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 WillsBrighton, 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!
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.
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.
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.
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 :)
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.
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!
William and Kate were photographed leaving London's Harbour Club gym on the 22nd of September after working out together. Gym goers were surprised none other than the Duchess standing beside them on the treadmill. Could you imagine? Kate even looks stylish leaving the gym in a fitted black jacket and pants with a long white t shirt underneath. It's quite amazing the royal couple do go to the gym together, they are obviously very comfortable with each other.
While it is always wonderful to see news photo's of the couple, I think we were all secretly hoping they would attend the Boodles Boxing Ball. I had anticipated they might make a surprise entrance as the ball is in aid of the Starlight Foundation, a children's charity William has worked with and thinks incredibly highly of. Unfortunately the couple decided not to attend this year. I would love to see Kate in another evening gown and she is always at her most glamourous at this event. However, Pippa managed to steal the show tonight in a slinky red dress with a plunging neckline. Pippa spent the evening chatting to ex spice girl Geri Halliwell at the event which costs almost two thousand pounds for a table of ten. For more photo's from the Boodles boxing ball and news of Pippa in general click HERE.
Looking at Pippa's dress I couldn't help but notice how similar it is to the pink Issa dress Kate wore to the event in 2008. One could certainly tell the pair are sisters. I think this is one of Kate's all time best looks.
Duchess Kate also attended the event in 2006 and 2007 wearing a similar grey Issa dress which is particularly stunning!
Finally I was reading the Daily mail earlier and saw this simply adorable video footage of William and Harry as toddlers playing the piano for a photo shoot with Charles and Diana. In the 1985 video William is encouraged to kiss Harry on the forehead as a delighted Princess Diana watches on lovingly. Charles is seeing playing peekaboo with a handkerchief to encourage the boys to look at the camera. A wonderful momet where the entire family are very happy. We often only recall the demise of Charles and Diana's marriage but obviously there were happy family times too. Diana looks stunning and radiates in her role as a mother.
UPDATED: I received a request about Pippa's signet ring. Royal Reporter Richard Eden said
"The ring is a clear indication that Kate will soon be a princess. Their father, Michael, was reported to have inquired about a coat of arms from the College of Arms back in 2007. When Pippa first wore the ring it looked as though the Middleton's had found their family crest".
There doesn't appear to be a clear photo available, however I will continue to search and update!
Speaking of Pippa, judging by how close she and boyfriend Alex Loudon appear to be, I wouldn't be surprised if another Middleton wedding is on the horizon :)
Sources (Daily Mail, What Kate Wore Facebook, The Telegraph, Middletonlove.tumblr.com)
Yesterday St James' Palace confirmed Kate's Patronages. Kate spent months researching worthy causes and one in particular touched her heart. Duchess Kate visited the East Anglia's Children's Hospice in November. If you read yesterdays post you'll know the centre supports and cares for children with life threatening conditions. One would imagine working with EACH would trigger an emotional response in anyone which is exactly what Kate discovered.
Kate met Grant and Charlotte Clemence whose daughter Fleur sadly died soon after birth last May from a rare heart condition. Duchess Kate met surviving twin, eight month old Sophia. Grant and Charlotte were taken aback at how loving and kind Kate was
'Kate was brilliant with Sophia and spent a lot of time with her. She couldn't stop playing with her and poking her cheeks. She was absolutely amazing and a totally genuine person. It was only supposed to be a short visit but she was here for about four hours. She was very emotional. She will make a very natural mother'.
Grant, Charlotte and Shophia with EACH CEO Graham Butland
EACH CEO Graham Butland was simply thrilled Kate chose to support the hospice.
'It was such a surprise that she wanted to come and visit us, and following on from that an even bigger surprise that she wanted to become patron. We are honoured, extremely proud and thrilled to be finally able to talk about it'.
I found this story particularly touching and it gives us a wonderful insight into the 'real Kate'. Despite being beautiful on the outside it's Kate's inner beauty that shines and obviously why William loves her so dearly. I believe we are going to see Kate do trojan work with her causes. Not to mention she is going to be a fantastic mother. Kate's patronage will be of significant importance to EACH in terms of awareness and funding essential for helping families like Grant and Charlotte. To read more about the Clemence family click here. To find out more about EACH or to donate please click here.
Following on from yesterdays post about Duchess Kate's impact on New York fashion week. I saw an amazing article in NY mag where top fashion designers are asked about Duchess Kate's fashion and which of there pieces they would ideally put her in. Each of these looks is simply gorgeous. I love the fact we are seeing clothes on the Runway that people can actually wear, all inspired by Kate!
Designer Jason Wu said if he could dress Kate he would put her in his blue ball dress. 'I think Kate Middleton's so beautiful she could wear anything from S/S 2012 collection and look gorgeous.'.
John Zee, Creative director of Elle said he prefers Kate to Pippa as he loves a Queen. Zee would love to see Kate in a YSL tuxedo. 'I think she would look fantastic in that'.
Stylist, Mary Alice Stephenson said 'I'd love to give Kate a little edge. I think she's so pretty, but I think she's dressing in a formal elegant way and they need a little youthquake. I'd love to see her in Alexander Wang in Ohne titel'.
