Working Visit to Copenhagen by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge: November 2, 2011

[IloveCP]

I agree Expat.

I bet the royals would like if people pay attention to their causes not their looks or fashion.

[texankitcat]

Originally Posted by zembla

I just saw the new interview Kate gave, and I can see why she is not "out there" as much as most of us think she should be. She seems nervous, unsure of herself and very aware of not saying the wrong thing. I guess it'll take some time to just learn that she should speak from the heart and not be too hesitant.

You can see the difference with William who is so confident of what he's saying. I suppose that is a learning curve.

Did we watch the same interview? She didn't look that nervous to me and I thought she answered the questions very well. You can't compare her to William who has been in front of the media his entire life and makes it look natural and easy. This is only her second interview.

[sm1939]

she just needs a few more years under her belt old William has been doing it for a long time now , so I would hope he would be more confident :)

[Duke of Marmalade]

Of all four protagonists, I think William & Mary did best. William oozes some royal gravitas, at least on camera. He comes across as regal, sincere and well educated.
Mary was dressed very suitable for the occasion and, from what she said in front of the cameras, seemed to be toughtful and prepared.
Frederik I am afraid is a big public fail, it has been said many times before, given that he has been preparing for a lifetime for the job its so disappointing to see him nervous and lacking any stature. Once he inherited the top job, how long will people be willing to tolerate his public unpreparedness? He is so lucky to have found a wife like Mary who can compensate to a very high degree (its like a dejavu of the Swedish Kings).
Kate, well, ok, she is a newbie and probably deserves to cut her some slack. When acting in front of a camera, her hair is freaking me out, it almost consumes her whole appearance for all the wrong reasons. During the interview, she was extremely nervous and didnt seem well prepared in terms of what to say.

[biboquinhas]

Yes Kate seams very nervous and she didn't know very well what to say and she was always looking at her husband!

[puddytat]

Originally Posted by Duke of Marmalade

Frederik I am afraid is a big public fail, it has been said many times before, given that he has been preparing for a lifetime for the job its so disappointing to see him nervous and lacking any stature.

Would you care to point out exactly where he failed during this event?

Show us where he was nervous. Give an example of him being unprepared.

He was smiling, relaxed, engaged in what they were all doing and he spoke coherently and knowledgeably. He's been to Africa , seen the situations up close and spoke from real experience.

Back up that "big public fail", with some big public proof.

Please.

[Al_bina]

Spletnik -Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in Denmark

[Erin9]

Originally Posted by expat

IMO people are very shallow, a good cause such as UNICEF only gets more donations because two attractive well dressed couples visit. I am glad UNICEF has reaped some benefit but I think this is ridiculous.

I think they reaped benefits because two well known couples visited UNICEF and brought attention to a serious problem that hasn't gotten enough news coverage. I consider myself fairly well-informed, but the problems in Africa haven't gotten much coverage over here. There are a lot of problems in the world. One of the benefits of being a high profile person is being in a position to high-light issues that concern you.

It doesn't hurt that they looked good doing it. True enough.

[Muhler]

Originally Posted by Duke of Marmalade

Frederik I am afraid is a big public fail, it has been said many times before, given that he has been preparing for a lifetime for the job its so disappointing to see him nervous and lacking any stature. Once he inherited the top job, how long will people be willing to tolerate his public unpreparedness? He is so lucky to have found a wife like Mary who can compensate to a very high degree (its like a dejavu of the Swedish Kings).

Well, I'm often critical of Frederik but in all fairness I'd say this time he did fine. - And yes, he is indeed very fortunate to have found Mary.

However, it wasn't the most difficult task the four of them had. They were to pose a bit, chat with some employees, pack a few packages in front of the cameras, say a few appealing words and shake hands with some donors.
Apart from being in the public glare it was manageble.

A press conference or a live interview, let alone an official visit is a couple of notches higher up the scale.
Consoling someone is even higher.

[Duke of Marmalade]

Originally Posted by Muhler

Well, I'm often critical of Frederik but in all fairness I'd say this time he did fine. - And yes, he is indeed very fortunate to have found Mary.

However, it wasn't the most difficult task the four of them had. They were to pose a bit, chat with some employees, pack a few packages in front of the cameras, say a few appealing words and shake hands with some donors.
Apart from being in the public glare it was manageble.

A press conference or a live interview, let alone an official visit is a couple of notches higher up the scale.
Consoling someone is even higher.

I was referring to the interview where he interrupted Mary. Either he doesnt say a word unless she jumps in or he is all over the place, not very structured.

I know he has been worse but compared to the impression William made in front of the camera Frederik still has to learn a lot but somehow I dont see any progress whenever he is speaking in public.

[Muhler]

Originally Posted by Duke of Marmalade

I was referring to the interview where he interrupted Mary. Either he doesnt say a word unless she jumps in or he is all over the place, not very structured.

