Summery Kate with George and Charlotte at the Houghton Hall Horse Trials

Duchess Kate was spotted at the Houghton Hall Horse Trials with George and Charlotte today. It's half-term at Thomas's Battersea and I expect the Cambridges are spending the week at their Norfolk home in Anmer Hall.

An onlooker took this photo of Kate with George, dressed in green, and Charlotte in pink eating an ice cream cone (with thanks to From Berkshire to Buckingham for spotting and sharing the snap).

Houghton Hall is owned by William and Kate's Norfolk neighbours, the Marquess and Marchioness of Cholmondeley.

Coincidentally, in our last post we were chatting about the gala David and Rose Cholmondeley hosted on behalf of East Anglia's Children's Hospices in 2016. Kate and Rose have become good friends and the couple are said to be regular visitors to Anmer.

William, Kate and the children also attended the trials in 2016, with friends Laura and James Meade.

The horse trials are very much a family day out with an array of children's entertainment on offer for George and Charlotte; spinning plates, ice cream and bouncy castles to name a few. And we know the little Prince and Princess had a terrific day with the balloon animals on offer during a Children's Party in Canada in 2016 :)

Aside from sport, there are over 70 exhibitors, including country clothing, equestrian supplies, local produce and garden furniture. More on the event: "Exhilarating sporting action, a spectacular setting, entertainment for young and old, plus shopping at over 70 trade stands. Set in the magnificent grounds of Houghton Hall, Norfolk, this truly is one of the most outstanding venues within the sport of eventing. After gaining International status in 2007 the event now welcomes over 700 horses each year, including more than 350 International competitors. It hosts the only British leg of the FEI Nations Cup, a series where teams from as far afield as Australia and New Zealand battle it out to top the table come the final event at Boekelo, Holland, in October. In addition Houghton also hosts the Naff British Eventing U21 National Championships."

In addition to the Horse Trials, the Colour Space Paintings & Outdoor Sculptures exhibition by Damien Hirst is currently exhibiting at the Hall.

It turns out funds raised by the exhibition and Houghton Hall's design pop-up shop will benefit Each Anglia's Children's Hospices. Kate has been Royal Patron since 2012 and Rose Cholmondeley was announced as a Patron last week.

Below, a painting by Carroll medal winner Thomas Leveritt on display.

Kate's very pretty summery dress is the $69 ZARA Flocked Print Dress (with thanks to UFO No More). The sky blue dress features off-the-shoulder, short-puff sleeves, floral appliqué details with a velvet effect and embroidered sequins on the front and sleeves. It's a gorgeous dress and very reminiscent of Kate's pre-wedding style.

A closer look at the floral details and belt.

Little Makes Big confirmed Kate carried their Monogrammed Tote. The brand notes the "elegant tote has been worn by Pippa Middleton, features unparalleled quality".

From what we can see it appears Kate accessorised with her Catherine Zoraida Double Leaf earrings (with thanks to the eagle-eyed Sara).

It looks like the Cambridges enjoyed a lovely day out; it's always fun to have an unexpected sighting!

Cambridge Family Update: Kate's Letter for EACH, William's Tour to Israel Confirmed & the Latest on the Children!

Hello and Happy Friday! We're ending the week with a series of updates covering each member of the Cambridge family!

Kate

This week is Children's Hospice Week, and to mark it the Duchess of Cambridge shared a letter in support of her patronage East Anglia's Children's Hospices. Kate praised the "remarkable and life-changing" support provided by children's hospices. She continued: "By supporting Children's Hospice Week we can help them spread joy and positivity across the UK, encouraging everyone to make the most of moments that matter. Spending quality time together is such an important aspect of family life and for me, as a mother, it is the simple family moments like playing outside together that I cherish." The release was accompanied with an official photo we've seen a couple of times, Kate wearing her pale blue Catherine Walker suit.

Kate concluded, saying: "I hope you will join me in supporting Children’s Hospice Week this year. Together we can champion the vital role that children’s hospices play in helping seriously ill children and families to have more precious moments."

