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The Duchess of Cambridge, formerly Kate Middleton, was in this blogger's neck of the woods Tuesday. Princess Kate was in Grimsby, on the south bank of the River Humber, in a rare public engagement. Since Kate suffered extreme morning sickness during the early stages of her pregnancy her public engagements have been rare. Perhaps it may have been better had she given this one a miss, as she appears to have inadvertently revealed that she is carrying a baby girl. Whoops.

According to MSN News "Kate apparently gave the game away during a visit to Grimsby, reportedly thanking a woman after she presented her a teddy bear with the words: "Thank you, I will take that for my d..." "

Could this be one reason that the current U.K. government has been pushing for a change to the succession laws in the UK?  Traditionally boys hold more clout than girls as far as the right to succeed to the throne goes. Rather ironic when you consider that the longest serving, and often most successful monarchs in the U.K., have been female.

Kate was visiting Grimsby in Lincolnshire when she made the faux pas. Perhaps it was a red herring, after all Grimsby is a fishing community. Either way it is now fueling more media speculation and publicity which Kate and Hubby Wills strife to minimise. Whoops again.

Kate wore a chocolate-coloured, three-quarter length Hobbs coat, and as usual looked stunning. Even with a hint of a baby bump Kate remains regal in appearance, and elegant. This is helped of course by her tall stature, slim body and hefty bank balance.

So if it is a girl we wonder what name's are the Bookies favourites? No doubt today female ones are experiencing shortening odds.

 
 
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Queen Elizabeth II of the UK is celebrating her Diamond Jubilee this year. In 2012 she will have been on the throne as the country's reigning Monarch for 60 years. Female UK Monarchs it appears live much longer than their male counterparts. This Queen, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth  all reigned for more than 50 years. If our current Queen continues she could break all known records.

Today, March 8, 2012,the Queen kicked off this year's celebrations. She, along with husband Prince Philip, Kate the Duchess of Cambridge and a veritable army of police officers, military personnel and companions visited Leicester.

Whilst the Duke of Cambridge is not in the country Kate seems to be attending many functions with her husband's paternal grandparents. She is certainly a crowd puller and pleaser. Taking Kate along is like bringing out the big guns or a secret weapon, as far as a charm offensive goes.

The BBC has reported, "The Queen watched cultural dancers before entering De Montfort University, where she attended a fashion parade with the Duchess of Cambridge. The Duke of Edinburgh viewed a university project aimed at improving life in the local community. The royals then attended a service at Leicester Cathedral".
The BBC went on with those all important frivolous details of who was wearing what or should that be who was wearing who.  The Queen wore a cerise cashmere dress and coat with black trim and matching hat by Angela Kelly. The duchess wore a suit by LK Bennett, a hat by James Lock, and Episode shoes. No mention of the Duke of Edinburgh, unsurprisingly. Funny how we do not class any of this as sexist when you think what a touchy subject sexism can be?

Media sources have reported that crowds swelled the area. Whilst this may be true there could be some poetic licence. There did seem to be a good turn out but nothing like those in yesteryear. However in time this year we will no doubt see huge flag waving crowds cheering the Royals on. 

The day's events of course included a luncheon for a select few dignitaries.  If you live in the UK or will be visiting in the near future here is the itinerary of the Royal tour of the UK.
  • 8 March, Leicester
  • 23 March, City Day Manchester and Salford
  • 29 March, North London Redbridge, Walthamstow, Harrow
  • 26/27 April, Wales Cardiff, Margam, Merthyr Tydfil, Aberfan, Ebbw Vale, Glanusk Park
  • 1/2 May, South West England Sherborne, Salisbury, Crewkerne, Yeovil, Exeter
  • 15 May, South London Bromley, Merton, Richmond
  • 16/17 May, North West England Burnley, Accrington, Warrington, Chester, Liverpool
  • 13/14 June, East Midlands Nottingham, Burghley, Corby, Stevenage, Hatfield
  • 25 June, South East England Henley-on-Thames
  • 2/6 June, Scotland (Holyrood Week) Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire, Perth
  • 11/12 July, West Midlands Hereford, Worcester, Birmingham, Shropshire
  • 18/19 July, North East England Sunderland, South Tyneside, North Tyneside, Gateshead, Durham City, Stockton-on-Tees, Leeds
  • 25 July, South East England Cowes, Isle of Wight, New Forest, Hampshire.
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