Prince William and Princess Kate have started their four day tour of Sweden and Norway and were in Stockholm today hanging out with members of the Swedish royal family, including Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel. At one point in the day, the Cambridges hit the ice for some bandy, which is like hockey, but not. They play with a ball instead of a puck and the rink is bigger so they need more players. Also, “bandy” is a really great word and I would start playing just so I can say it more. What are you doing this weekend? Oh my bandy game is on Sunday. I have to go to bandy practice. Bandy practice!
In other Will and Kate news, here’s a story I put off yesterday because of the Grammys – did you hear about the royal group chat? So Mike Tindall, who is married to Zara Phillips, was interviewed by the Daily Mirror (via PEOPLE) and talked about how he and Zara are expecting their second child and going to Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie’s upcoming weddings. And then this detail – how do they all stay in touch with each other? WhatsApp:
“Me, my brother and then a few of Zara’s side like her brother Pete and the cousins are on WhatsApp groups. “I wouldn’t say we’re cutting edge, but it’s just easier for some reason on WhatsApp. I’m in about 25,000 groups. You might do it for a get-together and just stay on the group, and occasionally people will post. You’re scared to leave because you don’t want to be seen to be rude.”
“The cousins.” Fine, but which cousins? Beatrice and Eugenie? I believe it. Harry? Oh I think so for sure. But also Will and Kate? Do you think Will and Kate are on the WhatsApp group chat? Many of us are on group chats with friends and family, right? How does it work for you? Sometimes it’s about gift ideas and planning family gatherings, sure. But sometimes, it’s pure jokes, right? And, um, sometimes, there are certain cousins you don’t want on there. These are the cousins who narc you out at Christmas when you’re all down in the basement drinking. Also, sometimes, the group chat gets cutthroat. That’s what it’s like for most of my group chats. Who can come up with the best cut? Who will respond with the best GIF? Who gets group-dragged for being late/ignorant/a fan of the most hated team in the league? The answer to all of those questions in my life is most often Jacek. Always dragged, always mocked, always the target. Don’t feel bad for him. He brings it on himself.
In the royal group chat, is that Prince William? Is he the one who texts 15 times for every 1 time everyone else texts? Is he the one pouting when people don’t get back to him quickly enough? That would be me last night, having a tantrum at Kathleen and Sarah when they weren’t around to share in my excitement over Chadwick Boseman alighting from his car like a goddamn boss at the Black Panther premiere. Are there side chats happening without Will because he’s the one who’s always bringing down the party? Has Meghan Markle been invited to the group chat yet?