The letter in full:

More on the theme for this year's events: "We all want to do what we love and make the most of every minute. For children with life-limiting conditions and their families, 'Life’s Short' has a poignant meaning: they simply do not have time to waste. Children’s Hospices across the UK help these children enjoy the simple moments in life that we all cherish. Join us this Children’s Hospice Week 21-27 May to create more moments that matter and raise awareness and funds for the 49,000 children across the UK living with life-limiting conditions, and the lifeline services that support them."

For those considering supporting a hospice, EACH is not only tirelessly supporting families during a time of unimaginable need, they are planning to transform palliative care across Norfolk and north Suffolk. Due to the high demands of the charity's specialist services in Norfolk, the team has long outgrown their current hospice in Quidenham, a very old two-storey building. Accessibility and flexibility within the building is restricted and in order to continue to provide their services it was realised a new hospice was very badly needed. EACH obtained planning permission for a new hospice - the Nook - on a five acre site, with a vision to provide the latest and most efficient services. And thus the Nook Appeal was launched by Kate in 2014. Four years later, building is underway and the charity has raised £7.5 million, and are now £2.5 million away from their goal.

In 2016, the Cambridges attended 'A Taste of Norfolk' at their Norfolk neighbours' stately home Houghton Hall, hosted by David and Rose, the Marquess and Marchioness of Cholmondeley. The couple have been friends of William and Kate for several years now. The evening was in support of the Nook Appeal and raised over £400,000.

Yesterday EACH announced Rose Cholmondeley has become a Patron of the organisation. Lady Rose said: "I feel honoured to become a Patron of EACH, that provides incredible care and support for children and families in our region. It’s vital to raise funds every year to continue this, and to build the much-needed new hospice, and I look forward to helping in any way I can."

If you would like to 'Buy a Brick' in support of the effort please click here.

William

Prince William returned to duties following the royal wedding on Tuesday, beginning the week attending the Manchester Arena National Service of Commemoration, marking one year since the horrific attack in the city.

William read a Bible passage from the Book of Corinthians. He said: "For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love."

Prince William presented Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday. The awards were founded in 1956 by the Duke of Edinburgh, and have supported the self-development of over 1.2 million people in 130 countries over the past year alone. Although Prince Philip is now retired, it's wonderful to see other members of the Royal family preserving his legacy and supporting the achievements of those participating. The video below is a fun one :)

Celebrating @DofE successes: The Duke of Cambridge presents Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Awards to young people at Buckingham Palace🏅 pic.twitter.com/pcBMDetnHW

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 24, 2018

This morning the Palace confirmed news of a very important tour William will undertake in late June, when he will make history as the first member of the Royal family to officially visit Israel. More from People's story:

'Kensington Place announced on Thursday that William, 35, will tour Jordan, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories next month. His trip begins on June 24 in Amman, and includes stops in Tel Aviv and Ramallah before concluding in Jerusalem on June 28.

William’s visit marks the first time a member of the royal family has traveled to Israel on official business. Prince Phillip went in 1994 for a Yad Vashem ceremony honoring his mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg, who saved Jews during the Holocaust by opening the doors of her palace in Greece. In 2016, Prince Charles attended the funeral of former President Shimon Peres.

The high-profile visit was “at the request of Her Majesty’s government and has been welcomed by the Israeli, Jordanian and Palestinian authorities,” Kensington Palace said in a statement.'

This afternoon, William played in his first polo match of the season. He was in great spirits as his team won, and was watched by his cousin Zara Tindall, who is said to be due her baby very soon. It's the first of many he will play throughout the summer. We haven't seen Charlotte at the polo yet, but fingers crossed we see her and George at some point :)

George

We know how much the Queen adores horses; according to a recent report her great-grandson will be following in her footsteps. Hello! says George has been seen taking lessons at Windsor, practising on a Shetland pony that belong to Zara Tindall. A source said: "William and Kate were really keen to get George riding – it's something all the royals do and the whole family adore animals. But obviously he's only small so they didn't want to put him on a big horse. They asked Zara if they could use one of her Shetland ponies and he's been learning to ride on one of those." Who remembers this image of George on his rocking horse when the Obamas visited Kensington Palace in 2016? The little Prince will be 5 in July!