I know he has been worse but compared to the impression William made in front of the camera Frederik still has to learn a lot but somehow I dont see any progress whenever he is speaking in public.

I think he was being sincere and eager to make a point in the sense that this was something he genuinely wished to promote. - That's also where his speech pattern is most fluent and coherent.
Both William and Mary are orders of magnitudes better when it comes to standing in front of a camera and say something meaningful. In that respect I'd say that Mary conveyed the essentials best.
I don't know William enough to know whether him being comfortable in the public eye is a talent or whether he has worked on it. - That is something Frederik needs to work on, and probably for the rest of his life.

Frederik walking around with his hands in his pockets, doesn't impress me, however I know many here find that endearing.
Something akin, I guess, to people finding Prince Harry more appealing than William, because of Harry being....Harry.

[expat]

You have highlighted my point, that a couple looking good had to be present for people to realise that there are a lot of problems in the world, I am only pleased that they drew attention to these, I just think it sick that it was necessary.

[Nordic]

Originally Posted by Muhler

Frederik walking around with his hands in his pockets, doesn't impress me, however I know many here find that endearing.

I don't know about endearing, but the BRF does it too...
Prince William was photographed with his hands in his pockets at UNICEF, and the most handsome and elegant man in the BRF, Prince Michael of Kent, during his visit in Copenhagen.

[Daria_S]

Some more articles and videos dealing with yesterday's visit.

Shropshire Star:

Young royals set aid mission example « Shropshire Star

Peter Hunt's video from BBC:

BBC News - Correspondents - Peter Hunt

Press Association's Video:

Royal pair focus on Africa 'crisis' - YouTube

[StoneCold]

Royal Visit to UNICEF Supply Centre in Denmark | Royal Insight

[expat]

Originally Posted by Erin9

I think most people know there are many problems in the world. This was an opportunity to shine a light on the famine in Africa.

Someone (I can't recall who) said more or less "So many dinners are eaten in banquets for the starving in Africa".

[TLLK]

Originally Posted by Viv

FasterB I agree, maybe it just reflects the fact that British and Danish/Scandinavian women have different sartorial taste! It's difficult to pinpoint what it is; maybe it's in the style, maybe it's in the colour coordination , maybe it's in the accessorizing - I'm not sure!
Maybe Duchess Catherine is adhering to to the British Upper Class and /or Aristocratic standards, which don't count in a Danish context??

viv

AFAIK I've never seen a female member of the British Royal Family wear pants to a daytime engagement. The only exceptions that I recall are when they wear military camouflage during exercises, Anne's uniforms or when the climate/culture might require pants.

Meanwhile, I have seen CP Mary and Marie wear pants during daytime and some evening events.

Originally Posted by agami.pearl

I hope that the focus will be on the charity case, but I'm afraid that press would like to write more about similarity between Kate and Mary, their outfits and interaction.

ITA and it's too bad that the cause will not receive the attention that it deserves IMO.

Originally Posted by Duke of Marmalade

I was referring to the interview where he interrupted Mary. Either he doesnt say a word unless she jumps in or he is all over the place, not very structured.

I know he has been worse but compared to the impression William made in front of the camera Frederik still has to learn a lot but somehow I dont see any progress whenever he is speaking in public.

I have to agree that Frederik still lacks the confidence and skill when it comes to public speaking. I didn't like that he interrupted his wife either.

Originally Posted by Duke of Marmalade

Of all four protagonists, I think William & Mary did best. William oozes some royal gravitas, at least on camera. He comes across as regal, sincere and well educated.
Mary was dressed very suitable for the occasion and, from what she said in front of the cameras, seemed to be toughtful and prepared.
Frederik I am afraid is a big public fail, it has been said many times before, given that he has been preparing for a lifetime for the job its so disappointing to see him nervous and lacking any stature. Once he inherited the top job, how long will people be willing to tolerate his public unpreparedness? He is so lucky to have found a wife like Mary who can compensate to a very high degree (its like a dejavu of the Swedish Kings).
Kate, well, ok, she is a newbie and probably deserves to cut her some slack. When acting in front of a camera, her hair is freaking me out, it almost consumes her whole appearance for all the wrong reasons. During the interview, she was extremely nervous and didnt seem well prepared in terms of what to say.

I'm willing to give Kate a break on this one. It's likely that she will improve over time. Frederik on the other hand...

Originally Posted by Terri Terri

Yeah...I noticed that too! But since this visit was the initiative of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and they made direct contact with the Crown Princely Couple, it is apparent now that Countess Alexandra would not have been there after all. One of the pitfalls of being an ex-member of a royal family. It must be hard to see the patronage that you have represented for so many years having such a huge media event and you aren't able to be present.
But at least UNICEF received a great deal of attention and hopefully, more money for a very worthy cause...and that's what is important.


We may yet find out who was present at the lunch from the Danish magazines.

I wish that the invitation had been extended to Countess Alexandra due to the years she's spent representing UNICEF.

