Royal Pets

To contact us Click HERE

The royal family visiting the Balmoral kennels, 1972
Image via British Monarchy Flickr

William and Catherine have made an addition to their little family - a black cocker spaniel puppy. By choosing a dog, they are following a royal tradition. Dogs have long been associated with members of the royal family. The Queen favors corgis and breeds Labradors, but the types of dogs owned over the years vary by the individual. Some have been adopted and some have been received as gifts. Here is a brief history of royals and their favorite pets.

Princess Victoria with her spaniel, Dash
via Wikipedia

Over the course of her long life, Queen Victoria owned several breeds - terriers, collies, dachshunds, greyhounds and Tibetan Mastiff. When Queen Victoria was presented with a Pekingese, he was the first of his breed to arrive in Britain. She also owned pugs - a favorite of her great-grandson, the Duke of Windsor. Her dogs were commemorated in paintings, photographs, and when they died, statues to mark their graves. One of the last dogs she owned, a Pomeranian named Turi, was at her side when she died in 1901.

Marble effigy of Caesar
Image from the
St George's Chapel website

King Edward VII was partial to terriers and his favorite was an Irish terrier named Jack. He admired Jack's independence and disdain for others. In 1903 Jack died during a trip to Ireland with the King and Queen. After Jack's death the king kept a locket containing strands of the terrier's hair on his writing desk.

Shortly after Jack's death, the King was presented with a fox terrier called Caesar, who accompanied his master everywhere. In 1907 the King he commissioned Faberge to create a group of small carved animals, including one of Caesar. The miniature features ruby eyes and a gold collar that reads 'I am Caesar. I belong to the King'. After the king's death in 1910 he gained fame as part of the king's funeral procession, walking behind the late king's favorite horse. As a result of his notoriety, Where's Master? a book supposedly written by Caesar, was published in June 1910 . He died in 1914 and is buried in the grounds of Marlborough house. In 1927 an effigy of him was included on the tombs of the King and Queen Alexandra in St George's Chapel. He lies curled up at the foot of his master.

King George V owned five dogs, the first was a collie called Heather. After Heather died, the King adopted Happy, the first of four terriers he would own. Like Caesar, he wrote his own book If I were King George, which was published in 1911.

The Royal family in 1968
via British Monarchy flickr

His son, King George VI, owned several Labrador Retrievers, and bred yellow Labradors. He introduced the corgi to the royal family in 1933 when he bought one named Dookie from a local kennel. At present, the Queen owns three Corgis: Monty, Willow and Holly and three Dorgis: Cider, Candy and Vulcan.  On her eighteenth birthday, Princess Elizabeth was given a corgi named Susan, who accompanied her on honeymoon in 1947. Some of the royal corgis have mated with daschunds, resulting in the 'Dorgi' breed. The Queen is one of the longest-established breeders of Pembroke corgis in the world.

The Duchess of Cornwall visits
Battersea Dogs and Cats home

The Duchess of Cornwall is patron of several organizations for animals. She owns three Jack Russell terriers, Tosca, Rosie and in August 2011 she adopted another named Beth from the Battersea Dogs and Cats home.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Sources:

Noble Hounds and Dear Companions: The Royal Photograph Collection

The Official site of the British MonarchyCopyright Marilyn Braun 2005-2011. May not be used without permission.

Royal Book Challenge: Kate & Wills Up The Aisle by Alison Jackson

To contact us Click HERE
10/500

Kate and Wills Up the Aisle: A Right Royal Wedding by Alison Jackson
122 Pages
Published 2011
ISBN: 1849490139

Just how 'wild a buck' was Prince William in his younger days? How did Charles and Camilla cope with news of the engagement? How did William propose to Kate? You'll find none of the truthful answers in this book.

However, you can see what their look-a-likes did in those situations. Up The Aisle tells the 'fairytale' story of William and Kate's love story using eerie doppelgangers. If you didn't read the disclaimer at the start, you'd think you were actually looking at Gordon Ramsay giving Kate cooking lessons or Elton John preparing for the wedding by getting a colonic irrigation. *shudder*

Some of the photos border on 'letting daylight in on the magic' (Kate getting a bikini wax, two horses graphically mating, William and Mike Middleton washing a car). Such things should remain a mystery.

Highly entertaining, most of the fun is in marvelling at the freaky likenesses. But it's best to take this book in small doses. There's only so many times you can look at a photo of William in the bathroom admiring a picture of Kate or Camilla wearing a flimsy negligee.

*shudder*

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.Copyright Marilyn Braun 2005-2011. May not be used without permission.

