Duchess Kate: January 2017

Friday, 27 January 2017

February's Calendar Filling Up, a Trip to the BAFTAs & Vote for Kate's Best Designer of 2016!

Good evening everyone,

We begin this evening's post with news of several additions to Kate's calendar for February. As expected, we're going to see increased appearances in support of Heads Together by Kate, William and Harry as the London marathon approaches in April. I've often said one of the advantages of being second-in-line is the ability to really focus one's efforts on causes close to the heart - and destigmatizing mental health issues is an incredibly worthy cause.

A tweet posted by Kensington Palace earlier today.

Kensington Palace Twitter

On Sunday, 5 February, the Duke and Duchess and Prince Harry will join a training day with the runners taking part in the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon for Heads Together at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. Kate, William and Harry will join 150 runners while they are training on the London Marathon Community Track and at a warm down in the Copper Box Arena. The royals will also set out how all 38,000+ runners in this year’s Virgin Money London Marathon will be able to help Heads Together make it the ‘mental health marathon’, alongside supporting whichever great charity or personal cause they may be running for. They will be joined by Paula Radcliffe, the current Marathon World Record Holder and three-time London Marathon winner, who will also give advice and encouragement to the assembled Heads Together runners.

The following day, Monday, 6 February, William and Kate will attend ‘the Big Assembly’ by Place2Be hosted at Mitchell Brook Primary School, as part of the Heads Together campaign. The Big Assembly, on the theme of kindness, is one of many being held at primary schools across the UK to mark Children's Mental Health Week (6th to 12th February 2017). The royals will have the chance to meet staff and pupils, attend the assembly, and present the first Place2Be 'Kindness Cup' to the pupil who has shown exceptional kindness in their school community and beyond. Pupils will act out role plays about being kind, and the school choir will perform.

Also that day, the Duke and Duchess will attend a Guild of Health Writers conference focusing on mental health, which is being supported by the Heads Together campaign. The Guild is an independent membership organisation representing many of Britain’s leading health journalists and writers and encompassing the whole spectrum of health and wellbeing. The theme of the conference is ‘the Anxiety Epidemic’ and will feature a number of guest speakers. The Palace described the event as "an opportunity for Their Royal Highnesses to engage with members of the Guild of Health Writers working in print, online and broadcast media on Heads Together and its ambition to create millions of conversations on mental health in 2017".

And the news that has everyone talking today! William and Kate will make their debut at the glittering BAFTA Awards on Sunday, 12 February. This is obviously very exciting news, as many of us have been hoping to see the couple on the awards' red carpet for the star-studded affair for some time now. Prince William, who is President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, will present the Fellowship - the highest accolade bestowed by the Academy to an individual in recognition of an outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, television or games. The recipient of this year’s Fellowship will be announced ahead of the ceremony. Past recipients have included Dames Judi Dench and Helen Mirren.

More from the Palace:

'The Duke, President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), and the Duchess will meet BAFTA representatives and watch the ceremony. The Duke will also present the Fellowship. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts supports, develops and promotes the art forms of the moving image by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting the public. While BAFTA is well-known for celebrating excellence and championing creativity through its awards, it is a charity committed to identifying talented individuals, and making sure they receive the encouragement, professional support and advice that will enable them to succeed, regardless of their background or other circumstances.'

As you may have seen The Sun ran a story earlier this week causing quite the kerfuffle. The story claimed senior staff at the BAFTAs actually didn't want Kate to accompany William to the ceremony because she would detract attention from A-list stars. I was dubious about the veracity of this one, and, as it is awards season, the presence of the Cambridges could only add to to the evening. Without delay, BAFTA responded vehemently denying the claims and branding the story "nonsense". The statement said it was "completely untrue that BAFTA has suggested that our president attend on his own. We would be delighted to welcome Their Royal Highnesses any year that they are able to attend".

