Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Zara, Dolls, Riots, And Kate makes London the Fashion Capital

Time for the second Kate round up of the week. (Yes we're starved for Kate news) but there are some interesting updates you might like to hear about. Today William and Kate have been spotted in Birmingham, where horrific riots are taking place, They may have been meeting with riot victims. Three people have sadly lost their lives. Perhaps a Royal visit could help settle things down?
Duchess Kate was also reportedly spotted in a Zara store in London's Duke of York square. We all know the Duchess is a huge fan of the Spanish retailer choosing a beautiful blue dress by them on the day after her wedding. A source said 'She was in the store. She came in but left after a few minutes'. Hopefully some photos will surface from today! I'll update immediately if they do :)



Amazingly London has overtaken New York as the fashion capital of the world. It was revealed the Duchess of Cambridge and the death of designer Alexander McQueen, were responsible for the shift. It's quite amazing to see the effect Kate is having on the fashion industry worldwide. I've followed her style for years and always thought her simple yet classic look was perfection. Stylist Rachel Zoe said 'She can do no wrong right now. I actually kind of die for her'. Actress Anne Hathaway admits she is 'so grateful to Kate Middleton. Because she us such an advocate for dressing like a lady. So right now my fashion choices are all about Kate Middleton'. I'm sure you all remember Anne's comic portrayal of Kate on Saturday Night Live. I think Anne summed up Kate's style wonderfully, When did actresses stop emulating classic beauties like Grace Kelly? Kate is making ladylike elegance relevant again.


Kate's ladylike style is reminiscent of the late Grace Kelly







The above photo shows four year old Abbey Chan from Malaysia clutching the new Prince William and The Duchess of Cambridge wedding dolls. Made by Arklu they retail for one hundred pounds as a pair. They launched today in London. Perhaps the Kate doll will become as popular as Barbie? :) Obviously they not identical to the Cambridges but good fun for anyone to add to their collection! 


Since there are no new photos at the moment, I doubt most of you have seen this one. Taken in 2008 for the Middleton family business, Party Pieces. A beautiful photo of both Kate and Carole!

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Kate Takes to the Water to Watch Sailing at Weymouth

Duchess Kate watched the Olympic Laser Radial medal race off Weymouth today.

PA
Kate was on a boat and used her binoculars to watch China's Xu Lijia take gold and Team GB's Alison Young come fourth. The Duchess has a personal interest in aquatic sports. She and William competed in a dragon boat race in Prince Edward Island last year.

PA

Kate was accompanied by The Princess Royal, her husband Sir Tim Lawrence and Olympian Sir Steve Redgrave.


Reuters

It is the first in a number of solo appearances for the Duchess as Prince William returned to work as a Search and Rescue pilot in Anglesey today.

Max Foster CNN


Weymouth is located in Dorset on the south coast of England and provides some of the best natural sailing waters in the UK. Improvements to the existing Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy include a new permanent 250m slipway used for launching and landing boats and 70 new moorings.

London 2012

After the games The National Sailing Academy will benefit from the improved facilities that the games will leave behind, providing a state-of-the-art facility for training, competition and community use.

London 2012
After the race Kate met with Team GB and shared a joke. 


Daily Mail/Murray Saunders

Kate wore her Team GB jacket, white Adidas Team GB polo shirt, navy Zara jeans and pearl earrings. The Duchess wore her hair in a ponytail. 


Daily Mail/Murray Saunders


Kate wore the Team GB Adidas Supernova Glide 4 Running Trainers (With thanks to What Kate Wore) The vivid red/metallic silver trainers are available for £87.11.



Adidas

The Duchess also wore her Givenchy sunglasses.


Reuters

Finally Team GB rower Greg Searle shared a photo of him and Kate taken at yesterday's handball.