Royal Book Challenge: Settling Down by James Whitaker

To contact us Click HERE
Book 11/500

Settling Down by James Whitaker
128 Pages
Published 1981
ISBN: 0704333856

Hard to believe, but at one point Prince Charles was one of the worlds most eligible bachelors. The media was just as interested in his relationships, maybe even more so, than Prince William's bachelor status 30 years later.

In his time the prince was linked with several women, whether he went out with them or not. Settling Down focuses on the courtship of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. Whitaker holds nothing back about his efforts to get the exclusive story, which is far more interesting than the rest of the book. Unlike other books written about their relationship, Diana is not presented as Cinderella, nor is Charles presented as Prince Charming. Whitaker doesn't romanticize either of them. Diana is shrewd, cunning and not even remotely like the 'Shy Di' of lore. And Charles is portrayed as someone 'fond' of Diana but not really in love with her. Hardly the stuff of fairy tales.

No biography of Charles would be complete without covering his relationships with his married friends. Camilla Parker Bowles in particular enjoys 'looking after' him (his quotes, not mine) and states that Diana would 'never come to resent' Charles' friendship with her. In retrospect it was a naive statement to make.

The last chapter recaps the women he dated or was linked to. Including those who introduced him to 'the delights of the bedroom' , the flings with suitable aristocrats, unsuitable worldly blonde's, and the smart women who turned him down. Looking back, with all of the warning signs, it's a shame Diana wasn't one of them.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.Copyright Marilyn Braun 2005-2011. May not be used without permission.

Royal Book Challenge: The Royal Baby Book by Phoebe Hichens

To contact us Click HERE
12/500

The Royal Baby Book by Phoebe Hichens
Published 1984
64 Pages
ISBN: 0517454661

My interest in the royal family began the day Prince William was born, June 21st, 1982. I've always loved looking at baby pictures and combined with  royalty, this book is right up my alley.

The Royal Baby Book is about royal children from Edward VIII to Prince Harry. Each royal child has his/her own page with their birth date, astrological sign, short biography along with the significance of their position in the royal family. Along with some delightful photos of the various children, there are some surprising errors in the birth dates of Prince Charles, Prince Andrew and Prince William. To be fair, this was before Wikipedia could be used to double-check these things.

Looking through the book it's clear that, despite covering almost 100 years of royal babies, the fascination with royal infants, their births and the way they are raised, doesn't change. In fact, the desire for more information about the minute of their upbringing has grown. There is no doubt that William and Catherine can expect the same reaction upon the arrival of their own children.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.Copyright Marilyn Braun 2005-2011. May not be used without permission.

Stop treating Catherine Cambridge like she's made of china

To contact us Click HERE
Fresh off my post encouraging Catherine to develop her royal role sooner rather than later, imagine my chagrin when discovering an article in the Express. Her father-in-law, the Prince of Wales, has reportedly requested that Catherine use her influence to increase a global brand of tweed.

Not the economic crisis or hunger. Clothing. Not to diminish the cause. All charities think they are worthwhile and important and deserve attention. But it makes me wonder whether Clarence House is underestimating Catherine's ability to be more than just a fashion plate or a part of their arsenal to promote their own interests.

It's obvious that Clarence House is trying to ease her into royal life. There's no denying it's a major adjustment and so far she hasn't put a foot wrong. This is because she isn't allowed to. But are they being too careful with her? Much as been said of Catherine's age, and how this will help her cope with the demands of royal life. When are they going to expose her to those demands? It seems as though Clarence House has her on an extremely short leash. If I were Catherine I would be quite frustrated by this.

Catherine will not shatter into a million pieces if she is given more to do. If she has to shake more hands, give more speeches, take on more causes, glue and paint with more small children. No one is expecting her to compete with Princess Anne in the number of engagements. No one is allowing her to even try. So far her duties have required little of her. This is a mistake. Like with any job, the only way you learn is by doing it. Then challenging yourself to do more. The royal family, of all institutions, should know better than to do otherwise.

I for one believe that Catherine is capable of more than this. One day I hope she will start to believe it too.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.Copyright Marilyn Braun 2005-2011. May not be used without permission.

Royal Book Challenge: Doomed Queens by Kris Waldherr

To contact us Click HERE
13/500

Doomed Queens: Royal Women Who Met Bad Ends, From Cleopatra to Princess Di by Kris Waldherr
Published 2008
176 Pages
ISBN: 9780767928991

I own several books about royal death. Out of all of them, hands down, this one is the funniest. I'll go as far as saying that this is one of the best books in my collection.

In 2009 I wrote a review for Doomed Queens, so I won't spoil it for you. Suffice to say that anyone who can take a macabre topic and combine it with gleeful humor, deserves some type of award in the best book about royal death category.

