Royal Party Report From University of St. Andrew 600th Anniversary

As mentioned a few days ago, Renée Fleming was a guest among the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's attendance at the 600th Anniversary Gala for the University of St. Andrews. New York Social Diary reports: "After the dinner Renee Fleming, who was at royal couple's table, sang 'O mio babbino caro' from Puccini's short opera Gianni Schicchi. Beautiful, with a voice as splendidly eternal as the ancients' creations surrounding us. She then sang us 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' (originally written for Judy Garland in the MGM movie, Meet Me In St. Louis). Again wonderful. Fleming has an equally alluring non-operatic style to her voice." [Source] The soprano was a stand-in for Sting, who was unable to attend due to his performance schedule in his Broadway show, as she told Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan the other morning on their show. No word on whether the gown is by Vivienne Westwood or another British designer for the occasion. Read more about the evening and see lots of photos by clicking here. 

Renée Fleming Among Guests To Attend Royal Fundraiser

Crème de la Crème: Soprano Fleming 
(Photo: Timothy White/Decca)

"During their three-day trip, the royals will be staying at the Carlyle Hotel, a favorite of William's mother, the late Princess Diana, when she frequently visited Manhattan in the 1990s. William and Kate, who are expecting their second child in April, have scheduled a full slate of events in New York, including a visit to the National Sept. 11 Memorial and Museum and a basketball game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Their visit also will include some events with other high-profile guests. Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and daughter Chelsea Clinton are accompanying William and Kate to a New York reception highlighting conservation efforts. The royals also are due to join actor Tom Hanks, opera singer Renee Fleming and others at a black-tie, up-to-$10,000-per-seat scholarship fundraiser for the University of St. Andrews, the Scottish institution where the royal couple met and earned degrees." [Source] Renée Fleming is a close friend of Prince William's father, Prince Charles, and has sung for many occasions of the Royal Family. See a wonderful photo after the jump from 2008.

Royal Baby Will Light Up Opera House In New Zealand

"One of Wanganui's most historic buildings will be bathed in light the night after the birth of the new royal baby. The city is joining the nationwide 'light-up' initiative, organised by Monarchy New Zealand, which will mark the birth of the first child for Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge. The due date for the royal baby is today. The Royal Wanganui Opera House will be lit in pink or blue - depending on the gender of the baby - on the night following the announcement of the birth. Mayor Annette Main said lighting up the Opera House was an appropriate way to recognise the birth of a future King or Queen of New Zealand. 'Wanganui already has an association with the royal family, with Prince Edward having lived here during his time as a junior master at Wanganui Collegiate in 1982,' Ms Main said. The Opera House celebrated its centennial in 1999. In October that year it was given a Royal Charter as part of the centennial celebrations, changing the name to the Royal Wanganui Opera House." [Source]