William and Kate: engagement and relationship rumours and musings 2009

[orb and sceptre]

Given the amount of time that Kate and William have been informal, I question whether or not they will ever make it official at all. I know that any possible future Princess will need a considerable amount of vetting, but I could easily see William marrying a young noblewoman after a shorter courtship. The Middleton family's image in the press might just kill it for Kate.

 

[Lumutqueen]

Kate and William have been going for 8 years and you are right after that amount of time one would assume they would get engaged.
But I doubt that William would ask anyone to marry him, if he hadn't dated them for a considerable amount of time, 3-4 years possible.
As for the middleton family image, it has been quite controversial and Mrs Middleton does seem like a pushy kind of woman, on the other hand I have heard less and less about the family since Kate and William got back together in 07. Maybe Mrs M has learnt from her mistakes?

 

[principessa]

Bunte had warmed up the rumours about a possible engagement and marriage. It says that the Queen had invited Kate to a "ladies lunch" and further more.

Kate Middleton: Hält William bald um ihre Hand an? - BUNTE

 

[Myself1995]

Bunte had warmed up the rumours about a possible engagement and marriage. It says that the Queen had invited Kate to a "ladies lunch" and further more.

Is this a pretty close translation to what the article says, or is my German way off?


Will William soon play his hand?
In England there are indications of a wedding in the royal family's own backyard; For the first time Kate Middleton was invited to a private lunch with the Queen. The meeting is to take place in August in Balmoral. Will her prince soon ask for her hand?


Can you imagine having a lunch that decides the rest of your life? No? Then look to England. Kate Middleton (27) is approaching this grotesque situation shortly. For the first time William's girlfriend (27) was invited to a private lunch with the Queen. That signals the ringing of wedding bells not only for aristocracy experts.

"It is the clearest signal that Kate could become an full member of "the Firm" ", explains a palace insider to the British tabloid newspaper "Sunday express ". "The meeting with the Queen will inevitably intimidate Kate, but it is extremely important for her future relationship with William". The meal is to take place in August during a hunting vacation at Balmoral in the Scottish highlands. Allegedly the two ladies will discuss exactly how Kate's life will change as a future royal soverign.

But it is not only lunch with the Queen that indicates that the love between William and Kate is being taken more seriously than ever; During a five day trip there recently the pair stayed not at the main house, but in a smaller house on the property. Then there's the fact that William and Kate have became more domestic, which has been proven in recent Paparazzi pictures. Instead of going to London clubs, they'd rather spend the weekend with friends in the country.

They've been a pair for five years now - and "Waity Kaity" as she is called in her own country, can't wait much longer. In the spring William will finish his pilot's training at The Royal Air Force.

 

[Bosana]

I Hope makes the big move!

The thing is...he might have made his "big move" already -- and we just don't know about it. It could be their own secret. Or known amongst a very few.

 

[udyusa]

Well said, Bosana! Let us just hope that you are correct in your assumption....

 

[muriel]

These "ladies lunch" or "private audience with HM" type stories are very common, and appear regularly in the tabloids. Are they truely indicative of a meaningful step in the relationship, or merely that of a slow news day is the real question in my mind!

 

[Wisteria]

Has anyone thought that this lunch (if there is even such a thing) could be to have a heart to heart talk to Kate and tell her that she should be getting on with her life as it is highly unlikely that her grandson will marry her?
Don´t yell at me, it is just a thought.

 

[muriel]

Has anyone thought that this lunch (if there is even such a thing) could be to have a heart to heart talk to Kate and tell her that she should be getting on with her life as it is highly unlikely that her grandson will marry her?
Don´t yell at me, it is just a thought.

Not convinced that HM would see it as her role to do so!

 

[Ella Kay]

Not convinced that HM would see it as her role to do so!

I agree. That would not be her place. Though she is the head of the royal family, I do not think she would feel entitled to sit down the partners of her children or grandchildren and give them that sort of advice.

