Kate proves style doesn't have to be expensive

The Duchess of Cambridge looked stunning, greeting President Obama and his wife Michelle at Buckingham Palace this morning. The day after her wedding she left Clarence house in a blue Zara dress. Today she opted for a £175 Reiss 'shola bandage' camel dress. The Reiss website has been inundated with visitors all day with fans of Kate trying to snap up one of the dresses also available in blue.

The 29 year old teamed the dress with LK Bennett black heels and a Maude clutch by Anya Hindmarch Bespoke. Kate looked the picture of elegance proving style doesn't have to be expensive. Dispalying her tan from her honeymoon in the Seychelles, Kate looked strikingly similar to her younger sister Pippa who is never photographed without tan. Her hair was blow dried and worn down. Kate is clearly on her way to becoming a style icon, I would love to see her in Vogue. Her style is different to other royals while still conservative and classic. 

Reiss 'shola bandage' dress

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Prince William whisks Kate away on honeymoon

St James's palace has confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge set off on a delayed honeymoon yesterday. They are believed to have flown out by jet, before being taken by helicopter to a secret location. A spokesman for William said, 'They have left for their honeymoon and the couple have asked for their privacy to be respected'. William's car was reported seen leaving Anglesey, North Wales, yesterday piled high with luggage. Speculation has been rife regarding the honeymoon destination the couple would choose. Kenya was the keen favourite as William proposed to Kate there in October 2010. According to newspapers, William and Kate are staying in a £4,000 a night villa in the Seychelles, in the Indian Ocean. The resort offers almost complete isolation, exactly what the newlyweds are hoping for. It is understood the location is a surprise for Kate as she is unaware of William's plans for their getaway. The public were surprised when the couple left Clarence house via helicopter the morning after their wedding for a weekend away in Britain instead of opting to honeymoon immediately. The press have not disclosed details of the exact location, anyone holidaying in the same location might just be the first to catch a glimpse of William and Kate celebrating their honeymoon!

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Pregnancy speculation

Anyone who has been following the fairytale romance of William and Kate will know that after their amazing wedding, talk would immediately turn to pregnancy rumours. The couple who are currently honeymooning in the Seychelles, have become bookies favourites with Ladbrokes announcing the odds at 7-1 for them to become parents in February 2012.  If Kate does not become pregnant within nine months, She will be breaking a two hundred year old tradition. When the couple announced their engagement in November 2010 they discussed having a family. William said 'I think we'll take it one step at a time. We'll sort of get over the marriage first and then maybe look at kids. But obviously we want a family so we'll have to start thinking about that'. William, like his mother is instinctively drawn to babies in his charitable work and when engaging with the public. The couple will most likely be hoping for a boy as their first born, They will be aware of the pressure to produce a male heir.

William and Kate will be excellent parents, The Middletons will obviously be a great support unit for them.

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Pregnancy speculation

Anyone who has been following the fairytale romance of William and Kate will know that, after their amazing wedding, talk would immediately turn to pregnancy rumours. The couple who are currently honeymooning in the Seychelles, have become bookies favourites with Ladbrokes announcing the odds at 7-1 for them to become parents in February 2012.  If Kate does not become pregnant within nine months, She will be breaking a two hundred year old tradition. When the couple announced their engagement in November 2010, they discussed having a family. William said 'I think we'll take it one step at a time. We'll sort of get over the marriage first and then maybe look at kids. But obviously we want a family so we'll have to start thinking about that'. 

William, like his mother is instinctively drawn to babies in his charitable work and when engaging with the public. The couple will most likely be hoping for a boy as their first born, They will be aware of the pressure to produce a male heir. In the past week rumors have been swirling with one headline reading 'pregnant bride'. Buckingham palace has brushed aside those rumors as 'absurd' and 'certainly not true' When the pair do decide to have a child, William and Kate will be make excellent parents along with a strong support system from the Middletons.

