Kate very much wanted 'Back To Nature' to evoke the beauty and wonder of time spent outdoors. She filled it with memories, from her own childhood in Bucklebury, to forget-me-not in memory of Princess Diana; she even included a memory from the Queen (I'm looking forward to finding out which element was inspired from HM). Most of all, the garden is about stressing the importance of outdoor play and the endless benefits it offers for the generation of children currently growing up today - both physically and mentally. It's the latter that's played an integral part of this project for the Duchess, indeed, it's been reported she's been concerned about the vastly increasing amounts of time children are spending in front of screens rather than outside in the fresh air. She read Richard Louv's 2005 book Last Child in the Woods. The author coined the phrase "nature deficit disorder" in the book.
The importance of the message the garden delivers is demonstrated beautifully in these images, taken by Matt Porteous, who has photographed the Cambridge children several times. From exploring the garden, to paddling their feet in the stream, the hope is 'the Kate Effect' will encourage families to spend more time outdoors. The Palace says Back To Nature "seeks to recapture for adults the sense of wonder and magic that they enjoyed as children, in addition to kindling excitement and a passion for nature in future generations".
Following in Mum's footsteps, Charlotte road tests the swing :)
And not one to be left behind, Louis gives it a go - with a little assistance from Dad.
The photo is reminiscent of George's first birthday portrait, taken at the Natural History Museum.
It's possible Louis wore George's red stripe Neck and Neck dungarees. You might remember, the prince wore them for his polo debut on Father's Day 2014.
Charlotte was pretty in pink in Rachel Riley's Ditsy Floral Button Front dress.
Take a look at this video. It's full of moments featuring the children playing and having fun. At one point, William asks Charlotte if she wants to help George and she replies "No". She also says "Ooh la la" whilst exploring. George is seen climbing rocks and pointing out elements to William (he's such a big boy now). And don't miss Louis making a beeline for the camera :)
It appears the Duchess wore the Floral Ruffled Maxi Dress from & Other Stories (with many thanks to Laura).
The piece is described as: "Long sleeve button up maxi dress in an allover floral print with a waist tie, puff shoulder and ruffled hem, mandarin collar, slanted front pockets and a three button cuff".
A shorter version of the dress is also available from & Other Stories.
Sophia from Regal RepliKate identified Kate's earrings as the £8 Accessorize Polly Petal Drop earrings. They are available at Accessorize and Next.
A matching necklace is available for £15.
And Kate completed the look with a pair of Castaner Carina wedges (with thanks to Danielle). The Carina style is available in multiple colours at Net-A-Porter.
We'll see Kate with members of the Royal family including the Queen tomorrow for the garden's official unveiling. The Duchess will also speak about the creation of the garden on BBC's show from RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Louis toddling toward the camera! Charlotte on the swing! Prince William's face with Louis on the rope swing! Charlotte and George dangling legs off the bridge!! I'm almost speechless!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cambridges, for reminding me what fun nature has to offer and thank you for sharing pictures of your family. ❤
A huge ditto florida girl!! I was so hoping we would get a peek! What a wonderful family afternoon, so happy to see them all together.loving William with Louis, and fishing with George. It just seems so natural and so proud of Kate because this garden is every child's dream!! cc
DeleteAbsolutly wonderful pictures! What a wonderful surprise gift!! Such great feeling in all of them! Wonderful to get a glimpse of the kids and perfect location for them! Adorable that they have helped to collect twigs and sticks and such for this! It's always an honour as a kid when you get to help with the adult things!
ReplyDeleteThis garden seems like a success in invoking the feeling they set out to when the press all seem to have swung on the swing and climbed around! A wonderful concept!
Well done Beautiful Cambridges. I like the RHS Garden. Thank you Amazing Duchess Kate.
ReplyDeleteThese pictures are just precious. What a treat! They are a beautiful family.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely delightful ! Gorgeous and healthy family ! They know how to enjoy the simple things of life. The kids look all happy. The picture with William & Louis melt my heart ! I love the father & son (George) same face on the 2nd picture !
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post and what a lovely family. Such a joy to see these pictures.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting these photos so quickly. It’s such a treat when we get to see this family of 5! Such a happy family!!
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Charlotte. Watching the Cambridge family in the nature garden is so sweet; giving Wife / Mom support before the big debut. The pics of the children, in the garden, is a natural. From their interaction, one can tell they all are lovers of nature.
