William and Kate fly economy home from Zara Phillips' wedding

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, isn't kidding about relating to regular folks: She and Prince William flew a discount commercial airline home from Zara Phillips' royal wedding, leaving her open to the possibilities of fitting a fascinator into an overhead compartment.

Phillips, William's cousin and 13th in line for the throne, married England's rugby captain Mike Tindall on Saturday in Edinburgh, Scotland, drawing the likes of Her Majesty the Queen, Prince Phillip and Prince Harry, to name a few.

Photos: Fabulous royal wedding hats

Yet when the titled bunch went packing, Will and Kate headed straight for the airport alongside other normal types who were booked on Flybe, a discount airline that averages about $80 for a one-way journey.

Passengers were "shocked" to see the famous couple on board, the Daily Mail said. They were traveling with a security staff but unable to upgrade to first class, as the jet service does not offer a VIP section — though "economy plus" comes with snacks and drinks.

Harry took a cue from his brother and sister-in-law, flying round-trip to the weekend wedding on EasyJet, which asked him an extra $20 to check his military-issue weekend bag.

Harry headed directly home to London, while the duke and duchess flew to Manchester (their home in Anglesey is about two hours from the Manchester airport).

Are you impressed with the practical travel? Tell us in comments. 

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— Matt Donnelly
twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Photo: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, with Prince William at the wedding of Zara Phillips and English rugby captain Mike Tindall in Edinburgh, Scotland. Credit: Getty Images.

From Kate to Catherine: Dignity and smiles 'in the eye of the storm'

The former Kate Middleton, recently minted as Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, seems to be adapting to royal life splendidly with husband Prince William -- and we got some insight from royal watcher Cat Deeley on what makes her such a natural.

"She's absolutely within the eye of the storm and at no moment has she got a foot wrong," Deeley told us Tuesday at Miu Miu's celebration of the short film "Muta" in Beverly Hills.

While looking beautiful and radiating "dignity and decorum" go a long way in making the normal girl worthy of her title, Deeley said Catherine has a secret weapon: "Above and beyond anything else -- she's so easy with her smiles. It's connecting with another human being."

The duchess' Canadian tour, capped with a whirlwind weekend in California, went a long way in proving she's capable of her duties and, most importantly, of reaching beyond them to fulfill her and William's promise of modernizing the monarchy.

Also, said Deely, "she just has great jewelry."

Agreed. 

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-- Matt Donnelly
Twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Photo: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, works on a clay turtle project with students during a visit to the Inner-City Arts campus in downtown L.A. on July 10. Credit: Mike Nelson / Reuters

 

Prince William and Catherine catch 'Bridesmaids' on a movie date

Though William and Catherine are well settled back in their home country since their Hollywood visit, they kept movie magic alive for a date night Saturday — taking in a screening of "Bridesmaids."

The comedy starring Kristen Wiig, noted for its bold lady gross-out moments, was screened by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at their nearest cinema: Llandudno Junction multiplex, roughly 40 miles from their home in Anglesey.

"My friend from Uni has just seen Prince William and Kate Middleton in my local cinema," one excited royal watcher tweeted — and more than one local noticed.

While reports suggest William wanted to see "Transformers: Dark of the Moon," his bride won out (though "Bridesmaids' " funny business surely held his interest). We're guessing there was no correlation between Maya Rudolph's big-screen band of misfits and Kate's own maid of honor, Pippa Middleton. 

But we can dream.

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— Matt Donnelly
twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Photo: During their recent tour of Canada, Prince William and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, participate in a traditional Mi'kmaq smudging ceremony July 4 on Prince Edward Island. It's not "Bridesmaids," but it looks fun. Credit: Paul Darrow / Agence France Press / Getty Images.

Will and Kate reign over Hollywood at BAFTA's 'Brits to Watch'

Prince William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, expanded their domain to include Hollywood, sweeping some of its biggest movie stars off their feet Saturday evening in downtown Los Angeles.

BAFTA, the British film academy over which Prince William presides, hosted its uber-hyped "Brits to Watch" fete, welcoming emerging British artists and some of America's most treasured talent. 

The duchess, in McQueen, made a simple and stunning entrance with her husband on their first Hollywood red carpet. Crowds swelled outside the Belasco Theater for the event, which followed a successful day of polo for the pair. 

Nicole Kidman, Barbra Streisand, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Garner, Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks were just a few of Tinseltown's royalty present for the occasion. 

Photos: Will and Kate, Day Two

Younger celebs including Chris Evans, Blake Lively, Ed Westwick, Juno Temple, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Jessica Chastain were counted, as well as funnymen Paul Rudd and Judd Apatow, with wife Leslie Mann.

Though the two may be a bit conservative by Hollywood standards, they passed the shmoozing litmus test with flying colors. The duke had many a close conversation, including chats with Streisand and husband James Brolin, as well as Lopez. Kate warmed to Kidman and Garner, enjoying solo conversations while California wine and Grey Goose flowed.

