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Prince George’s christening service will take place this afternoon, at 3 p.m., at the Chapel Royal in the grounds of St James’s Palace.
The most important question is what will everyone eat?
Prince George’s christening cake is a tier from Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding cake
It’s traditional in England to serve the top tier of your wedding cake at your first child’s christening.
The alcohol content in Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding fruitcake will have helped preserve it, but of course that cake was frozen as well.
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According to recent reports, just five senior members of the Royal family have been invited by Prince William and Kate Middleton to today’s christening of Prince George.
The Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex are among those who have been left off the guest list.
Prince William’s cousin Princesses Eugenie, who is in New York, will also miss out, together with the Princess Royal, who is in Canada, and the Countess of Wessex, who is carrying out official duties in Somerset. Zara Phillips, another of Prince William’s cousins, will be attending after she was chosen as a godparent.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s choice of the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace as the venue for the ceremony meant the guest list had to be kept down to fewer than 50 (only 22 guests, according to royal sources), meaning there would not have been room for close friends if the couple’s various aunts, uncles and cousins attended.
Just five senior members of the Royal family have been invited by Prince William and Kate Middleton to today’s christening of Prince George
The only senior members of the Royal family who will be there, apart from Prince George and his parents, are Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry.
They will be joined by Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and her siblings Pippa and James.But there will be no “plus ones”, meaning there is no place for Prince Harry’s girlfriend Cressida Bonas or Pippa Middleton’s boyfriend Nico Jackson.
Marcus Setchell, the obstetrician in charge of the delivery of Prince George, is expected to be at the service, together with midwives Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, Arona Ahmed and Lisa Greene, who attended to Kate Middleton in the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington.
A source close to the Earl of Wessex said he would be busy with “meetings all the way through the day”, while the Duke of York has “a day of official engagements in London”.
The ceremony will arguably be the most private christening of a future king or queen in living memory.
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Prince George’s seven godparents have been announced ahead of his christening later this afternoon.
Prince George’s godparents are: Oliver Baker, Emilia Jardine-Paterson, Earl Grosvenor, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, Julia Samuel, William van Cutsem and Zara Phillips.
Zara Phillips, wife of former England rugby international Mike Tindall, is Prince William’s cousin.
The Archbishop of Canterbury – Justin Welby – will christen the three-month-old prince at St James’s Palace in central London.
Emilia Jardine-Paterson attended Marlborough College with Kate Middleton, while Oliver Baker went to St Andrews University with Prince William and the duchess.
William van Cutsem is a childhood friend of the duke.
Zara Phillips is one of Prince George’s seven godparents
Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton served as private secretary to Prince William, Kate Middleton and Prince Harry from 2005 to 2012, and is still principal private secretary and equerry on a part-time basis.
Julia Samuel was a close friend of Prince William’s mother Diana, Princess of Wales.
Earl Grosvenor is the son of the Duke of Westminster.
Prince William and Kate Middleton will be joined by family and close friends for Prince George’s christening at the palace’s Chapel Royal.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip are expected to attend along with the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry.
Kate’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton and siblings Pippa and James are also expected to be at the ceremony.
Celebrity portrait photographer Jason Bell will take the official pictures, and after the christening he is expected to capture a historic image of the Queen and three future monarchs – Princes Charles, William and George – together.
This will echo a 1894 picture from the christening of the future Edward VIII, showing him with his father, grandfather and great-grandmother – George V, Edward VII and Queen Victoria.
Prince George will wear a replica of the intricate lace and satin christening gown made for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Victoria, the Princess Royal, in 1841.
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Prince George’s christening service on October 23 at the Chapel Royal in St James’s Palace could be attended by fewer than 60 people.
Prince William and Kate Middleton have broken with several traditions since their 2011 wedding, but royal christenings have always been for family, close friends and godparents.
Prince George’s christening guest list will include fewer than 60 people
All the public will see and hear of the 45-minute ceremony, conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, is the official photos and a few details that Prince William and Kate Middleton decide to release the next day.
Definitely present with Prince William and Kate Middleton will be: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles, Prince Harry and Michael and Carole Middleton with Kate’s sister Pippa and brother James.
Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and their spouses have not been invited, although Palace officials insist there are no family rifts.
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Queen Elizabeth has invited Kate Middleton’s parents Carole and Michael to spend time with the royals at Sandringham for Christmas, The Sun reported.
And Camilla Parker-Bowles is reportedly furious at the amount of time she is forced to spent with the Middletons.
Camilla Parker-Bowles is reportedly hating to spend time with the Middletons, and she believes it’s below her station to associate with them
This is not the first time that the Queen has chosen the Middletons over Camilla, and it’s making her spitting mad. Camilla was never a priority when it came to Prince George’s first few days, which was also spent at Bucklebury.
Camilla Parker-Bowles is reportedly hating to spend time with the “commoner” Middletons, and she believes it’s below her station to associate with them.
Prince George’s christening will “be a private and intimate family event”, it was revealed this week.
Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace representatives have informed us that while “a guest list will be released nearer the time” of the ceremony, it has been confirmed that Princess Anne and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, will not be there.
