Today's appearance marked William and Kate's first joint engagement of the year; we last saw the couple together in an official capacity at Sandringham on Christmas Day. The royal couple recently returned from a week-long luxury holiday in the Maldives where they stayed in a paradise resort. Following their return it is believed they spent the weekend in Bucklebury with the Middletons where they were undoubtedly delighted to see little George. They were spotted out and about in Berkshire shopping at a local butchers.
The couple were all smiles upon arrival. Reporters noted they were in great spirits and very affectionate with each other at the event.
A decree in 1900 stated:
'Her Majesty The Queen, is pleased to order that in future, upon St. Patrick's Day, all ranks of her Irish regiments shall wear, as a distinction, a sprig of shamrock in their head dress to commemorate the gallantry of her Irish soldiers during the recent battles in South Africa'.
Once again, the Duchess was on hand to distribute shamrock to 300 Irish Guards officers.
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| Crown Copyright/The British Army |
Simon Perry shared a photo of the shamrock Kate handed out via Twitter.
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| Simon Perry Twitter Feed |
More on the 1st Batallion Irish Guards from the official website:
'The Irish Guards, part of the Guards Division, a Foot Guards regiment based in Mons Barracks, Aldershot. The current regiment was formed in 1900 by order of Queen Victoria in recognition of the many courageous acts carried out by Irish soldiers in the Second Boer War.
The regiment takes its motto "Quis Separabit" or "Who shall separate us?" from the Order of St. Patrick, an order of chivalry founded by George III. The regiment is involved in public and ceremonial duties at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, St James's Palace and The Tower of London.
The Irish Guards is a Light Role Infantry Battalion affectionately, and widely, known as The Micks.'
Her Royal Highness was presented with a spring of shamrock.
The regiment's mascot, Irish Wolfhound Domhnall (pronounced Donal) was on hand again today. Did you know this adorable dog has his own Facebook Page?
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| Domhnall's Facebook Page |
Domhnall received his sprig of shamrock too :)
Kate and Prince William watched soldiers march to the parade square at the barracks, wearing full ceremonial uniform of scarlet tunics and bearskins. William was made colonel of the regiment in 2011 and chose to wear the full dress of the regiment to the Royal Wedding in 2011.
It is the third consecutive year Kate, styled as Baroness Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland has attended the event. The Queen Mother held this tradition for 38 years, The Princess Royal after her death, and it has now become something of a tradition for the Duchess, one we can expect to see continue. In 2012 and 2013 Kate selected a bespoke Emilia Wickstead coat dress.
William and Kate chatted with locals at the parade.
'Speaking to a former regimental sergeant major, the Duke of Cambridge said that for the time being: "one was enough". Dressed in full ceremonial wear, Prince William was asked whether any more 'baby micks' were on the way, to which he replied. "Maybe one day. One's enough at the moment". The Duke added: "Maybe, when there is time".
Speaking about Prince George, proud dad William said "he is busy crawling and eating".
I love this photo of Kate chatting with two little girls.
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| The British Army Twitter Feed |
Moving on to Kate's look today.
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Many of us had hoped the Duchess would choose a new coat for this years parade and we were not disappointed. Kate elected to wear the gorgeous green Hobbs London Persephone Trench Coat. Readers may recall we suggested this coat as a possibility for Kate in a predictions post last October. It's always such fun when Her Royal Highness shows up in pieces formerly mentioned!
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| Hobbs |
'Choose the Persephone trench in pine green for understated elegance. The cut and sew design, raw edges, traditional storm flap and epaulette detailing provide plenty of contemporary cool.'
The £279 garment (currently reduced to £195) comes in sizes 8-18. It is also available to purchase at House of Fraser.
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| Hobbs |
Kate accessorised with a green belt and wore a short dress underneath.
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| Splash News |
Kate's green hat is by Gina Foster, It is described by the milliner as being a hard shell beret with a large bow.
The Duchess previously wore the hat on Christmas Day with her black watch tartan Alexander McQueen coat dress. Coincidentally a photo from that festive morning features on the cover of The Lady this week.
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| The Lady |
Once again, Kate wore the Irish Guards gold Cartier shamrock brooch this year. The three-leaf brooch, which has been previously worn by The Queen Mother and Princess Anne, belongs to the regiment and they determine to whom it is loaned. Kate honoured the day with a sprig of shamrock on her lapel.
Kate's deep green suede shoes are new, upon first look they appear to be the £400 Emmy Shoes Valerie in Carbon Pumps. The brand offers a bespoke service meaning the Duchess could have easily ordered them in green. I thought it quite a nice touch to complete the ensemble with. That matching clutch is also by Emmy Shoes.
Kate's hair looked fabulous.
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| Splash News/Emmy Shoes |
Kate's hair looked fabulous.
This look is 10/10 in my opinion. Kate looked tanned, radiant and most importantly appeared to be thoroughly enjoying herself. What did you think?
You can watch a video at ITV News.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
A lovely ensemble for the duchess, and the prince looked smashing, too. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
ReplyDeleteMartha, I agree! Prince William looks very dashing in his uniform! SO handsome!
DeleteIMO, William looks the best in uniform.
DeleteTotally agree about the uniform factor. Ohhh, yes........ :)
DeleteYou too are agreeing a lot lately.......and for what its worth I agree with you about the uniform too! Nancy
DeleteLoved the outfit---very elegant and the matching shoes were an added touch.
ReplyDeleteThere have been several reports on "Sky" news this morning and on them all, both she and the Duke seemed so happy.
Though it was their first joint event since Christmas, they have both done solo events and judging from the"tan" or lack of it, i wonder if they really spent a week in the Maldives, or just the three or four days some reports suggested.
I know I'm several thousand miles away and clueless, but tans fade. They got back on Thursday (eyewitness report) so they'll be paler than they were.
DeleteI am also several thousand miles away and clueless as well, but a facial will do that to you. As in, take off the tan. And of course, she's had a facial before this engagement.
