Tuesday, 31 October 2017

The Duchess Spends Halloween with Tennis' Future Stars!

What does the Duchess of Cambridge get up to on Halloween? Kate spent part of the morning with a group of children attired in tennis gear (no, they weren't trick-or-treating dressed up as Andy Murray or the Williams sisters) for a decidedly non-spooky engagement at the Lawn Tennis Association.


The outing marks Duchess Kate's first solo engagement since the pregnancy announcement - a clear signal she is feeling much better and allowing for the return of appearances scheduled in advance. We last saw the Duchess two weeks ago when she joined William and Harry to attend the graduation of more than 150 Coach Core apprentices. With George on half-term break, it's believed the Cambridges spent last week ensconced in their country home Anmer Hall or with the Middletons in Bucklebury before returning to London over the weekend to resume duties.


It is the first time Kate has been accompanied by her new private secretary Catherine Quinn. Ms Quinn took over from Rebecca Deacon earlier this month, bringing a wealth of experience to the role.


An arrival video from Simon Perry.


Avid tennis fan and player Kate took over the patronage of the Lawn Tennis Association from the Queen last December. The organisation's mission is to get more people playing tennis more often, and part of its role is to govern tennis in Great Britain, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man by acting as guardians to promote and safeguard the integrity of the sport.


Upon arrival, the Duchess received a briefing from key representatives of the LTA on its latest grass roots activities and high-performance objectives.


Then, it was time for something fun as Kate took part in a Tennis for Kids session.


The LTA-run programme introduces and teaches young children aged five to eight years old how to play and enjoy tennis.


High-Five.


A look at the Duchess in action.


The successful progamme has seen 20,000 children participating this year alone. With excellent feedback from parents and plans for expansion, I wouldn't be at all surprised if our future Wimbledon champions are honing their skills early whilst having plenty of fun. A nice element of the activity saw children receive a free tennis racket at the end to encourage them to continue playing.


The Duchess met some of the UK's top junior talents as well as members of the training team including coaches, nutritionists and physiotherapists who discussed what it takes to be a top junior player.


Kate asked for tips on coaching George.

Simon Perry Twitter

The Duchess with tennis star Johanna Konta. Speaking about Kate, Ms Konta said: “It was good and fun. She’s lovely, It was great to see her passion for tennis and that she was here to learn about these great programs being run by the LTA. Every little girl and almost every boy wants to meet a princess and it got them very excited.”


Kate chatting with Paralympic medallist and Wimbledon Wheelchair Doubles Champion Alfie Hewett.


Finally, the Duchess met some of the Coach Core apprentices who led a tennis training session. The Coach Core scheme was designed by the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry to take young people aged 16-24 with limited opportunities and train them to be sports coaches and positive role models and mentors in their communities. Coach Core has been working with the LTA over the last 18 months to identify employer partners and additional training opportunities for apprentices around the UK. In turn this helps the LTA target new workforce and participants in diverse communities around the UK.


As mentioned earlier in the post, Kate's last engagement with William and Harry celebrated the graduation of Coach Core participants, and it's important to note the scheme's links across areas of sport and with organisations the royal trio are involved in.


The Duchess received flowers and posed for a photo before leaving.


Kate selected a casual and sporty look for the day.


Kate's new black jacket is by British tennis clothing brand PlayBrave.


The garment features the distinctive logo on the sleeve.


The £129 Clarice Track Jacket is a premium quality track jacket cut to allow layering and freedom of movement.

PlayBrave

More on the background of the brand:

'PlayBrave was first inspired by the icy chill of the Lake District in the peak of winter. Despite the conditions, our decision to wear considered, clever layers separated us from the elements, leaving us to enjoy the scenery freely, in warmth and comfort.
But it was a different story altogether back at our tennis club; the head coach could hardly swing his racket thanks to the bulky items he was wearing to stay warm and dry. We realised then that the world of sport was missing something: all-weather sports gear, designed to be layered without compromising your game.
Today, our business partners include The Queen’s Club, St. George’s Hill, Stoke Park and The Hurlingham Club  – some of the finest clubs in the world. Our garments can be worn for various sports and we’re working hard to offer something a little bit special - a cut above the global sportswear brands - for people who don’t want to wear the ‘mass market uniform’, and who relate to our philosophy. PlayBrave is a privately owned British company.'

Kate brought back the Monreal London Side Panel Track Pants she wore in Edinburgh for a 'Tennis on the Road' event with Judy Murray. Kate teamed them with a white Nike Baseline Top and Asics Gel Solution Trainers.


The slim-fit Tuxedo pants have inbuilt shorts for lift, support and to add layer of opacity. Concealed pockets and side panels are flattering and leg-lengthening, while the elasticated waistband and invisible ankle zips add comfort. They’re made from high-flex luxury performance jersey and feature monochrome panels with a contrast neon yellow waistband. Middleton Maven notes they remain available on the Monreal London website for $345.

