Duchess Kate Recycles Emilia Wickstead Dress Coat at Garden Party

Duchess Kate joined the Queen today for her first Buckingham Palace garden party. 8,000 guests attended the party which is considered one of the highlights of the summer season. 

PA

It was a beautiful day in London for a garden party, with the sun shining throughout the afternoon.

Photographer James Whatling

The national anthem was plated when the royals arrived and again when the party finished.

AP

Prince William's absence is reportedly due to work commitments at RAF Valley where he is a Search and Rescue pilot. During William's deployment in the Falklands, Kate proved she could take any solo event in her stride. The Duchess appeared to enjoy the day, mingling with guests.

PA

Tea and refreshments were served from buffet tables. At a typical party, around 27,000 cups of tea, 20,000 sandwiches and 20,000 slices of cake are consumed. Four hundred waiting staff are involved in the serving. You can watch a video about Royal garden parties on The Official Website of the British Monarchy.


When asked how she was finding her first garden party Kate said

'It's very nerve wracking facing such a sea of people but great fun. Everyone looks pretty dressed up'.

When told the average guest consumes fourteen sandwiches Kate smiled and said

'Gosh, no really? Well I had better see what I can do about that'. 

Kate also spoke about how she's loving every minute of married life. When she is not out on an official engagement she is researching for the next one and finds she is kept very busy.

PA

Guests had an opportunity to explore the beautiful gardens, a wealth of wildlife and the summer house. Unlike the state rooms the gardens are not open to the general public. 

PA

Duchess Kate recycled the £1200  Emilia Wickstead, pale pink, Alice dress coat she wore to the Queen's Sovereigns' Luncheon on May 18th. The bespoke piece, based on the Autumn/Winter 2012 collection is perfect for the occasion. I suspect Kate chose to recycle the piece so quickly as she is in the company of Her Majesty today and perhaps eager to deflect attention from her sartorial choices. 

Emilia Wickstead/Reuters

Kate teamed her dress with an oversized pink, straw and lace hat by milliner Jane Corbett.

PA

Kate wore her favourite LK Bennett Sledge 2 Pumps. The taupe platform shoes are a staple in Kate's wardrobe, They are available for £185.

 LK Bennett

Kate carried her LK Bennett Natalie Clutch. The £160 clutch is currently out of stock.

Kate opted for minimalist jewellery, wearing a classic pair of pearl drop earrings.

PA

Overall I really liked this look, I think it worked better this time, teamed with the hat. Did you prefer it today or at the Sovereign's luncheon? Kate seemed incredibly happy today and her winning smile is always a fabulous asset :)


 You can watch a video from the party HERE.

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In other news, 'The Jubilee Queen with Katie Couric' will air on ABC tonight at 9 pm EST. During Prince William's poignant interview he discusses missing his mother on his wedding day

'It was the one time since she's died where I've thought to myself it would be fantastic if she was here. And just how sad really, for her more than anything, not being able to see it. I think she would have loved the day and I think, hopefully, she's be very proud of us both for the day. I'm just very sad that's she's not going to get a chance to meet Kate'.

Prince Harry also discusses his mother and how 'she would have loved Kate'. A rare interview with the Prince's not to be missed.

ABC News

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Finally another engagement has been added to William and Kate's diary. The couple will join HM and Prince Philip in Nottingham on June 13th. They'll make a balcony appearance at city's council house.

Richard Palmer 

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Kate's Latest Purchases + Royal Documentary + More

Hello Duchess Kate readers,
While William and Harry played polo on Saturday, Kate was spotted on the Kings Road shopping. A writer from Grazia happened to be browsing in the same shops and revealed the Duchess was wearing a pair of tight black sports trousers, a cream cropped cardigan over a white T - shirt, a pair of casual trainers and her favourite Mulberry polly push lock bag. Kate purchased two items in French Connection. (I recently read the brand was in financial difficulty, so perhaps 'The Kate Effect' will boost sales) 


Kate bought the Winter Silk Vest Top in iceberg blue. The top is currently on sale and available in a variety of colours from £27 to £49.

French Connection

Kate also reportedly bought the Tiffany Jeans in vintage wash (With many thanks to Ashley). The low rise, skinny fit jeans are $108. They have stitch detailing on the back pockets and have a faded wash. I think the jeans and top with a pair of ballet flats would look amazing on Kate, perfect casual look.

French Connection

Kate's protection officer was seen carrying an armful of bags from luxury British brand Jaeger. We mentioned the brand before as they designed the new uniforms for staff at Kensington Palace. Kate reportedly bought the Silk Printed Wrap Dress for £240. The elegant dress would be ideal for the upcoming garden party at Buckingham Palace, or perhaps Kate will save it for the tour?

Jaeger

Finally Kate popped into Anthropologie where she spent time browsing. Kate contemplated purchasing the £158 Ines Column Dress and the Luscious Langoustine Dinner Plate (not exactly the type of tableware one would see at Kensington but perhaps a fun item for a small dinner party at Anglesey :)) However Kate left empty handed. Possible future purchases in my opinion.

Anthropologie

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We all know the Royal family are notoriously private but Katie Couric has managed to get a rare interview with Prince William and Prince Harry as part of the lead up to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. In the preview William jokingly remarks: 'As I learned from growing up, you don't mess with your grandmother'. The interview also features an exclusive tour of Buckingham Palace. It airs on ABC, May 29th. You can watch the preview here.

ABC

While we're on the topic of videos. Did many of you see the ITV documentary 'William and Kate The First Year'. I thought it was a nice summary of the couple's first year together. If you wish to watch it, click on the links below :)

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

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This weeks issue of Hello! Magazine is packed with Kate news and photos. Love the cover photo.

Hello! Magazine

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For those of you who follow the blog via Facebook, I've had to set up a new page. For updates and general discussion on Kate please feel free to post and contribute on the Duchess Kate Blog Facebook Community :)

I have updated the 'Kate's Upcoming Dates' section on the sidebar, with a nice selection of events coming up. I'll be doing a post in more detail on them shortly.

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