THERE will be at least one long face around the dinner table at Sandringham this Christmas if the guest list is anything to go by. Prince Harry's girlfriend Chelsy Davy, who has been dating the Queen's grandson for 18 months, has been frozen out of the Royal Family's festive celebrations.
And to rub salt into already raw wounds, Prince William's on-off girlfriend Kate Middleton has been told by the Queen that she is welcome to spend part of the festive season at Balmoral. The news has infuriated Prince Harry, who is keen for South African-based Chelsy to be accepted into the Royal fold. In an act of defiance, he is now said to be planning a holiday in South Africa with her after Christmas Day.
`Chelsy is welcome within Charles's immediate circle,' says my Royal spy. `The Prince of Wales has warmed to her, as has Camilla. Chelsy was invited to stay at Highgrove only recently. But Harry is really keen for the Queen's approval as well. It's important for him that Chelsy is welcomed into the wider family. The truth is she would spend Christmas with her own family anyway, but it would have been nice to get an invitation.'
It is not the first time the bubbly Zimbabwean blonde has been excluded by the Royals. While Kate Middleton accompanied the family to Prince Charles's stag weekend in Klosters and joined the honeymoon party in Balmoral in April, Chelsy was nowhere to be seen.
Last week she was recovering from the lastest brush-off by drowning her sorrows at London's Raffles nightclub. `She was having a great time making the most of the new licensing laws and drinking into the early hours,' says a fellow reveller. `She was with a group of girlfriends knocking back cocktails, although she was on her mobile texting someone rather frequently.'
Let's hope it was Harry offering some words of comfort – perhaps pointing out that even Camilla has only just received her first invitation to the Royals' Sandringham Christmas dinner.
PRINCE WILLIAM'S girlfriend Kate Middleton is to celebrate Christmas Day with the Royals for the first time. She will join the party at Sandringham and stay overnight before taking part in the traditional Boxing Day pheasant shoot with the Queen, Prince Philip and Prince Charles.
William will then drive from the Norfolk estate to Berkshire to visit 23-year-old Kate's parents, Michael and Carole, at their home.
But there will be no Sandringham stay for Prince Harry's girlfriend Chelsy Davy, 20.
Harry is expected to jet out for a break in the sun with his South African sweetheart soon after Christmas Day before returning to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst for his final term on January 9. William will start his army career a day earlier.
Yesterday, author Ingrid Seward, who wrote the biography William And Harry, said Kate's invitation was very significant.
She said: "I think she and William are in a serious relationship but nobody's rushing to marriage. I believe courtiers are a bit more worried about Harry, though. "He is madly, madly in love and he may rush in and do something a bit rash."
Ms Seward said Kate, who will be the first Royal girlfriend to spend Christmas with the Royals since Prince Edward introduced Sophie, faces "an ordeal".
She said: "The Royals share lots of in-jokes nobody else understands and talk about people nobody else knows. Then there is Prince Edward,who always runs some ghastly disco.
"I remember the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, when she was dating Prince Andrew. She tripped over the corgis and found the whole thing terrifying."
Although Chelsy will not be there at Christmas Prince Charles has warmed to her. She was invited to stay at Highgrove, Gloucestershire, for the first time, last weekend The pair, who first started dating 18 months ago, hadn't seen each other since they took a holiday in Botswana in September.
But it is Kate who has been most accepted by the Queen. In the summer she was invited to have dinner with the monarch and the Duke of Edinburgh for the first time.
The date at Balmoral Castle was also the first time Kate had been invited inside the Deeside castle - though she and William have stayed many times at Tam-na-Ghar, the prince's hideaway cottage, since they started dating in 2001.
A Clarence House spokesman said: "The boys will be spending Christmas at Sandringham but we will not comment on whom may be joining them over the period or what private arrangements they may have."
Ms Seward added: "Only very serious Royal girlfriends are invited to Sandringham.
"It is a sign you are entering the inner circle and Kate going this year is certainly an official acceptance of her position, importance and role in William's life.
November 26, 2005 -
PRINCE William concluded his three weeks of work experience in the City of London this weekend by revealing that he had won a stock picking competition. His work experience in-cluded time at the Bank of England, the London Stock Exchange, Lloyd’s of London and Billingsgate fish market. HSBC organised his visit, but details of the other City institutions that hosted the prince were kept under wraps for security reasons. At Billingsgate he spent time learning how the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers regulates the fish trade and at HSBC he participated in the stock-picking competition to give him a better idea of how the equity markets work. He also met rep- resentatives from the Financial Services Authority and Royal law firm Farrer and Co.
William said this weekend: “After a very busy three weeks spent in the City, I now have a much better understanding how all the different financial institutions work and how they fit together. Spending every day with people who contribute so much to this country’s economy gave me the chance to experience the atmosphere of the City and to see, as best as I could, what it’s really like to work there. And I won the stock picking competition!”