DeleteKate shows a healthy looking tan. I don't think she would be aiming for sun-sizzled. Spending quite a bit of time in the tropics myself, I understand everyone with european skin who puts sun protection first.
DeleteYou are all correct, tans do fade and facials would take some color off but they're still pretty tan, look at the back of William's neck when his face is turned toward her. Still plenty of tan left!!
DeleteLegs are harder to tan and the first body parts to fade, along with the face, so it's not surprising they aren't as dark as they likely were when they got back.
In addition, they are both very fair-skinned so they'll be a little lighter and tan will fade a little faster than on someone with medium, olive or dark skin.
I know nobody wants to believe a single word critical of the pair but the media reports, including those from the loyal royal and Palace reporters, all seem to agree that the vacation was a week long.
The plane ride is 10 hrs each way so if they stayed three nights (24 hrs) half their time would be in air. No one would do that
DeleteQuite agree. They're both looking rather mischievous and quite elated.
ReplyDeleteI guess I would be too after a couple of sunny holidays in the Caribbean and the Maldives.
10/10 for finally moving the hemline down (perhaps a tad too much by an inch or so).
And marks for the shorter hair. I think Kate's hair always looks much healthier shorter, and it does seem to frame her face better too.
I think she may finally be on the right track in respect to her presentation.
May St Patrick continue to protect us all.
I agree on the length, I thought the coat was tad too long on her and made me think to those "reports" (gossip?) that the Queen asked her to lower hemlines. I was not a fan on the length personally.
DeleteLooking at the look book photos Charlotte posted, I think she shortened it. It's obvious she shortened it as the first thing my eye went to (after William in uniform and the dog!) was the stitches showing at the hem.
DeleteBut I think she looks lovely today.
I should have said it's obvious she had it re-hemmed, as I don't know it was shortened; I just think so. :)
DeleteHer hair looks the best it has in a long time! She looks radiant!
ReplyDeleteWas that comment necessary?
DeleteI agree Anon 13:33. I thought so too. :)
DeleteAlmost got it right, finally a proper length, I don't see a tan much, but the hair. Dahlinks, get a stylist who can handle that hair or cut it off to a medium length, and for Queen's sake, tie it off your face. People come to see you, not the hair.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI get it - green for St Patricks Day. But the hat was in the wrong shade for the coat. Would have preferred neutral hat with neutral accessories, green coat and green earrings. A random assortment of the colour green makes me feel just that!
ReplyDeleteI agree, she through on lots of different greens that just don't quite go together. The shoes & clutch match the coat pretty well, but the belt & hat are entirely different shades, nor do they match each other. Anything other than green for the accessories would have been great.
DeleteTotally agree! The different shades of green didn't work for me either.
DeleteTotal look: great! I'm wondering if she got her hair trimmed. The hat did look a little off, colorwise, but I absolutely loved the shoes! She and William looked very happy. Glad to see them out together.
DeleteVictoria, Oregon
I'd bet money she's had her hair cut. It looks about six inches shorter? I also think she wears extensions for volume, but I'll get flamed to a crisp if I say it.
DeleteNothing crispy here, bluhare. :) I just think the shorter length makes it less heavy and gives it more bounce.
DeleteLook at the photo Charlotte posted in the last thread (before she got married with the dress on). All the volumizing shampoo in the world won't make that much difference. I can't point you to a photo today because of the hat, but when she's wearing the extensions they're fairly easy to see.
DeleteI would also like to point out I see nothing wrong with wearing them,and I don't say it to slag her. If I had the correct hair colour and type I'd consider it myself because I can't get mine to grow past my shoulders. I don't understand why people think it's a big deal.
Totally agree about the extensions Bluhare. They look good and the length is good. Glad the queen gave her some guidance from the short skirts and flyaway long hair.
Deletebluhare, I'm not suggesting that there is anything wrong with extensions. I'm just basing my short hair/more bounce comment on my own experience. It's her hair after all, not mine. :)
DeleteAnon 05:25...if the Queen didn't get involved in her children's marriages back in the 80's and 90's, I seriously doubt that she would do so where Kate's skirts and hair are concerned. I think she's just a young woman who is experimenting with different looks and figuring out what works as she goes along. There isn't one royal lady who hasn't done exactly that. Well, maybe with the exception of Anne. :)
I have been on the fence about extensions for a really long time. When we look at pre-engagement photos, even the ones where she had blowdries - for example the Boxing Ball ones, it is clear that the volume of hair was nowhere close to what she has now. So it does seem to point to extensions. At the same time, it is possible that an expert hairstylist can give an illusion of volume. It is possible that pre-engagement she used to get layers cut at the back, and now she doesn't. That would give more volume overall. So, I don't know. I tend to believe that she doesn't simply because she actually went to the pain of officially refuting it - something she has not done about anything else.
DeleteBotox and cheek fillers on the other hand - yes, I think that there is no question whatsoever that she gets botox on her forehead. The lines on her forehead are crazy deep - like a 50 year old when she does not touch them up. Cheek fillers - not sure.
I'm not so sure about extensions, it's possible for sure, many women in the spotlight wear them, but I have hair that seems similar to Kate's, really, really thick, can tend towards frizzing in humid weather.
DeleteWilliam is also looking unlined these days. Whatever they are doing, I hope they keep it up.
DeleteShe looks great! I have a feeling she might be expecting!
ReplyDeleteI think she's just slouching. From what I've read about her, she's very disciplined and I'd be very surprised to find she was pregnant before they leave. If she does have a tendency to bad morning sickness, that's the last thing she needs . . . being pregnant and nauseated on a long planned tour.
DeleteMOI why are you being so nasty with your comments? is it really necessary? Charlotte must we have this drama again?
DeleteI've removed those comments following several requests. Thank you Anonymous.
DeleteThe other one above need's to be removed too I think.
DeleteYes I agree the other comment needs to go as well, thank you Charlotte- we need to move on from this. Today was just amazing for both TRH.
