The Diamond Jubilee Tour: Belfast

Now let's all look at the more joyous celebrations in Northern Ireland for QE's Diamond Jubilee.

The Queen and Prince Philip drove through the Stormont Estate in Belfast, in what was a lovely sight as they stood from the car surrounded by thousands of well-wishers. Reminded me a lot of the pope-mobile! She also visited the Titanic Centre and the Lyric Theatre.

Pictures- Zimbio

The Diamond Jubilee Tour: Northern Ireland- Martin McGuiness

We've all heard about that historic handshake between the Queen and Martin McGuiness. A meeting between the Commander in Chief of British Forces, and the former IRA leader accused of orchestrating the death of Louis Mountbatten. Mountbatten was widely considered a member of the Royal Family, and was a stand-in grandfather of Prince Charles, a cousin of the Queen and Prince Philip's uncle. He and members of his family were assassinated by a bomb blast whilst holidaying in Northern Ireland. The bomb exploded under the floorboards of his boat on August 27, 1979. 

This is a fascinating documentary of Mountbatten's death, and includes a touching interview with his grandson, Timothy Knatchbull, who was on the boat as the bomb exploded. He says that he was invited to stay with the Queen at Balmoral as he recovered, and she welcomed him with 'motherly love.'

I think that the Queen showed great courage and dignity as she met Martin McGuiness, setting aside personal loss and tragedy as head of state. She is always willing to forgive and reconcile, and is the epitome of grace and peace.

Picture: The Daily Record

Royal Ascot: Day 5

It's over! Royal Hat Christmas is all wrapped up, but not without a final cheeky flourish from QE.

Best in Spring

What an amazing colourful ending by the Queen- loved the colour combo and the multi-coloured hat. The Flame Lily Brooch did look a bit minuscule though. And as Black Caviar's win was a HUGE deal here in Australia, we were lucky enough to have this jovial outfit all over the front page of the paper!

She did channel her inner horse whisperer, which was so touching.

The Curtseying Ladies

Ooh, and Savannah wins this by an INCH. Great to see both ladies in a proper curtsey though.

Nice, bold colour from Bea, but the studded ruffles down her backside? Not a fan. And here's the guys. Great to see Prince Philip, as always, and Prince Michael looking Tsar-y as usual.

Pictures: The Daily Mail/Getty Images/AP

Royal Ascot: Day 4

Finally, finally, QE has a royal winner! Her horse Estimate, decked out in the Queen's racing colours won the Queen's Vase. Ironically, Prince Philip presents the trophy for this race, and so it was a sweet moment when QE received it from her husband, which resulted in me melting.

And to my dismay, that's where her winning streak stops. Unfortunately, she pulled out one of my most hated outfits- the wonky cake. The coat is nice, but the hat is oh so out of proportion the way the brim curves down and bulges, the way the actual top curves in. And THOSE BALLS! or "hat pins." Ugh. 

Class

Hold on to your hats! Princess Michael is in the house! At first glance, it seems strange...no hat? But oh no, oh no, were we wrong, just do a little spin Marie Christine, and there we go- a petite pillbox!

I'll let you guys figure out the rest...

Pictures: The Daily Mail/Reuters/Zimbio/Richard Gillard

Royal Ascot: Day 3

It's Ladies Days at Royal Ascot, and *most* of the *royals* in attendance looked lovely.

Feathery Splendour


Ahh, trust Liz to come back roaring! The feathery hat wins it for me, and reminds me a lot of her mother's one at the wedding of Charles and Diana.

Okay, maybe not on the same feathery scale, but still..

Best New Royal Friendship!


Great to see Phil and Carole Middleton having fun and sharing a few laughs. Carole wore an outfit strikingly similar to the one her daughter wore to the river pageant.

The Ladies

Well it IS Ladies' Day, and they certainly showed up in their numbers. Bea in a so-so dress. Very detailed, but a bit all over the place. Eug played it so so very safe, and bland as well. Anne in my fav outfit of hers, even if it was just a repeat. I adore the lovely spring-like print- the purple and green complement each other so amazingly. The Countess of Wessex was very meh for me, but the hat managed to get her over the line.

And thank GOD for Princess Michael, or else I might have fallen asleep after Eug and Sophie! Got to love her for her signature flair!

And here's an adorable photo chucked in, as the ladies curtsey for the Queen-

Pictures: Royal Order of Sartorial Splendor/Daily Mail/James Whatling

Programming: Camp

Sadly, due to a camp I will have to post the rest of Royal Ascot when I return on Friday. My apologies!!

Royal Ascot: Day 2

So as Royal Ascot rolls on in a penta-festival of joy, we look at who won....and failed on day two of the races. Not many royals today, by the way.

MOST ARGH MOMENT


This ticks me off. She was so close, so close! The "strawberry ice-cream colour is wonderful, the Centenary Rose Brooch is so pretty, the basic form of her outfit is fabulous, but the string!!! Why on earth?

That's right- be VERY scared Princess Alexandra.

The Great Redeemers 

Yes, yes I know that Sophie should have chosen a better fit, the colour of her outfit and that spectacular hat really bring her ensemble back up. In the dramatic hat tally, Countess of Wessex: 1, Duchess of Gloucester: 1. Sophie's skirt is echoed in Princess Anne's lovely outfit, with a beautiful flowing chiffon dress! And the print on her jacket is mesmerising. 

Best Carriage Rider-

I had to feed off scraps for the photos, but Princess Alexandra looked very spring-like in an outfit and hat inundated with floral decorations. Good to see her with her twice-related cousin as well! And will SOMEONE from the Royal Mews please give her a State Landau? 

Pictures: Daily Mail/Justin Goff