Her Royal Highness was greeted upon arrival.
The private reception was held to mark the launch of Britain's attempt to win the America's Cup for the first time, led by four-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Ben Ainslie. Considered Britain's finest Olympic sailor, Sir Ben was a tactician with the victorious American team last year, but said, "The America's Cup is the one last sporting achievement we are yet to conquer as Brits. That is definitely the goal.'
However, Sir Ben's aim depends on the development of design and technology skills in the UK to ensure Britain has the expertise to build a boat capable of winning the famous cup. An enormous £100 million sponsorship is required. Kate's appearance at the event is expected to help raise awareness about the effort.
Kate chatting with a little girl.
We know the Duchess is a keen sailor who beat her husband 2-0 in a head-to-head aboard America's Cup yachts in Auckland during their tour of New Zealand and Australia in April.
It was a delightful event - perhaps the most fun one of the tour - so it must be wonderful for the royals to have the opportunity to support their interests in their official roles.
The America's Cup, the oldest trophy in sport, was first offered as the hundred pound cup in 1851. Queen Victoria watched the inaugural British team lose the America's Cup around the Isle of Wight. For the next 163 years the trophy - known as the Auld Mug by the sailing community - eluded the UK and was won by teams from the US, Australia and Switzerland. Below we see the yacht 'America' winning the international race by Fitz Henry Lane in 1851.
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| Wikipedia |
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| Wikipedia |
The trophy is currently in London (and travelled over in its own seat) for a visit, and no doubt the British entrants are hoping it will make a new home here if their bid is successful.
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| Ben Ainslie Facebook Page |
The cup has attracted attention from public figures all over the world. Below we see President Kennedy and his wife Jackie watching America's Cup in 1962.
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| Wikipedia |
Last year' proud winners Oracle Team USA.
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| America's Cup |
The Duchess met supporters, crew and boat designers before viewing an America's Cup class boat at the museum.
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| Emily Andrews Twitter Feed |
Kate posed in front of the cup and a twin hull racing boat.
Kate and Sir Ben.
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| Clarence House Twitter Feed |
A couple of our readers noted how handsome Sir Ben is. Here's another one just for you ladies :)
What do you think of Kate's chic look today? Let's take a look at what she wore.
The Duchess gave a nod to sailing her in her Crepe Dress with Navy Trim by Jaeger. The short sleeved, crew neck shift dress is an elegant piece and worked very well for Kate. This style of garment is an excellent choice for engagements combining style with professionalism.
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| Jaeger |
A closer look at the dress.
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| Jaeger |
It originally retailed for £150 before going on sale for £99, it was almost completely sold out before today's appearance. If you're hoping to purchase the dress don't despair, Jaeger revealed they will have more stock soon.
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| Jaeger Twitter Feed |
Kate opted for minimal jewellery today, wearing her sapphire and diamond earrings and Asprey charm pendent.
And completed the look with navy suede Alexander McQueen pumps.
There's been a slightly change of plan to Kate's schedule. She was supposed to attend The Queen's Garden Party on Thursday, instead she will attend today's to celebrate Prince Philip's 93rd birthday. We'll be back with another post later covering that event.
Wonderful post Charlotte thank you. I love your historical content. Catherine look lovely and summery today. Looking forward to the garden party too! We are spoilt!
ReplyDeleteLovely dress---elegant Catherine.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'm crazy, but love to see her hair blowing in the breeze---makes her look young and carefree.
Hope they manage to raise the money for the boat---it would be great to see Britain in the America Cup as well as providing jobs in Portsmouth--which lost out to Scotland for building the Aircraft Carrier.
British Royals records that there is a Garden Party at BP this afternoon to celebrate Duke of Edinburgh's 93rd birthday and that Catherine will be there---hope that's as well as Thursday's
DM is reporting that an Equerry has been appointed to their staff----there was certainly one with them on Saturday---noted him giving the Duke a nudge and pointing to his watch---looked as though he was afraid they would miss the plane home. However his appointment suggests that the Duke and Duchess are increasing their engagements.
I saw that, the appointing of an Equerry. Your suggesting that the Duke and Duchess might be increasing their engagements could be true; however, it feels like it is on an "as needed" basis. I suppose with the senior royals getting older some of their engagements are being shifted to the younger royals as the engagements for the Duke and Duchess seems to be announced in a "drip,drip" fashion, for lack of a better phrase and not very far in advance except for the larger tours--just saying!
Deletewhat does an Equerry do Jean? How does that differ from a Personal Secretary such as Rebecca?
DeleteHe (or she nowadays) is a serving Military Officer on temporary secondment. I suppose they do whatever is required--but mainly arranging transport and with overseas tours going to the destination to check the arrangements.
DeleteFor the more junior royals they are probably used as needed, but HM never ventures out without one and her Lady in Waiting. and I suspect if in due course Catherine does overseas engagements solo, the Equerry will go along too.
I suspect that in the last few years walking wounded officers have had the job, or someone who is marked for senior positions.
Princess Anne's present husband was once an equerry as was the man Princess Margaret wanted to marry.
