Kate's Maternity Repeats, Your Royal Baby Name Guesses & Exclusive Easter Black.co.uk Discount!

Hello, hello!

Seeing your guesses and choices for Baby Cambridge's name have been such fun, thank you all so much for participating. I absolutely love activities involving the engagement of the community here, and this one was one of the most enjoyable thus far. Here are your winning names, all splendid choices!

When it came to guessing the baby's gender it was a very close race with a majority of 54% guessing the royal baby will be a girl. We'll know the answer to that in the coming weeks! :)

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Before we get started on our series looking at Kate's work and patronages (a big thank you to everyone who commented on the idea with feedback and suggestions) we're going to take a look at her maternity wardrobe. Tonight, we're looking through repeats which were debuted when Kate was expecting George and Charlotte and which made the cut again this time around. First, it's arguably one of Kate's favourite maternity coats: the GOAT Redgrave. She first wore the piece in 2013 - when she was expecting Prince George - for a visit to Child Bereavement UK, and again last November for an engagement with Family Action. Kate was also spotted wearing it last week for a tennis meeting at Kensington Palace, and chose it again for her final engagements before taking maternity leave.

For an 'Away Day' in Birmingham, Kate repeated the GOAT Washington Coat she debuted in New York in 2014. The heavy-weight, black crepe coat features a classic swing coat shape and contrast nude tabs on the cuff and back and decorative contrast enamel buttons. Kate switched up the styling from a dress and pumps to black jeans and pumps.

Most of us were pleased to see the return of Kate's much-loved DVF Zarita gown. Kate first wore the fitted gown with sheer lace detailing for the 2014 Royal Variety Performance when she was expecting Charlotte. The Anna Freud Centre gala dinner was the perfect occasion to give it another outing. Sparkling jewels made this a classic evening look for Kate.

Next, it's the Séraphine Marina Coat the Duchess wore for the Magic Mums Christmas party in North Kensington. I loved the coat when Kate first sported it in New York in 2014 and was delighted to see it make a second appearance. The striking purple hue, bouclé tweed and sparkling silver threads made this a perfect December coat.

William and Kate were first photographed in 2018 attending Sunday Service on the Sandringham estate with members of the Royal family. Kate brought back the Moloh Turpin coat she debuted on Christmas Day 2014 when she was expecting Princess Charlotte. The brown and cream check coat with flecks of orange was styled differently on its second wear - that time with the Lacorine Russian-style Sumac hat and a Chanel bag.

The Duchess wore her Séraphine Florrie Dress for an engagement with Place2Be in January. Kate debuted the piece in 2015 when she was expecting Charlotte during a visit to Stoke-on-Trent.

Also from Kate's New York 2014 wardrobe, the Tory Burch Bettina coat worn again for a surprise appearance at the Anna Freud conference.

And the pink Mulberry coat worn in New York was a vibrant choice for a lovely 'away day' in Coventry.

Kate launched Mentally Healthy Schools wearing the blue SportsMax coat she debuted when she was expecting Charlotte.

Kate brought back the gorgeous Séraphine Natasha Coat she first wore for maternal mental health engagements in January, when she was expecting Charlotte. On both occasions, Kate wore her Florrie dress underneath.

Kate wore her stylish 'Downton Coat' again for an engagement with Family Links earlier this month. The cream JoJo Maman Bebe piece made it's debut for a visit to the set of Downton Abbey in 2015 when Kate was expecting Princess Charlotte. It's a very elegant and versatile maternity coat.

For the Commonwealth Day service, Kate chose the navy Beulah London Chiara coat she first wore for a service of commemoration to mark the end of combat operations in Afghanistan at St Paul's Cathedral, when she was expecting Princess Charlotte. The Chiara trapeze coat was described: "This piece is cut in a fit-and-flare silhouette and makes layering easy and comfortable. Concealed buttons to keep the design clean and elegant."

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Next, we have an exclusive Easter discount for readers from the folks at luxury accessories brand Black.co.uk. They are offering 20% off over 600 accessories for women (the discount is pre-applied on the website) and an additional 10% for Duchess Kate readers with the discount code HRH10

The Black Bow Gloves remain a firm favourite at the brand. Described as "short black cocktail gloves with an elegant and pristine side bow at the wrist. Made from satin Lycra the gloves are stretchy ensuring a snug flattering fit. They are perfect for weddings smart day wear and of course the cocktail hour". With the discount code the gloves are reduced from £45 to £32.40. Below, the bow gloves in black and navy.

