Duchess Kate To Begin First Official Solo Engagements Next Month And Will Begin With Lucian Freud Exhibition + Collette Dinnigan S/S 2012

January has been an unusually quiet month for Duchess Kate in terms of appearances and royal engagements. As Prince William is preparing for his imminent deployment to the Falklands, I had thought this dry spell would continue but it seems the Duchess is eager to immerse herself in royal life while William is away. Clarence House has announced Kate will officially begin her solo engagements next month. 

"The Duchess will have a handful of engagements while the Duke is away. She will visit all her patronages publicly at least once and continue to visit them privately. It will be a busy period. The reason she chose so few charities is that she wants to get to know them all intimately".

To recap on Kate's choice of charities please Click Here. 

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It is expected Kate's first official solo engagement will take place at the National Portrait Museum where the Duchess will tour n exhibition of the late Lucian Freud's portrait paintings. Freud who passed away last summer aged 88 was the grandson of Sigmund Freud. The exhibition known as 'People in my life' will feature over 100 works fro museums all over the world. As an Art History graduate, Kate will be familiar and will no doubt appreciate the technical virtuosity of his work. The exhibitions open February 9th, You can find all booking details Here.

A Royal aide said

"The Duchess, as a patron of the National Portrait Museum, will take an active interest - publicly and privately - in all aspects of the gallery's work. While the Duke is away, she is fully intending on using those six weeks to do nothing but work and will visit her patronages and undertake a number of engagements in support of the Royal family".

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I'm delighted we will be seeing the Duchess engaging with her patronages. As you all know I'm also very excited to see which designers she will choose for these engagements. (Yes, I'm always thinking of the fashion possibilities :)) I couldn't help but notice how simply beautiful the Collette Dinnigan Spring/Summer 2012 collection is. Collette is one of Kate's favourite designers and is becoming a household name worldwide.

 Both Nicole Kidman and Rachel McAdams chose a delicate nude and black lace, knee length, off the shoulder dress from the collection recently and I think it would be perfect for Kate. If it was full length it would be an ideal piece for an evening reception.

Duchess Kate adores lace detailing and no one designs lace dresses quite like Collette. These feminine, delicate pieces are very Kate.

The detailing and structuring on these dresses is stunning.

The strapless, blue evening gown is my personal favourite piece in the collection. What's yours?

With minor alterations these black pieces would be perfect for a Duchess!

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I will update as soon as the exact date for Kate's engagements are announced. Hope you all had a great weekend :)

Sources (Daily Mail, Trisha What Kate Wore FB, The Telegraph, Colette Dinnigan)

William and Kate Dance the Night Away at Blues Festival, Cover Girl Kate, Jenny Packham Goes High Street and More!

Reports are suggesting William and Kate are making the most of their final days in the heavenly Mustique. The couple were seen dancing at a blue concert last night. Basil's Bar which is thought to be the only bar on the island apart from hotel bars is currently holding it's annual 'Mustique Blues Festival'. (With thanks to British Royals and Trisha) Owner Basil Charles received a wedding invitation last year so we can safely assume the couple enjoyed nights out at his legendary bar on previous holidays. The couple are taking some time out to be just that....a couple, before William is deployed to the Falklands. Basil's is the ideal place for them where 'The vibe transcends stature or position in life. Sailors party with business moguls, high fashion models and gardeners'.

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Vogue's Anna Wintour may have wanted Duchess Kate on the cover of her world magazine but it was the U.K. Scouting Magazine who managed to land the Duchess as their latest cover girl. It is just week since it was announced Kate would volunteer with the scouts during her free time in Anglesey. The photo is an official one, taken by Chris Getty for the Canada tour. Kate is wearing her navy vintage Amanda Wakeley suit.

