William and Kate photographed at the gym together + News from the Boodles Boxing Ball

William and Kate were photographed leaving London's Harbour Club gym on the 22nd of September after working out together. Gym goers were surprised none other than the Duchess standing beside them on the treadmill. Could you imagine? Kate even looks stylish leaving the gym in a fitted black jacket and pants with a long white t shirt underneath. It's quite amazing the royal couple do go to the gym together, they are obviously very comfortable with each other. 

While it is always wonderful to see news photo's of the couple, I think we were all secretly hoping they would attend the Boodles Boxing Ball. I had anticipated they might make a surprise entrance as the ball is in aid of the Starlight Foundation, a children's charity William has worked with and thinks incredibly highly of. Unfortunately the couple decided not to attend this year. I would love to see Kate in another evening gown and she is always at her most glamourous at this event. However, Pippa managed to steal the show tonight in a slinky red dress with a plunging neckline. Pippa spent the evening chatting to ex spice girl Geri Halliwell at the event which costs almost two thousand pounds for a table of ten. For more photo's from the Boodles boxing ball and news of Pippa in general click HERE.

Looking at Pippa's dress I couldn't help but notice how similar it is to the pink Issa dress Kate wore to the event in 2008. One could certainly tell the pair are sisters. I think this is one of Kate's all time best looks.

Duchess Kate also attended the event in 2006 and 2007 wearing a similar grey Issa dress which is particularly stunning!

Finally I was reading the Daily mail earlier and saw this simply adorable video footage of William and Harry as toddlers playing the piano for a photo shoot with Charles and Diana. In the 1985 video William is encouraged to kiss Harry on the forehead as a delighted Princess Diana watches on lovingly. Charles is seeing playing peekaboo with a handkerchief to encourage the boys to look at the camera. A wonderful momet where the entire family are very happy. We often only recall the demise of Charles and Diana's marriage but obviously there were happy family times too. Diana looks stunning and radiates in her role as a mother.

 

UPDATED: I received a request about Pippa's signet ring.  Royal Reporter Richard Eden said

"The ring is a clear indication that Kate will soon be a princess. Their father, Michael, was reported to have inquired about a coat of arms from the College of Arms back in 2007. When Pippa first wore the ring it looked as though the Middleton's had found their family crest".

There doesn't appear to be a clear photo available, however I will continue to search and update!

Speaking of Pippa, judging by how close she and boyfriend Alex Loudon appear to be, I wouldn't be surprised if another Middleton wedding is on the horizon :)

Sources (Daily Mail, What Kate Wore Facebook, The Telegraph, Middletonlove.tumblr.com)

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Caring Kate shows her maternal side at EACH

Yesterday St James' Palace confirmed Kate's Patronages. Kate spent months researching worthy causes and one in particular touched her heart. Duchess Kate visited the East Anglia's Children's Hospice in November. If you read yesterdays post you'll know the centre supports and cares for children with life threatening conditions. One would imagine working with EACH would trigger an emotional response in anyone which is exactly what Kate discovered.


Kate met Grant and Charlotte Clemence whose daughter Fleur sadly died soon after birth last  May from a rare heart condition. Duchess Kate met surviving twin, eight month old Sophia. Grant and Charlotte were taken aback at how loving and kind Kate was 


'Kate was brilliant with Sophia and spent a lot of time with her. She couldn't stop playing with her and poking her cheeks. She was absolutely amazing and a totally genuine person. It was only supposed to be a short visit but she was here for about four hours. She was very emotional. She will make a very natural mother'.

Grant, Charlotte and Shophia with EACH CEO Graham Butland

EACH CEO Graham Butland was simply thrilled Kate chose to support the hospice. 

'It was such a surprise that she wanted to come and visit us, and following on from that an even bigger surprise that she wanted to become patron. We are honoured, extremely proud and thrilled to be finally able to talk about it'.

I found this story particularly touching and it gives us a wonderful insight into the 'real Kate'. Despite being beautiful on the outside it's Kate's inner beauty that shines and obviously why William loves her so dearly. I believe we are going to see Kate do trojan work with her causes. Not to mention she is going to be a fantastic mother. Kate's patronage will be of significant importance to EACH in terms of awareness and funding essential for helping families like Grant and Charlotte. To read more about the Clemence family click here. To find out more about EACH or to donate please click here.

Source (pronceofwales.gov.uk. BBC News)

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New York Fashion Week Designers dress Duchess Kate

Following on from yesterdays post about Duchess Kate's impact on New York fashion week. I saw an  amazing article in NY mag where top fashion designers are asked about Duchess Kate's fashion and which of there pieces they would ideally put her in. Each of these looks is simply gorgeous. I love the fact we are seeing clothes on the Runway that people can actually wear, all inspired by Kate! 


Designer Jason Wu said if he could dress Kate he would put her in his blue ball dress. 'I think Kate Middleton's so beautiful she could wear anything from S/S 2012 collection and look gorgeous.'. 

John Zee, Creative director of Elle said he prefers Kate to Pippa as he loves a Queen. Zee would love to see Kate in a YSL tuxedo. 'I think she would look fantastic in that'.

Stylist, Mary Alice Stephenson said 'I'd love to give Kate a little edge. I think she's so pretty, but I think she's dressing in a formal elegant way and they need a little youthquake. I'd love to see her in Alexander Wang in Ohne titel'.

Designer, Sally La Pointe would love to see Kate wear the finale look from her show. She thinks Kate is beautiful and classic.

Designer Richard Chai said 'She looks very proper. She's doing a very good job of looking a Royal. I'd love to see her wear something colourful and printed'.

Finally stylist and designer, Nicola Formichetti thinks Kate is 'very chic'. His ideal look for Kate is a Zara Rhodes caftan. I must say I'm not entirely sure about this look for the Duchess :)

What do you all think of these looks? It's interesting to see Kate in different styles, I think the Jason Wu blue dress and the YSL tuxedo suit are absolutely stunning and would look amazing on Kate. I think Duchess Kate will experiment with more designers as time progesses and we may see her outfits like these in the future!

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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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