Today Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Wills & Kate, as I like to refer) arrive today in Ottawa at 2pm for their first joint tour of Canada. The newlyweds will celebrate Canada Day in our nation’s capital.
It will be easier to stalk attend Royal events around the city thanks to Ottawa Start’s detailed schedule guide. Awesomeness.
As any Royal watcher knows…fascinators are a fashion must when attending posh events. Unfortunately, it is difficult to purchase one at the Carlingwood or Bayshore Mall. This is not a problem because frugal and green-minded folk can create a fascinator made from recycled materials and repurposed items. Check out my design.
Constructed from leftover birthday tissue, a pipe cleaner from underneath my daughter’s bed and a handprint tracing my nephew made for me last Easter. It really makes a statement…no? I am certain if I venture downtown with my pal Lesley to catch a glimpse of Wills & Kate (wearing my fascinator) it would garner me a seat on the bus.
Sorry, this is not for sale.
If you are lucky enough to meet the Royal couple during their Canadian visit, you might want to brush up on protocol and proper etiquette. For example, according to a CBC guide, you cannot address Royalty unless they speak to you first. In addition, bear hugs are out. I am assuming high fives are a no-no too. Buckingham Palace offers this important advice – be yourself.
Might I add a few etiquette suggestions too?
- Do not strap a giant backpack on your back or wear a long trench coat, regardless of the weather. (Mind you, it likely will get you a spot sitting next to me on the bus.)
- If you have an opportunity to speak to the Royal Couple, for heaven’s sake, do not start speaking in a fake British accent. Why do people do that???
- Also, do NOT ask them when they are having children. Seriously folks, any newlywed couple will tell you that is a dreary, none of your business comment. Get creative…think of something else to chitchat about.
- Don’t bring presents for the couple – I am guessing they have pretty much all they need. They do not need a stuffed teddy bear wearing a RCMP hat. Trust.
- Reporters from around the world will shine a light on our country. For goodness sake fellow Canadians – let’s represent! Make sure you throw in lots of “ehs” and “aboots” to keep the stereotypes circulating.
Happy Canada Day everyone – 144 years old.Woot-woot! Have a wonderful holiday.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Did you see the news this morning? There were people in the crowds wearing ridiculous fascinators. Stupidity! Will & Kate I don’t get either, they are just rich people. Geesh.
Other Royals tips: The general rule is that you never touch a member of the Royal Family, unless they physically attack you. No sudden moves as they are easily startled. Speak in a slow, clear and sing-song manner, like speaking to an infant. Never use the words “weed-whacker”, “fuggle”, “baconator” or “bootylicious”. It seems to set them off. No one knows why. Under no circumstances should you ever try to imitate a corgi (for obvious reasons). Keep to these simple rules and you should be fine. Happy Royals Stalking. Happy Fascinator Day!
I want to see you wear that hat!
LC – So…I take it you are not a monarchist.
Kosher Samurai – Excellent points. Especially keeping “baconator” out of conversation. That’s a word too many use incorrectly. Thank you.
Capital Mom – I didn’t wear it since the humidity made for a very bad hair day. One cannot wear a fascinator with a bad “do”.
So what am I supposed to do with the stuffed bear in an RCMP hat I bought ‘specially? LOL – thanks for making me laugh on this rather lethargic up-too-late-celebrating post Canada Day Saturday. Hope you enjoyed the celebrations.
Don’t despair! I’m pretty sure Stephen Harper would like the RCMP bear. I think he collects stuffed animals…and snow globes. A lethargic Canada Day sounds lovely too.
“Also, do NOT ask them when they are having children. Seriously folks, any newlywed couple will tell you that is a dreary, none of your business comment. Get creative…think of something else to chitchat about.”
This rule should apply to everyone else too-Royalty or not! Married for a year or five! My husband and I don’t get offended or anything when people ask this question, but some 100%-never-having-kids-happy-being-childfree people really hate it.
It is pretty personal and some people can’t have kids due to biological reasons, so it’s best just to find other topics. There is indeed plenty of safer conversation starters!
Amen sista! That topic should be filed under NOYB – none of your business. Hmmm…topics that fall under that category could be an entire blog post.
I think we should all wear fascinators to our next writing group meeting
Happy Canada Day!!!
And I LOVE the hat…er…FASCINATOR. The chic-est in green fashion!
Sara – Um…NO.
Hope – Aw, thanks. Happy 4th of July to you!
Oh my you made me laugh with this post, and even more with the comments. I will be mindful to use “baconator” more carefully in future.
Toodle pip!
Where’s the pic of YOU wearing that awsome hat?!
Finola – Toodle pip
Tony – It’s a slippery slope. If I published a photo, people would want to buy one, I’d have to pose for Canadian Elle and Lou Lou Magazines, need to start a production line and Kate and the other Royals would be my new BFF’s. (sigh)