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Kate has been voted 'Hat Person Of The Year' by The Headwear Association. Unsurprisingly the 30 year old received 91 percent of the vote. Founded in 1908 The Headwear Association attempts to promote hats throughout the world. Previous winners include Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp. Kate's hats are always understated and complement her outfit without being distracting unlike other members other members of the royal family including a certain pretzel shaped headpiece :)

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There is simply no doubt Kate has a huge influence on women in terms of fashion. We all want to emulate her sophisticated, elegant style. With that in mind one of Kate's favourite designers, the incredibly talented Jenny Packham has created an affordable high street line in collaboration with Debenhams. Packham follows in the footsteps of designers Roskanda Ilinic and Matthew Williamson who have all created budget friendly collection for the U.K. retailer. If Packham's most recent collection is anything to go by, we can expect feminine, ethereal, classic pieces. This is a very clever career move and I have no doubt the collection will be a sell out. Will you be considering purchasing a piece from the range?

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Sources (Daily Mail, Getty, Trisha WKW FB, British Royals Via Twitter)

Latest Collections From Kate's Favourite Designers, Royal Ascot Dress Code, Pantyhose and more

Kate has been in Mustique for a week now, so whilst awaiting news and photos (Yes, it does seem like months since we saw new photos :)) I have been taking a look at the latest collections from Kate's favourite designers. I have to say I was incredibly impressed by the Temperly London Pre Fall 2012 collection. One could only say the collection was designer for royalty. Some of these pieces wouldn't have been out of place in a period drama or an episode of Downton Abbey. Designer Alice Temperly spoke about the collection and cited the 19th century as an inspiration.

"It's less of a bohemian look, more dreamlike and ethereal. There is more of an opulence, a femininity and a flow to the collection".

Lace forms an integral part of the collection, The first gown appears quite similar to the dress Kate wore to the War Horse premiere.

Kate has wowed us all by choosing black gowns for her most recent engagements, I have a suspicion we shall see Kate in one of these gowns before the end of the year. With the Jubilee and her duties as ambassador for London 2012 something like these will be essential.

The classic black and white combination is used, from long sleeved gowns to cocktail dresses.

Other trends include gold, daring pink and my favourite piece of the collection, the delicate purple dress. With slight alterations these would look striking on Kate.

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The McQueen Pre Fall 2012 is everything one would expect. Dramatic and flamboyant with Sarah Burton's signature touches. Belted waists and embroidery are a prominent feature of the collection.

The enigmatic Sarah Burton said 'I do love a gown' when speaking of her pieces. I'm hoping Kate wears the third gown during her overseas tour. 

Three pieces which I do not think Kate shall be wearing. I'm slightly bewildered by the velvet 'ruffled feathers type' dress.....

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The royals favourite race meet, Royal Ascot is set to tighten their dress code following allegations visitors are becoming too casually dressed. The new rules give ladies strict instructions on the width of dress straps and the length of dresses. Opulent hats are favoured and fascinators must be 'substantial' if they are too be deemed acceptable at the 300 year old event. Enormous headpieces like these are literally flooding the Paris catwalks this week. Alixis Mabille opted for hats which look rather like large roses ....

While Maurizio Galante hid the models faces behind spring flowers. I wonder if this choice of millinery will translate to Ascot? I doubt it :)

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Duchess Kate has inspired many trends but the comeback of pantyhose has been one which has influenced everyone from fans to designers (Note some of the models above are wearing pantyhose) Kate is an avid wearer of sheer denier tights. Different brands have been credited but the general consensus seemes to be Kate's tights are from John Lewis. (With thanks to What Kate Wore) The Barely There Non Slip Nude Tights are currently available for £5.

I'm personally a huge fan of nude tights, Has Kate inspired you to wear pantyhose with your outfits? If so, do you opt for nude or experiment with patterns. I do adore fashion tights :)

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Kate graces the cover of Grazia France this week. Loved this outfit from the Canadian tour!

