Green-fingered: Kate gets stuck in with the shovel and dirt as William looks on from a distance

By REBECCA ENGLISH

Masterchef: Kate reacts during a cooking workshop in Montreal today


Kate and William prepared a series of dishes at a cookery class

Met by separatist protesters in Quebec objecting to the Royal visit

Visited children in a cancer ward in Montreal

The Duchess showed how she digs Canada after tree planting

Until now Prince William’s only culinary boast has been that he makes a mean shepherd’s pie.

After 40 minutes in a Canadian cookery school however, it was herb and cranberry-crusted lamb and croustillant a l’effiloche de canard confit – and a distinctly competitive attitude to his lobster soufflé.


Ready steady cook: William shows why he should avoid the kitchen as Kate gets to grips with a lobster


The Prince and the Duchess of Cambridge, dressed in personalised chef's whites, were taking part in a cookery demonstration at Montreal’s top chef school, the Institut de tourisme et d’hotellerie du Quebec.

Although they were greeted by a noisy demonstration by Quebec separatists, the Prince did not let that distract from the main task in hand – proving that he was a better cook than his host, Quebec Premier Jean Charest.


Food for thought: Kate carries a tray of hors d'oeuvres after spending some time in the kitchen as the Royal couple's tour of Canada continues


Mr Charest produced the first soufflé of the lesson, which was brought forward for display with a flourish by the Duchess. Two minutes later the Prince brought his soufflé up, removed the

Premier’s and said: 'Much better! This one is mine.'

It was, he said, 'a soufflé-off'. And if that wasn’t painful enough, he turned to Mr Charest and rubbed it in with one of those Windsor puns that his father used to love: 'If you could rise to the challenge that would be great.'


Culinary Kate: So far the Duchess of Cambridge has been the centre of attention during the Royals tour of Canada


A despondent Mr Charest, who in fact has a reputation as an accomplished cook, took a sad look at his rejected soufflé and said: 'Now I guess I will have to pack it up and bring it home.'

For the Prince, the demonstration was an opportunity for some light-hearted clowning about, pretending to pinch the strawberries from a bowl and insisting on dipping a spoon into a vat of melted chocolate for a taste. “Is there a time limit? Do we eat as we go? I’m quite hungry.'


Cookery queen: Kate showed she is not only a whiz in the kitchen but also looked great in her chef's jacket


The Duchess, however, seemed to take it all much more seriously. Student Theresa Rindress, 23, who showed her how to make an amuse-bouche of foie gras on a toasted brioche with apple cider jelly, said: 'I showed her how to hold the knife and position her hand so that she did not cut herself. She was fantastic. She was very competent with the knife.'

She added: 'I asked her if she liked to cook at home. She said she likes to cook, but does not do fancy things.

'She more makes big batches, throws a few ingredients together, trying new things. But that’s how chefs experiment, throwing things together and seeing if the flavours work.'


Demonstration: Kate and William were welcomed by separatist protesters objecting to the cost of the Royal tour


As ever, the old rule applied: whenever a royal tries something knew, tell them how brilliant they are. When William made goats cheese, baby cucumber and elderberry jam, teacher Jean-Louis

Themistocle said: 'This is the best cucumber I have ever seen!'
It cannot have been all bad, however: afterwards the Duke and Duchess, accompanied by the Premier and his wife and two of the Prince’s senior aides, ate what they had prepared. There were not understood to have been any complaints.

The couple had been met by a small group of protesters in the French-speaking province of Quebec as they visited a children's hospital.


Objection: There were anti-monarchist protests in the streets in Montreal yesterday, a far cry form the welcome Kate and William received in Ottawa


About 35 protesters, including members of the separatist group Reseau de Resistance du Quebecois, or Quebecker Resistance Network, stood outside Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre in Montreal chanting 'A united people will never be vanquished.'

They carried signs that read 'Parasites go home,' 'War Criminals,' and 'Your fortune came from the blood of our ancestors.'

The demonstrations were a rare moment of criticism aimed at the young royals, who have for the most part been welcomed with open arms by Canadians eager to catch a glimpse of the glamorous newlyweds.

The newlyweds were there to meet with cancer patients and visit the hospital's neonatal care facility. The Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre is the largest mother-child center in Canada.


Visit: Kate and William talk to children in the cancer ward at the Sainte-Justine University Hospital in Montreal


Making friends: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the hospital as part of their royal tour of Canada


William and Kate started their day in Ottawa where they followed in the footsteps of a long line of royal couples as they shovelled earth on to tiny saplings as a living memento of their visit.

Even in killer heels, a chic dress and groomed, glossy hair - Kate proved she wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty as she led the way, smiling as she took the shovel before her husband and threw soil on to the sapling.


