Royal photographer James Whatling was on hand outside Kensington Palace to capture photographs of departures ahead of the party. The Duke and Duchess spent the day in South Yorkshire before returning to London to get ready.
The black-tie affair saw the royals in all their finery for the milestone birthday. Although these images are being circulated around the globe, it was very much a family affair tonight.
Harry and Meghan leaving Kensington Palace.
Mark Stewart photographed a selection of arrivals including Lady Helen Taylor, the Earl of Snowdon and the Grand Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg.
A host of European royals were in attendance. The Norwegian Palace shared a photo of King Harald, Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit before the party. Both the Queen and the Crown Princess look terrific. Last month, Mette-Marit revealed she was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. Mette-Marit said: "For a number of years, I have had health challenges on a regular basis, and now we know more about what these are, although such a diagnosis will limit my life at times, I'm glad that the disease has been discovered so early. My goal is still to work and participate in the official programme as much as possible." It was wonderful to see her there tonight looking so well.
The Danish royal palace shared a look at elegant Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederick.
Catherine Walker posted a photo of Lady Frederick Windsor in one of their gorgeous gowns.
Clarence House shared this lovely photo of Charles and Camilla leaving their residence.
Her Majesty paid tribute to her son and heir in an incredibly heartfelt and touching speech: “It is a privilege for any mother to be able to propose a toast to her son on his 70th birthday. It means that you have lived long enough to see your child grow up. It is rather like - to use an analogy I am certain will find favour - planting a tree and being able to watch it grow. My mother saw me turn 70, of course. And she was heard to observe that 70 is exactly the age when the number of candles on your cake finally exceeds the amount of breath you have to blow them out.
"Over his 70 years, Philip and I have seen Charles become a champion of conservation and the arts, a great charitable leader - a dedicated and respected heir to the throne, to stand comparison with any in history - and a wonderful father.
"Most of all, sustained by his wife Camilla, he is his own man, passionate and creative. So this toast is to wish a Happy Birthday to my son, in every respect a Duchy original.
"To you, Charles. To the Prince of Wales."
Duchy Originals is a company which the Prince of Wales set up in 1990, principally to sell organic food products. Since then, it has become established as a leading organic and natural food brand. In 2010 the brand went into partnership with Waitrose. The Duchy Originals biscuits are a particular favourite; a splendid joke from Her Majesty.
In celebration of Charles' birthday, this week’s issue of Country Life has been guest edited by the Prince of Wales. The magazine included a contribution from Prince William. William said: "His unwavering commitment to rural issues and the countryside has been a big inspiration to me and something I am keen to emulate and teach my children about." William jokingly added: "He is completely infatuated by the red squirrels that live around the Birkhall estate in Scotland - to the extent that he’s given them names and is allowing them into the house!"
Earlier today, the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery fired a 41-gun Royal Salute to celebrate Prince Charles' 70th birthday in Green Park, central London.
A very nice video with highlights from the future king's 70th year.
The Duchess looked magnificent tonight. The gown (from what we can see), the hair and make, the earrings... Earlier in the post I noted, despite the gravitas of the event, it is essentially a family affair: the celebration of a son, father, brother, husband and friend as much as a future sovereign. I often feel at family events we get a glimpse into Kate's 'off duty' style. The Duchess wore a one shoulder gown with rose shaped ruffles in a beautiful pink hue.
This Mark Stewart image offers a slightly better look.
Heaven received confirmation from Jenny Packham it is not one of their designs. Marchesa could be another contender. Laura shared a look at their 3D Floral Gown and Harini posted a Resort 2018 design.
A closer look at Kate's elaborate updo.
Heaven received confirmation from Jenny Packham it is not one of their designs. Marchesa could be another contender. Laura shared a look at their 3D Floral Gown and Harini posted a Resort 2018 design.
A closer look at Kate's elaborate updo.
The Duchess wore her dazzling pink earrings.