[Baroness of Books]

Originally Posted by expat

You have highlighted my point, that a couple looking good had to be present for people to realise that there are a lot of problems in the world, I am only pleased that they drew attention to these, I just think it sick that it was necessary.

In some ways, I understand where you're coming from - that people should be aware of the problems in the world and not require attractive or famous people to draw their attention to what's going on. However, this is just the way it is nowadays; many people are so consumed by what's going on in their own lives - especially during this tough economic downturn - that they can't or won't see, or aren't well-informed of the misery in the world today. Actors and celebrities have always used their fame to draw people's attention to needy causes; in the U.S. there was a telethon held by movie stars and celebrities after Hurricane Katrina several years ago to help the affected areas in the South to recover, and I'm sure the response to that wouldn't have been so great if George Clooney wasn't hosting the event or Matt Damon hadn't been one of the celebrities answering the phone (if I remember my celebrities correctly). I think even Brad Pitt was helping rebuild homes down there, again if memory serves me correctly. There's also the LiveAid concerts featuring famous recording artists, and so many other events mounted for relief efforts by the famous. Celebrities know they have the star power to bring attention and donations to the causes that they sponsor. So the means do justify the end, and whatever it takes to get attention on board for worthy causes, I see no harm in this visit to UNICEF by two royal couples using their own starpower and popularity to get relief effort going for a very critical situation.

[Burzg]

Originally Posted by Al_bina

Spletnik -Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in Denmark

is in russian i read everything ; but i translate for my langauge make better , The Princes look very beutiful & kate look really duchess

[Muhler]

Summary of article in Billed Bladet #44, 2011.
Royale superstjerner - Royal superstars
Written by Marianne Singer.
- And kindly requested by American Dane

The article basically compare K&W and M&F, using fact sheets in order to see how much they resemble each other.

Mary is about 172 cm high = 5'8'', Kate is about 178 cm = 5'10''.

Physical activity:
Mary is an accomplished rider, she runs, play tennis, swim and she has played golf for many years.
Kate plays tennis, swim and sail. She played hockey in school and she was a high jumper. (You know, trying to leap over a horizontal bar placed at an unreasonble height, discouraging those who are gravity challenged).
William used to play rugby and hockey. He has been skiing since early childhood, he plays water polo in addition to playing polo and soccer.
Frederik has run several marathons, rides horses, ride mountain bikes, ski and he is an accomplished sailor.

Military background:
William is currently a SAR = search and rescue pilot, flying a helicopter.
Frederik served in the navy special forces.
(In addition to that Mary is a lieutenant in the Home Guard).

Education:
Both Frederik and William went to university.
Frederik studied political science.
William studied geography.
Mary too went to university,where she got a bachelor in commerce and law and she has studied marketing.
Kate studied art history at St. Andrews.

Jobs:
Mary worked in the advertizing company DDB Needham and also in Young and Rubicam. In the pre-engagement period in DK, she worked as project consultant for Microsoft Business Solutions.
Kate worked in her parent's company Party Pieces and she was a purchaser for Jigsaw Junior.

Children:
Both Mary and Kate are known to be good with children.
Mary in connection with her work in the Mary Foundation focus a lot of her work there on children. Including introducing the Australian Free From Bullying concept to Denmark.
Kate displayed her fondness for children recently at a cancer ward for children in Canada.
(I will add that Frederik has a fantastic rapport with children, easily surpassing both Kate and Mary IMO. He just walks up to them and they like him instantly. A rare and precious gift. - Eating live spiders to impress children also helps....).

The work UNICEF is doing at the Horn of Africa/East Africa:
Kate and William have friends who live in the area.
William has visited projects several times in that area.
Mary recently went to a refugee camp on the border to Somalia.
Frederik recently stayed for a few days in a remote village in Mozambique.

Family:
Kate has two siblings, both her parents live. Her family has been praised for their pleasant and unpretentious behaviour.
Mary comes from a close knit family, she has three siblings, all living in Australia.
Mary's mother died in 1997 when Mary was 25.
William lost his mother at a very young age that same year.

Clothes:
Both Mary and Kate have been hailed as style-icons.
Both are known to dress in femine, elegant and smashing dresses, which look good on their tall, slim frames.
Kate has been critizised for her heavy make-up and unoriginal style.
Kate has dressed in clothes from Whistles and Reiss, Alexander McQueen, Jenny Packham and Diane von Fürstenberg.
Mary prefer Prada, Hugo Boss, Matthew Williamson, By Malene Birger and Heartmade. And she has been seen wearing clothes from H&M.

Know each other:
This was the first time the two couples met in Denmark.
Frederik and William were both godparents for Prince Konstantin Alexios.
They've also met at Prince Charles's 60th birthday.

- Kate is of course in the disadvantage here. She is about to establish her role and interests and put her mark on things.
Mary has seven years of experience under her belt.