William and Kate Holiday In France Before Royal Tour

William and Kate enjoyed a romantic break in The Luberon, known as the heart of Provence. According to French publications La Provence and Dauphiné! the couple arrived at Marignane Airport on Tuesday and stayed in the beautiful Chateau D'Autet. The royals were photographed reading and working on their tans, and though the photo is a low resolution one, from what I can see it certainly does appear to be William and Kate.

People looks/La Provence

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 Wills Brighton, 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!

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The Jubilee Effect: Highstreet, Jewellery and Keepsakes

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.

Claudia Bradby

Claudia adores creating pieces with pearls. Below we look at the £69 Button Pearl and Crown Bracelet, the £78 Jubilee Necklace and the £40.50 Crown Charm.

Claudia Bradby

Kate favourite Links of London has also designed some lovely pieces, all of which would look amazing on Kate, You can view their Union Jack collection here. I must say the Regal Nodding Dog caught my eye :)

Links of London

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.

French Sole

For those of who have a handbag addiction this one is for you. Aspinal of London is currently selling the jubilee inspired Brit Manhattan Clutch for £325 and the £450 Brit Boston Handbag and the £595 Aspinal Jubilee Clutch. The Boston handbag is quite reminiscent of Kate's Mulberry Polly Push Lock handbag.

Aspinal of London

Perhaps a candid or two will emerge of Kate walking Lupo in the sunshine before the next scheduled appearance :)

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Kate Supports Team GB Hockey and BMX

Duchess Kate supported Team GB's hockey team tonight at the Riverbank arena as they compete for a place in the final against Argentina. The Duchess was accompanied by her private secretary Rebecca Deacon.

Dan Roan Twitter

A look at the stadium just before the match. A beautiful evening in London.

Dan Roan Twitter

Despite a valiant effort form Team GB, Argentina won with a score of 2-1.

Reuters

Kate wore her Smythe Blazer and white Team GB polo shirt.

Melissa Sharman Twitter

Smythe shared a list of retailers who have the blazer in stock via their Facebook Page.

Smythe Facebook

Kate is wearing her 'Olympic Shoes', the $375 Stuart Weitzman for Russell and Bromley Corskwoon in Great Britain Blue. 

Stuart Weitzman

To place an order for the shoes please follow the instructions below. 

Stuart Weitzman

Kate is also wearing her navy skinny jeans, Givenchy sunglasses and carrying a Team GB  jacket and Team GB Olympic pin badge.

London Pins

 (More updates shortly)

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Earlier today, Kate watched the Women's BMX Racing  where Team GB's Shanaze Reade made it through to Friday's Olympic Women's finals day after qualifying in fifth place from the seeding run. Very strangely I haven't seen any photos of Kate there yet but I will update once they emerge.

BMX was inspired by motocross, the motorised version of the sport and made its Olympic debut at the Beijing 2008 Games. BMX riding is described as 'fast and furious and riders must be daring and fearless'.

London 2012

I'm not familiar with the sport and whilst researching it, I found some of the jargon both interesting and amusing :)

• Bunny-Hop - To lift both wheels off the ground at once
• Whoop - a small, wave-like bump in the track
• Berm - a banked corner
• Holeshot - The first rider to take the lead after the start

An aerial view of the track which is located next to the Velodrome in the North of the Olympic Park. The track will be open to the public after the games. 

London 2012

Kate wore her Team GB jacket with jeans again today. Kate appears to take great pride in her role as Olympic Ambassador and sees wearing Team GB attire as a means of showing support to the athletes. 

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In other news, members of the U.S. women's gymnastics team were stunned when they were paid a visit by the Duchess at the O2 arena on Sunday. Aly Raisman, Kyla Ross, Gabby Douglas and Jordyn Wieber have become hugely popular and their talent and determination did not go unnoticed by Kate who wanted to congratulate them on their success.

NBC

Jordyn Wieber shared her excitement via Twitter.

Jordyn Wieber Twitter

It's wonderful to see Kate supporting all the athletes, aside from Team GB. No doubt a memorable moment for the young gymnasts. 

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William, Kate and Harry Attend Equestrian Events

William, Kate and Harry attended the Equestrian events at Greenwich for the second consecutive day.

London 2012

Zara Philips rode for gold in the Eventing team Jumping Final. Zara put in a confident performance and was visibly moved when speaking about the crowd's support

'It's incredibly, it gives you a massive life as you come into the arena. We're really grateful to everyone who has come here to support us'.

BBC/Daily Maill

William and Kate are certainly looking very much in love aren't they? :)

The couple were spotted holding hands again today.

London 2012

 Howard Truong was sitting a couple of rows behind the royals and share a photo.

Howard Truong Twitter

Kate chatting with Peter Philips (Zara's brother)

Reuters

The trio watching the tense event where Germany won Gold. Britain claimed silver thanks to a fabulous ride from Tina Cook.

PA

Cheering on Team GB as they collected their medals. Kate put on a Team GB jacket when the rain started.

Kate wore the same navy Smythe blazer she wore yesterdays events. The Duchess teamed it with a striped navy and white top.

Canadian Heritage Flickr/Smythe

Kate is wearing a Team GB Olympic pin badge on her lapel (With thanks to the wonderful Anna and Michelle. I'm quite confident there is nothing those ladies can't ID)

London Pins

It would appear she is also wearing her J Brand 811 jeans.

J Brand

Kate also carried the Russell and Bromley Muse clutch and wore the £245 navy Stuart Weitzman for Russell and Bromley SW Coco wedges in navy suede (With thanks to What Kate Wore) 

The royals leaving the event.

AP

There are some gorgeous (and very romantic) photos of William and Kate in this Daily Mail article.

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Kate graces the cover of Vanity Fair's best dressed issue. Kate's status as a style icon saw her crowned 'Best Dressed' for the third year running. Stunning photo from the couple's visit to Los Angeles last year.

Vanity Fair

The royals are expected to visit Athlete's Village at Olympic Park later today.

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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 :)

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