Charlotte

Princess Charlotte was one of the stars of the show at the Royal wedding.

It came as no surprise to hear she was also a very conscientious member of the bridal party. More from People:

'Fans loved when she stuck her tongue out in the car and did her royal wave on the steps of St. George’s Chapel on Saturday, but it turns out that behind the scenes, Charlotte, who served as a bridesmaid in the royal wedding, took control of the other children in the wedding party.

“She was really sweet,” a royal wedding guest tells PEOPLE. “There was one girl who wanted to go and she said, ‘No you can’t go yet. We have to wait until we are asked.’ She was really organized!”

The 3-year-old also had her trusty nanny by her side to help keep everyone in line — and nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo used a trick many parents can relate to: candy. “I was sitting right in front of [Maria] and she was bribing the youngest bridesmaid with Peppa Pig and Smarties,” the guest says, “which was quite funny.”

Louis

Several readers have been in touch regarding two questions about Prince Louis. Will he be with George and Charlotte at Trooping the Colour? And when is his Christening? I'm almost certain Louis is too young for Trooping but there's a good chance we'll see him next year. As for his Christening, Charlotte's was in early July, so I imagine the Cambridges will follow a similar time frame. William will be on tour until 28 June, so early July makes sense logistically.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

The Cambridges in Harry & Meghan's Wedding Portraits & William and Kate Spotted Returning from Windsor!

Good evening, dear readers. We have a couple of post-wedding updates to share regarding the Cambridges. The official wedding portraits, taken by Alexi Lubomirski, were released this afternoon. The family photo featuring the bride and groom with the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, Meghan's mother Doria Ragland, the Cambridges and the page boys and bridesmaids in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle is just fabulous. The mixtures of whites, creams, green and black makes for a striking colour scheme against the vivid backdrop.

A close-up of the Cambridge family. I thought it was arranged incredibly well with Charlotte sitting on Kate's lap.

George and Charlotte featured in a second portrait with the other children in the bridal party. In the back row: Brian Mulroney, Remi Litt, Rylan Litt, Jasper Dyer, Prince George, Ivy Mulroney and John Mulroney. In the front row it's Zalie Warren, Princess Charlotte and Florence van Cutsem. It was delightful to see George so happy and smiling in these photos. I think he's at the age now where he's becoming very aware of the attention and media presence at such events and it can all be a bit overwhelming. He looked like he was having a wonderful time when these were taken.

The photos were taken after the service at St George's Chapel.

You'll recall the Green Drawing Room provided the setting for the Queen's much-loved 90th birthday portrait.

And the third portrait of the happy couple taken on the west steps of Windsor Castle.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were photographed arriving back at Kensington Palace after spending the night at Windsor following the evening reception at Frogmore House.

Guests enjoyed a night of fine dining, dancing and heartfelt speech. William's speech is said to have been packed with funny moments and a touching reference to Diana. Meanwhile, several reports claim George Clooney danced with both the bride and the Duchess of Cambridge. He was in attendance with his wife Amal.

We also know the Duchess received a new piece to add to her jewellery box. The Duchess of Sussex gave her sister-in-law and best friends a bespoke gold bracelet by Zofia Day as a thank you for their help and support during the wedding. I imagine we'll see Kate wearing it one day!

A number of you have been in touch asking when we'll see Kate next; she won't be returning to public duties until the autumn, but she is expected (along with George and Charlotte) at Trooping the Colour on Saturday, 9 June.

It's a Family Affair for Harry & Meghan's Windsor Wedding!

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte watched Prince Harry marry Meghan Markle in Windsor today.

Prince William was by his brother's side as his best man. The pair spent last night at Coworth Park before arriving in their Blues and Royals uniforms this morning. Seven years ago, Harry was William's best man and William looked delighted to return the favour. The two joked and it appeared William offered gentle words of encouragement as they waited in the chapel.

Kate arrives with very special members of the bridal party.

True to form, Princess Charlotte was eager to get going :)

A wave from the car window.