At the Bank of England, he heard how it plays a central role in the UK’s financial system and at HSBC’s Charities Investment Services team he conducted company analysis, constructed deal tickets and attended client meetings.
November 25, 2005 -
Richard Kay
25th November 2005
Daily Mail
EVER since he started stepping out publicly with Mrs Camilla Parker Bowles, Christmas has been rather incomplete for the Prince of Wales. Not only did they have to spend it apart, but when it came to choosing a personal Christmas card, he was a man alone with his children.
How different Christmas 2005 is going to be. Camilla will be with him at Sandringham and, I learn, will feature in a picture for the family Christmas card.
I understand that the picture he has chosen includes all four of their children — William and Harry, as well as Tom and Laura Parker Bowles.
The last time Charles was part of a full family picture was in 1991, a year before he and Diana parted, when a stilted domestic photo could not paper over the cracks in their marriage.
This time the photograph is said to be far more relaxed. It was shot by Tatler's social cameraman Hugo Burnand, whose pictures of the royal wedding in April were well received by the Prince and Camilla.`It's a happy picture,' I am told.
November 23, 2005 -
British royals PRINCE WILLIAM and PRINCE HARRY made an emotional return to their late mother DIANA, PRINCESS OF WALES' official residence this week (begs21NOV05).
The brothers, who are both in line for commissions in the British Army, last visited Kensington Palace after Diana's funeral in 1997 to collect personal possessions. William and Harry attended a private viewing of the last pictures of Diana taken by celebrity snapper MARIO TESTINO for Vanity Fair magazine.
A royal source says, "William and Harry went to see the exhibition privately and thought it was a wonderful tribute to their mother."
Testino consulted Diana's sons over his plans for the exhibition because he didn't want to do anything to upset them.
He says, "Of course, I asked their permission. I feel that even though I took the photographs, it is their mother and it's for them to decide what happens."
Richard Kay
24th November 2005
Daily Mail
WHEN it comes to dining out, Prince William likes to rely on local knowledge. So when he and girlfriend Kate Middleton (pictured) dropped into The Pig's Ear, he knew just what to expect from the menu.
Kate, 23, is a regular at the discreet Chelsea gastropub, and when the couple arrived with two male friends on Tuesday night, they were shown straight to an empty table.
`They were very low-key, no big entrance or anything like that,' says a fellow diner. `They could have been any other young couple out for supper with friends.
`William had his detectives with him, of course, but they were tucked away in a corner.'
William, 23, had tuna carpaccio, braised shank of saltmarsh lamb and a `Rolopot' (chocolate mousse and Rolos) while Kate opted for roast monkfish. After ordering the pub's special Breton cider — his favourite drink — the Prince chose a £14 bottle of red from the wine list for his group.
`They were very abstemious,' I am told. `No one made a fuss of them and I think they were glad just to be treated as local.'
November 21, 2005 -
CHELSY DAVY has been invited to stay with Prince Harry's family for the first time.
The Zimbabwean blonde joined her boyfriend at Highgrove on Saturday night where she met Charles and Camilla and Prince William. Harry's insistence on bringing his girlfriend into the heart of his family is the strongest indication yet of the seriousness of the couple's 18-month romance.
Chelsy, who is studying for a degree in commerce and economics in South Africa, is even considering moving to England to spend more time with the 21-year-old officer cadet. She arrived at Heathrow from Cape Town on Friday and was met by a friend who took her home to Oxfordshire.
That night the girls headed off to a local pub and spent the night drinking and smoking, returning to pick up their car the next day. Later on Saturday they went shopping before Chelsy spent the rest of the afternoon getting ready for Harry.
The prince, who had spent the afternoon playing rugby at Sandhurst, left Surrey just after 6pm with two police protection officers. It was the first time the couple had seen each other since they enjoyed a two-week break in Botswana in September. Despite his devil-may-care attitude, Harry is keen to have his father's approval of the relationship.
The two are close – indeed on Thursday last week Harry invited his father to Sandhurst to be his guest at the officers' mess. A source said: `Everyone was surprised that Harry asked his father to come – not least because Charles will become head of the armed forces. Talk about bringing the boss back for dinner!'
November 20, 2005 -
All Blacks enjoy Royal reception
LONDON (AFP) - Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William renewed their acquaintance with the New Zealand rugby union squad during a reception at Buckingham Palace.
All Blacks captain Tana Umaga introduced the squad's 35 players and backroom staff, dressed in their official suits complete with silver fern motif, to the Queen, who is New Zealand's monarch as well as that of Britain's.
Meanwhile William, 23, chatted to Ali Williams, whom he met while following the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand earlier this year where the All Blacks won the Test series 3-0.
