“There’s a happiness in the House of Windsor generally at the moment for the first time ever,” a royal pal tells Vanity Fair contributor Katie Nicholl in the September issue, part of a cover story on the duch*ess of Cambridge’s undisputed status as Windsor crown jewel. “Charles and Camilla are genuinely happy. William is happy because Charles is troubled less, and he has Kate to share his future with,” the friend adds. And while the pair have dazzled Britain and Olympic watchers the globe over with their Games-related appearances—Kate’s fashionable turn in Christopher Kane at the opening ceremony only confirms her status atop the 2012 International Best-Dressed List—they innately prefer a life out of the spotlight, one categorized by homey activities like cooking and walking puppy Lupo three times per day. Nicholl gets their friends and those in their orbit talking for a blockbuster piece on Kate’s married life—revealing, among many other details, that:
Despite their lean physiques thanks to deerstalking, tennis, and Buckingham Palace swims, Will and Kate are foodies, and tuck in regularly to homemade roast chicken (Kate does the cooking and shopping, and employs no cook at their home on the Welsh island of Anglesey). They also own a sausage-maker (!) to make their own links, and for the holidays, Kate puts away jars of homemade strawberry jam and plum preserves to dole out as gifts. On the average day off, the pair just potter around, “making tea and toast,” per a family friend who recently swung by to find them living a simple home life on Anglesey.
They splash out for DVD box sets. Right now, the royal couple are obsessed with The Killing, which they recently devoured in a marathon session—and they often stay in to binge on various new series rather than hit up society events.
Kate has a flair for interior design that she hopes to soon show off: as the couple will receive the keys to Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace (“K.P.”) this fall, Kate says that she wants to oversee the decoration of their new flat—with the help of a professional designer and contractors, needed to completely electrically rewire the 20-room residence. The renovation and decoration are estimated to cost $1.5 million, and will be paid for by both the Queen and Prince Charles in anticipation of Kate and Will’s impending life as full-time, London-based royals.
The duch*ess’s schedule requires up to five clothing changes per day. The rigorous outfit swapping attendant to royal protocol is said to stress out the duch*ess—not that the stress shows.
And even though the bill for her couture and jewels was printed in the tabloids with raised eyebrows earlier this year—$55,000 for six months of duties—Kate defrays the cost by bargain-shopping. The duch*ess also continues to decline the services of a royal dresser, preferring to personally shop for herself at chains like Topshop.
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As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of the topic, I can confidently discuss various concepts related to the article about the duch*ess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. My expertise is rooted in a broad knowledge of the British royal family, their lifestyle, and the media coverage surrounding them.
Firstly, the article highlights the current state of happiness within the House of Windsor, particularly focusing on Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince William, and the duch*ess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. The information suggests that the family is experiencing a positive and content phase, with particular emphasis on Prince William's happiness due to the improved well-being of his father, Prince Charles.
The article sheds light on the personal life of Prince William and Kate Middleton, emphasizing their preference for a private life away from the public eye. Despite their public appearances and glamorous image, the couple enjoys simple activities such as cooking and walking their puppy Lupo.
Their commitment to a healthy lifestyle is mentioned, including activities like deerstalking, tennis, and swimming at Buckingham Palace. Additionally, the article reveals that, contrary to their lean physiques, the royal couple considers themselves foodies. Kate, in particular, takes on the role of a chef, regularly preparing homemade roast chicken and even using a sausage-maker to craft their own links.
The couple's leisure activities are highlighted, such as their love for DVD box sets and current obsession with "The Killing." The article suggests that they prefer staying in to binge-watch series rather than attending societal events.
A significant aspect of the article is Kate Middleton's interest in interior design. As the couple prepares to move into Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace, Kate expresses her desire to oversee the decoration of their new residence. The renovation is estimated to cost $1.5 million and will be funded by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles.
The article touches upon the challenges faced by Kate Middleton in adhering to royal protocol, particularly the demand for up to five clothing changes per day. Despite the stress associated with constant outfit changes, the duch*ess manages it with composure.
Lastly, the article briefly mentions Kate Middleton's shopping habits, noting that she is a bargain shopper and personally shops for herself at high-street chains like Topshop. This approach is mentioned in contrast to the tabloid scrutiny of her couture and jewelry expenses.
In summary, my expertise allows me to provide a comprehensive understanding of the concepts presented in the article, ranging from the personal life and preferences of the Duke and duch*ess of Cambridge to their royal duties and challenges.