Heads off!..err hats off..to you Ms Waldherr!

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.Copyright Marilyn Braun 2005-2011. May not be used without permission.

Another future Queen is born!

To contact us Click HERE
On February 23rd, 2012 a future queen, Princess Estelle Silvia Ewa Mary, was born in Sweden. Counting her mother, Crown Princess Victoria, who is currently the only female heir-apparent in the world, this brings the total number of future queens regnant to five. The others are Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands and Princess Elisabeth of Belgium. If the Crown Prince and Princess of Spain do not have a son their elder daughter, Infanta Leonor, would make it six.

Barring any unforseen tragedy or abolishing the monarchy, these little girls are changing history. Other countries have had queens regnant before but Princess Elisabeth will be Belgium's first. Should Sweden's little princess inherit the throne from her mother, this will be one of the few times, outside of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, when the Queen of a European throne has been succeeded by another woman. Monarchies are no longer a boys only club. Should William and Catherine have a firstborn daughter, Prince Christian of Denmark will be further outnumbered by his female contemporaries.

Princess Estelle, who cannot be usurped by a male sibling, owes her position to her mother. When Sweden changed their rules of succession in 1980 from agnatic to equal primogeniture, Victoria became Crown Princess despite having a younger brother. Other monarchies followed suit, Norway in 1990, Belgium 1991, Denmark in 2009 and Luxembourg in 2011. The Netherlands, with their own history of Queens, made the change in 1983. Women have ruled the country for so long that when Crown Prince Willem-Alexander succeeds his mother Queen Beatrix, he will be the first king of the Netherlands since 1890. Although Britain has five Queens Regnant, they are currently in the process of changing the rules. If William and Catherine's firstborn is a girl, she will be the beneficiary of this change. If the fates are kind, she may eventually take her place amongst her illustrious predecessors in British history.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Article amended to add the name of the princess.Copyright Marilyn Braun 2005-2011. May not be used without permission.

Royal Book Challenge: William and Kate: A Royal Love Story by Christopher Andersen

To contact us Click HERE
14/500

William and Kate: A Royal Love Story by Christopher Andersen
Published 2011
312 Pages
ISBN: 9781451621457

When I went to the store to buy this book, the display it was on had a sign that said: 'The truth is always a good read'.

I'm sure it is. Whether you find much of it in this book is debatable.

I was skeptical from the start. Claims that Diana, suffering from severe post-partum depression, had an affair with James Hewitt three months after Prince William's birth seem rather far-fetched. According to this book, after William's christening, Diana 'washed down a handful of pills and half a bottle of Scotch' and had to be rushed to the hospital to have her stomach pumped. The most famous woman in the world having an event like that 'magically kept out of the press?' Are you kidding me?

Some of the revelations, such as Kate travelling to New York to meet with Mario Testino have turned out to be untrue. Turns out that until she went to Los Angeles with Prince William, Kate had never travelled to North America. I'm no royal insider but when the bibliography features a comprehensive list of other royal tell-alls, it makes you wonder about the accuracy of the rest of his sources.

Any non-fiction book that requires you to suspend your belief in reality is in the wrong category.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.Copyright Marilyn Braun 2005-2011. May not be used without permission.

Royal Book Challenge: Undoubted Queen

To contact us Click HERE

15/500

Undoubted Queen by Harry Tatlock Miller & Loudon Sainthill
255 Pages
Published 1958
ASIN: B001X6A36Q

There is no actual year of publication listed, nor an ISBN so I've taken the information from Amazon. Judging by the photos of the Queen, Prince Charles and Princess Anne, I would say that 1957/1958 time frame would be accurate.

Undoubted Queen takes its title from a phrase in the Order of Coronation. And like that event, the overall feel is reverential. Other than captions to identify locations, there is very little text outside of the bibliography. Comprised of photographs of Elizabeth II throughout her (short) life, the glamorous young queen is primarily presented in the line of duty, on ceremonial occasions and on her travels around the world. Not all of the photographs are particularly flattering, there are some out of focus pictures and grainy closeups. On her travels to Nigeria and Australia, photos of tribesmen and aboriginals add a National Geographic feel.

It is hard to tell what the point of Undoubted Queen is. It has very few words and the photographs are mainly from her coronation and travels during the early years of her reign. Beside illustrations of previous queens regnant, the reader is left to draw their own conclusions about the new queen and her place in royal history.

Little could the authors have known just how significant that place would be.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.Copyright Marilyn Braun 2005-2011. May not be used without permission.