I agree that her hair blowing loose suits the dress and the venue perfectly, and I usually prefer her hair more controlled.
Deletehi charlotte love your post your so fast see news be back later
ReplyDeleteI love the dress even for me for this summer, but I think the clothes in Britain are expensive.......a dress like that in Madrid on sales costs 30€, 54$............
ReplyDeleteDarn I need a dress for a wedding this summer. Maybe I'll have you ship one out to me Estibaliz! :)
Deletehttp://shop.mango.com/ES/mujer/prendas/vestidos
Deletehttp://www.amichi.es/
http://www.zara.com/
http://cortefiel.com/es/tienda/mujer/vestidos/?extended=1
Esti, I will be going to Madrid in September. Can you recommend any stores where I can find duchess-like clothes for reasonable prices?
DeleteAnon: 17:06 By "Puerta del Sol" (the heart of Madrid) you can find plenty of stores to buy clothes and accessories.......
DeleteThere´s a shopping mall: "El corte Inglés" (This has prêt- à -porter and designers it´s similar to Harrods), Also you can find "Zara" ,"Mango", "Sfera", "Amichi", "Cortefiel", .......depends on your age too.
This web could help as well:http://www.whatmadrid.com/
DeleteOh wonderful - thanks Esti. I am in my early thirties.
DeleteThank you Estbaliz, I'll check those web sites out. :)
DeleteSarah there is a Zara store in San Francisco in the San Francisco Centre. Take a drive and give it a look. I think it helps to try on for size and then order online the model you wante. There are a few more European shops there as well
DeleteSarah, you´re from California, aren´t you?? There´s more here:
DeleteZARA
WESTFIELD VALLEY FAIR
2855, STEVENS CREEK BULEVARD
95050 - SANTA CLARA
California - Estados Unidos
Tel. +1 6696665840
ZARA
THE ORIGINAL FARMERS MARKET (FARMERS MARKET PLAZA)
6333, W 3RD STREET (AT FAIRFAX)
90036 - LOS ANGELES
California - Estados Unidos
ZARA
132, WEST COLORADO BOULEVARD
91105 - PASADENA
California - Estados Unidos
Tel. +1 6265350905
ZARA
WESTFIELD VALLEY FAIR
2855, STEVENS CREEK BULEVARD
95050 - SANTA CLARA
California - Estados Unidos
ZARA
FASHION VALLEY MALL
364, 7007 FRIARS ROAD
92108 - SAN DIEGO
California - Estados Unidos
Tel. +1 6198143220
Sarah you can find MANGO STORES in San Franciso and Santa Monica as well:
DeleteSan Francisco International Airport T.3 - 377 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 15
94080 SAN FRANCISCO - 650 821 0650
San Francisco International Airport Terminal T2 - 377 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 15
94080 SAN FRANCISCO - (650) 821 0650
1254 Third Street Promenade
90401-1308 SANTA MONICA - (310) 395 8370
South Coast Plaza - 3333 Bristol Street
Delete92626 COSTA MESA - (714) 549 1582
By the way ....that man Sir Ben Ainslie, handsome, isn´t he??
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely :-))))
DeleteThanks Charlotte for Sir Ben´s photos, he, he..
DeleteTotally:-)) Blue27
DeleteVery yummy! If Kate wasn't already married, they would make a very good looking couple. The picture of them coming down the stair together was a little flirty, watch out William :)
DeleteMaybe it's just me, but I don't get those yummy-feels about him. Don't get me wrong, he's far from ugly. But yummy, no... Maybe because he reminds me of my father abit. (Except dad is bigger, has a round face etc. Maybe it's the hair:P) hard to get yummyfeels white getting reminds of dad :p
DeleteI also would like to thank you for the really good sir ben shots:) i also thought they would make a handsome pair!
DeleteBrilliant post, Charlotte ! Very interesting, as usual... Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteI just loved the Duchess today : perfect dress and accessories. Elegant and fresh : perfection in my opinion :)
Applause,applause. Not one negative critique of the Duchess. I hope
ReplyDeletethat trend holds. Bravo Duchess Catherine!
Second that. The negativity was getting tiresome.
DeleteKate has something to do with that too. If there's no material, there isn't any content.
DeleteShe looked really pretty today very summery dress and no coats at last. She always coordinates her dress with the occasion nice. My only complaint is her hair for God's sake it is so unprofessional when she constantly touching it. Her and the wind just do not match.Blue27
ReplyDeleteLove the look of Kate's today. Just simplistic elegance at its best. Love the trim effect, suits her beautifully.
ReplyDeleteI wish the UK all the best in the competition that is highly stacked in Oracle's favour now that they have changed the rules.
KiwiNic
Ainslie's a hottie
ReplyDeleteLovely as always. Jackie Kennedy was the epitome of effortless chic and style. Sigh...
ReplyDeleteI so agree! I've seen a lot of pictures of the Kennedy's and I've never seen that picture!
DeleteI was very anxious about this engagement today! Nice to hear the story about the America's Cup, thank you Charlotte for always sharing key information behind every engagement the Duchess attends.