Green-fingered: Kate gets stuck in with the shovel and dirt as William looks on from a distance


source: dailymail

The digging Duchess: Kate proves she can even look stylish doing the gardening

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Green-fingered: Kate gets stuck in with the shovel and dirt as William looks on from a distance


They have taken to every tradition and custom with gusto since their arrival in Canada on their official visit to the Commonwealth country. And today was no exception.

On day three of their visit, a tradition associated with royal tours to Canada going back decades was fulfilled by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - tree planting.

Following in the footsteps of a long line of royal couples, William and Kate shovelled earth on to tiny saplings as a living memento of their visit.


Showing Wills how it's done: A well-groomed Kate handles the shovel with ease - despite her glossy hair swinging in her face


And - even in killer heels, a chic dress and groomed, glossy hair - Kate proved she wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty as she led the way, smiling as she took the shovel before her husband and threw soil on to the sapling.

During the tree planting ceremony the Duke and Duchess brought joy and comfort to a cancer victim who was recently told he had only 12 weeks to live.

In scenes that brought back memories of the Duke's mother Diana, the royal newlyweds bent down to speak to wheelchair-bound Terry Joyce, 47, a former computer expert from Ottawa.


How did I do, darling? The Duchess shares a laugh with her husband, Prince William


Glamorous gardeners: Kate keeps smiling as William seems to be taking his task more seriously


Getting his hands dirty: William takes the shovel from his wife to throw soil on the sapling


Terry struggled to his feet and leant against a walking frame as William, 29, arrived but the royal told him to sit down and relax.

When Kate arrived she shook him warmly by the hand and told him: 'Let's get you out of the sunlight Terry.'

After the couple left, Terry, who lives in the Bruyere Hospice, burst into tears and was comforted by his doctor.

He said: 'This has given me a tremendous lift. It goes to show that we have a wonderful monarchy and we really need people like this.

'I was told a week ago I would be meeting them and I have been looking forward to it ever since. It has been one of the best days of my life.'


Seeds of tradition: Trees have been planted by a succession of royal hands, including William's parents and grandparents


Following in fine tradition: A glamorous Kate and William look relaxed and happy as they arrive at the ceremony


So happy: William and Kate looked every inch the loving newlyweds


During the ceremony the royal couple planted an Eastern Hemlock in the shadow of the Pin Oak planted by William's parents on June 21, 1983 - his first birthday.

William took a deep breath and looked deep in thought as he was shown the plaque bearing his late mother's name.

Later the couple met newlyweds who married on the same day as them - April 29 this year - as well as couples celebrating their 50th, 60th and even 70th wedding anniversaries.


Meeting the fans: Tiny Kate Johnston-Zemek, the three-year-old granddaughter of Canada's Governor General, curtsies to the Royal couple


Kate, smiled as Adrienne Charlebois, celebrating 50 years of marriage to her husband Denny, told the royal: 'I hope you will be as fortunate as we have been in our marriage.'

The royal couple looked at each other and replied: 'We hope so too.'

Later, Kate was treated to a curtsey by the three-year-old granddaughter of the Governor General, David Johnston.

Kate Johnston-Zemek has clearly been practising as she performed the elaborate manoeuvre in her pretty summer dress.

The native species planted by William and Kate will serve as an enduring symbol of the couple's love for 800 years.


The dazzling Duchess: Kate giggles during the ceremonial tree planting


Growing love: The sapling planted by the Royal couple will serve as an enduring symbol of their love


Its position means that it is surrounded by red oaks planted by other members of the Royal Family including the Queen's which has grown to a great height since being planted in 1977.

More than 120 commemorative trees grace the grounds of Rideau Hall.

The tradition was first started by Japan's Prince Fushimi when he made the first official foreign royal visit to Ottawa in 1907.

The list of previous members of the monarchy who have turned gardener and used a spade to help set a young tree on its way stretches back more than 70 years.


Welcome to the clan: The position of the couple's sapling means it is surrounded by red oaks planted by other members of the Royal Family


William's great grandparents George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother took part in a tree planting ceremony during their tour of Canada in 1939.

A further 15 have been planted by royal hand with everyone from William's parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, to his grandparents, the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, following the tradition.

They have all been established in the royal grove area in the grounds of Rideau Hall in Ottawa - the official residence of the Governor General, the Queen's representative in Canada.

The tree planting was a first for the Duchess but the Duke has performed the ceremony in New Zealand and Australia.

Fast becoming a fashion icon, Kate wore a grey Kensington dress by Catherine Walker as she helped plant the tree - one of the favourite designers of the Princess of Wales.