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Pregnancy speculation

Anyone who has been following the fairytale romance of William and Kate knew that, after their amazing wedding, talk would immediately turn to pregnancy rumours. The couple who are currently honeymooning in the Seychelles, have become bookies favourites with Ladbrokes announcing the odds at 7-1 for them to become parents in February 2012.  If Kate does not become pregnant within nine months, she will be breaking a two hundred year old tradition. When the couple announced their engagement in November 2010, they discussed having a family. William said, 'I think we'll take it one step at a time. We'll sort of get over the marriage first and then maybe look at kids. But obviously we want a family so we'll have to start thinking about that'.

William, like his mother, is instinctively drawn to babies in his charitable work and when engaging with the public. The couple will most likely be hoping for a boy as their first born. They will be aware of the pressure to produce a male heir. In the past week, rumors have been swirling with one headline reading 'pregnant bride'. Buckingham Palace has brushed aside those rumors as 'absurd' and 'certainly not true' When the pair do decide to have a child, William and Kate will make excellent parents.

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Is Kate Middleton too thin?

Kate Middleton looked stunning greeting the Obamas in her nude Reiss dress. However, there is no denying that the Duchess of Cambridge is looking slimmer than ever. On her first Royal engagement perhaps she has been feeling nervous about entering public officially and the stress may be contributing to her significant weight loss. I had thought that she would regain some of the weight she lost in the months coming up to her wedding on their luxurious honeymoon in the Seychelles, however this is clearly not the case.

Gym owner, Steve Jordan said: 'Kate looks like she has lost at least fifteen pounds. She's probably consuming no more than fourteen hundred calories a day and her diet would consist of fish and vegetables.' The Duchess has reportedly gone from a size 6 to a 2. The real question remains. Is Kate clinically underweight? From what I can see she looks healthy and extremely toned. If she lost anymore weight I presume we would see protruding bones and a skeletal frame emerge. Kate has always had a healthy, athletic figure and it would be a shame for her to lose it. As a blossoming fashion icon she is obviously cautious about her weight, but she could afford to gain a little. Meanwhile, Kate came sixth in a poll calculating the most searched for styles over the past three months published by mycelebrityfashion.co.uk. Her younger sister Pippa came first! Designers will be eager to have one of the Middleton sisters seen in their clothing!

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Kate's Wedding Weight Loss Secret

The Duchess of Cambridge lost so much weight in the months leading up to her big day that she had to get her wedding ring refitted. All brides strive to look their best and often resort to extreme dieting in order to ensure they look picture perfect in their wedding photos. How did Kate Middleton do it? Reported the Dukan diet!

Created by French doctor Pierre Dukan, the Dukan diet uses the popular formula of high protein, low fat and low cholesterol. Following this plan leads to rapid weight loss until you achieve your 'true weight'. Calculating your true weight involves including a number of factors such as gender, height, age, family history and how easily you put on weight. It claims to work for life if you follow the 'Four step plan'.

Phase one is the attack phase which basically involves surviving on protein and vegetables. Phase two involves the addition of oat bran. Three and four are the maintenance steps. Bread, Cheese and two 'celebratory' meals are permitted. Finally a number of foods including fried chicken are included as part of a varied diet.

Kate apparently heard about this diet from her mother Carole Middleton who is reportedly a huge fan. She credits it for her enviable slim figure at fifty-six. While the results are quick and the diet is straightforward, doctors have warned it may have risks. 'It could potentially lead to diabetes later in life or even hyperlipidemia. These diets do not meet the requirements of the American Heart Association. This diet sounds like the Atkins diet renamed. Anyone considering starting a weight loss regime should always consult with their doctor first.'

Kate looked amazing on her big day and I hope she maintains a healthy weight and is enjoying the fine cuisine the Seychelles has to offer as they come to the end of their honeymoon!

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William and Kate's Honeymoon Photos: Discuss/Debate

Hello Duchess Kate readers,
I was incredibly surprised when I logged into Facebook this morning and saw William and Kate on the cover of Woman's Day Australia . The headline read 'World Exclusive Photos: Wills and Kate Our Island Paradise'. The cover shows the couple holding hands during a beach stroll. William wearing shorts and Kate in a back bikini.

