Kate Pays Private Visit To Addiction Clinic, First Portrait Of Kate Commissioned, and More

It has been revealed Duchess Kate spent several hours speaking with recovering drug addicts and alcoholics yesterday. As Prince William was briefed in the Falklands, Kate busied herself by paying a private visit to one of her new charities Action On Addiction. St James' Palace said the visit was unannounced as the Duchess wants to gain further insight into the charity's work before carrying out her first public engagement on their behalf, visitng alcohol free bar ,The Brink on Valentine's Day.

Clouds House

Kate spent yesterday at treatment clinic, Clouds House in Salisbury. She met people being treated for various forms of addiction. Clouds House has been helping people overcome addiction for over 25 years and the Duchess was keen to meet staff. A spokesperson from the palace said

"The Duchess will continue to use her time to get to know people at the charity. You can't learn everything there is to know in one day, you have to keep going back to gain an in depth understanding"

The Gardens At Clouds House

Action on Addiction certainly sounds like a challenging patronage with many aspects to consider. The fact that Kate has already paid a private visit before her public engagement shows great caring and interest in the charity. I think she is going to do wonderful work in the months to come.

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As patron of the National Portrait Gallery, It would only be fitting for the Duchess to have a portrait painted in her honour. To celebrate her 30th birthday it is thought Kate will sit for the painting shortly. Clarence House revealed

"The commissioning of the Duchess of Cambridge's first official portrait is currently under way through the National Portrait Gallery".

The Queen has set for 145 portraits. The first portrait of Duchess Kate will of course be a historic piece. I'm very excited to see it. I imagine Kate will have her hair down, Perhaps wearing jewels from the royal collection?

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The Duchess graces the cover of Hello (again :)) this week.

Recent favourites of mine featuring cover girl Kate.

Hope you all have a great weekend, Perhaps we'll have a Kate sighting? :)

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Sources (Art Info, Royalty, Grazia, Hello, Clouds house, Daily Mail)

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Kate Wears Stella McCartney to 'Aiming High Exhibition'

Duchess Kate attended an opening event for The Road to 2012: Aiming High Exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery this morning.

Kate arrived in a chauffeur driven car at 9 a.m. and was greeted by dignitaries.

Kate was the guest of honour at the Olympic photography exhibition which documents three years of preparation for the London games. The engagement combines Kate's roles as patron of the National Portrait Gallery and Olympic ambassador.The London Games begin in just over a week and we can expect to see William, Kate and Harry attend many events supporting Team GB from the sidelines.

The newly commissioned photographs of the athletes were taken by renowned photographers Anderson & Low, Nadav Kander and Jillian Edelstein. 

National Portrait Gallery

From The Telegraph's review

'Road to 2012 is the biggest photographic commission the NPG has ever undertaken, a three year project reaching its culmination this month to celebrate the festival of running, jumping and diving about to take place seven miles to the east. These are not quick snaps or candid behind the scenes revelations. Anderson and Low shot rowers, swimmers and gymnasts in their training environments to create the formality and feel of a fine art portrait'.

Jim White's review ends with a powerful description of the athletes comparing them to gladiators and warriors:

'Here are the heroes of our time, modern gladiators, serious - minded, determined, unflinching; photographed with a reverence in which, in previous times, warriors might have been recorded ahead of going into battle'.

The women's hockey squad posed for the photo below in November 2011.

National Portrait Gallery

Kate viewed footage of a naked David Beckham sleeping shot by Sam Taylor Wood. A difficult job but someone has to do it :) She also viewed the NPG'S Diamond Jubilee Exhibition on The Queen, Art and Image.

Rebecca English Twitter

Kate also featured in the exhibition herself in a photograph taken at the Team GB hockey event the Duchess attended earlier this year.

Paul Harrison Twitter

Sky News reporter Paul Harrison noted the Duchess was embarrassed when she saw the photo.

Paul Harrison Twitter

Below we see the Duchess looking at it.

Paul Harrison Twitter

Kate meeting guest Diana Gould who turns 100 later this year.

Paul Harrison Twitter

The exhibition runs until 23 September and is free daily from 10.00 until 18.00. If you are a lover of the arts and wish to support the gallery you can find information on donating here or take a look at the online shop which sells books, posters, exhibition catalogues, jewellery and portraits. Below we take a look at the Kings & Queens Tablecloth, the Elizabeth II Canvas Tote Bag and the Necklace Camera.