The pair in ivory are an elegant accessory for summer weddings.

The brand has a beautiful selection of silk scarves on offer in an array of colours and prints. Made in France, the Peacock Print Silk Scarf features rich iridescent blue and turquoise with an accent of yellow set against a jet black background.

The Floating Leaves Silk Scarf is particularly elegant and adds a vibrant touch of colour with hues of sapphire, emerald and chartreuse with an accent of yellow.

The Black, White and Biscuit Tiger Print Silk Scarf and the Red, White and Blue Tiger Print Scarf are striking accessories. We also see the Bird Print Skinny Silk Scarf and the Geometric Military Silk Scarf.

With spring underway and summer on the horizon, it's the perfect time to inject a seasonal pop of colour into your wardrobe. I personally love pastels. The selection of Cashmere Wraps in Pastel Lemon, Minty Green, Baby Blue and Pastel Pink are ultra soft and lightweight. The choices of colours are inspired by ice cream parlour shades.

For those thinking of a little early holiday shopping, there's a variety of beach accessories in stock. Below, the Sand and Black Wide Brimmed Hat and the Black and Gold Striped Sun Hat.

The Butterfly Silk Kaftan comes in ivory white silk and is embellished with a black silk applique butterfly back and front, and finished with two black silk bands. It's also available in cream. Other kaftans perfect for the beach include the Brown Crocodile Print Kaftan and the Marrakesh Hand Embroidered Linen Kaftan.

The Coffee Cream and White Straw Tote is a steal after discounts (roughly £35).

Jewellery from talented designers includes artisan pieces inspired by chain-mail armour of old and skilfully-crafted mesh jewellery from Indonesia. You can view the collection here.

The code HRH10 is applicable to the collection of notecards. Below, the A Girl for All Seasons Notecards. "A set of eight embossed notecards and envelopes featuring Bovary & Co.'s 'A Girl for all Seasons' design, with each cameo character representing a season; spring, summer, autumn and winter. The cards are printed and then embossed on highly-textured 280gsm paper, making for an intensely luxurious feel. The technique of embossing allows the cameos to stand out."

And last but not least, a peek at the Mens Collection.

Further information:

Duration - 29th of March to 2nd of April (midnight GMT).
Shipping - Free delivery & returns on all UK orders.
Shipping - Free international shipping with orders over £125.

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Emily Andrews reports Kate, George and Charlotte are spending the weekend in Bucklebury. She hasn't ruled out the possibility of church attendance with the Queen, but with Kate on maternity leave it would seem likely they'll stay with the Middletons.

Wishing you all a very Happy Easter!

Kate Becomes V&A's First Royal Patron, A New Addition at KP & Guess Baby Cambridge's Name!

Hello-Hello, I hope your week is off to a splendid start!

We have a couple of interesting royal updates to share before asking you to guess the name William and Kate will choose for their new son or daughter. Earlier today, Kensington Palace announced the Duchess of Cambridge has become the first Royal Patron of the Victoria & Albert Museum. The Palace said "The patronage reflects Her Royal Highness’s continued personal interest in the visual arts, photography and design."

Kate visited the museum in a gorgeous Gucci dress last June. She joined V&A staff and architect Amanda Levete CBE, for the official unveiling of Exhibition Road Quarter – the V&A’s most significant development project for over 100 years.

The museum was officially opened by Queen Victoria in 1857. Over four decades later, the laying of the foundation stone of the Aston Webb building (to the left of the main entrance) on 17 May 1899 marked the last official public appearance by the monarch. It was during this ceremony that change of name from the South Kensington Museum to the Victoria and Albert Museum was made public. Queen Victoria's address during the ceremony, as recorded in the London Gazette, ended: "I trust that it will remain for ages a Monument of discerning Liberality and a Source of Refinement and Progress."

