Kate, who has a busy week ahead, looked in high spirits as she arrived with Prince William. Fresh from his successful tour in Japan and China the second-in-line to throne is said to be very much looking forward to beginning his new position with the East Anglian Air Ambulance shortly, after passing fourteen exams.
The Commonwealth Day Act of Observance is the UK’s largest multi-faith service and the premier event to celebrate the Commonwealth. This unique event is traditionally attended by Her Majesty The Queen, as Head of the Commonwealth, and other members of the Royal family. It takes place in the presence of some 2,000 participants including High Commissioners and dignitaries from around the Commonwealth, in addition to 1,000 young people from schools across the UK.
It's always nice to see several members of the royal family attend the same event.
Kate enjoyed a chat with her father-in-law.
The Duchess greets The Duchess of Cornwall.
As always, a particular theme was focused on - this year ‘A Young Commonwealth’ - underlining the fact that people aged twenty-five or under account for the majority of the Commonwealth’s population and play a vital role at the heart of sustainable development and democracy. The theme recognises the capacity, contribution and potential of young people, particularly in 2015 when the world will define a new global development framework.
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| Westminster Abbey Facebook Page |
More from The Royal Commonwealth Society:
'People aged twenty-nine or under account for the majority of the Commonwealth’s population, and play a vital role at the heart of sustainable development and democracy. ‘A Young Commonwealth’ recognises the capacity, contribution and potential of young people, particularly in 2015 when the world will define a new global development framework.
The Commonwealth is also a family of dynamic countries at the forefront of innovation, growth and contributing global value. As a diverse and increasingly connected global network, we bring fresh perspectives and new ideas. We will always remain a contemporary and young Commonwealth.'
Below we look at an Order of Service.
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| Peter Kallaghe Twitter Feed |
It featured, hymns, readings, performances and testimonies from different corners of the Commonwealth. Last year's keynote address was delivered by Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai. This year, reflections were given by Nobel Peace Laureate, Kailash Satyarthi, the Speaker of Bangladeshi Parliament, Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, and PJ Cole.
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| Westminster Abbey Facebook Page |
The Observance also included the world premiere of a new work specially composed for the occasion by Master of the Queen's Music, Judith Weir. The anthem 'Truly I tell You' takes its text from St Mark's Gospel and the Psalms, and will be performed by The Choir of Westminster Abbey under the direction of Daniel Cook, Sub-Organist. An enormous amount of planning, preparation and thought goes into the event.
Westminster Abbey holds particularly special memories for William and Kate. On April 29, 2011 the couple were married there. As they approach their fourth anniversary and the arrival of their second child, I'm sure they took a moment or two to reflect on their special day.
On departure from the abbey after the Observance, The Queen, The Duchess of Cornwall and The Duchess of Cambridge were presented with posies of flowers, before the royals walked by the Commonwealth flags held by invited children.
Westminster Abbey shared a photo of the posies.
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| Westminster Abbey Twitter Feed |
On the way out of the service, the royals stopped to talk to Abbey workers and celebrants. One was Jane Rowton-Lee, who had worked in the Abbey at William and Kate's wedding.
Rowton-Lee told an animated Kate that she had arranged one of the candle and flower arrangements on the high altar on that memorable day. The princess thanked her for her help and asked if the flower arranger was having a busy year.
"I said I think you may be as well," said Rowton-Lee of Kate's impending second-time motherhood.
She laughed. She was utterly charming."
The Queen's Commonwealth Day message can be read in full here.
In it Her Majesty hails Commonwealth member states as "guardians of a precious flame".
'One simple lesson from history is that when people come together to talk, to exchange ideas and to develop common goals, wonderful things can happen. So many of the world's greatest technological and industrial achievements have begun as partnerships between families, countries, and even continents. But, as we are often reminded, the opposite can also be true. When common goals fall apart, so does the exchange of ideas. And if people no longer trust or understand each other, the talking will soon stop too. '
Kate wore the pretty pink Alexander McQueen coat she debuted for Trooping The Colour in 2013. The bespoke garment was created for her final public appearance before the birth of Prince George. It features a heavy collar, three-quarter length sleeve and pearl buttons. It's a lovely choice for the nature of the day and a beautiful piece, deserving of another outing.
Kate wore a matching pink dress underneath - most likely a bespoke piece made to be worn with the coat.
Kate's striking new hat is by Jane Taylor Millinery.
More from the milliners Twitter Feed:
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| Jane Taylor Millinery Twitter Feed |
A look at Kate's hair today. Her hair looks fantastic, very long, full and glossy.
Continuing with the pink theme, the Duchess wore her satin Prada pumps.
And carried her pink Prada bag.
The Duchess completed the look with pink morganite cushion drops on a white gold hoop by Kiki McDonough. The £3,400 earrings are expected back in stock soon.
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| Kiki McDonough |
You can watch a video at ITN Source.
It was lovely to see the royals together today. I thought Kate looked radiant and the entire ensemble worked beautifully. What do you think?
************
Also today, we're delighted to announce the winner of the Mirabelle Jewellery Lolita earrings, as worn by Kate, is 'Beth W7372'.
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| Mirabelle Jewellery |
Beth left the following comment:
'My favorite item is the Nanda Necklace short with Tourmaline and Amethyst. I entered 4 times, the twitter and facebook and shared on twitter.'
Congratulations Beth! Send me an email at hrhcatherineblog@hotmail.com and we'll coordinate your delivery immediately. We'd like t thank everyone who participated in the contest and Mirabelle Jewellery for their kindness. It was such fun! :)
We'll see Kate on Wednesday for two very artistic engagements in Margate!
Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fast post!! I love events when the Queen, Charles, W&K get together!! Kate looks happy and healthy!
ReplyDeleteI can't want for her trip to Downton!!
The shoes and the earrings are beautiful. Not a fan of the coat or the hat.
ReplyDeleteHRH looks amazing as usual, so glad to see the Duke back home with his family. Of course HM and DOE, PC and DOC all look great too, and the photo of HRH and PC laughing is priceless. YES I am a huge fan of your Royal Family. Happy Monday all!
ReplyDeleteWhile the coat is a little summery for March, I can see why Kate would want to reuse it. It's a lovely colour on her and she looks happy to have William back home. I love the new hat and the pink satin shoes and purse are so princess-like - always love it when she wears them. The coat is a good style for this late in her pregnancy and that hair style is one of her best - a great appearance.
ReplyDeleteVery nice to see William and Kate at a traditional event - so often they seem like outsiders to the family. Seems to have been a real effort here to show all is well between them and Charles - although I suspect those articles had a palace origin. Camilla actually looks quite nice although her coat should be longer, and the queen is the queen, always a pleasure, ma'am.
Or you might call it a perfect cherry blossom or sakura pink. Right on point for the season, I think.
DeleteAll this pink has me hoping it's a girl!
ReplyDeleteMe too, Cee! And $5,000 pink earrings!!!! Wow! I think she and William may be hoping for a girl as well. Maybe the earrings are the talisman??? I'm ready for the name game, too. I like Charlotte or Victoria, with Frances and/or Elizabeth as middle names. Philip is my first choice for a boy.
DeleteMorganite is a beautiful color and can actually go with many things. I have a pair of Morganite earirngs and wore them with a blue/grey with white embroidery Tory Burch maxi dress for my daughters wedding. I think Kate is beautiful in pink. It looks like in some of the pics her hair is darker and maybe some ash color added to balance the red. I hope she has a pink polka dot dress on standby for after she has the baby! so hoping for a girl and they use Diana in her name.
DeleteMe three! The Duchess looked smashing today!
DeleteThanks Charlotte.
I loved the hat, earrings,shoes (finally not the nude) triangle. I must say though she is not that glowing with this pregnancy as with George. But it might come down to the make up, I don't know.
ReplyDeleteInteresting you should see that -my first impression was that she had gone overboard with the red rouge. Time to dump the black eyeliner as well, or at least switch it out for a softer dark brown.
DeleteOuppps!! Congrats to the happy winner and thank you for the opportunity, Charlotte!
ReplyDeleteSo pretty! I love everything. So glad we get to see this McQueen again. It was my favorite piece from her last pregnancy. Would have liked her hair to be styled a bit more but she might be having trouble keeping the curl in. Excited she debuted new earrings. I wonder if she will wear the pink Packham on Friday. Wouldn't mind seeing that one again either. Congratulations Beth! I hope you enjoy the earrings.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte as always you have covered the
ReplyDeleteevent in style. I check your blog daily and
enjoy the banter between your readers. I am
not ready to jump into the fray.
Park City,Utah
Been waiting for this--not a bit disappointed!
ReplyDeleteIs that a new earing? Btw I vote for baby girl!
ReplyDeleteIs that a new earing? Btw, I vote for baby girl! :)
ReplyDeleteLooked lovely but I am not a fan of satin anything for daytime engagements.
ReplyDeleteAli
I think we're a minority of 2, Ali, because I agree with you. The color is a nice match for the coat, though.
DeleteA minority of three, then. I don't care for satin in the day, either.
DeleteYou're not alone, ladies. Not a fan of satin in the daytime and really not a fan of satin shoes, unless it's for a wedding, etc. In this particular instance, the LK Bennett nude pumps would have been a better choice but they might not be fitting right now. These look like they might be a bit wider than the Bennetts.
DeleteSatin soes during the day? By all accounts that is a no-no!! But she looks lovely, happy and healthy. And I believe we al hope for a baby girl for Kate and William and a little sister for George. That would be lovely if Diana would make it in the name - or Carol (and why not both?).
DeleteCheers!!
I absolutely luv this look today - much more than the first time Kate wore this outfit. Luv the new hat, earrings and the re-wear of the Prada pumps/clutch! Perfect. What would have been fun - if she would have changed the buttons - which would make the coat almost like a new piece. An in-expensive way to make something old look new. Diana was always known for doing things like this to get additional wear out of outfits worn previously. Thanks for the photos Charlotte!
ReplyDeleteHave always loved the royal family especially catherine and william. Keep writing about them you're the only one i trust when it comes to them
ReplyDeleteLovely, lovely :)
ReplyDeleteShe looks a lot bigger this pregnancy. Love the colour on her and the hat. I can't imagibe wearing high heels when I was so late my pregnancy don't know how she manages it!!!
ReplyDeleteI think she looked lovely today. I liked the overall look (hat, coat and shoes) and I'm always happy to see her hair pulled back in some way (probably just because it so rarely is, it always seems like a refreshing change). She appears to have gained more weight this pregnancy, which makes me think she's going to have a girl. I gained twice the weight when pregnant with girls, myself... but who knows, of course! I'm excited to find out soon though ;) I also wanted to second anon from Leominster, who said something to the effect that it's nice to see them at functions with other royals, looking like part of the royal family.
