Kate opts for festive berry shade to celebrate first Christmas at Sandringham

• Three thousand people flock to church to greet Royals
• Stunning Duchess of Cambridge joins Royals for Christmas service
• Family join community for mass and pray for Prince Philip's recovery

By Sadie Whitelocks and Rebecca English

Last updated at 9:26 AM on 26th December 2011

The Duchess of Cambridge joined members of the Royal Family for her first Christmas at Sandringham

Dressed head-to-toe in a festive berry shade the Duchess of Cambridge couldn't stop beaming as she celebrated her first Christmas at Sandringham.

All eyes were on the 29-year-old as she attended a community service with her husband, Prince William yesterday morning.

She teamed a simple knee-length frock coat with black £180 platforms from LK Bennett, but the real head turner was a hat by milliner Jane Corbett, who regularly creates pieces for the Middleton family.

A pair of diamond drop earrings – possibly a Christmas present - were also on display as she wore her hair in a half up, half down creation

Other members of the royal family who attended the private service included the Queen, the Countess of Wessex, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and the Duke of Cambridge.

Kate's presence helped attract a record 3,000 well-wishers to St Mary Magdalene church on the Norfolk estate and police were on hand to manage crowds.

The Queen opted for a lavender wool boucle coat by her dressmaker Karl Ludwig, upon which she had pinned a diamond shell brooch with a pearl at the centre, with a matching white and ivory hat by Angela Kelly.

She accepted dozens of bouquets helped by three of her grandchildren, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and the Wessexes’ daughter Lady Louise Windsor.

Zara Philips, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie also looked elegant in understated ensembles.with clutch bags to hand.

Zara – who now uses the surname Tindall – attended the traditional event with her husband, Mike, wearing a black collared coat topped with a black ruched hat.

Sisters Beatrice and Eugenie, who accompanied their father Prince Andrew, both selected smart double breasted pea coats in shades of black and grey accessorised with matching berets.

Many were eager to hear about Prince Philip's health after the 90-year-old was admitted to Papworth Hospital in Cambridge last Friday after suffering chest pains.

Greeting members of the public, Prince Charles told Carmilla Fitt, 71, from Dover, that his father’s health was ‘coming on’. He added: ‘He is very well and in very good spirits. He is very determined.’

Asked by other wellwishers about his grandfather, the Duke of Cambridge said he was ‘very well, thank you – getting much better’.


Commentators were surprised by the turnout on Christmas Day, and thousands of fans battled to get a photograph of the Duchess as she walked along the church pathway.

Alison Croose, from King’s Lynn, said: ‘I have not seen crowds like this since back into the Diana days.

Dressed to impress: At her first Royal Christmas the Duchess of Cambridge looked elegant in a simple maroon outfit by a British designer, while the Queen wore a lavender coat with a glittering diamond and pearl brooch

 

Zara Phillips - who now uses the name Tindall - attended the traditional event with her husband, Mike, wearing a black collared coat topped with a black ruched hat

Understated princesses: It was only Eugenie's peony that stood out (left) while Beatrice looked smart in a simple coat and hat with a clutch bag

‘It reminded me of the Diana years – when she introduced Prince William to the crowds when he was about seven or eight. It was touching. Diana used to have her hand on his back.

‘Now you see William with his hand on Kate’s back. It was really nice.’

After returning to the main house for Christmas lunch and, of course, the Queen’s Speech on television, the royal grandchildren left the family gathering to visit Prince Philip in hospital, arriving at 4.14pm.

William drove his cousins, Peter Phillips and his sister Zara, in a Land Rover. Behind him Prince Harry was at the wheel of another 4X4 accompanied by Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.

The group stayed for 45 minutes – just enough to raise the elderly duke’s spirits on Christmas Day without tiring him out – before returning to Sandringham.

Buckingham Palace officials said Philip ‘remains in good spirits’ and added: ‘The Queen will continue to be briefed on his condition. We do not have details of a release date at this stage.’

