP that are often held. WK have only been to a couple of the other receptions. Which makes their attendance at the Diplomatic dinner last yr seem strange because its the most protocol heavy thing the palace does.


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[Dman]

If we take the HG and put it to the side, does anyone think that WK would be going to the state dinner if she wasn't pregnant?

On paper, this one seems ideal since they were in Singapore in 2012. But the palace seems reluctant to use them for state dinners or the other types of receptions at BP that are often held. WK have only been to a couple of the other receptions. Which makes their attendance at the Diplomatic dinner last yr seem strange because its the most protocol heavy thing the palace does.


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It's great that William & Catherine will take the lead role of meeting and escorting the President and his wife to the welcoming ceremony at Horse Guards Parade but then to say, they won't attend the State Banquet, is totally odd to me. They attended the Reception for the Royal Diplomatic Corps last year and likely to attend this year too. The reception is a full State event and it requires regal attire.

I'm thinking it's all down to how Catherine feel but, if she's up to it all, there is no other reason why they wouldn't go to the State Banquet as well. Not even the veteran royal correspondents understand this stuff. If one didn't know any better- one would think William & Catherine draw the line on what they will and won't do.

It's about time they are getting involved with actual State Events but lets not do things half way.

 

[Rudolph]

If they aren't attending State Banquets then obviously they haven't been invited. Its not like W&K are in charge of the invitations.

I know some people like to think William is the shadow power behind the throne and calls the shots but it just isn't like that. William and Kate take their marching orders from the Queen just like everyone else in the family.

 

[cepe]

I had a look at the CC for last yrs Diplomatic and apart from HMQ and DoE, only POW, Duchess of Cornwall and the Cambridges are mentioned, which surprised me because I thought nearly everyone attended because of the number of guests.

I think that having another generation in tow for the 1st time since Victoria means that 'norms' are being developed.

As for the state banquet. Royal reporters asked BP if the Cambridges were attending and the answer was no.

 

[Dman]

If they aren't attending State Banquets then obviously they haven't been invited. Its not like W&K are in charge of the invitations.

I know some people like to think William is the shadow power behind the throne and calls the shots but it just isn't like that. William and Kate take their marching orders from the Queen just like everyone else in the family.

Most likely they are invited, Rudolph. The Queen don't have senior royals to meet and greet the Head of State and have them escort the Head of State to the welcoming ceremony and then don't invite the same senior royals to the State Banquet later in the evening. If Charles & Camilla, Anne & Tim or Edward & Sophie meet and greet the Head of State and escort them to the welcoming ceremony and attend the reception at Buckingham Palace or Windsor, you better bet they will be attending the State Banquet in the evening. They don't do things halfway.

Again, it's understandable if Catherine isn't able to handle the State Banquet in her condition but let's get real here-they should be going to the State Banquet too.

I don't criticize William & Catherine often but they have to straighten up and fly right when it comes to carrying out their duties at State Events. Every excuse was made for them in not attending the Obama State Banquet, they didn't attend last years State Banquet and now it's being said that they won't attend the Singapore State Banquet. Just silly stuff, IMO. Every other royal -who's not even close to the throne and minor- attends the State Banquets but it's like pulling a dinosaurs teeth to get the second in line to the throne and his future Queen to attend.

 

[Osipi]

With Kate being so ill with a second pregnancy, it just might be that as far as royal duties go, they are putting her in slots that are somewhat minor and should she not feel well, alternates can step in. This isn't saying that the welcoming ceremony is in any way minor, but when you look at it, they are greeted by someone and then escorted to meet HM The Queen who is the hostess with the mostest for this State Visit and the formal banquet to be held. The idea that the Cambridges were in Singapore and have probably met Mr. Tony Tan Keng Yam previously does add a nice touch to the welcoming but I don't think the Singapore entourage would feel slighted in the least should they not greet them or attend the state banquet.

I think with all the state visit stuff, its us that are putting more importance on WK being in attendance than is necessary. It is the Queen that takes the primary role

 

[royalistbert]

It's another baby step. While the Queen lives and Charles is still Heir. William role will be limited to not overshadow the heir to the throne.

 

[royalistbert]

Most likely they are invited, Rudolph. The Queen don't have senior royals to meet and greet the Head of State and have them escort the Head of State to the welcoming ceremony and then don't invite the same senior royals to the State Banquet later in the evening. If Charles & Camilla, Anne & Tim or Edward & Sophie meet and greet the Head of State and escort them to the welcoming ceremony and attend the reception at Buckingham Palace or Windsor, you better bet they will be attending the State Banquet in the evening. They don't do things halfway.

