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

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The Cambridge's host a triumphant dinner for the National Memorial Aboretum and Why William and Kate will be apart for almost two months

Daily Mail/Paul Rogers

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge hosted a black tie dinner and reception for the National Memorial Arboretum at St James' Palace. Home to the Armed forces memorial which remembers those who have lose their lives during hostilities since the second world war. Supporting this appeal is very close to William and Kate's heart, As an RAF pilot William has lost friends in conflict. The couple's wedding tree theme continues, tonight's trees will be planted in the Aboretum. (Kate reportedly loves gardening)

Daily Mail/Paul Rogers

The couple looked happy and smiling despite the news today from the ministry of defence that William will be sent on a tour of the Falklands in February for six weeks performing search and rescue duties, during which time Kate will not be able to see him. The conditions in the Falklands will be a world away from life at Kensington. The Prince will have a very small room with minimal basics. William was advised to take a waterproof jacket, fleece, socks, thermal underwear and shoes in good repair as there are 'no shoe repairs in the Falkland Islands'.
I was disappointed to hear this as it will be a difficult time for our favourite royal couple, no doubt Kate will miss William terribly while he's away. It is reportedly the longest time the couple have spent apart, Despite this the couple are said to have discussed it at length and Kate is 'very supportive'.

The National Memorial Appeal hopes to raise £12 million in the next year. The 150 acre Aboretum began planting in 1997. William got involved in 2009 after visiting to remember friends who died in action. For anyone interested in visiting admission is free and it is open daily apart from Christmas day. The Aboretum relies on donations and organisations for funding. If you wish to donate Click Here. You can also purchase items such as books and a poppy umbrella Here. In his speech Prince William described the Aboretum as an


"Iconic focal point for the nations remembrance of British heroes. It is a place of sanctuary for those who come to remember and a place of quiet pride in the selflessness and sacrifice of those who have gone before. It is also a place of education".

Prince William's passion about remembering soldiers who have lose their lives was demonstrated this week when he wrote a strongly worded letter to FIFA president Sepp Blatter asking to have the ban on England players wearing poppies overturned. (Wearing a poppy at this time of the year is a mark of respect for fallen soldiers). FIFA immediately backed down, This shows the power the monarchy have to do good. I was delighted to hear the ban was overturned and Prince William did a wonderful job. Will you all be wearing poppies this weekend? :) William and Kate are wearing theirs this evening...

Duchess Kate looked simply breathtaking in a pale silver, one shoulder, floor length gown. She looked like a Grecian goddess. Absolutely beautiful. We haven't seen Kate in a one shoulder dress until now and it compliments her tall, slender frame perfectly The dress is by British designer Jenny Packham.(With thanks to Mrs Regal Eyes) The satin chiffon dress was made especially for the Duchess.

One shoulder chiffon dresses from the Jenny Packham Spring/Summer 2012 collection.

Angelina Jolie was photographed in a similar Jenny Packham dress earlier this year.

I believe the Duchess is also wearing her Jimmy Choo Vamp Glitter Sandals.

Kate is noticeably wearing new diamond earrings. A poster on What Kate Wore remembered the earrings from Here. 
Beauty Jewellery said


"We can confirm that the earrings worn by the Duchess of Cambridge on Thursday are from Beaut's vintage collection. The design is part of a collection supplied exclusively to Jenny Packham".

A truly wonderful evening for the Cambridge's. Duchess Kate is becoming more beautiful at every royal engagement :) There was great excitement about tonight's event, (If any of you are on Twitter you would see how many tweets BBC's Peter Hunt received asking about the dress....)

Most importantly this evening was about honouring those who lost their lives in conflict. One of tonight's guests Jacqui Thompson lost her husband when he was killed by a roadside bomb while on patrol in Afghanistan was touched after meeting the royal couple and said


"It was fab to meet them. They said they were sorry to hear about Gary and they were so sincere and interested. I felt they could have been my son and daughter. When I heard he was going to the Falklands I felt for his wife and the worry she must have. When you love someone you're going to miss them terribly".


You can watch a video from the evening here.

Sources (Newscom, Daylife.com Daily Mail, Mirror, What Kate Wore,Monique Jessen Via Twitter, Royal Reporter Via Twitter)

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Kate Loves: Gowns Part 2

For Part 2 of 'Kate Loves: Gowns' we'll take a look at all of Kate's evening gown choices since the royal wedding beginning with the rose sequin Jenny Packham gown the Duchess wore for the ARK Gala in June 2011. 