The Countess of Wessex is scheduled to open the new Girlguiding Residential Lodge in Somerset before attending a Festival Concert at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter in Exeter, Devon, according to the Palace. She will then visit the NSPCC Service Centre in Bristol and finally open the Healing Foundation Cleft Gene Bank and Cohort Study, also in Bristol.
Prince George’s christening will be a private and intimate family event
Princess Anne will be in Canada on that day, where she will visit the Canadian Forces Medical Services Training Centre.
A royal source revealed to E! News about the christening: “William and Kate are going to do things differently, and actually, their families are respectful of that. This won’t be a case of a big rift. Christenings are not state occasions. They’re private affairs and can be as big or intimate as the parents desire.”
It was on September 27 that the official announcement was made about the christening, which will take place at The Chapel Royal, St. James’s Palace.
While it remains to be seen who will wind up being Prince George’s six godparents, The Sun did report in August that Prince William and Kate Middleton have asked good friend Guy Pelly to be one of the godfathers.
Several other names have been thrown around as possible contenders including Prince William’s longtime pal Thomas van Straubenzee, Kate Middleton’s friend Alicia Fox-Pitt and, of course, Prince George’s aunt and uncle, Pippa Middleton and Prince Harry.
Prince George christening ceremony will be held on October 23 at the Chapel Royal.
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s son, born in July and third in line to the British throne will be christened by The Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Reverend Justin Welby, in a private service, with further details announced at a later date, the Kensington Palace said.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge broke with tradition in choosing the Chapel Royal over Buckingham Palace, where Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles and Prince William all were christened. The last member of the Royal family to be christened at St. James was Princess Beatrice in 1988.
Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton are even-money favorites for becoming Pince George’s godparents
Odds-makers in Britain are already hot to handicap favorites to become godparents to Prince George.
According to Ladbrokes, Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton are even-money favorites for the honors. They are followed by James Meade, Prince William’s closest chum, at 2-1, and Hannah Gillingham, Kate Middleton’s Marlborough college pal, at 3-1.
Others possibly in the running include pal Thomas van Straubenzee at 4-1 odds and sibling James Middleton at 5-1.
Longshots are David Beckham at 50-1, with his wife Victoria Beckham as godmother lagging far back at 500-1.
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Prince George will wear a replica of a 172-year-old gown for his christening day on October 23.
For 167 years, Britain’s royal babies wore a one-of-a-kind, custom-made, hand-me down Christening gown.
Ever since Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, over 30 newborns including Prince William, Prince Charles and the Queen, have all worn the same Honiton lace and white satin gown to mark their entrance into the Church of England.
Prince George, however, will wear a new form of the family heirloom to celebrate this historic and religious rite of passage.
Following the baptism of Lady Louise Windsor in 2004, it was decided the ancient garment was too delicate to be used again. As a result, the Queen commissioned an exact replica of the 1841 christening gown to replace the original robe.
Prince George will wear a replica of a 172-year-old gown for his christening day on October 23
In keeping with tradition, Prince William and Kate Middleton are also expected to serve the first tier of the wedding cake at the ceremony for their son.
Usually just one official photo of the royal baby is released in keeping with the private nature of the royal christening. It is expected that a single photograph of George in his robe will be released after the event.
Designed by the Queen’s senior dresser Angela Kelly, and her creative team at Buckingham Palace, the replica retains the same features of the original, including the lengthy skirt and elaborate collar and bow.
Prince George will be christened on Wednesday, October 23, at the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace – just over three months after his birth.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, will perform the christening.
Prince George, who was born on July 22 at St Mary’s Hospital in London, is third in line to the throne.
Prince George’s christening will be marked with a set of commemorative coins, the Royal Mint said Saturday.
Prince William and Kate’s firstborn will be christened at the Chapel Royal at St. James’s Palace on October 23, just over three months after his birth, the Kensington Palace announced yesterday. The Chapel Royal is where the coffin of William’s late mother, Princess Diana, was laid before her funeral in 1997.
The commemorative coins, approved by Prince William, his wife Kate Middleton and Queen Elizabeth II, are produced for the first time to mark a royal christening in Britain.
The 5-pound coins will be made of solid gold, silver, and a more affordable option, and will sell for as much as thousands of pounds (dollars). The designs of the coins have not yet been revealed.
The first Royal Australian Mint coin dedicated to Prince George Alexander Louis
Buying the coins may be the only way the public can take part in celebrating Prince George’s christening, which will be a private event, attended only by close family. Official photographs will be released after the ceremony, Kensington Palace said.
The venue of the ceremony is a break from recent tradition: Prince William, his father Prince Charles and the Queen were all christened at Buckingham Palace, while Prince Harry was christened at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
The Chapel Royal at St. James’ Palace is a lesser known and more intimate venue. Constructed by Henry VIII, it was decorated by Hans Holbein in honor of the king’s short-lived marriage to Anne of Cleves.
Prince George is the third in line to the throne, after Prince William and Prince Charles. His christening will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.
Prince George will wear a replica of a christening gown made for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter in 1841.
Prince William and Kate Middleton have a new coat of arms to represent them as a married couple, according to Kensington Palace.
The conjugal coat of arms was approved by the Queen earlier this year.
It combines the Duke of Cambridge’s coat of arms and the duchess’ shield, from the Middleton family coat of arms.