Monreal London

Laura quickly identified Kate's new trainers as the Nike Women's Air Vapormax Flyknit Running Shoes.


The $190 trainers are described as: "With a reinvented cushioning system, the Nike Air VaporMax Flyknit Women's Running Shoe delivers a lightweight, bouncy ride for a gravity-defying sensation underfoot and Flyknit fabric for a snug, flawless fit." They are available in several colours at Nike, Finish Line, Nordstrom and Six 02.

Nike

Kate accessorised with her Kiki McDonough Grace earrings.

Kiki McDonough

And wore a poppy.


Kate was very much in her element today and appeared to have a wonderful time. She adores tennis and clearly enjoyed getting stuck in and playing with the children. It was great to see how much she has improved over the past couple of weeks - there's a considerable difference in photos from today to those taken two weeks ago at the Coach Core graduation. Hopefully Kate's pregnancy will be smooth sailing from here on in. We also saw Kate's private secretary Catherine Quinn make a stylish debut; she's undoubtedly going to prove an invaluable addition at KP. What do you think of Kate's sporty look? There's something rather eye-catching about those Nike trainers...


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We also have news of upcoming engagements for the Duchess. Next Tuesday, 7 November, Kate, will attend the 2017 Gala Dinner for the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families (AFNCCF), held in the Orangery at Kensington Palace. During the gala, the Duchess, who is patron, will attend a reception to hear more about this project and the work of the AFNCCF from those who are closely involved in the charity. Kate will also meet with some of the charity’s service users, including families who have benefitted from the work of the organisation. I imagine this will be quite a glamorous event calling for either a cocktail dress or a gown.

The following day, 8 November, the Duchess will attend the Place2Be School Leaders Forum on Mental Health. The Duchess will open the conference and join delegates at the forum as they consider the key issues and latest thinking on the role that schools can play in tackling mental health problems early in life. The Duchess has attended each of the two previous conferences hosted by Place2Be. Below, a look at Kate's Calendar for November, including Remembrance events.


In Heads Together news, the Mail on Sunday reported William, Kate and Harry's Royal Foundation has applied to trademark the hashtag #stopspeaksupport. It is understood the social media slogan will be used to encourage people to seek help with mental health problems.

Last but certainly not least, William attended the Pride of Britain awards last night, celebrating Britain's unsung heroes. He presented two special recognition awards - to the Grenfell Community and to Manchester Medics. He was joined on stage by young people who were injured in the Manchester Arena attack. He said: "The courage and spirit Manchester showed is a huge example to us all". The full awards will be broadcast on ITV on 7 November. If you can, I encourage you to watch. It's an amazing event filled with inspirational stories of courage. A memorable moment from the night came before the show when William met adorable five-year-old Suzie Cash who won a Pride of Britain award for calling 999 when her mother collapsed. I promise this video will make your day :)


A very Happy Halloween to you all :)
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Wednesday, 25 October 2017

Kate's Next Engagement, a Week in the Country for the Cambridges & Autumn/Winter Styles from Kate's Favourites!

All has been quiet on the Cambridge front this week so far. Prince William has been keeping a full schedule of royal duties steadily since early September; this week his calendar is free. It comes an no surprise because Prince George's school, Thomas's Battersea, is on their half-term break. The school holidays offer the perfect opportunity to decamp from London to their country home, Anmer Hall, in leafy Norfolk or to Bucklebury for a week with the Middletons. It's a pattern I expect we'll see continue throughout the Cambridge children's school years.


We do have news on Kate's next engagement! Kensington Palace confirmed Kate will carry out her first solo engagement since the pregnancy announcement on Tuesday, 31 October. In her role as Patron, she will visit the Lawn Tennis Association. The announcement indicates Kate is very much on the mend. Upon arrival, The Duchess will receive a briefing from key representatives of the LTA on its latest grass roots activities and high-performance objectives. The Duchess will have the chance to take part in the Tennis for Kids session. This is an LTA-run programme which introduces and teaches young children aged five to eight years old how to play and enjoy tennis. Her Royal Highness will also watch a wheelchair tennis demonstration. The Duchess will then have the opportunity to meet some of the UK’s top junior talents. Finally, The Duchess will meet some of the Coach Core apprentices who will be leading a tennis training session.

Kensington Palace

William has no less than three galas pencilled into his diary for the next ten days. On Monday 30 October, he will attend the Pride of Britain Awards, a glittering event honouring Britain's unsung heroes; on 2 November, as patron of Tusk, William will attend the conservation charity's gala dinner; and on 6 November, it's the Skillforce UK gala, jointly hosted by the Children's Trust. Perhaps Kate will make a surprise appearance at one of the three?

