I'm going to be a housewife now: Kate

Newlywed Catherine, the new Duchess of Cambridge is reported to not become a full-time working royal for up to two years – because she wants to concentrate on being a housewife.

Meet: The Princess Bride
 
According to the UK tabloid Daily Mail, "Kate is refusing to conduct any public engagements without her husband for the foreseeable future. There are only two or three joint events pencilled in over the next couple of months and aides admit the new bride intends to spend most of her time with her husband on Anglesey."

The new wife of the second in line to the throne was reported to have told friends that "she wants to enjoy life for as long as she can as an 'ordinary RAF wife' in the rented farmhouse the couple share in North Wales."

William and Catherine: Official wedding portraits
 
But her approach is likely to provides ammunition for critics who have accused her of being 'work-shy'. Other than working for her family's party supplies business, Kate has had only one part-time job since she graduated from university in 2005, as an accessories buyer for the High Street firm Jigsaw.

Last year the Queen conducted 444 engagements while Prince Charles carried out 585 and Camilla 243. Prince William undertook 73.

The Daily Mail reported, "Prince William has a full-time job he has to work round and that is his priority. He is committed to it for at least another two years so nothing much will change in the immediate future, apart from the fact that he and Catherine will take part in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations next year. He is already committed to a number of charitable patronages and Catherine will, initially at least, support him in that as his wife. She will, in time, become associated with her own charities but this won't happen immediately as she wants to explore the fields that interest her first."

William & Kate: Official wedding photos | Photo Gallery

The backdrop is the same-the opulent red-and-gold decor of the grand Throne Room at Buckingham Palace. And the mischievous smiles on the faces of some of the bridesmaids and pageboys - and endearingly bewildered expressions on the others - are strikingly similar.

 But, 30 years after the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, the official wedding picture of Prince William and Kate-now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge-also reflects the differences between the two couples' relationships.

 The photograph of Charles and Diana, taken by Patrick Lichfield, seemed to capture a moment of spontaneous informality, with the wedding party collapsing in a fit of giggles. But, the warmth was not reflected in the marriage itself.

 By contrast, Kate and William's picture, by photographer Hugo Burnand, appears more formal, despite little Tom Pettifer's insistence on leaning in as close to the bride as possible, reports the Daily Mail. et, it is the small touches that are most telling.

 In Lichfield's picture, Charles looks curiously detached, but Kate and William's togetherness is plain to see.

 Despite the organised nature of their shot, they look relaxed, their smiles unforced, and her hand rests on his knee. (ANI)

Meet: The Princess Bride (Prince William And Kate Middleton) | Photo Gallery

Before a flawless exchange of vows, a veiled Middleton wearing a laced dress with a long train, the first "commoner" to marry a prince in close proximity to the throne in more than 350 years, walked slowly through the 1,900-strong congregation.

As they met at the altar William, second in line to the throne, whispered to her, prompting a smile. The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams declared the couple married with the words: "I pronounce that they be man and wife together."

Tens of thousands of people thronging the streets outside cheered when they heard the words, and again as the newlyweds left the abbey in a 1902 open-topped state landau carriage bound for Buckingham Palace, the queen's London residence.

Huge cheering crowds strained to catch a glimpse of the beaming couple as well as the military bands in black bearskin hats and cavalrymen in shining breastplates who escorted them to the palace where they were expected to kiss on the balcony.

Middleton's dress, the subject of fevered speculation for months in the fashion press, was a traditional ivory silk and satin outfit with a lace applique and train.

It was designed by Sarah Burton of the Alexander McQueen label, named after the British designer who committed suicide.

The bride wore a tiara loaned by the queen and the diamond and sapphire engagement ring that belonged to William's mother Princess Diana, who was divorced from Prince Charles in 1996, a year before her death in a car crash in Paris aged just 36.

Middleton, the 29-year-old whose mother's family had coal mining roots, is a breath of fresh air for the monarchy, which has in the past been accused of being disconnected from ordinary Britons. She is seen as having the common touch.

The royals' cool reaction to Diana's 1997 death contrasted with an outpouring of public grief and marked a low point for the family. Some questioned whether the institution, a vestige of imperial glory, had outlived its unifying role in a modern state divided by partisan politics and regional separatism.

Thousands of people from around the globe were outside the abbey, many of them camping overnight for the best view of the future king and queen and fuelling the feel-good factor that has briefly lifted Britain from its economic gloom.

Princess of Poise!

