Community Chat

[gertrudecloset]

Sarah Ferguson and Diana Spencer were cousins.

[Burnsite]

Diana was still in her teens when she ordered a wedding dress, and it didn't flatter her (just in my opinion). A year or two later, Sarah F., not as flawless, looked astonishing at her wedding--her gown was perfect for her. 

But the role chafed her--she was a bit of a ski-bum, party girl person.  And like many flawed people, was also very loving and a good mum (and daughter-in-law).  Philip was very tough on Charles, Andrew, and Edward, though by far Andrew had the least complicated relationship, as he, like Anne, was a lot like his father. 

The Queen's eldest and youngest sons were not especially macho, and they came in for a lot of their father's criticism, even though Charles did go through military training, in two services. Edward quit military service when almost through his 12 month training period and was considered less than ideal by his father. 

One of Diana's memoirs that I read (might have just been in a mag. article of the day (late 1980s), complained that when they both went up to Balmoral in summer, Charles was more attentive to his mother than to Diana.

Prince Philip and Elizabeth to all accounts had a very happy marriage, but his favorite child was Anne, and reports had it, he was a very domineering father to his sons, though he was closer to Andrew.

Late edit:  If I am not misremembering from back in the days of Di and Fergie, both those young women had mothers who had deserted their husbands when their children were little--in Engliish parlance, they were "bolters."  Sarah's stepfather was a polo player in Argentina. 

[gertrudecloset]

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@Burnsite wrote:

Diana was still in her teens when she ordered a wedding dress, and it didn't flatter her (just in my opinion). A year or two later, Sarah F., not as flawless, looked astonishing at her wedding--her gown was perfect for her. 

But the role chafed her--she was a bit of a ski-bum, party girl person.  And like many flawed people, was also very loving and a good mum (and daughter-in-law).  Philip was very tough on Charles, Andrew, and Edward, though by far Andrew had the least complicated relationship, as he, like Anne, was a lot like his father. 

The Queen's eldest and youngest sons were not especially macho, and they came in for a lot of their father's criticism, even though Charles did go through military training, in two services. Edward quit military service when almost through his 12 month training period and was considered less than ideal by his father. 

One of Diana's memoirs that I read (might have just been in a mag. article of the day (late 1980s), complained that when they both went up to Balmoral in summer, Charles was more attentive to his mother than to Diana.

Prince Philip and Elizabeth to all accounts had a very happy marriage, but his favorite child was Anne, and reports had it, he was a very domineering father to his sons, though he was closer to Andrew.

Late edit:  If I am not misremembering from back in the days of Di and Fergie, both those young women had mothers who had deserted their husbands when their children were little--in Engliish parlance, they were "bolters."  Sarah's stepfather was a polo player in Argentina. 

It's interesting that you indicate how tough Phillip was on the males.  I say this because had he not abdicated his titles for Greece and Denmark there would have been no Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward.  It appears to be a do as I say "not as I did" kind of thing, if I'm understanding this correctly.

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[Mindy D]

@gertrudecloset @Fourth cousins.

[gertrudecloset]

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@Mindy D wrote:

@gertrudecloset @Fourth cousins.

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Yes, something along those lines, cousins nevertheless.  Thanks @Mindy D 

[lgfan]

The royals were more lax in letting Sarah marry Andrew because they knew he had a chance in hell of becoming king.  Charles bride had to be more virtuous.

[gertrudecloset]

Harry was way down on the line of ascension to throne as well, but he still had to get permission to Marry.....Protocol don'cha know!

Maybe some of it is made up as they go.  There are so many rules, some archaic, some a little more forgiving.  I think they should consider revising the playbook some if they are to remain relevant in the world where they have now power to effectuate policy or changes.  Really.....

[Burnsite]

Maybe so, Gertrude. (Responding to your query about Philip and his sons-):

Perhaps I am not remembering accurately, but this is what I heard in a brief period when I lived in London during the 1980s. 

Charles had done quite well (not super-well, but took a second at Cambridge in History (B+ type degree, unheard of for royals, who do not get grades) and then was sent off to military school, as if it was a kind of punishment.  Then another military training program.  Edward was principally interested in the arts.  Charles was at that point (and may still be) the only royal to attend a University in Britain.

Princess Anne was almost abducted during the later 1970s ; when the abductor reached into her car and threatened that she must go with him, she repled, "Not bloody likely." ,   

Edited to correct his university---

[gertrudecloset]

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@Burnsite wrote:

Maybe so, Gertrude. (Responding to your query about Philip and his sons-):

Perhaps I am not remembering accurately, but this is what I heard in a brief period when I lived in London during the 1980s. 

Charles had done quite well (not super-well, but took a second at Cambridge in History (B+ type degree, unheard of for royals, who do not get grades) and then was sent off to military school, as if it was a kind of punishment.  Then another military training program.  Edward was principally interested in the arts.  Charles was at that point (and may still be) the only royal to attend a University in Britain.

Princess Anne was almost abducted during the later 1970s ; when the abductor reached into her car and threatened that she must go with him, she repled, "Not bloody likely." ,   

Edited to correct his university---

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Hi @Burnsite it's true.  My children would not be who they are if I had not had them with the person that I did.  It's not possible.  Oh, for sure I could have children with another but they wouldn't be the children I have today.

With that being said though, I'm thinking that with Phillip Abdicating his Royal-ness to be with The Queen (they married first chance they could get) then there would be no Andrew, Charles, Anne or Edward.  Sure, the Queen could have married another, but she married Phillip who was her third cousin and thus, we have who we have as monarchs. 

The same applies to you or anyone who has children.  What if I had married that other person?  What would my life be like?  It would have been different.  That was the point I was trying to make.  Phillip did Abdicate and we have the Royal Family as we know it today, as a result.

[Luvsmyfam]

@chrystaltree she is human and makes mistakes.give her a break everyone pleeeeze.anyone who is in the public eye,I feel bad for.one wrong move,and they are crucified for life.everyone,take a chill pill!