Letters from Kensington

A Sanctuary in the Scottish Highlands

Olivia Elizabeth — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 19:39:38 GMT

It has been over two weeks now since we have last seen Catherine at an official engagement. On the 8th of August, William and Catherine were joined by their three children as they attended the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Catherine sported a white pleated skirt, navy and white striped sweater, beige pumps, and a green blazer. It is a look very much in accordance with her Princess of Wales style — long pleated skirts and blazers — and yet, the beige pumps and striped sweater felt reminiscent of many of her quintessential Duchess of Cambridge outfits.

In Praise of Catherine’s Steadiness

Olivia Elizabeth — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 00:18:20 GMT

When one considers Queen Elizabeth II, it is most likely that what will come to mind is the image of an elderly woman clothed in a bright colored coat and matching hat with her handbag. The image is iconic indeed. In the modern age, it wasn’t really the image of a crown or a throne that Britain’s Queen was known by — it was her hat and handbag, the man…

Beauty Will Save the World?

Olivia Elizabeth — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 22:01:26 GMT

Many people, when they hear the word “royalty “ consider gold carriages, glittering crowns, and pompous titles. And in all honesty, this is not a false characterization of royalty.

When one ponders their most notable events — coronations and weddings — the idea of pomp and circumstance is not an exaggeration.

Consider Trooping the Colour; massive crowds …

Heavy is the Crown

Olivia Elizabeth — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 01:28:17 GMT

There is an image of Catherine that I particularly love. The Princess of Wales stood before the entrance of Westminster Abbey with a pensive expression on her face, looking over shoulder ever so slightly. On her head is a floral creation designed to look like a tiara, not necessarily whimsical but enchanting in its form. There is a sense of seriousness …

The Princess of Wales before Catherine

Olivia Elizabeth — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 01:29:52 GMT

Before HRH The Princess of Wales (Catherine) the public knew the dazzling Diana as the Princess of Wales.

But before Diana? There was Princess Alexandra — wife to Britain’s Prince Edward of Wales and ultimately King Edward VII of Great Britain.

Born on the first of December in 1844 in Denmark, Alexandra Caroline Marie Charlotte Louise Julia (quite the mo…

A Tribute to a King

Olivia Elizabeth — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 20:22:58 GMT

Every so often, I read an article, a book, or a quote that deeply resonates with me. For as long as I can remember, words have moved me. Their ability to glisten, convict, and encourage is remarkable to put it simply. Years ago, when I first began my foray into the world of the British Royal Family, I spent hours researching the various members and their unique stories of tragedy, comedy, and everything in between. From the beginning, King George VI’s story stirred something within me. Here was a sickly and stuttering man who became a king — and a valiant one at that. Additionally, he never even expected to be king. After all, his famous and dashing elder brother was destined to wear the crown. Providence, however, had selected King George VI. As I studied his life, I read Churchill’s tribute and was moved by the way in which he described the late king.

Catherine's Resilience

Olivia Elizabeth — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:42:04 GMT

Ever since the official Instagram for the Prince and Princess of Wales released the video of Catherine announcing her cancer diagnosis, the world has admired her resilience. Perhaps because it is a virtue that is largely lost in modern society.

Royalty & Stories of Transformation and Truth

Olivia Elizabeth — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 21:07:39 GMT

In my first Substack post, I wrote, “The purpose of this Substack is to view Royalty from a philosophical, literary, and poetic standpoint.” Very rarely do I update readers on the latest news and events of the British Royal Family. Rather, I have chosen to write about Catherine and her family from a literary perspective because there are a multitude of fascinating and intriguing concepts to ponder. Many ideas arise from the topics of kingship, authority, beauty, grandeur, and prominence.

Will the Monarchy Endure?

