Random Royal Moment: Lady Louise Windsor

Did anyone else see?! The way she pushed her way through to the front of the balcony? Lady Louise don't need no Earl or Countess of Wessex, oh no. And did anyone see how the Duchess of Cambridge adorably interacted with her cousin-in-law? So cute!

The Diamond Jubilee Tour: Nottingham

In a visit to the East Midlands, the Queen, without Prince Philip was received by thousands of well-wishers just a week after her Diamond Jubilee tour. In the Duke of Edinburgh's absence, HM was accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. It was a spectacular visit, topped of with a wonderful balcony appearance reminiscent of those at Buckingham Palace. The crowd in the packed Old Market Square below was a sight to behold.

Click for a magnificent 500-megapixel photo of Old Market Square.

The Queen wore her customary Angela Kelly outfit, whilst the Duchess of Cambridge recycled her Missoni coat and dress, which she wore to a visit with QE and the Duchess of Cornwall to Fortnum and Mason. The Duchess seems to be fitting remarkably well into royal life, and is so elegant whilst having fun at the same time. I admire the fact that she doesn't try to upstage the Queen, whilst complementing her so perfectly.

One of the main features of the day was a touching speech by the Duke of Cambridge in honour of his grandmother- "How grateful we are for the extraordinary love and devotion you have shown to the people of this country and the Commonwealth." The Duke and Duchess also showed their competitive side, seeing who could throw a foam 'javelin' the furthest. We can say the Duke won. As the Queen left for Burghley House in Stamford, the new royal couple stayed behind to walk amongst the crowd. QE also completed her obligatory royal duties, planting trees, unveiling plaques, and signing a visitor's book.

Pictures: BBC and The Daily Mail

Jubilance Part 3- The National Service of Thanksgiving, Carriage Procession and Balcony Appearance

I might as well come straight out with it, although I'm not proud of what I am going to say- not my favourite event. It lacked the pomp and splendour of recent Jubilees, and the slimming down of the family wasn't my cup of tea. So I'll start with the negatives:

No Gold State Coach!
Gah! It's my favourite carriage, and has been used at the two previous Jubilees, so why not make it a tradition and reuse it for this one? Seriously, HM arrived in a car. A CAR! And left in the modest 1902 State Landau. I yearn for those pictures of the Queen riding through narrow London streets in the magnificent gilded coach. Sigh...

Lack of Crowds
This really broke my heart and confused it as well. I'm not sure if they weren't allowed in certain areas, but some parts of the procession route were empty with no people, some with a scattering and some ten deep.

Scaled Down Royal Family

Whilst it was a symbolic sight, the mere six members of the Royal Family on the palace balcony didn't impress. I love all those huge family gatherings, where the balcony is packed with members. This appearance made it look empty and scarce, and failed to produce the magical effect seen at the Golden Jubilee. I don't know, maybe it was just the amazing canopy for the Golden Jubilee. And did anyone else notice the clear 'class' separation between Senior and Extended members of the family? Maybe it's a sign of things to come. 

Now, enough of my ramblings, time to focus on the positive aspects of the day!

As the Queen left Buckingham Palace, without Prince Philip, the crowds started cheering wildly. I was impressed with Lady Farnham's (her lady-in-waiting) filling-in, and she did it with subtle grace. It was magical as HM arrived at St. Paul's, as cheers of 'God Save the Queen' were heard from the crowd. The fanfares signalled her arrival and then it was time to get things underway. A main feature of the service was the music, and I must say, I LOVE royal music. The processional, "Te Deum in G" was magnificent, and the hymns took my breath away. "Guide me O Thou Great Redeemer was particularly resounding- I didn't expect the trumpet start and the climax at the end. 

The Queen wore and mint green embroidered Angela Kelly outfit, studded with a countless array of Swarovski crystals. I loved the chiffon drape flowing down her back- a lovely addition. The main highlight was the Cullian III and IV brooch she wore- shining like a beacon, and fitting for the Diamond Jubilee. The Duchess of Cambridge looked absolutely radiant in another Alexander McQueen outfit- very elegant indeed! Read orderofsplendor's very insightful glance into it's history. 

After the service, the Queen was transported to Mansion House to attend a short reception, whilst other members of the family gathered at Guildhall. Both parties then combined at Westminster Hall for a luncheon, complete with fanfares and beautiful music. Then the day really started to shine, with a carriage procession to Buckingham Palace. Yay! Days of old! It was very interesting to see the Duchess of Cornwall ride next to the Queen, suggesting that they are growing closer.