 

[Jacknch]

I've just read an article about this on Hello! Magazine's website, which says that William and Kate will be staying at the main castle of Balmoral rather than in one of the properties on the estate. If this is true, then I think it is quite significant. Whether or not the Queen will be having a lunch with Kate, is another matter, but if it is true then it is significant too. In what way these things are significant, I dare not say, but it's going to be a long summer and plenty of time for decisions to be made and possibly questions to be asked!

 

[Mermaid1962]

This is an important point to keep in mind. Much as I'd like to see an engagement announcement, I'm not quite holding my breath for one just now.

These "ladies lunch" or "private audience with HM" type stories are very common, and appear regularly in the tabloids. Are they truely indicative of a meaningful step in the relationship, or merely that of a slow news day is the real question in my mind!

 

[Dierna23]

Sorry, but I think, it makes a little difference, if somebody says controversial or "silly" things or if he stands half naked in his kitchen, dealing with drugs The same with a girl, who will be Queen of great britain and everyone can take a look to her panties when she wents home from night clubbing. Like Paris Hilton or Britney Spears... I can't hardly remember Princess Michael doing such things Don't want to annoy someone here with my posts, but I stand by my word - they have a cheesy behaviour and I don't know if its the adaquate family for somebody, who will run the "Top-Job" someday.

 

[Skydragon]

Kate, as far as I know from the 'evidence' that has been presented here, time and again, did not deliberately display anything. The **** that is called the paparazzi, will make every effort (from laying in the road to risking injury) to get an indecent shot. Unlike Spears or Hilton, at least Kate wears undergarments! The same thing would not have happened to Baroness Marie Christine von Reibnitz, it was a different era.

 

[Zonk]

I totally agree Skydragon.

It always amazes me how people like to make comparisons between people (which I think is grossly unfair as everyone is completely different) especially between different generations. The press during Princess Michael's heyday is nothing like it is now.

As previously mentioned, Kate has been caught in some undesirable shots because they happen to sell. No one is perfect.

The press has never been fond of Princess Michael and they don't have a problem letting the world know.

 

[Dierna23]

Kate, as far as I know from the 'evidence' that has been presented here, time and again, did not deliberately display anything. The **** that is called the paparazzi, will make every effort (from laying in the road to risking injury) to get an indecent shot. Unlike Spears or Hilton, at least Kate wears undergarments! The same thing would not have happened to Baroness Marie Christine von Reibnitz, it was a different era.

I really agree with you about the paparazzi. And because I know a few "famous people" personally I also know, how the media can manipulate a persons image in the public. But... hmmm... Its difficult IMO. I surely won't blame her for being young and enjoy her life, but if you speak from an different era: in this era woman want to be independent, they work, lead their own lifes and so one. I mean, she's not a young woman like every else anymore. I know, she's not yet a public person, but what does she do except playing Williams shadow?? I'm not searching for Mrs. Perfect - we all make mistakes -, but what makes her special or adaquate for an heir? All I see is that she likes Parties and enjoy herself (no big thing and usually nothing to blame for, but MAYBE its different in her "position"). I'm sorry, but maybe I'm manipulated by the press myself. And btw sorry for my english...

And to ZONK: I didn't want to start a comparison between Kate and Princess Michael, but somebody here said, with Kate's uncle its the same like with Princess Michaels mistakes and I really can't agree with that. So my answer was only a bit of ironic. But allright, I won't say anything more here on this thread

 

[Ella Kay]

I know, she's not yet a public person, but what does she do except playing Williams shadow?? I'm not searching for Mrs. Perfect - we all make mistakes -, but what makes her special or adaquate for an heir? I'm sorry, but maybe I'm manipulated by the press myself. And btw sorry for my english...

What she does is work for her family's business. We've seen photos of her working at the company headquarters, and she recently attended a marketing seminar in London.

