On Friday April 29th at 11 a.m. over two billion people watched with baited breath as Kate Middleton married her university sweetheart Prince William of Wales. She arrived at Westminster Abbey with her Father Mike in a stunning Sarah Burton gown with it's nine ft train, lace detail and classic detail it seems certain to become one of the iconic dresses of our time. After months of preparation the ceremony went perfectly. Kate's mother Carole and the Queen were seen looking quite emotional as she entered wearing a Tiara from the Queen with a veil, opting to do her own make up. William remarked as he saw her 'You look lovely, you look beautiful' As they kissed twice on the balcony, now Duke and Duchess of Cambridge their wedding day was without question, perfection!
It may be over thirteen years since Diana, Princess of Wales tragically died in a car accident in Paris, however the people's princess is still heavily featured in the press. Keith Allen's documentary 'Unlawful Killing' which premieres in Cannes this week puts forth the idea that "dark forces" were involved in a cover-up relating to the death of the Princess of Wales, her lover Dodi Fayed and driver Henri. The controversial documentary which reportedly includes a photo of Diana dying has been described as 'disgusting.' As William and Kate settle into their two week honeymoon, they will be glad to escape the coverage of this. When the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced their engagement in November, 2010 it was clear Diana would feature in their wedding, despite not being present. William proposed to Kate with his mother's engagement ring, a blue sapphire with diamonds. 'It's my mother's engagement ring so I thought it was quite nice because obviously she's not going to be around to share any of the fun and excitement of it all - this was my way of keeping her close to it all.' Diana was a fantastic mother who shared a very special bond with her sons.
In November 1995, Princess Diana gave an extraordinarily frank interview with the BBC's Martin Bashir. She spoke candidly about her husband's adultery, suffering from bulimia, and of her extreme feelings of loneliness leading to self harm. Her decision to partake in this interview was seen as a declaration of war by the palace. Diana spoke of going to William's school and explaining her separation from his father, Prince Charles. 'There were three people in the marriage'. She continues to offer William invaluable advice on love 'I put it to William, that, if you find someone you love in life you must hang onto it and look after it, and if you were lucky enough to find someone who loved you then one must protect it.' William obviously remembered his mother's words when deciding to propose to Kate Middleton.
When Charles and Diana divorced, she was stripped of her royal status. William, at fourteen, being fiercely protective of his mother promised to reinstate her status. 'Don't worry Mummy, I will give it back to you one day, when I am King.' Kate has said she would have loved to have met her 'She's obviously an inspirational woman to look up to.'
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.
It has been another day filled with news about the Duchess. Some had anticipated after the wedding the media interest would die down but it seems to be a case of the less we see her, the more we want to hear. :) Kate has been devoting her time to choosing her charities, A small update on that. Kate is reportedly eager to support project based charities and isn't expected to announce her choices before the New Year. However, Kate has been keeping very busy. It has been confirmed that she is receiving private lessons in working of the state to groom her for a lifetime of royal duties. Experts on government, arts and media have been asked to visit St. James' palace in order to give Kate one to one tutoring. A royal source said
"The Duchess is being briefed on how the State works, getting to know our national institutions better and learning more about organisations such as the arts, the media and the government. It is a process that will carry on for several months and will be done privately. The Duchess is also carrying out private research on her own".
It is clear, serious thought has gone into preparing Kate for royal life. This is most likely due to Diana's experiences. The Princess of Wales told friends that staff "basically thought I could adapt to being a Princess overnight". William is fiercely determined Kate will never feel isolated in the manner his mother did.
Kate will be eased into royal life unlike Diana
Kate's influence is continuing to dominate London fashion week. It is quite spectacular to see the effect one person can have on the fashion industry. British designers were eager to sing her praises. Julien ManDonald said
"I think she is the new queen of fashion. She's young she's every little girls dream and she always looks chic and sophisticated".
Despite rumours of a rift, Issa's Daniella Helayel seems very supportive of Kate.
"I think she is great. I'm very fortunate she likes to wear Issa."