Olivia Elizabeth — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 16:00:18 GMT

A video from Trooping the Colour last Saturday went viral in my X feed; it featured Catherine, Louis, George, and Charlotte in a horse drawn carriage en route to Buckingham Palace during the parade. As they rode along, a few individuals in the crowd could be heard booing the royals. In return, Catherine gave the crowd a stern and icy glare as she rode along, unmoved by the protesters. It reminded me of an article published on the occasion of Catherine’s 40th birthday when it was written that she has a shaft of steel running down her backbone. Who could argue with that claim when they witness Catherine giving the crowd a steady glare as they boo her and her children? The video made me ponder, will the monarchy continue to endure despite (in what seems to be) growing disapproval?

Trooping the Colour

Olivia Elizabeth — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:54:15 GMT

From this royal event, a few of the most iconic images of Britain’s Royal Family have been captured as they stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace far above the massive crowd below. Typically attired in bright colors, the royals wave as the crowd cheers and the Royal Air Force fly above to mark the celebration. It is the pomp and pageantry of British royalty in its highest form.

The Faith of Queen Victoria

Olivia Elizabeth — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:31:23 GMT

It is no secret that the royals live very private lives despite their very public existence. Yes, countless images of every angle are taken of various members of the royal family, but we know very little of their own personal interests, passions, and faith… if any. As such, it can be fascinating and intriguing to consider the opinions they may hold, and the convictions they may adhere to.

Royalty: Images Rather than Words

Olivia Elizabeth — Thu, 28 May 2026 16:21:41 GMT

It is a blustery spring day here and I am watching an afternoon thunderstorm roll in as I write this, the distant clouds of dark grey growing closer as the sun is hidden behind their ominous shapes. The other day, I reflected that Catherine has carried out few engagements as of late — her last being her trip to Italy for her work in the early years. While in Italy, Catherine spoke to the massive crowds, visited Scuola Comunale d’infanzia Anna Frank, made pasta, and spent time with children in the outdoors. By all accounts, it was a successful trip.

The Ethereal Beauty of Royalty

Olivia Elizabeth — Wed, 20 May 2026 01:26:58 GMT

Eight years ago, my interest in The British Royal Family was renewed with the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel.

Why Catherine Feels Like a Literary Heroine

Olivia Elizabeth — Mon, 11 May 2026 02:08:23 GMT

Before I admired Catherine, I loved stories.

A Mingling of the Extraordinary and the Ordinary

Olivia Elizabeth — Fri, 01 May 2026 01:14:07 GMT

For many, the image of Catherine clothed in an ivory gown with intricate lace embroidery and an ethereal veil is the first one that comes to mind. For myself, this is so because it was my first introduction to Catherine. Seated at the kitchen table with a bowl of cereal, I sat engrossed as she appeared in beauty and elegance.

Queen Elizabeth II: A Life of Service

Olivia Elizabeth — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 21:00:10 GMT

It is a reign that spanned 70 years, 15 prime ministers (from Winston Churchill to Liz Truss), and witnessed the rise of the modern world. It is the reign of Queen Elizabeth II; a woman who inherited the throne at the age of twenty five following the sudden death of her father, King George VI.

What Catherine Can Teach Us About Nature

Olivia Elizabeth — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:31:11 GMT

As I gaze out my window, I cannot help but think of the poet Rainer Maria Rilke and his lovely declaration,

Easter Sunday 2017 & 2022

Olivia Elizabeth — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 11:43:36 GMT

Last week, it was announced that The Prince and Princess of Wales would attend the Easter Matins service at St. George’s chapel in Windsor with other members of The Royal Family on Easter Sunday. Thus, I thought it would be fitting to walk down memory lane and revisit my two favorite Easter outfits worn by Catherine.

Defender of the Faith

Olivia Elizabeth — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 22:30:03 GMT

Last week, a few headlines grabbed my attention. They spoke of Prince William’s quiet faith and his commitment to the Church of England as he awaits the day when he will ascend the British throne.

Why Our World Needs Figures of Beauty

Olivia Elizabeth — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 23:25:32 GMT

She is clothed in a rich shade of royal blue. As she walks, her face is concealed ever so slightly behind a wide brim blue hat with a veil overlay. She is adorned with pearl earrings and necklace that are set off by the radiance of her blue attire, the elegance of her appearance attesting to her future role as Britain’s future queen consort.