It was Kate's first red carpet appearance as HRH Duchess of Cambridge and the shimmering gown from Packham's Spring/Summer 2011 RTW collection hit all the right notes: elegant, sophisticated, glamorous and perfect for the occasion. We recently looked at Kate's pre wedding gown choices and noted she favoured halternecks, particularly Issa pieces. At the ARK Gala we saw Kate's style evolve and it has continued to do that since.

A closer look at the stunning detail on the dress. Definitely one I hope to see Kate wearing again.

In July 2011 the Cambridges visited Los Angeles after their first royal tour together in Canada. The royals were the toast of tinseltown at a BAFTA reception held at the Belasco Theatre. Kate stunned the crowd in a beautiful Alexander McQueen grecian gown. The couple spent the evening with Hollywood stars, including Tom Hanks and Nicole Kidman.

Kate's chandelier diamond earrings were loaned to her by the Queen. They looked beautiful with the lavender gown.

Kate wore the Sarai Dress by Beulah London for 100 Women in Hedge Funds Gala held at St James' Palace in October. 

100 Women In Hedge Funds Facebook

Interestingly Beulah London was started by one of Prince William's former girlfriends, Natasha Rufus Isaacs. The label supports a number of charities, no doubt this influenced Kate when deciding to wear the Sarai dress. The silk jersey and chiffon fabric dress retailed at £680.

Kate made her first solo engagement late in October, standing in for Prince Charles, who was in Saudi Arabia following the death of the Crown Prince. A palace aide said Kate was to delighted to step in for Prince Charles at the event held for In Kind Direct.  The Duchess chose a grecian Amanda Wakeley gown with criss-cross straps for the dinner. 

Kate wore a one shouldered satin chiffon Jenny Packham gown for a reception at St James' Palace in support of the National Memorial Aboretum Appeal in November. 

Angelina Jolie wore a very similar Jenny Packham dress to the 'Tree of Life' premiere last year.

Radar Online

Next up, my own personal favourite.

Kate looked stunning a black velvet strapless McQueen gown at the Sun Military Awards in December. Kate's dress was modified from this $6,000 dress. I recall a number of reporters and photographers commenting on how beautiful Kate looked in the dress. The Duchess also wore striking diamond and ruby jewellery which the Palace said were a gift from a family friend.

In January Kate wore a black lace Temperly Amoret gown to the War Horse Premiere in London.

The long sleeved lace dress was recently released by Temperly. It is available to purchase online for the princely sum of €3235. It is a classic, timeless evening gown. Kate adores lace and looked incredibly relaxed at the premiere.

Temperly

William and Kate attended an exclusive dinner at Claridge's in May. Kate wore the Roland Mouret Lombard gown. The creamy white colour, long sleeves and split made for a gorgeous look, In my opinion one of Kate's best. Mr Mouret spoke to Grazia about the much talked about split: 'I think it was quite fantastic there was a split up the front. It was not too much. I think I did quite well'.

A lovely photo of William and Kate leaving Claridge's.

William and Kate supported Team GB in their roles as Olympic Ambassadors at the Our Greatest Team Rises event in May. Kate chose a bespoke version of Jenny Packham's 'Aspen' bridal gown. 

The style combined an emerald lace bodice embellished with Swarovski crystals and a pleated skirt, ribbon waisted with a crystal and flower embellishment. Kate wore her hair up for the event, something of a departure for the Duchess who favours wearing her hair down, allowing the striking detail on the back of the dress to be seen.

Which gown is your favourite? Does any designer stand out for you? Looking forward to seeing Kate's evening gown choices in the future!

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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!

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William and Kate Visit War Memorial For Final Singapore Engagement

William and Kate's final engagement in Singapore was a sombre one with the couple visiting Kranji Commonwealth War Cemetery. 

Photo used with kind permission of MEDIA-MODE.COM

Thousands of British and other Commonwealth servicemen lost their lives in the defence of Singapore and the subsequent occupation by Japanese forces and as future King and Queen Consort the Duke and Duchess wished to pay tribute to their sacrifice.

The pipers played to herald William and Kate's arrival.

Richard Palmer Twitter

There are 4,641 World War II casualties buried or commemorated at the cemetery, of which more than 850 of these are unidentified. There are 64 World War I headstones, of which three commemorate casualties known to have been buried elsewhere but whose graves could not be found. 

Wikipedia

William and Kate specifically asked to pay their respects to UK and Australian Z special unit heroes. The Duchess carried a parasol, no doubt the heat and humidity is difficult for the couple who are used to a much cooler climate.

The Duke and Duchess laid a wreath made of local flowers at the War Memorial and met with veterans and serving military from Singapore, Britain, Australia and New Zealand.