ReplyDeleteStill like the coat, like the new hat. Her hair looks quite messy to me. Partly the back-combed bouffant bit to support the hat but generally flying everywhere. Wonder why she left it down? The other royal ladies look splendid and the flowers are gorgeous. Looks like a wonderful celebration.
ReplyDeleteThanks Charlotte for your quick update on Kate's day. I like the look, but I am not so sure about the colour. Is's a pretty colour but a little pale. Lovely to see Kate again though!
ReplyDeleteNice ensemble. For whatever reason, the coat looks much better on her in this pregnancy than it did in the first one, looks a little longer and less like a big pink tent and the neckline looks looser.
ReplyDeleteNot a huge fan of pink satin pumps but they'll do.
The photos Charlotte has posted here are great but there are some side photos of Kate that make this look, from top to toe, look atrocious.
Interesting factoid about the majority of Commonwealth residents being young people. Makes me wonder how well Will and Kate (and Charles and Camilla, for that matter) are going to be able to relate to these ordinary, working-class Commonwealth citizens in the future and how long the monarchy, especially with younger members willing to undertake fewer public duties and Charles cutting the ranks of the working royals, will continue to be relevant and needed.
I know this blog is Kate-centric but the queen is opening the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home's new London kennels on March 17 and the group has had a rather funny contest called "Ma'am's Best Friend" for their rescue alumni and humans to be part of the March 17 event with Her Maj. Check them out here ---> http://www.battersea.org.uk/apex/webarticle?pageId=ma%27am%27sBestFriendCompetition
Ma'am's Best Friend! LOL!
DeleteThank you for the link to the contest, Elizabeth! And on the subject of the relevancy of the monarchy into the future, I wonder the same things. It will be interesting to continue to watch and see developments.
DeleteSo nice to see Kate today, looking so pretty in pink! She looks all ready for Spring in her satin shoes and pastel color. I think the new earrings are beautiful! I hope we get to see her more in pink, and possibly the little one will also wear pink! Congratulations to the lucky winner Beth on the Mirabelle earrings!
ReplyDeleteDon't know what it is like in London, but I am some 250 miles North and the daffodils and crocuses are out in the garden, so I reckon Spring has sprung!
DeleteWow! Happy to hear spring has sprung somewhere. Still under feet of snow in Northeast USA. Not sure when I'll be seeing my bulbs sprout but very encouraging that yours are :-)
DeleteTake courage, New England, the weather has suddenly warmed in the upper Midwest, and the snowdrops are starting to awaken. It will take awhile for your tons of snow to melt, I know, but the sun is high and you should see improvement soon!
DeleteToday hit fifty, so I see the end in sight:-)
DeleteDuchess Catherine looks perfect, as always. Loved the hat, shoes and purse with the coat. Very much admire her wearing 'repeats,' especially with the different hat twist. Hope those Kiki Morganite cushion drops will also work with the other small Kiki hoops. I'm saving money to get a pair; love that different detachables can be worn on them. Thanks for the timely updates - - they are a highlight of my day.
ReplyDeleteOnly had time to write the one word earlier, as my door bell and the phone were both ringing.
ReplyDeleteI loved the coat when she first wore it--- but of course, at Trooping the Colour we only see the top half. seeing both front and back today was great and she seemed to have a matching dress under. Much preferred the hat she wore today---similar shape to the one she wore Easter Sunday.
Hair looked great and there is one photograph of her looking sideways at William---she has such beautiful eyes.
She is beginning to get quite a collection of earrings, many of them stones we don't usually see on royalty.Thank for your speedy identification, Charlotte
Must say I didn't believe any of the stories in DM during the last week
Looking forward to the week of engagements.
Yes, I like that she wears unusual stones too. It's become her signature style , I think.
DeleteJean, I love....those earrings!
DeleteJean, how long does it take to drive to your home from London?
DeleteErika - I agree. I love the unusual stones. Very modern.
DeleteI'm usually a bit disappointed (for purely selfish reasons) when Kate does a repeat, but I loved seeing the pink Alexander McQueen coat again today. The color is perfection and I adore the statement pearl buttons. This is one of the coats I could see Kate tailoring in a few years to wear as a non-maternity piece. Kate made so many great choices in her pregnancy with Prince George that it would be a shame not to see any repeats especially at this point in the pregnancy when wearing non-maternity clothing is not really a viable option. Maybe we will get to see the Emilia Wickstead yellow coat, the Hobbs dalmatian print coat, or the mint Mulberry for the visit to the set of Downton Abby? I'd love to see the Emilia Wickstead bespoke blue dress again - that was probably my favorite look of the George pregnancy, but I'm not sure it would fit any of her upcoming engagements. I was a bit disappointed with the hat today - I would have loved to seen the McQueen coat with the cocktail hat originally worn with the Jenny Packham ensemble or even with a cream hat to play off of the pearl buttons. I am really hoping to see the pink Jenny Packham again (Friday?), though I'm not looking forward to all of the gender prediction articles if Kate elects to wear pink again.
ReplyDeleteI was hoping for the dalmatian coat again too, but I don't think any of her upcoming engagements would be suitable for such a bold pattern.
DeleteMaybe she can make a quick shopping trip in the dalmatian coat so it can get another spin?
I was not to keen on this coat the first time and i am still not this time. I don't think baby pink is a good color on Kate. It washes her out. I might like the coat in different color. It would have been funny though if she saved it for her last outting like last time. I love her hat, hair and makeup! She chose lighter makeup instead of her normal dark and it looks much fresher. Her hair looks lovely. Looks like she dyed it recently too. Seems a bit darker.
