In March last year the Duke and Duchess visited the XLP project at Gipsy Hall and, clearly impressed by what they learned about the charity, decided they wanted to see another side of its work supporting vulnerable young people.
XLP works to create positive futures for young people from inner London boroughs and has been operating its XL-Mentoring programme since 2008. The programme is focused on at-risk young people who are facing exclusion from school, risk involvement in gangs and other anti-social behaviour.
The young people taking part are referred to the project by their schools, pupil referral units, youth services and the police. They are then matched with a mentor – who commits to providing two hours face-to-face time each week for a minimum of twelve months.
Mentors are drawn from the local community. They receive training and supervision from an experienced full-time co-ordinator, who manages up to twenty-five active relationships by supporting the mentors, mentees and families through the process. The results of the programme speak for themselves: over ninety per cent of beneficiaries have either remained in school or returned to school and are doing well after twelve months with a mentor.
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| XLP |
The charity's website shares a number of stories from young people who have benefited from availing of the programme and having a mentor in their lives.
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| XLP |
Kate chatting with XLP founder Patrick Regan OBE.
William and Kate met mentors and mentees who discussed their experiences of the programme and how it has helped them. Mentoring coordinators from around the country who have completed their training shared their reasons for wanting to help and how rewarding it has been for them thus far.
Among the topics discussed at the event were prison, homelessness, gun and knife crime.
The goal is to expand the project within London and to share expertise by operating a free training programme. Over a hundred organisations have already taken part in the two-day course for co-ordinators who are trained to run programmes and to train, in turn, their own mentors.
More from the Daily Express:
The Duke of Cambridge put his hand up and grinned when a charity official asked if anyone in an audience of young people and youth mentors had heard of the show, which features a team restoring and customising old cars.
He and Kate heard how a former police riot van turned into a recording studio by the youth charity XLP had starred on the show in 2008. The royal couple saw it last year on a visit to the charity in Gypsy Hill, south London.
When charity workers offered him and Kate a couple of gifts, a picture and a record made by an inspirational young woman who had overcome clinical depression and an eating disorder, William joked: "Do we get the van? I want the van."
A lovely shot of the couple.
Kate debuted a new label today - Kensington-based bespoke firm Eponine London. Kate's red and white skirt suit is from the Spring/Summer 2016 Collection.
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| Eponine London |
The top features a boat neck and three-quarter sleeves while the skirt is A-line It's a beautiful outfit and I love the silhouette, the lines, and the gingham pattern. Eponine shared news the suit retails for £1200. It's very much a fresh Spring look reminiscent of Jackie O. and perfect for a day time engagement.
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| Eponine London |
The womenswear brand is inspired by the elegant lines of the fifties and sixties. Founded by designer Jet Shenkman, Eponine was born from her passion for clothes with a unique, relaxed silhouette. Jet’s years of styling experience have equipped her with an expert eye for precision and an innate understanding of the female form. Every garment is designed and made in London for women who seek out individuality and who desire to be both chic and contemporary. Below, three retro styles from the current collection.
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| Eponine London |
There's a lovely article in The Telegraph about the owner of the brand.
“Oh my goodness, it’s unbelievably nice,” Shenkman told The Telegraph of how it feels to have Duchess championing her label.
The mother-of-four - whose design studio is in her Kensington home - said it remains a mystery how Kate discovered her. But within hours of pictures of the Duchess emerging wearing Eponine, her small firm was inundated with emails and sales enquiries. “I have never experienced anything like this!” she added.
A mother of four, Shenkman’s studio is in her family home - giving an air of intimacy she thinks her clients like. “It can be a distraction from time to time, but I really enjoy it and am incredibly lucky to have a very supportive family who don't mind loads of women traipsing through the house,” she says of her children, who helped choose the name of her business after their favourite character in Les Miserables.'
The Duchess wore her black suede Gianvito Rossi pumps. Described as "sophisticated and elegant" they retail for $670 at My Theresa.
Kate accessorised with her elegant Kiki McDonough Morganite and Cushion Drop earrings.
Kate carried her Muse clutch again today.
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| Russell & Bromley |
You can watch a video from the engagement at ITN Source.There's a cute moment when Patrick Regan is giving a talk and compliments Kate, "you look absolutely wonderful this afternoon". Check out William's and Rebecca's smiles when he says it. :)
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Also today, Kensington Palace announced Kate will open the new East Anglia's Children's Hospices charity shop in Holt, Norfolk next Friday, 18 March. The new shop will form part of EACH's portfolio of 21 charity retail outlets, and will play an important role in raising funds for the organisation, which largely relies on voluntary donations. The Duchess, who has been Patron of EACH since 2012, will be taken on a tour of the shop and will meet staff. The shop is located quite close to Anmer Hall.
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| EACH Twitter Feed |
The Palace also announced unexpectedly, Prince William will be attending the St. Patrick's Day parade and present sprigs of shamrock solo on 17 March. This is very surprising news as it has become something of a tradition for Kate to attend each year, and has been a longstanding tradition for a female member of the British Royal Family to do so. It is not known why Kate is not attending, however Richard Palmer tweeted "It was suggested to me that they wanted to get away from the expectation she'd do it every year.".
We'll see you on Monday for the Commonwealth service. We hope you all have a wonderful weekend :)
Loved the outfit and the hair today! I'm a little sick of the black shoes.
ReplyDeleteI would love to know a reason Kate isn't doing saint Patty's day. She even did it when she was 8 months pregnant last year?
I mean she has been doing more than usual this month but still I think handing out shamrocks isn't exactly a taxing duty. I'm very disappointed.
If it were me, I would go just so I could give Domhnall (excuse the spelling) his shamrock. He's beautiful.
DeleteJust one post where you don't find one thing wrong would be so refreshing.
DeleteIts saint patricks day not pattys day, as someone from ireland i find it hilarious that americans call it that, ive no idea where you could have gotten that idea!!!!!
DeleteBluhare
DeleteI agree. Cute dog!
I think this St. Patrick's day actually is one of my fave royal engagements.
I think a lot of people are upset that Kate is missing saint Patrick's day
DeleteIll stop finding something wrong when they stop making bad decisions but that hasn't happened a lot lately
I am allowed to express disappointment for Kate missing one of my favorite engagements of the year especially since there doesn't seem to be a good reason for it
Marie, it drives me bonkers too and I live here. I get tired of saying that if you're going to abbreviate it it's St. Paddy's, not St. Patty's!!
DeleteAnett, she wore one of my favorite looks of all time I think it was the first year she did it. Fabulous green coat and she really looked lovely.
Bluhare
DeleteI checked out the coat, I suppose you mean the Emilia Wickstead one, she wore it the 1st and 2nd year too, in the 2nd she filled it nicely with George:-))
Personally I am not up for too much green but how fab is that we regard each engagement special or keep it close to our hearts for one reason or other. That's one reason why it is a pity she breaks with this tradition.