Greg Searle Twitter

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Three upcoming engagements announced, Where Kate shopped today, Kate's boots ID's and more

I have excellent news regarding 'Kate sightings' with three upcoming engagements planned. I had read we would not be seeing the Duchess until Christmas at Sandringham, luckily that rumour is completely false. Next Monday, December 19th William, Kate and Harry will attend the The Sun Military Awards. Just two weeks ago Royal aides said they were undecided about whether or not the young royal would attend due to controversy surround News International and the Leveson Inquiry. (I'm sure you all heard about the phone hacking scandal) After much consideration aides decided the soldiers, sailmen and airmen honoured would be 'let down' if the Cambridge's and Harry did not attend.




On December 21st William and Kate will make a special visit to Centrepoint an organization that helps homeless people aged 18-25. This is a cause close to William's heart. As children he and Harry made private visits to Centrepoint with Diana, who was a patron from 1992. Again, we see William taking on his mother's role and sharing it with Kate. On their visit the couple will take part in a healthy cooking lesson and take in a performace of 'Centrepoint's got talent'. Looking forward to this one in particular, So close to Christmas it will give members of the organisation a much needed morale boost.




On January 8th the Cambridge's will attend the premiere of Steven Speilberg's 'War Horse' in Leicester Square. No doubt Kate will choose a fabulous dress for the occasion. Plenty to look forward to. I will be covering them all with a post and photos as soon as they are available.




Speaking of Kate sighting, The Duchess was spotted shopping in the trendy Fifi Wilson in Chelsea. No word on what Kate bought but possibly something for her upcoming appearances? or a Christmas present for Pippa? Their stock is quite youthful and they have brands such as By Malene Birger which Kate loves.




One of Duchess Kate's favourite items has finally been officially ID'd. We often see Kate in her favourite flat black suede boots which up to this point we all thought were the Aquatalia Cookies. Thanks to the investigative work of BellaGet What Kate Wore and Anne Marie the boots have been confirmed as the Russell and Bromley 'Charge it' boots. The boots are unavailable for now but I will let you know if they come back into stock


The 'Charge it' boots




Kate most recently wore them while shopping at Zara.




As you all know early next year William be posted in the Falklands for six weeks, 8,000 miles away from Kate. It has been reported that during this time Charles and Camilla have invited Kate to stay with them. A source said 


"Kate gets on well with the in laws, especially Camilla who is another outsider who has been accepted into the royal family. There is little doubt she will spent time with Charles and Camilla during that time".


It will certainly be interesting to see if this happens. I think it will be a difficult time for Kate being separated from William for so long.


Finally for today, Kate graces the cover of Hello's Christmas edition. Lovely photo.




Sources (Hello, What Kate Wore facebook, Royal Reporter via Twitter) 

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Kate Supports Team GB Athletics

It's another day at the Olympics for Kate who watched the athletics this morning. 

BBC
Kate wrapped up in her Team GB jacket. Below we see her talking to Sally Gunnell.


Reuters
Kate was there to support Team GB and was no doubt very impressed by Jessica Ennis who made a sensational start in her bid for Heptathlon glory. 

London 2012
Jessica Ennis missed the Beijing games after suffering a foot injury. Despite this the Sheffield athlete has broken the British record and her personal best with a time of 12.54.

Jessica leading the Women's Heptathlon 100m Hurdles.

London 2012

Kate beside Prime Minister David Cameron.


Edward Lord Twitter
The Olympic cauldron shined on the first day of sport at the stadium. It's magnificent isn't it?


Kate wore her Team GB polo shirt and sunglasses. 

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In other news, Kate is quite the cover girl this week.

Pointe Du Vue

William and Kate feature on the cover of Hello's souvenir Olympic edition.

Hello

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Kate seems to be thoroughly enjoying the games and taking in as many as she can. I wouldn't be at all surprised if she watches at least two more today. See you all later and thank you for reading :) 

Monday, July 23, 2012

William's Birthday Present, LK Bennett Latest + More

Hello Duchess Kate readers,
What do you give the future King of England for his 30th birthday? Prince Charles came up with the perfect answer to this question by having the first portrait of Kate commissioned. The Duchess secretly visited artist Nicky Philips London studio four times to pose for the £25,000 canvas. Kate's first portrait is of great importance to the Royal family. William will be presented with the portrait at his birthday bash in June. (I do so hope we get to see photos) A source said Kate has 'more gifts and treats for William up her sleeve'. The Duchess opted for a low key family dinner to celebrate her 30th birthday, it sounds as if William's will be a more extravagant affair. I expect the portrait will look wonderful!

