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

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Kate in Christopher Kane for Palace Reception

Duchess Kate attended a Buckingham Palace reception for foreign heads of state and government hosted by the Queen.

Reuters

Almost the entire royal family including the Queen and Prince Philip were there to greet the guests.

Richard Palmer Twitter

A view of the grand entrance at palace.

Rebecca English Twitter

Ninety five heads of delegation were in attendance including Prime Minister David Cameron and First Lady Michelle Obama as head of the US delegation. This is the second time Kate has met the first Lady. The Cambridges welcomed the Obamas at Buckingham Palace in May 2011 after returning from their honeymoon. 

Reuters

The Queen wore a very similar colour to Kate. Perhaps they coordinated?

Reuters

Prince Albert of Monaco and his wife Princess Charlene arriving at the reception. Charlene is wearing a beige trouser suit. What do you think of her style?

Rebecca English Twitter

Other notable guests included the Crown Prince and Princess of Norway who arrived in their national Olympic uniform. Queen Margarethe of Denmark and the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. Presidents from Germany, Finland, Serbia, fiji, Brazil and Cyprus were also at the reception.

Guests enjoyed canapes, quail's eggs and celery salt, rosette of smoked salmon, chocolate cherries, honey pralines washed down with a 2007 Blancs de Blancs from the Kent Gusbourne Estate.


You can watch a video at ITN Source.

Kate wore a pale blue coatdress by cutting edge Scottish designer Christopher Kane. It's wonderful to see Kate supporting British fashion and trying something new. The beleted coatdress is thought to be a bespoke piece.


 This jacket is a somewhat similar piece. The green and silk brocade currently retails for €2,280 (There is a 50% reduction on it here) The jacket features transparent silk lining, two breast darts, hook fastening, cutout sleeves and a back split.

Colette

Thirty year old Kane established his namesake label in 2006 with his sister, Tammy Kane assisting in his fabric creation and design process. He was awarded the 'New British Designer of the Year' title the same year. Speaking to LFW he described his signatures and ideal client

'I love detail, especially some sort of embellishment that can transform a garment instantly. My ideal client is a real individual and keen follower of fashion. Age doesn't really concern me; I'm more interested in personality and the way a woman carries herself'.

A look Mr Kane's Resort 2013 Collection. 

Style.com

Kate carried her grey suede Alexander McQueen clutch. Kate's gorgeous blue topaz and diamond earrings are by Kiki McDonough and are not available to buy (With many thanks to Anna from My Small Obsessions)

Dozens of coaches arrived at Buckingham Palace to take guests to the Olympic ceremony which begins at 9 p.m. Royal aides said Kate won't have time to change but they can't be sure. I'll be back with another post when the ceremony begins :)

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