The lock forward asked William about his relationship with girlfriend Kate Middleton.
"We've been becoming quite friendly with Prince William. He said it was going well, going steady. He seemed very content," Williams said.
The player added that William, who is due to join the British Army, had also discussed New Zealand's upcoming match against England at Twickenham on Saturday.
The All Blacks are currently mid-way through a tour of the British Isles where they have already beaten Wales 41-3 and Ireland 45-7.
Umaga, meeting the Queen for the third time, said he was impressed by her rugby knowledge.
"It was great. It was amazing really. I was just in awe. She's an amazing lady and she's so sharp. She knew about the Wales game," he said after the Queen had wished him luck for this weekend's match.
The captain added that some of the squad were disappointed not to have seen the Queen's corgi dogs.
"They were asking her about the dogs and if they would be coming in but she said she didn't bring them. We have a lot of farmers here and they remember them from last time," added Umaga, recalling New Zealand's previous visit to the Palace in November last year.
Also present at Monday's reception was the Duke of Edinburgh, the Queen's husband, and Lady Davina Lewis, the daughter of the Duke of Gloucester, whose husband Gary Lewis is the first Maori member of the royal family.
November 13, 2005 -
Sunday November 13, 11:21 AM
The Queen is leading the nation's tribute to the war dead on
Remembrance Sunday.
More than 8,000 veterans - many elderly and frail - are honouring their fallen comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for their country.
The Duchess of Cornwall is attending the national remembrance service at the Cenotaph in Whitehall for the first time.
Camilla is watching from a balcony at the Foreign Office with Prince William as The Prince of Wales will take the salute during the march- past. New Army recruit William, who was present last year, will pay his respects as he prepares to begin his own stint in the military next year.
His brother Prince Harry, who is training to be an officer, will take part in the commemorations at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. A Clarence House spokeswoman said: "Harry's down at Sandhurst. He's doing a Remembrance Day Parade. He's one of many cadets involved."
The Queen has placed a wreath of poppies at base of the Cenotaph, followed by the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of York, the Princess Royal and the Duke of Kent.
Rings of the blood red flowers have also been left by political leaders, headed by Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Henry Allingham, who at 109 is the country's oldest World War One veteran, is expected to be among the former servicemen remembering the heroes who were killed in past and present conflicts.
Mr Allingham is the last survivor of the Battle of Jutland and the final surviving founder member of the Royal Air Force.
The commemorations come in a year which saw the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. In 2005, 22 British servicemen have died in Iraq, bringing the total since the start of the conflict in March 2003 to 97.
November 13, 2005 -
PRINCE Harry will miss Christmas with his gran to fly out for a romantic break with girlfriend Chelsy Davy, The People can reveal.
Besotted Harry, 21, will fly to Argentina to meet the stunning 19- year-old blonde before they return to her home in South Africa for the New Year.
But the Army officer cadet will miss traditional royal festivities at Sandringham, Norfolk, where the Queen, his dad Prince Charles and brother William, 23, will celebrate.
A royal source told The People: "Harry is desperate to use his short break from Sandhurst to see his girlfriend.
"He is missing her like crazy and the demands of the academy mean he has hardly seen her. The Queen adores her grandson and is disappointed he won't be there, but understands why. Charles, who likes Chelsy, is also being very understanding."
Harry will be away at least two weeks before returning to Sandhurst for his final term.
November 7, 2005 -
William beats Harry in Army intelligence test
By Sean Rayment, Defence Correspondent
(Filed: 06/11/2005)
Telegraph
Prince William is the brains of the family - it's official. The 23- year-old prince, who is to enrol at the Sandhurst Royal Military Academy in January, scored seven out of 10 in the "raw intelligence" test, when he took part in a gruelling assessment at the Regular Commissions Board in Westbury, Wiltshire.
Prince Harry is understood to have scored four in the same test in September last year.
Senior officers who witnessed Prince William tackle the various physical and mental trials - designed to assess a candidate's potential to become an Army officer - described him as "athletic, well co-ordinated and quite bright".
It is believed that what surprised many of the officers who were judging his suitability to become a commissioned officer was his performance in multiple-choice intelligence tests, which he faced on the first day. These computer tests are used to assess an individual's powers of reasoning, general knowledge and intelligence. Candidates also have to take part in a planning exercise, group discussions and give a short lecture to other members on the course.
One senior officer said: "The raw intelligence test is exactly that. It is used to assess the potential of all soldiers from those who join the ranks to those who want to become officers.
"It gives the best indication of a candidate's IQ. We have seen people with very good degrees get very poor scores and those who have just scraped a few A-levels get very high scores. A score of 10 out of 10 means you are a genius, while one or zero means you are barely functioning. Seven, which William received, is very, very good. He also displayed good leadership skills. On the showing he gave at the RCB there is no reason why he shouldn't make a very good officer."