ReplyDeleteCatherine looked lovely, as always. She seems to love this shape of dress, since she always picks dresses like the one she wore today. White suits her well.
I think it was a good change for her to attend the Tea Party today and celebrate Prince Philip's birthday. I just wish she would attend the Thursday one as well :)
Can't wait to see her again later today!
Hugs from Brazil!
I just love Kate's outfit today.. fresh and elegant at the same way.. and in keeping with the nautical theme. Well done!
ReplyDeleteI think the Duchesses outfit was perfect for the occasion , and she looked lovely as usual .
ReplyDeleteHi Charlotte. I'm wondering why Catherine has changed the day she will attend the garden party? Is she relieving other members of the royal family from today? If it is to celebrate Philips birthday shouldn't all the royal family be there? Why isn't she still attending on Thursday?
ReplyDeleteSorry for bombarding you with questions, I just can't find the answers online?
We're told it's a case of who is needed most on the day.
DeleteThank you for your comment. :)
A plot's afoot! Methinks Kate was asked to be there since she draws the most press and if she didn't attend, no one would report on Phillip's birthday since the royal news of the day would be Kate and her new dress with Ben A. My favorite post today was the observation about Kate helping the cause of Billionaire yachtsmen in their time of need.
DeleteYou have a point Moxie. £100 million!!! How much poverty could be eradicated with that amount of money one wonders?!
DeleteA bit mind blowing!
As for the "plot" I don't know.. Anything is possible, but I hope not.
She looking terrific:
ReplyDeleteAnyone else notice she has a little cut on her leg... wonder if she did that rough housing with George! Totally seems like a way she'd get a little wound like that! :)
ReplyDeleteSdd- I remember the photo on the tour, coming off plane, both she and George had red knees. I can see her crawling around , chasing George, with little George giggling delightedly.
DeleteSo can I and, we are perhaps not far from the truth!
DeleteOr maybe Lupo?
DeleteI'm beginning to think it was a mark on the tights. I cannot see it in the garden party pictures Marg, can you?
DeleteI saw the cut in Arromanches too......it´s on her left leg, isn´t it??
DeleteFlorence- couldn't see the mark at the garden party. either.
DeleteMaybe some camouflage make-up when she changed clothes between engagements? Doesn't look like a shaving nick. Does anybody shave their legs anymore? Doesn't everyone use Nair or that green muck?
In Spain most of woman removes hair from her legs with wax and nowadays it´s in the permanent hair removal by laser
DeleteOuch!!! Esti, I can't even imagine! Maybe it's a laser burn.
DeleteI'm thinking camouflage make up. Or if it was a mark on the tights, new tights.. There are excellent 4-5 blade shavers out there. Just adding to the conversation.. Catherine would probably go for permanent hair removal. No cost issues there!!
DeleteYes, a laser which burns hair follice...
DeleteKate looks beautiful, very fresh and summery and given her sailing interests, I'll bet she particularly enjoyed this engagement. I used to live just across the river from Greenwich and it was one of my favourite places in London. It's a shame the press pictures don't show more of the Maritime College & Museum as the architecture is just stunnng.
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte for the additional shot of Sir Ben. Made for an even more delightful post on a Tuesday. :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent post! Kate looks gorgeous today....chic, elegant, stunning. Good luck, Britain!!
ReplyDeleteCatherine is sooooooooo chic today. I really like her dress. The Jackie kennedy look I think. Very elegant and simple.
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte. A great post again.
By the way, I wish a wonderful birthday to Prince Philip. May he be surrounded by the ones he loves.
Monica, France
Love the elegance of the former First Lady, Mrs. Kennedy-Onassis: hers' was and still is timeless elegance, personified. Of course, the Duchess is young with her journey ahead of her, but, her style is most definitely heading in that direction--generations to come will look back and admire and emulate both.
DeleteKate looks lovely! A 10/10 from me :)
ReplyDeleteWonder what happened to her left leg? Looks like she cut herself. Anyways, she looks very clean and fresh! I wish I looked that elegant every day. Oh, and had regular meetings with handsome men too. ;-)
ReplyDeleteGreat post, so informative! I liked Kate's look today, this style of dress looks great on her, professional yet stylish. And on the plus side, this style prevents any unfortunate wardrobe malfunctions. Can't wait to see what she'll wear to the garden party!
ReplyDeleteOn another note.....someone needs to do a portrait of Kate with her beautiful smile. I'll bet one like that would be stunning.
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed at how quickly a royal must adapt sometimes to engagements of such vastly different levels of emotional impact. One day a solemn remembrance of so many lives lost for our very freedom -- and shortly thereafter ---racing yachts for a big old (ugly , IMO) trophy! (And the glory!)
ReplyDeleteWhew! That's switching gears! But it beats a stultifying grind of ceremony after ceremony. The Queen's father developed a real dislike of red carpets ;
Prince Philip said that whoever invented red carpets "needed to have his head examined"; and Prince Charles said "I sometimes wonder if two-thirds of the globe is covered in red carpet."
Kate looked so pretty and fresh--and perfectly appropriate as always!
