Saturday, March 31, 2012

Kate in Team GB Shirt for Paralympic Events

Hello to you all,
After joining the Queen at the Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony, William and Kate were back at the Olympic Park this morning to support Team GB.


Daily Mirror
The couple watched goalball at the Copper Box Venue. Parts of goalball are played in complete silence meaning spectators must respect this at all times. 


Daily Mirror

The iconic Copper Box is an extremely flexible venue, with retractable seating that can change the floor size within the venue, facilitating different activities both during and after the games.


London 2012

Next up, the couple cheered on the cyclist at the Velodrome. Kate was seated next to Sophie, Countess of Wessex and her daughter Lady Louise Windsor. The royals certainly got into the Paralympic spirit and took part in a mexican wave.


London 2012
William and Kate chatting during the cycling.


London 2012
David Llaurdo Caldero and Christian Venge of Spain competed in the Men's Individual Cycling B Pursuit.


London 2012
Both William and Kate wore Team GB polo shirts today, William wore blue while Kate opted for red. The Duchess also wore a Team GB fleece and skinny jeans.


Daily Mirror

Kate wore her Adidas Supernova Glide 4 running shoes. 



Adidas

Kate will attend the swimming later today. See you all then :)

Royal couple enjoy last day in California as William opens his heart about Diana



William and Kate are looking very refreshed today after a wonderful night at the BAFTA's reception. Tinseltown's elite warmed to them instantly and couldn't have made nicer comments. Duchess Kate is seen as friendly and down to earth. I have also read in several reports that photo's do not do her justice. She is even more beautiful in person. (If that's possible)

I don't think any of us followed the tour without Princess Diana in mind, Unfortunately I'm too young to remember her myself but have closely studied her life, Lately her Royal tours. She exuded an ease and elegance with people which we are now seeing in Kate. Days after  his mother's 50th birthday, Prince William opened his heart to three sisters. He rarely speaks about his mother's death as it is obviously a painful, personal subject but on this occasion he spoke too Meryl, Margot and Meghan Cooper who lose their mother to breast cancer in 2002. William spoke candidly 'I know what it's like to lose your mother at such a young age. I can empathise with your loss, I think of my mother every day'. All three sisters noted how sad William looked discussing his mother. Diana would be very happy to see Kate by his side now.
For their final day in California the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended a Sunday morning reception for Tusk Trust, an African wildlife conversation group. They spoke with academy award winning actress Reese Witherspoon. The couple then stopped at the inner city arts academy where they talked with the kids about their interests and life at the academy. The organisation focuses on bringing art into the classroom. Outside the academy a large number of people are gathering hoping for a glimpse of the couple. Some fans are holding union jack's. Inside the school Duchess Kate put on of the apron's and began painting with one of the young students. The children seem to love her. Shortly after William did likewise and the couple sat opposite each other in children's chairs painting. Adorable! :) Before leaving the couple left their hand prints in clay for the school to keep as a reminder of their visit.
Duchess Kate looks beautiful in a navy crochet top, white John Lewis whistle Lina Dobby pleated skirt available HERE (Thanks to what kate wore) paired with navy shoes and earrings made from a pair of Diana's. Her hair is worn in a demi chignon. Throughout the tour we haven't seen Kate with her hair fully up, perhaps we shall see that soon! For their final engagement  the couple will visit a service nation event at Sony studios in Culver City before arriving at LAX for departure. It is very hard to believe this amazing tour is almost over..........
As you can see I went slightly overboard with the photos, there were just so many lovely ones from today, I couldn't choose!

Kate Loves: Sports + William Joins Kate in Mustique

When Duchess Kate jetted off to Mustique the press had a field day with headlines from 'Divorce Lawyers Being Lined Up' to 'Kate leaves William behind'. Rest assured there was nothing to worry about :) Prince William reportedly flew from Gatwick on Saturday to join Kate and the Middleton family. Just a couple of days after Kate left. A source said Kate has been seen in a blue and white bikini. 


The couple enjoying a previous holiday in Mustique in 2008. (With thanks to Kate Middleton info)



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Next up in our 'Kate loves' series is sports. Kate has always been athletic and has participated in a number of sports since her school days. Aged nine Kate was the highest scorer for her rounders team.


Kate excelled on the school hockey team.




Kate's tall frame made her first choice as goal defence for the netball team.




As Kate approached her twenties rowing became a great love of hers. She was often photographed training with her team early after nights out. No doubt her dedication to rowing has helped her acquire her fabulous figure.


In 2007 Kate's team rowed on the Thames.