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, The Princess Royal, The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Edward, The Countess of Wessex and Lady Louise Windsor, Zara Philips

Prince and Princess Michael, The Duke and Duchess of Kent, The Duchess of Gloucester

As the condensed  Royal Family gathered on the palace balcony, it was great to see the full love and adoration of the crowd shine through. The packed mall flooded me with nostalgia, and the Feu de Joie (rifle salute) was a lot of fun. A flypast, complete with a Red Arrows display was also conducted. My favourite moment was the three cheers for the Queen, when the crowd erupted in loud 'hoorays!' 

Overall, a fabulous day to wrap up the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, and some rather interesting signs for the future!

Pictures: Daily Mail & The Telegraph

HM's Right Royal Bash!

Wow. You just never see this kind of thing. HM's Diamond Jubilee Luncheon was the largest gathering of royals since the Queen's coronation (!!!!!!!!), and it proved to be a spectacular turnout. 24 Kings and Queens, an Emperor, a Grand Duke, a Sultan, eight princesses, an Emir and an Empress all arrived at the reception in honour of Elizabeth II's Jubilee. It was such a shame that so much attention was drawn on the King of Bahrain, BOO! But anyways, I thought the luncheon was a fascinating event in history, and it displayed the friendship between monarchs.

Queen Elizabeth did look lovely in that very pale blue outfit, as she was the star of the show, after all.

Also in blue was Princess Charlene of Monaco, and showing great etiquette, she curtseyed oh so low to HM- it's great to see such respect!

Much attention also focused on the Duchess of Cambridge, of course, and it was great to see her mingling with royalty- sort of a crash course in diplomatic friendliness! And it was also great to see the trio of young royals in action.

But look at this adorable couple- Emperor Hirohito and Empress Michiko were my favourite couple of the day, always smiling and gracious, the Empress stole the show with a wonderful kimono.

While we're on the topic of national dress, the wealthiest monarch in the world, the Sultan of Brunei showed up and his wife Raja Isteri Pengira Anak Hajah Saleha (what a mouthful) dazzled in a burst of spectacular colour.

And here we have the leading ladies. This event really highlighted the wonderful relationship the three reigning Queens share. It was great to see Queen Beatrice out and about, and she looked positively delighted to see Elizabeth! Also part of the exclusive queenie association is Queen Margrethe, and whilst looking quite plain in grey, it was great to see Prince Philip kissing her hand!

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie also showed up, looking quite lovely in those simple outfits- not overdoing it. It was so nice to see the young royals mixing it up with the reigning monarchs, something you almost never see. And the Queen of Bahrain- Yes she is following the customs of her country but, really- Black?! Oh my, she looks like one of the witches in Macbeth!

Talking about fashion uh......mishaps, Inkhosikati, one of the King of Swaziland's NUMEROUS wives, turned up in a racy outfit. In an outfit you expect to see at a strip club, and shoes for a 7-year old's slumber party, she did not impress.

But it certainly made me chuckle! Anyways, I shall be uploading pictures from the Prince of Wales' dinner later, so stay tuned!

Duchess of Cambridge- I approve!

Wow, just wow! That teal gown that she wore to the GB Olympic Ball stunned me into disbelief. What an amazing dress! The flow from the waist down, the way it fluttered gracefully, and the lace back and shoulders- I loved every little thing about it! But another great sign about her appearance was that she IS practising her tiara hair! And I think that alone deserves a resounding round of applause.

Below- The Duchess' tiara hair.

This dress reminded me a lot of a teal number worn by Queen Margrethe to an Army Corps dinner.

And yes, I know royals don't do this sort of thing, but wouldn't it be amazing if the Duchess would've worn Queen Anne-Marie's emerald tiara?

Kate and Wills Hit the Red Carpet

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge headed out to the London film premiere of Disney's African Cats. The Duchess appeared in a pale grey dress blinged up with gold and jade detailing on the ends of the sleeves and on the neckline. I don't know if I really like this outfit, the dress sort of had this strange triangular flap at the front which reminds me of an apron, her sleeves are at an awkward length, and the bling looks sort of.... Egyptian to me?

I'm secretly hoping that one day the Duchess will walk out with a full on crinoline gown and a sparkling tiara. I know it's just not her style, but just LOOK at the Queen Mother and the Queen, sigh.. those glamour days of royalty have gone.