The duke was airlifted to hospital on Friday night after complaining of severe chest pains and was discovered to have a blocked artery which was starving his heart of oxygen.

He underwent a ‘minor’ invasive procedure under local anaesthetic to insert a stent into the artery, freeing the flow of blood.

The prognosis is extremely good, although doctors are understandably cautious about a man of his age.

The Duchess of Cornwall wore a colourful ensemble (left) while the Queen Queen opted for a lavender wool boucle coat by Karl Ludwig (right)

Delighting the crowds: Catherine accepts some flowers from a young girl

First Christmas as a married couple: Prince William escorted his stunning wife to the church

Plum centre of attention Kate, flanked by William and Harry on either side, in her striking Jane Corbett hat

Poignantly, the Queen celebrated the importance of the family in her Christmas Day message yesterday, highlighting the recent weddings of her grandchildren, Prince William and Zara Phillips, as a reminder of the ‘God-given love that binds a family together’.

Sadly, she said, it often brought tragedy to bring out the best in people but stressed that in time of hardship, families provided the strength to see the hard times through.

‘In this past year my family and I have been inspired by the courage and hope we have seen in so many ways in Britain, in the Commonwealth and around the world,’ she said.

‘We’ve seen that it’s in hardship that we often find strength from our families; it’s in adversity that new friendships are sometimes formed; and it’s in a crisis that communities break down barriers and bind together to help one another.

‘Families, friends and communities often find a source of courage rising up from within. Indeed, sadly, it seems that it is tragedy that often draws out the most and the best from the human spirit.’

Christmas cheer: Prince Harry beamed as he met the crowds who offered the Royal family flowers and well-wishes while Zara looked chic in a black ruched hat

Adored: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, is presented with a rose by a little girl

Wrapped up warm: Princess Eugenie of York and pregnant Autumn Phillips waited outside the church after the service and prayers for Prince Philip

She added: ‘The importance of family has, of course, come home to Prince Philip and me personally this year with the marriages of two of our grandchildren, each in their own way a celebration of the God-given love that binds a family together.

‘For many this Christmas will not be easy. With our Armed Forces deployed around the world, thousands of service families face Christmas without their loved ones at home. The bereaved and the lonely will find it especially hard. And, as we all know, the world is going through difficult times.’

With his elder brother taken off the market, it was Prince Harry who was the subject of most female attention.

Several shrieking girls in the crowd tried to attract the 27-year-old prince’s attention.

He obliged by giving one a kiss. Inundated with requests from other fans, he blushed and said: ‘I can’t give you a kiss. I’ve already kissed her.’

Also in the royal party, Canadian-born Autumn Phillips – daughter-in-law of Princess Anne – patted her bump protectively. She is expecting her second baby with the princess’s son, Peter, in the spring.

Joining in the festivities: A smiling Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge looked stylish

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2078602/Kate-Middleton-opts-festive-berry-shade-celebrate-Christmas-Sandringham.html#ixzz1heGwFo3e

Xmas Countdown 17.12.11: Queen invites a record 27 royals to stay at Xmas

One's run out of room! Queen invites a record 27 royals to stay but some will end up in the servant's quarters

By Rebecca English

Last updated at 12:39 AM on 19th December 2011

 

Invited: Prince William and wife Catherine Duchess of Cambridge will be attending the meeting of the royals

It will be the biggest gathering of the Royal Family in decades.

The Queen and Prince Philip have invited 27 of their nearest and dearest to celebrate Christmas at Sandringham, their private country retreat.

From Friday afternoon more than two dozen royals will descend on the picturesque Norfolk estate.

They will include the Duchess of Cambridge, who will be enjoying her first royal Christmas, as will Zara Phillips’s disgraced England rugby player husband Mike Tindall.

But the sheer volume of guests is causing something of a headache for staff at the mansion, who have not catered for such large numbers over the festive season in years – an issue many families face at this time of year, albeit on a less grand scale.

As a result, royals at the ‘lower end’ of the pecking order are being shifted into the servants’ quarters.