I think one of the things that makes the "what makes her special" debate so interesting is that the so-called "qualifications" for marrying a prince have changed radically over the past century. There used to be some that were set in stone -- you had to be either royal or aristocratic with major royal blood and you had to be a virgin.

Now that those criteria aren't applied anymore, people seem to want to develop a new set -- like a "meritocracy" of princess-hood. A princess, apparently, must have an "acceptable" career, a family that's not involved in any business ventures that might earn them enough money to make them "nouveau riche," a completely flawless personal history, and the ability either to smile or to frown at cameras depending on what the viewer deems the proper reaction.

But really, even the European commoner crown princesses that are often held up as models have had issues. Mette-Marit had a past with drugs and a son from a previous relationship. Letizia had been divorced. Maxima's father had a questionable background. But their princes married them anyway, and not because they fit with a set of criteria, but apparently because they were in love and wanted to raise families with them.

So, the bottom line, I think, is that Kate (or any other woman in a romance with a prince) is "special" or "adequate" simply because he loves her.

 

[soapstar]

That's a very good post, Ella Kay.

 

[Myself1995]

I also think that most people don't want a Charles and Diana deal where he marries someone else and regrets that he doesn't marry her. That's not fair to either woman. If he's bound and determined to have Kate, he should marry her. If he's getting cold feet, he should hold off.

 

[Mermaid1962]

Yup. I couldn't have said this better myself.

Now that those criteria aren't applied anymore, people seem to want to develop a new set -- like a "meritocracy" of princess-hood. A princess, apparently, must have an "acceptable" career, a family that's not involved in any business ventures that might earn them enough money to make them "nouveau riche," a completely flawless personal history, and the ability either to smile or to frown at cameras depending on what the viewer deems the proper reaction.

 

[Skydragon]

but what does she do except playing Williams shadow??

The most important thing in any long term relationship - she puts his wants and needs on an equal footing to her own and ..... she loves him! It doesn't get better than that, because it is only others who are concerned about the princess bit, they are only concerned about the man/woman relationship.

 

[Opal]

I also think that most people don't want a Charles and Diana deal where he marries someone else and regrets that he doesn't marry her. That's not fair to either woman. If he's bound and determined to have Kate, he should marry her. If he's getting cold feet, he should hold off.

Or he may decide that he just doesn't want to spend the rest of his life with Kate and end up finding the right person that he does want to spend the rest of his life with. Why does everyone assume it has to be either a Camilla or Diana situation. Let him live his own life and write his own story.

Whatever he decides I pray that William will make the right choices for his life, his happiness, the Monarchy and his country.

 

[Myself1995]

Why does everyone assume it has to be either a Camilla or Diana situation. Let him live his own life and write his own story.

I didn't say his was a Camilla or Diana situation. You didn't read the whole post. I said no one wanted to see another marriage drama again where another one of them did something they didn't want to do. I also said that if he wanted to marry her, he shouldn't listen to anyone else, and if he didn't want to marry her, he shouldn't be bullied into the situation. Which would basically be him living his own life and writing his own story.

Though what makes him happy, what's right for his life, what's right for the Monarchy and what's right for his country is a pretty tall order-often times, those things conflict.

 

[Little_star]

Kate, as far as I know from the 'evidence' that has been presented here, time and again, did not deliberately display anything. The **** that is called the paparazzi, will make every effort (from laying in the road to risking injury) to get an indecent shot. Unlike Spears or Hilton, at least Kate wears undergarments! The same thing would not have happened to Baroness Marie Christine von Reibnitz, it was a different era.

Kate has been photographed on several different occassions flashing her knickers. If she didn't want any unsavoury shots to emerge she could simply hold her dress down.

As for photographers behaviour IMO it is heavily exaggerated by some on this board. I have been at clubs a couple of times when "celebs" were leaving and none of the paparrazzi had to lie on the floor to get the shots they wanted. It's conveneint and easy to blame the paparrazzi.