ReplyDeleteI don’t usually comment but these are such wonderful pics of the family, so informal and Kate seems super proud of what she has created along with her team. I wish all children had gardens like this to play in.
ReplyDeleteAwwwwwww......... ❤️❤️❤️
ReplyDeletethank you Charlotte !
Wonderful pictures so glad they shared them with the public. Looks like Kate did a great job on creating a beautiful garden that families would enjoy.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful and precious photos! Matt Porteous has done a wonderful job conveying Catherine’s vision for this garden in these photos. And the children are obviously enjoying every moment of exploring. What a beautiful garden that Catherine and her team have created, and what a beautiful inspiration to explore the world around us. Just lovely.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful children, beautiful family! I miss Diana so much when I see pictures like this of her grandchildren (and especially William looking at Louis walking). I wish she was still with us! She would have absolutely adored these little children. Great post, as always.
ReplyDeleteThe photos of Kate yesterday were a delightful treat but these are just the best! The kids are so cute and clearly enjoying the pre-show!
ReplyDeleteKate's project is just wonderful. Including her family in this is just positively leading by example. Little Louis is to die for! It's delightful to see this family enjoying themselves together, and to see an example of great parenting. I'm glad to see such a warm positive story in the Sunday publications.
ReplyDeleteThis is the best thing I have ever seen!’
ReplyDeleteI absolutely ADORE these photos! Every natural aspect is so wonderful! From the beautiful outdoor colors to the floral outfits to sweet Charlottes dirty little feet on the swing...I love it all!!!! I felt as if i was there watching them in all their normal day to day activities :)
ReplyDeleteThese are great pictures of the family. They are such a nice surprise. Does anyone know what the shoes are Kate is wearing? I can see just a little of them in the third picture. They look to be ankle wrap wedges.
ReplyDeleteI have to comment today! What a wounderfull family! What a wounderfull garden! I begin to remember my childhood! Wounderfull light days plaing in gardens with my relatives. My life actually is so difrent. I strugle with mental illness since my fifteens. It's has third yaers now. I have to strugle to open my door and go anywhere. See this garden is so inspiring! I holp the peple be inspired to go to nature! Kids and adulta need this.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Ana74. Hopefully one day you will get to play in a beautiful garden again. Big hugs for you.
DeleteSorry for my poor iglish! I'm brazilian.
ReplyDeletewonderful family hmm i love the timing is good i love family walking together and playing in the park most kids now i days are more into gadgets iPad they do not enjoy this kind of these activity princes George and Louie are growing faster princess Charlotte looking young lady in that outfit the duke and duchess cambridge support each other with their cause
ReplyDeleteLove these pictures! I think this type of format, with just one photographer, is a great way for them to share photos of their kids without a big press pack, which would seem overwhelming to a child. I also love the pictures that Kate takes herself. Love that they are barefoot and are scampering around the garden. What a great Sunday!
ReplyDeleteHope from USA
Well I now have a great model for my little back garden! And I can see that if I do half as well my 3 kids will enjoy it too. What a lovely inspiring set of photos. Good job Catherine.
ReplyDeleteSuch a pleasure to see this beautiful family enjoying a lovely activity while promoting Mom's work!!! Pure joy. Perfection in every sense.
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte for your wonderful blog.
It’s amazing how the Cambridge sons resemble each other. Both George and Louis have blonde hair and dark eyes
ReplyDeleteOh my, doesn't Charlotte have an all-inclusive face for the family! I see QEII, the queen mother, Diana/William, Pippa/Carole Middleton--all in one bright happy expression!
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely, lovely pictures of a very fun outing. Can't wait to see Queen Elizabeth's expression in looking at it.
Very nice photos and the garden is wonderful. How fun for the whole family. All the kids look so cute. Kate and William look nice.
ReplyDeleteI love every single picture and what we can see of the garden (not so much love for Kate’s dress, but who cares)
ReplyDeleteTwo things that stand out for me is the kids being bare foot. As somebody who spend the majority of her childhood barefoot, I just love it.
And the second thing is such nice photos of William with Louis. Don’t get me wrong I never thought it was a true reflection of their parenting, but the way most previous photos worked out, you had William with George and the younger ones with Kate. It is just nice to see it being mixed up.
And the videoclip KP released is even CUTER. It is seldom that we can see video of the kids in such a natural environment. I love the little but you can see if George ans Charlotte’s relationship. I think they have a very special bond.
