The Metropolitan Police talk about Royal Wedding security

Anyone attempting to disrupt the royal wedding on Friday will face a "robust" response, the Metropolitan Police has said.

Some 5,000 officers will be on duty to ensure the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton is a "safe, secure and happy event".

Commander Christine Jones, who will be overseeing the police operation, said there was no specific known threat. However 60 known troublemakers have been banned from London on the day.

"We would be wrong not to consider spontaneous protest as part of our contingency planning. But let us make it absolutely clear - this is a day of celebration, joy and pageantry. It is a fantastic day for Britain," she said.

"Any criminals attempting to disrupt it, be that in the guise of protest or otherwise, will be met by a robust, decisive, flexible and proportionate policing response."

Assistant Commander Lynne Owens added that although plans were in place to deal with any disruptions, police cannot ban demonstrations from taking place in the capital.

She confirmed that Muslims Against Crusades had planned to protest outside Westminster Abbey and were due to meet with police last week to discuss conditions but had failed to turn up.

The radical cleric Anjem Choudary is  apparently still planning a protest on the day of the Royal Wedding, despite being banned from demonstrating near Westminster Abbey.


But now the cleric has confirmed two of his group's supporters plan to meet police on Thursday to renew efforts to conduct a protest as close to the Royal procession route as possible.

Although senior officers denied permission for a demonstration near the Abbey, they have little in the way of powers to stop protests elsewhere London.    


Police fear the possibility of disorder, as rival protest group the English Defence League has already warned it will hold a counter-demonstration should the Muslims Against Crusades protest go ahead.                                                                       

As well as the Royal Family, 50 heads of state are attending the ceremony, which it is anticipated will be watched by up to two billion people on television. There will be 70-80 close protection teams for VIPs on the day.

Kate Middleton's New Coat Of Arms

Mr Michael Middleton has been granted a Coat of Arms in order that his daughter Kate Middleton can have her own Coat of Arms as seen on the left.

Apparently the immediate Middleton family worked closely with the College of Arms throughout the design process to ensure that it is truly a representation of their family.

The three acorns represent the three children in the Middleton family, Catherine (Kate), Philippa and James. The gold chevron in the middle of the design represents Mrs Middleton.

Kate's Coat of Arms has been presented as a lozenge dangling from a piece of blue ribbon to indicate that she is an unmarried daughter.

Once married a new Coat of Arms will be created made up of both Prince William's and Kate's Coat of Arms.

Your Royal Wedding

As we all know the nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton are quickly approaching on April 29, 2011. There is something in all of us who get a kick out of fairytales especially if they are beyond the pages of our favorite childhood books. Every bride is a princess on her wedding day, and while Kate will be a princess beyond her nuptials, you most certainly can implement royal elements for

Royal wedding style though the decades

Here's an interesting look at royal wedding style though the ages.

Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, 1923


A traditional full-length gown with a court train was the order of the day for Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother's marriage to the Duke of York, later George VI. Designed by Madame Handley, the dress was on trend for the 1920s with its unshaped lace bodice - a style made popular by Coco Chanel. This gown is so trendy it hurts.

Wallis Simpson, 1937


The marriage of Wallis Simpson and Prince Edward wasn't a royal wedding as such as the prince had decided to abdicate the throne in order to marry divorcee Mrs Simpson. The bride wore a simple blue dress with a fitted waistband, gathered bodice all finished off with a neat hat - the style was widely copied for its simplicity. I love this dress! The buttoned waist and the flowy, elegant skirt is gorgeous.

Queen Elizabeth II, 1947


Queen Elizabeth II's wedding day at Westminster Abbey was a grand affair - and the royal wedding dress was certainly fit for the occasion. The Queen's dressmaker Norman Hartnell had the honour of designing the ivory duchesse satin gown adorned with crystals, 10,000 tiny pearls and appliqué tulle embroidery. The 15-foot train was also embroidered with pearls and crystals as well as appliqué duchesse satin and was inspired by Botticelli's Primavera, to signify hope after the war. LOVE!!!! The floral lace train is gorgeous.