Piers Morgan, an anchor from the newlyweds' homeland, summed it well: "In terms of pure star quality, William and Kate are the biggest stars in the world," he said.

Agreed.

"The impact they've had on Hollywood, which houses the biggest stars in the world, shows you that they are," Morgan added. 

One tidbit for the Ministry's devoted followers of Fabulous Parties: Kate and William sat at a well-appointed table with Kidman, Streisand and Brolin. 

Also spotted: Mary-Louise Parker, Jonah Hill, Elizabeth Banks, Jason Bateman, Jack Black and Kristin Chenoweth. 

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-- Matt Donnelly
twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Photos, from top: Jennifer Lopez with Prince William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge; the newlyweds storm their first-ever Tinseltown red carpet. Credits: Matt Baron/ Associated Press; WireImage

Prince William and Kate win big with polo appearance in Carpinteria

Prince William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, continued to sail through their California itinerary, winning hearts and raising money Saturday at a charity polo match at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in Carpinteria.

The newlyweds showed up in their daytime best, Will in navy and khaki and Kate in a Jenny Packham dress, for a game to benefit the American Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry.

Photos: Saturday with the royals, turning out for polo and "Brits to Watch"

Celebs including Zoe Saldana, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Orlando Bloom, Rob Lowe, Rosario Dawson, Billy Zane, Molly Sims and Joe Jonas turned up to catch a glimpse of the royals.

Lunch for guests who dropped $400 or $4,000 to attend was prepared by celebrity chef Giada de Laurentiis. The win went to the team on which Prince William played, and the Tiffany & Co. trophy (complete with horseshoe motifs) was presented by his bride.

After the match, a helicopter awaited to zip the Cambridges back to Los Angeles for Saturday evening's BAFTA "Brits to Watch" event.

Expected guests included the likes of Barbra Streisand, Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Lopez and Mark Anthony.  

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-- Matt Donnelly
twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Top photo: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Will's teammates celebrate a big win at their Saturday polo charity match. Credit: European Pressphoto Agency

Left photo: Zoe Saldana cuts a frilly figure on the polo field. Credit: Matt Sayles / Associated Press

William and Kate: Where in L.A. could they after-party?

All work and no play make William and Kate a dull Duke and Duchess of Cambridge -- sure, the royal duties of the world's most famous couple come first, but as they take Southern California by storm, shouldn't these newlyweds carve out some playtime?

While Friday's agenda included a British investment and trade seminar followed by intimate welcome cocktails, Saturday had polo followed by what will be their big Hollywood moment in the evening at BAFTA's "Brits to Watch" event in downtown L.A.

The Ministry noticed that they didn't have any other obligations until Sunday morning -- and we definitely had some after-party ideas.

Pictures: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at polo and in downtown L.A. for "Brits to Watch"

First and foremost, the couple could always call us and, in traditional L.A. fashion, we'd totally grab late-night rooftop drinks with them and mellow out.

However, in the great likelihood that that doesn't happen, let us suggest:

Soho House: It may be predictable, but the members-only Sunset Boulevard haunt is as exclusive as it gets around here. Enjoying gin and tonics over a shared bolognese and stargazing -- both heavenward and at the other patrons -- would be delightful. 

Pink's Hot Dogs: The two are notoriously down to earth, so why not grab a bite at local legend Pink's? The consistently long line might create an issue for the royals' security detail, but we dare say they'd have some pull. Besides, Pink's has created a new menu item in their honor: The "Royal Dog" has two hot dogs in one bun topped with mustard, cheese, onions, relish, two slices of bacon and a "spot" of chili. 

Griffith Observatory: For privacy and a nod to their St. Andrews University-honed intellects, the pair might enjoy a flannel blanket and some constellations at the L.A. landmark.

Ye Old King's Head Tavern: This British pub in Santa Monica is a taste of home and offers the kind of anonymity the two surely crave after such a whirlwind tour. The menu has classics including sausage rolls, Welsh rarebit and -- duh -- bangers and mash. 

More night-out tips for Kate and Will? If they've already buzzed you to set up rooftop drinks at the London, we're never speaking to you again, but otherwise we'd love to see your ideas in comments.

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-- Matt Donnelly
twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Photo: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, receives a kiss Saturday from her husband, Britain's Prince William, after a charity polo match at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in Carpinteria in support of the American Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry. Credit: Gus Ruelas / Reuters

 

David Beckham and some local folks welcome Will and Kate to L.A.

At a private reception for Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, on Friday in Hancock Park, friend-of-Will David Beckham brought the glam while L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Gov. Jerry Brown, the president of USC and the chancellor of UCLA added a domestic touch to the event at the British consul-general's residence.

The newlywed royals, visiting Southern California for three days, mingled with 200 or so guests, a cross-section of the city's civic and business elite. Guests said the couple were personable, taking time to speak with them individually, L.A. Now's Rick Rojas reported.

