Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Family: Married Life

[camelot23ca]

I personally can't think of anything I would love more than quiet and seclusion in a beautiful place and lots of time to myself but also time to spend with my partner. Throw in a horse and lots of books and I'd be happy as a clam.

No kidding, right? I'm not seeing how someone would have to be bullied into living that life for awhile. Especially someone in Kate's situation, with a time fast approaching where every aspect of her life is going to be scheduled, observed and judged.

If someone said to me... take the next two, three, four years and live in a nice little house in Wales with your new husband. You're both set financially so don't worry about money. You need to learn about your new position but you have access to a bunch of advisors waiting to help you in any way they can. You'll need to come back to London every so often for business, but you CAN come back as often as you want to shop, visit friends, see a show, whatever. Obviously your family and friends can come visit you whenever they want. Spend time as a couple. Get a cute little dog.... I'd be all over that offer. It's not something I'd want forever, but for a few years? Sounds great.

 

[Baroness of Books]

Sign me up, please! Seriously, I think the two of them will look back fondly on these idyllic days when their lives will soon be totally dominated by schedules, timetables, protocol and public engagements. And I think this time is going to end sooner than anticipated, given the Queen's age and Philip's health.

 

[Daria_S]

I think that for a few years this kind of life would be heaven for anyone. It would allow one some time to think and get oneself together for whatever will be coming up next. It also allows William and Catherine to work on their marriage, to really learn about being a team in terms of business and everyday life. I cannot imagine living in the public eye right after being newly married. It would drive me up the wall and lead to a divorce (I get frazzled easily).

Sign me up, please! Seriously, I think the two of them will look back fondly on these idyllic days when their lives will soon be totally dominated by schedules, timetables, protocol and public engagements. And I think this time is going to end sooner than anticipated, given the Queen's age and Philip's health.

I think you hit the nail on the head! I think us, regular folks could only dream of having something like this for the first few years of married (or even 'adult' right out of college/grad school period). Unfortunately we don't have this luxury, but those that do are quite lucky. Like you, I also see their idyllic days in Wales are going to come to an end sooner than we all think, so whatever time they have left to lead a relatively private life should be treasured and enjoyed.

 

[COESpiral]

A few months back when she was doing some work with the Scouts, the children were asking Kate what it was like to be a princess. She said that she enjoyed it and that she got to travel to lots of different places and meet all kinds of people and that William "spoiled" her. Doesn't sound like a woman bored and controlled to me. I think she's truly enjoying her work, but when it comes time to get in front of cameras, she defers to William, and I've got no problem with that. He's used to it, she's still a newbie. And in my opinion, she'll do that for a bit longer as I think she'd like to get a few years under her belt before really stepping out on her own. She's got William's support and that of Prince Charles and the Queen. Who else does she need?

 

[XeniaCasaraghi]

I don't think living in Anglessey for years would be idyllic for me, I think I could do it for a few months and then I would ask for a transfer to France or New York. But that's just me; Kate does not appear to have a problem with country life or thinks it's tedious or boring. Is Buckleberry more country or a semi small city atmosphere?

 

[padams2359]

The Queen has stated before that some of the happiest days in her life were as a housewife in Malta, and still has ties to Malta. I think going off and lying low in the country was whole heartily approved by the Queen. Anglesey was an available spot, and as the future PoW, it could not hurt. She saw what happened when Di was thrown to the wolves. She knew what worked for her, and urged them to take their time.

 

[EIIR]

Calling Bucklebury a town would be generous in UK terms. It's a village with a population of about 2,000. Main difference with Anglesey is that it's within easy distance of London. Anglesey's nearest big city is Liverpool which is still 2 hours away.

I've been to Anglesey once having taken the ferry from Dublin to Holyhead. It's a very scenic place, and it actually feels kind of cut off because it is an island. Llandudno's not far and it's very pretty.

No-one chooses to go to university in St. Andrew's unless they like sort of sleepy little towns. Just down the road is Edinburgh University which is very well regarded and has an abundance of nightlife and myriad other attractions that St. Andrew's can't offer.

 

[Grandma828]

I seem to remember that a number of years ago Catherine was reported to having said that she would love to live in the country and raise her family. I think that rural armosphere suits her.' As for upcoming engagements, she is probably preparing for the tour in September. She has a lot to learn. Also, it was announced that she would be adding additions patronages by the end of the year. That would also require more research.

 

[Daria_S]

A few months back when she was doing some work with the Scouts, the children were asking Kate what it was like to be a princess...