The Duchess regularly enjoys a game of tennis with William, the two enjoy the sport and are reportedly competitive in a very light hearted sense.




Kate is also a huge fan of professional tennis and has attended matches at Wimbledon numerous times. Love this photo.




Proving keeping fit does not mean spending time in expensive gyms, Kate enjoyed cycling to work at Party Pieces in 2008.




Last September William and Kate were photographed leaving London's Harbour Club Gym. And yes Kate even looks good after a workout :)




The Harbour Club is generally acknowledged as the finest gym in London, ranking amongst the best in the world. Facilities include a waterfall swimming pool, pilates studio, spinning studio and the fitness room which comprises of the most modern equipment available. There is also a bar and restaurant available.






Sources (Daily Mail, London's Harbour Club, Zimbio, Tumblr)

Duchess Kate wears green DVF dress to Zara Philips pre wedding cocktail party




William and Kate were photographed on board the Royal yacht Britannia in Edinburgh for the start of Zara Philips and Mike Tindalls pre wedding festivities. Duchess Kate looked radiant in the green Diane Von Furstenburg maja dress she wore on her visit to California. She teamed it with black heels. Hundreds of well wishers watched the wedding rehearsals earlier today, ahead of Zara and Mike's wedding tomorrow.
It was certainly a Royal occasion with the Prince Edward, The Countess of Wessex and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie in attendance. Duchess Kate was spotted having a lengthy chat with Princess Anne. Prince Harry arrived alone despite the persistent rumours he is seeing Pippa, (I suspect they will remain rumours) It was a relaxed event for the Royal couple, I look forward to seeing photos from the wedding tomorrow. I'm sure (like myself) we will all be interested to see what Kate wears. Will she recycle? Choose a British designer perhaps? I'll keep you updated :)





Zara and Mike

William's 30th Birthday, Summer Sales and More

Good evening Duchess Kate readers,
Prince William celebrated his 30th Birthday yesterday with a low key dinner in Prince Charles' Tetbury home Highgrove House. William has been undergoing a three day Search and Rescue course at a nearby base in Gloucestershire. It is thought the Prince invited his closest family and friends to celebrate. Prince Charles commissioned artist Nicky Philips to paint a portrait of Kate as a special gift for his eldest son and Kate reportedly gave William a watch and treated him to breakfast in bed.


The British Monarchy Flickr


Kate was spotted shopping in Tesco, Tetbury, perhaps for William's birthday meal? Many locals were disappointed to have missed catching a glimpse of the Duchess.


Richard Norris Twitter


Kate spent time browsing in a local antiques shop.


HolaShelby_ Twitter


Singer Lily Allen's reaction to seeing Kate was simply 'Wowsers' :)


Lily Rose Cooper Twitter

A look at Tetbury's market place and town-hall.

Wikipedia
It is being widely reported Kate will throw William a bash tomorrow night and will make a speech. It is difficult to gauge the veracity of this rumour but if it's true there's always a possibility we will see a photo or two :)

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I don't know about you but one of my favourite things about summer is the sales. The Reiss sale began earlier this week and features countless items which are 'very Kate'.

Reiss

LK Bennett shared a photo of their shoe display from their Brook Street store when announcing their sale. There is up to 50% off selected items at the moment and Kate's favourite Sledge are reduced from £185 to £145 in off white.

LK Bennett Facebook
The Temperly sale features amazing reductions on everything from shorts to stunning evening gowns. 

Temperly

The Oasis sale is well worth a look. I've been incredibly impressed by their latest collections and ability to provide excellent quality at reasonable prices. 


Oasis


Take a look at the Topshop sale here.

Topshop


A number of items in Jenny Packham's Debenhams Collection are currently on sale.


Debenhams


Kate's Malone pumps (along with many pairs of gorgeous shoes)  feature in the Rupert Sanderson sale. They are available in caramel. I'm sure you all recall Kate wore them in grey suede.


Rupert Sanderson


Happy Shopping :)


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A lovely photo of Kate and the Queen from their Nottingham visit graces the cover of Hello! Magazine this week.