National Portrait Gallery Online Shop

It is Kate's second visit to the gallery this year. The Duchess made her solo debut at the Lucien Freud Exhibition last February where she met guests and staff.

The British Monarchy Flickr

Royal aides have said the Duchess has been looking forward to viewing the exhibition 'immensely' as she is a keen photographer herself. She wrote her history of art degree dissertation on the photography of author, Lewis Carroll. There has been talk of her staging an exhibition in aid of her charities in the future.

Kate looked lovely in the electric blue crepe  Stella McCartney Ridley Stretch Cady Dress from the Fall 2012 collection. The £515 dress is described as:

'A vibrant crepe dress. This simple shift  embodies easy luxury with it's minimalist silhouette  and eye catching bold hue. Concealed zip fastening at back. Round neck, short sleeves, darts at waist'.

Selfridges

I personally love the dress. It's vibrant and youthful yet conservative and elegant. I had thought we would see Kate wear Stella McCartney for some of her engagements as Olympic ambassador (Stella designed Team GB's uniforms) and this dress was an excellent choice. What do you think?

Rebecca English Twitter

Kate wore her Prada pumps.

The Duchess accessorized with the stunning Cartier Trinity Necklace (With many thanks to Karen from WKW FB) Royal aides said it is from her own wardrobe and she thought it appropriate to wear it today given the Olympic theme. 

The 18 caeat gold necklace, with paved diamond is 80 cm long and retails for a staggering £49,000. Given the huge price tag I expect it may have been a gift. Perhaps to celebrate Kate's role as Olympic ambassador? It's one of the most beautiful pieces of jewellery we've ever seen Kate wear. 

Cartier

Kate completed the look with a pair of gold Swaroski earrings, quite possibly an older version of the $85  Heloise Pierced Earrings. Pippa has been spotted wearing the same earrings in silver. (I must say a huge thank you to Anna from My Small Obsessions who works tirelessly to ID Kate pieces and is always kind enough to let me and the other bloggers know about her discoveries)

The engagement went incredibly well and (for once this summer :)) the sun was shining. Kate was all smiles leaving the gallery....

You can watch an excellent video from the exhibition at The Telegraph.

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In other news the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry has been renamed The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. The royal trio are aiming to make the armed forces, young people and conservation their primary areas of focus for the time being. The website is well worth a look with large photos from recent engagements and information on the foundation. The following message from William, Kate and Harry appears on the website

'For reasons that never cease to amaze us, we do seem to be able to bring a spotlight to bear on wonderful initiatives created by other people to help those in need'.

The new website and renaming of the foundation is confirmation William, Kate and Harry will continue to work together as a team. If/When Harry marries his wife will be included in the foundation also.

Richard Palmer Twitter

Judging by the figures I anticipate the royal foundation will be a great success.

Max Foster Twitter

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We'll finish today's post with a look at another artists impression of Kate from Marie Claire South Africa. There is currently an ongoing debate as to whether the photos are art or using Kate as a clothes horse. The fact she is wearing designers (who stand to profit from the magazine cover) clothes in the mock ups makes me question whether it is appropriate or not. What do you all think?

Grazia/Marie Claire South Africa

Thank you for reading.

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Kate Hosts Barbecue For Scouts, Photographed Shopping at Turnell and Gigon, Temperly Amoret + More

Good evening Duchess Kate readers,


I have a number of stories to share with you tonight. Kate privately volunteers with the Scouts in Anglesey, although it's not one of her patronages it appears to be a role she enjoys and takes very seriously. Last night the Duchess had a treat in store for the scouts.....

@iamleecrimes Twitter

Kate hosted a barbecue on a beach in Anglesey yesterday evening where she cooked burgers for the children aged about eight years old. A source told the Daily Express

'The Duchess arranged and hosted an evening of activities that took place on a beach in Anglesey. They did some crabbing and gutting fish. She was teaching them how to do things like that. And she did a barbecue'.

Lee Crimes stepbrother attended the barbecue and he was a little disappointed not to have been there himself :)

@iamleecrimes Twitter

Kate works incredibly well with children, so much so the press have started calling her 'The Children's Princess' . It sounds like last nights barbecue was a delightful evening. No photos thus far but I'll update should any surface.

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The owner of the wonderful Princess Diana Frances Tumblr  blog shared a scan from Australia's New Idea magazine featuring a photo of Kate shopping earlier this month. 