Can't believe I forgot to wish Prince Philip a very happy birthday.! 93 years! I love watching him and The Queen together---now THERE'S a
ReplyDeleteL♡ve story!! (Couldn't resist!!)
I so agree with this-- a very happy birthday to Prince Philip!
DeleteMarci from Salt Lake
Kate looks fabulous, she so often has a talent for picking the right dress for an occasion without looking theatrical. It would be wonderful if Britain could be competitive and if jobs could be created.
ReplyDeleteI saw that article about the equerry too, hope it means more engagements, time will tell.
Saw Angelina Jolie looking postively princess-like in white with Hague, taking on the cause of rape. She seems very much influenced by Diana's willingness to take on difficult causes, hope someday Kate does the same.
Really like Kate's outfit today. Her hair looks fab and the dress is perfect - smart, slightly naval and simple. She looked great - a world away from the frumpy Scottish outfit.
ReplyDeleteHi everyone! Oh my, the whole thing was a feast for the eyes! Loved Kate's dress- I would purchase that one if I could- absolutely classy and beautiful on her. Sir Ben....yummy. Thanks Charlotte, what a lovely way to begin one's day. Bluhare I think we've found someone to add to your car with Harry that Jenn in NC and I will be driving around for you.
ReplyDeleteWith the trophy ensconced in the back seat. I love that picture of the trophy in its box in its own seat. No economy class for it.
DeleteI think sir Ben is incredibly handsome, but I wouldn't call him yummy. Yummy would be somebody younger and less distinguished. Like a movie star with less brains and more body haha
DeleteJennifer, I must say, I quite agree with you ;)...actually, I agree with Marg and Florence as well: Definetly bring along the trophy (again give it its own seat); and I would call Sir Ben exceedingly handsome, not yummy. Yummy is what I call my favorite dessert (cheesecake) ;)
DeletePS: bluhare, speaking of Prince Harry, did you see the picture of him playing flag rugby with a group of kids in Suffolk (pic was from May 29) for community outreach project? First thing that I thought was "oh my, I wonder if bluhare saw this one" lol....I figured you would have been thinking "yummy" yourself ;)
Harry on the other hand is yes, yummy Jenn!
DeleteI think in UK people usually use more the word "yummy", my English teacher ones called me "yummy mummy", and I understood that I cook well, then I told my husband and didn´t like.........was he flirting with me?????
DeleteI would have to agree with you there Florence ;)
DeleteOh my Esti :-0! I don't think your teacher was talking about you cooking well lol....no wonder your husband didn't like it; yes, sounds to me like he was flirting Esti ;)
Yummy mummy.. Hmm., well yes it is often used between women (with children) to jokingly describe each other as still being "hot". With the emphasis on jokingly.
DeleteIf a man tells a woman she is a yummy mummy, it could also be a compliment if he knows the woman well, but definitely said with humour. If the man doesn't know the woman well, or if he appears a bit smooth or sleazy, I think watch out. It may be a not so nice way if flirting. Thanks for bringing up Estibaliz.
Thanks Florence for the explanation, that which happens with a foreing language, someone could even insult you , and you giggle because don´t get it..........
DeleteEnglish is a very difficult language Estibaliz. It has so many "shades of grey", meaning so many ways to express nearly the same thing, but not quite.. You are doing well!!
DeleteWhat was that? Harry was with a goat last night, and I'm still looking at the photos. :)
DeleteFlorence overall the vocabulary is immense.....and the phrasal verbs......Thanks God that the verbs doesn´t conjugate...
DeleteBluhare: what does "goat" mean?? The animal can´t be..........
DeletePrince Harry did indeed have his picture taken with a goat ladies.
DeleteGosh if the verbs conjugated we would be in dire straits!
Esti- if the verbs conjugated, we might have more of them. ha!
DeleteFlorence- it seems our minds so often travel in the same direction. ha!
DeleteAgree Marg!
DeleteFlorence: The rock band????..........I can´t belive it........ha!!
DeleteEsti! Lol. I am not sure if you are joking.. Dire straits definition: "state of extreme distress" or "difficult situation". I do know the band, love them! That gives my age away haha!
DeleteFlorence yes I was kidding and giving away my age too.....ha, ha....I have to confess that I didn´t know the meaning of "Dire Straits" in the mornig I told my husband and he couldn´t belive it...for that reason i did that word play...."so far away"..."walk of life" ???
DeleteKate's engagements are certainly picking up. It will be interesting to see the pictures from the Garden Party this afternoon. I don't feel that there is very much to say about the breakfast reception today, the engagement seemed to go off well, Kate looked smart.
ReplyDeleteA perfect look for the occasion. And utterly handsome Sir B looks pretty chuffed to be standing beside the Duchess. Or maybe the light in his eye is the reflection from the trophy. (I've noted lately that there are never any less-than-handsome looking athletes now-a-days compared--say--to the Olympics of the 1960s. I guess we can thank big-brand sponsorships on a global scale for that. Though it rather discourages the homely but talented to compete. But I digress.)