DeleteDid you miss the part in the blog where they showed Catherine and William having a glass of Sherry after the St. Patrick's Day parade? I guarantee that if she were pregnant she would not touch a single drop of alcohol. She's far to responsible and classy for that.
DeleteCould we please just accept what people say without running to Charlotte to pull what a few do not agree with? I think we should all practice yoga many who post here would benefit from a calming exercise
DeleteSparky, I totally agree.
DeleteThank you, Anonymous says the person voted most likely to have all her comments removed!
DeleteJust loved to see them that happy. They are just a great couple and duo together!
ReplyDeleteReading the Daily Mail article as well in some photos I thought to see a tiny, tiny little bulge!?!?!?!?!?!?!
The tan is great and I had always imagined that one reason for the short sun break was to prepare for the hotter and more sunny weather Down Under. They have lots of activities outdoors and will stand for hours in the sun. They needed some prep here to not get sunburned the very first day! And suncream and sunblocker in the face doesn't make the best pictures...
Can you ID the belt?
ReplyDeleteKate looks lovely although I think the length of her coat is ill fitting and loose below the waist,,,although it was lovely seeing them together,,just last night I was watching their wedding video all over again;-))
ReplyDeleteThanks Charlotte!!xoxo
Wow.. she looks great.. I love the coat and the shoes.. She is so sweet in these photos.. they're a beautiful couple... I can't wait for the tour..
ReplyDeleteI was looking forward to this post. I love St Patricks day as my husband is Irish. I love that this tradition continues to honor the irish during the war. Great info on the event Char. In my town, this day involves wearing green and skiing (joy of living in the rocky mountains). And then drinking tonight. Anyone wanna share their traditions?
ReplyDeleteAll I have to say about kates jacket is that it looks extremely comfortable!
The royal couple looks very happy but how could they not? They just got back from vacation and are reunited with PG.
Hope you all have a great holiday!
Charlotte, what a lovely post! What a handsome and radiannt Royal pair!
ReplyDeleteYou made my day!
Hugs,
Monica, France
Thanks Charlotte :) Nice to see Kate and William again. I like Kate's dress and her hair looks pretty good today!
ReplyDeleteAre any engagements planed for Kate and William before they go Down Under??
Hello Simone,
DeleteThere's nothing pencilled in I'm afraid. I'll let you know if anything is announced :)
Hi! Has anyone spotted the coat where it is not sold out in a sz 10? - Mrs. T. in Chicago
ReplyDeleteHello Mrs T,
DeleteHave you tried House of Fraser?
The Duchess is beautifully dressed, but the coat is too long!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post.
Mel in Santa Monica, CA
The Duchess is beautifully dressed, and the coat is finally long enough. Maybe all the knicker flashing is finally done?
DeleteHappy St. Patrick's Day to Charlotte and all DK bloggers.
ReplyDeleteLovely Kate! They both look tanned and radiant :)
What can I say, I have dog issues (Donal) is the cat's meow.
Beautiful coat (I would drop the lapels though) love price , color and sleekness.
Adoreable hat, earrings stunning!
All over happy feeling!
I hope everyone has a Pot of Gold Day :)
Kate looks lovely, I love her hair. I also like the shade of green of her coat. The length of the coat was a tad too long for my taste. She did go rather short at times with her hemline but she could definitely pull of a length that hits her right on or slightly above the knee. Still, a good look for her!
ReplyDeleteKate's hair does look great. The color and shorter length give her a lift. And it's wonderful to see W&K looking so happy and in tune with each other.
ReplyDeleteI like this coat and prefer the belt she chose because it dresses it up more. My only bit of criticism is that contrasting shoes and hat would have made the coat "pop" more....maybe black to match the buttons....?
PS... I don't think the length of the coat has anything at all to do with someone telling her to bring her hemlines down. It's just a straight cut long coat. And the look is almost identical to the red coat and belt she wore to Denmark back in November of 2011.
ReplyDeleteI agree with that. That article claiming the Queen had ordered Kate to lower her hemlines included several details we now know to be false.
DeleteAgree, it seems as if the dress underneath the coat is shorter.
DeleteHowever the hemlines are down and she did wear jewels. Hard to tell
DeleteThe style of the coat is very Kate and very similar to the L.K. Bennett Ami she's been wearing for a couple of years now. As for jewellery she almost always wears a pair of Kiki earrings. The brooch has been worn at every St. Patrick's Day event Kate has attended. Almost all the 'exclusive' parts of that DM story have been proved false, I'm quite sure the rest is too.
DeleteAnon 05:32....it isn't hard to tell and Charlotte is correct. Kate has worn long coats before; the red one I referred to back from 2011 wasn't the only one. And her Kiki earrings are pretty much a staple. I honestly think that for some folks the idea that she had to be told what to wear or not wear is somehow appealing.
DeleteRoyalfan...more appalling than appealng,, I'd say.
DeleteOh yea...this post made my morning!!! What do I comment on first?!?! Kate looks absolutely beautiful, radiant, and full of joy! I think her look today is so classy and she really does have the sweetest and most contagious smile. From her head to toes, I think Charlotte was definitely right that Kate got a 10/10! Charlotte, the first three pictures you posted looks like it captured the day and beautiful couple. I love that reporters commented on how affectionate they were. Makes me give a bigger thumbs up for a holiday away with just the two of them.
ReplyDeleteDOMHNALL..... What a cutie! He looks like he's begging for a cuddle! Such a good boy! The Guards uniforms are so sharp and men so handsome. Who doesn't love a man in uniform? :) It looks to be a happy day and happy engagement!
Happy St. Patrick's Day to all! Enjoy your celebrations!
Check out his facebook page. Not only is he gorgeous, it looks like he's got a lovely life when he isn't working. No kennel for Domhnall!! That's so nice to see. He even had a Christmas stocking full of treats, and he looks like a small horse when he's out for a walk. :)
DeleteA little something to celebrate the happiness of the day....