I remember reading about that conversation. I don't think Catherine would be too open about her life, but I have a feeling that she won't sugarcoat anything either. If things were going badly, she would have given a neutral answer in order to come off as diplomatic. As for giving William control when they're in front of the cameras, I think that's a smart move. He has more experience and she can learn a great deal from observing.

 

[Tyger]

We're beating a dead horse here.

As for who William is and what is going on - is this the thread for that discussion? I have been feeling that we have been in a massive thread-nap. Seems like all of this should be on the marriage thread. IMO of course.

I've snaffled this link from another thread because pictures from #421 through #430 are fascinating. Watch William and Kate. What do you see? How do you 'read' the images? Do you see a married couple? Do you see two people connected and involved with each other? Your answer will be an opinion, to which you are entitled. An opinion can be formed on such ephemeral 'evidence' as this.

Camilla Parker Bowles Photos - Royals watch an air show - Zimbio

 

[Queen Penelope]

Calling Bucklebury a town would be generous in UK terms. It's a village with a population of about 2,000. Main difference with Anglesey is that it's within easy distance of London. Anglesey's nearest big city is Liverpool which is still 2 hours away.

2,000 is considered a village in the UK?!? I lived in what we in Canada call a village and it had about 300 people!!! LOL

2,000 peeps would qualify as a town here!. What would you call a place with a population of 300 ?!?

Anyway, IMO I would guess that they would both enjoy the time they have in Wales if for no other reason than to escape the press intrusion. Even if she didn't like it, perhaps it is a compromise she's agreed to? realizing that it's only for X number of years. No one knows but them.

BTW, anyone know when their next official engagement is??

 

[Kataryn]

No one knows but them.

We still have no idea how Catherine lived pre-engagement, only that she stopped living in London due to harrassment by the media. Did she hate living quietly in the countryside? Or did she enjoy it? Who knows...

But judging from the way Catherine and William spend their holidays and weekends quietly in none-too-luxurious surroundings, I guess they have a similar love of a certain lifestyle and that helps alot.

 

[XeniaCasaraghi]

Now back to the actual topic being discussed now, i dont know who I was but someone pointed out that Kate choosing to go to SA hints at her being fine with a small town atmosphere. I have never heard that she had a hard time at SA or didn't like the environment. Plus it would appear that Buckleberry itself is tiny. Yet she also lived for years in London, it strikes me that she is one of the rate few who can live in either a small town or a metropolis and be happy.

 

[Tyger]

What Really Is the Nature Of Their Cottage?

It's been very interesting - some kindly posters have directed me elsewhere to blog sites and I find myself discovering a whole different perception in these other places. My 'take' on the marriage is benign in comparison to what many others see.

But a question - I have (perhaps naively) assumed that the description of a cottage that has no servants is true. Consider these comments made in a blog by people who evidently live in Anglesey -

"Their ‘five-bedroom cottage’ on Anglesey isn’t as modest as it’s made out to be. I live nearby, and it’s actually an enormous luxury cottage, with lots of land and a sea view…in fact it’s basically on a beach. If it were in the South East of England it would be worth £5m at least. I live in something similar (only without as much land) and these properties are far from modest.

"The “cottage” on Anglesey is best described as a mansion on the beach. It is beautiful, large and a dream place, with windswept turf and beaches and clement weather in summer. It would be very difficult indeed to run without any help and staff can be seen coming and going. W&C are lucky in their neighbours in the village, who don’t report on their movements, even when they go to the local. No – this is no small cottage where they “do for themselves” ! – Ms N Tucker, ne RAF Mona, Anglesey, _ See, they get plenty of privacy."

Question: are we being 'played'?

I have also read that William's 'work' is not as intense as has been suggested here. Vacations and leave for 'events' make his schedule very different from 'normal'.

Where is all the information coming from about William and Kate? This 'image' of them living simply without servants - who came up with that? As well as his work schedule - where is the information coming from? Curious.

 

[Lumutqueen]

How exactly is that curious? If you have any real evidence other than blog sites to confirm William has it 'easy' and their cottage is a 'luxury' one, I'd be interested but you don't.

This is the future King and Queen, I never believed they would be living a 'simple' life. It's probably practically impossible for William to do that, it's in his nature to live in luxury.

The information we received about Williams work life and where he lives comes through the press and usually confirmed or denied by Clarence House if they deem it necessary.

 

[Kataryn]

It is known that William and Catherine have rented cottage/farmhouse on the estate of Sir George Meyrink of Bodorgan Hall.

