Archive for the ‘Princess Diana’ Category

Dressing little ones

Wednesday, March 20th, 2013 by mfn

With the impending birth of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s little one, it has got me thinking about how little ones are dressed now days.

I’m a fan of small children looking like small children, not mini adults. As such, I do love smocking on little ones, both boys and girls.

I was having a think about what it is that I find so attractive about this, as I was worried that it was because I was old fashioned and potentially stuck in my ways …….. (Me ? Never!!) However, I had a light bulb moment the other day and realised it wasn’t anything to do with being old fashioned, rather it has to do with etiquette.

There is something quite lovely about parents that think to dress their children in appropriate clothing for appropriate occasions.  While I do think a small child in a smocking romper suit is darling, it’s not really appropriate for everyday wear. That said, it is suitable for an important outing or a photo shoot, which let’s face it, most new parents and grandparents enjoy doing quite often.

As I was raised in smocking outfits to be my ‘good’ and or ‘going out’ outfits, I have realised that it is only natural that I hold them in such high regard. As a small child, that is your first real foray into grooming. And let’s face it, there is something quite delightful about twirling around in your first ‘big girl’ dress, with polished shoes, darling socks and freshly ironed ribbons in your hair………  Do you agree?

Prince William with Princess Diana

Prince William with Princess Diana

Prince William with Princess Diana

Prince William with Princess Diana

Prince Albert and Princess Caroline of Monaco with their parents

Prince Albert and Princess Caroline of Monaco with their parents

Prince Ranier and Princess Grace with Prince Albert and Princess Caroline

Prince Ranier and Princess Grace with Prince Albert and Princess Caroline

Prince William in red shorts with matching shirt

Prince William in red shorts with matching shirt

Prince Harry and Prince William playing the piano

Prince Harry and Prince William playing the piano

Prince William helping Prince Harry to walk

Prince William helping Prince Harry to walk

Prince Harry and Prince William on the balcony at Buckingham Palace with their mother

Prince Harry and Prince William on the balcony at Buckingham Palace with their mother

Princess Grace reading to Princess Caroline and Prince Albert

Princess Grace reading to Princess Caroline and Prince Albert

A portrait of the Monaco Royal Family

A portrait of the Monaco Royal Family

A thoughtful bride

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011 by mfn

With the Royal wedding only days away, I have been thinking back to Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s wedding.

wedding-invitation

I can’t believe that Lady Diana managed to have such composure and dignity on her wedding day, given she was merely 19 years old.

It is also interesting to note, that even though it was ‘her’ day and she was to become a Princess, she didn’t forget her manners.

Late, on the day of the wedding, around 11pm, Princess Diana took the time to call all of the people who had helped make her day so special - such as the Emanuels, her make-up artist - Barbara Daly, the florist……  The list goes on. This phone call was promptly followed up with a personal and heartfelt letter, once Diana had returned from her honeymoon.

I don’t know many brides who would think to do that on their wedding day, let alone one who was due (at that stage) to be the future Queen of England.

Diana it would appear, was a voracious letter writer - and was always first to write and send a thank you note and I am sure she passed down such lovely manners to her sons.

Her letterhead post divorce was a red ‘D’, with a crown placed above it and the wording Kensington Palace centered underneath - accompanied by matching red lined envelopes. As such, I’m sure she would approve of the rest of us (non-royals that is) using note cards with our initials on them with matching lined envelopes. In fact, I think she would have liked this one in particular ….

'D is for ........... Diana'

'D is for ........... Diana'