ReplyDeleteWhen Irish eyes are smiling, sure 'tis like a morn in spring.
In the lilt of Irish laughter you can hear the angels sing,
When Irish hearts are happy all the world seems bright and gay,
And when Irish eyes are smiling, sure, they steal your heart away.
~Chauncey Olcott and George Graff, Jr. (lyrics)
Oh just wonderful to read that on a day like today. Thank you!
DeleteCharlotte another outstanding post. Both W&K looked so very happy. Loved her outfit today and her hair. Everything just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHave to admit I've been a bit challenged in my interest in the couple by all the recent reports but they are so wonderful when they do appear, and Kate looks fabulous. Love the coat, the length of the coat, the way it fits, the hat and the shoes.
ReplyDeleteNo bulge hopefully. If she fell pregnant and was ill again and had to cancel Australia, it would be such a waste and so disappointing to so many. I believe I read that William said somthing about just one at the moment.
Delightful feature on Grace over on the Royal Digest. I love the photo of her being primped in that glamourous green gown. But in those later snaps, she seems to be wearing orange! Perhaps, it's my monitor.
I think Kate has learned the lesson that if she is going to be seated for events--especially if there will be photos--the "skirt" of what she is wearing, whether a coat, dress, etc. has to be either full or longer, otherwise when the skirt rides up when she sits, she risks having to fight and tug her skirt down, so she is not exposing too much. SO the coat maybe a bit longer than fashionable but that was probably one of its draws.
ReplyDeleteThere's that Duchess I have been missing! Beautiful, happy. I loved seeing her and William together
ReplyDeleteI wish she'd have worn that Wickstead coat. I've got no problems with tradition!
ReplyDeletePersonally, my best dressed vote goes to Domnhall (hope that's correct). He's gorgeous.
Ditto on the Wickstead coat. It would have been a nice tradition, but she had it altered last year to fit her expanding figure. Guess it could be un-altered. Her yellow EW garden party outfit is one of my favorites, too.
DeleteDumhnall (?) Donal is such a scene-stealer!
Don't know the last time I saw William looking so relaxed.
The sparkle is back. The eye-contact is there.
And what a great post, Charlotte.
Gorgeous from head to toe. I loved the length of this coat. Kate really pulls it off with her fugure. It's a nice variation.
ReplyDeleteShe does look great and happy
ReplyDeletebut i feel like the hat and coat are 2 different green's and may clash a bit? maybe too much green going on?
My favorite St Patricks day look sofar was the first year (with the brown hat and shoes)
Me too, Anonymous. She really looked great that year.
DeleteI agree, I think 2012 was her best look. She looked beautiful today, but I'm not personally a fan of head -to-toe green, especially when its different shades of green.
DeleteOkay...me three then. :)
DeleteTechnically, that's me four, royalfan.
DeleteHelpfully yours,
bluhare
bluhare, you're tough. :) Yes, technically it is me four.......NOW. I missed it by 5 seconds when I was typing. Lol.
DeleteNope, was still me four then. LOL
Delete:D
Yikes. I'm getting dizzy....that's twice now that you've said my three was a four.
DeleteLMAO
You two, seriously!!! : )
DeleteAll I can say is: Statler and Waldorf
I WANNA SEE YOU ON STAGE!
Because it is! You aren't counting the original poster. I am. :)
DeleteAnna, sorry about that. If royalfan would just pay attention . . . . . ..
Delete:)
DeleteWow- I think she looks absolutely stunning in this look. I actually enjoy all of the varying shades of green. They both look considerably happier than we have seen in a while. I think her hair looks much better than it has recently as it seems she has freshened the cut and color. Also her makeup is really lovely here. 10/10 for me as well!
ReplyDeleteCate
I love this post! Thank you! Honestly I did not understand why people made a big deal out of their vacationing. Let them do what makes them happy. Don t we all want to be happy? And look at this radiant and happy couple today. I am happy for them and wish them all the best.
ReplyDeleteBerbel, USA
She does look absolutely perfect, more so than usual. And they both look radiant. I wasn't overly impressed by the holiday (being a new mum and terrified at the thought of leaving my own little prince!) but they both look genuinely happy and radiant, I guess it did them good!
ReplyDeleteShe looks perfect, more so than usual! I wasn't overly impressed by their holiday (being a new mum and terrified at the thought of leaving my own little prince behind!) But they both look genuinely happy and glowing and it's so lovely to see. Great post as always Charlotte :)
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's a belly. Kate often stands with a slight slouch and I think it's her posture that makes the coat poof a little below the belt. She's very slim.
ReplyDeleteGreat Post as always I think she is wearing the square cut/ cushion cut earrings rather than the oval earrings.
ReplyDeleteYou are completely correct, thank you for pointing it out :)
DeleteCharlotte, I can not tell but is Kate wear hwe enternity ring. If youcan tell. Loved when she wears it.
DeleteHello Pauline,
DeleteI believe she was wearing it.
Charlotte, I agree this look is perfection. The longer hemline is suitable to her job. However much public griping they have to endure, it appears this lavish holiday was very much needed for the Cambridges' marriage. And I am certain Charles is pleased to be winning those tiresome polls about should he step aside in favor of his son.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, Richard Palmer quotes William saying "One is enough for now." Thinking that puts paid to pregnancy chatter.
Her smile and friendliness is infectious.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Charlotte! Kate looks gorgeous!!! William looks handsome. I adore the new coat and always loved that hat!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see Kate out and about. Her hair is fabulous. I wouldn't so much mind the head-to-toe green but the color of the hat just doesn't seem quite right. The length of the coat that she wore the last 2 years to this event was much better--right below the knee. This length would be OK with pants but here it just looks kind of matronly, which Kate certainly is not. William looks smashing!
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, thank you, as always, for such a great post!
ReplyDeleteKate was perfection today, IMO.
The hair is finally back to it's best, appearently!
Can't wait to see them again. Any chance we will see them again before the tour starts? Thank you!
Hugs from São Paulo!