Bodorgan estate has its own homepage where they offer houses for rent. If someone could work out how to look at this homepage in the timeframe when William rented the place (summer 2010), possibly a lot of information could be found.

As an example what to expect of a 750 ppm-rent on this estate, here is an actual offer: http://www.bodorgan.com/pdf/pensieri.pdf

As William's cottage allegedly has seaviews and access to a private beach and is not so far away from the main house, I guess the house itself should be similar to that on offer here (the additional 50 pounds for the better location). Of course, my guesses only. But I can't see what is so very luxurious about a house like that?

 

[Zonk]

Okay...we are going to try this again.

Please note that several (around 40 or so) posts have been deleted. They range from speculative and insulting comments about fellow TRF members as well as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

At this time, I would like to remind everyone AGAIN of the following TRF rules:

• Whenever possible, opinions should be based on factual information obtained from reputable sources and should be backed up by references to those sources. The moderators reserve the right to delete posts containing the more fanciful types of gossip and speculation, whether they originate in gossip magazines and websites or are simply fabricated.
• Insulting comments about other posters and royals are not permitted. Criticism is acceptable; insults and flames are not. We expect our members to treat each other with respect.

Any and all additional posts that disregard TRF rules will be deleted without notice. Any questions, should be directed to members of the TRF moderation team via Private Message.

Zonk
TRF Administrator

 

[Tyger]

How exactly is that curious? If you have any real evidence other than blog sites to confirm William has it 'easy' and their cottage is a 'luxury' one, I'd be interested but you don't.

Curious as in I am curious about this. You are not taking my question: Where is all the information coming from about William and Kate? This 'image' of them living simply without servants - who came up with that? As well as his work schedule - where is the information coming from?

I have just shown you that someone from the area is saying it is not a small cottage. I recall seeing a picture of it - another google and I got this: LINK To Article Showing 5-Bedroom Anglesey Cottage

HERE is the picture of the 5-bedroom cottage.

In regards William's schedule I think its just been supposition. No one has supplied any links.

This is the future King and Queen, I never believed they would be living a 'simple' life. It's probably practically impossible for William to do that, it's in his nature to live in luxury.

Partial answer to my question is being given by The Guardian, no less. But I am linking here to show how scrupulous William - via 'the couple's press secretary' - is making sure a certain image is steadily conveyed: LINK To Guardian Article Regarding Servants for William and Kate Please note all the 'corrections' the 'couple's press secretary' had The Guardian make - so the answer to who is spinning this 'image' - William himself.

The information we received about Williams work life and where he lives comes through the press and usually confirmed or denied by Clarence House if they deem it necessary.

Ah, but we need links. We need to do this right. Just saying.

 

[miche]

The articles said a white-fronted house, that does not look like a white-fronted house.

So hiring two staff for their Kesington home mean their living in luxury? Some middle class people also have staff I guess they are also living in luxury

 

[cepe]

Curious as in I am curious about this...

I answered most of this but it's been removed. This feels like its kicking off again and I'm out of here.

 

[GrammaSueSue]

OMG...Are we back on this??? Nothing new!!! Just a young ROYAL couple whose life is evolving.

 

[soapstar]

The articles said a white-fronted house, that does not look like a white-fronted house.

So hiring two staff for their Kesington home mean their living in luxury? Some middle class people also have staff I guess they are also living in luxury

Yep. From the published photos I've seen, their farmhouse is white.

When they said they wouldn't have staff, I was under the impression that they meant for their house in Anglesey. I always knew that they would have staff for any London home they acquired.

Here's an article that discusses how they scrapped the plans for staff at KP.

Prince William and Kate Middleton scrap plans to employ housekeeper at Kensington Palace home - Telegraph

As for William's schedule, we get the information from CH (when their is a conflict with an engagement) or from the media (when he happens to be on a rescue mission).

 

[Frelinghighness]

I remember when Princess Anne said she had no servants. She meant, live in servants. She had "dailies". I'm sure W&K do too, or are we supposed to believe they're scrubbing toilets and mopping floors?

 

[Osipi]

I remember when Princess Anne said she had no servants. She meant, live in servants. She had "dailies". I'm sure W&K do too, or are we supposed to believe they're scrubbing toilets and mopping floors?

Well there are pictures in circulation of Wills cleaning a toilet.

 

[Tyger]

I remember when Princess Anne said she had no servants. She meant, live in servants. She had "dailies". I'm sure W&K do too, or are we supposed to believe they're scrubbing toilets and mopping floors?

Well that's what I am trying to get clear because I've gotten conflicting stories.

