William and Kate set a date for next week!

The couple will attend their first official public engagement since their arrival home from the Seychelles on June 9th. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be the guests to watch at the 10th Absolute Return for Kids gala dinner to benefit the foundation for princes William and Harry. The event will take place at Perks Field, practically beside Kensington Palace, William's childhood home with Princess Diana.

A recent statement said: 'The Princes' foundation and ARK share a common vision and commitment to transform the lives of disadvantaged children in the U.K. and around the world'. It has been reported that there is a very good chance William will announce a callaboration between his foundation and ARK. I'm looking forward to seeing William and Kate attend this event. It sets the right tone that their first official public engagement is in aid of a charity. The couple are eager to be seen as using their status for good not enjoying the perks of celebrity life, hence choosing to decline an invitation the the state banquet in honour of President Obama. It is also a chance for Kate to prove yet again she is a style icon. I expect she will wear a classic evening gown, possibly by Issa!

Read More

Video of William and Kate at Ark gala dinner

A two minute video made by the Telegraph shoes the Duke and Duchess arriving at the ARK charity gala dinner. The couple pose for photos and mingle with guests. From looking at the video the one aspect that strikes me is how Kate looks even more beautiful in motion. Photos don't do her justice. In the large number of articles that have been released since the couple arrived at the gala I'm surprised to read negative comments about Kate's fashion choice. Her dress is beautiful but many felt too conservative. As a royal she cannot be seen in skimpy attire. On the whole I think most people loved it. Did you? William and Kate attended on behalf of the princes' foundation. The couple met with Arpad Busson former partner of Elle McPherson, he organised the event. According to reports the event has been a success thus far, no doubt helped by William and Kate being there!

Read More

Kate Middleton Is 'A Natural' At Royal Life

The stunning Duchess of Cambridge graces the cover of this weeks People magazine. One of the most popular magazines in the states, Kate would have had to compete with numerous Hollywood celebrities for the coveted cover. Kate has not only won public and media affection but has settled into Royal life with effortless class. After the Royal wedding, Kate kept a low profile shopping at her local waitrose and sending thank you notes. In the past couple of weeks Kate has really come into her own attending four major events in five days. From her stunning debut at the ARK charity gala, to her cheerful demeanor at the Trooping the Colour celebrations, Kate has been a rock for William, He even admitted he was more nervous than her. She was by his side through the Queen and Prince Philip's birthday celebrations photographed smiling in almost every shot. All of this is a warm up for her first royal tour in Canada and California. Does Kate feel apprehensive about this? According to a Palace insider 'She is taking it in her stride. Now she's a member of the Royal family she's got to get involved in these things. She was acclimated over a long time'. After dating Prince William for over eight years Kate was more than prepared for thew pressures of Royal life. The Duchess is currently in the process of moving to Kensington Palace and making preparations for the tour.

Read More

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

Read More

The Children's Princess Kate Meets ARK Kids for Outdoor Activities

Duchess Kate visited the Widehorizons Adventure Centre in Kent today where she met children from ARK's King Solomon Academy. 

The Duchess took part in an outdoor residential course where she helped the children build a campfire and an outdoor shelter. The children are from an inner city school, and many of them would rarely see the countryside so it was a lovely opportunity for them to explore the great outdoors while spending the day with Kate.

Kate volunteers privately with the scouts in Anglesey and has been spotted by locals on several outings with them, including camping trips, so she was well prepared for today. Royal contributer Victoria Arbiter pointed out this engagement ticks all the boxes for Kate.

Victoria Arbiter Twitter

The Widehorizons Centre believes 'every child should have access to adventure as part of their education and throughout their lives'.

Rebecca English Twitter

One of the children asked Kate how long she would be on the throne for. She replied 'That's not my job yet' :) When asked about being a princess Kate said

'It's nice and I get to visit lots of countries. William is very sweet and kind and spoils me'.

Rebecca English Twitter

ARK Schools is a U.K. education charity. It is one of the country's leading academy operators and runs eleven academies in London, Birmingham and Portsmouth. The charity aims to provide extended education and enrichment for pupils. Leadership and training programmes provide staff with essential skills for working in urban schools.