Grace Kelly, 1956


MGM wardrobe designer Helen Rose had the honour of creating Grace Kelly's wedding gown in the 50s - the dress featured a full skirt of ivory peau de soie and a fitted bodice made of Brussels lace and embroidered with seed pearls. Grace's veil was adorned with lace lovebirds and the gown remains one of the most celebrated in history. She's so gorgeous. The bustle type poofy skirt is so pretty.

Princess Margaret, 1960


Queen Elizabeth II's younger sister, Princess Margaret, was the subject of the world's first televised royal wedding and she chose a simple gown by her favourite designer Norman Hartnell for the occasion. The bride wore a white silk organza dress with a short train, a Claude St Cyr of Paris veil and the Poltimore tiara, purchased at auction. The full skirt is so fairy tale princess, and the crown seems pretty on her. Normally I hate tiaras at weddings, but since she's ACTUAL royalty it makes sense.

Lady Diana Spencer, 1981


Lady Diana Spencer's marriage to Prince Charles had people around the world glued to their tellies and the late princess certainly looked the part. The bride wore a silk taffeta gown designed by Brits Elizabeth and David Emanuel - complete with enormous puff sleeves, 10,000 hand-stitched pearls and a record-breaking 25-foot train, the outfit is certainly a memorable one! It's not a popular opinion, but I hate this gown and pretty much every other gown from the '80s.

Sarah Ferguson, 1986

Sarah Ferguson's duchesse satin gown was an elaborate affair (it was the 80s after all!) - the 17-foot train featured an anchor to represent Prince Andrew's time in the navy and an 'A' was also embroidered onto it to reflect her love for her husband. Ditto Fergie. Sorry.

Sophie Rhys-Jones, 1999


Sophie Rhys-Jones looked stunning in this silk organza coatdress by Samantha Shaw - the outfit was embroidered with 325,000 pearl and cut glass beads. Prince Edward also had a hand in the outfit - he designed the black and white pearl necklace that Sophie wore on the day. This is a little too matronly for me, but it's elegant enough.

Camilla Parker Bowles, 2005

It was Prince Charles' second wedding, but his second bride looked fantastic in this outfit designed by Robinson Valentine. Camilla accessorised the full-length coat and chiffon dress with pale beige suede shoes by LK Bennett and a plummage and lace detail portrait hat by Philip Treacy. She looks good for her. I like the long duster.

Which is your favorite? Mine is Grace Kelly, or if we're talking about English royalty, Princess Margaret. Everything about her screams royal wedding, and I mean that in the best way possible.

-KB

Kate Middleton's Royal Wedding Dress

Sarah Burton, rumoured to be designing Kate Middleton's royal wedding dress, unveiled the Alexander McQueen ready-to-wear collection at Paris Fashion Week. As the wedding between Prince William and Catherine Middleton draws near, three things seem to be on everyone's mind: the dress, the dress and the dress. Bloggers, the press and oddsmakers all have speculated on what and who the future princess will wear as she takes the long walk down the aisle April 29 in Westminster Abbey.

Amy Eisinger, an associate editor at the wedding website www.theknot.com, says speculation is so keen that those mentioned as just possible designers of Middleton's gown have gained increased name recognition. They include Sarah Burton, Bruce Oldfield,Phillipia Lepley and Daniela Issa Helayel. Even if these people aren't picked, it has created a buzz.

With rumors awash the fashion industry that Kate Middleton's royal wedding dress will be made by Sarah Burton, all eyes were on the Alexander McQueen designer's Winter 2011 ready-to-wear collection in Paris. Although Burton dismissed the speculation after yesterday's show, there is no doubt the stunning pieces are fit for a queen. Kate's gown will be bespoke, but the very 'bridal' twist to her line provides some tempting possibilities for what our newest Royal will be wearing on her big day.


Romantic, long white designs with beaded and feather detailing featured high neck-lines, but no sleeves in the collection that was aptly named 'Ice Queen'. Kate will no doubt follow in the traditional footsteps of her predecessors and eschew spaghetti straps or bustier designs in favor of a more demure look. The odds so far have been on Kate choosing veteran designer Bruce Oldfield or Phillipa Lepley.

