ROYALS

Princess Madeleine wants royal play date

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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OHMYGOSSIP — Princess Madeleine wants to arrange a play date for her children and Prince William’s. The Swedish royal and her husband Chris O’Neill live in London with children Princess Leonore, two, and Prince Nicolas, 15 months, and though she hasn’t met the British prince or his wife Duchess Catherine, she thinks her kids would have fun with Prince George, three, and 16-month-old Princess Charlotte.

She told People magazine: “I would love [a playdate]. I’m sure we will cross paths – and who knows what we will do when we do!”

But if they do get to meet up, the royals are likely to have an action-packed day with their children.

Madeleine said: “We try to do a lot of activities because my little Leonore, she has lots of energy, so we have to keep her stimulated and busy.”

Madeleine attended a debate on children’s rights at the United Nations last week, and she admitted she was inspired by her mother Queen Silvia’s humanitarian work growing up.
She said: “When she travelled with her work, she met many children in difficult situations. And she always talked and told us these stories about these kids when I was young and it affected me a lot. I felt that I wanted to do something as well to help and to help her.”

The brunette beauty says it wasn’t until she had her own kids that she became aware of the amount of “vulnerable” children there in the world and she wants to encourage others to follow in her mother’s footsteps and give them the help they need.

She said: “When you have your own kids, you understand and realise how vulnerable children are. Every day, I try to protect them and want to create a stable surrounding. There are so many kids out there who don’t have parents, who live on the street – we have to help all the children out there.”

SWEDEN-ROYALS-CHRISTENING
Photo: Princess Madeleine of Sweden and Princess Leonore (Scanpix/ AFP  / Jonathan Nackstrand)

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Prince William and Duchess Catherine back auction

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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OHMYGOSSIP — Prince William and Duchess Catherine are backing an auction raising money for Syrian refugees. The royal couple have penned a note to the Rotary Club of Cambridge to wish them “great success” at the auction, which will be held at St John’s College on Monday September 26.

Stephen Hawking has also given his support to the organisers and the auction backers, Ridgeons, Coulson Building Group and the News. Tony O’Mara, who is responsible for supervising the event, said: “We’ve seen with dismay the tragic images of the bleeding and lost little 5-year-old boy in the Syrian ambulance. Could this poor child in other circumstances have been a member of one of our own families?”

A post about the auction on the official website reads: “The funds raised through your generosity will be used to buy equipment for dispatch direct to Syria or the camps on its borders as well as to aid refugees who are in Cambridge.

“The supplies will be sent by the international charity SHELTERBOX and funds will also be used to support the CAMBRIDGE REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT CAMPAIGN sponsored by the Cambridge City Council to help Syrian refugees in Cambridge in a practical way. (sic)”

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Prince Harry eyes £3.6m mansion

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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OHMYGOSSIP —  Prince Harry is reportedly eyeing up a £3.6 million mansion. The 31-year-old royal is said to have set his sights on Water Hall in Norfolk, a seven-bedroom luxurious abode complete with a pool. A resident told The Sun newspaper: “It’s away from any neighbours, so would be the perfect party pad.”

The 5.5 acre site comes complete with a tennis court and games room as well as luxurious grounds, perfect for holding summer parties in.

Describing the property on their website, Savills estate agents said: “Water Hall is an exceptional family home, enjoying a wonderfully private and peaceful setting within the Stiffkey Valley, with the River Stiffkey meandering along the western boundary and with fine views across the water meadows and the delightful 5.5 acres (est) of gardens and grounds.

“The extensive property, set at the end of a long drive, includes a detached cottage, annexe, garage block with games room and studio above and a traditional Norfolk barn with planning consent for conversion to a five bedroom dwelling.

“Over the past 15 years the property has been the subject of a thorough and sympathetic programme of restoration, renovation and extension alongside landscaping of the gardens, the creation of an impressive walled garden housing the swimming pool and pool house, and the substantial garaging adjoining the house … All bedrooms enjoy fantastic views of the gardens and water meadows beyond.”


Featured image: Ohmygossip.com
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Prince Harry donates to Paralympics campaign

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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OHMYGOSSIP —  Prince Harry has made a “personal donation” to a campaign to help purchase Rio 2016 Paralympics tickets for local Brazilian kids. The flame-haired royal has dug deep in his own pockets to give the #filltheseats initiative some money to enable youngsters in Rio de Janeiro the chance to watch some of the Paralympics unfold in their city.

A post on the Kensington Palace Twitter read: “Prince Harry has made a personal donation to #filltheseats so Rio kids can see Invictus & Paralympic competitors in action. Enjoy the games!”
At the time of writing, the campaign has raised more than $53,000, 18 per cent of its $300,000 target.

It’s not known how much Harry has donated to the cause.  A promotional video on the campaign’s fundraising page urges people to donate to turn empty seats into roaring crowds.
It then asks: “And what if those invited were the kids of Rio?