Ark Schools Facebook

The charity is part of international children's organisation ARK (Absolute Return for Kids) More than 300,000 children have benefited from ARK's programmes over the past ten years. The work they do is incredibly touching and simply invaluable. If you wish to donate or find out more about the charity please click here.

                                                                  Rebecca English Twitter

Last year the couple attended the annual ARK Charity Gala. The event raised £17.2 million for the organisation. I'm sure all of you recall it was the Cambridges' first red carpet event after the royal wedding. Kate wore a beautiful rose Jenny Packham gown.

Gem 106 Flickr

Today engagement called for casual and comfortable clothing. Kate first wore the £295 Burberry military pocket shirt on July 5 2011 during a visit to Blachford Lake.

Burberry/Canadian Heritage

Over her shirt Kate wore a V Neck Zara Jumper with the  Really Wild Shooting Waistcoat. (With many thanks to the wonderful Michelle and My Small Obsessions) The soft leather waistcoat is available for $870.

Really Wild

Kate modelled clothes for the Really Wild Clothing company in 2004 reportedly as a favour for a friend. Nice to see her supporting them today (With thanks to Ashley)

Kate wore the $80 Zara Molecule Slim Fit  jeans teamed with a brown belt. (A huge thank you to My Small Obsessions)

Kate Kate wore her favourite Le Chameau Vierzonord wellies.

Le Chameau

Kate accessorised with her Kiki McDonough Grace Earrings.

Kiki McDonough

You can watch a video at Kent Online.

There is a wonderful video at ITN Source.

Read More

'Princess Diana would have loved Kate as a daughter'

Kate Middleton wowed the nation last night in her classic, elegant Jenny Packham rose gown. William looked at Kate adoringly as she spoke with guests exuding a natural ease, reminiscent of Princess Diana. We have all wondered what Diana would have thought of Kate. There have been rumours she would have been jealous but according to someone who knew her very well she would have adored her.

Disgraced Duchess Sarah Ferguson was a close friend of Diana's. Speaking to Piers Morgan she said they 'would have been the best of friends sharing a love of fashion and shopping. Kate would have been the daughter she always longed for'. Sarah Ferguson was not invited to the wedding but described her delight at the day 'I felt pride, total pride didn't we all? It was an amazing day'. Without question Diana's presence was felt last night at the ARK gala held in the grounds of her former home Kensington Palace.

Read More

Upcoming Engagements, Cheryl Cole Speaks about Kate, The Duchess Photographed on 5 Billion Pixel Camera + More

Hello to you all,
I have a selection of tidbits to share with you beginning with news on upcoming engagements. The weekend begins tomorrow with Trooping The Colour. The Queen's birthday is officially celebrated at the ceremony. The Royal party arrive at 10 a.m. The colour will be Trooped by 1st Batallion Coldstream Guards and a 41 Gun Royal Salute will take place. The Royals ride in a carriage back to Buckingham Palace and appear on the balcony at 1 p.m. Afterwards William and Harry are due to play a charity match in Longdole Polo Club, perhaps Kate will attend? :)

The British Monarchy

On Sunday, Kate will visit the Widehorizons Adventure Centre in Wrotham Kent.

Richard Palmer Twitter

The Duchess will meet children from ARK's King Solomon Academy. Kate will take part in building an outdoor shelter, campfires, cooking and other outdoor activities. The 30-year-old volunteers privately with the Scouts in Anglesey, so no doubt she is already well prepared for this engagement. Kate works exceptionally well with children, and the press have already called her 'The Children's Princess' in numerous articles. This is one I think Kate will enjoy immensely.

We can expect to see Kate dressed casually for the event. Royal contributer Victoria Arbiter predicts wellies and a Barbour jacket. Last year the couple attended the ARK gala which raised millions for the organisation.

The British Monarchy Flickr

On Monday The Order of the Garter takes place. It is the most senior and oldest British Order of Chivalry. I'm looking forward to seeing Kate's sartorial choices over the weekend and will be very surprised if we don't see McQueen, Emilia Wickstead or Katherine Hooker pieces. Do you have any early predictions?