On St. Patrick's Day, the aim of the game is to wear as much green as possible. Well done Kate, green from head to toe!!! She looks great. Coat elegant and perfect length, and the hat is gorgeous. Like this look.
ReplyDeleteThank-you for that.
DeleteMs. Boyd from County Antrim
A 10 out of 10 for sure! I love that coat - it even has a sort of military feel to it - which is perfect for the day. This blog is going to be a very busy place when they go to Australia! It looks like she took a few inches off her hair and it looks healthy and a little shorter. I can't tell if she is wearing her new eternity band?
ReplyDeleteI believe Kate wore her eternity ring!
DeleteOff Topic!!
ReplyDeleteL'Wren Scott died today. She's someone whose designs would really suit Kate.
Hope she's found peace.
Bluhare,
DeleteI hope so too....
Shantel
Minnesota, USA
Yes, what a tragedy. It does prove that money doesn't buy happiness.
DeleteI like the look today and, even more so, I love the vibe that the Duke and Duchess were giving off: they seemed so happy and relaxed; as if they were genuinely having fun. In the video they had an energy that was infectious. And Kate's smile...it lights up everything.
DeleteDon't even get me started on William today; good Lord! (I love a man in uniform!) ;)
I'm not a huge pet person but that dog is absolutely adorable. All-in-all it is a 10/10 for me too! :)
Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone.
Shantel
Minnesota, USA
She didn't just die but she killed herself. Very sad.
DeleteRIP her designs were lovely
DeleteSad news. I hope so too.
DeleteHere's a bluism: "topic smopic."
DeleteThis world gets hard sometimes.
Very sad and tragic. What a beautiful and gifted lady she was.
DeleteRIP
I'm very sorry to hear that. She was so incredibly talented.
DeleteI meant to add, it reminds me of Alexander McQueen's death. A huge loss indeed.
DeleteAlexander McQueen was the first thing that came to my mind too, Charlotte. Apparently, her business wasn't doing well and she owed a lot of money. So sad she felt she had to die. I've battled depression and anxiety my entire life, including some really really bleak times, and I've never felt that I needed to die to solve a problem. As someone once told me, it's a very permanent solution to a temporary problem.
DeleteSo sorry about L'Wren Scott...
DeleteSorry to hear about your fight with the "black dog" too, Bluhare... It's a tough condition to have. I do hope you get the best help and feel better than before.
All best :-)))
PS Yes, the Duchess was fine, though I wouldn't have gone all green either :-)
@bluhare: very well said. I will keep that sentence in mind next time I have a client with suicidal tendencies... I had read about L´wren Scott many times in the US Vogue and somehow always had this feeling that she had problems (just like Alexander McQueen). You look at pictures of them and you feel that there is so much energy, but a lot of it somehow not positive or even self-destructive.... So sad. So, so sad. Such gifted people with just so much talent... All this creativity - and often so much self-doubt. Now add to all this the pressure of creating clothes that "have to make money" somehow - you have to be strong and resilient in that business which unfortunately a lot of creative people are not. Really sad....
DeleteTheresa, what a kind, sensitive remark re: " blackdog." I think maybe many wanted to speak to bluhare's troubles, but just didn't know how.
DeleteTheresa, thank you very much for that. I've basically been depressed most of my life; sometimes very mild, and a couple of times so dark I never want to go back. Unfortunately, my brain chemistry is such that it happens sometimes. I love the "black dog" description; I've not heard that before!
DeleteEve, I agree re L'Wren and McQueen. Sometimes very creative people have such dark periods. I remember reading someone theorize that Handel wrote The Messiah in three weeks during a manic phase (The Messiah is my Christmas favourite!) and I hate to even think about his down periods. And if you want some more one liners, I've got a million of 'em!
acrossthepond, thank you. Sometimes just writing things down helps a lot.
Kate looks gorgeous here and really seems to be enjoying everything. Love the coat, hat, hair..everything! And Domnhall - what a cutie! Is the way her hair is styled here referred to as the 'Chelsea blowdry?' I've heard people call it that before but I have no idea!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I took a short vacation by ourselves when our child was seven months old, a few weeks before I went back to work part time. It refreshed us and saved my sanity! By the look of these two a couples only break, while giving ghe new nanny a chance to get to know George well, seems to have been the right move.
ReplyDeleteYes it did.... :)
DeleteI agree - they both look so relaxed and happy! :o)
DeleteLove the coat but almost feel like she just grabbed everything green in her closet and put it on. The shares are off and it rings the look. And I think the w shamrocks would be better with her hair up. Not the worst but not best either imo
ReplyDeleteGreat post Charlotte! I don´t find it bad, that the hat has a different green color! In my opinion it´s OK for her not to be too perfect. I like the look very much - great hair, beatiful coat and also great shoes. Can´t wait to see the first pictures of Australia. Starting April 7 I will be checking this blog several times a day...
ReplyDeleteHappy St. Patrick´s Day everyone!
Thank you, the tour is going to be such fun :)
DeleteTesting... lost my post to ether twice.
ReplyDeleteOn the pregnancy story, William told someone that one baby was enough at present and that George was busy crawling and eating.
ReplyDeleteHer hair is shorter. Isn't it? It Looks so.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy, that the Duchess wears some new shoes. It Looks very well. And I think, her hair is shorter. It suits her. That is better, when it is a bit shorter. I like her look today. She looks so great at that beautiful St. Patricks Day. I like that day, because I think, it is day, we can see the Duchess every year with an engagement. Cannot wait to see her with a next engagement.
ReplyDeleteThe bit near the end of your post made me chuckle Nina! And I agree - it's great that we have at least one definite engagement to look forward to each year. Maybe we can have a bit of fun trying to predict other green outfits like this Hobbs coat!
DeleteSo good to see Kate at an engagement again. Although I don't think this look topped that gorgeous Emilia Wickstead coat dress (one of my all-time favorite looks for the Duchess!), Kate definitely looked put-together and beautiful as always. I was happy to see a reappearance of the hat she wore at Christmas, even if the colour wasn't a perfect match for the coat. Her hair looks a bit shorter and very nice!
