Duchess Kate Reveals She 'Misses William Desperately' on Royal Visit to Leicester

Duchess Kate, The Queen and Prince Philip arrived in Leicester via train this morning to mark the beginning of the UK Diamond Jubilee tour.

Press Association

This photo of Kate looks like it was taken out of an old movie.

AP

Mayor of Leicester, Sir Peter Soulsby said 'We're a modern city that has changed most dramatically during the sixty years of Her Majesty's reign - and I think very appropriate that she should begin her tour here.'

The people of Leicester have spent five weeks preparing for the momentous visit. More than 10,000 union jacks and 1,000 metres of bunting were delivered to Leicester City Council ahead of the visit. Areas around each of the venues being visited were decorated. If interesting in purchasing your own union jack or jubilee keepsake you can visit the Official Jubilee shop.

Could anyone but Kate exit a car with such grace :)

Kate and Her Majesty applauded dancers who performed in honour of the visit. The Queen is wearing a pink outfit by Angela Kelly.

The Royals visited De Montfert University where Kate and the Queen watched a fashion show in a marquee featuring designs by four students. 

Six design students each designed a pair of shoes for Kate. The Duchess chose the dark blue pair by Becka Hunt, Below Becka poses with the shoes which were inspired by the colour of Kate's engagement ring. Perhaps we will see Kate wear them in the future :)

Kate and The Queen toured the University.

The trio  then visited Leicester Cathedral for a service.Kate greeted the crowd before the service. Over 5,000 people lined the pavements to get a glimpse of the Duchess.

The cathedral has been an important place in Leicester since 1927. It is home to several projects which aim to help asylum seekers, refugees and those living with cancer. Each year over 25,000 people visit. If interested in donating, you can find all relevant information here.

The service was attended by over seven hundred people.


A member of the crowd asked Kate how William is, She replied 'He's fine but I'm missing him desperately'. It must be a very difficult time for her at least her schedule is keeping her busy throughout William's departure. The 30 year old also said she's being well looked after.

After the service the royals will walked to the nearby St Martins House where they enjoyed a private lunch. Below we take a look at Kate's place at the dining table.

The Queen, Prince Philip and Duchess Kate signed a visitors card at St Martins house. 

Kate met with outreach worker Russell Bentley. He told the Duchess one of his role was to hand out flips flops to women whose high heels had got the better of them after a night out, Kate laughed and said 'I bet you do'. 
You can watch a selection of videos from the day at ITN Source.

Duchess Kate looked stunning in an L.K. Bennett peplum suit. Kate bought the teal Jude Jacket last November for £295. It is described as

"Femininity and unexpected detailing is key with the Jude jacket. Beautifully tailored with a nipped waist, this wool jacket features kick pleat detailing at the back and uses a soft wool feeling luxe to the touch."

 Kate also bought the L.K. Bennett Davina Dress in Teal last November for £225. The structured dress is described as

"Part of the L.K. Bennett signature collection. The Davina dress is beautifully tailored in a luxurious crepe. Elegantly designed, it's chic, gentle ruching down one side adds to the already feminine silhouette."

The Davina comes in array of beautiful colours.

Kate completed the look with the black and gold belt she last wore during her visit to Liverpool. (With thanks to Carolin)

I was hoping Kate would wear a hat today and she didn't fail to impress. Kate wore the Fairy Tale hat by milliner James Lock. (With many thanks to Kate In Waiting) The beret style hat is available in a variety of colours for £285 and can be ordered online.

Kate wore black Episode shoes. The brand is exclusively available at House of Fraser. (With thanks to Kate's Wardrobe) She also carried her black suede clutch.

Kate wore her beautiful Kiki McDonough 18ct gold and diamond earrings. They were available for €2,271. The green amethyst earrings were first worn by Kate on Christmas Day and were reportedly a gift from William.

This is one of Kate's finest sartorial selections to date. The structured suit and shorter hemline complimented Kate's tall, slender frame while the hat and accessories add a touch of 1940s glamour. Her hair and make up looked incredible. Without a doubt one of my favourites. What do you think?

Another engagement has been added to Kate's diary for this month, On March 15th Prince Charles will introduce Kate to his charity Children and Arts. This means we will be seeing Kate on the 15th, 17th and 19th. A very busy and exciting month for the Duchess.

Source (Daily Mail, Jubilee Tour, Daylife, Clarence House Via Twitter)


Look online for travel promo codes and follow Kate as she goes to upcoming engagements!

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Kate wears old favourites to Prince Philip's 90th birthday church service

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined the royal family at Windsor today to celebrate Prince Philip's 90th birthday at a church service. More than 750 guests attended the service in Windsor Castle's St George's Chapel conducted by the Dean of Windsor.

Kate looked beautiful in a periwinkle purple coat, which she first wore back in August 2009 to a friend's wedding. Kate also appears to be wearing the Zara dress she wore the day after her wedding. (Thanks to poster below :)) Kate's cream heels are LK Bennett. She previously wore them to the derby. Yesterday we saw Kate wearing a dress from 2007 to Sam Waley-Cohens wedding. Kate is certainly thrifty! Today she teamed her coat with a purple dress and hat with her hair worn mostly down. William and Kate appeared to be enjoying the service!

