William and Kate Holiday In France Before Royal Tour

William and Kate enjoyed a romantic break in The Luberon, known as the heart of Provence. According to French publications La Provence and Dauphiné! the couple arrived at Marignane Airport on Tuesday and stayed in the beautiful Chateau D'Autet. The royals were photographed reading and working on their tans, and though the photo is a low resolution one, from what I can see it certainly does appear to be William and Kate.

People looks/La Provence

Royal reporter Richard Palmer shared the news via Twitter.

Richard Palmer Twitter

Kate wore a blue bikini which is similar to the one she wore during a 2007 holiday in Mustique. The Duchess is thought to have worn the same bikini in Mustique in February.

PopSugar

The breathtaking Chateau D'Audet enjoys a secluded location, set within 640 acres of 'fragrant woodland'. The former hunting lodge, in the east Luberon hills is owned by Viscount Linley (Princess Margaret's son) and his wife, making it an ideal location for the Cambridges to relax before the royal tour commences on September 11.

Chateau D'Audet

Viscount Linley spoke to Country Life last year about the scenic property (with many thanks to the always informative Trisha):

'We found the house by mistake, really. It stemmed from a conversation with a friend my wife sat next to at lunch one day in 1997. We didn't know the Luberon and decided to go on holiday there that summer. Once there, at dinner with the lady who'd organised our trip, we mentioned how we'd love to live there one day. We did look at other houses but this one was so compelling that we settled on it from the first'.

The chateau is comprised of four main properties in which seventeen guests can be accommodated. The apartment is separate from the main house, offering  guests their own self contained living space. The three bedroom apartment has a large drawing room with stunning views over the terraced gardens to the fields of lavender. I expect this is where William and Kate stayed.

Chateau D'Autet

The heated pool is surrounded by sun loungers, parasols and a covered dining area adjoining the pool house. There is also a barbecue for poolside dining.

Chateau D'Autet

The terraces of the property are adorned with white roses set around a mulberry tree.

Chateau D'Autet

The Luberon is a hidden treasure, spectacular countryside of vineyards and orchards, scenic villages and biking routes and numerous places to visit for tourists. To read more about the Luberon please click here.

The Luberon

The couple returned to London today and Kate did some shopping at Boots, Peter Jones and Jack Wills Brighton, a brand that celebrates true British style. (With thanks to What Kate Wore)

Jack Wills Brighton Twitter

The Duchess reportedly bought the floral-print silk Debarn Blouse. Perhaps a piece for the tour? It is available for £79.50. 

Jack Wills

It has not yet been confirmed if William and Kate will attend the Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony tomorrow night, although I think it a strong possibility. I hope you're all having a wonderful weekend!

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The Jubilee Effect: Highstreet, Jewellery and Keepsakes

Good afternoon Duchess Kate readers,
The sun is shining here in the UK and we are finally getting a taste of the long awaited summer weather. I hope the weather is equally pleasant in your corner of the world. For those of us missing Kate's somewhat regular appearances of late there is just over a week left before the Diamond Jubilee Weekend. Overall June is going to be a very busy month for the Cambridges. 


The Jubilee promises to be a memorable occasion with endless keepsakes on the market. The event is having a definite impact on the high street. Jewellery designer Claudia Bradby has designed a beautiful selection of jewellery to commemorate the jubilee. Interestingly Claudia's husband Tom  interviewed William and Kate for their engagement announcement, During Kate's time in Jigsaw she worked with Claudia, participating in the design of necklaces in the heritage collection. Below we see Kate wearing one of the designs, the Cameila necklace, after returning from a trip to Barbados.

Claudia Bradby

Claudia adores creating pieces with pearls. Below we look at the £69 Button Pearl and Crown Bracelet, the £78 Jubilee Necklace and the £40.50 Crown Charm.

Claudia Bradby

Kate favourite Links of London has also designed some lovely pieces, all of which would look amazing on Kate, You can view their Union Jack collection here. I must say the Regal Nodding Dog caught my eye :)

Links of London

Topshop has launched their Co-Ordinate With the Queen collection. Nothing we're likely to see Kate wearing but lovely to see a high street brand taking inspiration from Her Majesty.

Topshop

M&Co are selling a range of jubilee T-shirts for £15. I particularly like the t-shirt with a picture of a corgi.

M&Co

LK Bennett are planning to release a fundraising t-shirt for Her Majesty's Jubilee Trust  (With many thanks to the lovely Susan from What Kate Wore) It will roughly cost £40, to be notified about the t-shirt you can sign up at the LK Bennett website.

LK Bennett

French Sole have released silver versions of their Henrietta and Annie shoes to mark the jubilee. I'm a huge fan of London and French sole personally, very comfortable and stylish shoes.

French Sole

For those of who have a handbag addiction this one is for you. Aspinal of London is currently selling the jubilee inspired Brit Manhattan Clutch for £325 and the £450 Brit Boston Handbag and the £595 Aspinal Jubilee Clutch. The Boston handbag is quite reminiscent of Kate's Mulberry Polly Push Lock handbag.

Aspinal of London

Perhaps a candid or two will emerge of Kate walking Lupo in the sunshine before the next scheduled appearance :)

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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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The Duchess of Cambridge shines in purple Issa dress at Ottawa concert

It's been a glorious visit thus far for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Last night the couple enjoyed a concert in Ottawa as part of their official Canada day celebrations. The couple looked like any other, laughing and chatting throughout the concert. I think we were all hoping to see Kate wear something colourful and this evening she certainly didn't disappoint. Kate wore a beautiful purple Issa jersey dress.  Kate's fifth outfit change in the space of 24 hours. No easy task as any woman would know.

Once again she wore the maple leaf brooch she borrowed from the Queen. Her hair was swept back and she looked elegant as always. The couple spent half an hour at the event before retreating to a private event to watch the finale fireworks. Over half a million people gathered yesterday to see the Royal couple. In recent years I think Royals have lost the 'Wow' factor Diana brought. It is firmly back with Kate mania!

Associated Press

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