The mention of a white fronted cottage was in regards a house they initially rented. The house they are renting now is described in the article. Here is the english translation -

William of England and Catherine Middleton will live after their wedding in a campoLa [sic] House

Country residence consists of two floors and has a large dining room, six bedrooms, five bathrooms and a dressing room, and is surrounded by a huge garden.

William of England and Catherine Middleton will start their North Wales married life. Their first years of marriage will live on the romantic island of Anglesey, where already more than half a year the couple settled temporarily in a house in white façade of rent,[alternate translation: where it is already more than half a year the couple was temporarily installed in a house with a white facade of rental in order to be together] to be together and the Prince could continue meeting its obligations in the army, since it is very close to RAF Valley, where the heir to the heir is intended as a search and rescue helicopter pilot.

Hmmm, this is a bit scrambled. Further down in the article is this description of their home away from Wales - in describing Prince Charles' house it sounds suspiciously just like the Wales 'cottage'.

His marital home when they are not in Wales is a country house owned by Prince Charles, which is located in Harewood Park, in the County of Herefordshire. The residence, completely restored and equipped with the latest ecological technology, consists of two floors and has a large dining room, six bedrooms, five bathrooms and a dressing room. Like most of the British countryside estates, complex, valued at seven and a half million euros, has its own chapel, stables, a farm, a greenhouse and a huge garden.

Ooops! I can see that this linking to articles is going to be a bit tricky.

Okay - so now I still don't know what they are living in - unless that is the 'cottage' - it looks big enough to be a 5-bedroom manse. The article is just scrambled.

 

[Daria_S]

Well there are pictures in circulation of Wills cleaning a toilet.

If we're thinking of the same picture, then it was the one taken during his Gap Year, part of which he spent in Chile with Raleigh (hope I spelled that correctly) International. I think everyone involved had to take part in household chores, and scrubbing a toilet was one of them (I think the chores were rotated, but again, I can't remember for sure and the book where I've read it all is not in front of me at the moment).

Now is this the picture you were thinking of?

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39177000/jpg/_39177152_chile203pa.jpg

 

[LadyGabrielle]

Yes, I remember that. And I for one tend to believe that the Cambridges have some kind of domestic help. Maybe not to the extent of the Queen but at least maybe 3 or 4? I would find it quite strange for the Duke and Duchess to be cleaning, cooking and doing laundry and Im sorry, but cleaning toilets is just not what I picture in any way, shape or form especially when they have such hectic schedules. I know they would like to be" normal" or at least try to be but they are not. As time goes on I would think they will require even more help than they have now.

 

[Daria_S]

I'd imagine that they indeed have some sort of help. Maybe not a full out household, but maybe a housekeeper/cook that comes in several times a week (or on daily basis) to help with cleaning, cooking and laundry. There's nothing wrong with that, and like you said, as time goes on, they'll simply require the help, because their schedules will be hectic. I'd imagine that for the next two weeks they'll be living in London and not worrying about any household stuff, because with the timetable that was posted in the Olympic thread, it would hard to make one's bed, let alone clean a house and have a meal ready.

 

[Osipi]

How is this the picture you were thinking of?

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39177000/jpg/_39177152_chile203pa.jpg

That is exactly the picture I was talking about. I remember watching a documentary on his time in Chile too where he's making porridge and threatening to feed it to his father too.

Although I can very well picture William and Kate doing their own laundry, cooking their meals and taking care of the cottage, it wouldn't surprise me if they do have help come in and do heavy duty cleaning while they're away to London or somewhere. I do not picture them in Wales and dressing for dinner and ringing the silver bell for dinner to be served though.

 

[Daria_S]

I remember watching that over the Internet about eight years ago, and that little snippet was extremely entertaining. He was so upset that he managed to ruin the porridge (even joked about shooting himself ). I think that was the first indication that he was just not talented in the kitchen (though when cooking over hot plates, it can be rather easy to ruin something [I speak from experience, limited though it may be, and yes, I'm pretty hopeless in the culinary department as well]). Yes, I think Will and Kate are more than capable of doing their own laundry, cooking (they did survive uni), and doing light housekeeping, but the big, heavy duty stuff they won't necessarily have the time for, so having someone come in and take care of that is more than reasonable (even 'normal' people have cleaners come and clean their houses/apartments either weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or whatever suits their needs). And for the life of me, I cannot see these two pulling a 'Downton Abbey' with formal dinner dress, fancy service, and silver bell, signaling the help of a servant (not even after they become full-time royals).