Today, the V&A is the world’s leading museum of art, design, education and performance with collections unrivalled in their scope and diversity. It was established to make works of art available to all and to inspire British designers and manufacturers. Today, the V&A’s collection spans more than 5000 years of human creativity, showcasing work in virtually every medium and from many parts of the world.

Tristram Hunt, Director of the V&A, said:

“From its foundation by Prince Albert and Queen Victoria, the V&A has enjoyed a proud history of Royal support. We are delighted that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge has agreed to serve as Royal Patron of the museum.

“The Duchess’s personal interest in photography, textiles and the visual arts, alongside her support for the role of art in supporting mental health and nurturing young people’s creative talent, fits naturally with the collections and civic purpose of the V&A.

“The Trustees, staff and members of the V&A look forward to working with Her Royal Highness across our museums in South Kensington, Bethnal Green and Dundee.”

The Duchess is now Patron of seventeen organisations:

Patron of Action on Addiction
Patron of Action for Children
Patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
Patron of the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
Royal Patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices
Royal Patron of The Art Room
Patron of the Lawn Tennis Association
Patron of the National Portrait Gallery, London
Patron of Place2Be
Patron of SportsAid
Patron of the 1851 Trust
Patron of the Natural History Museum
Patron of The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry
Honorary Air Commandant of The Air Cadets
Patron of Nursing Now
Patron of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG)
Patron of the Victoria & Albert Museum

In the coming months, I'm planning a new series of posts taking a look at each of Kate's patronages and her work with them over the years. Several of you suggested it before and I thought it an excellent idea. My hope is to create a separate page for each patronage with plans to add events and engagements as they take place in the future.

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There's been a number of notable staff changes across Royal Households in the past year. Another significant departure was announced today; Prince William's private secretary Miguel Head is to leave his role in July after a decade of service. In a very affectionate statement a spokesman for William said "His Royal Highness feels incredibly lucky to have benefited from Miguel's support and advice over the last decade. He has been an outstanding Press Secretary and Private Secretary and has been central to the decisions that have guided the establishment of the Duke's office". Below we see Miguel and Kate's former private secretary Rebecca Deacon at the Tusk Conservation Awards in 2013.

Veteran royal correspondent Peter Hunt described the warmth of the statement as "striking".

Miguel Head will be replaced by Simon Case, the director general Northern Ireland and Ireland in the Department for Exiting the EU. As with Catherine Quinn, Mr Case brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the table. Both will be central figures in the years ahead when Charles becomes King and William and Kate take on increasing responsibilities both at home and abroad.

The Telegraph reports:

'Simon Case, who will take up his new role in July, has held a number of senior positions within the Civil Service, including serving as Principal Private Secretary to then Prime Minister David Cameron.

His previous experience also includes roles as director of strategy at GCHQ, director of the Implementation Group at the Cabinet Office and a posting at the Northern Ireland Office.

The role of Private Secretary to The Duke of Cambridge is the most senior appointment in the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Household with overall responsibility for its management.

The role, the most senior in the Duke and Duchess' household, gives Mr Case responsibility for the Duke's work, which increasingly includes supporting the Queen in her public duties and taking on sensitive diplomatic overseas tours.'

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It's that time again! We're asking you to vote in our 'Royal Baby' polls. This is always a fun one.

Do you think the Duchess is expecting a boy or a girl?

Boy or Girl?

Boy

Girl

 

pollcode.com free polls

Next, it's time to guess the name! I'm incredibly excited to see your choices for this one. When Kate was expecting Charlotte the top three names chosen by you were....'Charlotte Elizabeth Diana'. Can you possibly guess the correct first and middle names again? The Duke and Duchess have chosen quite traditional names thus far. As the third child is further from the throne there's more scope in terms of choices. Will they choose a name with royal history? A Middleton family name? Perhaps they will completely surprise us.

Indeed, the British public has already weighed in. More from Royal Central:

'If the British public has a say in naming the next royal baby, then get ready to meet Prince James, Princess Victoria, or Princess Elizabeth. Casino.org polled 4,000 Britons to compile their results and pitted the public against the bookie odds.

While Princess Victoria and Princess Elizabeth tied for the top girl names determined by the British public, the bookies are hedging their bets on a Princess Mary, a Princess Alice, or Princess Victoria. A baby prince, per the bookies, will be named Prince Arthur, Prince Henry, or Prince Albert.'

