1) How excited are you about the Royal Wedding.
Are you kidding? I live for this stuff. To me, royal nuptials are this heady concoction of ancient tradition, modern-day romance and fairy tale magic. (Not to mention that I have been fascinated by England’s royal family since I was a toddler and for many years, my greatest wish was to marry one of the Queen’s grandsons!)
2) What do you think about Kate Middleton?
I think Kate’s fashion sense is pitch-perfect. She always looks chic yet conservative and her love of classic staples like tailored suits, tweed jackets and suede boots, makes it clear that the girl was born to be a Windsor. I wish she weren’t so heavy handed with her eye-liner, but she is leading the way when it comes to teaching England the value of a good American-style blow-dry.
4) Why did you want to be a princess?
I was born with this incessant princess desire. I’m not sure why or how. (I mean, my parents are hippies and I wasn’t allowed television!) I guess it started with Disney Princesses and then when I saw Diana’s wedding – that was it. My career goal was solved at a very early age. Princesshood or bust!
One of the major things that always attracted me to princesshood was the amazing sacrifice these rare women made for their countries. The idea of living a life of duty – for the sake of your subjects, rather than yourself – still brings tears to my eyes. One of things I loved about Princess Diana more than anything else – more than her stunning beauty and more than her royal title – was that she genuinely understood the unique and far-reaching power of being a Princess. Wherever she went, for better or for worse, Diana knew the press would follow – yet she had the principles and the courage to use this incredible power to draw the world’s attention away from herself and onto those that needed it most.
Needless to say, I also wanted Princess Diana’s wardrobe, palaces and parties (what little girl wouldn’t?), but I also yearned for that distinctively royal strength: to be able to think beyond yourself any situation.
5) Any tips for women who want to get into the Royal Circle?
Always be polite, but getting your foot in the royal door is not easy so be prepared to punch your way in! Once you’re there, be sure to dress appropriately, to smile demurely and to say as a little as possible. (Check out the the ball scene in My Fair Lady for more details.)
6) You obviously love Royalty. Why do you think the Royal family are still relevant?
When you hail from a country where the only palace is Cinderella’s Castle, it’s natural to be enthralled by the UK’s living, breathing royal family. For many Brits, the royals are just a part of everyday English life, but to me the royal family and all it represents is a constant source of enchantment.
Every little girl dreams of meeting prince charming, becoming a princess and living happily ever after – and by agreeing to marry William, Kate Middleton has become a conduit for the world to vicariously live out these dreams. I think the royals fulfil a very real need in our global psyche that cannot be fulfilled by politicians or Hollywood stars.
7) How did you come about writing your book?
When I met my childhood crush at the age of 25, I knew I had a story tell! I’ve always enjoyed writing and I knew that my quest to be a princess was a theme most girls could relate to. There’s lots of negativity and skepticism in the world these days – so most of all, I wanted my book to convey the importance of listening to your heart, holding tight to your childhood dream and believing in the impossible – no matter what those grumpy cynics out in the real world may tell you!
8) Who are your favourite writers?
Paul Coelho (The Alchemist), Marianne Williamson (A Return to Love), and Garth Stein (Art of Racing in the Rain) – for soul-touching narratives. Nancy Mitford, Evelyn Waugh, Julian Fellowes and Oscar Wilde for pure British wit and aristocratic indulgence.
9) How should women dress and act to fit into aristocratic circles?
Ignore fashion trends and stick with the classics. (Skinny jeans belong on Kate Moss not on Kate Middleton.) Instead, learn to love cashmere and tweed. Buy a copy of Debrett’s and study your etiquette. Table manners can make or break your social standing, so memorize the proper way to eat peas and the correct direction to pass the port.
10) What’s next for you?
I’m working on a book entitled “In Defence of the Princess” – exploring the princess archetype that so many girls cling to and the redeeming qualities/life lessons that can be gleaned from fictional and modern-day princesses.
For more information go to Jerramy’s website and buy here book here.