Kate wore the statement earrings for the 100 Women in Hedge Funds Gala in 2011 and again for the BAFTAs in 2016. Their provenance is unknown. The Palace confirmed previously they are not on loan from the Queen. I expect it's highly possible they were a wedding gift.
Unfortunately, it seems we will not see a family portrait from the evening as many of us hoped would be the case. Rebecca English said the Palace confirmed photos wouldn't be released. Hopefully Kate will re-wear the gown, perhaps for a future State banquet. I hope the entire family had a wonderful night.
Click here to catch up on William and Kate's engagements in South Yorkshire.
Happy Birthday Prince Charles!
Click here to catch up on William and Kate's engagements in South Yorkshire.
Happy Birthday Prince Charles!
WHOAH! Kate is looking glamorous! Love seeing a new hairdo on her and those earrings are so pretty and such a statement. I hope we get to see more of the dress!
ReplyDeleteWow! Stunning! I love the updo & those BAFTA earrings :) Happy Birthday Charles 🎂
ReplyDeleteThe gown looks one shouldered & ruffled...I hope we get to see a full length shot!
ReplyDeleteOMG she looks stunning! So hoping we get to see pictures because the little peek of pink on one shoulder is just not enough!! Loving her updo tonight! Hope they have a grand time and don't forget to share pictures with us!! cc
ReplyDeleteWonderful updo!!! Kate looks absolutely lovely!
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeletebetween charlotte's and louis's birth there was a time when kate looked boring and sad but what a comeback since louis birth wow wowwow she shows she will be a future queen, her hairdresser tonight is perfect she looks beautiful and noble
Interesting point anoym. Kate never seemed sad or boring to me, but definitely there is something on your observation. For my part, I have three "eras" that stand out for me in terms of Kate's radiance/sparkle: just after the wedding, first pregnancy and NOW! Now in capital letters because at each of her outings after coming back from maternity leave with Louis I am left gasping for my breath, lol.
DeleteCan't wait (or hope to) see some nice pictures from the evening!
Ella from Europe
True, but apparently she's back to her stunning best ( Like she was in 2011).
DeleteI also notice a difference! I see her fashion as a reflection of the changing times in the royal family and her increased role. To me, she is making choices befitting a Queen Consort. This in no way diminishes how elegant and appropriate she has always looked in her role, but there is just an added level of polish lately that I've really been enjoying. Charlotte, what do you think about doing a "metamorphosis" post? :)
DeleteI think it's because she took a longer maternity leave this time. She looks awesome!
DeleteI LOVE THIS.
ReplyDeleteMake-up, updo and earrings are pure perfection.
I can say that I really like the dress’ colour and it seems to complement Kate’s colours wonderfully...and I’m dying to see a full length photo!!! Fingers crossed.
Can you imagine being little Charlotte and seeing your mama get all dolled up like the literal princess she is?! Kate is STUNNING. I cannot wait to see the full shot! And those earrings are divine!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, CeeCee! Charlotte - as well as George, for that matter - must adore Mum! 😃
DeleteIt does make you wonder if the children get to see her all dressed up before she leaves. That would be so awesome, especially when she is wearing a tiara to a State Banquet. I would love to be a fly on the wall when it dawns on George, Charlotte, and Louis who they actually are and that Charlotte will get to dress up and wear jewels like her Mom's one day.
DeleteI agree. I keep looking at the pictures. Like a goddess. Reminds me of some of the photos of Diana in her strapless (well not completely strapless) gowns and jewels.
DeleteKate! This is your fashion year, girl! Started from the Erdem now we’re here! :)
ReplyDeleteOmg I love her hair! I hope we see full pics of her outfit.
ReplyDeleteWow! She looks amazing in that color. I love her hair like this too!
ReplyDeleteWow! Her profile! Stunning!
ReplyDeleteShe truly is STUNNINGLY gorgeous!!
DeleteI would not want to be photographed next to her! Perfection.
DeleteWow!! What a gorgeous updo and earrings!! Breathtaking....and that's just a profile pic. Hope they publish photos so we can see the entire gown.
