William and Kate enjoy pre Christmas lunch with the Royals

With less than a week until Christmas day, I think it's safe to assume we are all feeling quite festive. Even the Royal family are getting into the spirit. Earlier today The Queen hosted a pre Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace. Guests included The Cambridges, Prince Harry, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.

Roland Hoskins

William and Kate looked excited and happy as they arrived they photographed arriving at the palace. I love that William chose to drive himself instead of using a chauffeur, We can see what appears to be a hat box or a gift in the back of the car.....

Roland Hoskins

As you can see Kate looks stunning (obviously already prepared for tonight's event) The Duchess is wearing a fitted red coat, quite possibly her L.K. Bennett ami. Kate is wearing a black lace top or dress underneath.

The lunch is perhaps an informal beginning to the largest gathering of royals in years, with 27 members of the family attending this year. I'm delighted to see these new photos of Kate looking so happy. 


Love their expressions in this one :)

Roland Hoskins

Judging by Kate's hair, I know she is going to look amazing at the Sun Military Awards tonight.


See you in a few hours for the next post :)


Source (Daily Mail)

Read More

Kate proves style doesn't have to be expensive

The Duchess of Cambridge looked stunning, greeting President Obama and his wife Michelle at Buckingham Palace this morning. The day after her wedding she left Clarence house in a blue Zara dress. Today she opted for a £175 Reiss 'shola bandage' camel dress. The Reiss website has been inundated with visitors all day with fans of Kate trying to snap up one of the dresses also available in blue.

The 29 year old teamed the dress with LK Bennett black heels and a Maude clutch by Anya Hindmarch Bespoke. Kate looked the picture of elegance proving style doesn't have to be expensive. Dispalying her tan from her honeymoon in the Seychelles, Kate looked strikingly similar to her younger sister Pippa who is never photographed without tan. Her hair was blow dried and worn down. Kate is clearly on her way to becoming a style icon, I would love to see her in Vogue. Her style is different to other royals while still conservative and classic. 

Reiss 'shola bandage' dress

Read More

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

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

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

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

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

Hello! Magazine

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

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.

Read More

Kate Looks Pretty In Pink For Sovereigns' Luncheon

William and Kate attended the Queen's Sovereigns' Luncheon at royal residence Windsor Castle today. 

Reuters

Aside from weddings and funerals, it is the largest gathering of monarchs for a decade. Royals from twenty six countries including Japan, Sweden, Norway, Lesotho, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, Romania, Denmark and Saudi Arabia attended to celebrate Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee. Notably, Queen Sofia of Spain declined an invitation at the behest of the Spanish government, which has reportedly decided to take issue with an upcoming visit by Prince Edward to the British territory of Gibralter, which Spain has long claimed sovereignty over. You can view the full guest list at this BBC article.

AP

Windsor is a mediaeval castle in Berkshire. It has been a Royal home and fortress for over nine hundred years. It is the largest occupied castle in the world. The Queen takes up official residence in Windsor for a month over Easter, a time referred to as Easter Court. It is also often used to host state visits. In November 1992, the castle suffered severe damage in a fire which destroyed many historic parts of the building. You can watch the video here. The castle was gradually repaired at great expense, and questions raised over this expense led to Buckingham Palace being opened to the public for the first time to raise finances for the restoration.

Wikipedia

Many of you will be familiar with the castle's place of worship, St George's Chapel. The chapel has been the site of many weddings including Prince Edwards. The Queen Mother lies buried in the chapel with her husband King George VI and her youngest daughter, Princess Margaret. It is also the chapel of the Order of the Garter (William and Kate will be attending on June 18th)
Below we see Kate at last years ceremony.

The Royals dined at round tables with one member of the British royal family at each table. Interestingly I imagine that means William and Kate were not seated together. Ace photographer @RegalEyes pointed out Kate would have been practicing her curtsies as there was potential for over twenty curtsies for the Duchess, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie and the Countess of Wessex. 