PopSugar Australia/Woman's Day

The magazine published over a dozen photos from the couple's honeymoon in the Seychelles in May 2011.

PopSugar Australia Twitter

If you wish to see more photos and commentary you can watch a video from Today.

William and Kate chose the idyllic Seychelles for their honeymoon reportedly because of it's classic location which lies in the Indian Ocean between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Equator. The beaches are simply breathtaking.

Wikipedia

The couple stayed in a £4,000 a night villa which included a butler, a private garden, an open air bathroom area with sunken bath and shower and a yoga pavilion. William and Kate reportedly spent their time enjoying the stunning views, beaches and a sunset cruise.

Celebrity Bride Guide

When the couple jetted off on their honeymoon there was an unofficial agreement that media organisations would not send photographers and allow them privacy. A St. James' Palace spokesperson said

'The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge considered their honeymoon to be a very private event after their hugely public wedding. For this reason they asked the media to respect their privacy. That is something they continue to do so'.

I wish to state that I do not support these photos, nor agree with the fact they were taken. I posted a small version of the magazine cover but will not be posting the photos. However, I think you should all be able to discuss/debate this and view the photos if you wish. I would love to hear your thoughts so feel free to discuss and debate. (With a special thank you to Emma from Australia and Ilona for taking the time to email me about this story)

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Wills and Kate given 'love nut' as honeymoon gift

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been given a rare aphrodisiac as a honeymoon gift. The couple ended their ten day honeymoon in the Seychelles with a special ceremony during which they were handed the 'world's most erotic fruit'- the Coco de mer coconut. The couple have been granted a special licence to bring the 'love nut' back to Britain. The coconut resembles female buttocks. It can weigh up to 30kg.

Given to the couple by foreign minister Jean-Paul Adam on Friday. He handed the love symbol to the couple himself on behalf of Seychelles president James Michel. In the Seychelles the coco de mer is regarded as a fertility symbol. Photos of the couple's villa have also been released. A romantic four poster bed made of driftwood took pride of place in the master bedroom. Kate used the outdoor yoga pavilion. They had a personal chef and butler to ensure they had a relaxing time. Prince William told staff upon leaving the Seychelles, 'I've had the best diving I've ever experienced. It's been amazing. We've had a truly magical time'.

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Kate's honeymoon wardrobe

Seychelles

It was confirmed that William and Kate are honeymooning in the Seychelles today. The commander of the Seychelles police force, Ernest Quatre, said detailed security plans were drawn up weeks prior to the couple's arrival. He confirmed a team of specialist local police officers had been deployed to protect the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their sunshine break. The pair are believed to be staying at a villa on a private island. Seychelles has been described as an 'otherworldly archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean'. William and Kate are expected to enjoy complete seclusion and privacy from the press during their honeymoon in the idyllic paradise. The couple snubbed an electric golf car in favour of cycling side by side along the island. A source said 'William wants Kate to be completely relaxed and for it to be just the two of them. They hope to turn off their mobile phones, shut out the modern world and reflect'.

Since there will be no photos of the luxury honeymoon, the question everyone is asking (Every female at least :)) 

is how does Kate's honeymoon wardrobe look? Days before the wedding, Kate was spotted shopping in established high street chain Warehouse. She purchased three floral dresses and a white blouse, perfect for her honeymoon. Kate's four purchases cost under £225. Kate has stayed true to her love for the high street despite having access to the finest designers in the world. Her choices indicated they were going somewhere hot on their honeymoon. Kate has never been spotted on holiday without a white bikini,  and I expect this will certainly feature in her honeymoon wardrobe as the couple have been pictured swimming together frequently. The style icon loves her black wedges. She was pictured wearing her LK Bennett wedges at her wedding rehearsal and the morning after her wedding while walking with William through the gardens of Clarence house. Along with sunglasses and suncream, these items will create the perfect capsule wardrobe for Kate.