ReplyDeleteI feel kate always wears the best dresses when we can’t see a full look at it lol
ReplyDeleteI’m dying to get a look at that dress
She looks amazing
Do we have any idea when we will see her again?
Wow.........she looks amazing! Fingers crossed that they release additional photos from the party!
ReplyDeleteAmazing! Hair and earrings, just perfect, simply beautiful. Wow!
ReplyDeleteSilvia
Catherine's hairdresser has outdone herself tonight ! She looks like a Grecian goddess !And what about those earrings !Let's hope we get to see some full length shots of the dress.🤞
ReplyDeleteWOW! STUNNING! I love this look! Absolutely beautiful!! Love the updo and what I can see of the dress. Earrings are also beautiful! Can’t wait to see more pics 👍🏻
ReplyDeleteHer hair!!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe it! A new, glamorous and interesting updo! And I even felt like her updos looked better at the Remembrance events this weekend too. Did Kate finally get a new hairstylist? Send Amanda to classes? Read all our complaints on the blogs.
ReplyDeleteLol, maybe they did read all our complaints! Someone’s stepped up :)
DeleteJust saw Rebecca English’s tweet in which she says that they’ve been told no photos of the party will be released.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand she mentions a “surprise”..intriguing!
I saw that too!! I can't wait to find out what it is.
DeleteIt must have been the Queen’s rare & sentimental toast to Charles!
DeleteKate = polished perfection. LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteStunning!!!! Hope we get a full look at the dress!
ReplyDeleteStunning hair.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant colour.
Earrings to die for.....
Beautiful amazing lovely. What a beautiful Duchess
ReplyDeleteCatherine looks ***fabulous***!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Hope some more photos will be released from tonight’s party!
ReplyDeleteNow this is a gorgeous hair style. Kate looks magnificent. What a beauty.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous. However why does her hairdresser use hairnets? She uses pieces to make the buns and between bobby pins and hair sprays and styling products her hair should stay in place without a net.
ReplyDeleteit looks like the dress is over only one shoulder - very goddess like! She looks fantastic - the hair and earrings are just amazing!!!
ReplyDeleteThat hair!!!😍😍😍😍 wowza that looks incredible. Chic, interesting, dramatic.
ReplyDeleteThis look (to me) makes it look like there is “work Kate” then “off duty Kate” she looks regal, but that fact that there is no tiara, no formality in terms of representing the crown, she goes trendy and youthful. Just my two cents. This is a private party and Kate was like “make me a sexy goddess please!!” Love it
Again I 'm dying.New,spectacular hairstyle,eye -catching colour and fabric (more pjotos,please ) and glamorous earrings.Catherine,you are the queen !
ReplyDeleteOH MY! THIS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL KATE HAS EVER LOOKED!!!
ReplyDeleteCamilla
Wow just beautiful. Kate looks stunning. Love love love the hair style and from what I can see of the dress, looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteWow, wow, wow - beautiful Kate :)
ReplyDeleteHer hairstyle is absolutely STUNNING!!! The dress looks like it is one-shouldered. I hope some eagle-eyed people can identify it. I wonder if we will get to see the family arriving like in this short video from Prince Charles 60th birthday:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.gettyimages.no/detail/video/prince-charles-sixtieth-birthday-england-london-ext-at-news-footage/688275600
pink....nice
ReplyDeleteI must say I am pleased to see Kate wearing something outside her usual silhouette and careful V-neck.
ReplyDeleteLook at that hair ladies!! Are you happy!? I love her hair swept back from her forehead. She has worn it that way so seldom.
ReplyDeleteMight I just add that perhaps Kate is so confident and content looking as she may now perhaps feel her family is complete. I feel there is a sense of achievement and accomplishment in her manner and she can now relax and enjoy her engagements with William and they can enjoy being a couple again without thoughts of expanding their family. I think she feels a sense of renewed energy as her body is now her own again and that phase of her life is complete. Pregnancies, childbirth and nurturing are all very demanding and time consuming if you like to be a hands on parent so I feel congratulations is in order as her children looked very confident and happy.
