Tag Archives: kate middleton

Prince George’s Big Role in the Coronation: Is He Too Young?

King Charles’s coronation is coming up on May 6, and more and more details are being revealed as we get closer to the big day. But one aspect causing “a bit of an argument” among royal family members is Prince George’s role in the coronation.

The Rundown

According to Marie Claire, all three royal children are set to play important roles in the upcoming coronation. But Prince George, perhaps as the eldest of Prince William and Kate’s three children or because he’s set to become king one day, is reportedly getting an even bigger role in the coronation. But his parents were worried that having this bigger role, especially without the support of his siblings beside him, would be too much to handle.

But a few weeks after the revelation of this argument between royal family members, George’s big role has finally been announced. His parents agreed that he would be a Page of Honour for the ceremony. A Kensington Palace spokesperson reported that “we’re all very excited about George’s role in the Coronation” and added that “it will be an incredibly special moment.”

As the role is usually reserved for boys ages 12-15, George will be the youngest out of all the pages, who have been chosen by Charles and Camilla and typically hold the duty of carrying the train of the King’s robes.

Repeating History

Growing up, Prince William was put into the spotlight and left to the wolves (or the British media) at a very young age. For example, the decision for Prince William and Harry to walk behind their mother, Princess Diana’s coffin over 20 years ago was widely criticized, as they were only 15 and 12, respectively. They have both spoken out against this decision, as William said in the 2017 BBC documentary “Diana, 7 Days” that it “wasn’t an easy decision.” Harry showed more regret toward the situation, explaining that “I don’t think any children should be asked to do that, under any circumstances. I don’t think it would happen today.”

Prince William and Harry walking behind their mother's coffin at her funeral in 1997. 5 men in the photo total wearing black suits: Prince Philip, Prince William, Earl Spencer, Prince Harry and Prince Charles
Prince William and Harry walking behind their mother’s coffin at her funeral in 1997.

So, given the trauma and pressure that Prince William endured while being forced into the spotlight, it makes perfect sense why he would be worried that this increased media attention would be all too much for George. And it also extends the question to us, the spectators too: is George’s role as Page of Honour too much for a nine-year-old boy?

The Verdict: Should He Do It?

The coronation role isn’t the first big role Prince George has taken in highly-publicized events. He was one of four page boys at his aunt, Pippa Middleton’s wedding (without his siblings beside him) and took this same role at Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding with his sister, Princess Charlotte by his side. He even attended Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral with Charlotte, an appearance that required poise and maturity beyond their years.

Prince George and Princess Charlotte at Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in 2022. Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle are also in the frame.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022

With George’s track record of showing incredible maturity at these highly-publicized events, he seems well-suited for the role. The only difference is that he’ll be the youngest one there, and he won’t have his sister beside him, who often reminds him what to do at events like these.

But perhaps the most important thing to consider in all this is George’s feelings toward the increase in attention, since he’s been known to be a little shier than his siblings. Despite all the outside opinions from his parents, the media (including us), and the palace, the decision needs to come from him. And based on what’s been told to the Daily Mail, it appears he’s on board.

So, Spilling the Royaltea’s take on George’s role: As long as he’s confident he can do it, so do we. We’ll be cheering him on from the sidelines on the big day!

References:

Burchfield, R. (2023, March 18). There is apparently a “bit of an argument” happening over Prince George’s role in the coronation. Marie Claire. https://www.marieclaire.com/celebrity/royals/prince-george-role-in-coronation-argument/

Kindelan, K. (2023, April 5). Prince George to play special role at his grandfather King Charles III’s coronation. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/prince-george-play-special-role-grandfather-king-charles/

Royal Editor for The Daily Mail. (2023, April 4). From prince to page: Nine-year-old George given a role of honour at King Charles’ coronation. The Daily Mail. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11939333/From-prince-page-Nine-year-old-George-given-role-honour-King-Charles-coronation.html

Photos:

E! Online. (n.d.). [Prince George] [Photograph]. https://www.eonline.com/ca/news/1370452/prince-georges-role-in-king-charles-iiis-royal-coronation-revealed