Designed by the College of Arms in London, conjugal arms traditionally combine the separate shields of a royal husband and wife.
Prince William’s shield, on the left of the coat of arms, is his version of the Royal Coat of Arms, granted to him by the Queen on his 18th birthday.
It shows the various royal emblems of different parts of the UK – the three lions of England, the lion of Scotland and the harp of Ireland.
Kate Middleton and Prince William get new conjugal coat of arms
The duke’s shield is surrounded by a blue garter bearing the motto Honi soit qui mal y pense – Shame to those who think evil of it – which symbolizes the Order of the Garter, of which he is a Knight Companion.
Kate Middleton’s shield comes from her family’s coat of arms, which was granted to the family in 2011, ahead of her marriage.
It is divided vertically, with one half blue and the other half red, and includes a gold chevron across the centre with white “cotises” either side.
The shield also includes three acorns – representing Kate Middleton and her siblings Pippa and James – with gold stalks and leaves.
The conjugal arms was made by putting Kate Middleton’s shield next to Prince William’s, in what is known as an impaled coat of arms.
In the couple’s arms, Kate Middleton’s shield is surrounded by a wreath of oak, to balance out her husband’s garter – a tradition for royal spouses who are not themselves entitled to surround their arms with an order of chivalry.
Both shields are supported by the royal lion and unicorn, each wearing a three pointed collar, known as a label.
The label has a red escallop shell derived from the Spencer coat of arms, which has been used by Prince William’s ancestors on his mother’s side for many centuries.
Prince William and Kate Middleton will keep the coat of arms forever, but parts could change as their own circumstances and roles change.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will also keep their own coats of arms to represent themselves as individuals, Kensington Palace said.
Australian radio station 2Day FM at the center of Kate Middleton prank call “broke the law”, the country’s media watchdog has said.
The finding came in a confidential, preliminary report by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which emerged in a court case.
The report said 2Day FM acted illegally by airing the phone call without consent.
Lawyers for 2Day FM’s owner, Southern Cross Austereo, are seeking to block the report, according to local media.
2Day FM acted illegally by airing Kate Middleton prank call without consent
The document came to light as part of their Federal Court hearing, in which they argue the ACMA does not have the power to make a criminal finding, only the courts do.
Australian Federal Police are currently investigating the call.
Nurse Jacintha Saldanha in UK was found dead in December, three days after DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian duped her into transferring a call to the Duchess of Cambridge’s hospital ward.
A ward nurse at King Edward VII’s Hospital then gave the DJs details about the condition of Kate Middleton, who was being treated for severe morning sickness at the time.
Michael Christian returned to work two months after the prank call, while Mel Greig remains off air and is suing her employer for failing to provide a safe workplace.
Mel Greig is due to give evidence in person at the London inquest into Jacintha Saldanha’s death. The inquest was delayed in July for the second time to give coroner Dr. Fiona Wilcox time to “seek more information”.
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Prince Philip has been finally introduced to his great-grandson, Prince George, for the first time since his birth in July.
The eight-week-old future king flew to Scotland on a private jet with his parents yesterday afternoon.
Prince George was taken to Balmoral, the Queen’s private Highland estate, to meet Prince Philip, 92.
Prince Charles and Camilla are at their nearby home, Birkhall.
Prince Philip was the only senior royal not to have met the third in line to the throne.
Prince Philip has been finally introduced to his great-grandson, Prince George, for the first time since his birth in July
At the time of Prince George’s birth he was recuperating at Sandringham after an abdominal operation.
Now Prince George is at Balmoral, there is a rare opportunity for a unique family photo to be taken.
For the first time in more than a century, three generations of heirs to the throne are alive: Prince Charles, 64, Prince William, 31, and newborn George.
The last time such a picture was taken was in 1894 when Queen Victoria was photographed with her son Edward VII, grandson George V and great grandson Edward VIII.
A royal insider said: “Everyone has been waiting for this photo to be taken, and of course the Duke of Edinburgh has been looking forward to seeing his great-grandson.
“It’s wonderful that the family have finally got together.”
Prince William and Kate Middleton flew to Scotland after the prince attended the wedding of friend James Meade to Lady Laura Marsham in Norfolk on Saturday.
Kate Middleton had surprisingly stayed in London where she was spotted shopping for baby clothes in Sloane Square.
Kate Middleton made her first red carpet appearance since becoming a mother.
The Duchess of Cambridge beamed as she accompanied husband Prince William to the Tusk foundation gala dinner at The Royal Society in London.
Kate Middleton, 31, wore a glittering floor-length Jenny Packham dress covered in sequins with her brunette hair carefully curled over her shoulders and simple, pretty make-up.
She finished the look with sparkling stiletto heels and diamond jewellery.
Kate Middleton made her first red carpet appearance since becoming a mother
Prince William, who wore smart black tie, is a patron of the Tusk charity, and expected to make a speech at the end of the awards ceremony which will be hosted by journalist Kate Silverton.
Last night’s awards aim to celebrate outstanding achievement in the field of African conservation, recognizing the achievements of individuals who are ensuring the future of Africa and bringing the challenges faced by the continent to a global audience.
Just last month, Kate Middleton made her first public appearance since the birth of Prince George when she attended the Anglesey ultra-marathon with Prince William.
