In an earlier post, I mentioned the American Friends of British Art. They are an organization that raises funds to help ongoing restoration projects across Great Britain – over 2,000 historic castles, manors and other structures are being preserved through the efforts of AFBA. It’s a wonderful group.

Now I have discovered that the AFBA isn’t the only one with solid Anglo-American ties. The V & A has a sister organization called the American Friends of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

From the website:
“The AFV&A works to strengthen the Museum’s international presence and encourage the American public to engage with this leading cultural institution.”

So be sure to check out both of these wonderful cultural organizations and donate your money or your time (maybe even your life?). It is extremely worthwhile!

I’ve just been notified by a keen-eyed Ebay fiend that my Royal anniversary stamp covers are being sold.

Let me know if there are any takers! :) This is interesting. [View More]

Nice Work!
Relations between Sarah Ferguson and the Royal Family have thawed so much that she has enjoyed a week’s holiday at Balmoral. Sarah was even asked to stay on longer than planned. Good on you, Fergie!

Who Spilled?
The Duke of Edinburgh has drawn up “secret plans” (Daily Mail’s words) for a private funeral at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, and has declined the offer of a State service. A unique feature of Prince Philip’s service – codenamed ‘Forth Bridge’ by Palace officials – is that the Duke, the oldest serving Royal consort in British history, has requested his coffin be borne by the same gun carriage used to carry Victoria at her funeral in 1901.

If it’s code-named and referred to as secret, then why is it in a newspaper?? I’ve never understood why the media does that. Also, I don’t want to think of Philip dying yet. It’s depressing!

+ The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester visit the Solomon Islands (Aug 3)

+ Oops! Queen Elizabeth II slips one place down the global rich list of kings and queens (Forbes)

+ A former convict is now washing windows at Prince Charles’s new Llwyny Wormwood Estate!

+ Prince Charles seen as ‘guardian of countryside’ by Country Life readers

+ Egad! An Islamist terror cell is said to have been plotting to kill the Queen and other high-profile members of the royal family

Amanda Platell of the Daily Mail has given Prince William some useful career advice: “Get a proper job”.

Ms. Platell, if you remember, was the columnist who roundly criticized Princess Beatrice’s 18th birthday party. She was in a snit about the Princess and her guests dressing up as Victorian belles and gentlemen, declaring their outfits a “disaster”.

Complaining about someone’s themed birthday party doesn’t strike me as a “proper job” itself, but I do think Amanda Platell’s opinion is actually valid in this case. She has simply added yet another voice to the masses of people – monarchists included – who decry princely playboy behavior. William’s stints in the Army are not viewed as serious or earnest enough, and this is exactly what I had hoped to avoid. Instead, he should have returned to university.

I wrote a letter to Charles’ advisors, saying that Prince William should be seen furthering his education and taking his future role more seriously. Being a part of the military is admirable, but since William is the direct heir to the throne, he won’t see much action. It does help the prince gain an understanding of what goes on in military life and he gets to meet all kinds of people, but it is political science and international relations that are crucial right now. At least in my opinion.

There is so much turmoil in the government and fuss surrounding the monarchy that William needs to learn how to survive it all. The Queen can teach him quite a bit, but he also needs an official diplomatic education to deal with the cut-throat tactics out there.

My response from the advisors? Barely a paragraph. Clarence House treated me as if I was a sixteen year old girl who had written a gushy fan letter about William instead.

Slightly insulted, I realized that I would just have to sit back and watch the Prince’s official life roll out before the media for better or for worse. Not like I really expected them to take my ideas on board or invite me over for tea and a brainstorm, but I thought their letter would be a bit more… responsive. Instead, I got the old brush-off. Queen Noor’s people were a lot more friendly!!

Oh well… at least I’m not going to be on the royal blacklist for an article entitled “Wills must get a job or he’ll end up like Charles”. You mean the same Charles who has the Prince’s Trust, Duchy Originals, etc. etc.? Yeah, please don’t end up successful, William!

Thanks to The Monarchist
The Daily Mail Article in full

During the state visit to Turkey, the Queen wore several lovely outfits. Two of my favorites were the pink and the black and cream ensembles. Observe:

Elizabeth always looks exceptionally lovely in bright colors, because they brighten her skin. When she wears white or cream, it enhances her silver hair and she looks very stately. Wonderful choices!