The Sun

It's a special year for the awards which celebrates its 70th year and nominees in the acting categories this year include Emily Blunt, Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Emma Stone, Natalie Portman, Ryan Gosling, Viggo Mortensen and Jake Gyllenhaal. It promises to be quite the red carpet with Hollywood's stars and the royal couple mingling. Fans of the Duchess will no doubt be excited to see what she elects to wear on the night. I think we're certainly going to see a gown, perhaps teamed with sparkling jewels. Readers will recall the Cambridges attended a BAFTA reception in Hollywood in 2011, Kate wore that beautiful lavender Alexander McQueen gown with the Queen's chandelier earrings. Could she give it a second outing on the night?

Needless to say, your faithful scribe loves a royal evening gown appearance and as black-tie events go, there aren't many more glamorous than the BAFTAs. With that in mind, I've been peeking through the evening wear collections of several of Kate's go-to designers and drooling over the possibilities! Looking through McQueen's current collection, the Embellished Silk-Cady and Tulle Gown is an incredible elegant piece. It's described: "Meticulously made in Italy from dusty-pink silk-cady for a curve-enhancing fit, it has an elegant sweetheart neckline and is veiled at the shoulders and sleeves by wispy tulle. The exquisite crystal, bead and sequin-embellished appliqués are thoughtfully placed to accentuate your waist." Given Kate's recent penchant for the off-the-shoulder look, the gorgeous Red Crepe Gown instantly caught my eye.

McQueen

The Queen of evening wear, Jenny Packham, has an abundance of possibilities as always that would look sublime on the Duchess. How amazing would the Beaded Short-Sleeve Tulle Gown look with an updo? The sweeping gown features a jewel neckline, A-line skirt and a very princessy train. Kate, this one was made for you!

Jenny Packham

Other gowns from the designer include the Dark Navy Beaded Long-Sleeve Gown and the Crystal Bodice Short-Sleeve Gown.

Jenny Packham

Other gowns from favoured designers I think would work brilliantly include the silk crepe de chine Temperley London Rosemary Gown and two strikingly elegant gowns from Roland Mouret: the plush burgundy Silvabella gown is knotted at one shoulder and gathered at the front, and the Lely Stretch Crepe Gown features the label's signature asymmetric neckline and deftly placed, contouring seams. It has a cutout back and ruffled split hem.

Net-A-Porter

What would you like to see Kate wear to the BAFTAs? Do you think we'll see a new gown? Bespoke? A repeat?

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Best Designer of 2016

Next in today's (very fashion filled) post, we're continuing on with our polls asking you to vote for Kate's Best Designer of 2016. Unlike the previous polls, tour ensembles are included for consideration to give us a better sense of each designer's contribution throughout the year. We've kept the list of nominees small, including only those who made the most frequent appearances in Kate's wardrobe.

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen is always the first in contention when it comes to considering Kate's best designers. Kate and Sarah Burton have enjoyed a hugely successful relationship since the designer created her wedding dress in 2011, and it has flourished ever since. In 2016, McQueen contributed extensively to HRH's working wardrobe. From tried and tested repeats, to a vibrant arrival outfit for the India tour, it was another memorable year for McQueen.

Jenny Packham

For me, Jenny Packham surpassed herself in 2016 with an array of beautiful, sophisticated bespoke pieces for the Duchess. From the sparkling blue gown Kate wore in India, to her impeccably stylish arrival outfit in Canada and the bespoke lace dress with a peter pan collar she designed for her to wear in France, the designer proved herself an invaluable sartorial asset capable of supplying stylish yet appropriate pieces for day or night.

Catherine Walker

When Kate began wearing Catherine Walker during the 2011 Canada tour, it was suggested she was paying homage to the late designer who was Princess Diana's favourite. Whilst the brand continued to make appearances, it became a dominant player in Kate's wardrobe in 2016. A beautiful blue embroidered coat for the National Service of Thanksgiving, a chic blue skirt suit for Kate's first solo overseas visit to the Netherlands and a gorgeous cream coat in Canada make Catherine Walker a serious contender this year.

Alice Temperley

And finally we have Alice Temperley, a designer whose winning pieces came into their own during the India tour in particular. The Delphia crop top and maxi skirt offered an entirely new evening look option for the Duchess and the jade Desdemona dress was an elegant choice for meeting the Prime Minister.