ReplyDeleteJean from Lancs, I agree with your comment on the hair making her look young and carefree. It's also a nice foil to the lines of this particular dress--as well as the 'straight-jacket' profile of the dresses and coats appearing regularly in her wardrobe now.
When I saw the coat worn for the D Day memorial beside the earlier on-tour shot, I couldn't help think how old the ponytail made her look. I know many were ga-ga over the ponytail, but not I. IMHO it's default teen hair, harried-mom hair or I-couldn't-be-bothered-today hair. Never looks fantastic on anyone. With hair down or partially down, the look is more youthful. Pulled straight back, anything but.
Fantastic post again, you are doing such a fantastic job, dont know where you get the time but thank you. I love the whole outfit, but earlier when i saw pocs i was convinced the detail on the dress was black and couldnt understand why she had navy accessories so thanks for clearing that up!! Very excited to see what she wears for the garden party. Word is that theres no george appearance planned for trooping on sat, dissapointed but not surprised.
ReplyDeletePerfect dress! It only needs more careful seaming on the left side. I agree that Kate's hair looks nice and carefree this way. I also think she does a good job of dressing for her inherited ring and earrings. I've been wondering ever since Australia what happened to the Mappin and Webb circles necklace that she wore every day until she switched to the charms necklace she wore today. At the time, I thought perhaps Prince George snatched it and broke the chain, but it has never reappeared as far as I know.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Charlotte, for the beautiful pictures of the America's Cup and its traveling trunk! I've seen pictures of it handed to the winners, but never such clear pictures of the trophy. Very ornate Victorian design, so different from the strange looking sailboats that compete today. I can't exactly hope Britain wins, but I wish her the best effort if she competes. :-)
Red carpets would save Kate's spike heels from gravel, grass, and cobblestones! I wore a pair of wider heels in gravel once, and they were ruined. She must stand on her toes all the time.
ReplyDeleteLadies and gentlemans… THAT'S KATE!
ReplyDeleteExactly! I love Kate's look today and am excited to see what she wears to the garden party.
DeleteBtw, I soooo enjoyed all the banter among the respondents to the last post on that wonderful D-Day celebration. Thanks, Charlotte, for all that you do.
Marci from Salt Lake (currently travelling in California)
Nice ensemble for a light engagement today. As someone mentioned earlier, definitely a change of atmosphere from the D-Day remembrance ceremony, from the completely serious there to the fairly frivolous here. Certainly no offense to Kate but you don't get much lighter fare than a bunch of billionaires racing boats.
ReplyDeleteBut the bit about the trophy itself and photos of it and the traveling case were interesting!
Kate looked very nice today - however - I wished Kate would change up her shoe style. Also her earrings and necklace don't match, but she appears not to worry about stuff like that. Wears pieces that having meaning to her.
ReplyDeletewow 2 outfits 2 posts in a day...we got spoiled, didn't we? love this simple yet classic black and white dress. and the fit is way better than her other sheath dresses...
ReplyDeleteYes, he IS handsome indeed! I shall have to look over this post again ;)
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that the trophy was plunked on top of its case...the whole arrangement looked top-heavy and extremely precarious!! One little bump into it and things could have been really embarrassing!!
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that the trophy was plunked on top of its case...the whole arrangement looked top-heavy and extremely precarious!! One little bump into it and things could have been really embarrassing!!
ReplyDeletePerfect outfit for the occasion. It has the "sailor vibe" with the color combination, even though it is black and white and not blue and white. She looks fabulous. Looking at these photos of the Duchess, makes realize now more than ever how much Prince George is like her; the facial expressions, especially, the moving of the lower jaw to the side. I know babies change as the grow, but for now I am loving that George is so much like her. I have no doubt we will see some of the Prince William showing up the more we see him!
ReplyDeleteWonderful picture of the yacht, "America." The crafts have been stream-lined to the point that they don't even look like yachts anymore.
ReplyDeleteLove the picture of casual JFK and elegant Jackie.
bluhare- what were you saying about Kate's not doing enough engagements? ha!
The Duchess looks beautiful! I love this look! I was wondering if we would see the "Anne of Green Gables" look (from the Canada tour). I thought it was very nautical. But this dress is classy and elegant and I love it!
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte! Oh my she looks so lovely and elegant one of her best yet!!
ReplyDeleteI love the dress and it was perfect for the occasion. She looked young and fresh. Although I must admit that I wish her hair was tied back and didn't detract from the detail of the dress.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of Bluhare--not a peep!
ReplyDeleteWhere are you? Hope all is well. See?
We all obviously have come to expect you to be entertaining us with your pithy observations and wry comments
every single day...uh oh!! In an odd way, we miss Bluhare the way we miss KATE!!! (Forgive me....I'm being awfully silly...but then again...)
I'm here! I've been slogging in the kitchen over a bloody cake.
DeleteI think Kate looked lovely at this engagement.
Jo, silliness makes life bearable.
DeleteSuch a relief Bluhare.
DeleteI was starting to think we were all boring you to bits! :)
Must be some cake!