Please, either St. Patrick's Day or just Paddy's Day. No St. in front of the Paddy. Patty is short for Patricia; Paddy is short for Patrick.
DeleteSarah it is your Own opinion that they are making bad decisions. And how do you know she does not have a good reason for not attending the engagement. It is not our business why she is not going.
DeleteI really have not read one non negitive comment in any of your posts.
I’m so happy that William, Kate and Harry are doing their part to raise awareness for the mental health issue. Some magazines started their articles talking about Kate’s dresses from yesterday and I’m disappointed. She’s doing a great job supporting the importance of mental health, why not highlight that?!
ReplyDeleteBut I have to say that I love her sense of style. She reminds me of Jackie Kennedy with that suit! So beautiful!
I read that the name “Eponine London” comes from the character from Les Miserables! The founder chose the name because her children asked that! How sweet!
This blog paid more attention to her clothes yesterday too. I actually looked to see how many header posts were about the issue vs. fashion when I first read it and fashion was ahead.
DeleteLove it when people post interesting snippets
DeleteThank you Charlotte for your quick post. I love what the Duchess is wearing today. So different and fresh for her. Love that it is bright and cheery as we are transitioning over to Spring.
ReplyDeleteI am happy to see that she is also going to do an engagement for EACH. Several posters have mentioned that she hasn't done an engagement for them in some time. I will miss her handing out Shamrocks this year.
Looking forward to Monday. It appears that they have really stepped into their busy time of engagements as predicted.
Yea I forgot to mention that in my post! Finally she is doing something with EACH!
DeleteI love this look! Love it. There are a couple other of the looks from the SS16 line that would work well for Catherine as well. This is a young and modern twist to old classics. Love it. Perfect for spring.
ReplyDeleteCourtney, I so agree!
DeleteThis is such an amazing cause. I wonder if either William or Kate is "casing it out" for future patronage :P
ReplyDeleteI loooooooooooooove Kate's new dress. Or separates rather. The tailoring is perfect. I love the style. BUT the color. I love the color... but not on Kate. If it was a smidge redder or something maybe. I think this salmon color is not to her advantage. But I still love the dress and hope this is a brand she will explore more :)
Great to see that she will do an engagement with EACH :) But I am REALLY surprised about the St. Patricks Parade.... really surprised...
I read on another site that while it appears orange, it is actually red.
DeleteI think the color we see depends on our computer screens. It's hard to really tell what color it is. I think it may be red and white gingham. It's probably that orange-red shade similar to what we saw at Wimbledon in 2015.
DeleteIt says red & white, but it almost appears red & pink to me. And she is wearing pink earrings.
DeleteRebecca, I feel the same way. The Queen Mother considered it an honor and she did it for 32 years. The Irish Guard even served as her pallbearers at her request. They loved the Queen Mother and I think they were starting to feel affection for Kate also. I think it is a HUGE
Deleteinsult to The Irish Guard for Kate to not show up. Like others have pointed out, she even showed up when she was pregnant. What excuse could possibly have now? WHAT was she thinking?
I am so disappointed at her decision.
I wonder if they waited to announce William is doing the Saint Patrick's day engagement until now to keep the speculation of why down to less than a week.
ReplyDeleteIt will be interesting to see if Catherine had an engagement that day that isn't announced until after like the prison last year. It could also be she is doing something with her children.
Since William is the colonel for this and Catherine took over Prince Phillip's duties at the, totally drawing a blank on the name, Royal Air Cadets is the only thing I can come up with. Sorry if that isn't the right name. Anyway maybe they figured at this point there are two military related patronages they should each do one.
I am usually very positive (as you guys know). But to be blunt, I think it's a very srupid move to not have Kate give out the shamrocks. I mean, she did it 8 months pregnant last year. She better have a good reason to skip it this year. And if they ARE planning to have William do it in the future, I don't think that's smart either. Even if they have a good reason it will look like Kate is giving up or quitting on something.
DeleteI agree Rebecca. I was truly disappointed with this decision. Yes,disappointed. I think tradition is really important, keep it rolling and showing up is equally important. This decision is truly makes no sense since they are in London on Monday. And there is another option as Bluhare suggested, using the heli for example.
DeleteAfter all the criticism for using the helicopter last time? That would go over well. I do think tradition is important but the monarchy is an idea that is behind the times so changing things wouldn't necessarily be bad. We don't know why she is missing it.
DeleteI might just take a break from the blog for a while. The negativity has started to get me down a little. Nothing she does is ever good enough. I understand criticism is natural but lately it seems two out of three comments are negative. There is enough negativity in the world today that focusing on the positives in places such as a blog wouldn't be a bad thing. Charlotte does an amazing job giving us information for each engagement and the way things get sidetracked or jump directly into, this would have been better, questioning motivations, etc. the information often gets lost in the shuffle.
So maybe I just need to step back for a bit. I just don't know anymore.
Courtney
DeleteNo criticism keeps them back to go on a holiday so I am not convinced they were touched by the heli criticism either.
Courtney, sometimes breaks are good. I take them too, although I concede probably for a different reason than you do. :) For me, if something's got me angry or upset in my life I tend to react more strongly online and that's the hint I need to go away for a few days.
DeleteAlthough I think you should tough it out. They've had some bad press lately and that stuff resonates. Some of us -- even if we don't think they are doing that well -- still hold out hope that they'll find their public passion one of these days.
Courtney,
DeleteI have been feeling the same way and was thinking the same thoughts. I wonder about what spirit is behind the criticisms. Uber negative for sure. For me, it doesn't seem healthful. And as much as I love chatting with people from all over the world, I am going to take a break also.
I will read the blog but take some rest and relaxation from the comments. Getting tired of watching people chase their tails for weeks on end, spinning in negativity. Productive discussion is one thing but this has turned into quite another. It very much seems that nothing that William and Kate do will ever be good enough for them and they seem to ignore everything that has been accomplished as if it doesn't even exist. Strange, and very frustrating and quite exhausting.
I am sorry you feel like that Courtney! But you have to do what makes you feel good. I really hope you decide to stay, but if you leave, PLEASE come back to us when you feel like it, okay? :)
DeleteI have felt the same from time to time. I took a break from the comments for awhile and then decided that I can't rely on others for positivity. For me, it was the negative comments with no response to questions for further details about what expectations were and what was considered enough. Now, I still read the blog and the comments and when I do post, I try to be positive and fair. I don't want the negative to out weigh the positive and if you leave, we will be one less positive perspective.
DeleteI have given up reading the comments almost entirely myself, Courtney, for the reasons you have also indicated. I popped on toda and am regretting it. Back to reading the blog and leaving the rest. It's just pick, pick, pick. The poor girl can never do enough for this group, it seems.
DeleteWe will never know why Kate will not attend the St. Patrick Day with William. One thing inthinkmwe all know is William is not a bit jealous of all the attention Kate receives. They do have two children that might need her attention that day. And we all know that they put them first.
