William and Kate: engagement and relationship rumours and musings 2005 - 2008

[Isana]

Why should working for her parents not be regarded productive?

 

[Skydragon]

Perhaps some like myself would like to see a more productive young lady who may have a royal future ahead of her, apply herself more for the good of others, regardless of what happens in the end.

Would you be prepared to live your life in the way some strangers on an internet forum dictate?

IF she marries William, the rest of her life will be based on what the Royal Family requires of her, why should she 'apply herself for the good of others', when these 'others' will write her off in an instant if William and she break up?

 

[Odette]

Why should working for her parents not be regarded productive?

It could be considered productive if she did work for them......Does she??

 

[Isana]

So Hello magazine says.

In this week's issue, number 1037, HELLO! reveals Prince William's 26-year-old love has been working full-time at her parents' multimillion-pound business Party Pieces for several months.

 

[Odette]

Would you be prepared to live your life in the way some strangers on an internet forum dictate?

IF she marries William, the rest of her life will be based on what the Royal Family requires of her, why should she 'apply herself for the good of others', when these 'others' will write her off in an instant if William and she break up?

There are so many words being thrown around it is getting ridiculous......Hate, jealousy, dictate.......etc.....We are having a discussion about a 26 year old lady who could be close to the throne. We are free to disagree without really investing strong feelings. (Personal opinion) I said it before, if she is happy doing whatever it is she is doing and the potential in laws have no problem, so be it.
However being a public figure and showing no distress when the papparazzis are clicking away, I believe she gives us the right to discuss her and state our opinions positive or negative like we do with all the royals.
If she becomes one at the end or not is not within our control and we will find someone else to discuss..

 

[Odette]

So Hello magazine says.

May I ask how come Hello magazine knows what is going on within the walls of a privately held company? One owned by the family of the person we are discussing?

 

[Isana]

You would have to ask them. They quote "friends" but then the press always does though I guess Hello is more reliable than most which of course doesn't mean that what they write has to be accurate. There were pictures of her at Party Pieces from back in July. How do you know that Kate isn't productive?

I guess at least one has to be honest and admit that there is no proof what Kate does 24/7 either way. Some say she works for her parents other papers write she's shopping, vacationing and partying (though she wasn't photographed doing such very often this year). So any statement on her productivity is nothing but speculation or hear-say.

 

[Skydragon]

There are so many words being thrown around it is getting ridiculous......Hate, jealousy, dictate.......etc.....We are having a discussion about a 26 year old lady who could be close to the throne. We are free to disagree without really investing strong feelings. (Personal opinion) I said it before, if she is happy doing whatever it is she is doing and the potential in laws have no problem, so be it.
However being a public figure and showing no distress when the papparazzis are clicking away, I believe she gives us the right to discuss her and state our opinions positive or negative like we do with all the royals.
If she becomes one at the end or not is not within our control and we will find someone else to discuss..

That is how many of the posts come across, jealousy and dislike, if not hatred for a young woman nobody on here, (or other forums and media outlets), knows. Because nobody knows anything about her or what she is doing with her time, it seems to bring out the worst in some people.

Yes dictate is the right word to use, IMO, because that is what many seem to be trying to do. If this young woman is happy and healthy, not claiming state benefits and in love with/loved by her beau, then why is it so hard to wish her well. Why must she live her life the same way that millions do, but wish they didn't? Would she approve of the lifestyles of many of those who post on forums such as this, would she even care?

What an awful thought, that if she shows her distress at being pursued or photographed, people would find her more acceptable, when all she is doing is presenting the ubiquitous stiff upper lip, that was/is synonymous with the British!

 

[Duchess]

coming from a family that has some financial comfort - since we all have differing opinions on whether or not she's wealthy - working or not working/part time or full time is an option that many people would love to have. why is it that people find it such a bad thing if she chooses not to work? it doesn't make her less worthy, or less interesting, or less capable than if she was working. it just makes her unemployed.

 

[annette2002]

is\However being a public figure and showing no distress when the papparazzis are clicking away, I believe she gives us the right to discuss her and state our opinions positive or negative like we do with all the royals.

You are trying to tell me that because she smiles there is no distress. Maybe she smiles because she is a lovely young lady with great manners and it always easier to smile than look miserable all the time. It certainly looks better than been sulky and having a cigarette in your mouth because youre distressed. You also mentioned been productive .What is your definition of productive ? Maybe it is trolling the internet trashing someone who hasn't even utter a word.