Hello
The couple did not attend Royal Ascot during the week and are not expected to tomorrow. Unless new photos surface we'll continue with our 'Kate Loves' series next.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend :)

Friday, March 30, 2012

The Duchess of Cambridge dazzles at Ark gala in rose Jenny Packham dress


The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have made their social debut as a married couple at the star studded ARK gala dinner. The newlyweds looked relaxed and posed as they arrived in a blue jaguar and posed for photographs. William wore a blue dinner jacket while Kate looked stunning in a floor length rose sequin-embellished gown with crystal and bead detailing by Jennie Packham with LK Bennett rose agata sandals and her hair worn down. The couple were among the first to arrive at Kensington Palace greeting guests. I have to say Kate looked absolutely beautiful she could easily pass for  a supermodel.Her status as style icon is surely cemented now. The Duchess of Cambridge showed no signs of nerves as she chatted to guests. Celebrities including Liz Hurley, Jemima Khan and former miss world Rosanna Davison were in attendance.  After a drinks reception guests were entertained by a team of mexican drivers who performed an acrobatic display. Guest then enjoyed a three course meal. Afterwards William gave a speech commending the work of ARK and hopes for the future 'I pledge to raise aspirations, broaden horizons and encourage young people to achieve'. He spoke of how lucky he feels to have a loving family and a secure home but others are not so fortunate which is why the foundation needs as much support as possible.

Kate's Jenny Packham dress at Mytheresa.com






About/Contact

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Issa and Mulberry kick off London fashion week while Kate plans to follow in Diana's footsteps

One of Duchess Kate's favourite designers Daniella Helayel kicked off London Fashion Week in style by showcasing her Spring Summer 2012 collection for Issa. Kate has been a huge fan of Issa for years wearing their pieces countless times. The collection has a rio vibe including samba inspired dresses. 
Many of the pieces are reminiscent of dresses Kate wore in previous years. Especially the blue and pink gowns she wore to the Boodles boxing ball (Which is incidentally coming up on October 1st. Perhaps the Cambridge's will attend). Helayel described these dresses as the 'bread of Issa. 'People don't get tired of bread. You eat bread every day. You never get tired'. Interesting comparison :)




I must say I thought some of the pieces in the collection were stunning, Although Kate's relationship with the brand may be coming to an end. Camilla Al Fayed, sister of Dodi who was killed in the car accident with Diana, now has a 51% stake in Issa. Due to the hostility between the families Kate may opt to steer clear. Should she continue her relationship with Issa, I can see Kate wearing any of these. The two piece suit in particular is simply stunning!




And here is one of the more flamboyant outfits from the collection that I doubt we shall see Kate wearing :)


The Mulberry fashion show today, was hailed as 'fun and exciting'. For fans of Duchess Kate, you will all recall her carrying the Mulberry Polly push lock tote boarding the plane to Canada.


Today more bright and colourful bags were on display. The theme was described as 'going to the English seaside'. Complete with an ice cream van outside, the unconventional theme was unlike anything else we are likely to see at LFW.


 Now on to the actual collection..........
 It is certainly colourful but still classic. The collection is Spring/Summer but the colours of the bags are quite Autumnal. Creative director Emma Hill said 'British culture is so much about being cheeky and irreverent'. 
Tomorrow Tempererly and Erdem will showcase their collections, I think we shall get an excellent idea of looks we may see Kate in from there shows!




In other news, In the previous post I wrote that it was announced the Duchess is taking the Autumn to choose which charities she wishes to support. It seems she is taking the route Princess Diana took by making private visits to charities in the hopes of getting to know them personally before making her final choices. I think this is a wonderful idea as Kate is not someone who wishes to be in the spotlight too much. It will be interesting to see which she chooses, I expect to see children's charities included.


There is a rather preposterous rumour circulating at the moment regarding Kate asking her sister Pippa to move into Kensington Palace. Reportedly this is because Kate is 'desperately lonely'. I would take this one with a pinch of salt :)



While William and Kate were in California they met actress Jessica Brown Findlay and told her they are both fans of period drama 'Downton Abbey' The drama returns to our screens tonight at 9pm for season 2. It is filmed in 'Highclere castle' in Berkshire. I'm a huge fan of the show myself and would highly recommend it. I epect the Cambridge's will be tuning in tonight :)


Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Kate Loves: St Andrews

The University of St Andrews, more commonly referred to as "St Andrews" was founded between 1410 and 1413 and is the oldest university in Scotland. St Andrews is judged as world-class for teaching and research; it is currently ranked the sixth best university in the UK.  Coined 'Britain's top match-making university', it is said that one in ten students marry a fellow student from St Andrews.


The Guardian

In 2001, After completing his gap year in Belize and Chile, Prince William enrolled at the University of St Andrews, under the name William Wales. News of this caused a temporary increase in the number of applications to the university, primarily from young women :)

Meanwhile, Kate was also preparing for student life in Scotland after returning from her gap year where she visited Italy and worked in Chile, as fate would have it, she ended up at a project Prince William had visited just a month before.



In September 2001, Kate settled into university by enjoying the 'freshers week' celebrations (as seen below) .