Getty Images. (2022). [Prince George and Princess Charlotte at Queen’s funeral] [Photograph]. https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/royals/prince-george-breaks-tradition-attire-25054262

Hussein, A. (1997). [Princess Diana funeral procession] [Photograph]. Getty Images. https://www.today.com/news/why-prince-philip-walked-william-harry-princess-diana-s-funeral-t214424

Fashion, FAST! The Most Fashionable Royal Family Members

Whenever members of the royal family have any sort of outing, for better or for worse, fashion decisions are always at the forefront. Their styles are emulated by millions around the world who aim to look as prim and proper as true royalty. But ladies of the royal family take the cake for having the most iconic fashion senses. Today, Spilling the Royaltea is awarding rankings to the top three most stylish members of the royal family.

Bronze Medal: Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth, despite not being the most daring in her fashion choices, was known for her bright-coloured ensembles and signature handbags. As told by her daughter-in-law, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, the late Queen wore these neon outfits, from bright red to green, to everything in between so that her admirers could always spot her in a crowd. Being easily spottable meant that everyone who wanted to had the chance to easily say “I saw the Queen!” Aww… she did it for us!

Queen Elizabeth II's bright outfits. 7 different colours in the order of a rainbow.
Queen Elizabeth II’s rainbow of outfits

Silver Medal: Kate Middleton

Kate Middleton’s elegant style has her looking royal every time the camera is graced with the opportunity to catch a photo. Her fashion sense, although not always the boldest, is palatable to all, making her a global fashion icon. Her ability to pull off both designer brands and more affordable pieces from places like Zara caters to women all over the world.

Kate Middleton wearing a dress from Zara during a visit to the University of London for its Children of the 2020s project on October 5, 2021
Kate Middleton wearing a dress from Zara during a visit to the University of London for its Children of the 2020s project on October 5, 2021

She often wears coat dresses and pantsuits with simple prints, paired with classic jewelry pieces, creating timeless, impeccable ensembles. Just look at her!

Kate Middleton wearing a pink pastel suit at a meeting for The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood in June 2022
Kate Middleton wearing a pink pastel suit at a meeting for The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood in June 2022

Gold Medal: Princess Diana

Despite her tragic passing over twenty years ago, Princess Diana’s iconic, daring outfits have left their mark on us all. From her casual outfits of the 70s and 80s fashion to her beautiful, HUGE wedding dress, Princess Diana always had us guessing what she would choose next.

Princess Diana in her wedding dress
Princess Diana’s 1981 wedding dress

But what makes her take the cake as the most fashionable member of the royal family is her ICONIC revenge dress she wore after her husband, King Charles confessed on TV to committing adultery with the now Queen Consort, Camilla. The beautiful black off-the-shoulder gown screams “I don’t care about my husband and I don’t need him” and we’re here for it.

Princess Diana in her revenge dress
Princess Diana’s iconic revenge dress in June 1994

References:

Hernández, L. (2020, May 5). The 10 pieces that define Kate Middleton’s impeccable style. Hola. https://www.hola.com/us/fashion/20211021321791/kate-middleton-ten-key-wardrobe-pieces-1/

Nelson, B. (2023, February 13). The real reason Queen Elizabeth II wore neon outfits all the time. Reader’s Digest. https://www.rd.com/article/queen-elizabeth-neon-outfits/

Salmi, N. (2020, August 30). Princess Diana style: See her most iconic looks of all time. L’officiel. https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/princess-diana-style

Photos:

Fincher, J. (1994). [Princess Diana revenge dress]. [Photograph]. Getty Images. https://people.com/royals/princess-diana-revenge-dress-true-story/

Getty Images. (1981). [Wedding dress of Lady Diana Spencer] [Photograph]. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Princess_Diana_wedding_dress.png

GMA Photo Illustration. (2022). [Queen Elizabeth neon outfits] [Photo Illustration]. Getty Images. https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/style/story/queen-elizabeth-iis-rainbow-wardrobe-96-year-monarch-63451126

I-Images/Pool. (2022). [Kate Middleton, June 2022] [Photograph]. https://katemiddletonstyle.org/pink-suit-early-years-meeting/

