The world might be on fire, but the Princess of Wales went on a much-needed mission of peace this week, when she travelled to Leicester, for the Hindu festival of Holi. Visiting the city on Thursday, she sported a cream coat by Chris Kerr, over a white Polo Ralph Lauren dress, set off by a garland of pearls and red roses, which she was presented.
She arrived for the Indian festival of colour, love and spring and spent time on Leicester’s Golden Mile, where she met local businesses and visited the Shreeji Dham Haveli temple. Catherine watched Sufi dancing and a Bollywood routine, which she said was very impressive. “You must be super-fit because it’s super-energetic,” she told the dance troupe, adding a little insight into her kids’ activities. It turns out Prince Louis, especially, is a dancer. “My children would love that, they love their dancing. Louis would love your dance routine,” she said.
Typically, the radiant princess showed what a good sport she is, kicking off her shoes and having a go at Hindu dancing, barefoot. It was lovely to see her so joyful and full of life. And that was the prevailing feeling – everywhere she went through the city, she surprised shoppers and was met with honking horns and jostling locals, as a delighted Catherine greeted the crowds.
Fittingly, Holi, or the festival of colours, celebrates the end of winter and the start of spring and the day also marks the triumph of good over evil. This week, we’re all here for Kate’s message of peace. However, we bet she was secretly relieved nobody did the other Holi tradition – throwing coloured powder all over her pristine winter whites.
While Catherine was in Leicester, Prince William was in Cornwall making a hash of pasties. The Duke of Cornwall was visiting the county for St Piran’s Day and to meet with those affected by Storm Goretti. At Gear Farm Pasty Company near Helston, he had a go at making and selling pasties, both of which he, well, didn’t excel at. As he tried to make the famous pies, he laughed at his poor efforts saying, “Everyone loves a trier,” and, “this is not my finest hour.” Admitting he missed Kate, he added, “This is where I need my wife, she would be all over this,” before concluding his pasty, “looks like a slightly ill crab.”
For his next challenge he took a phone order from a customer, who had no idea who she was speaking to. Josie Trounson wanted to order 10 frozen and five fresh pasties (they really like their pasties in Cornwall, don’t they) and the prince said, “What name is that? Juicy? Josie! Sorry Josie, I thought you said Juicy.” When she turned up later, she discovered it was Prince William who had taken her order. “I was flabbergasted when I found out,” she told The Independent, adding all she was really bothered about was whether she’d get her pies.
There’s no stopping the Duchess and her plans for As Ever, the lifestyle brand launched in collaboration with Netflix last April. News broke on Friday that Meghan is set to take full “complete control” over selling her flower sprinkles, fruit spread, wine, bookmarks and other sundries.
Saying that, it’s only been a few weeks since Netflix ditched With Love, Meghan after two series and a Christmas special were met with excruciating reviews. However, Netflix maintains a “first look” deal with Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Productions.
Netflix said: “Meghan’s passion for elevating everyday moments in beautiful yet simple ways inspired the creation of the As Ever brand, and we are glad to have played a role in bringing that vision to life. As it was always intended, Meghan will continue growing the brand and take it into its next chapter independently, and we look forward to celebrating how she continues to bring joy to households around the world.”
Hmm, “joy to households”, the Royal Household may have thoughts.
Tomorrow, Monday 9 March, is a big day in the Royal Family’s calendar – Commonwealth Day – with a service at Westminster Abbey that The Royal List’s Kerry and Maria, plus millions of others look forward to. Shame then, that you can no longer tune in and watch it live on the BBC.
The BBC, which has screened the service since 1989, says it pulled its live coverage due to budget cuts. “Our decision not to broadcast the Commonwealth Day Ceremony in the same way we’ve done in previous years reflects the difficult choices we have to make in light of our funding challenges.” said a spokesperson. “We can confirm BBC News plans to cover the service across its platforms, including the BBC One bulletins and rolling news channel.”
Commonwealth Day has been marked annually since 1972 and is the only event celebrating the links between the 56 nations across the world.
The Duke of Edinburgh celebrates his 62nd birthday this Tuesday. The Royal List wish him a lovely day with Sophie and the rest of the family. Now, hands up who knew that Edward was the only one of the late Queen’s children whose birth was witnessed by his dad, Prince Philip. And an extra point for knowing that Prince Edward was born in Buckingham Palace.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source theroyallist.substack.com ’