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When it comes to fashion, without a doubt the autumn-winter season is my favourite time of year. Chunky knits, warm scarves, boots for casual wear and it's the pivotal time of year to don your finery, be it at a Christmas event with family and friends or a seasonal trip to the ballet. For royal watchers, it's undeniably a season full of galas, premieres and other red carpet events. We don't know how many engagements Kate will have in November, but certainly I believe we'll see a couple of glamorous nights on the calendar. With fashion firmly in mind, we're chatting about all things sartorial tonight.


Pieces worn by Kate tend to usually sell out rather quickly, which is why it makes perfect sense for brands to re-release and update those items. This is exactly what L.K. Bennett have done for their new Black Tie Collection. In the photo above, we see Kate at the Widlife Photographer of the Year Awards in 2014. I loved the mix of the blue Jenny Packham gown, Monica Vinader Riva jewels and Kate's gorgeous pink L.K. Bennett Agata Sandals. As part of the collection, the Agata Sandals have been given a new lease of life in Gold Satin and Purple Satin. Either hue would work perfectly with a little black dress.

L.K. Bennett


L.K. Bennett

Dresses from the collection which fit in very well with Kate's style include the Elouise Lace Dress crafted in semi-sheer damask lace, the off-the-shoulder Magalie Velvet Dress, the red ottoman satin Delent Wrap Dress, and the Che Midnight Velvet Dress.

L.K. Bennett
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We mentioned the talented Jenny Packham above (if you've been reading for a while you'll know your scribe needs no excuse to discuss her beautiful designs). The current collection offers another fabulous selection of evening gowns. I love the simplicity of the Printed Crepe Gown.

Jenny Packham
From the Autumn 2017 Collection, spotted on the runway, this gown is cut from liquid silver satin-crepe. The plush velvet ties add a touch of luxurious texture. It also comes in red.

Jenny Packham

The Embellished Tulle Gown is cut from sheer tulle and beautifully detailed with black panels embellished with tonal-gold beads, sequins and crystals that appear as though they are floating on the body. The internal lining provides full coverage. We also see the 'classic Packham' Tulle-Paneled Embellished Gown.

Jenny Packham

And the Sequined Half-Sleeve Boat-Neck Gown certainly looks familiar.


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When the Cambridges visited Canada last year, the Duchess opted for the Ribbed Sleeve Wrapped Coat, later renamed 'The Kate Coat', by Canadian brand Sentaler. One year later, the brand has been stocked at leading US online retailers Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.


The Kate Coat is described: "This double-faced superfine alpaca wrap coat has the Sentaler signature ribbed detail on sleeves. It is the perfect statement piece." The coat features a belted waist, shawl collar, two slit pockets at front and the Sentaler signature ribbed detail on full sleeves. The gull grey hue Kate wore is available at Saks Fifth Avenue for $995.

Sentaler

At Neiman Marcus, the coat is available in true blue and dark ruby.

Neiman Marcus

And a look at the piece in 'Rose Dust' and black.

Sentaler

With chillier days ahead, it's the perfect time of year for Kate to give her Sentaler coat another outing.

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We also have updates on the restocking/availability of several pieces worn by the Duchess. Kate's popular Oscar de la Renta Pearl Sun Star Button Earrings are available on the designer's website.

Oscar de la Renta

Kate's Temperley London Eclipse Lace Dress remains available in limited sizing at Net-A-Porter and Temperley London.


The Temperley Cypre Pointelle Frill Top Kate wore last year is back in stock in all sizes at Net-A-Porter.


Kate's Prada Printed Silk Dress is available in sizes 10-14 at My Theresa.


The GOAT Binky Blouse the Duchess wore for the Heads Together launch is available at FarFetch.


And for those fond of Kate's Superga Cotu Sneakers...


...they are available in a fantastic array of colours at Nordstrom.

Nordstorm

That wraps up our fashion chat for tonight. Are there any specific designers/brands/repeats you would like to see the Duchess wear before the close of the year?
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Wednesday, 18 October 2017

Duchess Kate in Familiar Blazer for Coach Core Graduation!

Another surprise appearance from Kate today! The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry visited West Ham United's London Stadium to attend the graduation for more than 150 Coach Core apprentices.


The royals were welcomed upon arrival.


It marks Kate's third public engagement since the pregnancy announcement. Yesterday, Kensington Palace confirmed the royal baby is due in April - a sign the Duchess is past the twelve week stage and all is well. The Palace also confirmed the postponement of the Norway/Sweden tour until early 2018. A Royal source told Rebecca English "she's better and is keen to do as much as she can. But she's taking it day-to-day in deciding what she can do." It very much looks like Kate's pregnancy is following a similar pattern to her first two, and she is feeling much better now. It's great to see her with William and Harry today.