DeleteYes I am disappointed but I know she would not miss it unless there is a good reason.
Courtney,
DeleteI wanted this to be my first post (well, I wanted my first post to support Charlotte when... but then I think of John Cleese in Fawlty Towers: "Don't mention the war!!!"... so I zip it -but by the way, Charlotte: your answer was just amazing!).
So it was ment to be my first/second post... when scrolling up I saw this writing from Anon 11 March 18:25: "I wish she didn't always have her clutch bag velcroed to her stomach", and I thought: "Hmmmm, for me, it's more like a shield. A protection". And tried to answer. Let's see if it works.
Anyway, what I was wishing to ask is: please stay.
I have been reading this blog for more that a year (and I read EVERYTHING! Charlotte, cross my heart) but never dared writing.
Today I thought: enough is enough! Thanks to Charlotte, we have a great blog, with no propaganda but facts. And we can share our views -which means that we can disagree here (most of you do that in a respectful way) but what is the point of being agressive or attacking the blogger ? Just to make people leave, to change the blog, to transform it, to kill it in away.
We have to stay. We have to stand. "Keep calm and carry on". This is the first sentence I had in mind after the shootings in Paris. This blog has to stay as it is: supportive but opened-minded (well, it will live as long as Charlotte wants it to).
Charlotte, THANK YOU! and please keep on the great work you're doing!
Courtney, Rebecca-Sweden, Bluehare, Julia from Leominster, Royalfan, Erika, Francis and all the others: we might disagree one day, but PLEASE STAY (...I need to practice my English) !!!
I hope I was clear ;-)
Have a lovely day/afternoon/evening... wherever you are!
Isabelle - France
I love this look. She looks phenomenal today! I also am really surprised about St. Patrick's day.
ReplyDeleteOh dear. Not loving her outfit. Where has her lovely just married style gone? I loved the looks on the Canadian tour.
ReplyDeleteAgree, don't like this dress/suit at all. Buttons are bad placement, fit is off. And from waist up/chest up she looks like a picnic table. Not a good colour for her either, that or she needs a "make-up makeover." First time I've thought she looks much older than her years, nothing like her newlywed days - which in fairness wasn't that long ago.
DeleteI actually love the colour, pattern, buttons. But not fond of the skirt, in pics you can't see how stiff but watching the video shows another image. But having seen other designs from Eponine, it is what the designer prefers very much.
DeleteI don't think she can look like in her newlywed days. Five years is a long time plus she has two kids now, one of them not yet a toddler. I think she looks beautiful and elegant, more mature. She has a real gift of a smile that brightens people's day. I think they both are doing a great job. Zora
DeleteI really like the bright color of this dress, but I don't like the print. Too picnic blanket looking to me. I also think the buttons on the front of the dress, look like they should be in the back.
ReplyDeleteI love the outfit -(except for the fit over the hips) - it is very Jackie-like. A great look. (But not a winner for Mr Leo who popped over my shoulder for a rare look - the check does not appeal) I prefer the softer less curled hair as well.
ReplyDeleteA great engagement - the XPL mentoring is extremely important - given so many issues with youths these days. I've known people who did youth mentoring and they found it so worthwhile - they learned so much - so it works both ways and gives an understanding of issues for troubled youths and communities - it's impossible to help effectively unless the situation and mindset is truly understood.
Delighted to see the coming EACH engagement - I think the nudge from the press is showing its effect - possibly even the comments on a blog like this. Just as it is important to understand issues in communities - it's important for royals to know what people are thinking - which can be very hard to tell from the inside.
Very disappointed about St. Patrick's Day though - and find it hard to understand - it has long been a tradition for a royal lady to give out the shamrocks - the queen mum did it for years - and Julia is not a believer in breaking traditions - it's the bedrock of royal life - what gives it continuity and purpose. Maybe if Kate can't or doesn't want to to do it, William should take Camilla. I'm not joking.
It may be this is a way to draw more attention to William - I suspect right now the focus is on him, but this isn't the way to go about it. If I could sing, I would do a chorus of "Tradition, Tradition" but since I can't, houseguests are expected any time so, will go consider dinner...
Loved her look today. Don't think the increase in engagements is entirely owing to a nudge from the press. An engagement such as the EACH one would have been in the works for quite some time. Maybe we should not judge St. Patrick's Day without having some facts before us. William did an investiture today and it seems those honoured were men who have done work in Williams area of interest, such as conservation and football. So this was probably also planned before hand.
DeleteHah Julia--I thought of the old Slipper and the Rose movie and the song "Protocoligorically correct." I actually agree with you that there should be a woman handing out the shamrocks! The dress today is pretty but I don't like either checks or orange (at least that's what it looks like) so not a swoon-y dress for me. However, the cause was fantastic and I am so glad that they are dealing with the "tough" stuff in modern Britain instead of plaque unveiling. Leave that to Prince Philip--loved his joke today.
DeleteTotally agree with Anon 17:18 about St. Patrick's. It is custom for a royal (any royal) to be present. Not necessarily a woman. If you research it, King George VI did it as did the Duke of Edinburgh. So, no, Kate doesn't have to be there.
DeleteTradition! What's that? Sorry I'm now convinced the only thing they care about is their own convenience. Doing what they want, when they want. Charlotte shared an article that was spot-on: "Aside from the media’s sour grapes, there are serious issues being raised by the way in which William and Kate publicly present an image of a modern, young, dynamic monarchy yet appear to secretly lead the life of a Victorian royal (much pampering, little work, and accustomed to being obeyed) with access to a private jet. When you talk to ordinary people, although there is compassion for the fact that William and Kate have to live their life under the microscope, there is also a growing sense of astonishment at the extravagance of their lifestyles. The palace made a big play in their media briefing of the fact that this was the couple’s “first family holiday” and the “first time either of the children had played in the snow” as if they were some deserving orphans plucked out of the inner city by the Make-a-Wish Foundation. To try to pitch this fabulous, luxury break as a well-deserved respite from a busy life of exhausting public service is to insult the intelligence of the British public."
DeleteLol Julia, for you of all people to suggest Camilla, you must truly feel very strongly about this ;)
DeleteI also think it's because they want William to be seen working, by the way.
So George and Charlotte aren't allowed to have a trip away with their parents? If they were orphans they would be more deserving? Really?
DeleteI need new glasses because I thought Valerie wrote the Stripper and the Rose and the song was "Proctologically Correct".
DeleteOh Bluhare!! I had the same eye fail today when I was in Target with my daughter. I told her I found it insulting they were selling St. Pat's t-shirts that said "Shake Your Ham Hocks." My daughter looked at me pityingly and said "Mum, they say "Shake Your Shamrocks."
DeleteLoved the movie Slipper and the Rose 35 years ago. Richard Chamberlain and Gemma Craven and a host of great English actors like Michael Hordern and Annette Crosbie.