Kate Middleton's a sudden fashion icon with her easy style. The royal bride-to-be has 'approachable style' that sets her apart from Princess Diana, says Nona Walia

The fashion world has been taken over by the 'Middleton' effect. As the hysteria before the royal wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William builds up, Kate is slated to be the next 'fashion icon'. Stylists predict that the future Queen of England Kate will be a bigger style icon than Diana! In fact, UK's Daily Mirror reports how Kate is poised to become a style icon in her own right!

Making monarchy stylish!
Kate's chic and classy style has already got her an iconic status. Ahead of the wedding, Katemania is sweeping the world, as the future princess' wa r d r o b e choices show a positive effect on sales. Kate brings a softer touch to British dressing. According to royal historian, Hugo Vickers, the couple has sparked a "new generation revival" of the monarchy and they could eclipse celebrities such as Beckhams. Says designer Suneet Varma, "Kate's style is more relaxed and approachable. She'll chart her own personal style. When Princess Diana was courting Charles, she was in her teens and a school teacher. The legendary Bruce Oldfield gave her a drastic makeover, by ensuring whatever she wore became a big fashion moment. From her hats to her dresses — Princess Diana's makeover after marriage had a huge impact. Kate's style is evolved, as her own identity is strong, but it'll be tough for her to match Diana's style. Kate should stick to her own signature style and keep it simple but not boring."

The 'Middleton' effect
Kate enjoys being a lady of elegance. She was wearing a see-through dress when she first caught Prince William's eye. The world is waiting in anticipation to discover the mystery designer of her bridal gown. The question is: Will it be anywhere close to Princess Diana's silk taffeta gown which topped the list of iconic wedding dresses worn by royal and celebrity brides. Says designer Rohit Bal, "I personally doubt anyone could ever fill Princess Diana's shoes! There can be only one Grace Kelly, one Marilyn Monroe and only one Princess Diana, who'll remain the ultimate style icon."

Unlike Diana, Kate doesn't dress for publicity. Fashion expert Asha Baxi says, "Kate's good-looking, smart, charming. The 'Middleton' effect on fashion will be influential in coming years."

A glimpse of fairytale!
Kate's life has a glimpse of fairytale endings — girl-next-door becomes Queen of the palace, with minimal make-up, auburn hair falling on her shoulders. Designer Raghavendra Rathore agrees, "Kate has a polished and sophisticated sense of style. She is considered a style icon already because of her timeless elegance. She has kept away from anything frivolous and flouncy and has stuck with ensembles that emulate sharpness. Kate embodies a cutting-edge and chic sense of style and has the ability to pull off anything fresh and feminine to contrived and structured with equal panache."

But it isn't just about clothes and style, the Princess-in-waiting's personality and presence also make her unique. Designer Rina Dhaka says, "Kate will be the style icon of the future. She'll be to England what Michelle Obama is to the US. She doesn't need to ape Princess Diana, for she's stylish in her own way.

Soon, Kate hysteria will become a talking point, making her a different icon from Princess Diana." Says designer Jaya Rathore, "Kate Middleton and Princess Diana are two different women from diverse backgrounds. There's a generational change in their styles. When Diana got married into the royal family, she was too young. It was a magical. Kate's educated and experienced the media attention over the last few years and her style is more practical."

Princess of the high street!
With the spotlight on Kate's mystery bridal dress, Alexandra Shulman, the Vogue editor writes, "When you get a pretty, young woman who is going to have an incredibly high profile on the stage, the inclination is to want to embrace her." Interestingly, Kate's been referred to as 'Princess of the High Street' because of her affordable choices. Designers Anjalee & Arjun Kapoor believe, "Kate has a comfortable body language. She carries herself with poise and grace. The best thing is that Kate always gives positive vibes and connects with the masses."

Elton John may attend Prince William, Kate Middleton wedding

New York, March 2 – Singer Elton John and his partner David Furnish have been invited to attend the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in April.

“We do have an invitation. I’ve been trying to be discreet,” John told Canada’s CTV.

John also revealed that he finds Kate similar to late Princess Diana, reports people.com. 

“Kate is Diana in personality. She is very discreet, she is a very beautiful girl. They have been together a long time and I think she has handled the pressure so much,” he said. 

Talking about Prince William, John said he believes the young royal has “one of the hardest jobs in the world… the scrutiny he will be under”, but is adamant that he is well-equipped to take on the demanding role. 

“I hope [William] becomes king at an early age. I think we need young people like him to lead. I think he will be a tremendous king – not that Charles won’t, but I think William will be… tremendous,” John said.