Again, it's understandable if Catherine isn't able to handle the State Banquet in her condition but let's get real here-they should be going to the State Banquet too.

I don't criticize William & Catherine often but they have to straighten up and fly right when it comes to carrying out their duties at State Events. Every excuse was made for them in not attending the Obama State Banquet, they didn't attend last years State Banquet and now it's being said that they won't attend the Singapore State Banquet. Just silly stuff, IMO.

Well since they have dressed up plenty off times. All they have to do is just sit there watch HM and the President give a speech and eat dinner. Follow the normal protocol. The only valid excuse would be Catherine's HG. Maybe they don't want to risk her throwing up everywhere.

 

[Dman]

With Kate being so ill with a second pregnancy, it just might be that as far as royal duties go, they are putting her in slots that are somewhat minor and should she not feel well, alternates can step in. This isn't saying that the welcoming ceremony is in any way minor, but when you look at it, they are greeted by someone and then escorted to meet HM The Queen who is the hostess with the mostest for this State Visit and the formal banquet to be held. The idea that the Cambridges were in Singapore and have probably met Mr. Tony Tan Keng Yam previously does add a nice touch to the welcoming but I don't think the Singapore entourage would feel slighted in the least should they not greet them or attend the state banquet.

I think with all the state visit stuff, its us that are putting more importance on WK being in attendance than is necessary. It is the Queen that takes the primary role

William and Catherine attending these State Events for the very first time is very important, Osipi. It was very important when William and Catherine attended last years Royal Diplomatic Corps Reception too. It's not about us placing some importance on it, it is very important. It was just Charles & Camilla, William & Catherine that attended the State Event with The Queen & Duke of Edinburgh. In the past, it was the Princess Anne & Time, Edward & Sophie, Princess Alexandra attending.

Well since they have dressed up plenty off times. All they have to do is just sit there watch HM and the President give a speech and eat dinner. Follow the normal protocol. The only valid excuse would be Catherine's HG. Maybe they don't want to risk her throwing up everywhere.

Yeah, Catherine not being able to go because of her serious condition is very understandable. No one wants to put her in a position of discomfort. If she's well enough, they should be there.

 

[Rudolph]

Most likely they are invited, Rudolph. The Queen don't have senior royals to meet and greet the Head of State and have them escort the Head of State to the welcoming ceremony and then don't invite the same senior royals to the State Banquet later in the evening. If Charles & Camilla, Anne & Tim or Edward & Sophie meet and greet the Head of State and escort them to the welcoming ceremony and attend the reception at Buckingham Palace or Windsor, you better bet they will be attending the State Banquet in the evening. They don't do things halfway.

Again, it's understandable if Catherine isn't able to handle the State Banquet in her condition but let's get real here-they should be going to the State Banquet too.

I don't criticize William & Catherine often but they have to straighten up and fly right when it comes to carrying out their duties at State Events. Every excuse was made for them in not attending the Obama State Banquet, they didn't attend last years State Banquet and now it's being said that they won't attend the Singapore State Banquet. Just silly stuff, IMO. Every other royal -who's not even close to the throne and minor- attends the State Banquets but it's like pulling a dinosaurs teeth to get the second in line to the throne and his future Queen to attend.

So you think they're invited to these State functions and just don't show up?? An invitation from the Queen to members of her family isn't 'optional', its as good as a command.

Why does William do anything then. If he's allowed to just thumb his nose at the Queen and his father that says more about the incompetence of the Queen and Prince of Wales than anything else. William has been nothing but 100 percent dutiful his entire life.

I'm sorry Dman but there isn't an iota of credibility in what you're saying.

 

[Jacknch]

No - that is bad manners and HMQ wouldn't do that. She makes a plan, invites the people and that is it.

It was, in theory at least, meant to be a joke, but there is no harm in being reminded that the Queen is the epitome of good manners and doing things in the correct way, whilst I am not and quite often don't

 

[Dman]

So you think they're invited to these State functions and just don't show up?? An invitation from the Queen to members of her family isn't 'optional', its as good as a command.

Why does William do anything then. If he's allowed to just thumb his nose at the Queen and his father that says more about the incompetence of the Queen and Prince of Wales than anything else. William has been nothing but 100 percent dutiful his entire life.

I'm sorry Dman but there isn't an iota of credibility in what you're saying.

William wouldn't thumb his nose up at the Queen or his father but he would just opt out of attending the State Banquet. Believe it or not, William has a way of avoiding things. Some good examples-Braemar Games, Royal Garden Parties, Royal Flower Shows and Royal Ascot. Most likely, it's not about him not being invited, of course he can go if he wanted to, but he chooses not to go.