As reported by Pittsburgh Tribune, there are two fantasy wedding gowns from Sottero-Midgley line, the Emmaline and the Pascal, have been cited by ITV as something that would suit a princess, Williams says. The dresses both feature a closely fitted waist, a hallmark of Maggie Sottero.

But it seems fashion experts are now desperately hoping Burton will be the chosen one. Asked whether he thought the rumors would prove true, Vogue editor Andre Leon Talley, replied 'I hope so. If she were dressed by Ms Burton, she'd make a beautiful bride.'


Either way, Burton won among the strongest reactions of any of this season's Paris shows, with the McQueen's dresses bore some resemblance to that one that appeared on My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding audience hooting, cheering and whistling its enthusiastic approval as she ducked out for a bow as the front row exchanged knowing glances. But although white dresses dotted the collection, all the McQueen signature detailing was visible including chunky platform heels, black and Gothic accessories.

Kate Middleton's royal wedding dress might feature a full, dramatically flared skirt, a feature favored by many British brides. Mass-produced replicas are likely to roll out mere weeks after the wedding, most major design houses already have produced their fall line of wedding dresses. The soonest brides-to-be might see a royal influence is in the spring 2012 collections.

Royal Wedding | History of Westminster Abbey

The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton occurs on Friday April 29, 2011. Their wedding service will start at 11am GMT, and that's 5am EST. The marriage ceremony is being held at Westminster Abbey in the center of London, Great Britain. Westminster Abbey's Regal heritage makes it the perfect location for the wedding ceremony. Positioned alongside the famous Houses of Parliament in the heart of London, the Abbey is a gothic monastery chapel and place of worship. It's a traditional location of coronation, wedding ceremonies and burials for British Royalty. The earliest sections of the construction go back to about 1050!


The wedding date also has been declared a public holiday within the United Kingdom. An affair of this huge size will not have occurred for 3 decades ever since Prince Charles and Lady Diana themselves were wedded on 29 July 1981. A Royal wedding event doesn't get any bigger than when a forthcoming future King and Queen of The UK get wedded! You can easily simply just click the link below to skip my story and get your PC set up for you to watch the royal wedding online right away on April 29th.


History of Westminster Abbey

The historic gothic abbey has long been the site of historic events and daily worship as well as the venue to mark royal national services and celebrations. Formally known as the Collegiate Church of St. Peter, Westminster Abbey has grown and adapted with the country it serves since 960 CE when St. Dunstan, the Bishop of London, first brought 12 Benedictine monks here to establish a tradition of daily worship. Known then as "Thorney Island," the site was a desolate, wetland adjacent to the Thames River. Soon King Edgar supported the monastic community with land grants which forged lasting links between the Crown and Church.

1065: Edward the Confessor dedicated a new church here to St. Peter and consecrated it on December 28, 1065.
1066: After the Norman Conquest at the Battle of Hastings on October 14, William the Conqueror came into power and had himself crowned in the Abbey on December 25. The coronations of 38 more monarchs would come to pass in this facility during future years.
1161: In the presence of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury and King Henry II, the Pope canonized Edward the Confessor and his remains were moved to a new shrine at the cathedral.
1245: Henry III began building a new abbey in the French Gothic style and it was completed by October, 1269. The King had Edward the Confessor's remains moved to a new shrine here, and later he and several other monarchs found their final resting places near the shrine.
1301: Edward I ordered the construction of the Coronation Chair which includes the Stone of Scone (Stone of Destiny) from Scotland. Presently the Stone resides in Scotland but will be returned to the Abbey for all coronations.
1400: Geoffrey Chaucer (The Canterbury Tales) was buried in the Poets' Corner.
1540: The monastery was dissolved by order of Henry VIII as he parted ways with the Roman Catholic Church and created the Church of England.
1838: On June 28, the nation celebrated the coronation of Queen Victoria.
1953: On June 2, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her coronation at the Abbey.


