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. 

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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.

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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 in Beulah London & Head Scarf For Kuala Lumpur Visit

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge began day four of the royal tour with a visit to the Asskyakrin mosque in Kuala Lumpur, their first visit to a place of Islamic worship. 

Kate wore a head scarf and and took off her shoes before she entered the mosque.

Rebecca English Twitter

It is the first visit to a mosque by the future head of the Church of England. It comes as anti US protests spread over the middle east.

Earlier this morning the Duke and Duchess opened the Jubilee room at the British High Commission.

UK In Malaysia

The couple's next stop was Kuala Lumpur Park where members of the public and performers waited hours for the royals arrival.

Photo used with kind permission of MEDIA-MODE.COM

The couple waved to fans.

Hazwan Abdul Rahman Twitter

Kate was given a bouquet of flowers. Several tweeters noted they looked like a bride and groom in this photo :)

Hello Malaysia Twitter

The couple attended a highly musical and energetic musical event. It was a wonderful opportunity for the royals to experience the diversity and richness of Malaysian culture.

Photo used with kind permission of MEDIA-MODE.COM

The park was was designed by Brazilian architect Roberto Burle Marx. When the park was designed the aim was to 'leave the world a little more sensitive and a little more educated to the importance of nature'. The park features many combinations of man-made design such as water features and natural features such as trees, shrubs and sculptures. 

Wikipedia

Kate wore a long sleeve knee length white dresss by Beulah London with long billowing sheer sleeves and buttons on the front. 

The dress is thought to be a custom made piece. Possibly a modified version of the £540 Holly Dress from the Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection.

UK In Malaysia Twitter/Beulah

The dress is also very similar to the Beulah London Blossom Dress Kate wore to the wedding of Alice St John Webster and Gerald Alvenel in June.

Beulah/Jenny Sanderson Twitter

The Duchess wore her LK Bennett Sledge Pumps and carried her Natalie clutch.

LK Bennett

Kate wore her hair in an elegant updo.

Brynnan Kristinia Facebook

The couple were guests of honour at a lunch held by the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce.

UK In Malaysia

A look at the menu.

Expatriate Lifestyle Twitter

The first course: crabmeat timbale, goats cheese roulade and crisped walnut bread with mushrooms.

Expatriate Lifestyle Twitter

Later William and Kate will attend the Diamond Jubilee tea party :)

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Terrible news for William and Kate today.

Richard Palmer Twitter

A French magazine is planning to publish topless photos of Kate taken during the couple's short break in the Luberon last week. I was shocked to hear this and think it a disgraceful invasion of privacy. Yes, William and Kate are public figures and the occasional candid photo is to be expected but the publication of topless photos taken during a private holiday at a relatives (Lord Linley the Queen's nephew) home is quite simply wrong. No doubt very upsetting news for William and Kate, especially in the middle of an overseas tour. William is not a fan of the media and this will do nothing to improve relations. Needless to say the photos/link to the magazine in question will not be posted on the blog.

Rebecca English Twitter

The Cambridges will consider their legal options when they are sure the photos are genuine.

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