The Duchess with the mothers of the other page boys and bridesmaids including Meghan's friend Jessica Mulroney.

The Middleton family were in attendance and arrived together. I believe Carole wore Catherine Walker.

Pippa Matthews, who is expecting her first child, sported the very pretty Hepburn dress by The Fold.

It was great to see Kate's former private secretary Rebecca Deacon.

Embed from Getty Images

George and Charlotte joined a bridal party of ten walking up the aisle with the bride.

The other children in the party were Prince Harry's godson Jasper Dyer, the son of his longtime mentor Mark Dyer; Harry's goddaughters Zalie Warren and Florence van Cutsem. The van Cutsems have been close friends of the princes since their schooldays. Meghan's goddaughters Remi and Rylan Litt, the daughters of close friend Benita Litt from LA, and Meghan's best friend Jessica Mulroney's twin boys John and Brian and daughter Ivy.

Meghan was escorted down the aisle by the Prince of Wales.

The happy couple.

The Royal family watched Harry and Meghan exchange their vows.

Kate sat beside the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Andrew. Below, chatting with the best man.

Singing hymns.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Afterwards, the royals gathered on the steps. 

A terrific shot of William and George in their matching uniforms. The page boys wore miniature versions of the Blues and Royals frockcoat. The uniform draws its insignia from the Blues and Royals, which is an old regiment of the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry. Both wore Blues and Royals frockcoats for the Wedding Day. The frockcoats are made from blue doeskin, single-breasted in style with a stand-up collar and completed with figured braiding of the regimental pattern. The figured braiding was scaled down for the pages, as otherwise it would have gone above their shoulders. As a special memento, each page had their initials embroidered in gold on their shoulder straps. The pages did not wear hats or white waist belts for practical reasons.

The bridesmaid dresses were designed to have the same timeless purity as Ms Markle's dress. Each one is sculpted in ivory silk Radzimir, is high-waisted with short puff sleeves, and hand finished with a double silk ribbon detail tied at the back in a bow. The bridesmaids’ dresses include pockets and pleated skirts to create a relaxed and luxurious silhouette. Each also wore white leather Aquazurra shoes, monogrammed with the bridesmaid's initials and the wedding date. The shoes are a gift from Meghan to the young ladies as a keepsake of the special day.

Another regal wave from the Princess.

Waving the newlyweds off as they leave for the carriage procession.

William and Kate were all smiles as they departed for the reception with the little Prince having a good look around.

These two did a wonderful  job.

Meghan looked radiant in a beautiful gown by Givenchy's Clare Waight Keller worn with Queen Mary's bandeau tiara.

For the evening reception, she changed into a sleek Stella McCartney gown and accessorised with Diana's aquamarine ring. William and Kate joined 200 other guests at Frogmore House to celebrate.

Shortly before arrivals, the Palace said the Duchess would be wearing "a primrose yellow wool silk tailored coat by Alexander McQueen". When Kate arrived it looked like she was wearing her cream McQueen fit-and-flare design. I thought there must have been a last-minute change of plan. Certainly, the styling of the look suggests plans for primrose yellow were organised. 

Kate debuted the cream coat for Charlotte's christening.

She later wore it at Trooping the Colour.

 And most recently for a 2017 visit to Belgium.

UPDATE: After looking at several close up shots, it does seem Kate did wear a new coat. It is almost identical to the piece shown above and in the majority of photos it looked the same colour (to me at least) rather than primrose lemon. Another possibility - the very similar hue has led to suggestions Kate's original coat was altered. It' A big thank you to Perth Fashion for her work on this.

UPDATE: It's been confirmed Kate wore a new coat.

Kate accessorised with a new floral Philip Treacy hat from the SS18 Collection.

The Duchess wore her Jimmy Choo Romy pumps.

Kate sported a pair of Kiki McDonough earrings.

And a citrine ring. 

I believe there's a strong possibility it's a ring Kate's had for over a decade. She was spotted wearing it for her 26th birthday celebrations.

It was an absolutely beautiful wedding. You can view the full post over at Mad About Meghan.