Wait, did we say "domestic" when we meant to say "elite"? Silly Ministry of Gossip! Elsewhere, Victoria Beckham remained very, very pregnant.

Photos: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in L.A.

Kate and William arrived from Canada late Friday afternoon at LAX, where they were greeted by Villaraigosa, Brown and Nigel Sheinwald, Britain's ambassador to the United States.

The Duchess of Cambridge carried a bouquet of red, white and blue flowers presented by the governor's wife, Anne Gust Brown, before the couple headed to Beverly Hills for a business event supporting London's "Tech City."

Why so much American love for the royal couple?

Perhaps some "star-struck" teens from Orange County captured the cachet as they staked out the Beverly Hilton, awaiting the Cambridges' arrival: "I feel like their marriage is going to make it," said Shirley Lahr, 18. "She just seems so normal."

Kate, dear, "The Bachelorette" has nothing on you.

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-- Christie D'Zurilla
twitter.com/dzurillaville

Photo: Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, left, California First Lady Anne Gust Brown and Gov. Jerry Brown greet Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, with flowers on the tarmac at Los Angeles International Airport on Friday. Credit: Kevork Djanesian / European Pressphoto Agency

Orlando Bloom, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley on tap to attend royal polo match

Prince William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, will get a dose of Hollywood glamour in the Santa Barbara area on Saturday afternoon as celebrities including Orlando Bloom, Rosario Dawson and Zoe Saldana make the trek for a royal polo match.

Will is going to compete in a charity match at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in Carpinteria in support of American Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry. 

While Kate takes in the so-called American Riviera for the first time, she'll also have a taste of her homeland in the shape of Brits Alex Pettyfer and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, according to Us Weekly.

Can't wait to see what Kate will wear to hand out prizes to the winners -- and no, that Beverly Hills plastic surgeon who belongs to the club definitely will not be on standby during the match, despite his assertion that he'd been asked by the club to be ready just in case.

Tickets to watch the sold-out event were priced at $400 and $4,000 each, according to one report, with a spot on one of the three competing teams reportedly going for a charitable donation of around $100,000.

Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis will do the culinary honors.

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— Matt Donnelly
twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Photo: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wave goodbye to Canada from Calgary Airport on Friday. Credit: Chris Jackson / Getty Images.

William and Kate will bed down in Hancock Park during L.A. visit

No Beverly Hills Hotel bungalow for the royals: While visiting L.A., Prince William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, will bed down at the Hancock Park residence of the British consul-general.

Don't plan on zipping over there Friday or Saturday night to sneak a peek at the newlyweds, however. Police have secured "trespass-prohibited letters" from people who live in seven homes around the residence of the British consul-general, allowing interlopers to be arrested on the spot.

The 1928 home, purchased by the British government in 1957, was designed by Southern California architect Wallace Neff and has been renovated over the years, with recent and future upgrades designed by Richard Chang Architects.

See more shots of the house on the RCA website -- with a hat tip to Curbed L.A.

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Photo: Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, will stay at the British consul-general's Hancock Park residence, photographed on Thursday. Photo credit: Charley Gallay / Getty Images.

Will and Kate tip a hat to Canada, launch Calgary Stampede

Will and Kate kept it down home on their final day in Canada, riding in the 99th annual Calgary Stampede parade Friday morning and kicking off the 10-day event with a ceremonial sounding of the klaxon -- the horn traditionally used to start the chuck-wagon races.

Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, also attended a bull-riding exhibition Thursday wearing white cowboy hats that had been presented to them by Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi on their arrival earlier in the day. The couple had accepted the hats at the time but had not tried them on, causing a micro-scandal in the micro-blogging world as they appeared to snub a local tradition. A royal spokesman said they were honored and looking forward to donning the headgear.

"Well, this is different," the prince said with a laugh as he touched the tip of his cowboy hat at a reception later. "We have been hugely struck by the diversity of this beautiful country: from Ottawa to Quebec, from Prince Edward Island to the Northwest Territories, and now the excitement of Calgary -- and what about these fantastic white hats."

Getting a public peek at the royals isn't easy -- think state visit, not red carpet -- but hundreds of thousands of people managed just that as the duke and duchess rode nearly three miles in the parade Friday.

Also, 3,100 people who scored free wristbands will be able to see their departure ceremony at Calgary Rotary Challenger Park. It won't be a simple wave goodbye: This ceremony comes with full military honors, including an inspection of the honor guard by William and a 21-gun salute.

"I have to say, we haven't seen a love-in like that since the first visit of the Beatles!" Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said after William's final remarks in the country Friday. "Indeed, everywhere you went, you left a trail of utterly charmed Canadians in your wake."

The royals are headed next for Los Angeles -- watch below as the Ministry's Matt Donnelly gives an overview of what to expect.

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-- Christie D'Zurilla
Twitter.com/dzurillaville

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Photo: Prince William tips his hat to Calgary during his speech at the Calgary Stampede on his and Catherine's final day in Canada. Credit: Todd Korol / Agence France-Presse / Getty Images