ReplyDeleteLiked the coat the first time, like it now. Her hair is amazing and the earrings are beautiful. Don't like the hat though
ReplyDeleteI love Kate's shoes and her new earrings! Pink is such a wonderful colour, I have always loved it. The coat is nice wheras I have to say that I do not like the three-quarter length sleeves.
ReplyDeleteAll in all Kate looks great, Camilla's dress is also very elegant but the Queen once again shows the best ensemble - very chic!
That's a fabulous post, Charlotte. So nice to see William and Kate joining HM the Queen and TRH the Duke of Edimburgh, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. I'm also hoping for a little Princess. By the way, pink suits our lovely Duchess very well.
ReplyDeleteMonica, France
Today was our last day in London with my husband,and what a fantastic miniholiday it was!I absolutely enjoyed every moment of it!In the afternoon we arrived at 14:15 at the Abbey,we could find a really good spot opposite the entrance.We saw the Cambridges and the Prince of Wales with his wife arriving.Kate was smiling and wawing from the car.:-)Unfortunately the police did not stop the traffic,so when the Her Majesty arrived a bus was standing in front of us.I was really angry then.:-)I made some pictures,not so good quality,but who cares?:-)Big thank you to my husband who waited patiently with me!
ReplyDeleteI envy you. What a nice way to end your visit to London! :)
Deletesounds so exiting! great to hear you enjoyed it!
DeleteHey Charlotte! I'm a long time reader and first time commenter. I am currently studying abroad in London this semester and was able to go to Westminster Abbey today to see the Duchess and the rest of the royal family!
ReplyDeleteI pleasantly surprised when I saw her back in the Alexander Mc Queen coat today. I didn't really like it when she wore it in her first pregnancy, but this time it was great. I think it fit her better this time around. Very beautiful and perfect for the occasion.
I still can't believe I saw her though, still shaking! Haha
Lauren
I think I'd be shaking too... :)
DeleteLucky you!
DeleteI'm not sure whether I'm proud or disappointed Kate's hair looks just like mine :)
ReplyDeleteThe hat looks not exactly good to me.. but lovely to see them together, and very strong and beautiful words by the Queen.
Reminds me of the pre-war Dumbledore's speech in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Camilla
I absolutely love this outfit, with the exception of the satin shoes. They look like cheap bridesmaid shoes from the 80's. But that coat is stunning. I'll be looking for a knock-off of that for the spring!
ReplyDelete-Katherine
http://thegreenbows.blogspot.ca
Not crazy about the shoes, either. And while I love the color & the coat, not sure pale pink is her best color. Maybe she could have used a bit more color on her lips? The look is a little monotone for me.
DeleteI am with you. Too much pink, especially since she looks quite pale.
DeleteI do like the coat and also I like that it is not new, since we have seen a ridiculous amount of new coats lately.
Shoes look cheap (but are prada's?!?!) and there is one horrendous shot where you can see she is not standing straight.
Grey/taupe hat and shoes would have made this outfit much better.
My first thought is ... she's trying to tell us she's having a girl! But tomorrow she will probably wear blue and throw me off again! Fingers crossed for a girl. The baby fashion will be so fun.
ReplyDeleteEspecially since it was the last thing we saw her wear before George's birth !! :-)
DeleteI wonder if they know what they're having. Not everyone elects to find out. If they do know, I would imagine it would be something they would want to keep to themselves (it must be hard when every detail of your pregnancy is seized on as public property), so I don't think Kate would be dropping hints. Pink's just a colour.
DeleteCharlotte, I have been remiss in not stating what a fabulous post this is- well actually all of your posts are amazing. Thank you for all the hard work and information you provide-
ReplyDeleteKindest regards,
Didn't like the coat the first time and still don't like it today. I think with the big collar and huge pearl buttons, it's an odd mix between childish and matronly. That being said, I love today's accessories. I do respectfully disagree with your take on her hair, Charlotte. To be honest, I thought it looked (especially in other pictures not on this blog) unkempt and frizzy. It's obvious it was a windy day, and I think it took the styling out of her hair pretty fast.
ReplyDeleteI 100% agree on everything you said!
DeleteThe coat has an absolutely gorgeous drape (the fabric must be exquisite!), but I'm not a fan of the details.
I absolutely adore her accessories. They would be lovely at a wedding, maybe with one of her Roksanda Illincic dresses or the pink orchid Jenny Packham from Singapore? (Here's hoping!)
I think she looks radiant! :) This coat is one of my favourites! Hoping for a baby girl,too :)
ReplyDeleteKate looked lovely and who would ever guess that she has one month to go! I really like the coat, but preferred it with the hat she wore last time.
ReplyDeleteDon't like the hat at all. I liked the picture hat she wore with this coat for the Trooping of the Colors in 2013.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, just emailed, thrilled to win, really needed that pick me up as my 7 year old boxer Zoe is in intensive care with heart failure
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Beth :) I'll check my emails now!
DeleteSo sorry to hear about Zoe x
DeleteI'm so sorry, we have a 7 yr old boxer too...we will be praying for you all. 💓
DeleteAs an animal lover, I do sympathize. Thinking of you and Zoe....
DeleteI hope Zoe pulls through, Beth. We just lost one of ours a month or so ago, so I can relate.
DeleteCongratulations on your contest win, Beth! But so sad about your dog! :-( Take care.
DeleteCongratulations on your win and very sorry your boxer is girl is suffering. They are the best dogs.
DeleteBeth, congratulations!