For the purposes of the poll, I've selected twenty possible names for each gender looking at the royal family's history, recurring names from the Windsor and Middleton/Goldsmith family tree and names which are particularly popular in Britain right now. You can vote for more than one name and if the name you like is not on the list simply leave a comment with your selection. The name with the most votes will be the winner with the second and third chosen as possibilities for the middle names.

Vote For Girl Names

Elizabeth

Alice

Alexandra

Mary

Edith

Victoria

Diana

Frances

Olive

Valerie

Dorothy

Grace

Carole

Rose

Sophia

Isabelle

Emily

Anne

Olivia

Amelia

 

pollcode.com free polls

Vote for Boy Names

Arthur

Alexander

Henry

Philip

James

Albert

Michael

Charles

Peter

Francis

John

Frederick

Richard

Edward

Louis

Oliver

Jacob

Thomas

Benjamin

Christopher

 

pollcode.com free polls

Speaking of the Royal Baby, the Palace have launched a dedicated page on their website for updates, click here to view it.

Kate Celebrates the Commonwealth on Final Engagements Before Maternity Leave!

Ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting next month, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stepped out for two engagements celebrating the Commonwealth in London.

Kensington Palace confirmed today marks Kate's final engagements before her maternity leave.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (April 16-20) is one of the most important events on the royal calendar this year. Leaders from all 53 member countries will gather in London and Windsor to reaffirm common values, address the shared global challenges faced and agree how to work to create a better future for all Commonwealth citizens, particularly young people. It will be the largest summit every held in Britain and the royal family will be out in force for a series of receptions, meetings, forums and a glittering state banquet at Buckingham Palace. The week will conclude on April 21 with a special birthday concert for the Queen celebrating her lifelong relationship with the Commonwealth.

Although the Duchess will be on maternity leave during the week, she has attended important events in the lead up, including the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange and the Commonwealth Day service.

The couple met schoolchildren before heading inside.

A sea of flags and terrific artwork on display.

Kate chatting with children.

William greets excited pupils.

They were both in great spirits.

William and Kate began the day at a SportsAid event at the Copper Box in the Olympic Park.

The visit comes less than a month before the 2018 Commonwealth Games get underway on the Gold Coast with hundreds of previous SportsAid recipients set to represent home nations across a wide range of sports.

SportsAid is the only national charity of its kind - helping young British sportsmen and women aspiring to be the country's next Olympic, Paralympic, Commonwealth and world champions. Every year SportsAid supports over 1,000 athletes - the vast majority aged 12-18 - by providing a financial award to help with training and competition costs. The charity also helps develop other vital skills for professional athletes, such as media training, nutritional advice and performance lifestyle guidance. Kate has been patron of the charity since 2013.

The royals watched a wheelchair basketball session and met the players, some of whom hope to compete in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in which the sport will feature for the first time.

With a little support from Kate, Prince William has a go...

...and scores!

The Duke has a go at wheelchair basketball - and scores! 🏀 pic.twitter.com/AkLhdumhYB

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) March 22, 2018

The couple posed for official photos.

Finally the Duke and Duchess participated in a Commonwealth Quiz in which athletes, coaches and supporters were questioned on their knowledge of the Commonwealth Games.

🔉The Duke and Duchess get involved in a Commonwealth Quiz!

Today's visit comes less than a month before the 2018 Commonwealth Games get underway on the Gold Coast of Australia. #GC2018 pic.twitter.com/CXhY5Ln0jZ

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) March 22, 2018

Next, The Duke and Duchess took part in preparations for a Commonwealth Big Lunch at St Luke's Community Centre.

An arrival video.

On her last engagement before giving birth, Kate meets kids at @StLukesTrust, where she and William will help prepare a Commonwealth Big Lunch ahead of April’s @Commonwealth18 @edencommunities pic.twitter.com/wlNMRdIaVT

— Emily Nash (@emynash) March 22, 2018

The centre provides services and activities for locals at the heart of the EC1 community, and has a range of facilities including a fully-equipped Cookery School, which runs community classes on healthy, home cooking and avoiding food waste.

