The Royal couple welcome President Obama.

Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge today welcomed the President of the United States to Buckingham Palace in their first big test as a Royal couple.

Fresh from their Seychelles honeymoon, a well-tanned Duchess of Cambridge performed her Royal duties with aplomb as she spoke to Mr and Mrs Obama in a 10-minute private meeting.

There were smiles all round moments earlier when the Obamas arrived at Buckingham Palace and were met by the Queen and Prince Philip.

They arrived in the Presidential limousine known as The Beast, which pulled into the front of Buckingham Palace just before noon.

It is only the third state visit by a U.S. president to the UK in 100 years. Mr Obama came to London two years ago but it was for the G20 global summit meeting.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1390291/Obama-London-visit-President-hails-partnership-Britain-beginning-day-state-visit.html#ixzz1NI7D1WB7

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1390291/Obama-London-visit-President-hails-partnership-Britain-beginning-day-state-visit.html#ixzz1NI6Z06hw

The phenomenon that is YouTube

Well the Royal Wedding seems a long time ago now but what fun people had having impromptu street parties and really getting into the spirit of celebration. It was great to see people enjoying themselves so much and for us at Barker Group it was great for business too, seeing our sales in stiff collars rise significantly during the run up as some of our clients and many of the guests wore stiff collars to the wedding. It's great to see.

We as a nation do seem to enjoy the age old traditions and the wedding was an opportunity to enjoy the full pomp and ceremony that we in Britain do so well, however, as many people have observed ,it would have been nice to see more smiles all round and a little less formality on such a happy occasion. This video below, posted on YouTube brought a smile to many peoples faces and reminded us that as human beings our greatest success is if we can enjoy every day, smile, laugh and be authentic and not take life or ourselves too seriously!

YouTube is a fantastic medium for young and old around the world to express their creativity, the kids especially seem to be making great use of it and having great fun with it. Long may it last. Enjoy!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kav0FEhtLug

Detachable Stiff Collars Back In Trend With Young And Old

As we all know the Eton Collar, a wide stiff buttoned detachable collar, derived it's name from being part of the uniform of Eton College starting in the late 19th century, and continues to be part of the colleges distinguished uniform to this day. Stiff collars are worn throughout the world by various professions and organisations but it is nice to see them being worn more often these days, for that extra touch, by the modern man who takes pride in his appearance.

David Beckham, for example looked very dashing at the wedding of Catherine and William, wearing a stiff collar to add something special to his outfit which has attracted many admiring comments.

Barker Group are the largest processors of Stiff Collars in the world and we also have a website where you can purchase your new stiff collars and other formal dress wear, cufflinks and silk ties.

Visit our website today at www.stiffcollars.com  to see our excellent range. Enjoy!