DeleteI'm sorry about Zoe, prayers for peace.
I'm curious: can anyone marry at this Abbey or not? How does it work exactly?
ReplyDeleteThe only people that can be married in Westminster Abbey are members of the Royal Family, Order of the Bath members and their children, and anyone living in the Abbey’s Precincts
DeleteI thought Kate looked lovely today. If I would choose to change anything it might be her shoes and hat, but they weren't terrible, just not my favorites. Her hair did look a bit messy, but in Kate's defense, I watched their arrival on video and there was a huge gust of wind as she stepped out of the car. In just seconds, there goes a perfectly coiffed do!
ReplyDeleteI must say the Queen has never looked better. I'm not sure who is "dressing" her these days, but they are doing a magnificent job! She also looks happier and seems to smile more easily. I shouldn't speculate, but maybe she is feeling that the future of the "firm" is in good hands. Where was Harry today? I missed seeing him.
harry must be with Emma Watson 😃 wishful thinking!
DeleteThe Queen's dresser and stylist is Angela Kelly. She designs some of the Queen's outfits and has even been allowed to publish a book about dressing the Queen. Her work has done wonders for her Her Majesty's wardrobe. She is said to have consulted with Kate also.
DeleteI personally like this ensemble however $5000 for a MORGANITE earrings with just tiny diamonds? No way Jose!! I'm a fan of Kiki McDonough and have bought three pairs of earrings the two citrines and the green amethyst but this pair is way more expensive. I come from South a East Asia and I'm not kidding when I say that for $5000 US dollars you can buy a beautiful set of diamonds with necklace and earrings in 18 karat gold!! Jesus Kiki! How do you even come up with such exorbitant price?
ReplyDeleteAnd recently I ordered the replica of the Gold plated triple hoop earrings from my native country in 24 karat gold! I will share it in My Small Obsessions' Facebook page once they arrive!
Again Kiki needs to re consider her pricing strategy!
The pink coat looks to be the perfect choice for the weather, and it is so nice to see all of it this time. Before, the lower part of it was hidden in the carriage and on the balcony. I like the whole ensemble, though I never understand how anyone can walk on cobblestones in heels like those! The hat is very pretty. I do think in an effort to cover her much criticized forehead, Kate tipped it so far forward that it sits awkwardly on her hair style. She is also much more pale than when she wore this coat in June, and her face looks quite full. She even looks more pregnant than she did at the Goring Hotel. But she does look healthy, happy, and extremely elegant. It is good to see Kate and William back together and at an Abbey celebration with the royal family.
ReplyDeleteOh. Is her forehead criticized?
DeleteCamilla
Heh, see the comments after the Goring post! Just in case you were serious. ;- p
DeleteOoooh the lines! I had totally forgotten about it :)
DeleteCamilla
Love the coat and earrings, wish we could see the dress? The hat looks similar to others she has worn, a bit scrunched in the back? Is the shiny fabric on the hat supposed to match the shiny shoes? I agree with previous post that shoes look like bridesmaid shoes....
ReplyDeletethrilled to have the duchess of Cambridge out again maybe these will be march is her final engagement i love the coat these very similar last year trooping color her majesty look amazing too and the duchess of Cornwall congrats to beth
ReplyDeleteThank you for another good post Charlotte but I'm not happy with the overall look of the outfit and do not like the shoes. I have never been a fan of this coat though although pink is pretty on the duchess
ReplyDeleteI think she just looks so pretty today! Those pink earrings are gorgeous! I really thought the pics of her with Prince Charles were sweet, they speak a lot of how their relationship is. You cant fake those looks. Part of me hopes we see a new princess next month. But then the other part of me is a sucker for two boys... Brothers yet best friends. Reminds me of my two boys. :)
ReplyDeleteI can't understand what is wrong with satin in the daytime when brides being married in the daytime wear it all the time. Is it only supposed to be worn for wedding party members? Why?
ReplyDeleteI like the entire ensemble today. I like her hair too. Love the occasion and the Queen's speech. QE looked wonderful, didn't she? Cute pictures of the cheek-to-cheek greetings with Charles and Camilla.
It just occurred to me that last year Edward & Sophie attended the service at Westminster Abbey. I can't help but wonder whether they were unable to do so today, or is this another example of streamlining?
ReplyDeleteOh Kate looks absolutely lovely! I loved seeing her when she wore this ensemble at Trooping the Colour and loved that she wore it again today. I think it is so feminine and elegant. Both Kate and William looked happy and it was so nice to see Kate and Prince Charles exchanging a giggle. I love to see the Senior Royals together at engagements and the service looked to be very nice. Kate seems to be doing well in her final weeks of pregnancy. Not too long before the prince or princess arrives! Wonderful post Charlotte! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAll pink, huh? Is she trying to hint at something, wink-wink? :))
ReplyDeleteThank you for the post Charlotte!
ReplyDeleteNot my favourite outfit of Kate's but I do LOVE the earrings.
Charlotte - aren't there any photos of the Duchess curtsying to HM, Charles and/or Camilla? I can't seem to find any which surprises me.
I'm not sure about the Queen, but there is a video where she greets Charles and Camilla and does not curtsy. I am not really sure why not. I was a bit surprised.
DeleteI am not sure about curtsying to the Queen, but there is a video that shows Kate greeting Charles and Camilla-no curtsy. I am not sure why not, she is supposed to,
DeleteI think she deserves a pass for being 8 months pregnant in 4 inch heels.