Looks like my original comment got lost for here goes again. I agree with Anon 17:18 - I don't think the increase in engagements has anything to do with the recent negative press. Their engagements are planned months in advance and schedules are quite rigid which I think is actually working against them as it doesn't give them the flexibility to respond quickly to backlash or change. They were supposed to be participating in the Spain state visit from 8-10 March so if things had gone to plan would have returned from the ski trip and got straight back to work, this minimising the noise. Instead the visit for cancelled leaving a hole in their calendar that couldn't be filled and exposing them to more criticism. I think their year has always been planned to get busy starting in March and the schedule will roll out as planned despite public and press sentiment because theyve limited their ability to reschedule or change calendars by such extensive planning.
DeleteGreat point Ciara. I felt that way too
DeleteJulia I agree about the XPL visit but disagree with your comments on tradition. The monarchy's like all institutions & has to balance continuity with change. The Queen has done this well. Surely if there was one tradition that was 'the bedrock of royal life' it was that only males could inherit the throne. The Duchess of Cambridge not turning up to hand out shamrocks is piddling compared with the changes to the succession laws. In making such sweeping statements about tradition are you implying you don't agree with the latter?
DeleteAs anon at 17.53 points out this role has been undertaken by male members of the RF in the past which IMO is a good thing - I'm personally uncomfortable with the idea of gender stereotyping specific roles. I'm glad William & Kate are working as a team & mixing it up.
She still has her children to take care of, so maybe she's spacing out her engagements carefully, especially with already having done several (despite the short vacay) and the tour in India coming up. Or maybe there's something at the nursery school she's attending. At any rate I think it's fine she's not going to the St. Patrick's Day parade. I was wondering how this red and white checkered outfit is customized? Is it a dress underneath instead of all one piece?
ReplyDeleteTrue, but breaking the St Patricks tradition is not the engagement to skip, I think. I really hope they tell a good reason for why she's not going.
Delete@Denise: That was my first though, too--that perhaps George has a school function that Kate really needs/want to be there for. I'm sure (hoping) whatever the reason, it is an important one.
DeleteI can't help but think maybe Prince George as a thing at his preschool that day. Anyway, that's the first thing that popped into my mind.
DeleteI can't help but think maybe Prince George has a thing at his preschool that day. Anyway, that's the first thing that popped into my mind.
DeleteI'm a bit sad that we won't see Kate at St Paddys day as its become a lovely annual tradition but I think it could be a logistics thing. The barracks at Aldershot are almost 4 hours drive from Sandringham. It's quite possible they have the children down with them in London right now with the last couple days engagements and the commonwealth service on Monday. If Kate has the EACH event on 18th then it could be a tight squeeze for them to do St Paddys and truck themselves kids and nanny back to Norfolk in time. Ofcourse they could use the helicopter but there would likely be backlash as well. If it was a choice between St Paddys and the EACH event I understand her prioritising the latter.
DeleteI actually think that if George had something at school that day, and that Kate wanted to be there AND do the shamrock engagement, she school would adjust for it.
DeleteRichard Palmer tweeted this about why she doesn't attend this year: IF it is true I find it extra sad.
Delete"It was suggested to me that they wanted to get away from the expectation she'd do it every year."
Bluhare... I don't know about that... Well, they might have but I think a school would do all they could to not show nepotisim towards George. Also, I highly doubt William and Catherine would ask them to do that.
DeleteAnett-Austria, you should clarify. He says he is waiting for a spokeswomen from KP to come back to him and she has not yet done so. He does not say who the suggestion came from.
DeleteAnett if that is true that is a pity indeed. It is a commitment for sure, but is it truly such a big deal. So what is there is an expectation she would do it every year. How much does she actually leave her Norfolk home that this one engagement would be such a big burden.
DeleteIt is maddening.
I've asked around about St Patrick's Day. There is no official comment from KP despite the efforts of journalists who contacted them. As Anett said Richard tweeted "It was suggested to me that they wanted to get away from the expectation she'd do it every year." Another royal reporter told me they had heard the same. It will be interesting to see if KP do get back to them.
DeleteAnon 21.13
DeleteSo maybe he has another source? I can't imagine he did make it up.
Well that's a fairly stunning suggestion, almost as much as Julia saying she'd welcome Camilla ;)
DeleteAccording to Gerts Royals, whose work and knowledge really impresses me, if Kate doesn't attend, it would "break a tradition that goes back 5 generations of a senior female member of the BRF passing out the Shamrocks". She says "the four women who held the tradition before Kate were Queen Victoria, Princess Mary, the Queen Mother, and Princess Anne".
Obviously we don't know the reason she's not attending, it could be a valid one, but it does fit in with other decisions they've made, and their reported desire to not have things set in stone for them.
The fact is, these ceremonial, annual events are part and parcel of the job, whether you're a Prince, Prime Minister, or President. There IS actually an expectation that you'll perform it every year.
We'll see, maybe she's not committing yet for some reason but will show up on the day.
Sorry Anett, but I can very much see him "making it up". He is well known for embellishing his stories. I really think that's here is a rational reason that she can't attend. Weather or not we will ever know is up for guessing.
DeleteRebecca, I don't know either but I have worked with people who are very successful in their field, some even somewhat known, and one thing all of them have in common is they expect rules to be bent for them. And people twist themselves sideways to do so. Perhaps William and Kate are different but I wouldn't bet my entire life savings on it.
Delete2301, where does Palmer embellish his stories? He seems to me to be quite middle of the road in his reporting. Have I missed something? Apparently W&K's office is not going on the record with this one so he posted that somewhat vague tweet.
Sort of what I was thinking (if it wasn't a clash with something to do with George's nursery school)--it likely is about spacing out her engagements:
Delete"It is thought that Kate will miss the celebrations because of an official engagement scheduled in Norfolk the following day. The Duchess, who is Royal Patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH), will officially open a new EACH charity shop in Holt, Norfolk on Friday 18 March....Both William and Kate have carried out a number of official engagements since returning from their recent family skiing holiday with Prince George and Princess Charlotte. On Friday the royal couple visited the urban youth charity XLP to find out about the work being done by their mentoring scheme, and they also united to try and raise awareness of suicide issues on Thursday."
http://us.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2016031130255/kate-middleton-to-miss-st-patricks-day-parade/
Also something to consider: if William is fine about Kate not attending, then isn't that enough? He has a high value on military (current and vets) as well as tradition, so I think he likely took into consideration everything---her time away from the children, her time in multiple recent engagements, and the upcoming and exhausting India tour and figured when things get hectic, it's ok to pull back even on St. Patrick's Day parade. He's going and that's more significant is it not, as he has had a career in the military and he's the one to become king? I think that if he thought it was too important, he would've had Kate with him. Just my guess.
DeleteAgree, made up.
DeleteThanks for asking around Charlotte.