They are said to include Viscount Linley, Queen Margaret’s son, his wife Serena and children the Honourable Charles and Margarita Armstrong-Jones.

His sister, Lady Sarah Chatto, her husband Daniel and children Samuel and Arthur Chatto are also expected to find themselves relegated to what is known as the ‘Bachelor Wing’, so called because it normally houses many of the single men on staff.

This part of the house is traditionally used by servants from F (Food) Branch of the Royal Household – all those responsible for the preparation, cooking and presentation of food for the Royal Family and their employees, including chefs, kitchen porters and the like.

They will now have to pack up their belongings move into the footmen’s bedrooms, prompting grumbling among those members of staff who will now have to double up and share.

Who's invited...

One said: ‘Sandringham is a large country house by anyone’s standards but they are going to be crammed in like sardines this year.

‘What with all the new husbands, wives and children, it’s the biggest royal gathering anyone has seen in years.’

Set in nearly 600 acres of woodland, Sandringham has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862. The house itself has always been rather small by royal standards and many a visitor has remarked about the particularly ‘cramped’ living quarters.

Like most matriarchs, the Queen is a stickler for tradition and asks that her guests arrive from the morning of December 23 onwards, with Prince Charles and the Duchess and Cornwall being two of the last to arrive.

Meet-up: Zara Phillips will be re-introducing her rugby-playing husband Mike Tindall to the royals

The Royal Family follows the German tradition of opening its presents on Christmas Eve before changing into black tie and evening gowns for a candlelit banquet. At around 10pm the women adjourn, leaving Prince Philip to serve port or brandy to the men.

On Christmas morning they attend the service at St Mary Magdalene, the church on the estate. This year the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expected to attract the loudest cheers from well-wishers.

Stay-over: Princess Beatrice will be attending the Sandringham event

Back at Sandringham, they settle down to a traditional turkey lunch at 1pm before gathering around the television to watch the Queen’s Christmas broadcast at 3pm.

The evening is spent relaxing, playing games and watching television, much as in other households across the land, and on Boxing Day Prince Philip traditionally organises a shoot.

Contrary to reports, Kate’s sister Pippa has not been invited to join in the fun but the duchess is expected to meet up with the rest of the Middleton family as soon as possible.

Prince Harry raced to the aid of a childhood friend after he heard him being mugged as they talked on the phone.

He jumped in his Audi and circled the streets of Battersea, South London, with his royal protection officer looking for Thomas van Straubenzee after his BlackBerry was stolen.

Unable to locate him, Harry went to the nearest police station where he found Mr van Straubenzee, 28, unharmed and reporting the crime.
Harry, 27, gave a witness statement and then drove Mr van Straubenzee home.

Police said a man had been arrested and bailed in connection with the robbery, which happened in November.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2075945/Ones-run-room-Queen-invites-record-27-royals-stay-end-servants-quarters.html#ixzz1gwgpx8Oz

Chelsee Healey ends up in tears after wardrobe malfunction but Jason Donovan can't stop grinning as he receives top score of the night - and series

Spookily Come Dancing: Chelsee Healey ends up in tears after wardrobe malfunction but Jason Donovan can't stop grinning as he receives top score of the night - and series!

By Kirsty Mccormack

Last updated at 12:22 AM on 30th October 2011

Their outfits may be glamorous week after week but even the Strictly Come Dancing stars experience wardrobe malfunctions.

Waterloo Road star, Chelsee Healey, was the second contestant to tackle the dance floor tonight but her routine ended in tears.

Whilst dancing the Tango with her partner, Pasha Kovalev, the young star lost her footing as she frantically tried to stop her dress from falling down any further and revealing more of her cleavage.

In tears: Chelsee Healey was clearly upset as her dressed slipped down during her dance on tonight's show

As host Bruce Forsyth asked her what was the matter, Chelsee couldn't hide her emotion as she hid behind her dance partner.

As the judges and Pasha told her not to worry as it 'happened all the time' the young star just couldn't forget about the embarrassing episode.