DeleteTerri if she cannot curtsy in 4 in heels, than she shouldn't wear them. Protocol is protocol with the royals. And 4 in heels is not an excuse not to curtsy. I think the Queen would still expect it.
DeleteConsidering that Kate is 8+ months pregnant with her second child AND wearing 4 inch heels, I don't think she would be safely able to curtsy... I happen to also be 8 months pregnant with my second child, due early April (supposedly same time as HRH) and almost always wear 4 inch heels as well to events, and by this point, though I have had a minimal amount of weight gain and am a former athelete, my center of gravity has shifted enough that I am fairly uncomfortable and have difficulty bending over to even put on shoes or pick something up off the floor. Kate looks to be heavier than I am at this point, so I can only imagine she may feel as uncomfortable as I do, if not more so, and in all likelihood has probably been forbidden to curtsy or forgiven for not doing so by this stage. :)
DeleteShe wouldn't have to do a full curtsy. Other very pregnant women do it. She swiftly climbed out of a high vehicle with zero help, bends down to talk to children in heels while this pregnant. She could have crossed her feet, bended her knees slightly and bowed her head. Her regular curtsy is a two-second bob anyways. I'm actually really disappointed, but she has shown before that not all protocol applies to her. I really hope we are just missing photos of it.
DeleteThere is video of William greeting Charles. No bow there either which is also protocol.He may have bowed and she may have curtsied but obviously not everything was captured on video or photo. Surely the Royals know their own protocol better than all of us on this blog!
DeleteThe governess to Princess Elizabeth and Margaret recorded in her book that they curtsied to their father when he returned from his proclamation, but he afterwards told them that he did not want them to repeat that, as he did not want a distance from his children. Just reminds me that I cannot remember ever seeing William and Harry bow to their parents. They have saluted their father when receiving their wings and graduating from Sandhurst, which is rather different. Perhaps Charles does not want Catherine to curtsey to him
DeleteAnon 03:17, I would really like to hope so. That is the point I have been making.
DeleteSorry, when it comes to protocols symbolizing respect to your elder or senior royals, etc, I think they are exceptionally important - at the very very least, to HM. I simply asked the question.
Today, we saw Kate bend right down to pick up an envelope that had dropped. So her present pregnant state is not an excuse to not show respects.
Has anyone noticed how grumpy William looks in the pictures (not just on this blog, but all news sites)? It makes me a little mad. Kate is almost 8 months pregnant and in heels, and is still smiling widely for all of the crowds. But the future King looks like he'd rather be anywhere else. Obviously pictures don't tell the entire story, but these are quite a few pictures taken over a period of time, not just one taken at a single moment. He's a future King who should be greeting his subjects. Or at least not looking like he doesn't want to be there. People can have bad days, but this is the first time William is being seen in public in Britain since the new year. And he leads a very private life, much more private than more other royals, so I don't think it's too much to ask to expect that during his occasional public appearance, he act his position. Any thoughts? Am I being too harsh?
ReplyDeleteMaggie, considering how protective William is of Kate and the Middleton family (and his own close relationship with them), I can understand a couple of less than smiley photos. I thought Kate did her best to handle an awkward situation although there was one photo of her (elsewhere) that reminded me of the balcony appearance on Remembrance Sunday.
DeleteFor the record, I think Charles is genuinely fond of Kate. Although, perhaps this is part of the problem!!! (And yes, it's really me here defending Charles on this one.)
I think William has a naturally melancholic expression, and has always had.. even as a child, he always looked kind of sad.
Deletehe also keeps his chin low like his mother did, which adds to the melancholy.
Camilla
Maybe he's still jet-lagged?
DeleteMaggie, I quite agree.
DeleteI'm sure the Will and Kate worshippers will pounce but I absolutely agree. There's no doubt that William and Kate's life is a public one and that they have to deal with cameras and people everywhere and in the very private moments of their lives. William and Kate's relationship became public in March 2004 so she's known since that time what this very, very public life was like and she held on for seven years for the ultimate prize.
William and Kate also lead lives of extraordinary privilege, wealth and opportunities that the extreme majority of people in the world - and in the UK - can only dream about. Even other aristocrats have to worry about paying the bills and making sure the ancestral pile has a roof that doesn't leak and has some sort of income to support itself. Will and Kate have absolutely no worries at all. They have staff to attend to their every need and wish and whim. They have the UK taxpayers to foot the bills for renovations at both of their homes.
As you noted, it's not as if they're overworked and underpaid. For the few public engagements they undertake, you'd think William could at least manage a smile. He has a permanent scowl on his face, he always looks grouchy and one really has to start to wonder if that's his private demeanor as well as his public one and if Kate isn't dealing with not just one but two spoiled little boys demanding their own way all the time.
And please let's not start with the "the media killed Diana and that's why William hates them." Diana has been dead for 17 years. William was 15 when she died, he's 31 now. He's been without her for as long as he had her. One rather gets the impression that the only time the royals remember Diana is when her death can be used to justify the bratty behavior of one or both of her sons.
If William has such an aversion to this public life as a result of losing his mother, then he should be able to cite that as his reason for abdicating for himself and his son. He and the Palace and the royal sycophants use that excuse to justify why he dislikes doing any royal duties so it surely should be accepted as a legitimate reason for his abdication.
Does he hate the public - the UK citizens and his future subjects, who wept and mourned Diana and for William's and Harry's loss - too? Because that's exactly how it seems.
