Royals at Sandringham.....

I doubt she will move in with them but will probably have her own suite of rooms for whenever she visits. I think the Middletons have something like that at KP.

EllanVannin, I think originally the mother WAS going, and originally Kate and William WERE going to stay with the Middletons. And Harry WASN'T going to shoot. But I think someone in the royal firm was so determined to prove the rumours of a rift wrong, that they completely overruled all the plans, and then Doria didn't fit in any more. The thing is, it was a total waste since the body language just wasn't convincing. Also it simply isn't important to force Meghan and Kate to get on. a) it's not relevant to the monarchy or the constitution, and b) who cares if they like each other? It only affects them, no one else.

William does look to be in an almighty sulk though.

He doesn't fool us grans. We've all seen that look at Christmas on a family member who deserves a kick in the shins but gets an extra mince pie instead to keep the peace.

I agree Kate look strained.

Agree readymeals , why should they like each other , I can't think of anything they have in common

William may be troubled/ worried / concerned

Perhaps Kate looked strained because she is piggy in the middle and trying to keep the peace?

Yes Sparklefizz and she knows William is probably not going to like it if she looks too chummy with Harry and Meghan. Poor Kate, but the woman is a real trooper, William did choose a gem!

Poor William , he sees his grandmother and his father and his life ahead, and there is no doubt he cares for his brother , thank heaven he has Kate with him.

Well we certainly like Kate here! Good. William chose well. Time will tell though as the children grow up and she emerges more into public life.

It’s a tradition in our family to sit down at 3pm and watch the Queens speech which was wonderful this year. Thank goodness for my hostess trolly. I seriously don’t know how people cope without one.

Personally I feel very sorry for the Royal Family. I can’t imagine how awful it would be to have so many commitments in your diary, not being able to do as you pleased. Now retired, the delight of a day with nothing planned, which can just unfold as it will is my idea of heaven. To have to dress up, watch everything you say and do and then be criticised, no thanks.

They attended so many official engagements, these are not spoken of but if one of them coughs, sneezes, frowns and a camera is near they are on the front page on newspapers.

I certainly wouldn't have any of their jobs for a gold clock ( or piano )

Lol - all the people criticising the queen for talking about inequality with a gold piano behind her. I was thinking I bet that does nothing to enhance its tone! It probably sounds all dead and is only any good for displaying busts of composers.

She doesn’t realy own it. When she dies it will still be there when Charles moves in.

Anniebach, well so it would be too even if she did own it. Unless of course the Queen has special powers to take her things with her when she dies?

If the Queen had made her speech sitting on a dining room chair in a room devoid of pictures, furniture or ornaments she would still be criticised. If you are anti-royal nothing any of RF do will meet with your approval. For the record I am neither for nor against the RF - I have yet to be convinced that the alternative would be any better.

? readymeals no , she could give it to anyone , it could be shipped to her grandson in America

OldWoman good post - I agree that the alternative would be no better, in fact I think worse and more costly.

I think the alternative would be much worse and mean another election.

I very much liked the Queen's theme of tolerance and understanding and less "tribalism" between disparate groups.

Readymeals I'm not sure if you meant your post about the piano to be humorous or not!

It's not gold - it's a wooden piano painted gold. I'm sure the tone is excellent.
I could paint mine for a few quid but it may not match the ballroom then.

I was making a joke based on some tweets I have seen quoted in the media.

I saw a picture of the Queen at her desk.....was there a picture of the QM there? Must have passed me by if there was...
Mind you, I've no interest to go back to check,just wondered if anyone spotted one?

I think both Kate and Meghan definitely got the email telling them to make sure they are seen smiling and chatting to each other in public.

Our paper was full of them looking for all the world like best friends!