Ruined: Chelsee started off so well but lost her footing as she realised her dress was falling down

And even positive comments and a decent score couldn't put a smile back on her face.

Len Wiseman described Chelsee as a 'Lancashire hotpot' whilst hard-to-please panel member, Craig Revel-Horwood called it 'fabulous.'

Upset: Chelsee looked embarrassed as she hid behind her partner Pasha to wait for her comments

Misunderstood: Host Bruce Forsyth thought that Chelsee was upset with her routine and didn't realise she had experienced a wardrobe malfunction

But it was a comment from host, Tess Daly, that was needed to perk up the actress: 'Can I just reassure you, we saw absolutely nothing,' she told her as they awaited to hear their total score of 32.

However someone who was left grinning from ear to ear was actor, Jason Donovan, who was last to dance on the floor.

The star was back on form as he received the highest score of the night - and of the series so far - a whopping 37.

Top score: Jason Donovan received the best total of the night and of the series receiving a 37

Wearing matching teal-coloured outfits, the couple danced to Bewitched and looked confident as they glided across the floor.

Craig thought the pair were 'absolutely fabulous' but couldn't help himself from criticising the technical downfalls of the dance.

But Bruno disagreed saying it was: 'Bewitchingly brilliant and slightly barmy!'

But regardless of what Craig thought, the Australian star wasn't going to let anything get in the way of his victory tonight.

Dancing before Chelsee and Jason though was Russell Grant - who was the first contestant to take to the floor on tonight's live show.

Better The Devil You Know: Russell Grant danced the Samba in red tonight

The astrologer was dressed as a devil as he danced the Samba with Flavia Cacace.

Russell tried his best to shake his hips to the very apt song, Better The Devil You Know, and twirled around his partner who was also dressed as a devil in black sequins.

Craig was pleased with the performance telling him that it was 'feisty, fiery and everything we expect from you.'

Spooky dancing: Russell and his partner Flavia were both dressed as devils and received some great comments

Len agreed saying: 'It could have been a bit sharper at the end but overall it was fabulous,' and the pair looked pleased as they received a total score of 22.

Next to dance for the audience was boxer, Audley Harrison.

The tall star attempted to do the Jive with his partner, Natalie Lowe, but it wasn't met with much enthusiasm from the judges.

Audley began his routine by pretending to play the piano and spun his partner around to the Little Shop Of Horrors song whilst wearing brown trousers with an orange and white ripped shirt.

Pretending: Audley Harrison began his routine by 'playing' the piano before dancing the Jive

Bruno began with the comments by saying: 'Big smile, great personality, bad footwork! The jive is a very hard dance to do but you did your best,' he told him.

Craig agreed by nitpicking at the technical sides of the dance but finishing off by telling Audley: 'You did make a gallant effort my love.'

And when Len told the sportsman that he 'commends him', Audley looked happy with an end result of 20.

'Flat footed': The sportsman was told that the dance wasn't suited to his build

Following in Audley's flat footsteps was TV presenter Alex Jones and her partner, James Jordan.

After being described as 'sexless, cold and stiff' the Welsh woman attempted the Pasa doble in a white floor-length dress.

James was dressed as Dracula as the pair danced to Evanescence hit, Bring Me To Life, and it seemed it was enough to impress Craig - who said he found the dance 'erotic.'

White virgin: Alex Jones played the part well in the story of Dracula as she danced with James Jordan

Better than last week: The Welsh star received better comments than the last live show

Len was also pleased with the routine as was Alesha who said it was 'atmospheric and brilliant' and the pair received a great score of 31.

Also hitting the thirties was pop star, Holly Valance, and her Russian partner, Artem Chigvintsev, who danced the American Smooth to the music of Swan Lake.

The Australian star tweeted earlier in the day that she was bringing along a royal guest to the show saying: 'Got a very special guest coming to support me in the audience tonight!! Excited to say I'll be the first to bring royalty to Strictly!! XXX'

Perfect: Holly Valance was praised for her dance moves as he glided across the floor to Swan Lake in a black costume

And sure enough her special guest was sitting in the front row - Princess Beatrice looked happy as she cheered on Holly during her routine.