Maggie, I don't know if you watched the video but it was obvious that after the kisses on the cheek there was nothing but frosty silence and damning awkwardness between Kate&Will and the Cornwalls. William seemed to be quite angry. I am beginning to believe the articles that came out on DM about Charles being angry about access to George. I was skeptical at first because the DM makes things up all the time, but there were so many quotes from friends of Camilla and Carole, that they gave me pause.
DeleteAfter watching the video of the four of them I am beginning to think they are true. And that there are genuine problems between William and Charles. I know that many of the old readers of this blog have pondered about their relationship and the ramificiations of the Wales' marriage on William, specifically on how he regards his father, and I think that we will soon get answers to that. On the surface he is polite, but I wonder whether he secretly blames Charles' cheating for Diana's later unravelling, both in the press and privately.
Now that I think about it, his very public and constant embracing of the Middletons and the increasing distance from Charles (when are they ever seen on vacation or trips ?) do say something.
Charlotte - do you have an opinion on the veracity of those articles?
Yes I think you are. William looks happy in most pictures. If you really want to get down, there are a few photos to where Kate is not smiling. And you have to remember that William has been taking all his exams for his new job. That is why we have not seen much of him except for the tour that jhe just finished.
DeleteAnd why do you have a problem with him leading a private life? If it was not ok with the Queen then we would be seeing more of him & Kate. And to me there is nothing wrong with him & Kate wanting to raise their children as hands on as possible.
Anon 17:03, could you post a link to the video...or share where you found it? I've been searching but can't find that part of it... THANK YOU. :)
DeleteElizabeth, not everyone is a natural smiler, or goes around smiling like a clown on stage. Even as a very young child, William tended to have a more serious look on his face. Not everything is, or has to be connected to Diana's death. William has plenty of relatives on the Windsor side who don't smile easily and one doesn't have to be a sycophant to point that out. :)
DeleteAnon 17:03, I think W&H love their father and have done their best to keep up appearances for the sake of family unity. But with all the information that is out there, including their mother's own words, I cannot imagine that they have a genuinely warm relationship with Camilla. I think they respect her as their father's wife and a reality in their lives. No more, no less.
DeleteWow, Amazing how much DRAMA people can (read-add ) into a few pictures.............
DeleteI don't think the drama comes from the photos, Sarah. I think it comes from all the articles last week and kissing each other at the Abbey. Which did look fake and done for the cameras, IMO. I've become quite disappointed in Charles the last month or so -- the revelation that he leaked Willam's meeting with Camilla to bolster his/her image, and the passive/aggressive articles about not seeing George. Apparently it's too difficult to pick up the phone and ask. So if there is frost I don't blame William on this one. I doubt he was behind the George articles and if I were him I'd be angry at my linen being aired in public.
DeleteFor years, the Clarence House sales pitch has been "if the boys like Camilla, she must be okay."
DeleteAnd for years I have said, like they had a choice. :)
William looked quite pleasant chatting with Kate on their way into the Abbey. Then he listened and spoke with serious attention to one of the men in the greeting line. He has just fulfilled an important diplomatic mission for the government. Asking him to abdicate at such a time seems utterly ridiculous.
DeleteThe Royal family always greet each other with cheek kisses when they meet. I suspect the laughter was at the expense of the press and its gossipy nonsense.
Anon at 19:19 - I'm confused as to where I said that I have a problem with William leading a mostly private life. The only point I was making is that he isn't expected to appear in public that much (and I have not expressed an opinion on this in this thread), so given that, it seems like he could smile on his walk into the church.
DeleteI do wonder if Charles' camp leaked these stories about him never getting to see George. I think they could have come from any other royal family member (or not!) who is interested in discrediting the Middletons/Kate. Perhaps someone who is jealous that the Middletons attended church with the royal family on Christmas, or miffed that Kate and William didn't make it to Christmas lunch at the "big house." I will say, it seems like the Cambridges do indeed spend much, much more time with Kate's family than with Charles and Camilla. Obviously Kate wants her mother nearby when she is sick or has just had a baby, but they also go on multiple vacations with the Middletons, and visit many weekends, whereas we never hear similar reports of them vacationing or often visiting Charles and Camilla. That being said, this is obviously not the way to rectify the issue.
Last thing - I get that William enjoys being around the Middletons because of the family atmosphere they provide him. But I do think that maybe Charles gets too much blame, if some of you all are correct in saying that William's relationship with his father is frosty. Yes, Charles cheated on Diana and that was a horrible thing to do. But he was also forced away from his true love in Camilla by the royal family. William of all people should understand the daunting pressures of being an heir to the throne, and how they can affect your life in a multitude of serious ways. Not to mention that William cheated on Kate while dating her, so it also seems a little hypocritical. In regards to Charles leaking things to help himself, such as William's meeting with Camilla, part of me feels like William is being naive if he doesn't recognize that as part of the life as a royal. I'm not entirely sure how leaking that meeting is really hurting William in any way, other than his privacy being violated (but in this instance, so what?). It doesn't portray him in a negative light. And William is very, very much about controlling the media as well. He just doesn't like it when others do it for him or when the media refuses to be controlled. But let's not pretend like William never manipulates the media. It just seems like a silly thing to be upset about. Now if Charles is really leaking this stuff about never getting to see George, that is obviously a lot worse. But it's possible that Charles cares less about hurting his son because William has reacted poorly in the past to negligible things, thus already souring relations. My point is just that it's never as cut and dry as people make it seem. And at this point, William is an adult. So even if Charles is his father, I don't think it's unrealistic to expect William to handle this like an adult and with a sense of realism.