“Come on world. Donate. #filltheseats”

In August, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee got behind the campaign, which aimed to make up to 10,000 tickets available for kids in Rio to attend the Paralympics.
Coldplay have also endorsed the initiative.

The #filltheseats campaign originally aimed to raise $15,000 to send 500 children to the Games, but after raising more than $20,000 in one week the IPC and Rio 2016 asked the initiative to remain open so more tickets could be donated to local Brazilians from the world.


Featured image: Prince Harry (Ohmygossip.com /Helena-Reet Ennet)
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Prince Harry wishes Invictus competitors luck in Rio

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Helena-Reet Ennet
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OHMYGOSSIP —  Prince Harry has wished the 11 Invictus Games competitors aiming to win a medal at the Rio 2016 Paralympics good luck.  The 31-year-old royal – who is patron of the Invictus Games Foundation – told the paralympians, who are representing five nations, to “have fun” and thanked them for “inspiring millions” in their bid for glory.

He said: “To those Invictus Games competitors representing your five nations, all I have to say to you is what an incredible achievement – well done for your selection. You have trained harder than ever, but the fight to the finish line won’t be easy.

“You all know this better than anyone. Cherish this moment as you get to serve your country again. Absorb the applause and atmosphere for inspiring millions, but most importantly – have fun!”
Harry also admitted he is “incredible proud” of what the paralympians have achieved so far.

He added: “I remember watching these competitors at the 2014 and 2016 Invictus Games. And now they’ve been selected for the Rio Paralympic Games. I can’t think of a better example of showing how important sport can be for recovery.

“I know they’ll compete with the same Invictus spirit that we saw in London and Orlando – motivated not just by winning, but by pushing their bodies and minds to the absolute limit to prove to the world there is life beyond injury.

“They will lift everyone around them and whether you’re watching in Rio or on TV around the world, they will inspire you. I’m incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved and will be cheering on every single competitor during the Games.”

The 11 going for gold in Rio are made up of Team GB’s Dave Henson, Micky Yule, Joe Townsend, Mikey Hall and Nick Beighton.  Australia’s Curtis McGrath, Canada’s Christine Gauthier and Italy’s Monica Contraffatto will also take part in the Games, as will Americans Elizabeth Marks, Jennifer Schuble and Shawn Cheshire.

 

Featured image: Britain’s Prince Harry  (Ohmygossip.com /Helena-Reet Ennet)
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Princess Sofia: Motherhood changed my whole life

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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OHMYGOSSIP – Sweden’s Princess Sofia says motherhood has changed her “whole life” while her husband Prince Carl Philip said having a baby is “absolutely amazing and wonderful”. The royal welcomed son Prince Alexander with husband Prince Carl Philip on April 19 and while the pair have admitted that parenthood is “an adjustment”, they could not be happier.

Sofia told Sweden’s Svenskdam magazine: “Being a mother is amazing. It changes your whole life.”

And Carl added: “The first time does take some adjustment. But it’s still absolutely amazing and wonderful.”

Meanwhile, Sofia revealed Alexander is “very sweet and well-behaved” and sleeps “pretty well” at night. She said that he changes every day and is a “mixture of us both!”

Alexander will be christened on September 9 at Stockholm’s Royal Chapel and last month the couple celebrated their first wedding anniversary.

The 36-year-old prince married the former reality star, 31, in Stockholm last June, and after a lavish honeymoon in Fiji, the brunette beauty fell pregnant with the couple’s first child.

During his wedding speech, the prince recalled to guests how he had driven to see Sofia’s father, who works in a job centre, to ask permission to propose and thanked her family for their support.

He also hailed the former model as his “role model” and praised the citizens of Sweden for accepting their union.

He said: “We never chose the tough way – it chose us. You fill my life with love and happiness. Today we prove that love conquers all. Sofia – you’ve enriched our family. Your family has received me with equally open arms. I’ve got another family.”

Featured image: Scanpix/Maja Suslin

Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has opened the Petter Dass festival in Alstahaug

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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OHMYGOSSIP – Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has opened the Petter Dass festival in Alstahaug, Norway, and gave a speech. The 42-year-old royal gave a speech on the first day of the ceremony, which took place on Thursday (16.06.16) in the Helgeland region of Norway, and revealed she has been “very much” looking forward to attending the ceremony.

Speaking at the event, which was reported on Norway Today website, the blonde beauty said: “I have been looking very much forward to finally experiencing this cultural festival, which in Petter Dass’ own spirit unites several artistic expressions, such as literature, music and visual arts, in wonderful surroundings. It’s a great experience to be here.”

The theme for this year’s festival is based on the Mosaic Law’s second commandment, which is: “You shall not misuse the name of God”, and organisers have been inspired by the subject of freedom of expression and cultural taboos to fit in with the theme.

Speaking about the theme, the mother-of-two – who has 12-year-old daughter Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway and 10-year-old son Prince Sverre Magnus of Norway with her husband the Crown Prince of Norway Haakon – said: “This way the festival shows how important it is to remain relevant, to interpret the textual heritage in a way that brings it into our times.”