Westminster Abbey's Future

The Abbey has been the site of almost every royal momentous occasion over at least 10 centuries. During the coming year, it will serve again as the site of a royal wedding - that of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

No doubt the British people are thrilled by the impending royal wedding. Hopefully their financial worries are alleviated by the news that the Royal Family and the Middleton family will shoulder the costs of the wedding itself, and that the government will cover only the costs of security for the event.

Royal cocktails, anyone?

Prince William and Kate Middleton's upcoming wedding has given many people a reason to mark the occasion in their own way. One way to celebrate is to throw a royal wedding themed party. And what is a party without cocktails?

Event Expert Colin Cowie has created a signature cocktail called the Regal CV. Doesn't it taste better when someone famous comes up with it?

According to the press release for it:

The Regal CV Cocktail is characterized by elegance and simplicity and is truly fit for toasting the future king and queen of England on their wedding day!

Sounds yummy, right? See? This blog is not only informative, it can make you thirsty too.

So now you're wondering, Marilyn, how do I make this delicious concoction to impress my friends? I'm glad you asked!

You will need;

2 oz Chambord Flavored Vodka
¾ oz simple syrup
3 slices of cucumber (skin on)
3 fresh raspberries
½ oz fresh lemon juice

Muddle the raspberries, cucumber, and simple syrup. Add to a shaker with lemon juice and Chambord Flavored Vodka. Add ice and shake vigorously. Double stain into a martini glass or a large coupe glass and garnish.

Garnish option 1: Garnish with a slice of cucumber and a fresh raspberry.

Garnish option 2: Garnish with fresh raspberries.

Serve to friends with a faux British accent and the best plastic tiara you can find.

If you make the cocktail, let me know how it turns out!

Thanks to Melissa Tavss from The Baddish Group for the heads up.

For more information on Chambord Flavored Vodka visit: http://www.chambordoline.com/

Prince William has arrived in New Zealand

Prince William will be in New Zealand on a 5 day tour on behalf of the queen visiting the areas hit by earthequakes and flooding in recent weeks. 

The prince will visit The earthquake whilst not on the scale fo Japan tragically still claimed more than 200 lives and was New Zealand's worst disaster in living memory.Christchurch city centre which was hit by an earthquake measuring 6.3 in terms of its size.

The prince will also fly to Australia to visit the states of Queensland and Victoria which were recently ravaged by floodwaters and which also resulted in loss of life.

Kate is not accompanying the prince on this trip as she's not officially a member of the royal family until they wed on 29th April 2011.

No presents....Please donate to charity instead

It has been widely reported that Prince William and Kate Middleton were concerned that to have an opulent wedding during these times of austerity would be highly inappropriate. There is a lot of hardship around and it is to their credit that this has been at the forefront of their minds whilst planning the wedding which is due to take place on 29th April 2011. Prince WIlliam is very in tune with the British Public and the mood of the nation and it is these empathic qualties that really do put Prince William in a league of his own.

Equally, the couple are aware that London, the nation and the world is in dire need of something good to celebrate and all being well the big event will reflect the ecomonic times so as not to offend and allow everybody to forget about their troubles for at least one day and share in the happy celebrations.

In keeping on this sensitive path Prince William and Kate Middleton have set up a new charity fund for 26 charities, many of which are very small but all of which have been chosen by the couple.

The couple have asked that those people intending on sending presents consider making a donation to the fund instead. Those wishing to make a donation can do so through the offical site at http://www.royalweddingcharityfund.org 

The site enables you to take a closer look at the charities chosen and you are able to speficy which charities you want your donation to go to.

Christopher Warren-Green will conduct the Charlotte Symphony at the Royal Wedding

St. James’s Palace announced yesterday that Charlotte Symphony Music Director Christopher Warren-Green will conduct the London Chamber Orchestra at the Royal Wedding of HRH Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton on April 29, 2011.

The wedding ceremony will take place at 11:00 a.m. at Westminster Abbey. The Dean of Westminster Abbey, the Very Reverend Dr. John Hall will conduct the service. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr. Rowan Williams will marry Prince William and Kate Middleton.