On arrival William and Kate were given a briefing on the work of the community centre in the café.

Then it was time to get their aprons on!

The couple chatted about the menu and options on offer.

William and Kate took part in a recipe workshop and discussion in the kitchen with service users, who regularly discuss their favourite dishes and what inspires them to make them.

More from the Mail Online:

'William told staff in the kitchen that he enjoyed cooking, as did Kate. Asked what his favourite cuisine was, the prince said he ‘really loved curries’. ‘I love a lot of things, curries, really do love curries. I do like fish as well, I like Italian, pasta, and pizza, really love pizza. I don’t make it but the children do. I just eat. 

Kate earlier told a community centre user, Yolanda from Bolivia, that their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, loved to make pizza. ‘I have done that with George and Charlotte, making pizza dough. They love that, don’t they? Because they can get their hands messy,’ she said, smiling.

The royal couple were asked to put garnishes on the dishes before they were taken out to members of the local community to dine on. Told he would help with a Malaysian dish, William said: ‘Not Durian Fruit [ a pungent Asian delicacy] is it? I fell for that one before, never again!

He was also asked if he spoke Spanish . ‘Un poquito [a little] ,’ he laughed,’but I’m not brave enough to try it here!’ Kate said she was a keen cook. ‘Yes, yes, I cook a lot,’ she told Sofia Larrincua-Craxton, the manager of the cookery school. '

William certainly looks like he knows his way around the kitchen :)

However, he joked "She knows, but I have no idea".

It's been such a fantastic day with TRH Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) who have been getting stuck in with the #cooking at @StLukesTrust for our #CommonwealthBigLunch. - @Commonwealth18
Does anyone recognise the dishes we've made? pic.twitter.com/EzBHOpz8pA

— Eden Project Communities (@edencommunities) March 22, 2018

People all over the world are being encouraged to host a Commonwealth Big Lunch. More from the Palace: "Commonwealth Big Lunches are delivered in partnership with the Eden Project. They are simply about sharing food and bringing people together to celebrate what we have in common. From a couple of people in a back garden to hundreds in a community space, by hosting or attending a lunch you'll be joining millions of people across the Commonwealth in the official summit celebrations. We already have some exciting lunches confirmed; from a research ship off the coast of South Africa to a school of 30,000 pupils in India, we are aiming for a lunch in every Commonwealth country."

A short and sweet video from Simon Perry.

Kate having a chuckle at the community centre in Clerkenwell, London pic.twitter.com/0V9oOrQhVU

— Simon Perry (@SPerryPeoplemag) March 22, 2018

The Duchess looked stylish in a 'smart casual' ensemble today. Kate sported her much loved GOAT Redgrave coat. She first wore the piece in 2013 when she was expecting Prince George for a visit to Child Bereavement UK and again last November for an engagement with Family Action. She was also spotted wearing it last week for a tennis meeting at Kensington Palace.

The nude A lined shaped coat features side seam diagonal welt pockets. It's described as "classic and sophisticated". The piece remains available in several colours at GOAT and FarFetch.

GOAT

Kate debuted a very pretty new top by Hobbs London. The Blue Rosie Top features a charming floral print - perfect for Spring! Offering an elegant boat neck, the piece has flattering three quarter-length sleeves with notch detailing. The top is on sale on the Hobbs UK website for £49 and Debenhams (reduced to £44). It retails on the Hobbs US website for £165. It's also available at Bloomingdales and Next.

Hobbs London

A closer look at the print.

The Rosie dress featuring the same print is available at Hobbs London and Bloomingdales.

Hobbs London

It appears Kate teamed the look with her Stuart Weitzman Power pumps.

Kate carried her Mulberry Bayswater clutch.

Kate wore her Cartier Ballon Bleu watch.

Cartier

And accessorised with her Annoushka pearls and Kiki McDonough hoops.

I very much enjoyed today's engagements. William and Kate make a great double act. It's an incredibly exciting time for them with just weeks to go until the arrival of Baby Cambridge. Unless there's a surprise Easter Sunday appearance, the next time we see Kate, she'll have a little prince or princess in her arms :)

We have a number of posts in the planning during Kate's maternity leave :)