After last nights superb show, The Duchess will be happy to hear what Alice Temperly had to say.
"I think she's brilliant. She's brilliant for England. Perfect, perfect future Queen. She's elegant, she knows how to hold herself. She's gracious she's got impeccable manners and I hope she'll become England's Grace Kelly."
The Roskanda Ilinic Spring Summer 2012 show took place today. Duchess Kate wore a stunning blue/grey dress by the designer when she arrived in California. Personally the dress was one of my favourite's. It combined femininity, class and structure all in one. Today structured dresses continued to be a major part of their coming collection. I could very easily see Kate in either of these.
Full sleeves and feminine silhouettes are a staple of the collection. All beautiful pieces.
It was a very special morning in Piccadilly as three generations of Royals visited luxury store Fortnum and Mason. Members of the press and public gathered to greet the Queen, the Duchess of Cornwall and of course the Duchess of Cambridge. With William currently deployed in the Falklands it is simply lovely to see senior royals taking Kate under their wing.
Zed Jameson/Flynet Pictures/Daily Mail
Fortnum and Mason has held a Royal Warrantfor over 150 years. The prestigious warrant is awarded to businesses who supply goods or services to the royals. In 1863 the store was appointed grocer to HRH the Prince of Wales.
The store is famous for it's incredible restaurants, fresh food, tea, confectionery and hampers. If you wish you can shop online. International delivery details are available here. If you're not tempted already take a look at the Easter Hampers :)
The Royals toured the store and enjoyed tea with over 150 guests at the newly refurbished St James' Resaurant which has been redecorated in order to reflect the elegance of the Georgian era.
Alan Davidson/Daily Mail
Her Majesty also unveiled a plaque to mark the rejuvenation of Piccadilly. You can watch videos from the visit here and at The Telegraph.
Kate looked chic in a slate blue, fringed, single breasted dress coat by Italian label M Missoni. (With thanks to Simon Perry and Kate's Wardrobe) The coat is from the 2010 Fall Winter collection, Kate purchased it a few months ago in Bicester village outlet. I am delighted to see Kate experiment with a new label yet sticking to her classic style. The blue tweed jacket below is a shorter version. It was available for $640 and is described as a 'classic Chanel look'. (With many thanks to Thea)
Underneath her coat Kate wore the cornflower blue Zara dress she was first photographed in the day after the wedding. Nude tights completed the look nicely.
Kate wore her grey suede Rupert Sanderson Malone Pumps. She previously wore them at the Order of the Garter ceremony. They are available for £375 and are described as
"Rupert Sanderson Malone high heel pumps with a comfortable rounded toe and squared instep. Velvety grey suede for a timeless luxurious look. Leather lining. 100mm heel."
The Duchess accessorized with her £275 Hope egg earrings. Very surprisingly she chose not to carry a clutch today. What did you think of this look? I would love to hear your thoughts.
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.
************
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
************
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
************
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
************
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
************
Finally, a solo engagement for Kate next Thursday combining her roles as patron of the National Portrait Gallery and Olympic ambassador.
It does appear we have come to another dry spell in relation to Duchess Kate news. (Every time I write that new photos emerge so perhaps we wont be waiting for long :)) However the couple have been in the news quite frequently this week. The Cambridges spent the Bank holiday weekend cosying up with both sets of in laws as guest of Prince Charles at his Scottish estate, Balmoral. Kate's parents Michael and Carole Middleton were reportedly delighted to join the Queen at Birkhall house in Aberdeenshire situated on the edge of Balmoral. A source said 'The Prince of Wales has made a huge effort with Kate's parents. Birkhall is his favourite retreat and the fact they have been invited shows there is a genuine friendship there. It's wonderful to hear the Royal family are including the Middletons and hopefully they feel relaxed knowing their daughter is a credit to the Royal family.