Stop treating Catherine Cambridge like she's made of china

To contact us Click HERE
Fresh off my post encouraging Catherine to develop her royal role sooner rather than later, imagine my chagrin when discovering an article in the Express. Her father-in-law, the Prince of Wales, has reportedly requested that Catherine use her influence to increase a global brand of tweed.

Not the economic crisis or hunger. Clothing. Not to diminish the cause. All charities think they are worthwhile and important and deserve attention. But it makes me wonder whether Clarence House is underestimating Catherine's ability to be more than just a fashion plate or a part of their arsenal to promote their own interests.

It's obvious that Clarence House is trying to ease her into royal life. There's no denying it's a major adjustment and so far she hasn't put a foot wrong. This is because she isn't allowed to. But are they being too careful with her? Much as been said of Catherine's age, and how this will help her cope with the demands of royal life. When are they going to expose her to those demands? It seems as though Clarence House has her on an extremely short leash. If I were Catherine I would be quite frustrated by this.

Catherine will not shatter into a million pieces if she is given more to do. If she has to shake more hands, give more speeches, take on more causes, glue and paint with more small children. No one is expecting her to compete with Princess Anne in the number of engagements. No one is allowing her to even try. So far her duties have required little of her. This is a mistake. Like with any job, the only way you learn is by doing it. Then challenging yourself to do more. The royal family, of all institutions, should know better than to do otherwise.

I for one believe that Catherine is capable of more than this. One day I hope she will start to believe it too.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.Copyright Marilyn Braun 2005-2011. May not be used without permission.

Royal Book Challenge: From a Clear Blue Sky by Timothy Knatchbull

To contact us Click HERE
16/500

From a Clear Blue Sky: Surviving the Mountbatten Bomb by Timothy Knatchbull
418 Pages
Published 2009
ISBN: 9780091931469

For many royal watchers, the death of Lord Louis Mountbatten, 'Honorary Grandfather' to Prince Charles, may only exist as a tragic circumstance for the Windsor family. A royal footnote in history and nothing more. But From a Clear Blue Sky makes it very clear that this was anything but that for those on the boat.

In 1979 Lord Louis Mountbatten was assassinated by the IRA when a bomb planted on his fishing boat exploded. Also on board were his daughter Patricia, her mother-in-law, husband John Bradbourne, twin sons Nicholas and Timothy Knatchbull and a local boy named Paul Maxwell. The only survivors of the explosion would be Patricia, her husband, and Timothy.

Timothy Knatchbull recounts in harrowing and at times graphic details the aftermath of the explosion and the recovery process for his family. The author doesn't hold back in his recollections and at times I felt like an intruder. Otherwise From a Clear Blue Sky is a moving and personal account of his journey towards healing.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.Copyright Marilyn Braun 2005-2011. May not be used without permission.

Royal Book Challenge The Royal 100 by Alan Hamilton

To contact us Click HERE
17/500

The Royal One Hundred: A Who's Who of the First 100 People in Line of Succession to the British Throne by Alan Hamilton
Published 1986
130 pages
ISBN: 0907516939

If you're ever in a royal trivia smack down and need to know who was 57th in line to the British throne, circa 1986, then this is the book for you. Otherwise the charm of The Royal 100 lies in the biographies of those relations who cannot coast on their birthright and keep it real by working for a living. Some who are far down the list even downplay their proximity. As if they have any other choice.

While the first four positions are still currently unchanged, the last 26 years have drastically altered the top 100.  Case in point. The 100th person in this book, Princess Marie Cecile of Prussia, is now, according to some lists, in position 217.

Covering the descendants from King Edward VII to Elizabeth II, the entries are interesting and occasionally humorous. The author touches on Queen Victoria but does not cover all of her descendants. As a result, the reader misses out on the Swedish, Belgian, Spanish, Greek and Danish royals who extend beyond the scope of the list. With almost 6000 people currently in line, it's understandable that the author limited the list to 100.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.Copyright Marilyn Braun 2005-2011. May not be used without permission.

Royal Book Challenge: The Little Princesses by Marion Crawford

To contact us Click HERE
18/500

The Little Princesses: The Story of the Queen's Childhood by her Governess, Marion Crawford
Published 1950
314 Pages
ISBN: 0312312156

As royal biographies go The Little Princesses by Marion Crawford is arguably the most famous and also the most maligned. But in comparison to today's revelations it is actually quite tame. I have yet to find a biography that doesn't mention this book, which is often referred to as the definitive version of the Queen and Princess Margaret's childhood.

Covering the period from 1933 until the birth of Prince Charles in 1948, The Little Princesses is a charming and sentimental, account of the early lives of the Queen and Princess Margaret. But reading it was bittersweet. Knowing the trust the royal family gave her, the unparalleled access she had to the royal family, it's easy to see why this was a betrayal. Nonetheless, it's an enjoyable read, offering an insiders account of the Abdication, the war years and a behind the scenes view of Princess Elizabeth's wedding.