 

[Ella Kay]

< ed: Warren > I like this royal message board more than any other I've visited on the internet. I think there's an emphasis here on allowing people to express opinions but also on keeping the entire discussion civil and measured. Although it happens sometimes, I see far less of the "you like Kate so you must be ________" or "you dislike Kate so you must be _______" nonsense here than I do at other websites, and I'm glad of that.

William and Kate's relationship is a controversial topic for many, and it's inevitable that some of us are going to disagree. But I appreciate how careful the vast majority of the posters on this board are to respect boundaries even while discussing touchy subjects.

 

[zembla]

I think the Hello story about Kate working 9-5 is probably a carefully planted "PR" story - so well done Clarence House PR machine! Assuming Kate has actually been working with her parents for a while, it is good that this is being clarified - and hopefully that will put a stop to all the gossip about how she spends her time - not that it was anybody's business. Hopefuly this well give the DMail something to think about - and perhaps think about how they might "update" their smear campaign!

Coming down to the hours she actually works, I don't think the press will ever get the full story. In practice, given that it is a small family business, I suspect she works as long as she needs to get the job done - and on some days it will be more, and on others, less - and I am sure they all muck in!

It would be interesting to see if she were to marry William, and if she were to take an interest in the Royal collection - providing a link with her degree... only time will tell!

I agree it was probably an effort by some media-skilled people either around her or William to get some positive press about her "career."

I've worked for my parent's business, so I know what it means to work for your parents. It's not exactly the most strenuous position in the world, unless your parents run a farm or some other hard labored business. If I were in that position, I would do the same thing. I mean working for your parents while waiting for the inevitable engagement is smart. Afterall why start something serious when you just have to give it up anyway?

I just hope this engagement is inevitable for her sake, and not in her mind. Hopefully she knows something we do not...

 

[Mermaid1962]

She does seem to have a focus in her life: William.

It doesn't touch the actual problem, the lack of focus in her life and that's - thanks for pointing out Kezza - Kate's problem and not caused by the paparazzis or implications of dating a prince.

 

[Elspeth]

Could we please tone down this exchange of accusations? I think we're all aware that there's a range of feelings and a range of motivations on both sides of this issue, and it isn't very productive to start getting into "you must be saying that because you're ignorant or jealous" or "I know someone in a similar situation and she isn't behaving like Kate so therefore there's something wrong with Kate." Attempts at mind-reading and the deployment of inductive reasoning run wild are really not helpful. If everyone could please take a deep breath and cool down, it would be much appreciated.

We've removed a few of the most personal of the posts. If this sort of thing keeps up, you can expect to see the mods back here with the pruning shears at the ready.

Elspeth
for the British Royals mod team

 

[Kezza]

I don't think the Hello thing will help Kate at all, because it doesn't change what people think about her either way.

 

[Luv2Cruise]

I don't think the Hello thing will help Kate at all, because it doesn't change what people think about her either way.

Exactly, most of us think she's perfectly fine, despite the TRASH that is written about her by sleazy tabloid HACKS and the online hater/stalkers.

 

[Elspeth]

Closing to clean up. Sigh...

 

[Warren]

It's mystifying how a woman we know so little about and who has barely said a word in public manages to stir up such intense passions.
Whatever the reason, it's in everyones' interest that discussions - and disagreements - are conducted in a reasoned and civil manner.

Quite a few offensive posts have been removed and the thread is being reopened in the expectation that members will express themselves without resorting to personal invective.

thanks,
Warren
for the British Royals mod team

 

[Skydragon]

Designers at Birchcroft China are so convinced Kate Middleton will become a permanent addition to the Royal household they are producing the ornaments.


Kate Middleton feature's on thimble set - Telegraph

 

[Mermaid1962]

Mystifying indeed. I certainly don't understand it.

It's mystifying how a woman we know so little about and who has barely said a word in public manages to stir up such intense passions.
Whatever the reason, it's in everyones' interest that discussions - and disagreements - are conducted in a reasoned and civil manner.

Quite a few offensive posts have been removed and the thread is being reopened in the expectation that members will express themselves without resorting to personal invective.

thanks,
Warren
for the British Royals mod team

 

[Incas]

Designers at Birchcroft China are so convinced Kate Middleton will become a permanent addition to the Royal household they are producing the ornaments.

Oh Dear! couldn't they buy copyrights on a few recent photos? Must be leftovers from the Woolworth (?) pieces binned a couple years ago.

 

[MARG]

It's mystifying how a woman we know so little about and who has barely said a word in public manages to stir up such intense passions.

I have to admit that it utterly confounds me that people can become so immoderately polarised about such a fairly innoculous woman.