Bluhare, tsk tsk, as your Historian, I am compelled to remind you that you are required to delegate that task to someone else...as has been done for many many centuries ;)
DeleteBluhare: I want a piece of cake??, What is it made of??
DeleteJenn, really? I should have a Cake Baker? I could have used one last night! :)
DeleteEsti: It was a plain yellow cake with plums and a crumb topping. Very nice, except the batter was a bit stiffer than I expected and it was not cooperating. I finally flung it in the pan, dumped the plums and topping on it, and baked it. Tasted pretty good, actually.
Yummy....;-)))
DeleteWe have a plum tree producing loads of deep red fruit at the moment, and I am knee-deep in homemade preserves! I know your plum cake was divine. I should be looking for more recipes, in fact.
DeleteI LOVE this dress on her! She looks amazing! I wonder what happened to her leg?
ReplyDeleteKate successfully blended in with the English summer today. Very crisp, summery look; but I may be in the minority in wanting her hair half up (as she did later). This would have saved her from fiddling with it whilst greeting her hosts out in the open and, complemented the freshness of her outfit. Enjoying the longer hems too as I'm finding they do bring a nice proportion to her shape. She looked very elegant indeed!
ReplyDeleteDid anyone notice the very sharp outfits of the "lady officials"?
Very smart in their navy blazers and striped skirts!
In response to the "millionaire" comment further up, I'm with Jean with this one.
It may be a rich man's sport; but to bring 1 000 jobs to Portsmouth (if the team is successful with their funding) is wonderful. On the topic of coverage though, I was surprised to see that there wasn't much of a crowd at the museum to see Kate but also to acknowledge the purpose of the visit.
JEAN or ANON from LEO or CHARLOTTE - are royal visits not publicised very well or is it up to individuals to search the Royal diaries/websites to find out upcoming visits?
Hopefully Sir Ainslie will make his dream a reality.
Wouldn't it be fantastic to see that magnificent piece of Victorian sculpture back in its original homeland?
And I am unabashedly going to admit that I too am smitten by Sir Ainslie!!!!
Helen,
DeleteA royal visit outside London will usually be well covered by the local papers. The same may be true of London,but there are far more engagements there and a walk down the Mall, will most days give a glimpse of several royals.
Thank you Jean.
DeleteI couldn't imagine walking down to the shops and seeing royalty!!
Australians don't like to make a fuss when we see public figures on the street, but "royal spotting" is quite unimaginable for me.
I recall going to hear our symphony recently - and who was casually sitting in the audience and strolling indifferently during intermission, but Geoffrey Rush.
Not sure if any of you are familiar with him. He's been in many movies over the years and won many awards.
Despite his notability, no-one batted an eye-lid or even attempted a turn of the head.
Don't know if I could do that with royalty though.
It's a different level of distinction - too "regal" to ignore.
Geoffrey Rush- the King's speech therapist. Was trying to think of his name the other day.
DeleteMarvelous, versatile actor!
Maybe the Australian attitude is why the Jolie-Pitt family seemed so comfortable there.
But you still have the paps. Perhaps the tour brought the worst ones out and they all went back where they came from.
Wasn't he just brilliant in that role Marg?
DeleteLove him. Haven't seen him disappoint in any film to date.
Even did a fantastic job in "Pirates of the Caribbean". (Had to watch it with my children.)
And definitely no such thing as "paparazzi" in our neck of the woods.
They only flock in to follow our visitors! :)
I am confused by fashion terms. I would consider this dress, as well as the one worn to the garden party, a sheath rather than a shift, which is a loose, straight dress with no darts or waist seam. This confusion is a bit similar to that of the term 'button down,' which for men's or women's shirts means buttoned collar points, not a buttoned shirt. That is often used wrong today. Where dresses are concerned, has the sheath become a shift, or has the fashion industry forgotten the difference? The Jaeger dress is form fitting in a graceful way, but not so tight as to make Kate look like a bean pole, as the otherwise beautiful Alexander McQueen dress does. She is terribly thin through her torso, though her legs are muscular..
ReplyDeleteMarg - I DID get a LITTLE silly - but only because I was concerned about Bluhare. I figured it was better to go the silly route than be too earnest--
ReplyDeleteor worse!
Bluhare, hope your "bloody cake" turned out well!
Thanks, Marg. I actually enjoy baking but I couldn't figure out what I'd done wrong. I started to wonder if the friend who gave me the recipe left an ingredient out.
Deletebluhare- um...you're welcome, but I think that was Jo talking.
DeleteI thought Kates' look today was spot on. Imo, the look was somewhat simple (in comparrison to others) but I also thought somewhat crisp and elegant also. Overall I loved the look.
ReplyDeleteAnd I said it once already, ok maybe twice, Sir Ben is most definetly handsome, hands down.
Now, on to the garden party-see you ladies there...I hope they can bend the rules and get me a cocktail, long day at work and I sorely could use one ;-) hehe
Very much enjoyed the maritime history lesson today! The Duchess looked most appropriate, and I liked the look. Does her face look less angular today, a bit rounder? Maybe it's the effect of the bright sun - I'll have to pay attention in the next post.
