Kate Receives Flowers from a Young Fan!

First of all…for those celebrating the holiday season, we at UKate would like to wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Festivus (or whatever you wish)! We hope you are enjoying your time away from the daily grind and with loved ones today and thank you for spending your time with us over the past year!

So, how is our favorite Duchess’ first Royal Christmas celebration going?

Well, we all know that the Windsor’s family holiday at Sandringham was rocked with a bit of drama on Friday when Prince Philip was rushed by helicopter to Papworth Hospital in Cambridge after suffering severe chest pains.

The Duke of Edinburgh, 90, remains today in the hospital following an emergency heart surgery to insert a stent into his heart to open a blocked coronary artery.

The Queen, the Duke’s three children and six of grandchildren, including Prince Harry and William, visited him at the hospital after he was admitted on Friday.

Certainly this brought a new meaning to the TWO Christmas church services this morning that the Windsor clan attended.

The first was a private morning service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham which has become an annual tradition for the Royal family since the early 1990s.

The Royals then returned to the church for a second mass, which is a community service, and were greeted by 3,000 people who had come to catch a glimpse of them…well, mainly Kate.

And the fans were certainly not disappointed!

Mary Relph, 77, from Shouldham, near Sandringham, who went to watch the Royals, said she had never seen as many people gathered to see the family in two decades. Sounds to us like the whole village was present!

Kate Bonds with Princess' Eugenie and Beatrice on Sandringham's Grounds

She claimed, “I have never seen queues like this on Christmas Day before, I have never seen this amount of people here since Diana was alive. People obviously came to see Kate Middleton. And she was fantastic.” The Duchess apparently stuck around after the service for twenty minutes to greet well-wishers.

Kate stunned the crowd in a velvet maroon hat by British milliner, Jane Corbett.

A spokesman for Buckingham Palace told the Daily Mail that her matching coat was created by an independent British dressmaker, but declined to reveal the designer’s identity; only claiming, “The Duchess is keen to use independent British dressmakers, whose skills and craftsmanship she admires.”

After the services, the family retreated back to Sandringham to finish out the day with a traditional turkey dinner and a viewing of the Queen’s annual speech!

Merry Christmas, Windsors!

Kate Gets a Kick Out of Wills' Moves

After kicking off the holiday week looking dazzling while honoring war heroes, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made a stop on Wednesday at Centrepoint. The center for homeless youth is certainly close to Wills’ heart as he was introduced to the charity by Princess Diana as a young boy. He took up the role of royal patron of the organization in 2005.

For Kate’s first visit to the center, she kept her look casual. Looking chic as always, she teamed an olive green Ralph Lauren jersey knit dress with black suede boots and matching belt. The couple clearly had a good time at the event; first participating in a culinary class and wrapping up with Wills demonstrating his gift of “swagger” while dancing with resident Vanessa Boateng, 18.

Sandringham - Windsor Holiday Retreat

On top of the busy week of various Royal duties, Kate not only has last-minute gifts to buy – you know…just a little something for the Queen…no pressure – but also has to finalize her wardrobe for the Christmas weekend at Sandringham.

Readers, while many of us will struggle to even get out of our pj’s in our eggnog induced haze, our dear Duchess has revealed that she will make no less than FIVE wardrobe changes on Christmas Day. Yes…you read that right.

We’ll let Royal etiquette expert Jean Broke-Smith break it down for you. “Kate will need a casual outfit for breakfast, a smart outfit – and a hat – for the morning church service, a dress for lunch, a cocktail dress for early evening drinks and a full-length dress for the evening meal. The golden rule is nothing too short, too revealing or too gaudy.”

Seriously? And all while having to spend time with the ENTIRE Windsor clan in the safe confines of Sandringham? We certainly hope Kate kicks back more than a few at that cocktail hour.

And you thought your family life was stressful! The joys of being a Princess indeed!

Charles & Diana in Happier Times

Readers, it was 30-years ago that we saw Lady Diana walk down the aisle at St. Paul’s Cathedral to marry Prince Charles – and our fascination with the Windsors began!

We all know how the unhappy marriage ended and the tragic death of Diana that followed, but this was no-doubt one magical day.

Do you remember the wedding? If so, where were you watching?

We were five-years old and watching on the tele early in the wee hours of the morning with our mum; in awe of someone actually becoming a Princess before our very eyes!

It was so amazing to have the same feeling back in April watching Kate wed William – a marriage we think is way more solid that will stand the test of time!

The Duke and Duchess will be attending cousin Zara Phillips’ wedding to rugby player Mike Tindall this weekend in Edinburgh, Scotland. Although it will not be as grand an affair (it is said there will only be 200 guests), it is another Royal Wedding nonetheless. And we’ll be watching to see what designer Kate (and Zara, of course) wear for the big day!

When we were in LA covering the final day of Will and Kate’s North American visit, we couldn’t help but notice that Kate’s sapphire and diamond earrings looked a bit familiar. Not only were they a perfect match to her fabulous engagement ring, but we were sure we had seen them before.