Having learnt the royal stiff upper lip from her grandmother Queen Mary, we are never given an idea of Princess Elizabeth's true thoughts. One gets the impression that Princess Elizabeth is the more favored, and that Princess Margaret is the naughty one. A description that would continue throughout Princess Margaret's life.
Aside from their rarefied circumstances, Crawford conveys the two princesse as ordinary little girls in extraordinary surroundings. The writing style harks back to a more innocent, deferential time with a lack of sensationalism. In this day and age of royal tell-alls, the Windsor's didn't realize how good they had it.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.Copyright Marilyn Braun 2005-2011. May not be used without permission.

Stop treating Catherine Cambridge like she's made of china

To contact us Click HERE
Fresh off my post encouraging Catherine to develop her royal role sooner rather than later, imagine my chagrin when discovering an article in the Express. Her father-in-law, the Prince of Wales, has reportedly requested that Catherine use her influence to increase a global brand of tweed.

Not the economic crisis or hunger. Clothing. Not to diminish the cause. All charities think they are worthwhile and important and deserve attention. But it makes me wonder whether Clarence House is underestimating Catherine's ability to be more than just a fashion plate or a part of their arsenal to promote their own interests.

It's obvious that Clarence House is trying to ease her into royal life. There's no denying it's a major adjustment and so far she hasn't put a foot wrong. This is because she isn't allowed to. But are they being too careful with her? Much as been said of Catherine's age, and how this will help her cope with the demands of royal life. When are they going to expose her to those demands? It seems as though Clarence House has her on an extremely short leash. If I were Catherine I would be quite frustrated by this.

Catherine will not shatter into a million pieces if she is given more to do. If she has to shake more hands, give more speeches, take on more causes, glue and paint with more small children. No one is expecting her to compete with Princess Anne in the number of engagements. No one is allowing her to even try. So far her duties have required little of her. This is a mistake. Like with any job, the only way you learn is by doing it. Then challenging yourself to do more. The royal family, of all institutions, should know better than to do otherwise.

I for one believe that Catherine is capable of more than this. One day I hope she will start to believe it too.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.Copyright Marilyn Braun 2005-2011. May not be used without permission.

30 Facts about Prince William, Duke of Cambridge

To contact us Click HERE
In honor of Prince William's 30th birthday on June 21st, here are 30 facts about him.

1) Prince William was born on June 21st, 1982 at 9:03 PM at St. Mary's Hospital Paddington. He weighed 7lbs 1 1/2 oz.

2) Prince William is the first direct heir to the throne to be born in hospital

3) He was christened William Arthur Philip Louis on August 4, 1982, his great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother's 82nd birthday.

4) According to genealogists, William was born the most British heir to the throne since King James I.

5) He was nine months old when he accompanied his parents on their tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1983, becoming the first royal baby to be included on an official visit.

6) Prince William was the first royal prince to attend an ordinary nursery school, rather than be educated at home.

7) During his childhood he was affectionately known as 'Wombat'

8) Just before his fourth birthday, he was made the six-millionth member of the Automobile Association and given an AA lifetime membership.

9) He started learning to ride a horse at the age of four.

10) On June 3, 1991 he was accidentally hit on the head with a golf club. To this day he retains a mark on his forehead, which he has referred to as his 'Harry Potter scar'.

11) He carried out his first official public engagement on March 1, 1991 when he accompanied his parent on a visit to Wales to celebrate St David's Day.

12) The 1997 Christie's auction of his mother's dresses was his idea.

13) He was confirmed on March 9, 1997 at St George's Chapel, Windsor

14) He passed his driving test on July 27th, 1999, just five weeks after his seventeenth birthday.

15) In 2000, on his 18th birthday, he was granted his own Coat of Arms. The design includes elements from the Spencer Coat of Arms from his mother's side of the family.

16) William has stated that his favorite part of his gap year was year was spent working as a farm labourer on a dairy farm in England with an hourly wage of £3.20, rising before dawn to milk cows and “performing mucky jobs” along with everyone else.

17) In 2003 he celebrated his 21st birthday with an African themed party hosted by the Queen at Windsor Castle.

18) He is godfather to Prince Konstantine Alexios of Greece, the son of the Greek Crown Prince and Princess Pavlos. Prince William's own godfather is the former King Constantine II of Greece, Prince Konstantine's grandfather.

19) Owned a black Labrador named Widgeon.