Then, Prince William had revealed that Kate was bearing the brunt of the night duties – and that their son was proving to be quite a nocturnal little fellow.
The Duchess revealed that her mother, Carole, – or granny as she called her – had come up to babysit, and told locals that he was “sleeping well”.
Kate Middleton mentioned during the visit she was keen to get “back into shape” after the birth.
Last night’s outing marks the start of a new role for Prince William as he begins a new life outside the military.
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According to a new book, Carole Middleton was worried about the absence of a ring on Kate’s finger and she took Prince William aside to press him on his marriage plans.
The meeting took place when Prince William visited the Middleton family just before Christmas 2009.
In the book – Kate: The Future Queen by Katie Nicholl – a family friend tells how Carole Middleton expressed her fears to Prince William. But he assured her that not only would there be an engagement and subsequent marriage, the couple hoped to have children – and he promised Kate Middleton’s mother that she would be fully involved in their upbringing.
Prince William stayed true to his word. The couple were engaged the following November and since their son, Prince George, was born on July 22, Carole Middleton has become the most famous grandmother in Britain.
Carole Middleton and her husband, Michael, were the first family members to visit the new baby after his birth – ahead of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall – while Kate and William have even set aside a “granny flat” for the Middletons at their lavish Kensington Palace apartment.
Another of the Middletons’ friends, former neighbor George Brown, says: “It was a condition when Kate and William got married that Carole and Michael would be a part of the grandchildren’s lives.”
Kate Middleton paid tribute to “Granny” Carole last week during her first public appearance since the birth.
Carole Middleton looked after Prince George when Kate Middleton and Prince William attended the start of a marathon on Anglesey on Friday. Kate Middleton’s presence at the event was a surprise – it was only revealed that morning that she would attend.
It is thought it could be one of the couple’s last engagements on Anglesey before they leave their home on the Welsh island next month to settle into a new life in London.
Kate The Future Queen by Katie Nicholl reveals how Carole Middleton had a secret meeting with Prince William over marriage to Kate
The new book also untangles the tale of how Kate Middleton came to choose St Andrews for her university – starting at the same time as Prince William and on the same course.
It has previously been put down to mere coincidence, but it seems Kate Middleton deliberately plotted to be there at the same time as the prince.
Jasper Selwyn, a careers adviser at Kate Middleton’s former school, Marlborough College, and Joan Gall, her house tutor, confirm in the book that her first choice was not St Andrews at all, but Edinburgh.
Despite achieving the required grades for Edinburgh, one of the country’s top universities, Kate Middleton changed her mind after Prince William’s own choice of university was made public.
In a bold move, Kate Middleton turned down the place she had been offered at Edinburgh, decided to take a gap year, just as Prince William was doing, and reapply for St Andrews – a risky strategy as there was no guarantee that she would get a place. Since then, of course, their relationship has flourished.
In another fascinating insight into the Royal romance, the book reveals that although Kate Middleton has taken on a higher public profile since her marriage, she in fact began doing secret charity work six years ago.
In 2007 the Queen quietly suggested to Prince William that Kate Middleton get involved with a charity, and they both considered it an excellent idea.
The Middletons’ family firm, Party Pieces, already had a connection with Starlight, a children’s charity which grants terminally ill children an once-in-a-lifetime wish.
Kate Middleton arranged to meet the charity’s chief executive officer Neil Swan to see how she could help more.
Neil Swan said: “Kate was working with Party Pieces at the time and she came up with a clever idea for a party bag that doubled up as a coloring-in gift.
“She also designed some Starlight-themed crayons and other bits and pieces to go in the bags. To us, she was just Kate, and we would go and have meetings with her at Party Pieces, and sometimes she would come to us.
“She came up with lots of creative ideas for parties that we were arranging for sick children, and she did a lot of work below the radar.”
It is also revealed that Kate Middleton made numerous secret visits to the Naomi House children’s hospice in Hampshire.
Prince George’s first official photographs have been released.
Prince George – who is third in line to the British throne – is pictured with his parents, Prince William and Kate Middleton.
The pictures were taken by the Duchess of Cambridge’s father, Michael Middleton, in the garden of their family home in Bucklebury, Berkshire.
Taken earlier this month, they show the royal couple, Prince George and their black cocker spaniel, Lupo.
Tilly, a golden retriever belonging to the Middleton family, can be seen lying down behind them.
The photographs of Prince George, who was born on July 22, were released by Kensington Palace.
Kate Middleton with Prince William and baby George joined by retriever Tilly and cocker spaniel Lupo
On Monday Prince William, giving his first interview since becoming a father, told CNN: “He’s a little bit of a rascal, I’ll put it that way.
“He either reminds me of my brother or me when I was younger, I’m not sure – but he’s doing very well at the moment.”
Renowned photographer Terry O’Neill said he thought the pictures were “absolutely charming”.
“It reminded me when I first started photography for myself – I just went for the light, and it was really interesting lighting. As a matter of fact when I heard about these pictures, I thought <<Who have they got to do these pictures>> – and the thought crossed my mind they might have asked the Queen because she’s quite a good photographer – I thought that would be one up to the paparazzi.”