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting theory! It makes sense in some ways that she would choose to invest in more high fashion choices if she wasn't anticipating pregnancy.
DeleteKate looks lovely from what we can see.
ReplyDeleteOn an occasion such as this, I would almost expect a photo of all the Royals gathered for the celebration. One can hope...😉
It would be so unfair to not let us see the duchesses' dresses. :)
ReplyDeleteIt would be downright sinful! Lol.
DeleteAllison, yes, I wish that they would show the Duchess’s dress; Kate is such a beauty ...
DeleteHer updo and make up are fantastic! Can't wait for more photos...
ReplyDeleteEveryone is speculating on all the changes with Kate and it is very obvious. We are all witnessing the changing of the guard right before our very eyes. The Queen is taking a step back for Charles to step up. William and Catherine are preparing to become the new Prince and Princess of Wales.
ReplyDeleteTrixie - you are absolutely correct, and I fells that everyone is stepping into their roles beautifully. It is hard to believe that the next three monarchs will all be Kings - Charles, then William, then George; long live the Queen!
DeleteIt would be so nice if they would release a photo of the Queen with Charles & Camilla, and William & Kate; the a historic photograph, of the senior royals, on this special day!
DeleteHer hair looks spectacular, and those gorgeous earring really set-off her regal profile!
ReplyDeleteHer hair is amazing. Happy birthday to Prince Charles. I didn't know he had an organic food brand. Sad, because I don't support misleading organic advertising and I was starting to like him
ReplyDelete-AZ
Some organic advertising is real and I think Duchy Original is one of those. The biscuits are very tasty. I believe he is not pretending when he claims that he cares about the environment. Speaking up gets him lots of abuse so why would he do it unless he cares?
DeleteThose earrings are incredible and love what little we can see of the dress. Sylvia agree her make up looks fantastic.
ReplyDeleteSeeing some photos of the other guests and of Charles and Camilla the event looks like gorgeous "fancy" dress but with that let us have a fun party feel to it because it is not an official affair. How fun.
Perhaps someone can identify her beautiful dress by what we can see. It would be a shame not to see it! Lol, I can only imagine. Thanks Charlotte for the posts.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely of the Queen. What an exceptional speech. I like Camilla’s gown very much. Dare we hope KP also willrelease photos?
ReplyDeleteSo very sad to hear about the Crown Princess of Norway. Her lung disease is incurable, I’m told.
Ohhh I love pink and I so want to see this dress! Kate looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI love this look! Are we sure those earrings aren't Morganite or Kunzite or some similar pink stone? I may be mistaken, but if those central pear-shaped stones are pink diamonds, they would be among the biggest pink diamonds in the world. The world's biggest pink diamond just sold this week for $50 million, and it fits on a ring (almost 19 carats). They're gorgeous earrings, but I don't think the center stones are diamonds (they also don't seem to sparkle in the way diamonds would).
ReplyDeleteYou are right, I doubt they are diamonds.
DeleteAnon 00:59 I bet you are right about the center stone not being pink diamonds.
DeleteThe updo is fantastic and the look was good i really love to see the whole outfit I love the updo she really lo looks likw peibcess williams queen consodt
ReplyDeleteAnd happy birthday prince charles
ReplyDeleteThis is her best hairdo yet, I think! Wow! I hope we get to see the entire outfit. I agree with all of the above about her growing royal appearance.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I can see, the Duchess of Cambridge looks beautiful. I enjoyed the toast that the Queen gave to her son, Prince Charles. Thanks Charlotte for posting the video of Prince Charles; he’s a busy man. Nice picture of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. Happy birthday, Prince Charles and may God bless you with many more healthy happy years. Thanks, Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteI may be premature, tomorrow may well bring a surprise family photo but I can't help feeling that if the Norwegian royal family could pose for a photo, why couldn't the BRF, especially on such a special occasion? Yes, PC released the photo of himself with Camilla, his sons and their wives, but how special would it be to see a photo of him with his parents as well?