Exclusive Pix

By the end of freshers week Kate was crowned the prettiest girl at Sally's, the nickname for St Salvator's Hall, her hall of residence. When William arrived he also moved St Salvator's Hall where he was eager to be treated like any other student and, without press intrusion, his four years in St Andrews would become the most private of his life.


Wikipedia

Regarded as one of the university's most prestigious residences, Sally's is often described as a 'rambling gothic dormitory'. In total it houses 180 students. At the west wing of the building there is a small library and a study room. A computer room with pigeon holes for residents' post is also situated on the ground floor. Each room comes with a desk, a wardrobe and a bookcase.


St Andrews

Kate as a first year in St Salavator's.


Laura Warshauer
Enjoying dinner with friends.

Laura Warshauer

Kate spoke about meeting William for the first time during the royal engagement interview.


'Well I actually think I went bright red when I met you and sort of scuttled off, feeling very shy about meeting you. It take a bit of time for us to get to know each other but we became very close friends'.

Not only did William and Kate share the same hall of residence, they were also both studying History of Art and inevitably spent a lot of time together. William liked the fact Kate was quiet and reserved and enjoyed country life as he did. They shared laughs and stories about their time in Chile. Kate took notes for William in lectures when he couldn't be there and a strong friendship was forged. Romance was not yet on the cards for the young students as William was dating Carley Massey-Birch, an English Language and creative-writing student. Carley was also a country girl and during their brief relationship William enjoyed visits to her home in Devon where they spent time playing board games and visiting the local pubs.


ABC/Peter Kelly


William initially struggled to settle in to university life and described it as 'daunting'. Following discussions with Prince Charles, Prince Philip and his friends (including Kate) he decided to switch his major to Geography and taking his father's advice, stayed for another term and never looked back.


PA

It was March 27, 2002 at the annual Don't Walk Charity Show when the sparks first ignited between the two. Andrews Sands selected Kate to model for the show because of her popularity



'She didn't dress in a sort of Euro-trash revealing way, it was always very homely. So people were desperate to see her in slightly more scanty attire'.

Kate was asked to model a see through dress. Kate hadn't told William exactly what she would be wearing and the Prince was stunned as the brunette shimmied down the runway. William just turned to his friend Fergus and said 'Wow. Kate's Hot'. At the after show party William did not waste any time making his feelings clear and leaned in to kiss her. Kate was reportedly flattered but pulled away because she was dating fourth year student Rupert Finch. Kate and Rupert quickly parted ways and the royal romance began shortly after.



Solo Syndication

William and Kate's university year photo 2002.



At the start of second year, September 2002, William and Kate moved off campus to 13A Hope Street, in the centre of town with friends Fergus Boyd and Olivia Bleasdale. They each paid £100 a week in rent for the two storey apartment and shared cleaning duties. Security measures included bulletproof windows and a bombproof front door.



HMJ Properties

In the small kitchen in their Hope Street apartment William cooked Kate romantic dinners.


'When I was trying to impress Kate I was trying to cook these amazing fancy dinners and what would happen was I would burn something, something would overspill, something would catch fire'.

The couple were often spotted walking around the small town of St Andrews, Fife which has a population of just 16,000. With its breathtaking views the pair enjoyed romantic walks and were regularly seen shopping in their local Tesco, take-away and sweet shop. It was a level of normalcy no previous future King had experienced and William loved it.


St Andrews Panorama

By the time the couple started their third year their romance was no longer a secret at St Andrews and they were desperate for privacy. They moved out to Balgove House, a private estate outside of town. The couple entertained frequently in the four bedroom cottage. Kate dressed the the kitchen windows with red and white gingham curtains. They often packed a blanket and a picnic basket and spent hours walking and chatting while taking in the stunning views. These were described by royal writers as 'very happy days for William and Kate'.



Stephen Gibson
Below we see William and Kate having a wonderful time on the dancefloor at a St Andrews gala dinner in October 2004. Kate looked lovely in a little black dress and the couple's body language was undeniable.


Rex Features/Daily Mail

Kate graduated from St Andrews in June 2005 with a 2:1 Undergraduate MA in the History of Art. William also achieved a 2:1 in his Arts degree, the best degree of any heir to the throne in Britain and the Commonwealth realms.


Middleton Family Flickr

In February 2011, the couple returned to St Andrews on one of their first joint engagements where Prince William unveiled a plaque to commemorate the university's 600th anniversary. During his speech William said 


'This is a very special moment for Catherine and me. It feels like coming home'.

St Andrews obviously holds a very special place in the couple's hearts and it was simply wonderful they visited the university just a couple of months before their wedding. No doubt many memories came flooding back that day.