The low maintenance Duchess of Cambridge has overruled plans to hire her a dresser. Aides immediately withdrew an internal advertisement for the post of “housekeeper/dresser”, to assist Kate and husband Prince William when they move into Kensington Palace. Sources close to the new royal told the Daily Mail she thought it a “waste of money” and said that she doesn’t want to be “seen as a clothes horse”.
On their North American tour, the newlyweds will travel with a pared-down entourage of just seven. And the 29-year-old intends to wear outfits from her existing wardrobe. Friends said that the Duchess feels “perfectly happy and confident” choosing her own clothes for official engagements. Officials took the blame for the hiring mix-up. “I made a boob. It is the first time I have worked for a lady,” said Jamie Lowther Pinkerton, William and Kate’s private secretary. “It was a move on my behalf to create a structure that was based on what is traditional.”
But whilst the brunette may not need help with her wardrobe, she has decided to take hairdresser James Pryce (pictured) on the trip to style her trademark mane for the engagements.
William and Kate's entourage for their Royal Tour of Canada and US 2011
- James Pryce - Hairdresser
- Mr Lowther-Pinkerton - The couple’s private secretary
- Chris Keeley - Assistant private secretary
- Miguel Head - Press secretary
- Patrick Harrison - The Prince of Wales’s secretary
- Sir David Manning - A former US ambassador who will advise William on foreign affairs
- Unnamed administrative assistant
Meanwhile, details of the second leg of their tour have been revealed. Their three-day California trip will include William playing a polo game in Santa Barbara in aid of the foundation created jointly in his name and Harry's. His wife will present the winners' trophy. But the highlight is bound to be a glitzy Bafta black-tie reception where the couple will promote British creative talent.
William and Kate Royal Tour of Canada and US 2011
- June 30 - July 2: The National Capital Region (Ottawa, Ontario, Gatineau) - The royal couple will take part in Canada Day celebrations on Ottawa Hill on July 1
- July 2: Montreal - They will witness the last day of the Montreal Jazz Festival
- July 3: Quebec City
- July 3-4: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island - Kate is said to be a fan of Anne of Green Gables, a book set in Prince Edward Island, which may be the reason behind the stop off
- July 4: Summerside, Prince Edward Island
- July 4-6: Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
- July 6-8: Calgary, Alberta - The pair will attend the opening of the Calgary Stampede on July 8 and will have the chance to see bucking broncos
- July 8: Los Angeles, United States - The newlyweds will be the guests of honour at a Consular-General Reception held by United Kingdom Trade and Investment
- July 9: Los Angeles - William will play at the Santa Barbara Polo Club in a charity match and the Duchess will present the winners’ trophy. That evening they will attend a BAFTAs dinner
- July 10: Los Angeles - They will visit the Inner-City Arts School project for disadvantage youngsters before attending a job fair aimed at ex-servicemen
- July 10: Los Angeles - Flight back to the UK.
