Kate's clothes bill

And the fashions of Queen Mary's time were much more 'regal' anyway - our present Queen can hardly traipse around wearing full-length gowns all the time.

I agree, jO4 The Queen's outfits have definitely taken a turn for the better. The hats are a bit samey but there's a clever use of colour in her clothes.

Whoever said on here that none of the modern royals dress elegantly, (since Queen Mary?!!!) haven't they noticed how good the Queen looks these days?!

Not entirely defined, vampirequeen but our monarchy plays a large part in Britain's identity and I think/hope in a positive way.

make the red line.

Never mind

That's not how you spell spectacturlarly is it? I have tried several combinations of the letters but I can't the red line go away. Sorry.

I would love to curtsy to the Queen. So long as I didn't have to say anything. I know that would go spectactularly wrong.

I'm not sure I want my country defined by one family though.

If our royals were more like the Dutch/Danish ones, nanaeJ, wouldn't we soon start wondering what they're for? We are used to the pomp and ceremony of the huge occasions and seeing news coverage of royal goings on practically every day. Whether we love them, loathe them, take the mickey out of them or queue up for hours for a glimpse of them, they play a big part in defining Britain. Most of the world recognises the Queen in photos but would they know any of the European royals?

Well, I think if Fergie had buckled down and just got on with the 'job' her past wouldn't have been a problem. I wouldn't want to curtsey to anyone either, but I think Cherie Blair was pushing it a bit - she just came across as rude!

ana
I wanted to add that we have not seen a lot of the" Oblige "for the past thirty years. Except for H.M , the younger generation have not taken this on board.

For me, it started when Prince Andrew married Sarah Ferguson. For a Prince to marry a woman who had already been someone's live in for 5 years??
Some folk may say that we live in modern times and that lots of people have had relations before they get married.
I can accept that. But do not expect me to curtsey .

I would be less of a rampant republican if Brit royals were more like the Dutch /Danish royals..a bit less in yer face! If GB was to be a republic there are systems that i would not want... who knows the name of the German president ?(no googling!)

Quite, johanna. They don't have a choice - that's just the way it is.

Noblesse Oblige!!!!!

To be born into it seems a bit unfair. What if they just want a quiet life? What if with the best will in the world they're not cut out for public appearances? Seems unfair to make people suffer by dint of birth.

Surely you should have the choice if you're going to be in the public eye and open to all the constant observation and criticism that goes with the territory.

Don't make the mistake of mixing my views on clothes expenditure and tax handouts with repubicanism. I can see arguements for and against a form of monarchy. I can also see the value and pitfalls of a republic.

The advantage of having a head of state by dint of birth is surely that they know their destiny from day one. They grow up fully aware of what is expected of them and how they should behave. OK, there are a few lifestyle blips with the younger Royals but they mature just like anyone else. We are the ones who bestow celebrity status on them and expect them to respond accordingly.

I do not know if Kate is likable as I do not know her which is why I do not hate her either. I do not like the celebrity status of the royals nor the fact they are heads of state by dint of birth.

Not sure I am stereotypical of anything in particular, Pogs. I hope I look at every issue on its merits. I am neither right nor left wing, just compassionate.

Like a lot of questions on here, your response will be whether you are left or right of politics or Republican against Monarchist. We are all so stereotyped.

I think she should have a good wardrobe of 'workwear'. She obviously is happy to be in jeans and t.shirts but for goodness sake she has to dress appropriately for certain occassions. She probably spends less than most celebritites do on their clothes.

She would look pretty b----y daft turning up in a Primark frock for a state occassion just to please Republicans.

She is very likeable and natural and I beleive she will, given those who hate her and what she stands for leave her alone, become a good embassador for this country. I hope she works hard for her chosen charities and uses her influence to do good for the country.

She may be like Princess Ann and The Queen and recycle a lot of her clothes and mix and match. Poor girl was accused of having the same shoes on all the time, now she is accused of spending too much, can't win can they!

elegran mock

greatnan Edward VIII when Prince of Wales exhibited an interesting attitude to receptions on one occasion in Brighton. My mother told me that after a dinner there he went missing while the guests waited for him to reappear so that they could be presented to him. After a search, he was found in his hotel room, where he had retired with the wife of one of the dignitaries.

I agree Anne is good at her job. I had to meet her for a work related event and she was good at making people feel comfortable and relaxed and she was able to appear interested in what we were all there for! Though I often had more than 500 appointments /engagements a year in my job too and I had to wash and iron all my own clothes! Of all the royals I feel Anne is more aware of the future for royalty which is why she chose not to have 'royal' children.

So not Harry, then? Unless William cops it before producing an heir.

They really can't win - Anne has attracted many critical comments for wearing the same clothes on several occasions, sometimes years apart.
Diana changed the public attitude to Aids sufferers almost single-handedly, by sitting on their beds, shaking their hands, etc . which is why she was much loved by gay people.
I am another who wouldn't cross the road to see any member of royalty, but I don't think they can be described as workshy (well, excluding Andrew)- I think Anne has over 500 official engagements a year. I can't think of anything more boring than having to have lunch or dinner with local councillors who are probably tongue-tied by nervousness
and pretending to be interested in yet another cheese factory.
I agree that only those in direct line to the throne should receive financial support.

Oh gawd - I have no idea how to buy clothes - I'm a jeans and jumper/shorts and Tshirt kind of person. One Whitsuntide when i was around 16 mum gave me money to buy a nice coat. Trouble is, the fashion was swagger coats and I loathed them. I bought myself an anorak and a pair of hiking boots instead. Poor Mum - she was trying to get me interested in my appearance.

I have to admire women who get it right regarding clothes, 'cos they have a skill I never had. I did OK in the mini era but before and after than - rubbish!

I suppose Kate has a fashion duty to fulfill - no doubt when she gets pregnant her choice of pregnancy clothes will sell well too. However, the money quoted leaves me astounded.

Royalty doesn't bother me one way or the other - better than the bovine excrement we see regarding the choosing of presidents anyway.