DeleteAnon 23.01
I am asking honestly and without any sarcasm. What if there isn't any rational reason but simply as her biggest supporter suggested she is unwilling to travel back from the countryside. I could hardly believe my eyes but she did. What if this is the truth? Can we always have to find a good explanation or excuse for them? Instead of them stepping out and saying the real reason because this one comes down again as they do not care. After all the bad publicity why not play a bit, tiny bit along?
Claudia
DeleteI wish your last sentence would come true.:-)
I am SWOONING over this outfit!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy! :)
DeleteOMG I was there today!!!
ReplyDeleteYou were?! HOW COOL! Tell us all! Did you see them close? Talk to them? How was the athmosphere?
DeleteI was stood just a few feet away from their car, but they didn't come say hello. It was odd, everyone was very quiet and barely spoke as they got out of the car. They went straight to the greeter and then spoke to a few people outside before moving inside. It took maybe 2-3 minutes before they were inside. They are much taller in person and there is differently an aura around them. I kept pinching myself that I'd finally seen them!
DeleteHow really exciting even if it was just a quick look :) yeah, they're really tall, arent they? :)
DeleteI've noticed that at their last few engagements, they don't take a moment to visit with the public whose waiting on the sidelines to see them. I wonder why/
DeleteVery cute style, even though the color does photograph a little orange. Also, I'm not entirely convinced on the matching black accessories/shoes -- do suede shoes really look right with a spring-ish look? But a nice change for the duchess, who honestly, does look great in everything really. Young and fresh dress. Will look into a similar style for myself.
ReplyDeletePerhaps there is a St. Patrick's Day party involving Prince George. IMO, she is a mother first and foremost!
ReplyDeleteYay!!! Another engagement!! Thank you Charlotte, as always!!! Love the hair and outfit today!! :)
ReplyDeleteLove the outfit! So Jackie-esque!
ReplyDeleteThis seems like such an important cause and Im glad to see the Duchess supporting it! Loved the outfit too. As to why she isn't attending the St Patricks Day parade I read the other day that Pippa is doing a Ski marathon on the 17th in Norway. I'm not sure the Duchess is going along to support so soon after her own ski adventure but maybe she doesn't want to overshadow her sisters efforts by stepping out on the same day? tbh I hope thats not the case and theres a better reason :)
ReplyDeleteLove today's look! It's definitely a win on every level - young, fresh, good hair AND good makeup. She looks well-rested and happy.
ReplyDeleteI've long been a believer that shoes are the best way to express who you are, and it seems like traditional and sort of safe shoes fit Kate's persona. It's a little sad. There are some kick-a** shoes that would have been a fun finish to her look today.
LK Bennett sledge pumps would have looked much better. Bring those back!
ReplyDeleteHa! I was thinking the very same thing! That or at least black patent since the dress is from the Spring/Summer collection.
DeleteI really like the dress and am happy to see this style coming back. I'm not old enough to have it in the back of my closet (lol), but I do like the feminine aspect of it.
Can't imagine it concerns Pippa - how awful that would be. But I think it unlikely.
DeleteThe dress has black or dark brown buttons so I don't see anything odd about black shoes.
Once again the Duke and Duchess are highlighting another undeserved area in our societies, that is mentoring. Many young people, in and out of school, are struggling out there without any positive role models to emulate. In our modern, fast-paced, and increasingly impersonal world the concept of "it takes a village" is quickly disappearing from our mindset and our children and young people are the casualties of that neglect. Bravo to William and Kate for their continued efforts in drawing attention to this issue, which is just another branch of their mental health focus. As they delve down further in this issue, we can all appreciate how complex, wide-ranging, and entrenched mental health disorders can be. It affects all races, socio-economic groups, educational levels, but attached to it is a powerful social taboo. Yet the consequences of neglect and inattention is devastating to families and society as a whole. I admire the dedication to this issue, and hopefully with their advocacy, it will compel the rest of us to get involved at whatever level of participation. Now from a fashion perspective, Kate's look, even though retro, has a modern twist I find refreshing. It works for her, and I can imagine for many other women alike. There's something to be said about holding on to certain items in our closets, whether they be clothes, accessories or jewelry because we see repeatedly what was old become new again. And the Jackie inspired look is classic. Love the cut, color and fit. Kate, due to her coloring, really rocks bright colors! Also, notice William's attentiveness towards Kate. Good manners is a learned skill.
ReplyDeleteI so agree, JMS from Texas.
DeleteNot a fan of the outfit. She may be missing the engagement on the 17th as she has an engagement on the 18th, not sure about the geography. Handing out the Shamrocks always looks fun so I suspect there was a very very good reason for her decision to not attend. ali
ReplyDeleteali, I so agree about St. Patrick’s Day and also suspect there is a very good reason for Catherine not to attend this year.
DeleteWikipedia tells us that “During 1916, The Irish Guards were involved in the Battle of the Somme where they received severe casualties.” and “The 1st Battalion, Irish Guards spent much of the remainder of 1915 in the trenches, but, on 1 July 1916 the Battle of the Somme began, it was, and still is, the bloodiest day in British military history.”
Wikipedia goes on to tell that “On the regiment's 50th anniversary in 1950, King George VI made the presentation in person.” and that “In 1989, Queen Elizabeth was unable to make the journey to Belize, where the battalion was stationed, and the Grand Duke of Luxembourg substituted for her.” (HRH Jean, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, KG was appointed by Her Majesty The Queen as their colonel in 1984 having served with the regiment during the Second World War.)
With HM The Queen being colonel-in-chief of all Guards regiments, I think it is a very probable possibility that she might have asked William to personally, and on her behalf, hand out the sprigs of shamrock in this year of poignant military commemoration before also travelling to France this summer.
There may even be a speech on her behalf. We will know on the day itself. If this is the case, those wanting William to step up his royal duties might be very happy to see that his training on the job is continuing as colonel of this regiment as well.
Of course, it was a much happier occasion when Prince William wore his two Irish Guards uniforms on his wedding day.
Thank you for the facts :)
DeleteIt is a good history but it does show how often royal ladies have participated - I would feel much better if it was something due to the queen's birthday - and wish they would just announce it if so, but it still doesn't make a lot of sense to me - nothing prevents William from speaking out even if Kate is there. With so few royal traditions that William and Kate keep - no Ascot, no opening of Parliament, so far only one state banquet and, although worthy - such a limited area of royal engagements - I do truly hope there is a better reason than what has been speculated so far.
DeleteYou're very welcome, Rebecca. :)
DeleteNot a fan of the outfit. She may be missing the engagement on the 17th as she has an engagement on the 18th, not sure about the geography. Handing out the Shamrocks always looks fun so I suspect there was a very very good reason for her decision to not attend. ali
ReplyDeleteI have to say I really don't like this outfit at all. I think it's one thing to pay homage to the 50's and 60's but this takes the inspiration literally and looks like a Jackie K/O costume. At least Kate pulls it off better than the model wearing it does. It looks quite frumpy on the model. I'm not a fan of separates that are of the same fabric...why not just make a dress if the material is to be the same on top and bottom?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info!
