January 5, 2009
From: Daily Mail <-- Click for full article



This is the remote love nest where Prince William surprised Kate Middleton with a romantic candlelight dinner during their romantic Highland getaway.

The private log cabin once, owned by the Queen Mother, can only be reached by car on the Queen's Balmoral estate.

The 26-year-old royal drove his girlfriend to the former fishing lodge hidden in a picturesque pine forest clearing on the banks of the River Dee for an intimate meal on Friday night.
Log cabin

Prince William and girlfriend Kate Middleton enjoyed a romantic dinner in this log cabin on the River Dee during their Highland holiday

According to local sources, the food and wine was prepared by staff at Birkhall, the mansion owned by his father, Prince Charles, where the couple are staying, and then transported to the venue, which can only be reached by car through thickly-wooded forests.

January 5, 2009
From: Daily Mail <-- Click for full article

Princes William and Harry will take another step in their growing public roles by setting up their own offices, I can disclose.

'The Boys': Princes William and Harry hope that setting up their own offices will allow them independence within the Royal Family

An official announcement - to be made later this month - will illustrate their increasing independence from Prince Charles and, significantly, reflect their desire to ensure their mother's influence is not forgotten.

Already employing their own private secretary and with a newly hired press secretary, the boys' offices are to be established at St James's Palace, emphasising their break from their father's court at Clarence House, and where for the first time their staff will report directly to them.

They are also to start using their own headed notepaper, which will be unveiled this month. William, 26, will incorporate into his writing paper the crest he unveiled last year. It includes a red seashell taken from Princess Diana's Spencer family coat of arms as a tribute to his late mother.

January 4, 2009
From: Daily Star <-- Click for full article

Kate Middleton’s mum and dad have been invited to meet Prince Charles and Camilla.

Kate and Prince William joined Charles and the Duchess on Friday for a final break together before he begins his training as an RAF rescue helicopter pilot.

Now Kate’s mum Carole and dad Michael have been asked to visit them at Charles’ Scottish estate Birkhall.

And the news has prompted speculation that William, 26, is finally about to pop the question.

William and Kate are throwing a party at Tam-na-Ghar, William’s own secluded three-bedroom shooting lodge on the estate.

January 3, 2009
From: Daily Mail <-- Click for full article

Prince William has whisked Kate Middleton off to Scotland for a New Year break...with his father and stepmother in tow.

The intimate family gathering will inevitably lead to rumours that the couple are likely to become engaged soon.

William, 26, has been dating Miss Middleton for six years - and had been expected to take a skiing trip with her in his last few days of freedom.
Prince William

New Year holiday: Prince William and Kate, pictured together last month, will be spending time together at Birkhall, on the Queen's Balmoral estate

Soon he is to start training as an RAF Search and Rescue helicopter pilot, for which he will be sent to bases around the country, meaning there will be a limited amount of time he can spend with his girlfriend.

It is considered particularly unusual for the prince and his father to spend time together at Prince Charles's private retreat, Birkhall, on the Queen's Balmoral estate.

A friend said: 'Their decision to fly up to Scotland has taken everyone by surprise.'

The couple have only just been reunited after spending Christmas apart, as dictated by royal protocol.

December 29, 2008
From: The Telegraph <-- Click for full article



Prince William has been honoured for giving beards a positive image after sporting thick facial hair over the Christmas period.


A hairy Prince William pictured on Christmas Day. The Prince was runner-up in the annual Beard of the Year award Photo: PA

The Prince finished as a runner-up in the annual Beard of the Year award.

The overall title was shared between the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, and ageing singer Tom Jones.

December 29, 2008
From: Sunday People

Prince Charles has put his sons to shame - beating both at arm wrestling.

Wills and Harry were locked in a fun test of strength after Christmas lunch at Sandringham when their dad walked in.

Charles, 60, rolled up his sleeves and told them: "Come on then - I used to be good at that."

Service trained William, 26, and Harry, 24, thought he would be easy to beat.

But neither could budge their father's arm.

A royal aide said: "It was brilliant - a great triumph of age over youth.

"The boys had tried each other and it ended in stalemate. They thought their dad would be a pushover but certainly underestimated him.

"The Princes will say they let him win. But they were making every effort. Years of riding have built up Charles's strength."

William was still sporting his beard as he went shooting yesterday - despite hinting he would soon shave it off.

December 29, 2008
From: The Telegraph <-- Click for full article



The Prince was on holiday in Mauritius with the friends and family of his girlfriend, Chelsy Davy, 23, when he was pictured taking part in drinking games.

He joined in the party within hours of arriving on the holiday island at the weekend.

Standing on a balcony, he was seen throwing back his head and putting the length of hose to his mouth before swallowing the drink in moments.

A witness told The Sun: "Harry and his friends were having a great time.

"They were daring each other to down drinks through the pipe.

"Harry didn't go first but it looked like he was one of the more experienced drinkers."

They added: "He looked like a man on a mission to enjoy a few pints."

His holiday antics came just days after it was disclosed that he will become teetotal when he begins an intensive helicopter pilot course in mid-January.