I suspect they all like each other just like any large family likes each others siblings, in-laws, sister and brother in laws. They all look like a very normal large family to me. I come from a big upper class family and those reading much into these photos or videos are just , well wow, just out there.
DeleteAli
Sarah from Calif., you nailed it.
DeleteAmen Paola. There are in fact photos of William smiling including the one where Kate's looking at him.
DeleteHe's also just come back from a successful official and high profile visit to Japan and China against a backdrop of heightened tensions between the two countries because of disputed territories. Not to mention the delicate matter of the very public snub that Prince Charles gave the Chinese because of his views on Tibet and his friendship with the Dalai Lama and the RF's subsequent need to smooth relations. Yet on the basis of their personal interpretations of a handful of photos we have one poster suggesting he abdicate on behalf of himself and his son and another questioning his character. Makes zero sense.
Re the articles in the DM - as a number of DM commenters pointed out these authors have form when it comes to fictionalising accounts of events. So it remains to be seen whether there's any substance to the articles or they're just another piece of fiction dressed up as journalism. I watched the video of Kate and William greeting Charles and Camilla and it looked like a bog standard 'royals greet each other' video to me. But I had the same reaction as Bluhare to the BBC program and the leaks about William and Harry's meeting with Camilla.
Now to the most important bit - Kate looks elegant and blooming in the pink coat. Not so keen on the hat and accessories but they're appropriate for the event and that's all that matters :)
Elizabeth you sound so harsh! I think William is in a difficult position (despite all the wealth) and abdicating is not really an option (even if he wanted to) if he wants to maintain good contacts with his family.
DeleteAnd I never get why Kate is considered to have been 'holding on for the ultimate prize': it sounds so utterly old fashioned to consider a ring as a prize and accomplishment. Kate, with her family and charm and character and intelligence, could have made a great life for herself also without William.
Lovely post, Charlotte, and congrats Emily on your win!!!
ReplyDeleteNow the outfit...sorry, but this is one big ball of ‘meh' for me. Boring. Drab. You get the picture.
And it's been a while since I have ranted, but pale pink calls for LIP GLOSS! She looks so washed out, that some color on the lips, as well as bronzer, would make her look pop more.
Cute earrings though.
Omg, I mean Beth..congrats Beth on your win! Teaches me not to type while watching Emily Valentine episodes of 90210.
DeleteThought Kate looked lovely in today's outfit and not surprised she recycled, quite fortunate to have a suitable outfit made for a similar stage of her pregnancy with George, it will be interesting to see what she wears for the service on Friday. She looked immaculate, very well and happy I liked the fact that her make up was much lighter it makes her look younger. It did seem to me that Kate was enjoying herself more than William though I did find some nice photos on Getty when Kate received the flowers and William leant forward to speak to the young girl with his head almost on Kate's shoulder he was also more relaxed as they walked on together with Kate holding the flowers probably on their way out.
ReplyDeleteDelighted that it has now been officially announced that Kate & William will be at the St. Patricks day ceremony presenting Shamrocks to the Irish Guards. I now look forward to tomorrow's event at Margate
I'm sure I am in the minority here, but I just think this outfit is too pink. I love this coat, but the outfit would have looked much better with nude shoes and bag - 10 year old pink satin shoes to a daytime function just don't look right. I know as part of the BRF, Kate has to have a conservative look, but I honestly think she dresses quite matronly sometimes. I just don't understand why a gorgeous, 33 year old women wants to look so much older. IMHO, Sophie has really stepped up her fashion game, and has a much more sophisticated look. I've said it before, but this is one instance where a stylist would have made this outfit look much more current and stylish.
ReplyDeleteIn a word Maggie--yes.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good recycling of the pink coat, a good design and a beautiful shade. I thought she might wear the lace dress ensemble that she wore to the Service when pregnant with George, but I can never seem to predict her outfit correctly. The hat's a little fussy with the fabric, she has worn this 'teardrop' shape several times before. I don't really like the backcombed hair, doesn't look right with the hat from the back view, an odd effect.
ReplyDeleteShe wasn't as far along then so maybe it wasn't a good fit? It could have been altered, but if she already had something that fits for further along in the pregnancy it makes sense.
DeleteHow can anyone walk in stiletto heels so high? [a platform, maybe]. Those look like four inch heels...
ReplyDeleteNot that hard. Just takes some practice.
DeleteIf you wear heels a lot it is pretty easy. I live in heels and 4 inches is nothing (without a platform). Kate also lives in heels, so it wouldn't be that hard. These actually only look like 3.5in heels, which for Kate is nothing. She normally wears 4in or higher. It doesn't take a superwoman to walk in stilettos, just practice :)
DeleteAgree, heels at 9 months pregnant if you wear them regularly not a big deal. If you look at photos from the early 1920 to 1950s you will see plenty of pregnant women in heels.:) For most women your balance point does not change so rapidly that you can not compensate.
DeleteAli
As someone who has worn heels for a long time, I can tell you that it has a disastuous effect on your feet later in life (I'll spare you the medical details - but ask any podiatrist / orthopedist / chiropractor, or even do a search on the topic on any of popular medical sites). Unless you are extremely (extremely!!) short - which Kate certainly is not, it is something that she (and others like her) will bitterly regret later in life. I am convinced many young (or even middle-aged) ladies may not agree - but like it or not, it is a medically proven reality (no exceptions, sadly)....
DeleteMorganite is one of my favorite stones and I am loving these earrings! Pale pink is one of my favorite colors.....I think she looks just lovely.
ReplyDelete