Morning:
6°c
Kate Middleton speaks publicly for the first time... in bid promote her family’s business
Emma Rowley and Sri Carmichael30 Mar 2010
Prince William's girlfriend Kate Middleton has spoken publicly for the first time - in a bid to promote her family's business.
Miss Middleton, 28, who is fiercely protective of her private life, discussed childhood memories on the website of her parents' Berkshire-based party accessories business.
She said she used to love dressing up as a clown in giant dungarees and playing musical statues because she has "always been a keen dancer".
The interview, in which Kate refers to parents Carole and Michael as "Mummy and Daddy", appeared this month in a blog on the Middletons' Party Pieces website. But it was removed yesterday, as were discussions with her siblings, Pippa, 26, and James, 22.
Asked what she thought made a good party bag, Miss Middleton said: "Anything that Mummy would normally never allow me to have. They were always such a treat."
"Kate from Party Pieces" offered tips for hosting perfect parties next to a smiling, soft-focus photograph of herself. She recommended a "cooking party" for girls, involving cupcakes and cookies, and a "camping party" for boys as this is "a great way to get Daddies involved".
She described music as a "great ice breaker for any party" and listed her best party memory as the "amazing white rabbit marshmallow cake that Mummy made when I was seven".
She admitted she once had a "cake disaster" at her brother's birthday when she forgot to add the self-raising flour and was forced to turn the flat sponge into a trifle cake.
Miss Middleton's decision to speak comes after recent moves to guard her privacy, including securing a public apology from a photographic agency for distributing pictures of her playing tennis on Christmas Day.
Last month her brother James told the Standard he "couldn't possibly comment" on whether it was true he baked her 28th birthday cake.
Miss Middleton also appeared prepared to uphold the tradition of dispensing royal warrants, namechecking brands including Love Bakery in Chelsea "for the best mini cupcakes" and the Junior range at Jigsaw, where she once worked as an accessories buyer.In a bid to keep a low profile, she has chosen to work for her parents' company, which is based close to the family home in Berkshire.
Prince William and Miss Middleton, who have been a couple since they studied together at St Andrews University more than seven years ago, are on a skiing holiday with her family in Courchevel in the French Alps. They are staying in a chalet that costs up to £15,000 a week and comes with chef and steam room.
St James's House declined to comment today but royal insiders confirmed the interview was genuine. Party Pieces did not return calls.
Reader views (4)
Let us hope that Kate is strong for what the future may hold for her. she must be made aware that it will not be an easy ride because her whole being will be taken from her. One hopes that her whole future will be a happy one.
- George Richmond, Cambridgeshire, 22/11/2010 14:32
Report abuse
Aaaaaaaaaaaaargh! It´s potty time!
- jaime gamell, Madrid, Spain, 20/11/2010 17:51
Report abuse
It's great to hear Kate Middleton talk about her childhood memories. She seems to be very nice and very close to her family.
- Scott, USA, 31/03/2010 01:43
Report abuse
Disappointing, Kate's an intelligent girl.
- Talia, London, 30/03/2010 20:15
Report abuse