Princess Diana Frances Tumbler/Australia's New Idea

The Duchess perfected casual chic in a cream sweater, black pants and her Mulberry Polly Push Lock  bag. She wore her hair half up half down and carried an umbrella (I'm afraid the British summer has been rather disappointing this year)

Mulberry

Kate was carrying a bag from fabrics store Turnell and Gigon. Perhaps Kate was shopping for the couples apartment at Kensington? 

Turnell and Gigon

The store holds the prestigious Royal Warrant and distributes a collection called Clarence House (It doesn't get much more royal than that) which features hand screen-printed fabrics and wallpapers.

Turnell and Gigon

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Last Tuesday, Prince William gave Prince Charles a tour of RAF Valley. William was excused from duty while he showed Charles the logistic and supplies rooms.

British Monarchy Flickr

Charles and Camilla were on their annual trip to Wales and the impromptu visit to RAF Valley gave Camilla a chance to catch up with Kate for tea.

Mark Stewart Twitter

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Good news for the 'Repli-Kate's' among you! I'm sure you all recall the beautiful black lace Temperly gown Kate wore to the War Horse premiere in January.....

It is now available to buy and is named the Temperly Amoret (With thanks to What Kate Wore) It  is selling for $2,520 here and is described as

''A statuesque lace gown trimmed with scalloped eyelash edges. A curved seam lends elegant movement to the skirt, and a feminine bow accents the removable crepe belt. The back closes with a hidden zip and a buttoned keyhole. Sheer 3/4 sleeves. Contrast slip-dress lining. 35% cotton, 17% polyamide, 48% viscose; Lining 100% Silk'.

Temperly

A closer look at the lace detail.

Temperly

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I was reading the news on the Mail Online when I saw an article titled Duchess of Cambridge's Extreme Makeover'. Using the new interactive M&S beauty counter the Daily Mail team decided to give Kate a makeover......

Daily Mail/M&S

Kate generally opts for Kohl eyeliner and a nude lip. I do not think the colourful lip and eye make up shown below is a look Kate will be trying publicly any time soon :) What do you think? If you would like to try the virtual makeover counter yourself please click here.

Daily Mail/M&S

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Finally, a solo engagement for Kate next Thursday combining her roles as patron of the National Portrait Gallery and Olympic ambassador.

Clarence House Twitter

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Duchess Kate Visits Childhood Museum, Has Kate's First Portrait Been Painted? + Latest Cover

Last Friday Duchess Kate paid a private solo visit to the V&A Museum of Childhood accompanied by heavy security. Kate was eager to see the Magic Worlds exhibition which explores the world of fairy tales and fantasy literature. The 30 year old spent over an hour walking around the site in East London. According to a source Kate is very interested in the museum and while there are no imminent plans it's a possibility she will take it on as another patronage.

'The Witch's House' by Mary Tempest from the 'Magic Worlds' exhibition.

The V&A is truly a mesmerising museum housing the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection of child related objects and artefacts spanning the 1600s to the present day. Over 400,000 people visit annually to view the collection of dolls, puppets, teddy bears, games, art and photography. If any of you reading are parents your children would enjoy the Kid's pages on the website. Below we take a look at the Kaleidoscope which uses mirrors and coloured glass to create a unique picture. Those of you who are young at heart might enjoy these games too :)

I would think the V&A is a fitting choice for Kate, It would involve working with children whilst utilising her History of Art degree. Would you like to see Kate become a patron of the museum? If you're interested in supporting the museum you can visit the online shop.

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It is being reported that one of Kate's patronages the National Portrait Gallery has been the first to commission a portrait of the Duchess. Daily Mail reporter Quentin Letts source saw Kate leaving the London studio of portrait painter Nicky Philips. The 47 year old drew a portrait of William and Harry in uniform in 2010. 

Mr Lettis phoned the gallery who declined who did not return his call. Not content with this he personally phoned Ms Philips herself. The artist did not answer for a moment and became flustered before saying 'no comment' and hanging up. Has Kate's first portrait already been painted? If so was she decked out in jewels or did she possibly wear her Sarah Burton wedding gown? I look forward to hearing confirmation, gauging the veracity of this story and of course seeing the final result. 

                                                                                 Jagjot Singh Rubal Painting

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A photo of Kate from the millies (and our blog header :))  graces the cover of Royalty's current issue.

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Source (Quentin Lettis Daily Mail, Royalty, Jagjot Singh Rubal Painting)

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