                                                                      Robert Hannaford

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Cover girl Kate features in the current issue of People Magazine. Pregnancy rumours are gone into overdrive lately with magazines claiming everything from 'She's pregnant' to 'Kate's hurt by the pregnancy rumours'. Headlines we will continue to see until the Cambridges do announce they are expecting. 

People

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LK Bennett recently opened a new flagship store in New York. Located on the second floor of the Time Warner Center I have a feeling it's going to become a 'go to' store for New Yorkers and tourists seeking sophisticated, classic pieces. 

LK Bennett FB

The merchandising and layout of the store is simply impeccable. 

LK Bennett FB

There is a special treat in store for Kate fans. The 'Kate Middleton Wall' displays all of the shoes the Duchess has worn by the brand. I thought this was a fantastic idea. (ID list from Glamour)


Top row, left to right: The Shiloh shoe in black, dusty rose, and light taupe; the Sledge platform pump in bronze; the Juniper bag in pink coral; the Posy bag in gold; and the Sledge pump again in taupe, red, and black.
Second row, left to right: The patent Petal pump in black, salmon, and coral; the Sandy stiletto sandal in dark taupe; peep toe pumps in black and taupe; and lower-heeled Shilo pumps in black, latte, and taupe.
Third row, left to right: The Blythe shoe in black and latte; the patent Reno moc in latte; the Juniper bag, again, in light taupe; the Peony bag in red; and the low-heeled Bury pump in light taupe, coral, and black.
Bottom row, left to right: The Island sandal in tan; the Suki ballet flats in red, metallic pink, black, and leopard print; and the Sabine skimmer in lizard.
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LK Bennett has reissued Kate favourite the Natalie Clutch I expect this decision was made after endless requests from Repli-Kate's The gorgeous clutch is £160.

LK Bennett

And if we didn't need another reason to love the accessible luxury brand, They've also reissued the raffia wedged Maddox shoe. It is available for £175 in black, light taupe and latte.

LK Bennett

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Last night I was browsing the Temperly Facebook Page when I saw the stunning Greta V Neck Dress. I think it is very Kate and would be an ideal piece for her to wear to a black tie event. Made of luxurious double silk satin with a waterfall front double layer skirt, it is nipped in the waist providing a feminine silhouette. The dress comes in rose blush and damson. What do you think of this dress?

Temperly

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William and Kate are not expected to attend the annual Easter Service at Windsor Castle tomorrow, however we will be seeing them later this month, when they perform a couple of joint engagements together. A visit to Cambridge is rumoured to be a possibility.

Richard Palmer Twitter

I conclude by wishing you all a very Happy Easter! Here's a photo of 'Maple' an Easter bunny who took centre stage at the Temperly boutique today :)

Temperly Facebook
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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge grace the cover of Vanity Fair


The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge grace the cover of Vanity Fair. The cover features a never before seen photograph of the newly engaged couple. William and Kate can hardly contain their excitement, both with beaming smiles. The photograph, taken by Mario Testino depicts a young couple very much in love. Shot in St James' Palace, Testino was not nervous about shooting Kate for the first time: 'I felt very confident she would be an easy sitter because of her natural grace'. It includes iconic photos of Princess Diana taken by Testino. In the July issue the article discusses who does the chores and why the couple had to have philadelphia cheese on their honeymoon. When the couple looked at their wedding footage they were beside themselves with giggles. The issue hits stands on June 3 and it certainly sounds like an interesting read. I think Testino captures William and Kate beautifully!

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Duchess Kate's detailed tour plans!