 

[Rudolph]

William has been attending formal events in one fashion or another since his 18th birthday. He goes on foreign tours, he performs official military functions. A State Banquet is one of the easiest things W&K will ever do.

Wear a dinner jacket and make small talk for the evening. Easy peasy. So why in the world would he purposely avoid it?

I can't follow the logic behind "William has a way of avoiding things". If you think William should be at the State Banquet then criticise the Queen but lets not pretend that William is allowed to do whatever he likes and not answer to anyone.

William has been performing official duties since Harry was photographed in Nazi fancy dress.

 

[Dman]

William has been attending formal events in one fashion or another since his 18th birthday. He goes on foreign tours, he performs official military functions. A State Banquet is one of the easiest things W&K will ever do.

Wear a dinner jacket and make small talk for the evening. Easy peasy. So why in the world would he purposely avoid it?

I can't follow the logic behind "William has a way of avoiding things". If you think William should be at the State Banquet then criticise the Queen but lets not pretend that William is allowed to do whatever he likes and not answer to anyone.

William has been performing official duties since Harry was photographed in Nazi fancy dress.

William is very dutiful no doubt but I think when he feels like he can opt out of things, he do so and the decision is respected and not argued. William hasn't attended a Royal Garden Party since 2002 alongside his father at the Holyrood House. What has been the reasons for his lack of attendance since then? Catherine has been attending alone. I'm not saying that William isn't dutiful but when he can avoid attending things, he do so.

The main line that's presented is to allow William to do what he want and for as long as he want. That's it.

 

[Rudolph]

But why would he opt out if he's dutiful? There is talk of William going to New York, if he is allowed to just avoid things then why doesn't he opt out of NY? Why didn't he opt out of Malta and let Andrew go?

Harry is also closer to the throne than the people attending the State Banquet, is he being allowed to opt out as well?

Sorry but it doesn't make any sense to me and amounts to nothing more than a conspiracy theory.

 

[Molly2101]

I guess we shall just have to wait and see if they attend or not. If they don't attend it's not the end of the world - they will have plenty of state banquets to attend in the future.

 

[AdmirerUS]

...but I think when he feels like he can opt out of things...

I just want to point out that there is no evidence that he was asked, and so, opted out. There could be a number of reasons that the grandchildren are not being regularly invited to State Banquets.
Or am I wrong and did the palace say he was invited but would not attend?

 

[Dman]

I just want to point out that there is no evidence that he was asked, and so, opted out. There could be a number of reasons that the grandchildren are not being regularly invited to State Banquets.
Or am I wrong and did the palace say he was invited but would not attend?

I just never seen any of the senior royals officially involved with the State Visits and not attend the State Banquets. When any of them are involved in the official welcoming ceremony, they are usually the ones that will attend the State Banquet as well. This goes for Charles & Camilla, Anne & Tim, Andrew and Edward & Sophie. Of course, I know this all depends on Catherine's health, but it's unheard of to have senior royals like William & Catherine to escort the President and his wife to the ceremony and not have them attend the State Banquet later in the evening. They didn't attend the Obama State Banquet, and now we're told they won't attend this one. Although I'm thinking it all depends on how Catherine feels, but if that's not the case, then something is wrong with this picture. I guess next year there will be another excuse as well.

 

[Spheno]

I just want to point out that there is no evidence that he was asked, and so, opted out. There could be a number of reasons that the grandchildren are not being regularly invited to State Banquets.

I think they are too young. The average age of guests is about 50 or 60.

 

[Jacknch]

I think if Charles and Camilla are unable to attend an event, it makes sense for William and Catherine to attend in their place, rather than anyone else - sort of like deputising.
I can think of no reason at all why William wouldn't actually want to attend a State Banquet - a lovely nice dinner and wine, dressing up and meeting new people - I'd love it!

 

[Dman]

I think if Charles and Camilla are unable to attend an event, it makes sense for William and Catherine to attend in their place, rather than anyone else - sort of like deputising.
I can think of no reason at all why William wouldn't actually want to attend a State Banquet - a lovely nice dinner and wine, dressing up and meeting new people - I'd love it!

I don't know, sometimes I think William just don't like attending things like this. Last year, when he and Catherine attended the reception for the Royal Diplomatic Corps, I think he looked kinda uncomfortable in the car going and leaving. He hid his face in the three pictures that we managed to see of them. All the other royals and European royals look very happy to dress up to the nines to attend events like this. I'm just not sure State events like this is his cup of tea.