We now know that we weren’t imagining things as we discovered that they were indeed the late Princess Diana’s favorite sapphire and diamond studs. The Mail reported today that Prince William gifted his new bride the heirloom shortly before their first official tour abroad.

A courtier confirmed the gift to The Mail saying, “Now they’re married, William wanted her to have some of his mother’s favourite pieces.”

Princess Diana was often seen sporting the earrings – considered to be among her most precious jewels – during appearances throughout the 1980s and 90s.

Kate was first spotted wearing the sparklers when she watched Andy Murray from the Royal Box at Wimbledon last month and also wore them during her visit to LA.

Naturally, the Duchess made a couple of changes to make the style her own, having the sapphire and diamond studs reset into delicate drop earrings. Modern and gorgeous!

We’re pretty sure that Wills has a treasure-chest full of fine gems to gift Kate over the years. She’s one lucky gal!

Now, where can we get the knock-offs?

UKate would like to take  moment to remember Princess Diana on what would have been her 50th birthday.

It is hard to believe that it has been nearly 30 years since our love-affair of all-things Windsor began when she walked down the aisle to marry Prince Charles.

She did so many amazing things, mainly raising her beloved and very kind-hearted Princes William and Harry. We can’t help but think of how proud she would be of William and Kate as they help Canada celebrate their 144th birthday today.

Well done, Diana. You have placed your ever-lasting touch on The British Monarchy and the world. RIP.

Happy weekend! We at the UKate hope you’ve had an amazing week!

Thank you to all of our loyal readers who continue to follow us daily and welcome new friends – we’re glad you’re here! We strive to bring all of you breaking news and being your one-stop-shop on all-things Kate, the classiest Royal around!

We are so super-excited for the coming week! Pretty sure it is going to be absolutely crazy here at the UKate Headquarters covering Will and Kate’s trip to Canada while preparing for our trip to LA to cover it LIVE! Drop us a line if you’re going to be following the couple on their journey. We’ll need all the help we can get to keep up with Kate!

Also, we’re pretty sure there will be times when we have to report via our Twitter account if we don’t have access to a computer. Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@UKateStyle) so you don’t miss a beat of our adventures in California…especially our trip to Santa Barbara to attend The Foundation Polo Challenge! We aren’t sure what security is going to be like but we’ll certainly be reporting on all sightings of the Royal couple!  

It looks like we aren’t the only ones busy preparing for the upcoming North American visit! We didn’t see much of Kate this week, but we did hear that she is busy planning her wardrobe (that’s the most important part, right?) with help from personal shoppers at Selfridges and Harvey Nichols.

You know what that means…expect to see the Duchess sporting more high-end designer gear!

It appears Kate has already started her designer transition as she was seen sporting Alexander McQueen yesterday while honoring member of the Irish Guards who have just returned from Afghanistan. It is the second time in as many weeks that she has donned a McQueen coat during an appearance.

We’ve seen a bit of Pip this week. The major news surrounding Kate’s sis right now is her relationship status. Is she or isn’t she taken? For now, she’s mum on the subject!

Below are a few of our favorite UKate posts from this week as well as other exciting news on Kate, Pippa, British Royalty, fashion and other Anglophile flourishes!

Another Flawless Fashion Appearance for the Duchess as She and William Honor Members of the Irish Guard! [ UKate ]

Harry Claims There is No Pippa Relationship & He is 100% Single! [ DAILYGOSSIPFWD ]

Fourteen Dresses Worn by Princess Diana Sold at Auction. View the Entire Lot! [ The Daily Mail ]

The Royal Wedding Fund Raises Enormous Sum for Charity! [ Hello! ]

Is Pippa Middleton Getting a Bomb-Proof Car? [ NDTV ]

Kate Making Wardrobe Selections with Help from Personal Shoppers! [ UKate ]

Prince William and Kate Cancel Upcoming Trip to New Zealand and Australia. [ Herald Sun ]

Pippa Competes in Charity Duathlon! [ UKate ]

Happy weekend! We at the UKate Headquarters hope you’ve had an amazing week!

Yep, we’re late on the “Roundup” again! We chalk it up to a few things that have happened over the weekend: lots of Pippa and Kate sightings to report on, a glorious weekend of weather in Seattle we had to take advantage of and watching the Dallas Mavericks with their first NBA Title…Holla!

Thank you to all of our loyal readers who continue to follow us daily and welcome new friends – we’re glad you’re here! We strive to bring all of you breaking news and being your one-stop-shop on all-things Kate, the classiest Royal around!

Wow, was it a busy week of Kate sightings! She kicked her Royal duties into high-gear this week! First, we caught a gander of she and Wills looking absolutely amazing at their first official engagement as a married couple, attending the ultra-exclusive ARK Charity Gala at Kensington Palace.