************

The Royal visit to Nottingham has been captured on a five billion pixel camera (Yes five billion and I thought twenty mega-pixels was impressive). This is one of the most detailed images ever produced allowing you to zoom right in on every detail of the event.

Upon zooming in I was able to see Kate on the balcony perfectly. The observant Duchess appears to be aware the photograph is being taken.

Visit the Daily Mail Article to try it for yourself. If you were lucky enough to be there you can tag yourself in the photo. An incredible photo and invaluable technology, especially in terms of monitoring large areas for security reasons.

************

Kate proves popular with everyone she meets including celebrities. Singer and former X Factor judge, Cheryl Cole, attended a reception at Buckingham Palace after performing at the Diamond Jubilee Concert. The 28-year-old was struck by Kate's warm personality:

'I spent quite a bit of time chatting to Kate and William. She's just so normal. They're royals but they're not disconnected from us, they know what's going on in the world. They were just saying how happy they were with the performance and what a good night the Queen had. Kate's doing really well. It must be tough being thrust into the limelight but she doesn't seem to flinch. She takes it in her stride. I love that she wears things twice'.

Lovely words by Cheryl, the singer recently said she had a dream about marrying Prince Harry. Is anyone thinking what I'm thinking? :)

Cheryl Cole Twitter

Angelina Jolie has reportedly invited the Cambridges to the Olympics party she and Brad Pitt are throwing on July 25 at London's Victoria and Albert for an Olympics themed Night at the Museum. The soiree is a fundraiser for the couple's chosen charity, Sports for Peace. Should this story be true, I would be most surprised if William and Kate attend. They tent to stick to events in aid of their patronages and try to avoid the limelight as much as possible. Would you like to see them attend?

************

Kate graces the cover of US Weekly this week.

US Magazine

See you tomorrow!

Read More

Kate: 'I'm loving married life'

The Duchess of Cambridge was the centre of attention at the ARK gala dinner. She looked stunning in her rose sequined Jenny Packham dress. With acrobats and divers the Duchess had a wonderful night, however her mind was focused firmly on her husband. The 29-year-old told guests how happy she has been since since her wedding in April. One would have thought after the wedding of the century there would be an anti-climax.

One guest said: 'Kate said she was loving it when asked what married life was like. She added that it was surreal but that was to be expected. She said she was totally and blissfully happy and her eyes lit up whenever William's name was mentioned. The pair are so clearly in love'. Kate sat beside leading fashion designer Tom Ford. Perhaps we will see her wearing one of his designs next? As William gave his speech, Kate looked on adoringly. I must say this couple look truly in love and it is wonderful to see. A guest asked Kate: 'Where's your husband?' Kate rolled her eyes and replied: 'We always get split up at these things'. We look forward to seeing the Duke and Duchess at the Queen and Prince Philip's celebrations this weekend!

Read More

William and Kate to make social debut tomorrow night

Tomorrow night the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will make their social debut as a married couple. The annual charity ARK dinner is one of the glitziest events on the social calender. William and Kate will make their entrance into a giant marquee on Perks' fields, behind Kensington Palace. The couple will be welcomed by 900 guests covered in diamonds and stunning evening dresses. After drinks and canapés guests will enjoy a lavish dinner courtesy of catering firm Rhubarb. Guests will have paid £10,000 per ticket and they are most looking forward to Williams first speech as a married man. He is expected to announce a calloboration between ARK and the princes' foundation. DJ Mark Ronson will provide musical entertainment.

Some feel this event is too decadent for the royal couple but considering the purpose is to announce William's future charitable plans it seems ideal. For the ARK charity William and Kate attending will be excellent for PR which all charities need at this time. Previously Bill Clinton and Madonna are among the high profile guests who have attended ARK dinners.  A source said 'There is a limited market of people to tap up. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry are keen to get as much money as possible for the foundation and therefore must schmooze'. I am excited to see William and Kate attend this function and of course........What will she wear? Will we see her wearing Issa or possibly Reiss again? I will update on this matter as soon as the royal couple arrive at the event tomorrow!

Read More