Rebecca English Twitter

William and Kate observe a minutes silence at the cemetery.

Rebecca English Twitter

Kate wore a pale green (described as duck egg blue by the palace) pleated shirtdress by UK designer Jenny Packham. The bespoke dress has some lace on the upper part. 

Photo used with kind permission of MEDIA-MODE.COM

A closer look at the detailing on the dress.

Kate wore her go to LK Bennett Sledge Pumps.

The visit marks the end of Their Royal Highnesses visit to Singapore. The couple leaving Raffles hotel this morning.

Photo used with kind permission of MEDIA-MODE.COM

The couple will travel on a scheduled flight to Kulala Lumpur, Malaysia , where they will be met at the International airport by representatives of the Malaysian government and the British High Commission. The royals will attend a lunch hosted by the Prime Minister and visit Hospis Malaysia where Kate will make her first overseas speech. In the evening William and Kate will attend a state dinner at His Majesty The Agong's official residence. Could this be the tiara moment we've all been waiting for? It's going to be an amazing day......

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Kate's Exhibitions Plans, William in the Falklands, Kate's Plans With The Queen, A Peek At Jenny Packham's High Street Collection and More

Hello Kate fans,
Only two days until Kate visits the Lucian Freud Exhibition. Are you all excited to see her? Any style predictions? It's been almost a month since her last royal engagement. I'll post as soon as the first photos emerge and will update as news comes in. While we're waiting for that, there are numerous interesting stories about Kate making the headlines today.


Duchess Kate is one of the most photographed women in the world but is keen to show off her talents from the opposite side of the lens. Photography has been a passion of Kate's for many years. In 2007 Kate curated an exhibition of celebrity portraits by the photographer Alistair Morrison. Morrison described Kate's work as 'very, very good'. A Royal source said

"Photography is a great passion for the Duchess and she continues to pursue it avidly. It is a real release for her and she takes her work very seriously. She has considered staging an exhibition of her works at some point in the future. She would like to continue to develop her work privately before being subjected to that kind of public scrutiny but an exhibition in the next few years is an idea she would be keen on".

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Kate is undeniably one of the most beautiful women of our generation. We spend millions annually trying to emulate her style, hair, make up (even umbrellas...) One lucky girl from Calgary is becoming famous as a 'Kate Middleton look a like'. 26 year old Holly Ferrier was first spotted during the royal tour last summer. Having just competed in an international lookalike contest in Paris and coming second, Holly described the surreal experience as 'a whirlwind, I would love to do it again'. What do you think? See much resemblance to Kate? :)

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We were all very excited to hear about Jenny Packham's collection for Debenhams. A photo has been released of a stunning gown which will feature in the No 1 Jenny Packham collection. Prices will range from £85 to £160 and will launch in April. Very Kate isn't it?

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The Queen's jubilee celebrations and engagements officially begins today. The questions for fans of Kate has been, When will the tour take place? William and Kate will jet off to Malaysia, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands and Singapore in September. I had hoped it would be sooner but nonetheless something to look forward to for the autumn.

Meanwhile The Queen has reportedly been inviting Kate to Buckingham Palace for regular chats to boots her confidence. The Queen is very found of Kate and has taken a keen interest in her development. Although nothing has been confirmed yet, It is being widely reported Kate will accompany Her Majesty on two diamond jubilee engagements next month. 

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We all did a double take when we first saw Kate's wedding dress and it seems the Dean of Westminster was no exception. Speaking about the historic day The Very Rev Dr John Hall said:

"She was so strikingly beautiful and the shape of the dress was so charming. I was quite breath taken and just smiled. It was just one of those 'pinch me' moments, a great privilege."

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On Valentine's Day Kate will pay a special visit to alcohol free bar The Brink. Staff were so delighted about the upcoming visit they created a special alcohol free smoothie called 'The Duchess' in Kate's honour. Made up of banana, honey, almonds and cream it sounds delicious.

Kate's patronage Action on Addiction expressed their excitement about the visit via Twitter.

A number of you have emailed me about a couple of stories which appear to untrue/fabricated/exaggerated. After much research I have found

• Various magazine articles claiming William and Kate have had their first big fight etc is most likely rubbish.
• The numerous articles claiming William's deployment will 'make or break them' are totally unfounded. After ten years it's going to take more than six weeks apart to cause problems.
• Pregnancy rumours and predictions they won't have a child this year impossible to predict, Only William and Kate know that information :)

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Sources (The Telegraph, Ok, People, Daily Mail, Zimbio, What Kate Wore, British Monarchy Flickr, MarkFoster CNN Flickr)

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