ReplyDeleteAs for St. Patrick's Day, I'm surprised she's not going.
Maybe she has a previous engagement that we don't know about or maybe she has a wedding?
Wonder if some another female royal will attend with William :)
I don't know why many do not like her hair . I feel its really better than what we had seen for the last two years. Her dress is also giving me classic lady vibes. Luv it
ReplyDeleteDear Charlotte,
ReplyDeleteI love every post you write on Kate. You do such a lovely job. I have been reading your blog for about 4 years now. Every time I try to comment it gets deleted.lol So we will see if this makes it in.
I have to say that the Cambridges are always under such scrutiny. It breaks my heart a little because they have so much stress on their shoulders; family, children, marriage, England, the Queen, the Press and its' criticism. For everything they have been through this family really handles it quite well. That being said I decided a while ago that it doesn't matter to me what Kate wears, does or doesn't do. I just want to see her and William happy in their marriage and family life together. Yes, I'm disappointed that she won't be at St. Paddy's Day but that is ok! She has a lifetime to attend them.
Kate and William looked so adorable today! The Queen must adore William and his wife. (THat is my imagination kicking in :-) )
Thank you Charlotte!
Rachel Chavez from Washington State, USA
Hello Rachel,
DeleteThank you so much for your lovely comment. I'm sorry to hear you are experiencing issues commenting. If you drop me an email at hrhcatherineblog@hotmail.com we'll see if we can get it sorted for you :)
Rachel,
DeleteI have decided, as you have, that it doesn't matter to me what she wears, or what she and William do or do not do. I am going to give them prayer support and just enjoy them. :)
Their hearts are in the right place. I feel so much better now having made these choices. It is good to know that I am not the only one who wants to relieve them of yet another criticism/burden and just enjoy and celebrate life. Huge relief. Way better. Thanks
I am also going to jump on this band wagon. I don't care what she wears, I think that she is just lovely in everything. I love the new causes that they are supporting and knowing several people that committed suicide and the stigma around it, I applaud the efforts being made to bring it out of the dark and into the light. I sincerely enjoying following both Kate and William and will continue to hope and pray that they have a long happy life together with their beautiful children.
DeleteI love the style and pattern of this dress. Kate looks AMAZING.
ReplyDeleteAnd I like that William is embracing his hairline and making the best of it. Even with less hair, he is still a handsome man!
MV
I so agree, Anonymous 11 March 2016 at 18:12
DeleteYay, at last a change from the usual dress under a coat! I really like this because it has a pattern and is just a little bit quirky. She also looks young and fresh, I have found some of her recent outfits just a little ageing. Just IMHO.
ReplyDeleteI agree with every word, Sarah! And still waiting for a fresh and quirky shoe, too!
DeleteCatherine is a beautiful woman who dresses appropriately and with flair. But, I wish she didn't always have her clutch bag velcroed to her stomach. Can she not carry a purse any other way? This tendency became noticeable to me after watching a documentary of Diana.
ReplyDeleteHihhihihihi, your "velcoroed to her stomach" comment put a very funny picture into my mind where she was talking with her hands and the clutch stayed floating on her stomach.. :P
DeleteIt gives me the impression she uses her clutch as a shield... But how could she use it another way when there is so much negativity written when she shows up -or does no show ?
DeleteShe has improved in so many ways !
So next step the clutch... and also the shoulders, please.
But I truly think the butterfly is just about to come out ;-)
Isabelle - France
PS: I did not want to be another "anonymous"; I just can't register my profile :-(
Oh! And I hope you will excuse my Frenchy English ;-)
Can I just say I loved today's engagement? There's just something about the energy of the event, the youth, the stories, the fact that William watches Pimp My Ride. I feel they're connecting with the young crowd, which is important.
ReplyDeleteOh and I loved Kate's look too.
I so agree with you, Candy.
DeleteHi, Charlotte,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your posts. They are wonderful. It must be very challenging to produce them so quickly when engagements are occurring so close together.
I love, love, love this outfit!! It is so chic. The tailoring is beautiful. The "gingham" check is very retro, as is the colour. I would be interested to see if the shade of the colour is different in person than in the photos. I've noticed that effect with other items of Kate's clothing. The colours can look very different from photo to photo.
One interesting thing I noticed. Kate must be SO skinny. If you look at the photo of the model in the same dress, she actually looks quite hippy in the outfit, probably because of the fabric. Kate doesn't look that way at all. And we all know that the model is NOT actually hippy. By the way, I am hippy by any possible use of the word so I feel free to use it as a descriptor.
I am so disappointed by Kate's bowing out of the St. Patrick's Day appearance!!! I so look forward to it for a very "traditional" royal look. It has yielded some of her loveliest looks. It's also a pretty good bet for an appearance of my favourite hat- the brown Betty Boop. Maybe George's school has a little event on for the day?
I just love a fuller calendar of appearances!
Have a good weekend, everyone!
I also noticed how different the model looked in the skirt. Kate definitely wore it better.
DeleteI'm so disappointed that she won't be there for the St. Patrick's Day event! It's one of my favorite engagements all year!
ReplyDeleteI think Kate looked wonderful day. I love this dress today as it is quite a bit different from things we have seen her in lately. But there are very few things I do not like her in.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the St. Patrick's Day event, I am also disappointed as this is one of my favorites every year. In my opinion, the first year she did it was one of her best looks ever. I am positive that there is a good reason for her to miss. Maybe spending the day with her kids is her first priority and I am 100% behind her on that one. Bev in Colorado
Well considering that Kate leaves her house for approximately 40 to 50 days a year, she has between 315 and 325 days in a year to spend with her children. And one St Patricks Day to attend.
DeleteSo no, I am 0% behind her on spending time with her kids on that one occasion which is inextricably tied to royal presence. Shameful if that is the reason. Simply shameful.
@Anonymous 21:19..........ummm, that's a bit harsh. If it is in fact something related to George's montessori school, I'd like to point out that it happens just once. Then he's off to the next grade. My daughter had an "All About Me" presentation she gave in preschool. It will never happen again while she's in preschool. So you'd better believe I made sure to not miss it.
DeleteBut of course this is all speculation so I think we all need to calm down a bit ;-)
What if there is a reason related to George's school? Likely, given the day, no? It's not like they're both going to miss the engagement. They are a family unit...a working team...and they are prioritizing. Should George be the only one their without a mother (if we are speculating correctly)? Or would people be happier if the school rescheduled St Patrick's Day or changed their hours to accommodate a royal prince? Ha!! Wouldn't that go over well! Lol.
DeleteOh, let's go one better and have the Irish Guards change their dates - so Kate can watch George who won't even remember she was there. Then all the families of the Irish Guards who have small children too can go as well - what a brilliant idea - why didn't we think of that!
DeleteLet's hope Kate has a much, much better reason.