20)  He met his future wife, Catherine Middleton, while they were both students at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

21) On June 23rd, 2005, William graduated from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland with a 2:1 Master of Arts in Geography.

22) He has a rose named after him - Royal William

23) He is left-handed

24) He entered Royal Sandhurst Military Academy in 2006 as an officer cadet. He was commissioned as an army officer in December 2006 and joined the Household Cavalry (Blues and Royals) as a Second Lieutenant in January 2006.

25) On 11th April 2008, Prince William received his RAF wings from his father The Prince of Wales, becoming the fourth successive generation of the monarchy to become an RAF pilot.

26) As a child William was given a specially modified, electrically powered, bright red Jaguar XJS Cabriolet miniature sports car. A gift from the manufacturers.

27) He was appointed a Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter on April 23rd, 2008. He is the 1000th knight in the register. 

28) He is a keen sportsman and has participated in many sporting activities: swimming, water polo, skiing,  rugby, polo, football, basketball, cross country running and clay pigeon shooting.

29) On the day of his wedding, April 29, 2011, the Queen granted William the titles Duke of Cambridge, The Earl of Strathearn and The Baron of Carrickfergus.

30) On 29th May 2012, The Duke of Cambridge was conferred to the Order of the Thistle in the year of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.Copyright Marilyn Braun 2005-2011. May not be used without permission.

RIVERSOL!!

To contact us Click HERE
I'd like to start out by apologizing for why this entry is so late.  I wanted to do Riversol justice. 
Riversol is a fabulous anti-aging skin care line by internationally-recognized dermatologist Dr. Jason Rivers.  It is run locally in British Columbia, Canada.
Let me tell you something about skin care.  It can be tricky.  There are so many products out there that claim to do this and that and they don't.  So its rare for me to come across a skin care line that does what it claims to do.  Riversol is one of them.  The nifty thing about Riversol is, their whole product line contains an antioxidant called : thujaplicin (thoo.ya.pli.sin).  Thujaplicin is an extract of the Pacific Red Cedar tree.  It is a potent anti-oxidant that has both anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.Riversol's full line of products is about simplicity.  There are only 7 products in the T Plus line. 2 cleansers, 4 moisturizers and 1 serum.Riversol is a great choice for people with common sensitive skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, and acne.  The entire line is fragrance-free as well as hypoallergenic.  It is also extremely gentle and can be used after most anti-aging skin care treatments as well as laser treatments.  Now THAT is something!
Now, I take pretty good care of my skin. I do everything Im supposed to do and more.  Imagine the surprise when my skin started looking even better!!  
I sampled 4 products. T Plus Foaming Gel CleanserT Plus Daily Moisturizing CreamT Plus Revitalizing Eye CreamT Plus Vitamin C & Vitamin E Serum
Each one is fabulous.  The Gel Cleanser is perfect for all skin types.  It is a gentle cleanser that gives you that clean, fresh-faced feeling after washing.  The Daily Moisturizing Cream is equally wonderful.  You need so little yet it does so much.  Your skin won't feel oily or sticky.  It feels as though you have nothing on at all, yet your skin is soft and supple.The Revitalizing Eye Cream does exactly what it claims to do.  It reduces the appearance of dark circles and under-eye puffiness. The cream is so gentle and creamy and dissolves in right away. It is super hydrating and it instantly refreshes around your eye area.Now the kicker for me was the Serum.  It, in one word, is DIVINE.  I have tried many a serums before. Some did good, some not so much. With this one my skin was ridiculously brighter. It felt soft to touch immediately upon application. It is just FANTASTIC.  It is extremely gentle and is used to help prevent premature aging but because it has Vitamin C, it brightens up the skin as well.  Really, really divine.
Another big plus for me was that all Riversol products made my makeup applications so much easier.  Sometimes some skin care products take too long to absorb or can alter the way makeup goes on.  None of these products did.  It allowed for a smooth application and kept the skin hydrated all day long. And any makeup artist will tell you, that first and foremost, we need products on our clients skin that will not only stay on but will not affect our application.
I would highly recommend Riversol skin care products.  You get what you pay for, which is a luxury skin care line made simple that works beautifully.  You can view and order the full line of Riversol products at www.riversol.com or at selected physician offices.

Baby its cold outside!!!

