LONDON — Whispers here regard possible additions to what’s so far filtered out regarding the hospitalized Duchess of Cambridge’s pregnancy. She’s on a drip, therefore nausea, morning sickness, is the factor announced.
Speculated is some yet-to-be-confirmed medical condition that might contain a degree of severity.
Discussions in the pubs are — should any future monarch be unable to ascend the throne — how other issues regarding royal succession have been handled on the continent. Hungary’s history includes a ruling regent. Other nations have introduced legislation to sidestep their heir apparent and leapfrog to the next in line.
But, grumped one Brit strolling Piccadilly: “There are so many others waiting in line. By the time this issue becomes Monarch, our country will have osmosed into Communism or Islamism.”
THE 411 on how Europeans who are still wealthy travel. To fool thieves, their jewels go in cheapo unmarked cardboard boxes or wrapped in junky plastic bags.
‘DOWNTON Abbey” Season 3, which already played in the UK, starts immediately in the US. The period’s etiquette, politesse and customs are exquisitely researched. Nary a mistake in traditions or mannerisms tolerated.
However, English peers insist they noticed an error. Twice. Same error. Season 3. The family’s having soup. Their spoon is round. Per these nosy lordships, the era’s proper utensil would’ve been a larger serving size, oval in shape. They say — not me; I not only don’t know how royals slurp soup because if I were hungry, I’d probably tip the whole bowl into my throat — but they are saying it.
MORE from this town: Rachel Weisz, Mrs. Daniel Craig, has a hip tattoo. It’s a ladder. “But not to my nether region,” is what they repeat is her mutter. It’s “Cool, radical, I’m proud of it,” she claims. OK? . . . Today’s Cirque du Soleil membership contains children and grandchildren of the original members . . . And Rihanna’s proposed concerts are total sellouts.
BEFORE I left the Colonies, Alan Cumming spoke about his new movie “Any Day Now,” which opens any day now.
“A true powerful ’70s story of a Down syndrome teenager abandoned by his mother and adopted by a loving gay couple who raise him, then have to fight the legal system. It’s about a love that can’t happen because of prejudice.
“We shot it last summer in LA, and it’s set in LA. It’s an intense experience. You fall deeply for this family. The boy has autism, and the story is upsetting and cathartic. Seeing injustice, people torn apart, what goes on in society, we realize we are complicit.
“Before working with Isaac, this boy in the film, I’d had no experience with such as his condition. His emotions being close to the surface, when upset he starts weeping. He was very excited to be there. Isaac was more professional than many actors I’ve worked with.
“There’s a scene the first night he spends with me. I’m a crackhead drag queen picked up by the vice squad. He stays over. He wants doughnuts. I say, ‘No, they give you pimples.’ I give him cheese. We both smile. We connect. And I tell him to go to sleep like a good boy. I sing in this, and it’s all quite beautiful.
“When filming, I’m a good lad and go to bed early. But in real life, I’m an actor, singer, writer, I take photos. I’m a storyteller. In Scotland, telling stories is a strong position. My life is the gym, vitamins, martinis, going out, going to openings — enjoying New York.
“And I love politics. I had a green card forever and happily just became an official American citizen. Taking part in society forms everything you do. It affects everyday life. I love this country. I love this city. I love this beautiful film. It’s what I’m most proud of in my whole career. It may be my best work.”
Trouble with talking to Alan Cumming is, he never has anything to say.
NEWS from drafty England: It’s preparing to launch a raid on high earners’ pensions (wonder where they got that idea, right?) . . . Starbucks, to avoid a consumer boycott, will pay a higher British corporation tax (wonder where they got that idea, right?) . . . Carla Bruni, who wed France’s now-unemployed president, Nicolas Sarkozy, says she finds fidelity “difficult” (wonder where she got that idea, right?) . . . And the country’s having problems getting its giant panda Tian Tian to mate and breed. (Hey, happens to the best of us.)
DUST off Miss Liberty. See you back home tomorrow . . .
THERE exists an actress. Bipolar. Known to a hotel definitely not in America. In residence one week, this repeat guest creates in-room havoc. Trashes the place then reimburses for damage inflicted. They know her. They say nothing. She says nothing. It is expected. Tolerated. Actually welcomed because she’s always given a suite that desperately needs renovation. She saves management the cost.
Only in (delete the place’s name), kids, only in (delete the place’s name).