Kate's First Speech, St. Patrick's Day Plans + More

Two upcoming engagements have been added to Kate's diary for this month. On March 17th, the Duchess will perform her first solo military engagement presenting shamrocks to the Irish Guards at the St Patrick's Day parade at Mons Barracks, Aldershot. Last year Prince William was appointed colonel of the Irish guards and it would seem a natural step for Kate to become involved. St James' Palace said the engagements will mark the beginning of a long-standing relationship between Kate and the regiment.

During the visit Kate will meet hundreds of soldiers and have a private luncheon at the barracks. I'm delighted to see Kate's solo engagements continuing beyond her patronages. Since 1901 it is traditional for the regiment to be presented with shamrock by a member of the royal family. Below we see the Queen Mother photographed with the Irish Guards on St. Patrick's Day.

BBC

Fans of Kate's style will be interested to see what sartorial choices she makes for the day. No doubt she will be accessorising with shamrock and the shamrock brooch previously worn by Kate on Armed Forces day. The Queen Mother and the Princess Royal have worn the brooch numerous times. 

It is entirely possible Kate will opt to wear green or St. Patrick's blue given the occasion. For those of you not familiar with St. Patrick's blue, it is the colour of the sash of the Order of St. Patrick which was founded by George III in 1783. Blue and green are associated with St. Patrick, but green was already associated with the Order of the Thistle, and a dark blue is used by the Order of the Garter, so a light blue was chosen.

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On March 19th Kate will visit patronage East Anglia's Children's Hospice in Ipswich. Kate will tour the facilities including the music room  and meet staff and supporters. The Duchess will then formally open the hospice known as The Treehouse and plant a tree. Kate will also make her first public address during the visit. Very excited to hear Kate's first speech.

A look at the progression from site to completed hospice.

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Another busy month for Kate, It's excellent to see an acceleration in her work as a solo royal. The Royals visit to Fortnum and Mason made the cover of Hello this week. Lovely photo by Niraj Tanna.

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Sources (Hello, BBC, Life, Getty, EACH, Royal Reporter Via Twitter)

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Kate Middleton's wedding dress to go on display at Buckingham Palace

Millions of worldwide viewers watched on April 29th to get a glimpse of Kate Middleton's gown. For those of you who would like to see it again you know how the chance! The Sarah Burton creation created using centuries old craft techniques will go on public display this summer at Buckingham Palace. The stunning dress with be the main attraction at Buckingham Palace form July 23rd to October. In previous years wedding gowns worn by the Queen and Queen Victoria have been shown. Visitors will be able to study the dress in fine detail. The veil Kate wore apppliquéd with lace rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock motifs will also be shown with the Queen Mother's 1936 tiara. Kate's oak leaf and acorn earrings given to her by her parents will also feature. The satin shoes Kate wore made by the McQueen team will finish the look.

The fee for seeing Kate's wedding look is £17.50. Some are arguing this is ridiculously expensive in these recessionary times. However, It is a once in a lifetime experience to see this iconic gown. In the Palace's state dining room William and Kate's tiered fruit cake will be on display. As for Kate It cannot be easy for any bride to part with her wedding dress and jewelery for that length of time. She will be hoping the staff at Buckingham Palace take exquisite care of each of the items!

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