The cultural and education manager of Magnum Photos, Fiona Rogers, told Radio 4’s Today programme the photograph of the couple and Prince George with the family’s dogs was “technically not the most accomplished photograph”.
“It’s a photograph that any one of us could have in our family albums,” she said.
Prince William has described his newborn son, Prince George, as a “little bit of a rascal”.
In his first interview since the birth of Prince George on July 22, the Duke of Cambridge said he and Kate Middleton were enjoying their new role as parents.
“He either reminds me of my brother or me when I was younger, I’m not sure, but he’s doing very well at the moment,” he told CNN.
Prince William also said his son did not “want to go to sleep that much, which is a little bit of a problem”.
The duke admitted he does not get up in the night to see to the baby as much as Kate Middleton, adding that she is doing a “fantastic job”.
Prince William said he believes fatherhood has changed him already.
“The last few weeks for me have been just a very different emotional experience,” he said.
“Something I never thought I would feel myself… it’s only been a short period, but a lot of things affect me differently now.”
In his first interview since the birth of Prince George, the Duke of Cambridge said he and Kate Middleton were enjoying their new role as parents
Prince George, who is third in line to the throne, was born on Monday 22 July at St Mary’s Hospital in west London.
The world’s media had been camped outside and they got their first glimpse of the new prince the following day when he emerged in the arms of his parents.
Asked about that moment, Prince William said they were “happy to show him off to whoever wanted to see him”.
“I think I was on such a high anyway,” he said.
“As any new parent knows, you’re only too happy to show off your new child and proclaim that he is the best-looking or the best everything.
“It’s nice that people want to see George, so I’m just glad he wasn’t screaming his head off the whole way through.”
After the photo call, Prince William drove his family home to Kensington Palace, and he admitted he had practiced fixing the baby’s car seat into the back of the car.
“I know there’s been speculation about that. I had to practice, I really did. I was terrified that I was going to do some… you know, it was going to fall off or it wasn’t going to close properly,” he said.
“So, I had actually practiced with that seat, but only once before.”
The interview formed part of a full hour-long documentary – Prince William’s Passion: New Father, New Hope – and is to be broadcast on CNN and ITV next month.
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With her commitment ceremony to long term partner Sugar Bear just a month away, June Shannon needed a dress and enlisted her daughters to help her make the all-important choice.
However, the redneck “replica” of Kate Middleton’s royal wedding dress didn’t exactly fit as June Shannon hoped.
“This is what Kate wore when she married Prince William,” Mama June declared to her daughters, emerging from the changing room in the lace long sleeved creation during last episode of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.
However, Mama June soon realized the gown didn’t really flatter her buxom figure.
“As a little girl, I never dreamed of having that white princess gown,” she admitted.
“I don’t want a white dress, It’s really not really a true wedding and also I’m not pure so…”
The larger than life star had to be laced into another dress by the store’s assistants before leaving empty handed.
The family’s excess weight was clearly bothering the family matriarch who attempted to put her brood on the cabbage soup diet in a last ditch attempt to shed some pounds before her big day.
“If I eat this, I better lose 50 lbs instantly,” June Shannon declared with some distaste.
“The soup’s been cooking for a while and it smells like wet gym shorts.”
The redneck “replica” of Kate Middleton’s royal wedding dress didn’t exactly fit as June Shannon hoped
June Shannon’s 16-year-old daughter Jessica “Chubbs” was equally unimpressed.
“It looks like someone threw up in a bowl,” she said, wrinkling her nose up at the stew of vegetables.
All the rest of the girls bottled out of trying the healthy concoction except for Pumpkin who proceeded to spit out the soup as soon as she tasted it.
June is later seen rushing to the bathroom in order to throw it up.
“I like non healthy food because it tastes good,” Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson declared, showing her stomach to the camera.
“Last time I ate a salad was never.”
Meanwhile, June Shannon tried to salvage her family’s reputation, telling viewers her clan are “big boned”.
“We don’t eat a lot of fried food. We eat baked food,” June Shannon maintained, while putting hunks of butter on top of a tray full of meat chops.
Meanwhile, as the ceremony approached, Sugar Bear and June Shannon worried their dance moves might not be up to scratch and agree to practice at a dance class.
Mama June also begins to pen invitations, using old thank you cards for the task.
“You are invited to a celebration of love,” she began to write, before sneezing with stress.
“I’m using old thank you cards to send out invitations. As long as you have food people will come.”
But the amount of organization wasn’t the least of her concerns.
With June Shannon a self confessed marriage phobic, she started to have commitment ceremony jitters.
“I’m a little nervous about doing it,” she confessed.
“One day I want to do it and another day I don’t want to do it kind of situation. I don’t even really want to do it anymore.”
And Sugar Bear also appeared concerned.
“I just hope June shows up on our wedding day,” Mike Thompson fretted.
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Vanity Fair International Best-Dressed List is finally over as the most fashionable people of 2013 have been declared.
Some of the choices were far from surprising. Kate Middleton makes the list for the fourth time since she first appeared in 2008.
Princess Letizia of Asturias is also on the List, as is Princess Madeleine of Sweden.
Scandal actress Kerry Washington, who graced the cover of the magazine’s August issue, made the number one spot.
Gisele Bundchen, Charlize Theron and Justin Timberlake also appeared, as did Stella Tenant.