The reason is speculation and we may never know the true reason. However William is colonel of the regiment and Kate does not really have ties to the regiment. So if there is some conflict, it is understandable that the person with the ties to the regiment show up. It's not as if no one is showing up.
DeleteWe love our four footed family members in bluehareville and I am very sorry to read you have one less to love in your house. Is Catherine OK?
Deletexoxox
bluhare
Or William could go to the school event? He's just as much George's parent as Catherine. She has a work commitment, so the family work around it. Just like how it happens in thousands of families around the world.
DeleteThis day is an all-around big win in my book. XLP's success rate with at-risk youth is very impressive. I'm pleased the Duke and Duchess are bringing attention to another meaningful cause.
ReplyDeleteOn the fashion front, I thought Kate looked fresh and modern and pulled off wearing the skirt and top beautifully. You have to be really slim to wear this well, as the bulkier details hit in all the wrong places. Even the model looks frumpy. I would have preferred a lighter shoe and clutch to compliment the springy dress, but that's just a minor quibble.
The pink Eponine dress on the left is so fun! I hope it's in Kate's closet.
I like the fact that Kate is being a bit more daring with her outfits of late. I wish that she owuld do the same with her shoes.
ReplyDeleteI hope that Kate does back to her longer hair. The layers and the colors of make-up lately have her looking older and washed out. Still beautiful, but tired.
I want to say how refreshing this outfit is! Beautiful; both the silhouette and the colour. I've said this numerous times before, but Kate has a warm pallette, and when she wears the right colour, her facce pops. Just contrast this to the black dress she wore yesterday. When you wear the right colour, the eyes are drawn to the face.
ReplyDeleteFinally, Jackie O syle works for her. . .she should continue in that vein.
Thank you Charlotte for another good post. Lovely follow on from yesterday's despair to be shown work towards a solution. I have always also had the greatest respect for Jamie Oliver's fifteen programme which has been running since 2002. Each year in each of those restaurants fifteen young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are offered apprenticeships as chefs. How life changing is that! All these initiatives makes one wants to try and just make a tiny bit of difference one's self which I suppose is part of our Duke and Duchess's job.They are doing so well of late. The Eponine outfit looked lovely on Kate and nice that it was different from her usual style. Thought the black shoes etc good as this picked up the button detail and dare I say it I thought that the ensemble looked much better on Kate than the model. To me it also carried on the symbolism of yesterdays clothes black despair,green white and the birds for hope and freedom and today evokes spring and a new begining. And dare I mention the skiing photos while I am on symbols. My take is that the pictures were released in conjunction with the Queen's video with Prince Charles for mothering Sunday, happy family images for a day remembering Mums and families and perhaps to have a contrast for that stark isolated loneliness that was Diana in India.
ReplyDeletealimai, I so agree with you.
DeleteSt Patrick'Day. Didn't we ask them not to tag along together a couple of threads ago? Our collective wishes have been granted.
ReplyDeletewishes granted by the monkey's paw haha
DeleteSo true, alimai.
DeleteThis was a very successful engagement highlighting an important issue. I think because this is their second visit everyone was more relaxed and although a serious topic judging by the smiles there were several light hearted moments I thought Kate looked lovely and I certainly agreed with Patrick Reagan's comment in the video. It was evident how much he appreciated their support as in the same video at the end he was thanking Kate for coming and mentioning that it was the second visit from them. I am delighted she has an engagement for Each Hospice a somewhat lighter one than visiting the Hospice which I think is a good thing as all the visits on Mental Health must have some effect on her and a lighter event is important which makes it even more puzzling that she is not accompanying ~William on St. Patricks Day. Like others I cannot understand why and am disappointed as I enjoy watching them at that event and it has been a tradition for Royal Ladies to give out the Shamrocks and Kate seemed to enjoy being there I hope this isn't Williams' idea that he want's to go solo as he now does for all his patronages unless they are together on an away day. That was publicly stated shortly after George was born when it was queried why Kate never accompanied him to Black Tie events the reason K.P. gave was so they could do more engagements. That has turned out to be laughable!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI've always thought that her clothing choices are lovely, but she never seems to have it all completely together. That is, I love all of her clothes but not the way she styles them...actually I don't think she styles them at all, and that is what is missing for me. I enjoy scrolling down to see how the models are styled to get a true sense of the pieces. For example, the green Erdem coat. I strongly disliked this piece each time the Duchess has worn it, but I love how it looks on the model with the colorful skirt/blouse and shoes. I've taken notice of this in my own wardrobe as well - instead of purchasing multiple new pieces of clothing, I purchase one item of clothing and be sure to add a statement necklace, or scarf, or larger earrings to "complete" my look. Just my opinion...
ReplyDeleteI agree!
DeleteRandom satorial musings: I wonder how these separates could be styled in the future. The skirt feel like it could fit well with Kate's go to separates look with the black polo shirt. The top is harder. But maybe with a sheath dress under? Like these:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.katesclothes.com/dress/white-navy-crepe-sheath/
http://www.katesclothes.com/dress/sculpted-felt-seam-dress-oatmeal/
Or maybe even this one?!
http://www.katesclothes.com/dress/cayla-long-dress/
Just a thought? Before everyone goes off the deep end with such massive disappointment regarding the St. Patricks Day issue maybe we should not ASSUME she is lazy or avoiding or whatever.
ReplyDeleteShe has always been there. She said aware that a female royal traditionally carries out this function. So just MAYBE something is up that is unusual?
I don't know maybe she has something behind the scenes. Maybe George has a party at school? We just don't know and it's really terribly mean to assume anything unless you know the facts. Which we don't. So I say can we give thisome a rest too?
Once again we have a lovely post about a charity and she looks wonderful and all of that has been railroaded by the 'disappointment' and the 'assumption that she is just not a working girl'.
Come on now folks. Honestly the constant negative vibe is exhauasting. I find myself just not reading or barely reading.
The entire thread becomes a running commentary on everything that is wrong.. might me wrong.. what they need to do. How to do it...why why why? Which we have previously discussed on the blog before this one. .and the one before that. And on and on. It's the same old lamenting and I am ready to discuss anything but this ad nauseum.
How about? Spring is close? The time is about to change? Or . Wow. . This is a big... how about we say something nice for everyou negative comment?
And how about if you just realay dislike them then stop reading.
Some posters here are very good at writing and not being critical bit stating the facts. I respect that. I don't respect the same people who hate it all. The hair. The hat.. the shoes. The dress. And then it rolls into how lazy they are... why?
Because it's human nature to tear down someone or something that you yourself envy or want or think you are entitled to .... the Cambridges do not need our consent .
So I say this with total respect to all.... can we settle down? Pour a wine and let's just giggle and ooh and awe now and then.
It's becoming a stagnant conversatile more and more. It's like beating a dead horse. ..it's not going to get up its dead. So no matter how many times you say her hair is awful... it's not changing. .. she likes it. It's apparent that she does. So. Enough!