I am very excited to see your winning vote for this one. We also saw Kate debut an array of new designers in 2016, let me know in the comments section if you would like a poll for your favourite new designer too. :)

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Finally, we have news of the return of a very popular dress worn by the Duchess in India last year. Topshop has released Kate's Embroidered Midi Dress in a very pretty new print (with thanks to Kate Middleton Style and Natasha).

The £75 dress is described: "The boho trend gets an instant update in this pretty midi dress. In an autumn perfect burgundy, it comes adorned with pretty floral print and embroidery, complete with cool lace-up detail to the front. Layer under a denim jacket and ankle boots to complete the look." The update from pink to burgundy works very well. The dress is available in sizes 6-14 on the Topshop website.

Topshop

I hope you all have a lovely weekend! :)

Tuesday, 24 January 2017

Kate in Rich Green Hobbs for Norfolk Children's Hospice Visit

The Duchess of Cambridge visited her patronage East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) in Quidenham, as it continues fundraising for a new purpose-built hospice in Norfolk.

Kate received a very warm welcome from local schoolchildren who were incredibly excited to meet her.

Nell Cork, whose brother Finnbar died aged five last year, presented The Duchess with beautiful flowers.

Nell's parents Tristan and Claire are paramedics who have advocated for greater funding for research into brain tumours. Very sadly five-year-old Finnbar died of a brain tumour last September. Richard Palmer reported "The Duchess of Cambridge hugged bereaved parents Tristan and Claire Cork and told them: "I'm a mother and I can't imagine what you've been through." . The family were supported by EACH throughout their son's illness - no doubt it was very emotional for them today.

EACH at Quidenham supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions from across Norfolk. Their family centred approach includes specialist nursing care, symptom management support, wellbeing activities, and therapy and counselling – all meeting the individual needs of the child or young person, and the whole family. Since its opening in 1991, the increasing numbers of children with life-threatening conditions and complex healthcare needs visiting Quidenham means the hospice has outgrown its current site. A new purpose-built hospice ‘The Nook’, will help to provide more families with the same facilities as those offered by EACH hospices for Cambridgeshire, Essex and Suffolk.

Kate helped launched the Nook Appeal in 2014. EACH describes plans for the new hospice as "Our vision to transform children’s palliative care in Norfolk and deliver even better children’s hospice care services. EACH currently provides specialist care and support for 351 children and young people with an additional 417 family members receiving face-to-face therapeutic support. With high demand in Norfolk we are caring for 131 children and young people and 215 family members. The nook will allow us to do this while offering greater choice in a much improved, significantly larger, and more appropriate environment. This will positively impact on care delivered both in the hospice and in the community throughout Norfolk."

Take a virtual walk through The Nook by viewing this video.

The Duchess toured the current facilities of the hospice and met families who use the services at Quidenham as they take part in an art therapy session.

More from the Mail Online:

Kate met four-year-old Daisy Benton on a visit to East Anglia's Children's Hospices in Quidenham, Norfolk, today. Daisy's sister, Isabella, six, who has a number of neurological conditions including complex refractory epilepsy and global developmental delay, is a patient at the centre. Kate laughed uproariously as the youngster excitedly tipped an entire pot of pink glitter onto her picture during an art session.

Play specialist Rachel Turner, who was running the sesson, said afterwards: 'I was worrying about not getting paint on her because Isabella, bless her, is very vigorous with the paint and the glitter.' Isabella's mother Michala Benton, 42, said afterwards: 'My other little girl Daisy asked her what it was like to be a real princess and Kate said she's very well looked after by her husband. Daisy is four and absolutely loves princesses.

Kate also said about her kids that Charlotte and George run in different directions all the time. She was very down to earth and was happy to sit with Isabella.' After the session Kate looked around at the toys in the room and, gesturing to some plastic dinosaurs, in what is thought to be a reference to her three-year-old son George, she said: 'I can see these going down very well with someone I might know.'

A lovely shot of Kate and Isabella.

Kate was asked what it's like to be a real princess :)

Rebecca English Twitter Feed

Kate chatted with staff at the hospice.

Visiting the sensory room.

Kate posed for photos with families.

The Duchess clearly enjoyed meeting the children.