Victoria Beckham was also listed.
There were the obvious choices, and then the more intriguing ones. Peng Liyuan, the wife of the Chinese President Xi Jinping, makes her debut this year. Peng Liyuan, who is also a singer and performing artist, has been feted for adding some glamor to her husband’s staid office.
Kate Middleton was included in Vanity Fair’s International Best-Dressed List for the fourth time
But if the List charts those whose star is on the rise, those whom it excludes must feel the burn. With that in mind, it’s interesting that the List’s compilers have failed to include Michelle Obama – for the second year running. Barack Obama hasn’t appeared since 2009.
In fact, the wives of Western politicians are conspicuously absent. Samantha Cameron hasn’t appeared since she was included for the first time in 2010. And, while Carla Bruni-Sarkozy is a veteran of the List, having appeared four times, the wife of the former French president isn’t in the List this year.
For some, the List is a sacred affair, but there are those who treat it more lightheartedly. While Lara Stone, appearing in the Couples category with husband David Walliams, said her favorite item of clothing is “my wedding dress, made by Riccardo Tisci”, David said his were his “Charvet pajamas”.
He added that his style icon is Italian actress “Ornella Muti as Princess Aura in Flash Gordon”.
When asked who his is, Keith Richards, new to the List, responded: “Why should I [have one]… I am one!”
He also insisted that: “I don’t shop!”
Other newbies include Beyonce and Dita von Teese. The burlesque dancer said her favorite article of clothing is “The <<Hussar>> gown from Jean Paul Gaultier’s 2002 winter haute couture collection”. Fittingly, her style icons are “the women of 1940s-era fetish artist John Willie”.
Ronan Farrow, a writer, human-rights lawyer and diplomat but better known as the son of Mia Farrow and Woody Allen, was also included.
For the first time in its history, the fashion’s who’s who has been opened up to the public. The International Best-Dressed Challenge, as it was known, invited submissions from readers. Fashion blogger Hallie Swanson and interior Designer Darren Henault were selected.
Hallie Swanson’s style icon is Miranda Kerr.
Darren Henault’s styel icon is “Bill Blass with a touch of Pee-wee Herman and the Mad Hatter thrown in”.
Maternity brand Séraphine sales have soared by 40% since it was revealed Kate Middleton is a fan of their designs.
After donning one of their dresses on her first Royal outing since the birth of Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge, Séraphine saw sales rocket further.
New mother Kate Middleton was photographed arriving at her parents’ home in Bucklebury wearing the £50 ($80) Blossom Knot Front Lavender Dress on Wednesday.
Demand for the dress has been so high that the site has now stated that orders will not be shipped for at least another month.
This isn’t the first time that Kate Middleton has worked her magic on Séraphine’s sales.
Maternity brand Séraphine sales have soared by 40 percent since it was revealed Kate Middleton is a fan of their designs
Sales of one item, the £39 ($60) Brooke dress, quadrupled after Kate Middleton was reported to have taken a fancy to it when she was shopping in Sloane Square, according to founder Cecile Reinaud.
Total sales are up 40% since March, when Kate Middleton was linked with the brand.
Kate Middleton has been a fan of Séraphine throughout her pregnancy, ordering over a dozen designs from the brand; who have two West London boutiques, one of which is conveniently located on Kensington Church Street, near Kensington Palace.
Séraphine has four London outlets and sells through the internet to more than 30 countries.
Cecile Reinaud said: “The Kate effect is worldwide. From China, Russia to South Africa, sales are boosted due to the fact she chose our brand to dress her royal bump.”
Séraphine reported a turnover of £5.2 million ($8 million) in the year ending March 2013 and Cecile Reinaud expects turnover for 2014 to reach £8 million ($12 million).
Séraphine prides itself on offering unrivalled wardrobe solutions for pregnant women, available in their London boutiques and at selected Peter Jones and John Lewis stores, and online through their international websites.
Created by Cecile Reinaud, Séraphine’s collections hope to exude effortless Parisian chic, and have earned the brand an A-list following including Angelina Jolie, January Jones, Claudia Schiffer, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Garner and Kate Hudson.
Kate Middleton’s sapphire blue Issa dress worn for her engagement announcement in 2010 is a silk wrap design by Brazilian designer Daniella Helayel.
The dress was reproduced in the same shade and went on to sell out again and again on net-a-porter and in Harvey Nichols, as “copy-Kates” rushed out to emulate their style icon.
Now, a more purse-friendly version has been unveiled as the star piece in the brand’s new capsule collection for Banana Republic, which goes on sale next month.
The jersey dress is a tad shorter than the original sell-out version but still features a wrap waist and ruched detailing. It’s available in both navy and plum and another similar style features short sleeves and a deep V-neck.
When Kate Middleton wore the sapphire blue Issa dress for her engagement announcement in 2010, she sparked one of the first of many Kate fashion frenzies
The collaboration was first announced back in April 2013, almost two years after Camilla Al Fayed bought a majority stake in the company and one month before founder and designer Daniella Helayel left the brand following rumors that both sides were unhappy.
The 40 piece collection promises that Kate Middleton’s style “will soon be within reach” thanks to a limited edition range that includes plenty of Duchess inspired wrap dresses as well as light knits, tops and accessories.