ReplyDeleteWhat a look! From what u can make out, she looks spectacular.. big big thumbs up! Gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteCatherine's hair is stunning wish we could see the full dress, same for Meghan. I most wish I could see the speech that Her Majesty gave to Prince Charles it sounds beautiful
ReplyDeleteHappy Bday to Prince Charles I adore the portrait of him and his sons in their handsome uniforms
thanks Charlotte.
PS I am so sad to hear of Princess Mette-Marit's fatal lung diagnosis prayers are with the young princess the diagnosis is so heartbreaking and she also has such young children my heart goes out to them
ReplyDeleteI am Obsessed with Kate's updo!!!! I really hope we see it again!! :) xx
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to Prince Charles. Always love Kate's looks!
ReplyDeleteIf you go to Mark Stewart's Twitter page you can see another four inches of Kate's dress. The rosettes are clustered over the shoulder, and beneath them is a gathering of sheer fabric of the silk/crepe type over the bust. I can only imagine how gorgeous the full length version looks given Kate's ability to wear such a pink.
ReplyDeleteCould it be that Catherine changed hairdresser ? This hairdo seems great , no heavy messy bun in a hairnet’, but a real elegant updo , second time in a few days she has such a great way of having her hair !
ReplyDeleteDo we know if Prince Philip was in attendance ?
The Queen’s Speech is absolutely brilliant and loving , and in her usual way she strengthens the family bond and enhances Charles’s future as a king with Camilla on her side as his best support , and that final joke .... I love it !
Oh to have been a tiny teeny fly on the wall for this SPLENDID celebration! I think we all would have loved to indulge in watching the beautiful gowns and jewels closer up.. sigh...
ReplyDeleteKate looks amazing! I hope she will re-wear this gown so we see it in full. I was glad to see her wearing a seatbelt, as sometimes when they are sitting in the back we do not see seatbelts in the photos. Also, if William was driving, does it mean he didn't drink at the party?
ReplyDeleteTop of my list of royal peeves are car shots - first - they are horribly unflattering - look at poor Helen Taylor who really is a very attractive woman and the others don't fare much better. The only person who looks good is Kate. Even there on her and Meghan the harsh light picks up their use of bronzer and makes it seem heavy. Camilla looks massively older in the car than she does in the presumably touched up formal portrait.
ReplyDeleteSecond - the car shots highlight that the public is being excluded - we're reduced not to being implied guests such as we were at Eugenie's wedding for instance, and Frederic's birthday party in Denmark, but voyeurs.
Third - the party and the birthday was heavily hyped - and then nothing - no good photos.
Fourth - The royals don't seem comfortable with the car shots - especially the drivers.
Fifth - It encourages a pap feel to the family - making it that much harder for the public to decide what are acceptable pap photos and what aren't. Authorised photos remove that ambiguity.
So Nobody wins with car shots. Not the public - not the royals.
So the best for me would be how it has been done for private parties for the Scandinavian royals - allow limited controlled photos by established photographers as the royal guests enter - either at the carriage entrance or if that seems too red carpet as people walk in. Then the party can carry on privately. Eugenie's wedding shows the public likes and becomes engaged when photos like this are allowed. And with good lighting and a chance for the photographers to take decent photos - the royals themselves look better - with emphasis on whole outfits - not where earrings came from.
From what we can see Kate - a car shot pro (a dress you can see a bit of the top of, good earrings, fancy hairstyle) looks very elegant. The queen's speech was charming although without good photos - and given the unfortunate timing - didn't get much play in the news. For us, it was something of an anticlimax to the build-up to the birthday - but the royals hopefully had a happy party. And I still hope - faintly, dimly, more photos will turn up eventually.
Amen to your argument, Julia. Good PR would have--should have--persuaded them long ago.
