JAWS WERE FLAPPING Sunday at the Concert for Diana in London, but much of the talk wasn't about the star-studded lineup of 24 performances, which included Elton John, Kanye West, Rod Stewart, Sean Combs, Nelly Furtado and Duran Duran, among others. Instead, onlookers had their eyes fixed on someone offstage: Kate Middleton, the former girlfriend of Prince William. The prince organized the concert with his brother, Prince Harry, in honor of their mother, the late Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales.
The charity event at Wembley Stadium was held on what would have been Diana's 46th birthday. The princess died in a grisly car accident Aug. 31, 1997, as she was pursued by photographers.
Earlier this weekend rumors began swirling that Middleton and the prince didn't break up in April, as was widely reported. Instead, some insiders said, the couple staged the split after some members of the media began doggedly pursuing Middleton in the same way they had Diana prior to her death. Christopher Andersen, a prolific writer on the subject of the royal family, told the New York Post that the couple's "closest friends believe it was all a ruse to get Britain's voracious tabloid press off Kate's back.
"William has had recurring nightmares that Kate would meet the same fate (as his mom, Princess Diana), literally chased to her death by paparazzi." Middleton's appearance at the much-publicized concert undoubtedly will further rumors that the couple is back together -- if, that is, they were ever apart in the first place. "They simply make it look as if the romance was completely over," Andersen said.
"The strategy worked, even though they were in almost constant touch via phone, e-mail and text-messaging ever since." HOLMES, MOORE WANT TO SCORE 10s FOR "NINE": A handful of Hollywood's most famous actresses are battling it out for roles in the big-screen version of Broadway musical "Nine." Katie Holmes, whom many celebrity gossipers insist is being kept under lock and key by husband Tom Cruise, is so keen for a top role that she went to the office of director Rob Marshall to gave him a front-row peek at her singing and dancing skills, the Post said.
Demi Moore also paid a visit to Marshall, who the newspaper says is considering casting leading ladies from his hit movie/musical "Chicago" -- Renée Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones. JACKO IN PERIL?: Fox News is reporting that the siblings of Michael Jackson are worried for the health of their brother.
Although details haven't been released, the news source says the singer once called the King of Pop is depressed and has taken a shine to mixing alcohol and prescription medication. And the Jackson family -- yes, Janet, too -- allegedly is planning an intervention. If Jacko isn't responsive, Fox News says the family is ready to enlist the help of Thomas Mesereau, who defended the singer against child molestation charges a few years ago, to take legal steps to get Jackson the medical care he needs.
Today's People column was compiled by Kate Lavin from staff, wire, newspaper and Web reports. Comments? Write to us c/o the Times, P.
O. Or call 925-943-8262, fax 925-943-8265 or e-mail spin@cctimes.com.
JAWS WERE FLAPPING Sunday at the Concert for Diana in London, but much of the talk wasn't about the star-studded lineup of 24 performances, which included Elton John, Kanye West, Rod Stewart, Sean Combs, Nelly Furtado and Duran Duran, among others.
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