ReplyDeleteUm. This Sir Ben person is so handsome! With all due respect to Prince William - Ben and the Duchess made a beautiful pair - so maybe that will get some attention and bring in some money.
ReplyDeleteThe Duchess looked beautiful today in both outfits. I love that she recycles outfits and wears affordable clothes and still looks amazing. Happy Birthday to Prince Philip!
I have a question for my fellow posters across the pond. Here in America (maybe more so where I live) we are a little nuts about nail polish. There are nail salons on every corner where I live and most women I know when "pulling themselves together" would include makeup, jewelry and manicured/polished nails. I notice the Duchess - while having manicured nails - does not appear to wear polish. Is this common in Europe/UK?
Not really anonymous! I think nail salons are less common (and more expensive!) in Europe, at least in Spain (although we have had a bloom - is this the right word? - of them in the last year, with lower quality though). Our royal family (Queen SofÃa, princess Letizia) are not often seen wearing nail polish, although our princess has used colour on her toes on spring/summer. I find it really chic and think it really complements every look and also wonder why they don't wear it as often!
DeleteGreetings to everyone!
Marina (Madrid)
Marina, I´ll give you a hand....".A Boom", maybe, uff!!! the typewrite, that happens to me everyday, he, he..he..
DeleteIt´s true you´re right, French manucure sometimes..........
Marina, I do remember the brouhaha when Kate, as mother of a newborn, wore open-toed sandals to her first black-tie event post George. She had for some strange reason not had time for a pedi. There were definitely some unkind remarks on this blog.
DeleteI don't recall seeing her in sandals since.
you forgot to mention the america's cup was also won by new zealand ;)
ReplyDeleteSilvereyed- and after those beautiful pictures of the harbor and Kate's race with William! How soon we forget. ha!
DeleteI so agree that Kate looked young and carefree in this outfit and the way she wore her hair which was so right for the occasion.
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte and everyone for your spot on comments.
Apparently, Catherine revealed to Sir Ben that Prince George is now walking!
ReplyDeleteSarah- how exciting! He was almost walking at the zoo in Australia.
DeleteAnd probably not far from running, given how he likes to move!
DeleteI almost forgot....Happy Birthday dear Prince Philip!
ReplyDeleteAnon 07:01, honestly, I think, IMO, like anywhere else, the preference lies with personal choice; but I do know that the Duchess prefers a clean manicured look, natural, compared with using color nail polish. Someone correct me if I'm wrong please. Thank you.
Jenn- back in the day, girls who wore red nail polish were considered "fast."
DeleteEsti, this meaning of fast is slang or perhaps colloquial and does not mean " quick," or "rapid." in movement" Then, again, perhaps it does. It means a girl a little too spontaneous saying "yes."
Actually, Jenn, I think I have seen photos of the Queen wearing red nail polish in the early 50's, although I am sure she was not " fast."
PS To whom it may concern: I will keep giving my idiom interpretation until Esti, and Esti alone, tells me to stop. Or Charlotte.
Marg, you´re my best teacher of English, I left my friends speechless due to my new skills........I´m boasting so much..
Deleteuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!!!!!!
DeleteOddly enough, Anon 07:01, (red) nail polish seems to be a social class issue. All my great grandmothers, both my grandmothers, and my mother (all either British subjects or Americans of British descent), insisted one could only manicure one's nails in one of two ways: natural, buffed ( no polish, as the Duchess does) - or with true red nail polish (as Marg pointed out HM did when young). This rule amongst the privileged in England and America seems to have originated in the late 1920s, and persists to this day in America. Conversely, my current husband and his family are from very working class origins, and they literally believe only prostitutes wear red nail polish (one of many things I must remember when visiting) ;-). And as Marg points out, I have heard many people of middle and upper middle class origins - especially Americans - state red nail polish is for "fast women" (very amusing explanation of "fast" Marg, LOL ) . So opinion seems to run the class gamut on this topic. I think this explains The Queen having been partial to a red manicure when she was young. Perhaps HM ceased to wear red for the same practical reason HRH may eschew it - heaven forbid a working mother have a chipped nail in a pap photo, as Marg pointed out re: the Duchess' pedicure in her first appearance after the birth of Prince George. After all, HM became an increasingly busy lady through the 1950s. And I agree with Jenn, I believe HRH - who though middle class in origin certainly was not in upbringing experience - simply prefers a natural look. I think a quick look back to pre-engagement photos bears this out, though I stand to be corrected? A bit of silly trivia, all this. I so enjoy everyone's posts and am, of course, extremely grateful to Charlotte for all her hard work which brings such pleasure - and such a lovely forum for exchange of ideas, not to say vast amusement.
DeleteVery entertaining, Pandora! I think Eugenie was wearing red toe polish recently, but can't recall where. I don't want to offend anyone (probably will, anyway) but if this blog
Deletewere filled with nothing but chatter about clothes, hair etc., I wouldn't read it. Charlotte includes wide-ranging subjects and so should we. A little silliness and fun lighten the atmosphere. She has allowed us to form a community of caring, multidimensional, multi-tasking, multi-lingual and cultural beings. I'd say women, but I am still hoping Sam will join in more, and bring some of his friends. I am sure Jenn and bluhare will make room for them in David Beckham's and now Sir Ainslie's car. The ladies gathered at a cafe table in Madrid (or Munchen) will scoot over, too.