Intellectually the two brothers are complete opposites. Prince William gained a 2:1 degree at the University of St Andrews and three A-levels at Eton. Prince Harry's academic achievements are less glowing. He came bottom in his first-year examinations at Eton and was the only student in the sixth form who was allowed to take just two A-levels. He achieved a B in art and a D in geography.
His unimpressive classroom achievements led to allegations that he cheated during his art A-level. Although these were subsequently dismissed, a hearing was told that the prince's course work contained numerous mistakes.
Eton's headmaster, Tony Little, said that the art project was littered with errors, including a reference to an artist with a "forthwith manner".
Prince William's high score at the commissions board should ensure that he will have little difficulty with the most intellectually demanding parts of the Sandhurst course. In the second term the emphasis is placed on academic studies at a level equivalent to the first year of a degree course.
When Prince William joins the military academy in January next year, he will be lower in seniority to his brother, who will be entering his final term.
That will change when Prince William is commissioned at the end of the 44-week course. Although the brothers will hold the same rank of lieutenant, as a graduate, Prince William will have greater seniority. This means that Prince Harry will have to salute his older brother when they meet.
SPUD MISSILES: Harry will face mashing in terrorist tattie attack
By Mike Merritt
Sunday Mail
PRINCE Harry is to be pelted with potatoes in a bizarre anti-
terrorist training exercise.
Officer Cadet Wales will be pelted by a mob of 100 tough Gurkha soldiers armed with rock-hard King Edward tatties.
The spud missiles are used to simulate rocks in the counter insurgency and peacekeeping exercise at Sandhurst Military Academy, Surrey.
Operation Broadsword will last 10 days and take place at a secret location in the new year.
And more experienced officers have warned the prince and his 30- strong platoon they face a real mashing.
Last night, Sandhurst spokesman Lt Col Roy Parkinson said: 'If they don't keep their shields up they can end up with some nasty bruises.
'The potatoes are thrown with a lot of force.'We are simulating a real situation that troops have to deal with regularly in Iraq, Bosnia and Afghanistan.
'It is a real test of the cadets' nerve and strength of character. Spectators who have seen the exercise can't believe how frightening it is.'
A Sandhurst insider added: 'Everyone has been joking about Harry insisting on King Edward potatoes being used - but people who have been through it will tell him that it is no laughing matter.'
Harry will also take part in a second major exercise before he graduates in April. The three-week test will include all he has learned - from total war to peacekeeping - and will take place abroad, possibly Canada, Cyprus or France.
Harry hopes to join an infantry regiment after his officer training and it is believed he is being considered for promotion to sergeant or corporal.
Lt Col Parkinson added: 'The prince is doing very well. We treat him like any other officer cadet and the same will go for his brother.'
William joins Sandhurst for his first 14-week term on January 8 - a day before Harry starts his last term.
1- Katie Nicholl. “Chelsy ban leaves Harry lonely this Christmas.” The Mail on Sunday 27 Novemeber 2005: News. 27 August 2006. < http://www.highbeam.com/library/doc3.asp?DOCID=1G1:139183264&ctrlInfo=Round20%3AProd%3ADOC%3AResult&ao= >
2- Rob McKay. “KISSMAS KATE TO PARTY WITH ROYALS.” The Sunday Mail 27 November 2007. 27 August 2006. < http://www.highbeam.com/library/doc3.asp?DOCID=1G1:139136715&ctrlInfo=Round20%3AProd%3ADOC%3AResult&ao= >
3- Rupert Steiner. “William picks a winner in the city.” thebuisnessonline.com 27 November 2005. 27 August 2006. < http://www.thebusinessonline.com/Stories.aspx?William%20picks%20a%20winner%20in%20the%20city&StoryID=BC486A2C-59AA-405B-A12F-2E2BC9F265ED&SectionID=F3B76EF0-7991-4389-B72E-D07EB5AA1CEE >
4- Richard Kay. “Charles and Camilla play their trump card.” The Daily Mail 25 November 2005: News. 27 August 2006. < http://www.highbeam.com/library/doc3.asp?DOCID=1G1:139113330&ctrlInfo=Round20%3AProd%3ADOC%3AResult&ao= >
5- Richard Kay. “Kate makes a Pig's Ear of Wills' dinner.” The Daily Mail 24 November 2005. 27 August 2006. < http://www.highbeam.com/library/doc3.asp?DOCID=1G1:139086443&ctrlInfo=Round20%3AProd%3ADOC%3AResult&ao= >
6- Not stated. “Chelsy makes her Highgrove debut.” The Daily Mail 21 November 2005: News. 27 August 2006. < http://www.highbeam.com/library/doc3.asp?DOCID=1G1:138961304&ctrlInfo=Round20%3AProd%3ADOC%3AResult&ao= >