ReplyDeleteWow, I just love this coat on Kate! I think the slim cut of it is so much more flattering on her than the bulk of the Emilia Wickstead one from previous years; love the length, love the shade - fantastic choice and a definite 10/10 from me too! The only thing I'm not sure about (as others have mentioned) is the choice of that hat to go with it. Although I was expecting to see it again today, and I don't mind it per se, I agree that the shades just don't match and therefore it looks a bit odd. I think it would have looked better with a contrasting hat.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I still think Kate looked great today, and it's lovely to get back to watching and admiring them again after all the controversy in recent weeks. Wish there was something else to fill in the time between this and Australia/NZ though.
I like this outfit and her hair. I think she looks wonderful. But I agree that black shoes would have looked better. I think that the coat length is perfect. I just hope that she is not planning to get super-thin again, like she was a couple of years ago. I did not like that look at all.
ReplyDeletewhile I think Kate looks radiant and happy, i do not like the coat overall..I dunno to me it looks like she is drowning in it . the coat is wearing her not the other way around, and black shoes would have looked better IMO.. the hair looks great today, and she looks very happy :)
ReplyDeletecoat is amazing!!! they're amazing! love this look.
ReplyDeleteI am a very much trench coat person but...on the close up, I wish the texture were not this much like "boiled wool"...I prefer smoother texture like cashmere/wool. That's just me. :)
ReplyDeleteShe looks genuinely happy. A much needed rest and break was probably exactly what her and her marriage needed! :)
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, Kate was a picture of beauty, style and happiness. She looked divine.
ReplyDeleteWhile normally not a fan of matchy-matchy yet slightly off colour combinations, this one worked for me just perfectly.
As for the length of the coat, one current interpretation of midi length is a very low hemline. An almost 'just above the ankle' low. Very much reminiscence of the 1930s style. Just have a look at what Vivienne Westwood, Vionnet, Burberry or Stella McCartney are doing at the moment. It's very contemporary.
Normally I am all for hair up and out of the way. But I did like it open as part of today's outfit. The coat was so serious and slightly military, the playfulness of Kate's hair and hat crated an interesting contrast. All available thumbs up for me.
I wonder why she didn't cover her knees with her coat in the official photos.I also wonder what is going on with her cheeks. They are very rounded.her cheeks used to be more flat looking.I thought she was much more beautiful with flat cheeks.it could be just a make up issues.her cheeks sort of look like chipmunks cheeks. I think kate is awesome. but I wish she would go back to flatter looking cheeks.
ReplyDeleteHow does one "go back" to flatter cheeks Stefanie? Sorry, but I had to ask!
DeleteI'm not sure..... I just see a radiant, happy and healthy young woman.
DeleteOne can go back to flatter cheeks if one has had a filler injected to plump them.
DeleteI am NOT saying Kate did this.
Or it could be a steroid or birth contol, to make ones cheeks rounder.
DeleteOh for the love of Pete. Her cheeks aren't "flat" enough? What does that even mean?! Why is everyone so critical? She's a beautiful person outside and seems just as beautiful inside.
DeleteThat sounds like a horrific idea for a beautiful woman like Catherine bluhare :-)
DeleteFLAT cheeks? Please point out a photo? I could not find one. Thank you
DeleteI agree with you about her natural beauty.these new rounded plumped up cheeks in Hollywood does annoy mefor example Cameron Diazshe has surely had her cheeks doneand it looks quite ridiculous like chipmunk cheeks I do not see the beauty in it if you will look at Kates very earliest pictures,you will see that her cheeks were very flatI much prefer that look to the new lookthat is all I was trying to say
DeleteStefanie, there are cheeks and then there are cheeks.
DeleteIMO, Kate is like the rest of us in that her face changes due to weight gain or loss. And lately she looked tired in some photos and the long hair dragged her down even more. I honestly don't think it's any more complicated than that.
DeleteBUT, a bunch of shamrock on a man's forehead? Why would one do that? Why not on the lapel (just a thought)? Is there some historical explanation?
ReplyDeleteI am looking at this for years, wondering in silence. I had to mention it.
I think it's tradition to put it behind the regimental badge, which is on the hat.
DeleteIf you had read the post you would have seen that Queen Victoria wrote that the sprig of shamrock was to be placed in the soldiers headdress - ie in his cap. Just go back and read it.
DeleteThanks bluhare and Anon.
DeleteAnd yes Anon, I did miss the headdress detail when reading the post.
I still think the position is aesthetically questionable : )
A gorgeous smile and sparkling eyes really are the perfect accessories! Wow, she looks absolutely amazing! I don't even care about the length of the coat. If she looks like that the whole Aussie tour, I'll soon forget about the little "transgression" in the Maldives too.
ReplyDeleteThey both looked amazing, and so so happy! that second picture of the two of them says it all for me. Loved the coat-hat-shoes and William in his uniform- just great. Looking forward to the tour and seeing a little of the baby. Have to say the negative comments bother me a lot. That said, Charlotte you have outdone yourself and from where I am sitting that isn't an easy thing to do. Happy St Patric's day to all.
ReplyDeleteAlthough they're still pretty to look at, the shine has gone off, for me, William and Kate and any hope that they were going to walk the walk AND talk the talk about being "down to earth," and "a new breed" of royals. They're no different than Charles and Camilla or Peter Phillips or Zara Phillips, trading their status for money and/or expensive vacations.
ReplyDeleteSomeone mentioned this in a prior post, maybe bluhare or royalfan and I think there's a lot of truth to it - William and Kate's sense of how different activities, actions, will look in the public and media eye AND their sense of down-to-earth-ness seems to have left when Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton resigned his post.
It just seems like now, there's nobody on their staff with either the seniority or the guts to tell them the truth and maybe just flat-out tell them "don't do that."