To contact us Click HERE

And you KNOW what that does to your skin!  Winter is finally here and on the east coast, its miserable.  Its cold and windy.  Lemme tell you, when I say windy we're talking Wizard-of-Oz-wind, gusts galore.  Lucky me, I live next to a wind tunnel.  Its fantastic...really :-|
I don't know about you, but my skin and winter don't go hand in hand.  Every time november comes along, I have to change my moisturizer to something richer.  And im not the only one I presume.  It'll be a treat to your skin if you go from your basic moisturizer to something heavy, richer, more decadent.  Your skin will thank you many times over and treat you right come spring.  And to make things even easier for you, I'm going to recommend a moisturizer that i've tried and tested and can vow will make a difference.  
Making it's second appearance on my blog is the fabulousness of Riversol T-Plus Daily Moisturizing Cream.  If you haven't read my ode to Riversol, you MUST.The T-plus Daily Moisturizing Cream is richness at its best, without the heavy overload of moisture.  A small nickle sized dollop of cream is enough to make your skin say "happy day, relief is finally here!" And on top of all that, you are continuously getting the benefits of this fragrance-free moisturizer that ALSO has vitamins C & E as well as Riversol's key ingredient : Thujaplicin and its perfect for ALL skin types, male or female, sensitive or extremely dry.  Really, could you ask for anything better?

Burn Baby Burn!

To contact us Click HERE
Christmas is 24 days away.  Which means New Year's Eve is 30 days away. Which means??? New Year's Resolutions that we (read: I) are unlikely to follow through with after the consumption of copious amounts of food and beverages. What's a girl to do?!
Ahah! (picture a light bulb) By george I've got it! TASKFORCE HEALTH AND FITNESS!  Taskforce fitness is your mobile one stop source for all your fitness and health needs.  With award-winning trainers and athletes, Taskforce Health and Fitness is the place to start getting your butt back in shape or continuing to keep it healthy. Located in beautiful Vancouver, BC, you can contact Taskforce Trainers at taskforcefitness@yahoo.ca  
After all, a healthy body provides for healthy skin and a glow that money nor makeup can buy!
So come on Ladies and Gents, lets start our resolutions now and step into the New Year feeling fabulous! 

It's all about the Gold

To contact us Click HERE
Lancome teamed up with Vancouver native, photographer and artist extraordinare Raphael Mazzuco along with his makeup artist wife Lisa Marie,  to create an amazing limited edition makeup box collection called Gold Fascination representing Canada's female athletes focused on winning Gold Medals at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics Games.  
Friday February 5th there will be a Red Carpet Fashionista Event at Studio 538 that you don't want to miss!

Check out the video of how the artwork came about:

How to get the Look: Kate Middleton's Wedding Makeup

To contact us Click HERE

People ask me all the time if I'd ever do my own makeup for my wedding day. I've always said no, that I'd rather not have to deal with the stress of doing it myself. Then I heard Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cornwall did her own makeup. Now, the day I get married, I might have a large wedding but its extremely doubtful I would get married in the presence of not only 1,900 people but also the majority of the world watching me exchange vows with a Prince. So, if Kate can do it, I'm pretty sure that I can.Here's a guide to getting Kate's makeup look that she so deftly did on her own. Rumor has it she used Bobbi Brown cosmetics but I've added some of my favorite products to use and tricks to achieve the look!

