They’re back! It’s finally September! Praise Freddie Mercury, we made it!
First things first, what I’ve been looking forward to all summer:
It was little Lottie’s first day of school on Thursday. She joined big brother George at Thomas’s Battersea and was “very excited” according to William. They all look adorable, of course, and I love that Charlotte has a little sparkly unicorn keychain on her backpack.
I also loved that Kate was able to take part this time (she was ill with hyperemesis gravidarum on George’s first day). You can tell how much it meant to her - she was all smiles.
And then we were gifted with this precious portrait of Charlotte and George on the steps of Kensington Palace:
I just can’t. It feels like only yesterday we were watching them on the steps of the Lindo Wing and now they’re school-age!
And if you’re wondering where Louis was during all of this, I have my theories that he was driving the car:
Confirmation
Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway was confirmed last Saturday in Oslo.
Photo: Terje Bendiksby, NTB scanpix
In her confirmation speech, she became my new favourite young royal with this quip about her brothers:
Thank you, Marius and Magnus, for being the world’s sweetest and best brothers – sometimes. And our dogs, Milly and Muffins, who are the world’s best dogs.
It’s worth reading her speech in its entirety; she’s very well-spoken and cares deeply for her family and the environment.
Her parents, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit also gave a touching speech that brought tears to my eyes in several places:
“Oftentimes, you have to keep on trying and be willing to get knocked around a bit if you want to achieve something. You have demonstrated that you have guts and stamina. You are as tough as they come.” - Crown Prince Haakon
“May your journey bring you peace. May your days be as complete as you are, my little Ingrid. Thank you for letting us walk beside you.” - Crown Princess Mette-Marit
As a gift to the attendees, she had a note printed on special paper that will grow into flowers when planted.
Several official photos were released by the Norwegian Royal House of Ingrid Alexandra in her new bunad, a gift from grandmother Queen Sonja:
And with her godparents, all of whom were present:
Photo: Lise Åserud, NTB scanpix
In the top row: King Felipe of Spain, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, Princess Märtha Louise of Norway, Crown Prince Frederik
Seated: King Harald of Norway, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Marit Tjessem
It’s hard to believe that when I first started royal watching the rest of the European royals, Ingrid Alexandra was just a tiny little girl:
At Crown Princess Victoria’s wedding in June 2010 (Source)
And now she’s a well-adjusted, passionate teenager. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her. She seems like she’ll be a great queen.
Elsewhere:
Late breaking news this morning:
The Duchess of Sussex is in New York for the US Open. She’s going to watch her old friend Serena Williams go for her 24th Grand Slam title against wunderkind Canadian Bianca Andreescu. (People)
In other Meghan and Harry news: details of their upcoming tour to South Africa, Angola, Botswana, and Malawi have been revealed. It’s a 10-day tour beginning on September 23 and ending October 2. As always, Omid Scobie has all the details. (Harper’s Bazaar)
Crown Princess Victoria is auditioning to be a Pink Lady in the upcoming Grease revival that I just decided I’m casting for. (She’ll get the part.) (Hello!)
Queen Letizia of Spain continues to be one of my favourite royal fashion plates:
Learn more about her wardrobe at one of my favourite websites: Queen Letizia’s Style.
Prince William visited Hendon FC on Friday in support of the newest Heads Together initiative to talk about men’s mental health in football. (Heads Together)
Prince Harry launched Travalyst, a thing that I (as someone who has traveled by plane twice in 31 years) don’t yet understand the mechanics of but am willing to wait before passing judgement. (Town and Country)
And finally, eagle-eyed royal watchers noticed that the Cambridge/Sussex split is finally complete: all Sussex engagements are now listed under Buckingham Palace; and when William held a meeting with the Royal Foundation executives, it was listed as The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. (Hello!)
Back to Nature
Kate’s third and final Back to Nature Garden will be unveiled when the RHS Garden Show at Wisley opens next week. I’ve loved learning about her passion for the outdoors and for gardening throughout the year, and love that she’s made her mark in this area.
More details about the RHS Garden Wisley installment:
The Wild at Wisley play area is undergoing an exciting transformation this summer. A new play experience is being created, which is inspired by The RHS Back to Nature Garden that was co-designed by HRH The Duchess of Cambridge and Davies White Landscape Architects.
This inviting new space at RHS Garden Wisley – due to open in September 2019 – will feature elements from The Duchess’s show gardens at both the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019 and RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival 2019. The garden will include fun play elements and will incorporate the winning sculpture from the BBC Blue Peter Royal Garden Competition.
Kate previously designed gardens for the RHS Chelsea and Hampton Court Palace shows over the spring and summer.
Nothing official has been confirmed yet, but royal reporters are all but certain that we’ll see Kate at some point next week when the RHS Garden Wisley opens.
If so, fingers crossed that there’s a rope swing and that William accompanies her…
(will I find a way to work this gif into every newsletter? I’m going to damn well try!)
What I Wrote at Royal Central This Week:
Crown Princess Victoria visits the Marine Centre and Simris Alg
Prince of Wales teams up with designers for eco-friendly fashion line from Highgrove Garden
Dork of the Week:
Prince George, with his funny faces on the first day of school.
See you next week!