With Halloween fast approaching it seems officials at Kensington Palace are keen to welcome a select number of visitors to see if rumours about the Palace being haunted are true. A source said 'There are many unusual and strange stories that have been logged by the warders over the years like bumps in the night, screams and ghostly sightings. It's not for the faint hearted but fascinating'. The 'ghost tours' will take place over four nights from October 28-31. It does sound incredibly exciting (If not a tad scary), Perhaps they will meet the Cambridges in Halloween fancy dress too? :)
I was delighted to read the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on their wedding day has been voted the UK's favourite TV moment. It was revealed after their nuptials Prince William asked Duchess Kate if it was ok to kiss her on the balcony. He certainly is Prince Charming! The couple initially shared a very brief kiss. After which William asked 'Another kiss? One more. Let's give them another one. I love you. Go on, Come here'. The second kiss lasted 1.25 seconds before Kate pulled away with a huge smile on her face. A wonderful choice for most romantic moment! Click on the video above to see the magical moment, One can never see it too many times.
There have been comparisons made between Kate and Diana since the day William began dating the brunette at University. Sadly, most of these comparisons have been negative. Most based on how royal aides hope Kate doesn't display similarities to the Princess of Wales. William's best friend Thomas Van Straubenzee spoke frankly in his first interview since the royal wedding.
'I think she will embrace it. She loves William and is ready to throw herself into it. I think she will use it to do good things'. Speaking at the private viewing of wildlife paintings by Lynne Moore at the Frost and Reed gallery in St. James's he added, 'No one says anything bad about Kate because she doesn't deserve it. The wedding was fantastic.' Van Straubenzee firmly believes Kate is going to do her utmost to attract attention for worthy causes, exactly as Diana did. The Duchess of Cambridge attempted to avoid the media spotlight whilst dating William, however, as his wife, she is fully aware of the expectations her new role brings. Thomas' father, Alex Van Straubenzee describes Kate as 'serene, she has an inner calm'. With the demands and hectic schedule Kate will be facing, those qualities are a necessity!
Good evening Kate fans, I have some exciting news to share with you regarding Kate's first solo engagements but before we move on to that I am glad to report Prince William had landed safely in the Falklands. Flight Lieutenant William Wales arrived at RAF Mount Pleasant at 5.20 pm London time after an eighteen hour flight. The Minisitry of defence said
"Ministry of Defence can confirm Flight lieutenant Wales, as part of a 4 man search and rescue crew, has arrived in the Falklands on a routine operational deployment and will shortly take up search and rescue duties post a period of briefings and a familiarisation flight".
Prince William's six week tour of duty will no doubt be a difficult time for Kate. I must admit I feel incredibly sorry for Kate. I know I would find it immensely difficult to be separated from my boyfriend for such a duration and Kate has the added pressure of royal duties and being in the public eye. A time she needs William's support more than ever. Last summer when Kate met a military wife she said
"I don't know how you manage. I miss William so much when he's away. He went once for four weeks and I missed him so much".
************
Kate's solo engagements begin next Wednesday (February 8th) with a visit to the Lucien Freud exhibition at the National Portrait Museum. I think this is an ideal choice for Kate's first solo role. As an Art History graduate she will already be sufficiently prepared and has paid visits to the museum last Autumn.
I would imagine Valentine's Day will be a challenging day for Kate, considering it's William and Kate's first Valentine's Day as a married couple. Kate will be keeping herself very busy with three engagements scheduled in Liverpool for February 14th. As patron of Action On Addiction the Duchess will visit alcohol free bar The Brink.
Later that day Kate will pay a visit to the Ronald McDonald House. A house at Alder Hey hospital which provides accommodation for sick children and their families. Kate will also visit the hospital itself. Duchess Kate's kind personality is going to shine through at these engagements and I think we're going to get to know her a little better too :)
************
It has been revealed by Clarence House, William and Kate's adorable three month old puppy is a cocker spaniel. The playful pup comes from a litter bred by Carole Middleton who adores the breed. The Middletons have a cocker spaniel called Ella who could be the mother of the puppy.The puppy is the couple's first pet together and replaces Prince William's black labrador, Widgeon who died a couple of years ago. The couple do not wish for the dogs name to be revealed.
************
Sources (Alder hey Hospital, National Portrait Museum, People, The Daily Express, Twitter)
