Best Day Look
The tour began in Warsaw with the Duchess arriving in a familiar silhouette by Alexander McQueen. The ivory wool and silk blend twill coat bore instantly noticeable similarities to previous styles worn by the Duchess (quite a few readers thought it a repeat). We all have specific styles which work best for us and we feel comfortable in and that was very much the case with this look for Kate. The impeccably tailored look was complemented with the addition of a distinctive belt. The Duchess styled the look with Gianvito Rossi praline pumps, her red Casa clutch and ruby and diamond jewellery.
For Day Two of the tour, the Duchess wore a bespoke top and midi skirt in 'Hurst Rose Print' by Erdem. The outfit proved by far the most divisive choice from the tour with incredibly heated opinion expressed. What I will say on the matter is: everything I remember about the visit to Stutthof has absolutely nothing to do with the clothes; it was the stand out engagement where such matters seemed almost too trivial to write about. I personally thought Kate looked appropriate, the itinerary of the day meant the Cambridges were taken straight from Stutthof to a street party, drink tasting and a theatre visit. Kate teamed the dress with her Stuart Weitzman Nearly Nude Sandals, Etui clutch and Milk Amber jewellery.
Does anyone design pretty dresses better than Jenny Packham? Kate paid tribute to the gold in the German flag in a bespoke Packham jacquard dress with a fit-and-flare silhouette, a set-in waistband and floral motif. The dress was styled with Monsoon Fleur Wedges, a McQueen clutch and new Oscar de la Renta earrings.
The rowing trip meant a quick change of clothes. Kate chose her go-to casual attire of a Breton top and jeans. The blue top is by German luxury brand Hugo Boss. Kate also wore her Superga Cotu trainers. Note: This look is clearly very different in terms of informality compared to the other options in this category, however, as it's the only "casual daywear" look worn, it merits inclusion in this particular poll.
Finally, the Duchess was colourful in a bespoke lavender Emilia Wickstead dress for the final day of the tour. The long sleeve dress has a fitted bodice and flared skirt. Kate teamed it with a distinctive red Anya Hindmarch clutch, Kiki McDonough Lavender Amethyst Pear and Oval Drop Earrings and Praline pumps.
Best Evening Look
Kate's edgiest choice of the tour came when the Cambridges attended a birthday party for the Queen in Warsaw. HRH chose a monochrome cocktail dress with architectural black detailing and a deep v neckline by one of Poland's best-known designers, Gosia Baczynska. The designer later told the Telegraph: "Until the last moment, I didn’t know which outfit the Duchess was going to wear. I had some expectation that she would wear it but I couldn’t be sure so was extremely happy and excited when I saw her in my dress. The most important thing for me is quality which means really good fabric and realisation," she says. "I would like women who wear my outfits to feel special and modern. Classy and a little bit rebellious." Kate styled the dress with black Gianvito Rossi D'orsay Pumps and statement pearls.
Lady in red Kate donned a flowing, off-the-shoulder McQueen maxi dress for the Queen's Birthday Party at the ambassador's residence in Berlin. The dress is from Alexander McQueen's Spring '17 collection which captures the beautiful landscapes and folkloric history of the Shetland Islands. The dress was worn with Prada sandals and statement earrings by Simone Rocha.
For a reception in the vintage mirrored hall of Clärchens Ballhaus, Kate selected a sparrow print dress by German designer Markus Lupfer. The teal jacquard dress is from the Pre Autumn/Winter 2017 Collection; it was quite an unusual choice for Kate and different to her usual style of 'cocktail' dress choices. The dress was teamed with a Jenny Packham belt, a clutch by Anne Grand-Clement, Prada sandals, Soru Pearl earrings and Diana's triple strand pearl bracelet.
Looking forward to seeing your choices :)
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Whilst we're recapping the tour, at the Queen's birthday party in Berlin, official photos of the Cambridges and the team who accompanied them were published on UK in Germany's Flickr feed (they were later removed). The images show William and Kate with their staff who played a vital role in ensuring the tour ran smoothly.
There are quite a few unfamiliar faces in the photo. The ones I do recognise include Senior Communications Officer Katrina McKeever, William and Kate's private secretaries Rebecca Priestley and Miguel Head. Their press secretary Jason Knauf, Nanny Maria Teresa, and longtime adviser David Manning. The man beside David Maninng has worked for the Cambridges for several years as an orderly, but I do not know his name. Kate's stylist/PA Natasha Archer and hair stylist Amanda Cook-Tucker are also pictured.
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The long-awaited Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy documentary aired on ITV last night, and I suspect, like me, many of you were curled up on the sofa watching intently. Over the years since her passing so much has been written, from the factually correct to the insanely untrue. We've heard perspectives and opinions from countless people who knew her as a royal, a friend, a sister. Until last night we had never so openly heard from the people who knew and loved her most, her sons. It's a very emotional watch, as William and Harry lay bare their grief and share treasured memories of Diana whom they miss more than words can explain. They discussed the fun times, their last phone call with her and how they still feel her presence. The brief was to make a film that, in years to come, the princes' could show to their children, and one day, George, Charlotte (and any future siblings and cousins) will all sit down and get to know 'Granny Diana'. Ultimately, it's a true representation of who Diana was and still is to William and Harry, the woman they knew and how they remember their mother. I thought it a fantastic, moving piece of television and a fitting tribute to the People's Princess from her sons. I won't say too much more as I know many of you haven't seen it yet. Luckily, it's now available on YouTube, click here to view!
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Finally, we have additional information to share on the programme for William and Kate's visit to Belgium on Sunday and Monday. More from the press release:'On behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, the Prince of Wales will attend commemorations marking the centenary of the first day of Passchendaele, the third Battle of Ypres. His Royal Highness will be accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. On Sunday 30th July, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will attend the Last Post ceremony at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. Two hundred descendants whose ancestors are named on the gate will attend alongside representatives from nations who fought on the Salient. The King and Queen of the Belgians will be present. Later that evening, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit the Market Square in Ypres for an event that will tell the story of the four years of war on the Salient with performances and music set to a backdrop of light projections onto the historic Cloth Hall.
On Monday 31st July, the Prince of Wales will be accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for commemorations at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's Tyne Cot Cemetery to mark the centenary of the first day of Passchendaele, the third Battle of Ypres. The King and Queen of the Belgians will be present.'
Before then, we'll be back with our remaining tour polls.
