Duchess Kate takes part in her first tree planting ceremony

It's just day three of the Royal tour and already it has been called a huge success. William and Kate have proved themselves to be friendly and warm and Canadians love them for that. The huffington post said 'The tour is phenomenal success and everyone has expected it to be. Britain's first family is cognizant that they need to update their image and appear more accessible to the younger generation'.

Today the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge proved just how down to earth they are. Today the couple took part in a ceremonial tree planting at Rideau hall in Ottawa. Duchess Kate took part and even helped plant the tree. Kate looked stunning in a dove grey Catherine Walker Kensington dress and  LK Bennett nude heels, Walker was also a designer who Diana loved, Perhaps Kate is looking to Diana's style for ideas during the busy tour.  It is the 29 year olds first (Of many) tree planting ceremonies.

The couple will fly to Montreal, Quebec later today. Perhaps Kate will change on the flight again! I'll keep you updated!

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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

Thank you for reading.

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Duchess Kate Gets Hair Done and Shops On The Kings Road

I had just finished today's earlier post  when I saw Ikon Pictures had photographed Duchess Kate shopping on the King's Road today. Kate spent over three hours at the Richard Ward salon which would suggest rumours James Pryce is no longer her hairdresser are true.  These are the first photos of Kate we have seen since William was deployed to the Falklands and I have to say she looks as radiant as ever.  (To view the photo please click here)

Afterwards Kate went shopping at upscale food market Partridges. The store offers a large range of products from around the world including wine and american produce. Also specialising in home made food such as freshly baked bread. Partridges is one of a number of select firms that hold a 'Royal Warrant'. A distinguished title awarded to businesses located around London, who provide the highest standards of service. 

With Valentine's Day approaching, home made confectionery is incredibly popular at Partridges. Perhaps Kate is sending William some treats, such as these pink, champagne truffles.

The Partridges food market is hugely successful, selling delicacies and seasonal products every Saturday from 10 till 4. 

The Duchess wrapped up in her L.K. Bennett Darwin Jacket. We recently saw Kate wearing the jacket on Christmas eve. The £695 jacket is described as

"The jacket is a super sexy shearling jacket and one of the most beautiful pieces of the season. The fur collar and cuffs with exposed shearling combined with a nipped waist make this a must have".

 Kate's Christmas eve look. Which do you prefer?

Kate completed her look with skinny jeans, a black turtle neck, black suede Russell and Bromley charge it boots and her favourite Mulberry Polly Push Lock Bag. The bag was selling for €530 (half price) here but has just sold out. The Kate effect eh? Notably Kate is not wearing her sapphire engagement ring, no doubt she values it too much to wear whilst running errands.

I'll update if more photos surface! A lovely surprise to see Kate today and her hair looks fantastic!


Source (Ikon Pictures, US Weekly)

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