The Duchess's mother, Carole Middleton, wore a pale blue Catherine Walker suit dress to her daughter's glittering wedding in April.




source :dailymail

The Princess bride: Monaco comes to a standstill as stunning Charlene and Prince Albert exchange vows in religious ceremony

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Just married: Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene of Monaco leave the Prince's Palace in Monaco after their religious wedding ceremony


VIP guests include Karl Lagerfeld, Naomi Campbell, Roger Moore and Giorgio Armani
Princess Charlene wears Giorgio Armani silk gown, covered in 40,000 Swarovski crystals

French chef Alain Ducasse is preparing a multi-course dinner for 450 guests

The couple were legally married in an intimate civil service on Friday

A day after the civil wedding that transformed one-time Olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstock into the Princess of Monaco, the South African and her prince, Albert II exchanged vows in the religious ceremony today.

The happy both couple both answered 'oui' (yes) to the Archbishop of Monaco, Bernard Barsi, who conducted the service in front of 850 guests.

Wearing an off-the-shoulder Armani dress, the new Princess Charlene on Monaco looked serene and beautiful as she wed Prince Albert in the courtyard of the Prince's Palace.


A tender kiss: The new Princess Charlene shares a kiss with her Prince after they are pronounced husband and wife


With this ring, I thee wed: Charlene places a 18-carat white gold platinum rings by Cartier on the Prince's finger


The palace said the stunning gown took Armani's team 2,500 hours to prepare, of which 700 hours was spent on the embroidery alone, using 'kilometres' of platinum-coated thread sewn into 130 metres of off-white silk.

The gown would have been heavy for the new Princess, as she would have had to carry the weight of 40,000 Swarovski crystals, 20,000 mother of pearl tear drops and 30,000 'stones in gold shades'.

The dress's crowning glory was the long train made from 20 metres of silk tulle, which took 100 hours to make.


Let us pray: The couple kneel at the altar during their service


Intimate: The couple share a private word with each other during the ceremony


Striking: Charlene's bridesmaid carries her long train as the couple leave the wedding mass


Craftmanship: Danish designer Isabell Kristensen and maid-of-honour Donatella Knecht de Massy hold the Princess' train, made from 20 metres of silk tulle


The groom looked smart in a cream summer uniform of Monaco’s palace guards, with his sleeves embroidered with oak and olive leave.

Accompanying the bride was her maid-of-honour Donatella Knecht de Massy and seven young bridesmaids from around Monaco and neighbouring French districts wearing taffeta red and white outfits and straw hats.

During the service, the couple exchanged 18-carat white gold platinum rings by Cartier, with Princess Charlene laughing as she placed the ring on her husband's finger.


Religious ceremony: The Roman-Catholic ceremony follows the civil wedding which was held in the Throne Room of the Prince's Palace of Monaco yesterday


Spectacular, spectacular: The VIPs, royals and dignitaries crowed into the main courtyard for the lavish wedding mass


Jubilation: Monaco locals looked thrilled to be able to share the day with the newlyweds


Wedding mania: Thousands of Monaco residents were invited to join in the ceremony


During the service, Prince Albert's nieces Alexander - daughter of his sister Princess Caroline of Handover - and Pauline - eldest daughter of his other sister Princess Stephanie - both performed readings.

After the mass, the couple went to the nearby Sainte Devote Church to lay down her bridal bouquet in the tradition in honour of the Patroness of Monaco.

As the couple left the church, Princess Charlene was seen wiping away a tear as a choir sang.


Emotional: Princess Charlene wipes away a tear as she leaves the Sainte Devote Church after placing her bouquet inside


Moved: Princess Charlene sheds a tear as she listens to a song as she leaves the Saint Devote Church


All eyes on you: Monegasque citizens watch the couple kiss inside the Sainte Devote church


We did it! The couple laugh as well-wishers throw confetti and rose petals at them


The bride was given away by her father, Michael Wittstock, who wore a black and grey suit.

Also in attendance was her mother Lynette and her brothers Gareth and Sean.

VIP guests at the star studded religious ceremony including Karl Lagerfeld, Naomi Campbell, Roger Moore, Giorgio Armani and former French first lady Bernadette Chirac.


Crowd pleaser: Another kiss from the couple on the steps of Sainte Devote


A wave from the new Princess: Charlene waves to her new subjects as the couple ride through the streets of Monaco


The couple were joined by European royals, heads of state, top models and world-class athletes streaming up the red carpet into the Prince’s Palace, with the British royal family represented by Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Countess Of Wessex.

As guests made their way into the venue, photographers shouted at Czech supermodel Karolina Kurkova, dressed in a sober navy skirt suit, to strike a pose.

And the crowd of thousands of Monegasque citizens following the festivities on giant screens just outside the palace broke into cheers as French musician Jean Michelle Jarre swept by.