The London Chamber Orchestra is the UK’s oldest professional chamber orchestra. Christopher Warren-Green was appointed as Music Director and Principal Conductor of the London Chamber Orchestra in 1988 and continues to hold that position. In September 2010, he became Music Director of the Charlotte Symphony.

Royal Wedding will be celebrated by 10,000 campers on Clapham Common

One of London's most famous parks will be made into a huge campsite to celebrate the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton next month.


Camp Royale, in Clapham Common, London, will have room for 10,000 people to watch the royal wedding on a big screen, with prizes being offered for the most eye-catching tents.

Getting Your Own Slice of Prince William’s Wedding

THEY have already bought their sapphire-and-diamond engagement rings from the Home Shopping Network, found wedding gowns at local thrift shops and planned their rehearsal dinner and wedding day events. Never mind that Gigi Baay and Marianne Swanson of New Orleans are married with children.

Royal Wedding street party cancelled after organisers told they need £5million liability insurance

A STREET party to celebrate the royal wedding has been cancelled after organisers were told they would have to take out £5million public liability insurance.
Hayley Mills and a group of friends were also given a 30-point health and safety checklist whey they contacted their council to find out how best to plan their own special day when Prince William marries Kate Middleton.

Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2011/03/11/royal-wedding-street-party-cancelled-after-organisers-told-they-need-5million-liability-insurance-115875-22980690/#ixzz1Gh0Z9NJL

William and Kate choose Canada for first overseas visit

For their first official trip abroad as a married couple, Kate and Wills have decided to bypass Las Vegas, Celebration, Florida and America's other cultural wonders in favor of Ottawa. The Canadian government began lobbying for the honor early.

Read more: http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/02/16/the-royal-couple-westbound-prince-william-and-kate-choose-canada-for-first-overseas-visit/#ixzz1Ggju1iMu

David Beckham allowed to attend the royal wedding

David Beckham has been given special permission by his LA Galaxy football bosses to attend the royal wedding, according to reports.

The 35-year-old should be playing in a crucial match against FC Dallas in Texas 48 hours after Prince William and Kate Middleton marry in London on April 29.

Pimm's aims to crash Royal Wedding parties

Diageo is plotting a tactical marketing campaign around next month's Royal Wedding, flooding the market with Pimm's-branded bunting for use at the thousands of street parties expected to take place across the UK.

The drinks company is understood to have spent about £500,000 buying up supplies of bunting, as it looks to capitalise on the celebrations marking the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Britain Prepares For Nationwide Royal Bash!

(Reuters) - Thousands of Britons are planning to get out the bunting, balloons and fold-up tables and hold street parties across the country to celebrate next month's wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

About two thousand requests have already been made to local councils for road closures to allow street events to be held on April 29th when the couple tie the knot at London's Westminster Abbey, the Local Government Association said on Saturday.

Read More

Shropshire Pie Wins Royal Seal Of Approval

Prince William and Kate Middleton have given their royal seal of approval to a giant pork pie cooked at a Shropshire shop – as a British brewery announced that it is creating a unique drink to mark their wedding.

Eley’s Pie Shop in Ironbridge received a letter from Prince William and Miss Middleton last week to say thanks for sending the 20-inch-wide pie as a wedding gift.

Read more: http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2011/02/11/royal-seal-of-approval-for-shropshire-pie/#ixzz1GgYL7JDr

Prince William & Kate Middleton Rule Out Celebrity Singers

Prince William and Kate Middleton have ruled out any stars singing at their wedding – even Elton John. The couple are also believed to be slashing the number of famous guests when they tie the knot at Westminster Abbey.

According to a palace source though, Sir Elton and David and Victoria Beckham will be invited.
William and Kate have had offers from many top musicians eager to perform on the big day.

Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2011/02/09/prince-william-kate-middleton-rule-out-celeb-singers-for-royal-wedding-even-elton-john-115875-22909165/#ixzz1GgXagfVJ

Royal Wedding To Boost ITV Ad Revenue

ITV's advertising revenues are expected to be up by almost 20% in April as the royal wedding maintains the resurgence in the TV ad market.

Industry sources claim that the major retailers are hoping the four-day celebrations around the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton will draw people into the shops, reports the Daily Mail.