Designer, Sally La Pointe would love to see Kate wear the finale look from her show. She thinks Kate is beautiful and classic.
Designer Richard Chai said 'She looks very proper. She's doing a very good job of looking a Royal. I'd love to see her wear something colourful and printed'.
Finally stylist and designer, Nicola Formichetti thinks Kate is 'very chic'. His ideal look for Kate is a Zara Rhodes caftan. I must say I'm not entirely sure about this look for the Duchess :)
What do you all think of these looks? It's interesting to see Kate in different styles, I think the Jason Wu blue dress and the YSL tuxedo suit are absolutely stunning and would look amazing on Kate. I think Duchess Kate will experiment with more designers as time progesses and we may see her outfits like these in the future!
Duchess Kate, The Queen and Prince Philip arrived in Leicester via train this morning to mark the beginning of the UK Diamond Jubilee tour.
Press Association
This photo of Kate looks like it was taken out of an old movie.
AP
Mayor of Leicester, Sir Peter Soulsby said 'We're a modern city that has changed most dramatically during the sixty years of Her Majesty's reign - and I think very appropriate that she should begin her tour here.'
The people of Leicester have spent five weeks preparing for the momentous visit. More than 10,000 union jacks and 1,000 metres of bunting were delivered to Leicester City Council ahead of the visit. Areas around each of the venues being visited were decorated. If interesting in purchasing your own union jack or jubilee keepsake you can visit the Official Jubilee shop.
Could anyone but Kate exit a car with such grace :)
Kate and Her Majesty applauded dancers who performed in honour of the visit. The Queen is wearing a pink outfit by Angela Kelly.
The Royals visited De Montfert University where Kate and the Queen watched a fashion show in a marquee featuring designs by four students.
Six design students each designed a pair of shoes for Kate. The Duchess chose the dark blue pair by Becka Hunt, Below Becka poses with the shoes which were inspired by the colour of Kate's engagement ring. Perhaps we will see Kate wear them in the future :)
Kate and The Queen toured the University.
The trio then visited Leicester Cathedral for a service.Kate greeted the crowd before the service. Over 5,000 people lined the pavements to get a glimpse of the Duchess.
The cathedral has been an important place in Leicester since 1927. It is home to several projects which aim to help asylum seekers, refugees and those living with cancer. Each year over 25,000 people visit. If interested in donating, you can find all relevant information here.
The service was attended by over seven hundred people.
A member of the crowd asked Kate how William is, She replied 'He's fine but I'm missing him desperately'. It must be a very difficult time for her at least her schedule is keeping her busy throughout William's departure. The 30 year old also said she's being well looked after.
After the service the royals will walked to the nearby St Martins House where they enjoyed a private lunch. Below we take a look at Kate's place at the dining table.
The Queen, Prince Philip and Duchess Kate signed a visitors card at St Martins house.
Kate met with outreach worker Russell Bentley. He told the Duchess one of his role was to hand out flips flops to women whose high heels had got the better of them after a night out, Kate laughed and said 'I bet you do'. You can watch a selection of videos from the day at ITN Source.
Duchess Kate looked stunning in an L.K. Bennettpeplum suit. Kate bought the teal Jude Jacket last November for £295. It is described as
"Femininity and unexpected detailing is key with the Jude jacket. Beautifully tailored with a nipped waist, this wool jacket features kick pleat detailing at the back and uses a soft wool feeling luxe to the touch."
Kate also bought the L.K. Bennett Davina Dress in Teal last November for £225. The structured dress is described as
"Part of the L.K. Bennett signature collection. The Davina dress is beautifully tailored in a luxurious crepe. Elegantly designed, it's chic, gentle ruching down one side adds to the already feminine silhouette."
The Davina comes in array of beautiful colours.
Kate completed the look with the black and gold belt she last wore during her visit to Liverpool. (With thanks to Carolin)
I was hoping Kate would wear a hat today and she didn't fail to impress. Kate wore the Fairy Tale hat by milliner James Lock. (With many thanks to Kate In Waiting) The beret style hat is available in a variety of colours for £285 and can be ordered online.
Kate wore black Episode shoes. The brand is exclusively available at House of Fraser. (With thanks to Kate's Wardrobe) She also carried her black suede clutch.
Kate wore her beautiful Kiki McDonough 18ct gold and diamond earrings. They were available for €2,271. The green amethyst earrings were first worn by Kate on Christmas Day and were reportedly a gift from William.
This is one of Kate's finest sartorial selections to date. The structured suit and shorter hemline complimented Kate's tall, slender frame while the hat and accessories add a touch of 1940s glamour. Her hair and make up looked incredible. Without a doubt one of my favourites. What do you think?
Another engagement has been added to Kate's diary for this month, On March 15th Prince Charles will introduce Kate to his charity Children and Arts. This means we will be seeing Kate on the 15th, 17th and 19th. A very busy and exciting month for the Duchess.
Source (Daily Mail, Jubilee Tour, Daylife, Clarence House Via Twitter)
Look online for travel promo codes and follow Kate as she goes to upcoming engagements!