Wearing an all black costume, Holly glided along the floor to several rounds of applause from the audience and received excellent praise from the panel.

All the right moves: The former pop star looked serious and intent on doing well as she danced the American Smooth

'I'd like the clocks to go back right now and watch that again,' said Len. 'It was terrific.'

Alesha added to this by telling them: 'You both look incredible. It was original and you were magnificent Holly.'

Even Craig was happy with the finished result which left Holly running up the stairs with a huge smile on her face which grew even bigger when they received a total score of 35.

Special guest: Holly was the first contestant to bring royalty to the show in the form of Princess Beatrice

Following in her footsteps was McFly star, Harry Judd, who tackled the Tango with his partner Aliona Vilani.

Dancing to Talking Head's hit Psycho Killer, the drummer looked dapper in a black suit whilst Aliona led him around the floor in a red sparkly dress, as he attempted to bite her on the neck.

Firm favourite: Harry Judd looked dapper in a black suit as he danced with his partner Aliona Vilani

King and Queen: The pair wore masquerade masks and sat on thrones as they began their routine

'You can bite as much as you like as long as you keep dancing like this,' Bruno told Harry once they had finished their routine.

Craig added to this telling him: 'I thought you did very, very well,'

And Harry's number one fan, Alesha, finished by saying: 'You're too cool for school....no seriously.'

Bite me: The McFly star put is all into his performance as he danced to the Talking Heads hit Psycho Killer

And once again the pop star was ecstatic as he received another single score of ten from the female singer, which resulted in a total of 34.

But someone who received less than positive comments but wasn't reduced to tears was Nancy Dell'Olio.

The Italian-American yet again found herself at the bottom of the scoreboard as she received a total of 14 after attempting the Rumba with her partner, Anton du Beke.

Risen from the dead: Nancy Dell'Olio began her routine in a silver coffin drinking from a champagne flute

Caught in a spiderweb: Nancy and her partner Anton wore matching silver and white outfits as they danced the Rumba

Nancy's main prop of the night was a silver sparkly coffin, which saw her rise from the dead in a white and silver spiderweb dress.

Anton wore silver sequined trousers and a white shirt as he dragged Nancy across the floor, but he was the one who ended up in the coffin as she locked him in there at the end of their routine.

Turning her upside down: Nancy was told that she was a 'walking disaster' by the judges on the panel

Go away! The Italian American finished her dance by locking Anton away in the coffin

But even this failed to impress the judges as Alesha Dixon started by telling Nancy: 'I think you're a sexy woman but I have to be honest, you're a walking disaster.'

Adding to the negative comments was Bruno Tonioli who agreed by telling her she 'needs to listen to the music.'

Someone who was listening to the tune was Robbie Savage, who took to the floor next.

Dancing the Pasa Doble with his partner, Ola Jordan, the blonde haired sportsman revealed his bare chest in a black and white outfit as he showed off his moves to Michael Jackson's, Bad, and ended the routine by standing on the judge's table over Craig.

Dancing footballer: Robbie Savage managed to impress the judges again

But Craig didn't find it funny as he criticised the technicality of the dance but finished by saying it was 'amazing.'

Alesha got all hot and bothered as she said: 'Robbie I say keep thrusting, it really works. You had real purpose and intent throughout.'

The footballer managed to not injure himself this week and happily received a total score of 26.

But also hoping to receive a decent score from the panel was ex-EastEnders star, Anita Dobson.

Dancing with her partner, Robin Windsor, the actress attempted the Tango dressed as a sequined devil by showing off her acting skills.

But it wasn't enough to impress the panel completely as Len told Anita: 'You lost your timing and your posture is your weakest thing but I still really enjoyed it.'

Nervous: Anita Dobson looked scary as she danced the Tango with Robin Windsor

Bruno added to the constructive criticism by saying: 'I never knew you could be so evil. You're great to watch but you need to work on your frame.'