AP

Kate talking to Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco.

AP

A look at the lunch menu. No doubt an important (and daunting) day for the chef. 

Mark Stewart Twitter

I do love the glances William and Kate exchange :)

Reuters

The dress code for the lunch was lounge suit. For women this usually indicates a shorter length dress or suit as opposed to a full length gown. For members of the royal family, protocol has to be taken into account when choosing pieces to wear. 

AP

Duchess Kate chose the pink, pleated, double wool crepe, Alice coat dress by Emilia Wickstead. (With many thanks to Kate Spotter)  Miss Wickstead said it was made to measure from the current collection and cost £1300. The New Zealand born designer also designed the green coat dress Kate wore on St. Patrick's Day. We haven't seen Kate wear much pink and I thought it a lovely, elegant choice for the occasion. Grazia reported the bespoke piece is based on two dresses from the A/W 2012 collection.

Kate carried her Prada pink satin logo box clutch. Kate previously carried the $556 clutch to the ARK gala last year.

Prada

Kate completed her look with a brooch, pink Prada satin shoes and drop earrings.


You can watch a video from the event at The Telegraph.

William and Kate are not expected to attend the dinner at Buckingham Palace later this evening. It is thought to be more intimate affair than the luncheon.

Richard Palmer Twitter

Read More

William, Kate and Harry Welcome Torch Relay to Buckingham Palace

Good evening to you all,

Olympic spirit really is everywhere. Are you excited to watch the games? There was a tremendous buzz in London this evening when William, Kate and Harry welcomed the Torch Relay to Buckingham Palace.

William, Kate and Harry are said to be incredibly excited about the games and their roles as Olympic Ambassadors. William gave a speech at Beacon's College earlier today where he said 'The Olympic and the Paralympic games are a great moment for our nation. Over the next month, the eyes of the world will be on Great Britain' (See today's earlier post for more on that)

The royal trio viewed the 'torch kiss' between torchbearers Wai Ming-Lee and John Hulse who carried the torch out of the palace where he was escorted by members of the Household Cavalry as he travelled along Constitution Hill.

It is the penultimate day of the Torch Relay the torch travelled through the heart of Camden to Westminster today.

London 2012 Facebook

The torch passed through many landmarks today including St. Paul's Cathedral.

London 2012

It also passed through Downing Street where Prime Minister David Cameron welcomed it. 

David Wilkinson Twitter

Below we see it at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.

London 2012

Three of William, Kate and Harry's charities nominated someone to carry the flame. 

Victoria Murphy Twitter

The torch has now visited the four royal residences Windsor, Sandringham, Balmoral and Buckingham Palace.

Max Foster Twitter

Olympic flags decorate the mall and thankfully the sun is shining for this memorable event.

Joe Little Majesty Magazine

Kate and Harry chatting as the torch left.

The Royals supported Team GB in Adidas Polo Shirts. You can purchase the London 2012 Women's Polo Shirt for £28. It is available in white, navy and purple in sizes 8-16.

London 2012

Kate teamed her polo shirt with a pair of Zara Skinny Blue Jeans (With thanks to Veronica) Many of you felt they were 'too skinny' and didn't work with the t shirt. 

A closer look at Kate's outfit.

Kate chose wedges for the second time today, this time opting for the Stuart Weitzman Corkswoon Wedges (With thanks to What Kate Wore Facebook) The patent wedge is currently  available for half price €155.


From the product description

'A timeless patent pump is set on a cork wrapped wedge for updated height and classic comfort. Approx heel height 4 1/2" with 1 1/4" platform. Patent leather upper/ leather lining/ rubber sole'.

Stuart Weitzman

A close up of Kate's wedges.

Kate completed the look with her double pearl earrings.

The day will finish at Hyde Park where classic soloist Tyler Rix will light a celebration cauldron on stage at the final evening celebration of the Olympic torch relay. Acts including Mark Ronson and The Wanted will perform. You can watch a video from the torch relay here.