It's really too bad because they had SUCH an enormous amount of good will built up at the start and I would wager they've squandered a lot of that with recent actions and lack thereof. It's not so much that people are mad, although I suspect there's plenty of that given the unemployment and economic situation in the UK, but that they just don't care. William and Kate are just like the rest of the royals. And with their extended absence from public engagements, people just turn to something else.
I think anyone hoping that William and Kate would bring the monarchy and the Windsors into the 21st century have been disappointed in that hope.
Kate looked great today and so did William - but who wouldn't after almost a year of not working and a quarter of a million dollar extended beach vacation??
Not a bad look for Kate today but predictable. My favorite green coat remains the Emilia Wickstead but this Hobbs selection is nice.
Not a fan of matchy-matchy head-to-toe green (or any color), unless the wearer is over 70 and even then not a fan, wish the shoes could have been black. At least she got a few inches chopped off that hair.
Love that Domnhall has his own Facebook! Our family had Irish Wolfhounds and "wolfies" are the best, truly gentle giants!! I have to hand it to the officer in charge of Domnhall, it's a chore to convince a wolfie that something - besides breakfast, lunch, or dinner - merits getting up and standing for any extended period of time!!
One year ago exactly, William was working in Anglesey and Kate was pregnant. I'm not sure how that equates to a year of them not working.
DeleteAs far as goodwill is concerned, I thought 99% of the comments here today expressed exactly that.
But.........................I do have a suggestion for anyone who wants to see a lot more of this couple........ How about forwarding the requests directly to Clarence House? PLEASE! Make my day. :)
She did look predictable.
DeleteWhen I 1st saw the dress I thought she was wearing the same one from past 2yrs But I noticed it was a tad longer.
I do like the flaps on front. It is Militaryish as some one said...
She probably will wear it next year.
Then, the following year she will be wearing a new dress.
Kate is predictable, but that's not always a bad thing.
@royalfan I never thought I would agree with any of your comments but I do have to say there is always a first...LOL I agree with your comment. Maybe we need to flood Clarence House with letters requesting more joint engagements for
DeleteW&K. But I don't think it will work. IMO Charles wants to show case Camilla not W&K.
I understand your points totally.
DeleteTo Elizabeth. I understand your points, totally.
DeleteElizabeth, you need to get out of my head right this minute!!
DeleteIt was royalfan who made the Jamie Lowther Pinkerton observation. It was a good one as well. They've been taking a beating since he left. I don't think it's because Charles is polishing Camilla's halo either. In my opinion it's got more to do with the fact that they don't have their own press office putting out glowing stories, rather than any desire of Charles. I find it difficult to think that any loving father (which Charles is supposed to be) would actively participate in denigrating his own son.
However, IMO, unless William especially steps up and accepts his role, they will continue to get bashed in the media. Isn't there a financial report coming out soon about the actual cost of these renovations to the taxpayer and as of right now it's double the budget? If he and Kate continue to have virtually no engagements other than this tour that's been planned forever, they will be excoriated in the press. William and Kate have so much provided for them and do virtually nothing for it.
Totally agree with basically everything you said. Hearing that the renovations for Kensington Palace are going to cost taxpayers double, W&K had to have known that before going on their trip, which cost taxpayers who knows how much for protection officers. I'm not against them having a vacation, I just think it could have been done more sensibly at this time. I still have hope for these two, but the shine has gone off for me too.
DeletePauline, we have a whole slew of joint engagements coming up.Let'save flooding Clarence House (BP,now?) for a real dry spell.
DeleteWell, I agree with your Emilia Wickstead and Domhnall comments.
DeleteMy take on the press activity is somewhat in the middle. I think Charles is a very serious person and it has nothing to do with William and Kate vs Camila but is rather he wants the emphasis away from the fluff stuff W & K's press office used to do. Lets face it with minimal work W & K will not fare well without the fluff. For example look at how everyone was so down on their lack of work in the last two posts. They make a fluff visit and you can feel the love in the comments. As one person observed only 1 negative comment. Not much effort on their part and suddenly they are much loved again. I don't think this can go on forever but the trip will buy them the rest of this year.
DeletePauline, I don't know what shocks me more...you agreeing with me...or me with you. LOL.
DeleteWhat "fluff stuff?" Don't think the Irish , or royal tradition back over 100 years , would support that remark. I think the Queen Mother might also have something to say about that remark, if she were still with us. Perhaps you were referring to the children's hospice or Girls Scouts, etc., etc.Some "fluff stuff." And I think the "one negative" comment post was many hours and posts ago.
Deletebluhare, I will preface this by saying that I do hope this tour will be the start of a good rest-of-the year for W&K. We do need to see more of them.
DeleteHaving said that, while I wouldn't go so far as to say that Charles is "actively participating in denigrating" his son, I also don't see much active support. If he is allowing W&K to flounder, which is the way some people are perceiving it, then that is rather sad. And given his desire to sideline his own siblings, I don't think it's such a stretch.
Charles had PR in place for Camilla before he married her, so I don't see anything wrong with W&K having an advocate of their own. And IMO, JLP was that man; he was actively looking out for their best interest.
And we don't even have to talk about a PR person... Pictures speak louder than words...if the press is having a field day at W&K's expense, why doesn't Charles have William accompany him during a solo engagement now and then?...and if Diana was alive, she would do likewise with Kate.
And I'm *not* suggesting these occasional joint appearances in place of W&K's own regular engagements, but I do think a strong united front would benefit the monarchy far more than individual accomplishments.
Great post!! I looked at this blog @ least 5 times today looking at the picture and reading the comments.
ReplyDeleteI have to say they both look great! I like the Shamrocks on Wills hat, its different but nice.
I did think for a mil of second she looked pregnant but its unrealistic that she is pregnant with the tour coming up and the fact she drank some liquor.
I still belive she is going w the same schedule she had w Georgie and the South Pacific tour.
