Best of HELLO! royal coverage today
Princess Catherine marks first Christmas without royal family member and more...
Hi Royal Clubbers, it’s Iona here.
Firstly, here’s the best of the royal coverage over on HELLO! today.
Princess Catherine marks first Christmas without royal family member with poignant tribute
Princess Catherine firms up Christmas plans - with exciting celebrity line-up
Duchess Sophie battles soaring jungle temperatures in slim-fit cargo trousers - and wellies
Queen Camilla’s ‘invaluable’ workout to keep her nimble at 78 confirmed
And the winner is…
Yesterday, I asked if you agreed that Queen Letizia is Europe’s most stylish queen – and 64 per cent of you voted yes. However, the comments section told a different story…
There were a few shoutouts for Princess Catherine being the most stylish royal, with one Royal Clubber, Jasmine, saying she particularly likes seeing Queen Mary and Catherine together as they are a “picture of royal beauty, class, and style.” I always think they look so similar!
Queen Mary also had a mention by Mandy for being very stylish. Mandy also pointed out that Letizia “tends to look less designer than most royals,” adding that this is “not a bad thing at all.”
Personally, I like that she does not look too designer, as it keeps her outfits more relatable, but it totally depends on the occasion.
While Queen Rania is not a European royal, Mandy and Jasmine both agreed that she is always “impeccably dressed”.
She certainly is very glamorous and always looks so radiant!
Poll of the day
As you will have read, plans are underway for one of the biggest royal festive events of the year: Princess Catherine’s carol concert on Friday, December 5th.
I am now in agreement with Catherine that it is perfectly acceptable to start planning and talking about Christmas. My week has been full of festivities, beginning last night with a trip to ABBA Voyage and its winter bar (a hologram concert and very worth it if you are ever in London).
Tonight, I am attending Winter Wonderland in London, so it is safe to say that I am now feeling quite festive.
However, one of my most nostalgic Christmas activities is attending a carol concert.
I used to be in a girls’ choir until I was 18, and every Christmas it was so special getting to rehearse all the carols and sing them in a church.
My favourite Christmas carol has to be ‘O’ Holy Night’ or ‘In The Bleak Mid Winter’. I know they are not particularly cheery tunes, but in a church setting they sound incredible!
I am looking forward to watching Catherine’s carol concert cosied up on Christmas Eve. It does feel a while away but it always comes around the corner so quickly.
So in the hope that readers do not think it is too early to start talking about Christmas plans:
And let me know in the comments if you have a favourite carol, or a Christmas tune if not…
Picture of the day
Away from talking about Christmas, Princess Anne has been busy this week on her engagement in Singapore, and this photo was taken when she visited the National Orchid Garden.
If there is one royal who can pull off the colour orange, it is Princess Anne. Her style has an ‘80s twist with the fun colours, and it looks like she has been enjoying her trip so far…
Thursday’s puzzles
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Further reading
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Harry and Meghan’s partying divides opinion
LISTEN: Robert Jobson on King Charles’ frustrations with son Prince William
I also enjoy seeing young carolers who visit homes! The annual Carol Concert put on by the Princess of Wales is very special. Although I live in the US, I always watch it. This year I will watch it in Colombo, Sri Lanka!
Hello Iona! a longtime favourite Christmas Carol was buried deep in my brain. My Sister was placed in Palliative Care yesterday and my daughter went to see her and FaceTime me so that I could see her. I found myself singing this beautiful Carol to her. Though raspy, it came out! Don't know if you know it because I am way older than you are. It is Lully, lullay,/ Thou little tiny child, (a Coventry Carol). I have not heard it sung anywhere in way over 40 years. My daughter said, "Where did you get this from, Maman? You are making that up!" So late last night, I found it and sent it to her.