Tomorrow Kate is attending a Buckingham Palace reception and later in the evening she will join the other royals for the Olympic opening ceremonies. See you all tomorrow and thank you for reading :)

Read More

Pregnancy speculation

Anyone who has been following the fairytale romance of William and Kate knew that, after their amazing wedding, talk would immediately turn to pregnancy rumours. The couple who are currently honeymooning in the Seychelles, have become bookies favourites with Ladbrokes announcing the odds at 7-1 for them to become parents in February 2012.  If Kate does not become pregnant within nine months, she will be breaking a two hundred year old tradition. When the couple announced their engagement in November 2010, they discussed having a family. William said, 'I think we'll take it one step at a time. We'll sort of get over the marriage first and then maybe look at kids. But obviously we want a family so we'll have to start thinking about that'.

William, like his mother, is instinctively drawn to babies in his charitable work and when engaging with the public. The couple will most likely be hoping for a boy as their first born. They will be aware of the pressure to produce a male heir. In the past week, rumors have been swirling with one headline reading 'pregnant bride'. Buckingham Palace has brushed aside those rumors as 'absurd' and 'certainly not true' When the pair do decide to have a child, William and Kate will make excellent parents.

Read More

Duchess Kate Wears Erdem for Trooping the Colour

Duchess Kate joined the royal family today for Trooping the Colour. The annual parade officially celebrates the Queen's birthday. Although the Queen's actual birthday is on 21 April, it has long been tradition to celebrate the Sovereigns' birthday publicly on a day in the summer. 

Kate travelled by carriage with Camilla and Prince Harry in an open landau. Camilla and Kate look very coordinated. 

British Monarchy Flickr

More than 1,600 officers and soldiers took part in the event. Prince William, who is colonel of the Irish Guards, the Prince of Wales who is colonel of the Welsh Guards, the Duke of Kent, colonel of the Scot Guards and the Princess Royal, Colonel of the Blues and Royals.

The British Monarchy Flickr

Ace Royal photographer Mark Stewart shared a photo via Twitter of Buckingham Palace looking wonderful in the sunshine this morning.

Mark Stewart Twitter

 Her Majesty is wearing the same Angela Kelly outfit she wore to William and Kate's wedding. Prince Philip was also in attendance, it is exactly a week since he left hospital. Good to see him back.

The British Monarchy Flickr

This year is the flag of 1st Batallion Coldsream Guards. There were 241 horses on parade, with 290 musicians who marched and played on. A look at the Regiment tacking up in preparation for the parade.

The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

The Royals appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace where they watched a flypast.

The RAF put on an incredible display.

HM  Armed Forces

The Royals looked very impressed.

HM Armed Forces Facebook

It is always a special occasion when we see the entire family together.

British Monarchy Flickr

Kate is wearing a silvery grey 3/4 sleeve dress by Canadian designer Erdem. The bespoke piece features embroidered detail. The neckline is modified from the Pre Spring 2012 resort collection piece below.

Erdem

A closer look at the beautiful embroidery detailing.

Kate wore two blue lace, Erdem dresses during the royal tour of Canada. I'm both surprised and delighted to see Kate choosing Erdem for today as I had assumed she would choose a British designer.

Canadian Heritage Flickr

Kate wore a beautiful McQueen coat dress to last years event. Do you prefer this years choice?

The Duchess is wearing a hat by milliner Jane Corbett.

Kate wore her $215 Links of London Effervescence Bubble Stiletto Earrings. It is the second consecutive day Kate has chosen the sterling silver earrings. The Duchess wore them yesterday for 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'.

Links of London

Kate's clutch is believed to be her grey suede McQueen from the Fall 2011 collection.

Alexander McQueen

You can watch a video from the event at the BBC.

Tomorrow Kate will visit the Widehorizons advernture centre in Kent. See you all then and thank you for reading :)

Read More