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Sources ( mysanantonio, daily mail, the telegraph, style.com, grazia france,)

Kate Loves: Sports + William Joins Kate in Mustique

When Duchess Kate jetted off to Mustique the press had a field day with headlines from 'Divorce Lawyers Being Lined Up' to 'Kate leaves William behind'. Rest assured there was nothing to worry about :) Prince William reportedly flew from Gatwick on Saturday to join Kate and the Middleton family. Just a couple of days after Kate left. A source said Kate has been seen in a blue and white bikini. 


The couple enjoying a previous holiday in Mustique in 2008. (With thanks to Kate Middleton info)

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Next up in our 'Kate loves' series is sports. Kate has always been athletic and has participated in a number of sports since her school days. Aged nine Kate was the highest scorer for her rounders team.

Kate excelled on the school hockey team.

Kate's tall frame made her first choice as goal defence for the netball team.

As Kate approached her twenties rowing became a great love of hers. She was often photographed training with her team early after nights out. No doubt her dedication to rowing has helped her acquire her fabulous figure.

In 2007 Kate's team rowed on the Thames.

The Duchess regularly enjoys a game of tennis with William, the two enjoy the sport and are reportedly competitive in a very light hearted sense.

Kate is also a huge fan of professional tennis and has attended matches at Wimbledon numerous times. Love this photo.

Proving keeping fit does not mean spending time in expensive gyms, Kate enjoyed cycling to work at Party Pieces in 2008.

Last September William and Kate were photographed leaving London's Harbour Club Gym. And yes Kate even looks good after a workout :)

The Harbour Club is generally acknowledged as the finest gym in London, ranking amongst the best in the world. Facilities include a waterfall swimming pool, pilates studio, spinning studio and the fitness room which comprises of the most modern equipment available. There is also a bar and restaurant available.

Sources (Daily Mail, London's Harbour Club, Zimbio, Tumblr)

Kate loves: Travel and News Kate Is In The Caribbean

In surprising news, It is being widely reported Duchess Kate is currently enjoying a holiday on the private Island of Mustique. Kate was spotted on a British Airways flight at London's Gatwick Airport on Wednesday with her family, Mike, Carole, James and Pippa Middleton. Kate was also accompanied by royal protection officers. It is understood Prince William did not join them but plans to fly out imminently after he finishes his weekly shifts as an RAF search and rescue pilot in Anglesey. The holiday will be a chance for the couple to spend some quiet time together before William is deployed to the Falklands next month. St James' Palace refused to comment stating 'We do not comment on the Duke and Duchess' private life'. 

The Middleton family are regular visitors to Mustique. The breathtaking Island was first put on the map in the 1960s when it's owner Lord Glenconner, gave Princess Margaret a ten acre plot of land as a wedding present. The family normally stay in a five bedroomed rented cliff top villa with its own infinity pool. The cost of staying in Mustique? A luxurious villa could set one back £15,000 a week.

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With Kate holidaying in Mustique it's the perfect time for the next addition to our 'Kate loves' series. This entry is dedicated to Kate's love of travel and the Duchess has certainly visited some beautiful locations. William and Kate's love of skiing has seem them take numerous trips over the years. In March 2007 the couple visited the Swiss Alps.

In March 2010 the couple spent a week skiing in Courchevel in the French Alps. This was rumoured to be a very exciting time for the couple who were spotted on chairlifts, playing chase and enjoying pancakes and mulled wine at the local restaurant. 

The pair both lovely their skiing and William is very competent however Kate is even better. Onlookers said the Prince did very well to keep up with her :)

Couchevel is one of the most popular skiing destinations in Europe. Four bedroom chalets  with a hot tub and steam room are available throughout the year. Let's take a look at the 'White Eagle' chalet.

One could only describe the decor in 'White Eagle' as incredible. Combining comfort with a spacious, modern feel. One could quite easily forget about the slopes and relax in here :)

You can visit the website and find all booking details Here.