However a nervous-looking Anita managed to look pleased as she received a similar score to last week of 31.

The last female to dance was pop star Lulu who also attempted the Pasa Doble with her partner, Brendan Cole.

Highway To Hell: Lulu danced confidently in a Bat girl mask

Dancing to AC/DC's Highway To Hell, the blonde star was dressed like Bat Girl in a sheer, sequined number and looked mean and moody as she strutted her stuff on the floor and rose above the crowd at the end of the routine.

Presented with a standing ovation, Lulu looked pleased with herself as the panel gave their opinions.

'Lots of tricks and quite a few treats,' said Len. 'What entertainment, I loved it.'

Alesha added to this by saying: 'I love your determination, it was a great attempt,' and the pair received a total score of 29.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2055157/Strictly-Come-Dancing-2011-Chelsee-Healey-ends-tears-wardrobe-malfunction-Jason-Donovan-stop-grinning-receives-score-night.html#ixzz1cE81JlXq

Pippa Middleton, Chelsy Davy and Princes Beatrice clash... at the boxing

Pippa Middleton, Chelsy Davy and Princess Beatrice clash... at the boxing (with a fashion faux-pas in the red corner at blue-blooded bout)

• Glamorous girls out in force at charity event
• Royal blues and red sirens are the ladies' choice

By Jonathan Petre

Last updated at 10:17 PM on 1st October 2011


It was already a sultry evening - and these friends of the Royals turned up the heat when they arrived in strikingly similar low-cut designer gowns for a charity boxing ball last night.

But Prince William’s sister-in-law Pippa Middleton, his former girlfriend Jecca Craig and ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell might have been wishing they had exchanged fashion notes before they turned out for the occasion in Central London – they each wore a shimmering red dress with plunging neckline.

However, the clash did not stop Pippa and Geri – who sat at neighbouring tables – chatting to each other. They appeared to be ‘getting on like a house on fire’, according to one observer.

Lady in red: Pippa dazzles in this strikingly low-cut red designer gown for a night at a charity boxing match

Prince Harry’s former girlfriend Chelsy Davy, wearing a metal-blue off-the-shoulder gown, was also there, showing off her tan at the event which featured a series of amateur boxing bouts. One of the fighters was Hugh van Cutsem, a childhood friend of the Princes.

Princess Beatrice, in a floral gown, and her sister Princess Eugenie were among the revellers, though the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who attended the ball three years ago, did not make an appearance. Prince Harry also had other plans.


At the event three years ago, the then Kate Middleton wore a much commented-upon and equally revealing pink dress, prompting fashion watchers to speculate that she had provided the inspiration for those attending last night.

The guest list read like a Who’s Who of the Royal inner circle. Among the 850 people attending was another of William’s ex-girlfriends, Olivia Hunt, as well as actress Isabella Calthorpe, who was once linked romantically to the Prince but last night accompanied Sir Richard Branson’s son Sam and his sister Holly.

Red-faced? It would seem Geri Halliwell and Jecca Craig also had the same idea as they revealed astonishingly-similar looks for the glamorous night

Pippa Middleton’s boyfriend Alex Loudon, her brother James, Princess Beatrice’s boyfriend Dave Clark and Taylor McWilliams, who replaced Prince Harry in Chelsy’s affections, also turned out.

Tables for the ball, organised by jewellers Boodles, cost £1,950 each. Money raised last night was going to the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which grants wishes for seriously ill youngsters, and the Lt Dougie Dalzell MC Memorial Trust, which was set up in memory of a British soldier killed in Afghanistan.

Blue blood (well, almost): Prince Harry's ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davy wore a shimmering metal-blue off-the-shoulder gown, as did Holly Branson (middle) while Princess Beatrice opted for a floral number

Knees-up: Sam Branson and Isabella Calthorpe arrive at the charity boxing match while Princess Eugenie looked chic in a floor-length black gown

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2044209/Pippa-Middleton-Chelsy-Davy-Princes-Beatrice-charity-boxing-match.html#ixzz1Za1hvC9Z