Before the visit concluded, Kate received an update on the appeal. Chief Executive Graham Butland spoke about Kate's 'journey' since she became patron in 2012. He said 'Then that journey developed into your first public speech.' Kate smiled and interjected - 'terrifying'. Mr Butland continued: 'Terrifying, well I can tell you my former chairman was equally terrified that day.' Rebecca English noted " After Mr Butland's comments, Kate held her hands to her face as though she was blushing from his remarks.".

You can watch a video of that moment below.

Another video of Kate today looking slightly embarrassed after @EACH_hospices pay tribute to her pic.twitter.com/GB6gBmGcEO
— Victoria Murphy (@QueenVicMirror) January 24, 2017

The appeal aims to raise £10 million and following mammoth fundraising efforts they are almost half way there. Graham Butland noted "We still have some way to go before the new hospice can be built, though, and we need continued help from individuals, trusts and events, and as much corporate and community support as possible." I follow EACH on social media and have been enormously impressed by their tireless fundraising work. From a festive fun run in Norfolk to local businesses hosting golfing events, the people of Norfolk are truly rallying behind the charity. Royal reporter Victoria Murphy joined Kate today and noted how "cramped" the Quidenham hospice is.

For those who are considering donating to The Nook Appeal or wish to find out more, please click here.

Kate looked elegant in a rich green jacket and skirt by Hobbs London.

Below, the boiled-wool Sinead Jacket. It has a sleek collarless cut with with a subtle peplum and bodice detailing to the back to define the figure, and fastens with an exposed front-zip for a contemporary finish.

Hobbs London

The matching A-line Sinead skirt is crafted from a stunning floral Italian wool-blend, featuring clean lines and slit detail on the reverse. Both the skirt and jacket have been sold out for some time.

Hobbs London

The Telegraph reports Kate purchased the suit over a year ago:

'It's the first time Kate has worn the elegantly-cut Sinead peplum jacket and pencil skirt, which cost £189 and £110 respectively, but intriguingly she must have bought her outfit some time ago. "The skirt and jacket are from a past season and came out in late August 2015 and would have sold out in the AW15 sale," a Hobbs representative told us of The Duchess's outfit.

That means that the latest Kate could have bought the green suit is December 2015 - implying the Duchess's wardrobe is planned meticulously and exceptionally well in advance. It's been suggested before that Kate buys clothes well in advance of wearing them to avoid being seen in the same outfit as other guests. And, of course, it dampens the impact of the so-called Copy Kate effect; fans of her look can't buy her exact item because it has long sold-out.'

Kate teamed the skirt suit with the Gerard Darel Josephine Blouse (with thanks to Middleton Maven). Crafted from pure silk the blouse features a collar with ruffled hem and button fastenings down the front framed by black stitching. The tie at the top of the blouse gives an extra piece of detail. The £175 was on sale at John Lewis before selling out. As of writing, it's available in several sizes on the Gerard Darel website.

Gerard Darel

I believe it is the first time we've seen Kate wearing a piece by the brand. More on its background:

'The Gerard Darel brand was established in 1971 by founders Gerard and Daniele Darel. Championing a simple, chic and ultra-feminine aesthetic, Gerard Darel has embodied French elegance for over 40 years. From its first collection, the brand has continually displayed soft, dulcet tones and classic chic cuts at the core of its timeless and refined pieces.'

Kate wore her black suede Gianvito Rossi pumps.

Net-A-Porter

The Duchess accessorised with her Kiki McDonough Morganite Cushion Drop earrings.

Kiki McDonough

And completed the look with her black suede Mulberry clutch.

You can view a video from the visit here.

A lovely engagement in support of a wonderful cause!

When will see Kate officially next? Kensington Palace announced, on 6 February, William and Kate will attend ‘The Big Assembly’ by Place2Be hosted at Mitchell Brook Primary School, as part of the Heads Together campaign to start millions of conversations on mental health in 2017. The Big Assembly, on the theme of kindness, is one of many being held at primary schools across the UK to mark Children's Mental Health Week (6th to 12th February 2017). There's also a very sweet video of Kate and Pippa as bridesmaids (and little James Middleton stealing the show) at their Uncle Gary's wedding in 1991. Kate was just nine years old at the time - it offers a very candid look at a special day for the family. You can view the video here.