Meanwhile, Mette-Marit enjoyed a day out at the two-day festival EAT: Stockholm Food Forum, which was held at the Clarion Hotel Sign on Tuesday (14.06.16) with Princess Victoria of Sweden, 38, where they spoke at the conference alongside ‘The Naked Chef’ Jamie Oliver.

Mike Tindall: Zara Phillips is a fantastic chef

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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OHMYGOSSIP – Britain’s Zara Phillips – the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II – is a talented cook, according to her husband Mike Tindall. The second eldest granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II is a talented cook and can whip up delicious dishes like fish stew and loves to “experiment” with ingredients in the kitchen.

Mike, 37, – who wed the blonde beauty in 2011 – is great at making sweet treats but that’s about all and added: “I’m good at making chocolate brownies, sticky toffee puddings and chocolate fondants. When we have people over, I prepare deserts. But I can only cook from a recipe book. It’s Zara who’s the fantastic chef in our house. She makes a lot of fish dishes and isn’t afraid to experiment.”

The former England rugby star retired from the sport in 2014 and now enjoys spending quality time with the couple’s two-year-old daughter Mia.

He told Hello! magazine: “One thing I vowed when I finished playing was that I didn’t want to be away from home all the time. I used to leave the house at 6am and return 12 hours later, which mean I hardle ever saw Mia. But the variety of what I do now enables me to appreciate my time with her, to take her to Tumble Tots or go to swimming, cycling, or for walks in the fields with our three dogs. It’s brilliant watching her grow up, especially at this age where she’s turning into a lively little person with character.”

Meanwhile, the hunk insists his future lies with his family and being there for 35-year-old Zara, 35 – who won an Olympic silver medal in horse riding and has hopes of entering the Rio Olympics in August.

He said: “My role is to be there for her in whatever way works best.”

Princess Charlotte has a ‘little crew of royal’ friends

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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OHMYGOSSIP – Britain’s Princess Charlotte has a “little crew of royal” friends in her royal cousins Mia, Savannah, Isla and her brother George. The 12-month-old daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge is great pals with Savannah, five, and Isla, four, whose parents are Peter Phillips and his wife Autumn and Mia, from Phillip’s sister Zara and her husband Mike Tindall.

Mike – whose wife and brother-in-law are the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II – says the adults in the royal family are very close and the children are growing up with the same bond.

He revealed: “Mia and Savannah and Isla enjoy being around babies and were very gentle with (Charlotte). We’ve got a good little crew of royal youngsters going on there now. They all seem to get on and enjoy each other’s company and it’ll be good to watch them grow up together…. There’s a strong bond between the royal family. We’d like that between all our little ones as well.”

Autumn added that her niece, Mia, is “a little wrecking ball” and “a little monkey” and the “the dynamic is great” when the girls and Princess Charlotte’s brother, Prince George, aged two, get together.

She gushed: “All the youngsters, our girls, Mia and Prince George, run down the corridors, laughing.”

Meanwhile, Mike – who wed Zara, an Olympic silver medalist, back in 2011 – revealed Mia, Savannah, and Isla, often go riding their horses together with their parents.

He told Hello! magazine: “All three of them love each other. They often go riding together on our three Shetlands. Mia has progressed to a proper saddle now. The girls are like peas in a pod and I think that closeness between them will continue for many years.”

And he thinks the Queen’s oldest great grandchildren, James Viscount Severn, eight and 12-year-old Lady Louise, who are the children of Prince Edward and his wife Sophie “will end up being the babysitters.”

Prince of Wales delights fans and is ‘so down to earth’ in Donegal

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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OHMYGOSSIP – Britain’s Duke and Duchess of Cornwall visited County Donegal in Ireland and fans described Prince Charles as “so down to earth”.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall made their first official visit to County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday (25.05.16) and chatted to delighted residents, who said the heir apparent made everyone feel at ease.

Róisín McCool, principal of Irish speaking school Gaelscoil na gCeithre Máistrí, said it was an honour for the children to perform Irish dancing for the royals and added: “We were absolutely honoured and privileged to be here today to be singing and dancing and playing music for Prince Charles and Camilla.

“It went fantastic and they loved it. Everybody was so down to earth he was absolutely lovely and he was talking to the kids and us.

“The kids sang their hearts out and they played so well and danced fantastically well. So I was over the moon and delighted for them all.”

And Camilla, 68, and her 67-year-old husband gave the county a “tourist boost,” according to Donegal Castle’s manager Sean McLoone.

He told the BBC: “It went very very well, the sun shone which always helps and I thought the castle looked resplendent and certainly the royal highnesses expressed their thanks, they enjoyed their tour.

“There was a lot of smiles all round. I think its very important from a tourist perspective because a lot of our visitors would be traditionally from England anyway.”

Meanwhile, the Duke of Cornwall described the county – which is home to Glenveagh National Park – as “a place of dramatic and beautiful scenery, of music and storytelling, of myth, legend and the Irish language” and a place “where the link between man and the land is still so well understood”.

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