This is random, but too exciting not to share: When Prince William and Princess Kate visited Poland this week, my Warsaw-based friend Monika was part of the crowd that turned out to greet them. Okay, anyone can join a big crowd, right? But not just anyone can get to the front of the crowd, shake the prince’s hand, and take pictures like this!
When I first saw Monika’s photos, I thought they were from an agency.
Monika reports that the “royal handshake was very, very soft.” Hmmm. Maybe when you have to shake hundreds of hands in a short span of time, it’s best to discourage a lot of pressure.
Here’s Kate, who Monika said was wearing ” “very tiny jewelry, very conservative.”
Apparently, we have to be invited to a state dinner to see Kate wearing Princess Diana’s tiara and the queen’s necklace. I’ll be waiting by the mailbox for my formal invitation.
Actually, looking at the photo above, Kate’s pendant — if it’s a ruby of good quality — would be an impressive size on a non-royal. It’s not what one would think of as “queen-size” though, and the style is as conservative as you can get. You can see the matching ring in Monika’s photo, and there were matching earrings as well.
If Monika were living in New York, I’d make her come with me to all the general-admission concerts to help me secure front-row spots. “I had to fight hard” to get the pictures, she told me, and I know it’s true. Getting up close to a royal in a public place must put getting to the front row of a Lana del Rey concert to shame, and those Lana fans will kick your ass. Don’t underestimate them merely because they’re emo.
Years ago, I had an easier time of it when MrB and I were somehow invited to a party attended by Prince Charles and Camilla. I believe it was before they were married in 2005. We did get handshakes and exchanged a few pleasantries. I confess that I couldn’t understand a word Camilla said, though I could easily understand Charles. Does that mean she has the more upper-crust accent? When we got to the front of the crowd around her she said a few words and laughed a little and MrB and I nodded in agreement and chuckled politely, hoping that was the appropriate response. We also chatted to Sting that night. Out of all the famous people there, the one that I was too scared to approach was Yoko Ono. Maybe it’s the hats and sunglasses, but she’s intimidating!
Thank you, Wendy! So much fun to see my photos on your blog.
I’d just add that Kate is very thin in person, much tinier than she looks on the photos. She had a very heavy makeup on, almost stage-like. I think it’s probably necessary to appear fine on the photos but in real life it’s a bit over the top. Some girls told her she looked perfect but she replied “no, I’m not, it’s just makeup” (I believe her!) Her dress (McQueen) was lovely but the fabric seemed cheap though I’m sure it wasn’t. I couldn’t stop stearing at William’s head – his bold spot is covered with baby-like fuzz, I guess he can’t part with it. LOL.
I have to say that after seeing them work the crowd, I have more respect for their efforts. It’s not easy to do.
P.S. Yoko would scare me too 😉
Thanks for all the scoop! That’s funny that she said that about the makeup. I can’t get over how close you were!!!
I have to add that Kate had a ruby ring on her right hand, check the photos. I think the colors of the jewelry and the bag (white and red) were in honor of Polish flag, as was Charlotte’s red and white dress on arrival.
That’s a nice touch, and Charlotte is adorable.