Curious, yes. She is after all the long-time girlfriend of a Prince and a possible contender for (my) future Queen. I think a certain amount of inquisitiveness or just plain nosiness is inevitable. From this differing opinions will be generated by her style of dress, hair, shoes, jewelry, deportment and even personality,

I look forward to the cut and thrust of the arguments pertaining to style in all it's facets. They are, after all, subjective. However the slippery slope to personal invective aimed both at the hapless Catherine and other posters is pretty well . . . um . . . how do I say this . . . erm - .

So, in the spirit of good old speculation, may I start by saying . . . . . . he missed two "family" weddings and sent his girlfriend instead. Definitely trying to keep a low profile however, now he is seen escorting her up the aisle at yet another wedding.

Has the relationship come out of the closet? Are we headed for the big "e" word in the very near future? In the immortal words from "Three Men and a Little Lady", it's time to fish or cut bait!

 

[zembla]

I can see why people in The UK may be concerned about her and they have every right to be. She could potentially be their future Queen, representing their country. If she makes it far enough then an interview will come and people will be able to make a more informed opinion, I think.

She would do an interview after becoming formally engaged, right? Or that doesn't happen...?

 

[Ella Kay]

She would do an interview after becoming formally engaged, right? Or that doesn't happen...?

I assume that, if they get engaged, William and Kate would speak to the media during the formal announcement. Most royal couples do. I've also seen footage of some joint interviews of Charles and Diana before the wedding, so I imagine William and Kate would do the same (with palace-selected journalists, I would imagine).

 

[zembla]

If she went solo I have no doubt the ratings would be huge. I know plenty of people in America that would be equally interested to hear her speak out..

 

[Mermaid1962]

Given Kate's discretion so far, I doubt that any interviews by her are in the offing--even if she splits from William. It would be interesting to hear her talk, though.

If she went solo I have no doubt the ratings would be huge. I know plenty of people in America that would be equally interested to hear her speak out..

 

[Duchess]

I can see why people in The UK may be concerned about her and they have every right to be. She could potentially be their future Queen, representing their country. If she makes it far enough then an interview will come and people will be able to make a more informed opinion, I think.

She would do an interview after becoming formally engaged, right? Or that doesn't happen...?

don't forget the commonwealth countries

 

[Ella Kay]

If she went solo I have no doubt the ratings would be huge. I know plenty of people in America that would be equally interested to hear her speak out..

I have a feeling that William and Kate will be sort of "marketed" by the royal family as very much a package deal if/when they marry. No one wants to see another spouse eclipse a royal, I have a feeling. Plus, the public already have a major interest in and affection for William, so they'd surely want to see him along with his wife.

 

[Incas]

I think BRF is given too much credit on their ability to manipulate the media. There is the wild element in any media campaign, especially one involving a potential royal wife: the press. If anything, the tabloids wouldn't like to be seen as less in control of the subjects they cover.

As to Kate's suitabiilty as a royal wife, until there is no standard on a future monarch, it's silly to argue the subject. Judging on the amount of ridicule and contempt heaped on Prince Charles' over the years for virtually every social/envoirmental subject he supports, an outsider would be forgiven to think the British public preferred a playboy prince. Then again, Prince Andrew is the Air Andy, and Prince William is railed against for weeks for landing a helicopter in Kate's family home, during a training session. Talk about head-scratching bewilderment!

 

[Skydragon]

I assume that, if they get engaged, William and Kate would speak to the media during the formal announcement. Most royal couples do. I've also seen footage of some joint interviews of Charles and Diana before the wedding, so I imagine William and Kate would do the same (with palace-selected journalists, I would imagine).

They tend to answer one or two selected questions, I don't recall any of the UK couples giving normal interviews.

As to Kate's suitabiilty as a royal wife, until there is no standard on a future monarch, it's silly to argue the subject. Judging on the amount of ridicule and contempt heaped on Prince Charles' over the years for virtually every social/envoirmental subject he supports, an outsider would be forgiven to think the British public preferred a playboy prince. Then again, Prince Andrew is the Air Andy, and Prince William is railed against for weeks for landing a helicopter in Kate's family home, during a training session. Talk about head-scratching bewilderment!

I think a great many people now realise that Charles had the way of it, many years ago. Environmental issues are taught and practised in the majority of UK schools, organic products have increased and people do seem to listen to him.
Andrew is still Air Miles Andy to many and William will be remembered for his little jaunts (not 'training') for a long time to come. It was a relief to many that they did not have to call him Sir, that would have inferred respect!