DeleteI agree with you Julia. Car shots are not ideal, although both Duchesses look pretty good. I would prefer one group shot or receiving line pictures similar to what the European royals do. I am also curious to know why the British royals are so stingy when it comes to photos of important events such as this.
DeleteI completely agree Julia. In fact, in one of Mark Stewart's photos it looked like Harry was trying to shield his eyes from glare. Seeing the European royals, I can't help feeling--much as I have grown up with, and admired, the Queen--that it is time for Charles to step into the title for which he has been groomed. The DOE has retired, deservedly so, and gets flak for not being with the Queen on important occasions. But if the Queen were to retire as well, they could both go about their pursuits with no criticisms (or at least I would hope there would be no criticisms.) Yes, she made a vow to her country but now that Charles is 70, an age where many men actually retire, she could show her trust in him by giving the throne to him. Just as they have enjoyed watching Charles grow into manhood, I would think that the Queen would enjoy seeing him become the kind of king she has groomed him to be. Her own mother was a great example. Or so I think anyway. I am sure my opinion will not be a popular one though.
DeleteGreat post, Julia. I really am baffled by the stinginess of pictures at these events. It would be so simple to have a few handpicked media as they walk into the room like all the other European Royal Family do rather than this awkward car shots which are often unflattering, clearly not safe for the drivers and which as you accurately pointed out create an air of separation between the have and have-nots rather than make people feel included particularly for this occasion when so much effort has been expended to garner goodwill towards Charles and Camilla.
DeleteI see where your coming from Julia. I thought they would release a formal group shot to include the royal guests. It's PR 101, no? And why would Clarence House pass on such an obvious opportunity? Unless they do so in the near future..? Perhaps to be included in the Queen's Christmas message...?
DeleteA really good analysis, Julia! Particularly the point about how we're reduced to voyeurs. All we can see are women dripping in diamond and drivers who look like they're about to flip a ...
DeleteHeidi
Lovely hairstyle. I hope to see it more often for formal occasions, as well as the full length of her gown one day. My husband's birthday is in September, and the same age as HRH.
ReplyDeleteThis picture shows a little more of Kate's stunning dress:
ReplyDeletepic.twitter.com/r1tlsLOz5i
MAN! I SO wish I could see the whole dress! It looks beautiful from the tiny bit shown!
ReplyDeleteOn another note: Charles and Camilla looked SPECTACULAR. JUST spectacular.
What a wonderful happy family occasion, Prince Charles celebrating his 70th birthday with both parents in attendance. A heartfelt tribute from The Queen acknowleding his support for charity, the environment and social issues, and especially mentioning Camilla.
ReplyDeleteThe Duchess of Cambridge looked absolutely stunning, since her return to public life after maternity leave she has looked amazing and appropriate for each event that she has attended.
How comforting for The Queen knowing that Charles and Camilla will carry on her legacy and William and Catherine as Prince and Princess of Wales will be in the future uphold the traditions of family and service to others.
WOW ! STUNNING STUNNING STUNNING....... I found myself looking at Catherine again and again and again. She is such a beauty !
ReplyDeleteWOW ! Stunning stunning stunning.... I found myself looking at Catherine again and again and again. Does she know how beautiful she is ?
ReplyDeletehttps://www.instagram.com/p/BqNTd8hlltT/ here is a link to picture of Kate updo from the back :)
ReplyDeleteJust a comment on the 70th. The reporters were told there were no photos but surprises to come perhaps footage of the night or even a commeration book. Chris Jackson took all the formal released photos and he has just published a photographic book Modern Monarchy. So perhaps he had a commission for the 70th. Thank you Charlotte as always for the interesting post
ReplyDeleteKate looks GORGEOUS. Love this updo -- I hope she's changed hair stylists for good.
ReplyDeleteI do hope this isn't a Marchesa dress, though. As much as I love Georgina Chapman's designs, I cannot stomach that brand after everything with Harvey Weinstein.