OH!! yes of course a café in Madrid or chocolate with "churros"....I´m sure that churros would like you........ANNA you were living in Málaga, did you fancy eating them??wn
Deletewhen my mother was younger and she was born in 1941 the women used to wear red nails but in Spain in that ages i doubt that they were "fast" the catholic religión was very hard then about that........bufffff and Franco...if a couple kissed in the street might go to jail....
This dress is perfection. Perfect combination of being both sporty and lady-like, casual and formal. Creamy white is one of her best colors, and the fit just emphasizes her phenomenal figure. This is easily in my top 10 favorite looks she's worn. It would be perfect to bring out again for Wimbledon.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone else have a list of pieces that you're antsy to see her wear again? This one is definitely now on my list. (For the record, also on my list is the Tory Burch Paulina Dress, Reiss Shola Dress, Mulberry Navy Eyelet dress, and last but not least: the Cartier Trinity Necklace!)
caren- my favorites change on a regular basis, but- the white eyelet with peplum (McQueen?) from Asia tour; the pink MCQUEEN two piece from Elizabeth on Aus. tour; the pale blue with white overlay-reminded me of Wedgewood- from Asia tour.; and am blanking out on the color, it was blue. turquoisy gown oh. !teal! from earier in her marriage.
ReplyDeleteAfter viewing and enjoying this site so often I find of late something has begun to make it less enjoyable...her hems are too long and it takes the youthful, joyful, aspect away for the sartorial choices I have so much loved checking -in on in the past. It actually making me feel sad. Although I don't enjoy seeing her caught with the breeze taking advantage. There must be a happy medium . I don't like the dowdy skirts.
ReplyDeleteI especially love the Jaeger dress, so flattering and right for the occasion. The lace is beautiful and I like the new hat, but I do wish she'd kept the belt. Since I was on the side of decorum during all those thigh high pregnancy looks, I don't mind the longer skirts on Kate, she still looks lovely. She's a senior Royal, not a rock star or a schoolgirl. Smart choice to go with narrow skirts to avoid more undignified photos. She gets rave reviews from those who meet her, and that is what counts most.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if an equerry neans that
ReplyDeleteWilliam will not be flying helicopters as much as he'd like ---if at all. I agree that an equerry probably indicates arranging travel and other details for more engagements.
I think that we should ALL be explaining our slang and idioms for Esti--I really admire your hard work and Spunk! Hmm. That means your wonderful attitude, your willingness to try something that's hard to do...and your confidence to make mistakes in front of the world--and to not only learn from them, but to see the funny side of them!! You GO, Girl!! (Means you're really doing GREAT!)
Where is Wolfpup?
Marg--I'm so flattered that Bluhare got us mixed up!
Jo- I'm flattered that you're flattered that bluhare got us mixed up. Probably had more to do with misplaced reading glasses.ha!
DeleteJo, I saw Wolfpup just a little while ago.
DeleteEsti makes.me smile. Can you imagine having lunch with her? Fun, fun, fun!
And also I notice my slips up after press "publish" but most of times I realize what did wrong, If I know you I could´t do it....on a blog I´m bold....
DeleteMarg having lunch with me?? I´m deaf-mute in English I can´t barely understand and speak a little bit...
ESTI- writing is always easier than speaking or listening, but I doubt we'd lack for fun. Crowd-watching is entertaining. We could point and gesture. When all else fails, there is the food! Some of the pictures Charlotte posts make me ravenous. Plus, don't forget, I know un poco Espanola. Do you know German?
DeleteWe may speak Spanglish then.....you are pointing out non verbal comunication , aren´t you??Gosh, we the Spaniards gesticulate very much with our arms...
DeleteI can´t speak German however I know some words because Germans come every summer to Spain to spent their holidays.
Excellent, Esti! Non verbal. Something we can't do on this blog, so we just talk a little more.
DeleteSorry If I knEw you I couldn´t do it....always after press "publish" it´s something sort of subconcious........as a matter of fact here I feel right at home but as an anonymous.........In my real life I´m very shy althoug here I´m not being analyzed......
ReplyDeleteGoooooooolllllllllllll!!!!! Spain the actual soccer World Champions!! has just score againts The Netherlands!!!
ReplyDeleteEsti must be a soccer fan or something!
ReplyDeleteI suddenly had a funny vision of the three of us having lunch in a bunch of different basic languages...in case someone knew at least a little of each!
Esti's got English and of course, Spanish...Marg's got some German and English...and I've got English and can LIMP along in baby French....we could eat & go SHOPPING--ha ha!
OH!! Sorry, I didn´t remember that in US soccer isn´t played, there are baseball and football....
ReplyDeleteJo: have lunch and shopping are the best talk isn´t required..........ha, ha...