 

[Skydragon]

It is difficult when getting in or out of a cab to ensure that someone sticking a camera in, flashing away, is not going to manage to take a picture of your underwear. If you haven't seen any of the paparazzi lying on the floor or engaging in other grubby attempts to get a 'porn' shot, might I suggest that you are at different clubs to the main stream celebs?

Some might see the paparazzi as dear little souls, just doing their job, others or their family, might have been involved in one of the scrums caused by them, and see them in a different light entirely.

 

[muriel]

Kate has been photographed on several different occassions flashing her knickers. If she didn't want any unsavoury shots to emerge she could simply hold her dress down.

As for photographers behaviour IMO it is heavily exaggerated by some on this board. I have been at clubs a couple of times when "celebs" were leaving and none of the paparrazzi had to lie on the floor to get the shots they wanted. It's conveneint and easy to blame the paparrazzi.

Reading your post one might be led to believe that Kate was some media hungry person exploiting the oh so innocent paparazzi to further her interests.

What is also amusing is that often a number of posters and some of the press are commenting on how conservative Kate is in her dressing, to the point of being dowdy!!

I have been at clubs a couple of times when "celebs" were leaving and none of the paparrazzi had to lie on the floor to get the shots they wanted.

I guess there are "celebs" and there are potential senior royals - depends what will make the bigger story the next morning!

Topless photos of Diana vs those of Paris Hilton...... we all know the bigger story!

 

[Empress]

At the end of the day, I suppose that most British will be happy to see a breath of fresh air blow into the Royal Family. And whilst I am sure there will be some jealousy aimed at Kate Middleton for her good fortune in possibly marrying the prince, I imagine the majority will be of the mind "Good on you" and happy to see their prince happy, and that he's kept it in the country rather than looking for a match outside of the country with someone who knows nothing of how things are done in the UK.

 

[SarahMay]

Sorry, but I think, it makes a little difference, if somebody says controversial or "silly" things or if he stands half naked in his kitchen, dealing with drugs The same with a girl, who will be Queen of great britain and everyone can take a look to her panties when she wents home from night clubbing. Like Paris Hilton or Britney Spears... I can't hardly remember Princess Michael doing such things Don't want to annoy someone here with my posts, but I stand by my word - they have a cheesy behaviour and I don't know if its the adaquate family for somebody, who will run the "Top-Job" someday.

I agree with you.
Why the press has been pushing this mediocre girl for marriage since day one is something I've never understood.

Why does the press feel that William needs a wife at 27 and someone who is his first serious girlfriend.
Maybe he just likes having a girlfriend.


At the end of the day, Kate is still single Kate Middleton (Perhaps there is a reason for that?)

 

[Wisteria]

At the end of the day, I suppose that most British will be happy to see a breath of fresh air blow into the Royal Family. And whilst I am sure there will be some jealousy aimed at Kate Middleton for her good fortune in possibly marrying the prince, I imagine the majority will be of the mind "Good on you" and happy to see their prince happy, and that he's kept it in the country rather than looking for a match outside of the country with someone who knows nothing of how things are done in the UK.

Empress you used the very same words that were said when Prince Andrew got marrried "a breath of fresh air". By the way I think you have misjudged the general feeling in Britain, although I do think most people would be overjoyed if Prince William, when he does marry, should marry someone suitable from home.

 

[muriel]

I agree with you.
Why the press has been pushing this mediocre girl for marriage since day one is something I've never understood.

Perhaps it is because the only one who really matters, ie Prince William, has steadfastly stood by her.

I agree with you.
Why does the press feel that William needs a wife at 27 and someone who is his first serious girlfriend.
Maybe he just likes having a girlfriend.


At the end of the day, Kate is still single Kate Middleton (Perhaps there is a reason for that?)

Is there not a contradiction in your statements? First you query the need to marry for Wills to marry at age 27, but then you go on to mock Kate for being "still single Kate Middleton" and suggesting that there may be "a reason for that"!