Oh. I took the Royal test and I am Prince Harry! I was hoping for Kate but Harry will do...( now I'm thinking naughty thoughts about Harry :) )
I do hope a couple of more things are added to their calendar, or pictues of her Will Harry and Cassidy(is this how you spell her name??) leaving a restaurant.
I can hope:)
LOL, Emily at thinking naughty thoughts about Harry. I will confess to a naughty thought a time or two as well. (And it's Cressida.)
DeleteThanks! I had a brain freeze when I was writing.
DeleteEmily J,
DeleteI got Harry too!! And, yes: I also had a few special thoughts! LOL!!
Shantel
Minnesota, USA
Imagination is a powerful aphrodisiac.
DeleteSorry if I've just missed it -but like Charlotte I have been dealing with exams- what royal test? That sounds like one that might be FUN to take!
DeleteI must say, they look so happy! For me, I love to see what Kate wears, but when she smiles like she did today, she is never more beautiful. When she smiles, it is infectious!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely!!
DeleteKate and William both looked lovely today, but I'm sorry Charlotte I can't give the duchess 10/10 with the coat and hat not matching. The green shoes were a lovely touch, but considering she had a black belt and bag she could have recycled one of her black hats instead. The longer hem and shorter hair is much better though, so It's a 9/10 from me! I like that they've made a tradition of this engagement and I hope it continues. And I love the dog.
ReplyDeleteKate gets a perfect 10 from me, and I usually find something to criticize, but not today. She looks fabulous from head to toe. I'm not a fan of Kate's long hair, but it looks lovely and a bit shorter than a few weeks ago. Good on ya' Kate! You look smashing! Her smile is definitely her best accessory and it's wonderful seeing the Cambridges enjoying each other's company. It was definitely a good day!
ReplyDeleteI guess I'm in the minority here because I don't like the coat at all. The heavy look fabric looks like it swamps Kate's already thin figure and does nothing to help it. Looking at the photos of her turned to the side it looks as if she has no bottom at all in that coat. I do think she shouldn't lose so much weight because it ages her. The photo from 2 years ago versus now and there's a big difference to me.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Blair, I think this is an ok look, but a 10/10? Not for me at all. Her look from 2 years ago was far better for me.
DeleteHaving children ages one, too.
DeleteIn some pictures, the coat and hat look about as close in tone as felt and wool can be to each other. In others, the coat looks just slightly more blue, the hat slightly more yellow - but the hat nicely complements the shamrocks. The shoes seem to match the coat, and the belt the buttons. I like this look, and the Dublin lady's comment that the wearin o' the green means just that. The coat length is good; Kate wore a shorter dress underneath (for lunch?). Especially, I love the smiles! The Cambridges look just as happy as they did at Christmas. And how nice to know that Prince George is crawling around and enjoying real foods. I am also happy that there has been only one very negative comment here today. How nice that almost everyone gives credit where credit is due, to a lovely couple.
ReplyDeleteWell said! Hope you continue to comment, but how 'bout some sort of ID?
Deleteoh I love her shoes!
ReplyDeleteLove, love, . love the shoes too, Mellie. Head-to-toe green! I would have even gone for green gloves.
DeletePhew!!!! At last something "positive" for all Duchess Kate fans to talk about!! I thought the Duchess looked absolutely RADIANT today and seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed this engagement (perhaps it was because it must be quite familiar to her, being the third time she was attending?). I am really glad both seemed to be very happy and quite obviously enjoyed being together. I loved the shoes - wish I could wear those high heels with as much elegance as Kate quite obviously does! Can´t wait for the Australian tour to begin...... Thanks so much for all these lovely pictures, Charlotte!!!!
ReplyDeleteA little off topic, but relevant to so many claims that the Duke and Duchess don't do enough---I have just seen a blog with photos of the King and Queen of Sweden preparing for a 2 day visit to Latvia. Lots of people and paper round the table---all for 2 days.
ReplyDeleteMakes you think how much more preparation for a tour of almost 3 weeks? Just the British royals don't publicize it.
Last night they and Prince Harry were at Buckingham Palace for Chairman's dinner for their Foundation.
It would seem we have little idea what is going on behind the scenes.
Wow, they both look so happy with each other it's wonderful to see. Loved her hair and the coat, gets a 10 from me. Can't wait for the tour! Great job as always lady Charlotte:) also loved the report on grace Kelly on the RD blog, fabulous dress! Glad that the negativity level has gone down as I love reading the comments, but I am still giggling over the "flat cheeks" comment, I just don't think like that but it made me lol. Till next time, Caroline.
ReplyDeleteHa! Flat cheeks! Just got it. I think that was originaly bluhare's witty comment.
DeleteI read today that the Duchess attended the Chairman's Dinner at Buckingham Palace last evening. Do you know something about that, Charlotte?
ReplyDeleteHello,
DeleteWilliam, Kate and Harry attended a dinner for their foundation The Royal Foundation at Buckingham Palace last night. Kate reportedly wore a long white gown (Roland Mouret Ella, I presume). I'm afraid no photos were released as it was a private event. I'm delighted to hear they were supporting their foundation.
Thank you for the update, Charlotte. Ohhhh to be a fly on the wall at BP last night! :)
DeleteI think Kate's coat looks terrific! I love those longer coats on her. She is long and lean, and the style shows off her slender figure to great advantage. And I love the shoes! Green suede, how fabulous. She looked beautiful today. (I didn't even mind her hair - and usually it drives me crazy :) )
ReplyDeleteHaving a private getaway to a tropical beach does wonders for your marriage, doesn't it - judging by the looks those two were giving each other. (Maybe I can talk my hubby into a tropical vacation??? But I won't look as good in a bikini as Kate does...)
I love it ! She looks wonderful and happy. That dog is so cute- I want to take him home. So happy also to see so many familiar names posting.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte - can you send out the URL for your other blog? I keep seeing it referenced by other readers of this blog, but I don't know how to find it.
ReplyDeletethanks!
Hello.
DeleteOf course, here it is. http://theroyaldigest.blogspot.com