The Coach Core apprenticeship scheme was designed by The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry to take young people aged 16 – 24 with limited opportunities, and train them to be sports coaches and positive role models and mentors in their communities. The apprentices learn technical sport skills alongside an inclusive and holistic approach to coaching, with an emphasis on employability and mentoring skills. Coach Core is proud to have transformed the lives of its apprentices with 98% of its graduates now being in full-time employment or education, and 80% retain strong ties with their employers and continue to engage in community sport. Apart from qualifications, participants gain the opportunity to grow, support from a network  of professionals and the chance to develop personal qualities including leadership and confidence.


Kate talked to apprentices about their experiences.


The royals have been supporting Coach Core for years. Below, we see the trio at the launch of the sports programme in 2012.


Before the ceremony, William, Kate and Harry watched a number of different sports being played. Duchess Kate chatted with Judy Murray, who has been helping with tennis elements of the programme.


A video from Simon Perry.


More from the Mail Online:

Judy Murray, who is a tennis coach and helped inspire and train her son Andy to grand slam standard, caught up with Kate to talk about their shared love of sport. She said: 'To have the backing of the princes and the duchess is amazing and a huge inspiration for all the young people.'
She said she and Kate spoke about developing coordination in children. 'We were talking about the things you can do with kids when they're little to help them develop those core skills. They don't need to be taught by a coach. Parents have got a big role to play in that. The prince and the duchess are very sporty so I'm sure they'll be keen for their kids to enjoy sport as well. We were talking about the things you can with balloons when kids are very small and that bean bags don't roll. She's been trying with the balloons and I was telling her to try bubbles as well. Blow bubbles and splat them with a little table tennis (ping pong) bat. It's a fun way of developing those basic skills. Kids learn best when they're playing.'

William and Kate chatted with representatives from West Ham United.


Prince Harry gets involved in a rugby masterclass.


This apprenticeship programme improves the availability and quality of sports coaching, creating a solid career path. Apprentices attended the ceremony from seven different areas where Coach Core operates (London, Glasgow, Essex, Nottingham, Birmingham, Manchester, and South Wales), with those graduating from London, Glasgow, Wales and Essex.


Prince William poses for photos.


Next, it was time for the graduation ceremony, pitchside at London Stadium, with speeches from the Chairman of Coach Core Ed Wray, and Karren Brady the Vice-Chairman of West Ham United.


William and Kate took to the stage and listened as Harry delivered a speech.


During a speech, Prince Harry announced that Coach Core is starting in three new areas: Middlesbrough, Devon, and Bristol. "It's so appropriate that we are back here – five years after it all began, during the incredible summer of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. At the time, William, Catherine and I were looking at the issues that we wanted to tackle together with our newly formed Royal Foundation. It was clear that all three of us believed firmly that sport could be such a powerful force for good. We felt confident that for many young people, at risk of falling through the cracks, as they left school, sport could be the answer to keeping them on track or change the course their lives were already headed. We knew that with the enthusiasm sweeping the country during that summer, we had a window of opportunity to bring the right people and organisations to the table to make something really exciting happen. The idea for Coach Core was born."


The royals congratulated graduates.


Before departing, they posed for photos.


Did you do a double take when you saw Kate's jacket?


Kate Middleton Style instantly spotted it's the blue version of the red Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini blazer Kate wore on Valentine's Day for an engagement with RAF Cadets. We know the Duchess has often purchased pieces she loves in several colours.


Woven with touches of wool, this twill piece has a double-breasted front, peak lapels and embossed gold buttons. The garment is from the Resort 2017 Collection and was made in Italy. The blazer has been sold out for some time, you can view product information at FarFetch. It originally retailed for £720. A very similar blazer is available in black at Farfetch


The background of the brand:

'Renowned Italian designer Alberta Ferretti founded Philosophy in 1984 with a focus on soft, feminine dressing for day and evening. In 2014, Lorenzo Serafini assumed the role of creative director, adding a touch of glamour to the label’s romantic roots.'

Once again, Kate styled the blazer with a black turtle neck sweater and black skinny jeans.


A closer look at Kate's new double zip ankle boots.


They are the Fallon Dry style from Russell & Bromley (with thanks to What Kate Wore, Katherine Elizabeth & Bonnie Lass). The £295 Chelsea Boots are described as "With elastic detailing and a stack heel, Fallon Dry by Aquatalia is the perfect gaucho-chelsea boot hybrid. Crafted from weather resistant black suede and featuring two zips, they delicately toe the line between smart and casual."

Russell & Bromley

Kate accessorised with her Kiki McDonough Lauren earrings.

Kiki McDonough

Well done to all those who graduated today. It's good to see an increased focus on Royal Foundation projects.
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