Step 1: Prep your skin. I can't emphasize the importance of a good skin regimen leading up to your special day. While makeup can do wonders, no one wants to shellack product on their face to create a lit-from-within glow. If you don't already have a skin care regimen, start now! You don't have to go out and buy a plethora of products. Start with your basics : Cleanser, Toner, Moisturizer (CTM). Once you get into a solid pattern CTMing of 2x day, everyday, you'll want to incorporate an Exfoliant. Exfoliants are my favvvvvvvvvorite skin care products. They make dull skin look lively, a rough skin feel soft and most importantly they allow your skin to reproduce new skin cells so the old dead ones don't stay around! The best advice I can give you about buying CTM products and an exfoliant is pay attention to what you're buying. If you aren't familiar, ask (ahem! *wink wink*). If you've used them all before but are wanting to upgrade, drop by a few counters, get as much information as possible, get a demonstration of the product and a sample if you can. Its important to educate yourself about the products you buy rather than "i'll just buy it because she/he/they/vogue said its good". Beauty professionals are there to help you but some unfortunately work on a commission basis but if you're a smart cookie (and you are) you can tell the difference between a good beauty professional and a sales-driven one. Continue with your skin care regimen leading up to your wedding day, however, I would suggest if it is within your means, to treat yourself to a facial (or two) the month of your wedding. Getting a facial not only gives your skin a good cleaning but its also an hour to relax and let someone else take care of you. There are so many different facials, so get one that appeals to you but my recommendation would be that if you only get 1, get an oxygen facial. Oxygen facials follow in the similar steps of a regular facial, however an oxygen facial provides a boost of active ingredients to the skin and not only helps with the release of impurities but also gives and overall smoother, brighter looking skin. Many spa's now provide Oxygen facials, I had one at Absolute Spa once and it.was.divine! Rumor has it, Kate Middleton got one too ;-)
Step 2- Groom your brows You can either leave this to a professional if you get it done regularly or groom them yourself but if you've never groomed your brows, please don't get tweezer happy and start plucking away. Ask a friend where they get theirs done and ask for a consult if possible. Strong, clean eyebrows are key in looking fabulous in your wedding photos.
Step 3-Wedding Day Makeup Try if you can to get some sleep the night before. If not, CTM your face as you normally do but after rinsing before applying moisturizer, splash your face with cold water. Not only will it wake you up but it will also perk up your skin.You'll need the following products, I've recommended my favorites to get the look: Primer (Benefit That Gal) Foundation (Lancome Teinte Idole Fresh Wear) Concealer (Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage) Powder ( Makeup Forever HD Microfinish Powder) Eyeshadow (Dior 5-Color Eye Shadow Palette in Rosy Tan) Eyeliner (Bobbi Brown Creamy Eye Pencil is Caviar) Mascara (Lancome Hypnose Mascara Waterproof in Black) Eyebrow color (Bobbi Brown Brow Pencil in Mahogany) Blush (Nars Blush in Amour) Lipliner (Lancome Le Lipstique in Sheer Raspberry) Lipstick/Lipgloss (Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Tulle/ Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Buff)
FACE: Start with a well moisturized face. Apply primer all over with either a brush or your fingers but concentrate the most on the t-zone. Wait a few seconds for it to dry and set before applying foundation. **foundation must match your skin perfectly** I always recommend applying foundation with a brush because you get the most coverage with the least amount of product. Don't use too much foundation, you don't need it but make sure you apply the product evenly and blend really well. Apply concealer under the eyes, in between the eyebrows, around the nose, on your chin and over any blemishes or discoloration you might have. **remember under eye concealer is always one shade lighter than your skin whereas to cover blemishes, etc, it matches your skin** Set with powder using a big powder brush or a velour puff, concentrating on the under eyes, nose, forehead and chin.
EYES: Apply a bit of concealer to the eyelid as a primer and powder to set. Start with the lightest shade (in your palette of brown and peachy colors) and apply all over your eye from lash line to brow bone. Use the second lightest shade and contour your eye in the crease. **blend well** Take the second darkest color (not the darkest) and apply on your lid using a light application. Using your eye pencil, draw a line as close to your lash line as possible from the outside in towards the tear duct. Take an angle brush and the darkest shadow shade, go over the line softly to both smudge it lightly and set the shadow. Do this last step on the bottom lash line as well. Curl your lashes and swipe two coats of waterproof mascara.
BROWS: Sharpen your eye brow pencil and lightly brush strokes as if mimicking individual brow hairs on your eye brow. Fill in the brow and using a clean angle brush, smooth over the lines and perfect your brow shape making sure the color is evenly applied and no smudges outside the brow shape.
CHEEKS: Smile to find the apples of your cheeks and using a light hand, apply the pink shade from the apples of your cheek up towards the ear/hairline blending well. **a little blush goes a long way so don't over apply but apply just enough that you can see it and it complements the rest of your look**
LIPS: Make sure your lips are free of cracking and smooth **the night before, use your exfoliant on an old toothbrush and "brush" your lips for a smooth, soft lip the next morning** Fill your lip in with lipliner and brush to even it out. Using a stiff lip brush, apply lipstick all over to fill in the lips. Finish off with a bit of gloss (not too much!)
VOILA!! Now you look like a Princess!

Mont Blanc Monaco grace princess series of conference

To contact us Click HERE
New Mont Blanc Fine jewelry Princess Grace series of conference had ended on June 1 night in Beijing.Yao Chen, Maggie Cheung, Vic Zhou, Pei Pei, Lynn, Jessica Alba,Naomi Watts,Nicolas Cage and so on more than ten stars presented.Let us take a glimpse of their presence now.

Lynn
Yao Chen
Maggie Cheung
Naomi Watts
Jessica Alba
Nicolas Cage
Mont Blanc Pen
Mont Blanc jewelry Tweet

Van Cleef Arpels launched fine jewelry

To contact us Click HERE

Van Cleef & Arpels launched new fine jewelry collection，to pay tribute to the Timeless Beauty exhibition.This series of fine jewelry with rubies and diamonds as its theme, create the Silk Road Dancer brooch,Zip necklace and ruby earrings, showing a number of landmark technology, including the secret style mosaic and zip necklace. Silk Road Dancer Brooch is vivid, zip necklace is unique, ruby earrings is bright luxury ... each one is not a jewelry and become a beautiful work of art.







Tweet