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Duchess Kate Wears Erdem for Trooping the Colour

Duchess Kate joined the royal family today for Trooping the Colour. The annual parade officially celebrates the Queen's birthday. Although the Queen's actual birthday is on 21 April, it has long been tradition to celebrate the Sovereigns' birthday publicly on a day in the summer. 

Kate travelled by carriage with Camilla and Prince Harry in an open landau. Camilla and Kate look very coordinated. 

British Monarchy Flickr

More than 1,600 officers and soldiers took part in the event. Prince William, who is colonel of the Irish Guards, the Prince of Wales who is colonel of the Welsh Guards, the Duke of Kent, colonel of the Scot Guards and the Princess Royal, Colonel of the Blues and Royals.

The British Monarchy Flickr

Ace Royal photographer Mark Stewart shared a photo via Twitter of Buckingham Palace looking wonderful in the sunshine this morning.

Mark Stewart Twitter

 Her Majesty is wearing the same Angela Kelly outfit she wore to William and Kate's wedding. Prince Philip was also in attendance, it is exactly a week since he left hospital. Good to see him back.

The British Monarchy Flickr

This year is the flag of 1st Batallion Coldsream Guards. There were 241 horses on parade, with 290 musicians who marched and played on. A look at the Regiment tacking up in preparation for the parade.

The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

The Royals appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace where they watched a flypast.

The RAF put on an incredible display.

HM  Armed Forces

The Royals looked very impressed.

HM Armed Forces Facebook

It is always a special occasion when we see the entire family together.

British Monarchy Flickr

Kate is wearing a silvery grey 3/4 sleeve dress by Canadian designer Erdem. The bespoke piece features embroidered detail. The neckline is modified from the Pre Spring 2012 resort collection piece below.

Erdem

A closer look at the beautiful embroidery detailing.

Kate wore two blue lace, Erdem dresses during the royal tour of Canada. I'm both surprised and delighted to see Kate choosing Erdem for today as I had assumed she would choose a British designer.

Canadian Heritage Flickr

Kate wore a beautiful McQueen coat dress to last years event. Do you prefer this years choice?

The Duchess is wearing a hat by milliner Jane Corbett.

Kate wore her $215 Links of London Effervescence Bubble Stiletto Earrings. It is the second consecutive day Kate has chosen the sterling silver earrings. The Duchess wore them yesterday for 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'.

Links of London

Kate's clutch is believed to be her grey suede McQueen from the Fall 2011 collection.

Alexander McQueen

You can watch a video from the event at the BBC.

Tomorrow Kate will visit the Widehorizons advernture centre in Kent. See you all then and thank you for reading :)

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Duchess Kate's first Christmas with the royals

Merry Christmas Kate fans,
Duchess Kate enjoyed a very busy Christmas morning, beginning the day by attending an early church service with the Queen. She then joined the royals for a Christmas morning walk. Kate looked beautiful in a grey coat teamed with her Aquatalia black boots. Her hair was worn in a demi chignon.

The family then gathered for their walk from the Sandringham estate to the local Church, St. Mary Magdalene. Prince Charles led the group, traditionally Prince Philip leads the family. 

Alan Davidson/Daily Mail

It is an important event for Kate as it marks her first Christmas service with the royals.

The press spent their Christmas morning waiting for Kate :)

Kate with the Princes. I love how Prince Harry is always beside Kate. In fact the entire royal family looked very happy.

The service lasted forty minutes, Afterwards the Duchess greeted the crowd who were simply delighted to meet her. 

One could say the Duchess was mobbed, She looked incredibly happy and undaunted by the turnout.

A smiling Kate is presented with a rose by a child in the crowd.

Alan Davidson/Daily Mail

Kate looked beautiful in a deep purple hat by Jane Corbett and a matching coat by an unnamed independent British dressmaker. With it's funnell neck and angled pockets, Kate looked elegant as always. A royal spokesperson said 'The Duchess is keen to use independent British dressmakers, whose skill and craftmanship she admires'. Once the designer is revealed he/she is expected to become a household name.

Duchess Kate's elegant black suede shoes were custom made by Mascaro. (With many thanks to What Kate Wore) The closest pair available from the brand right now are the Mascaro Black Suede Pumps. With a 4 inch heels and 2 inch platform, the pumps have a square toe. They are available for $325. It has been reported that the shoes will be reissued. 

Kate completed the look with a clutch made from the same material as her hat, black gloves and charcoal tights Love her lipstick!

You may have noticed Kate's beautiful new green amethyst drop earrings. I think they were a Christmas present, probably from William. They have been ID'd by the wonderful My Small Obsessions and Thea as the Kiki McDonough 18ct Gold and Diamond Earrings. They are available in citrine for €2,2271.00. They are described as

'Make a satorial sparkle with these 18ct gold, citrine and diamond earrings by Kiki McDonough. It will make a precious gift for any style savvy women. These diamond pave small hoop earrings are set in 18ct gold'.