ReplyDeleteI love these photos! It must have been so special for the children to know that Mum helped create this. It looks like they had a lovely time! Charlotte's barefoot swinging photo is great, and so are the others. The one of Charlotte and George sitting on the bridge with their feet in the stream reminded me of "Swallows and Amazons". I think the Cambridge children are going to love those books when they are older!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful family. Perfect initiative for Kate. The family is so adorable and it’s obvious they love the outdoors. I completely agree about getting kids (and adults) outside. It’s the best cure.
ReplyDeleteI love them so much, they are beautiful and lovely
ReplyDeleteThank you to the Cambridges for sharing these lovely candid photos. I love how the older two children have bare feet. What a sense of exploration and wonder these photos evoke!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful inspirational photos!!xx.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful treat for a Monday morning. Don't think we have ever had such happy pictures of any royal children.
ReplyDeleteLike Catherine's dress--perfect for a Sunday afternoon out with the family.
Louis is the image of George at the same age
For me these are the prefect candid shots as they come consent not the 'sneaky' candids!
ReplyDeleteThis morning, the BBC showed a lovely video of the Cambridge family exploring the garden, towards the end George (I think) can be heard exclaiming "Oh! La la" too cute!
Absolutely brilliant to see all 5 Cambridge’s having fun and promoting the outdoors Lovely xx
ReplyDeleteI think Kate could get a job as a landscape designer! This garden is simply amazing - I'm in awe! They have packed so much into this garden but it fits together beautifully, and evokes so many emotions for me. I just wish I could see it in person!
ReplyDeleteThe photos are beautiful too - I love the way they capture the personalities of the children and the interactions with each other and their parents. I just love the one with George and Charlotte dangling their feet in the water! And of course, Louis toddling towards the camera! Thank you Cambridges for sharing these with us!
Wonderfull pictures of a lovely familie....i wish them the best in live..those kids look so happy ...Well done Kate and William
ReplyDeleteLove them
All I need now is for Meghan to be pregnant again with twin girls within the year. Then I can sit back and just enjoy all the cousins playing together at events like these for the next ten years. Lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful and loving family. It is so wonderful that both mother & father are so expressive and emotionally present for the children- the hands on approach that these two royals use when caring for their children is so genuine and loving,
ReplyDeleteI absolutely adore this photos which are full of joy, exploring, playing and love. It's the best advertisement of garden.Kate made a great job.
ReplyDeleteThis is the kind of playing we did growing up in Jamaica and Canada as kids all 14 of us. Playing marbles and rounders and cricket in the front yard. Excellent job Catherine, well-done.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delight & such a special unique treat, being able to see this sweet family playing together. The kids are too cute for words!! Oooh La La.... methinks somebody likes "Fancy Nancy"! lol :) xx
ReplyDeleteI just watched the video. George or Charlotte--can't tell which--yelling "Oh-la-la!" That's hilarious!
ReplyDeleteLook at these photos I think there is a big chance for 4 baby :) And you think?
ReplyDeleteIn all, George and Charlotte have a similar age, maybe a younger companion appears for Louis
OMG so cute to see the Cambridge children, that's a nice surprise to me I didn't expect that. All three of them are so lovely.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful garden and how lovely to see so many charming photos of the family enjoying it! Kate and her co-designers have done an amazing job. I love being outdoors especially with my children but I definitely feel inspired to find some woodland this weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you once again, Charlotte, for your fantastic posts.
I love hearing Charlotte go ohh lala! I wonder if she is a Fancy Nancy fan!!!
ReplyDeleteI just saw this and had to laugh. I kept wondering where Charlotte would have heard that. Probably, Fancy Nancy. My granddaughter loves her Fancy Nancy books, because she is all girl, if there ever was one. She never met a ruffle, frill or sparkle that she didn't love. Like Charlotte, she loves wearing dresses and hats, purses and fancy shoes. She just started Ballet lessons a few months ago, and she loves it. It all strikes me as hilarious, because her mother was the total opposite. Hated frills and pastel colors, no makeup as a teenager, no painted nails or fussing with hair or clothes. Absolutely hating shopping. So funny to see her with a little Fancy Nancy. :-)
Deletesuch a beautiful and happy family thanks so much Charlotte. Lovely to see them all together and big kudos to kate. her kids are so adorable
ReplyDelete