Tang, K. (2021). [Kate Middleton, October 5, 2021] [Photograph]. Getty Images. https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a37866755/kate-middleton-rewears-zara-dress-london-university-visit/

Kate Middleton’s 5 Best Outfits of 2023 So Far

Catherine, the Princess of Wales is a global fashion icon. The term the “Kate Effect” has even been coined to describe how every outfit she wears immediately sells out, contributing an enormous amount to the British economy. Spilling the Royaltea is counting down the Princess of Wales’s top five outfits of 2023 so far:

5. Simple yet Elegant

At a Windsor Castle meeting with eight academic professionals on January 25th, the Princess of Wales wore a clean black suit over a white v-neck blouse. This simple outfit is sharp, classic, and clean, taking the fifth spot on Spilling the Royaltea’s countdown.

Kate Middleton during a meeting with eight academic professionals in 2023

4.  Power Suit

Kate flaunted the power of her new royal title as the Princess of Wales with this beautiful emerald pantsuit and turquoise blouse. The button detailing and sharp lines of the suit give her a regal aura, which is very fitting to meet Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway on March 2nd. Despite the fact that she looks absolutely beautiful in the suit, the bow at the top of her blouse crowds the outfit, making it feel a little old-fashioned, which places this outfit at number four.

Kate Middleton in a green pantsuit meeting Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway on March 2nd

3. The Burgundy on My… Blazer when You Splashed Your Wine Into Me -Taylor Swift

While visiting the England Wheelchair Rugby team on January 19th, the Princess of Wales chose her Roland Mouret suit, which she also wore during her visit to Boston in 2022 (our sustainable queen!). She kept the accessories simple with a dainty necklace and hoop earrings. She shows us that sometimes, less is more with this sleek ensemble.

Kate Middleton wearing a burgundy pantsuit while visiting the England Wheelchair Rugby team on January 19th

2. Beautiful in Black and White

Instead of one of her signature pantsuits, Kate opted for a long houndstooth black and white skirt with black books, a turtleneck top, and a long cream coat when visiting a rehabilitation center on February 28th to announce a new garden therapy initiative. Sometimes, all it takes is a bold pattern to make a statement.

Kate Middleton wearing black and while while visiting a rehabilitation center on February 28th

1. Bold in Red

Rounding out the countdown is the red Alexander McQueen suit Kate wore to launch the Shaping Us Campaign for the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood and reception at the BAFTA headquarters on January 30th. Her Gianvito Rossi pumps and Miu Miu clutch perfectly match the suit with her statement Chalk Jewelry earrings adding contrast to the all-red ensemble. The cut of the suit, the boldness of the all-red, the accessories… chefs kiss!

Kate Middleton wearing a red Alexander McQueen suit at a reception at the BAFTA headquarters on January 30th

References:

Petit, S. (2023, March 3). Kate Middleton’s Royal Style: Every Outfit Worn by the Princess of Wales in 2023…So Far. People. https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-every-outfit-2023-princess-of-wales/

Sewell, K. (2022, January 10). What is the ‘Kate effect’? Red dress searches rocket after birthday portrait reveal. The Daily Express. https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/style/1547761/kate-effect-duchess-of-cambridge-red-dress-outfit-evg

Photos:

Kensington Palace. (2023). [Kate Middleton and Prince William with Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit] [Photograph]. https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-every-outfit-2023-princess-of-wales/

King, J. (2023). Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales [Photograph]. AFP via Getty Images. https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-every-outfit-2023-princess-of-wales/

Leal, D. (2023). Kate Middleton [Photograph]. Pool/AFP via Getty images. https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-every-outfit-2023-princess-of-wales/

Mulholland, E. (2023). Prince William and Kate Middleton [Photograph]. AFP via Getty Images. https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-every-outfit-2023-princess-of-wales/

Mumby, M. (n.d.). [Kate Middleton] [Photograph]. Getty Images. https://www.instyle.com/fashion/clothing/kate-middletons-most-memorable-outfits-ever

Phillips, J. (2023). Kate Middleton [Photograph]. Getty Images. https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-every-outfit-2023-princess-of-wales/