After Christmas lunch William (looking very smart indeed) and Harry went to visit Prince Philip with their cousins without Kate, She spent the afternoon with senior royals. During the Queen's televised Christmas speech she described the royal wedding as 'a personal reminder of loved ones as the world goes through difficult times'.

Finally two very festive looking dogs waiting outside the church at Sandringham this morning. Enjoy your Christmas lunch :)

Sources (Daily mail, Daylife.com, Twitter)

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Royal couple to have minimal entourage on Canada and U.S. trip

William and Kate are set to break tradition by not taking a large entourage with them on their trips to Canada and California. A source said, 'Kate is very low maintenance'. She does not plan to have a lady-in-waiting and William prefers to get dressed without the assistance of an aide. Prince Charles famously depended on an aide to squeeze his toothpaste. However, William and Kate are keen to be seen as a 'normal couple'. Kate did her own make up for her wedding and feels confident doing it on tour. According to reports they have cut down the number of staff they are taking with them to ten. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip usually travel with a team of thirty.

Even though Kate will need to change outfits at least twice a day, she may not take a stylist with her. She has notified her hairdresser James Pryce he may be accompanying them. Others expected to travel are William's engagement secretary, Thea Garwood, the couple's press secretary Miguel Head and the couple's senior advisor, former U.S. ambassador Sir David Manning. A source said, 'There's very little Sir David doesn't know, William depends on him and Kate will find him valuable'. It will certainly be very exciting to see the couple tour Canada and California. I expect they shall receive a warm response. It's also Kate's chance to shine in terms of becoming a true style icon!

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Kate Wears Whistles and McQueen for Diamond Jubilee Concert

The Jubilee weekend continued in spectacular fashion this evening with the Diamond Jubilee Concert . William and Kate joined other Royals for the extravaganza outside Buckingham Palace. Ten thousand fans, all of whom had been given free tickets through a public ballot for the event attended the concert whilst thousands more lined the streets.

PA

The star studded line up included Paul McCartney, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Kylie Minogue, Cheryl Cole, Jessie J, Ed Sheeran, Madness, Alfie Boe, Grace Jones and Kate favourites Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow. Take That singer, Gary Barlow organised the event and said Her Majesty and Princes William and Harry had a great deal of input in selecting the acts.

BBC

Guards posed with singer Cheryl Cole after her performance of 'Need you Now' with Gary Barlow. You can watch their performance here.

Cheryl Cole Twitter

A view of the mall before the concert began.

British Monarchy Flickr

A look at the Royal box.

The Times

Kate was seen waving her British flag throughout the concert, She and William also sang along to Elton Johns performance.

Reuters

The most talked about song of the night, the specially commissioned song for the Queen, 'Sing', written by Gary Barlow and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. Mr Barlow visited Australia, Kenya, and Jamaica in order to immerse himself in the music of the commonwealth. Prince Harry makes his recording debut on tambourine :) The sheet music and words to 'Sing' are available to download here.


Speaking to The Telegraph about Her Majesty's reaction to the song Mr Barlow said

'We played her the song, and she was most excited that we had collected people from all round the world. She was asking about the characters, who they were and what they did. It was lovely, really nice. And we were officially told that she was - delighted with the song'.

Projections appeared to be open up the Palace as if it were a dolls house.

BBC

Very sadly Prince Philip was hospitalized today with a bladder infection and will miss the rest of the celebrations. The Prince who turns 91 on Saturday was taken to the King Edward VII hospital in London from Windsor Castle and will remain there for a few days. He is said to 'very disappointed'. No doubt it is a difficult time for him and of course Her Majesty. Prince Philip also missed Christmas at Sandringham after suffering chest pains and underwent a coronary stent procedure. I wish him a speedy recovery.

Richard Palmer Twitter

Kate wore the blue and purple Whistles Bella Dress (With thanks to Leisa) The £150 dress is a last season piece and unfortunately sold out, It is available in a different print for £120 here and in red here.  It is described as

'Crafted in a silk rich fabric with a petal print design. Featuring a round neckline with a bound edge, cropped sleeves, gathering to the waist and an exposed gold tone zip fastening to the reverse'.

Asos

Whistles express their excitement via Twitter and officially confirmed Kate's dress is theirs.

Whistles Twitter

 The colour is quite classic while the print is a fun choice for a concert and of course, always nice to see Kate choosing a high street brand especially for a Jubilee event. Kate teamed her dress with a black  belt a black McQueen jacket.

Grazia UK

Over 4,000 beacons were lit around the world today to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. At 10.30 pm Her Majesty lit the National Beacon outside Buckingham Palace. Prince Charles delivered a speech after the performances finished where he thanked HM 'for making us all proud to be British'.

Daily Mail

After the concert William, Kate hosted an intimate reception at Buckingham Palace to thank the artists on behalf of the Queen for participating in the event. 

Reuters

You can watch a video of HM lighting the beacons at The Telegraph and highlights from the concert here. This youtube channel has most of the show uploaded.

See you all tomorrow for the carriage procession :)

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