Royal News Roundup 10-20-09: Goodbye Michael Shea

Welcome to the Royal News Roundup!

Farewell to Michael Shea

Michael Shea, the former diplomat and press secretary to the Queen, has died at age 71.

The charismatic Shea joined Buckingham Palace as the Queen’s press secretary in 1978 after a 15-year career with the Foreign Office.

Shea served as press secretary for nine years and was right at the forefront of the tumultuous Wales marriage. Though Diana complained that no one in the palace helped her in her role as a new Princess, Shea stated otherwise:

“This is simply not true. We took her to newspaper offices and television newsrooms and arranged that she even listened in, or, on occasion, actually answered journalists’ questions anonymously by sitting in the Palace Press Office and taking calls. We rehearsed her early speeches and her answers to formal interview questions.”

Michael Shea was educated at Gordonstoun School and held a PhD in economics from Edinburgh University. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

The New Adventures of Queen Victoria

The New Adventures of Queen Victoria began almost by accident.

In early 2006, Pab Sungenis was kicking around a couple of ideas for comic strips he could create using photo-manipulation. In his own words, his drawing ability was like that of “a mentally challenged rhinocerous on a Ny-Quil bender”. So instead of drawing, he began to toy around with a number of images, including a picture of Queen Victoria.

One thing led to another, and eventually Her Imperial Majesty was being cut and pasted into different scenarios, such as a night out at the karaoke bar alongside the likes of Elizabeth I, or being blasted out of her throne by Beethoven and his loud music (“Are you deaf?!” she yells, then, realizing whom she is addressing, sheepishly walks away).

Queen Victoria’s expressions are just as hilarious. Her eyes pop out with surprise, shock, and even anger, accompanied by little down-turned eyebrows to show disapproval.

So check out this royal comic. After a few strips, you’ll say…

I’m going to do it….

We are amused!
http://www.newadventuresofqueenvictoria.com

Harry and Chelsy Reunited?

Who’d have thought? It appears that Prince Harry and Chelsy Davy, the daughter of controversial South African businessman Charles Davy, are ‘back on’.

After a night out on the town with his blonde buddy, the royal prince has sparked rumors that they are together once again. It was said that Chelsy broke it off with Harry after rumored philandering, but it looks like all may be forgiven.

Princess Grace Exhibition Is On

The traveling exhibition on Princess Grace, entitled The Grace Kelly Years, has landed in Rome.

The Philadelphia-girl-turned-Mediterranean-princess is feted with the exhibition of her classic wedding gown, her stunning jewels, and home videos made by Grace herself.
It was originally created in 2007 to mark the 25th anniversary of the death of the princess, who died after sustaining injuries in a car accident.

The show will run until February 28th, 2010.