Speaking about the project earlier this year Simon Kneen, Banana Republic’s creative director and executive vice president of design, told WWD: “We always love animal prints such as zebra and giraffe stripes.
“Issa took that and modernized it. I love that the collection is our world and their world.”
Brazilian designer Daniella Helayel left the company after nine years, saying in May: “The time has come for me to move on to focus on my art, travel and other interests.”
“Creating Issa has been one of the most rewarding things in my life. I may be leaving, but the Issa girl will live forever in my heart.”
Camilla Al Fayed, daughter of ex-Harrods owner Mohammed Al Fayed, remains the majority shareholder as she oversees the company’s global expansion.
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For her first public appearance as a mother, Kate Middleton chose an elegant pale blue polka dot dress made specially for her by Jenny Packham, one of her favorite designers.
Last night the Jenny Packham website appeared to have crashed after the word got out that Kate Middleton had worn the empire-line crepe de chine design.
Demand for Kate Middleton’s blue polka dot dress crashed Jenny Packham’s website
Initial reports on Twitter had suggested the dress was from Jenny Packham’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection, leading many shoppers to believe it might available to buy online.
Last night a spokesman for the British designer confirmed that the dress was a one-off creation for Kate Middleton’s long-awaited appearance on the steps of the Lindo Wing.
Asked whether there had also been a pink version made in case the royal baby turned out to be a girl Jenny Packham said: “I couldn’t possibly comment.”
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For the mothers watching around the world as Kate Middleton walked out on to the steps of the Lindo Wing to present the royal baby yesterday, the real delight was her “mummy tummy”.
That neat bump was the only thing which gave away the fact Kate Middleton had given birth to an 8lb 6oz boy just a day earlier.
And the glowing duchess clearly felt no need to hide it, a decision praised immediately by mothers’ groups.
Netmums founder Siobhan Freegard said Kate Middleton had dispelled the “myth that all mothers should be perfect postpartum”.
“In a couple of minutes on the steps of the Lindo Wing Kate has done more for new mums’ self-esteem than any other role model,” she said.
“Sadly, too many celebrities often have ultra-fast tummy tucks or strap themselves down to emerge in tiny size six jeans, leaving everyone else feeling inadequate.
“Kate shows what a real mum looks like – and natural is beautiful.”
She continued: “Undoubtedly over the coming weeks the duchess will work hard to regain her figure, but tonight she’s proved herself a healthy role model for real mums around the world.”
Many mothers took to Mumsnet to share their delight, describing Kate Middleton as a “role model” for showing off her mummy tummy.
One user wrote: “Oh just so lovely … I think she is fantastically brave to not hide her post birth shape. What a great role model she is.”
That neat bump was the only thing which gave away the fact Kate Middleton had given birth to an 8lb 6oz boy just a day earlier
A second wrote: “I loved that Kate didn’t hide her remaining bump. That is what a postnatal woman looks like folks!”
Another added: “They both looked fab, and I was also impressed that she didn’t hide the belly, good for her!”
Twitter was also dominated by women praising Kate Middleton for refusing to hide her figure.
Stacey Cook said: “Nice to see Kate still has a mummy tummy! Not like these skinny celebs who come out stick thin.”
Ju Lincoln wrote: “Beautiful royal baby and lovely to see that Kate still has a mummy tummy like all us normal women … I’m still trying to lose mine!”
Kate Middleton, whose style over the last nine months has already become a by-word for pregnancy chic, did not disappoint with her choice of dress. Her bespoke blue polka-dot Jenny Packham frock looked cool and chic, its empire line cut perfectly displaying her “mummy tummy”.
Her choice of print seemed to be a nod to the dress worn by Princess Diana on the day she left hospital with Prince William in 1982.
Diana posed on the same steps with her first-born son, wearing a green polka dot dress.
But where Princess Diana appeared nervous and bewildered by the attention – and was said to have burst into tears as soon as she got in the car – the radiant duchess smiled broadly and spoke assuredly to the ranks of camera crews.
While Prince Charles wore a formal pinstripe suit and tie, Prince William opted for a casual shirt, the blue perfectly matching his wife’s dress.
And, naturally for this very hands-on new father, the sleeves were rolled up.
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Kate Middleton made her first appearance as a mother as she presented the royal baby to the waiting crowds on the steps of the Lindo Wing today.
As one of the most scrutinized women in the world – and at this most high profile of moments with all the world watching – Kate Middleton would have labored over her outfit choice today.
Kate Middleton made her first appearance as a mother as she presented the royal baby to the waiting crowds on the steps of the Lindo Wing
In the event, Kate Middleton chose a crepe de chine polka dot dress by Jenny Packham – a designer she has turned to on multiple occasions for public events – which was made bespoke for her.
The cornflower blue was a nod, no doubt, to her baby’s gender – the same gesture made by her mother during her own visit earlier in the day.
Kate Middleton cradled the baby as she stood alongside Prince William, her husband wrapping a protective arm around her waist before taking the infant into his own arms.
“We’re still working on a name,” Prince William told the assembled Press.
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The royal baby left hospital with his parents, who revealed they had not yet chosen him a name.