The itinerary for William and Kate's first Royal tour has been officially announced including an hourly schedule including detailed information regarding their trip to Canada and California. On the official Royal tour website, The Duke of Cambridge left a message 'Catherine and I are very much looking forward to our tour of Canada. We hope to be able to meet as many people as possible and to see as much of the extraordinary and diverse country as we can. I have wonderful memories from my last times in Canada, and as such we consider it a great privilege to have been invited to Canada for our first joint tour'.
It seems the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are clearly very excited about this tour. For fans of Kate's style we will all be eager to see what designers/styles/colours she chooses. Will she recycle old favourites? Will she wear more McQueen and Issa? I think we will see Kate honour British fashion while staying true to her signature elegant style. As you will see the itinerary is very interesting and the couple's schedule is full!

Thursday June 30 Ottawa, Canada

2.00: William and Kate will arrive at the Canada reception centre in Ottawa, MacDonald Cartier International Airport where they will be welcomed and greeted. 

2.35: The couple will attend their first public event laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. They will pay their respects to Canadians who lose their lives in the name of peace and freedom.



National War Memorial Ottawa


3.15.: The Official welcoming ceremony will take place at Rideau Hall, The governor general and the prime minister will officially welcome their Royal highness's. The event will include a 21 gun salute. I think this event will be the beginning of Kate expressing her sense of style for the tour. She will most likely choose a formal dress or suit.

6.00.: The royal couple will attend the Celebration of Youth Barbecue reception. 

Friday, July 1 Canada day!

10.30 a.m.: William and Kate will partake in the Canada day celebrations beginning with the Canadian Citizenship Ceremony at the Canadian Museum of Civilisation.




12.05: Canada Day Parliament Hill Noon Show: William and Kate will join millions of Canadians celebrating Canada's 144th birthday. This will be a laid back affair for the couple giving them the chance to interact with people and enjoy the day. They will be treated to full military honours, a 21 gun salute and a fly past by the Canadian forces CF-18s and snowbirds.

Saturday July 2 National Capital Region and Montréal Quebec

12.40: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge continue the great Canadian tradition of planting a tree in the Royal Grove area at Rideau hall commemorating the Royal tour.

1.10: Reception with Canadian veterans and their families at the Canadian war museum. 

Montréal Quebec

3.50: The couple will arrive at the Montréal Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport.

4.15: William and Kate will visit Sainte Justine University Hospital Centre, the largest mother/child centre in Canada. This will be an important visit for Kate. People will be eager to see how she interacts with patients and if she displays the affectionate warmth that Princess Diana did.

5.45: The couple will be treated to an experience in tourism and hospitality at a cooking workshop at the Institut de Tourisme et d'hotelliere du Québec.

9.55: After a very hectic day, William and Kate will depart for Québec city on boards HMCS Montréal. 

Sunday July 3 Québec City, Quebec


10:00:
Upon arrival in Quebec, Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge join the crew of HMCS Montréal in worship.
10:45:
The 2011 Royal Tour in Québec continues with the arrival of Their Royal Highnesses on board HMCS Montréal.
11:10: Their Royal Highnesses arrive at la Maison Dauphine to meet the staff and people who benefit or have benefitted from the services offered at the facility. La Maison Dauphine is a community leader in delivering a variety of programs to street youth of Québec. Kate will be able to adapt a more relaxed style here. I expect we shall see sophisticated yet casual clothing.


12:15 Freedom of the City Ceremony at Québec City Hall – *Public Event
Their Royal Highnesses experience the Freedom of the City Ceremony that acknowledges the relationship of trust and friendship between Québec City and the Royal 22e Régiment service members.
3.30:Their Royal Highnesses will join the community in celebrating the 375thanniversary of the Lauzon “seigneurie”, the 150th anniversary of the founding of Lévis, and the 10th anniversary of the new City of Lévis.
6:50: The 2011 Royal Tour of Prince Edward Island begins with the arrival of Their Royal Highnesses at Charlottetown Airport.