Here comes the bride: Michael Kenneth Wittstock escorts his daughter Princess Charlene onto the red carpet at Place de Palais


Elegant in white: The white silk gown designed by Giorgio Armani fell beautifully over her flawless figure


Other household names expected to converge on the princely palace - an Italian Renaissance castle where Monaco's ruling Grimaldi dynasty has resided for centuries - include French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci, U.S.
soprano Renee Fleming and Armani, the Italian designer who made Charlene's wedding gown.

Celebrated French-born chef Alain Ducasse is preparing a multi-course dinner for 450 guests.

Ducasse, who like many in his tax bracket has taken Monegasque citizenship, is the first chef to earn three Michelin stars in three different cities, including three for his Louis XV restaurant in Monaco.


Taking part: Princess Caroline of Hanover's daughter Alexandra (left) and her cousin Pauline - daughter of Princess Stephanie of Monaco read at the altar


Family affair: Prince Albert was supported by his sister Princess Stephanie and her three children Louis, Pauline (second right) and Camille (far right)


Pride: Princess Charlene's mother Lynette Wittstock with her brothers Sean (left) and Gareth arriving at the Place Du Palais


He has said freshly caught fish and vegetables grown on Albert's farm will be on the menu. A fireworks extravaganza will follow.

The couple was married in an intimate civil service on Friday inside the prince's palace.

Albert's sisters, Princesses Caroline and Stephanie, were among several dozen guests at Friday's ceremony, which was held in the palace's sumptuous throne room where the prince's father, the late Rainier III, wed Hollywood legend Grace Kelly in 1956.


Time to celebrate: Princess Caroline of Hanover attended with her daughter Charlotte Casiraghi


Man for the job: Giorgio Armani - who designed Charlene's wedding gown, attended with his niece Roberta, as did Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld


The blonde beauty died in a car crash nearly 30 years ago, and this tiny principality on the Riviera has been without a princess ever since.

Known as a notorious ladies man, 53-year-old Albert long eschewed marriage, and many Monegasques had resigned themselves to forever having a bachelor prince.

The constitution was even modified to ensure the continuity of the Grimaldi line, one of Europe's oldest dynasties, in case Albert never produced an heir.

The prince acknowledged having fathered two children out of wedlock, but only his legitimate offspring would be able to succeed him. Rumours have swirled in recent days that a third illegitimate child had surfaced - prompting Charlene to allegedly try to call off the wedding and return to South Africa days before the festivities.


Extravagant ceremony: The religious ceremony of the Royal Wedding of Prince Albert II of Monaco to Charlene Wittstock was taking place in the main courtyard at Prince's Palace


The palace has denied the reports, dismissing them as ‘ugly rumours’ prompted by spite and jealousy.

Charlene, 33, has told interviewers she would like to have children.

Only Monaco's fewer than 8,000 citizens and their partners were allowed access to the Rocher, the rocky promontory presided over by the palace, to follow Saturday's service on two giant screens.


Preparations: French-born chef Alain Ducasse is preparing a multi-course dinner for 450 guests after the wedding ceremony


The Brits are here: Supermodel Naomi Campbell attended with her boyfriend Vladislav Doronin (left), while the British royal family were represented by Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex


Decoration: Campbell wore a pink floral fascinator, while the Countess of Wessex wore a large brown hat


Several thousands of Monegasques came out for the civil ceremony a day earlier, many of them sporting dark suits or evening gowns and heels despite the scorching temperatures.

One of the attendees, 72-year-old Marie Malghreli, was still glowing from her family's brush with royalty.


Whoops: A guard rushes to the aid of Prince Laurent of Belgium, as he falls as he enters the palace


Celebrity guests: Former Bond actor Roger Moore and his wife Kristina (left) and Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh and her husband, FIA President Jean Todt


Where's Carla? French president Nicolas Sarkozy attended without his wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. while Swedish model/actress Victoria Silvstedt looked demure in a pink shift dress


‘My husband last night touched the prince's hand and then the princess touched my husband's hand - my husband was touched - and I was standing next to him and I was jealous,’ she said. ‘She is really pretty, she's delicious.’

Charlene was wearing a blue, ankle-length ensemble press handlers said was designed by the princess herself.


A royal occasion: (L-R) Prince Daniel Westin and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary of Denmark and Norway's Crown Prince Haakon and his wife Crown Princess Mette-Marit


By royal appointment: (L-R) Prince Carl-Philip and Princess Madeleine of Sweden, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima of The Netherlands and Belgium's Crown Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde


State occasion: (L-R) Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, Prince Vittorio Emanuele - Duke of Savoia, and his wife Marina Doria and Prince Henri of Orleans, Count of Paris with his wife Micaela Cousino Quinones de Leon


Monaco's royal couple kiss


Monaco's royal couple walk down aisle


Jean Michel Jarre Live at the Monaco wedding with introduction speech from Prince Albert


source: dailymail