Prince William and Kate Middleton waved and smiled broadly to the waiting cameras as they held their prince on the steps of the private Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital in London, 26 hours after he was delivered, weighing 8lbs 6oz.
Kate Middleton said: “It’s been very emotional. Any parent will know what this feeling is like.”
Prince William had followed the steps his parents Charles and Diana took with him 31 years ago, when he was born there on June 21, 1982.
“He’s a big boy, quite heavy. We’re still working on a name,” he told reporters.
“Well he has a good pair of lungs on him, that’s for sure.”
Confirming that the prince was overdue, the Duke said: “I will remind him of his tardiness when he is older.”
With a huge smile Prince William then added: “He’s got her looks thankfully.” to which Kate Middleton responded: “No, no, no I’m not sure about that.”
The royal baby left hospital with his parents, who revealed they had not yet chosen him a name
The royal baby is now third in the line of succession, displacing Prince Harry to fourth and the Duke of York to fifth, although he may not become sovereign for half a century or more.
Prince William, Kate Middleton and Baby Cambridge will travel home to Kensington Palace tonight, spending two weeks there while the Duke is on paternity leave.
Huge crowds of well-wishers and journalists from all over the world have been waiting outside the west London hospital ward for weeks, first to be there when Kate Middleton went into labor and now as the couple left with her firstborn child.
Meanwhile, this evening the Queen told guests at a Buckingham Palace reception she was “thrilled” at the birth of her great-grandson.
Earlier the royal baby’s grandparents met him for the first time, and soon afterwards Kensington Palace confirmed the Duke, Duchess and baby would leave this evening.
Kate Middleton’s sister Pippa is said to be there waiting for her.
Soon afterwards Kensington Palace confirmed: “Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge will be discharged this evening.
“The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their son will travel home to Kensington Palace.
“Their Royal Highnesses would like to reiterate their thanks to the hospital for the care and treatment they have all received.”
Earlier Carole Middleton described her grandson, the future king, as ‘absolutely beautiful’ after she and her husband visited him.
The Duchess of Cambridge’s parents said their first grandchild is “absolutely beautiful” and his parents are coping “fabulously”.
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Kate Middleton’s baby boy was overdue, royal sources have confirmed.
What does this mean for the birth?
Fewer than one in 20 women gives birth on their “due date” – the expected date of delivery given at the start of pregnancy.
Around half of pregnant women go into labor up to two weeks later, or labor is medically induced during this period because of worries about the health of mother and baby.
Prof. Andrew Shennan, an internationally renowned specialist, says it is more accurate to talk about a “due month” of birth because each woman’s circumstances are different.
Andrew Shennan, who works as professor of obstetrics based at St Thomas’ Hospital, London, said his unit’s policy is not to intervene until a woman reaches 42 weeks of pregnancy – two weeks overdue – unless there is cause for concern.
It is thought that Kate Middleton was 41 weeks pregnant today and comfortably within the normal margin for giving birth.
Prof. Andrew Shennan said: “Most women want to give birth naturally when possible and if there is no reason to induce, we’d rather not because it involves using drugs.
“Only about four per cent of women deliver on their due date, it’s better to talk about a due month, because when they are giving birth naturally around half will deliver later.”
Kate Middleton’s baby boy was overdue
The placenta – the baby’s support system in the womb – is equipped to last for about 40 to 42 weeks which means if labor hasn’t started there is a risk of the baby running out of nutrients at a time when it has never been bigger and more needy.
Another reason for intervening earlier is when there are signs of pre-eclampsia, which raises blood pressure and can threaten the lives of mother and baby.
When a decision is taken to induce labor, a number of drugs may be used to soften up the cervix – the neck of the womb – and start contractions including prostaglandin pessaries and oxytocin through a drip.
Obstetricians take a stepwise approach and if something works, there’s no need to continue with another drug, said Prof. Andrew Shennan.
These are normally given in hospital because the baby’s vital signs should be monitored throughout, he added.
Like thousands of other first-time mothers, Kate Middleton was asked to keep track of her contractions, the early signs of labor, at home.
She would have had instructions to contact her medical team when they were strong and regular, coming at the rate of two or three every 10 minutes, or if she was worried at any time.
Contractions are the tightening of muscles in the womb to push the baby down.
Prof. Andrew Shennan said: “It’s OK to stay at home at this stage and there is some evidence that women do better as a result.
“When they increase to three or four every 10 minutes then normal labor has started and she will need to set off for the hospital, allowing for time of day and traffic conditions.
“A lot depends on the level of discomfort and the woman’s pain threshold.”
The early stages of labor – which led to Kate Middleton’s admission to hospital around 5.30 a.m. this morning – may last some time, but when contractions speed up and the labor becomes established the timeline is carefully monitored.
The neck of the womb dilates, or widens, by one centimetre an hour and needs to get to 10 centimetres.
Often the second half of labor is signaled by the waters breaking – when the sac of amniotic fluid which protected the baby during pregnancy begins to leak.
Prof. Andrew Shennan, a leading researcher for the baby charity Tommy’s, said the early stages of labor can “niggle” for days.
“But when labor is established it’s a much clearer picture and ideally there will be good progress over 12 hours.
“Any longer and we would be considering a Caesarean section to ensure the safety of mother and child,” he added.
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