Monday July 4 Charlottetown and Summerside, Prince Edward Island.

10.05:  
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Province House, the second oldest active legislature building in Canada, to highlight the important role it and Great 







George Street played in Confederation

12.35:His Royal Highness highlights the innovative contributions made by Canada’s military to the training of search and rescue pilots by participating in a training session for the “waterbird” emergency landing procedure in a Sea King helicopter at Dalvay-by-the-Sea. This engagment is very close to William's heart. As a pilot with the RAF he would have immense respect for pilots.

1.45:

In one of Canada’s unique National Parks, Their Royal Highnesses learn about the Aboriginal, Acadian and Celtic cultural and culinary traditions of Prince Edward Island.
3:55Highlighting the active role the Canadian Coast Guard and Prince Edward Island take in Maritime safety and their contribution to the national effort in navigation, icebreaking, and environmental response.

During this day William and Kate will each steer their own boat in a dragon boat race! There amy be some friendly competition between the Royals!

7:40The 2011 Royal Tour of the Northwest Territories begins with the arrival of Their Royal Highnesses at Yellowknife Airport
 

Tuesday July 5 Yellowknife, Northwest territories
11.40: Official Arrival to the Northwest Territories
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Somba K’e Civic Plaza to take part in Aboriginal traditions and activities, including traditional drumming, dancing and sports.
1:05: 
Session of Youth Parliament at the Legislative Assembly William and Kate will hear from NWT’s youth about their challenges and where they see themselves in the future and experience this region’s unique legislative system which combines Aboriginal traditions of consensus with the traditions of the Westminster parliamentary system.
3:30: Canadian Rangers Event at Blachford Lake
At Blachford Lake, Their Royal Highnesses meet the First Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, part-time reservists who serve their country and their communities by conducting surveillance and sovereignty patrols in locations throughout the North.



Blachford Lake

5:15:While at the Blachford Lake Lodge, Their Royal Highnesses will have the opportunity to meet and interact with NWT Aboriginal elders and young adults that will highlight their unique and innovative educational program that integrates elements of traditional Aboriginal knowledge and learning into a university-accredited program.


Wednesday, July 6

William and Kate will have a day off to rest and enjoy the sights of Canada in privacy. With their schedule so full this will be a welcome day for the young couple!

Thursday July 7 Calgary Alberta



JustJared

4:30:
The 2011 Royal Tour of Alberta begins with the arrival  The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Calgary International Airport taking part in the White Hat Ceremony – a long-standing tradition in Calgary and a symbol of Western hospitality.

5:00: 
At the University of Calgary W21C Research and Innovation Centre, Their Royal Highnesses attend a presentation on cutting-edge health research and innovation taking place in Calgary and what lays ahead for future health research in Canada.
7:25: Government of Canada Reception at BMO Centre
On the last evening of their tour, William and Kate are guests of honour at a reception where the Prime Minister expresses his gratitude for their support and presents a gift from the Government of Canada. Kate will no doubt choose a stunning gown for this event. I hope to see something similar to the rose sequined Jenny Packham gown she wore to the ARK gala dinner.


Friday July 8 Calgary, Alberta
8:50:
Calgary Stampede Parade
Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Bow Valley College where Parade-goers and viewers at home have a chance to see the Royal Couple as they kick-off the 2011 Calgary Stampede Parade, the second largest parade in the world.




11:30: 
Reception hosted by the Alberta Government
At the ENMAX Conservatory at the Calgary Zoo, Their Royal Highnesses witness Alberta’s significant contribution and commitment to research and development in science and technology.
12:45:Official Departure Ceremony from Canada and Alberta
The Governor General, the Prime Minister, the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, and the Premier of Alberta bid farewell to Their Royal Highnesses at the Official Departure Ceremony complete with full military honours, a 21-gun salute, inspection of the Guard of Honour by His Royal Highness. At this point the couple will set off for their brief visit to California having enjoyed the hospitality and sights of Canada!