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When one thinks of the Cambridge's vacationing. Their honeymoon destination is the first place that comes to mind. Kate first joined William there for a romantic break in July 2007. The couple had just got back together after a brief split and are said to have discussed a long term future together during this trip. Kate was photographed looking lovely in a summer dress at Gatwick Airport. The lovebirds checked in under the names Martin and Rosemary Middleton. 

 The couple enjoyed relaxing boat trips and lobster meals at the resort's ocean view restaurant.

During their honeymoon the couple rented a £4,000 a night villa. The view was reportedly spectacular and the remote location allowed for complete privacy. 

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I think Kate will never forget her trip to Kenya in the autumn of 2010. While staying in an isolated log cabin off the beaten track, Prince William proposed. The simple surroundings were a world away from life at Kensington with no electricity and very modest rooms. Kate said yes and the couple enjoyed a bottle of champagne. Surrounded by elephants, buffalo and leopards Kate described the break as as 'so wonderful and very romantic'. This trip was very William and Kate, understated and relaxed.

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Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Sources (People, Daily Mail, Just Jared)

Kate loves: Restaurants

Tonight's post is a continuation of our 'Kate loves' series. I would like to thank you all for your suggestions, I will include as many as possible. For this post let's take a look at Kate's favourite restaurants. Again I hope it will be helpful for those visiting the U.K. or anyone hoping to get a glimpse into Kate's favourite eateries.


Last March Duchess Kate was photographed enjoying a meal at Italian restaurant, Riccardo's.

Riccardo's has been a popular restaurant in Chelsea since 1995. The concept is quite different from your usual Italian. 'no starters, no mains, just great tasting dishes in the order of your choice'. If you reside within close proximity you can avail of home delivery. Pricing is also incredibly reasonable. Take a look at the menu which includes gluten free, vegetarian and vegan alternatives.......

The review for Riccardo's are excellent. Good quality Italian food is a part of almost everyone's diet and this restaurant ticks all the boxes. 

MyChelsea.com

'Riccardo's restaurant is a godsend. I was recently put on a wheat free diet and I didn't think I'd ever be able to eat pasta outside my own kitchen again. Not so - Riccardo's offers several truly delicious wheat free versions of classic dishes alongside their regular kind. All the food wheat free or not is delicious and the atmosphere is pure Chelsea'.

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Kate celebrated her 26th birthday at Tom Aikens Restaurant.

Tom Aiken's specialises in French cuisine. We know Kate is a fan of foie gras having ordered it at Koffman's for a pre wedding lunch date with Camilla. One can expect to pay an average of £55 for a meal there. Located on 43 Elystan St. the restaurant has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment and was reopened this month.

William and Kate enjoyed a casual lunch at Tom Aiken's sister restaurant, Tom's Kitchen in 2009.

Located on Cale Street, Tom's Kitchen is a very relaxed, casual eatery. Comforting favourites such as blueberry pancakes with maple syrup and steak sandwiches. 

A look at the delicious breakfast menu.

Despite the wonderful food, one of the most inviting aspects of Tom's Kitchen is the beautiful decor. 

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William and Kate reportedly enjoyed romantic dinners at unorthodox restaurant Dans Le Noir. You're probably wondering about the unorthodox bit. Well the concept of Dans Le Noir is quite simply, dinner is eaten in the dark and customers are served anonymously by blind waiters. The perfect venue for a couple wishing to remain anonymous. Customers can also avail of surprise menus whereby one does not know what dish they will be served.

One can also 'immerse their sensory experience' by trying one of the delicious cocktails available at the bar or lounge. 

I think it's safe to say a feast for the sense can be expected at Dans Le Noir :)

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Many of you may have heard a rumour that has been circulating in the press regarding William and Kate participating in a run in aid of Sport Relief. The run which takes place on March 25 seemed like the ideal appearance for the couple. However Clarence House have announced the couple will not be participating. Dates for Prince Harry's tour of brazil are being released so I'm hopeful we'll hear something about William and Kate's tour plans shortly!

sources (daily mail, zimbio, clarence house, big pictures,)