Kate's Warehouse Purchases:

      

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Pregnancy speculation

Anyone who has been following the fairytale romance of William and Kate will know that, after their amazing wedding, talk would immediately turn to pregnancy rumours. The couple who are currently honeymooning in the Seychelles, have become bookies favourites with Ladbrokes announcing the odds at 7-1 for them to become parents in February 2012.  If Kate does not become pregnant within nine months, She will be breaking a two hundred year old tradition. When the couple announced their engagement in November 2010, they discussed having a family. William said 'I think we'll take it one step at a time. We'll sort of get over the marriage first and then maybe look at kids. But obviously we want a family so we'll have to start thinking about that'. 

William, like his mother is instinctively drawn to babies in his charitable work and when engaging with the public. The couple will most likely be hoping for a boy as their first born, They will be aware of the pressure to produce a male heir. In the past week rumors have been swirling with one headline reading 'pregnant bride'. Buckingham palace has brushed aside those rumors as 'absurd' and 'certainly not true' When the pair do decide to have a child, William and Kate will be make excellent parents along with a strong support system from the Middletons.

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William and Kate end Seychelles honeymoon

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have returned from their ten day honeymoon in the Seychelles. It has not been officially confirmed that the couple spent their time at the North Island resort, one of 115 breathtaking islands available in the Seychelles.

St James's palace said, 'They thoroughly enjoyed their time together.' They expressed sincere gratitude to the Seychelles government for helping to make 'the honeymoon such a memorable and special ten days'. The Seychelles coastguard helped to ensure the couple enjoyed as much privacy as possible during their stay. William and Kate invited them ashore to personally thank them for their efforts on the last day of their visit. British high commissioner Patrick Pillay said, 'In a world of so much turmoil they bring a welcome and much needed breath of fresh air with their warmth and humility.' I think this quote sums up our feelings towards the couple. Whether you're a royalist or a republican, regardless of where in the world you're from, we have all been touched by the fairytale romance of William and Kate. I don't think anyone who watched the wedding wasn't moved, not by the beautifully decorated Westminster Abbey or the stunning outfits on display, but by the heart of the story: a young couple in love. This is why William and Kate are so popular and loved by the public. All eyes will be on their trip to Canada and the U.S. next!

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William and Kate tour pirate islands on $70,000 a day honeymoon

William and Kate are a modern young couple who appear to be extremely down to earth. However, everyone is entitled to splurge every now and then. What better time to do this than your honeymoon. After months of wedding planning and intense media coverage, the couple are enjoying every second of their ten day getaway. The owner of the North Island in the Seychelles reported the couple are vacationing there. Farhad Vladi said, 'Yes, we rented the island to the British royal family. Prince William and Kate are spending their honeymoon there you'll understand that's all we can say for now.'

The couple are likely to be renting the entire island in order to ensure privacy. Their nightly tab for the eleven villas on North Island would be $70,000. The security detail costs and flights add up to another $100,000. If the couple are staying on another island the cost rises as villas are even more costly on neighbouring islands. A royal family source said security following the death of Osama Bin Laden was the main reason the Seychelles was chosen as the ideal destination. 'The principal reasons for Wills and Kate choosing the Seychelles is because of the level of security they can enjoy there following the Osama Bin Laden take down and unrest elsewhere in the world.' The couple are keen to explore the islands hiring a $3 million yacht for a treasure island tour of the Seychelles. They spent a day cruising former pirate hideouts,  Praslin and La Digue.

A source said 'The area is like something out of Pirates of the Carribean. There are tropical swamps and the most amazing wildlife you can imagine'.  The boat 'Sea Stream' can do top speeds of nearly 64 km/h and comes equpped with its own jet skis and scuba diving gear. The pair also enjoy swimming and are both physically fit. Whatever the newlyweds are doing, I hope they are enjoying themselves before returning to normality and commencing their royal duties!

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