We then kept up with the couple over the weekend as they attended the Queen’s Trooping the Colour parade on Saturday and celebration of Prince Philip’s 90th birthday today at Windsor Castle.

Oh yeah, and Kate managed to also squeeze in a wedding date with her sis, Pippa. When does this girl sleep?

Speaking of Pippa, we caught up with her earlier in the week as she attended a tennis match with none other than former flame – and current employer – George Percy. And, we finally got word today that Pip’s relationship with former cricketer Alex Loudon may in fact be over.

Finally, we had a couple of fabulous fashion updates and discovered Kate’s wedding dress will be going on display at Buckingham Palace this summer – get your tickets now!

Below are a few of our favorite UKate posts from this week as well as other exciting news on Kate, Pippa, British Royalty, fashion and other Anglophile flourishes! 

William & Kate Make Their Royal Debut in Style Attending the ARK Charity Gala! [ UKate ]

The Middleton Family Returns to The Goring Hotel! [ UKate ]

Kate Middleton “Loving” Married Life with Prince William! [ Metro ]

Fergie Claims that Princess Diana and Kate Would Have Been “Great Friends”. We Think So Too! [ Digital Spy ]

Kate’s Wedding Dress to be Displayed at Buckingham Palace! [ UKate ]

William & Harry Battle on the Polo Field for Charity…and Wills Wins! [ The Mail ]

The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge Had a Busy Weekend of Royal Duties! [ UKate ]

Is Pippa Now a Single Lady? [ UKate ]

William & Kate are Moving to Kensington Palace! [ UKate ]

Was Kate a Victim of a Phone Hack-Attack? [ USA Today ]

Details of William & Kate’s Trip to Los Angeles Leaked! [ Examiner ]

Home Sweet Home...For Now!

They’re movin’ on up!

St. James’s Palace announced this morning that William and Kate will be moving from his current bachelor digs at Clarence House to an apartment inside of Kensington Palace – temporarily.

A spokesman for the Palace said, “We can confirm that The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s official London residence will temporarily become a property at Kensington Palace. A number of options for longer term solutions are still being considered.

He added, “The couple’s main home will continue to be their house on Anglesey, and their Household Office will continue to be based at St James’s Palace.”

The reason for the temporary stay is that the current available apartment isn’t large enough for the couple to start a family and do the type of entertaining that their roles expect of them.

Readers, you’ll recall that Kensington Palace is where William spent the majority of his childhood. The combined apartments eight and nine were the residence of his mother, Princess Diana. Those rooms are currently being used for offices, but are said to be a wonderful place to raise children due to the light airy rooms and corridors.

Sounds like those apartments might be the long-term solution!

At any rate, what a beautiful place to live for the newlyweds. We’re jealous!

Wills & Kate Looking Happy as Ever!

Readers, we reported to you yesterday that William and Kate were chosen to grace the cover of Vanity Fair for its July issue –14 years since Princess Diana’s final cover.

The Daily Mail has just released a photo of the issue’s cover; taken from a never-before seen photograph shot during their engagement photo session with famed photographer, Mario Testino.

The Mail reports that, “The edition will lift the lid on the couple’s house-hunting and who does the chores around their Anglesey home. It describes the pair’s giggles as they watched their nuptials back on television, and recounts the moment Michael Middleton realised the relationship was serious – when Prince William arrived at his Berkshire home by helicopter.”

It also mentions the surprising requests the pair had for their honeymoon suite – including Philadelphia cream cheese and Brussel sprouts.

Sounds like we are finally going to learn some intimate details about the newlyweds. Very exciting!

Be sure to get your July issue of Vanity Fair – on news-stands on June 3!

Diana's Final Vanity Fair Spread - 1997

UKate has learned that just ahead of their trip to the Canada and the US, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will grace the cover of one of our favorite magazines, Vanity Fair.

Page Six reports that while being honored Thursday at the Museao del Barrio gala, photographer Mario Testino revealed that a never-before-seen engagement portrait of Prince William and Kate will be the feature of the July cover – 14 years after Princess Diana’s final cover for the magazine.

The spread will also include shots of the late Diana, Prince Charles and Prince Harry.

Testino, Diana’s favorite photographer – whose iconic images of her appeared in the July 1997 issue – was chosen by William and Kate to shoot their entire catalog of engagement photos; one of which appeared in their official wedding program.

When asked by Page Six how he got the couple to relax during the shoot, he said, “I perform for people, I make them laugh, I make a fool of myself. I jumped around.” He added that he was honored to be chosen to do their pictures, saying, “I guess it was a way for them to keep William’s mother in the whole process of it.”

Not surprisingly he also revealed his favorite career subject, “It would have to be Princess Diana.” He added, “I am interested in working with down-to-earth, real people. I bond with all the real girls, Kate Winslet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Demi Moore, Kate Moss.”

Testino’s work is always amazing and we can’t wait to see what he has saved for Vanity Fair! Readers, be sure to get your hands on the July issue for your Royal Wedding collection…out next week!