Happy Friday ~ DB
I see your point. And I am usually one of the people pointing out how we don't know all the circumstances. And I agree with it here. But it IS truly surprising that she's not going and I personally think that she needs a good reason to sit this one out since it doesn't look good. Even though I can understand their reasoning, most pepople dont go that in deapth to it and I am aware of how stuff can look to the more casual follower.
DeleteI wish toast to that, DB. :)
DeleteWhile I understand the importance of tradition, as I stated before, it isn't like the Cambridge's are ignoring the day. IF Kate is not present, I'm sure there is a very good reason for it, especially since she did attend when she was pregnant.
If the tradition is being adjusted to accommodate one of their children, I think their decision, as parents, should be respected. Perhaps some members of the RF would be less dysfunctional if there had been a healthier balance of family and duty in their lives while they were growing up. Does anyone recall the awkward photo (1951, I believe) of the Queen greeting a young Prince Charles at the train station? A very stiff and formal exchange that I cannot imagine in William's day (thanks to Diana), or today in George and Charlotte's situation. Not ALL adjustments to tradition are a bad thing.
Agreed. I suspect that George may have a little St Patrick Day party. Maybe she is helping with that? We just don't know. But I believe it is for a good reason. I just refuse to always assume the worst. So many do. It's becoming ridiculous.
DeleteSorry that my post tend to auto INCORRECT LOL. I proof them and still words change.
DB
Happy Friday DB, I love your idea to write something nice for every negative comment because apparently if you want a neutral atmosphere you need 5 to 7 positive pieces of information for each negative one. So one positive for each negative one would definitely be a beginning.
DeleteNow for the wine - red, white or rosé for you? Oh, and please help yourself to the cheese cubes. :) :)
If you feel like it, I'd like to know your opinion on the following saying: No expectations, no disappointment. If not, let's just have a good giggle, hihihi. :) :) :) Some fruit? Crème brulée?
For those disappointed, please put this into your web browser and click enter:
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTAyQB5TZFL74scte5xeTeA5MkjX2DHsc0QoISdDm_RD3fResPLVg
Oh, and le buffet est ouvert. Bon appétit! :)
Amen, DB. Some people are too quick to pass judgement on things we do not know. It is so catty and unwholesome. Whatever the reason, I am sure Kate is not intentionally snubbing the Irish Guards, nor does she intend to be lazy. It is cruel to say so without understanding the reasons. And people talk as if there is no royal representation. William will be there. He is the Colonel and it's just right that he should be the one present. And while over the years it has been mostly female royals handing out shamrocks, there have been men too! Prince Philip, George VI, Prince Edward, just to name a few.
DeleteI would also like to say that can we please look at the positive things, too? Today was a wonderful engagement, full of wholesome things we can discuss. From Kate's clothes to knife crime and the lovely conversations they had with the youth. What about yesterday and the issues on suicide? But instead the comments are always punitive. It is so disheartening, especially as most are speculative. If things do not change, I may have to stop reading the comments like the rest of the group.
I agree with you 100%, DB. I am sure that any reason Kate has for not being there is a good reason for her. She really does not have to explain to anyone except maybe her husband who will be filling in for her. I also agree that once again a wonderful post about a wonderful look for Kate and a wonderful charity has turned into a Kate bashing post. The negative comments seem to always take over the posts anymore. It is a shame and kind of lessens Charlotte's hard work. Bev in Colorado
DeleteBeing a royal requires sacrifice. Skipping a day with a pre-schooler (if that is indeed her reason) is not a good enough reason. It is her duty to honor the military people who serve her country. It also honors people of Irish ancestry (many in GB). It seems she has no sense of what it takes to be a real leader, someone we can look up to. She has A LOT to learn from the Queen. I am incredibly disappointed in her.
DeleteBeth in SF
Hi everyone :-) We had an unfortunate pet death in our family today, so I just caught myself up on the engagement. I agree with all posters who thought this outfit was a great retro look with a modern twist. She has tapped into this late 1950's vibe before and it does suit her. I would love to see her run with it even more. I agree with Julia that the skirt could have fit better through the hips. Also, it is time for the suade shoes to be retired until autumn.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone else think that the pink earrings are an odd pairing with a red dress?
I am very disappointed about the St. Patrick's Day decision too. I l always look forward to that engagement and enjoy the photographs that come from it. I assumed it had become an established event for her. It may very well conflict with a nursery school event. I attended a St. Patrick's Day tea when my middle child was in preschool. The reason floating around that she doesn't want to be expected to attend each year is lousy imo. Tradition and continuity are important, especially for the BRF.
Hello Erika,
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your pet. x
I am so sorry about your loss!
DeleteI think the dress is actually red and pale pink pattern (even thought the lighter squares look white-ish) so the pink fits, I think :)
I'm so sorry to hear that, Erika. I do understand...
DeleteThank you Charlotte :-) All of us are a little bit heartbroken.
DeleteThere is nothing worse than losing a pet - I still mourn for a beloved dog who passed five years ago - and for all those before him - my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Erika,
DeleteWith deep caring, Julia
Sorry to hear this Erika :(
DeleteOur pets are children in my mind.
Sending prayers, love and light and a HUG!
DB
hugs to you and yours Erika.
DeleteCalifornia Girl
Yes, I think the pink earrings were a strange choice with the outfit.
DeleteI love the outfit though. I love Audrey Hepburn, Jackie O.
styles.
The Queen Mum did that for how many years in a row? Does anyone know?
DeleteWhat with diplomatic situations in the past, withdrawing her presence this year, unless there is a VERY good reason, seems on the surface to be a shallow and arrogant thing to do, no offense. I think the people loved it that the Queen Mum had made that "her thing". I think they felt honored by that. And I think the servicemen would be happier to receive shamrocks from a beautiful duchess rather than from a guy. Has KP given any reason?
Sorry about your loss.
DeleteOh, no - pets are family and truly offer the ministry of presence, I think. I'm so so sorry for your loss.
DeleteThank you Rebecca, royalfan and Julia! Your words mean so much to me.
DeleteOk Rebecca. That makes sense. I'll have to take a closer look at the dress.
My sincere sympathy, Erika. It is so hard to lose a pet. They are members of our families. I still miss some of our pets who are long gone.
DeleteI am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our fur kids are family, and losing them is heartbreaking.
DeleteI thought Kate looked great in the Jackie inspired look. She reminded me of Jackie when she wore the red pillbox hat and outfit a few years back. At any rate, another great cause in their linked mental health patronages.
Since she has an event on March 18th, perhaps it was decided to skip the St Patrick's Day Parade. I will miss seeing her with the beautiful Irish Wolf Hound.
All right, warning all - Julia is going to rant - she realises there are people here who don't like it - probably the same people - Julia was one of them - who disliked it when people said there was something wrong with the Wales' marriage - but this tired old royalist - who has been following royals for fifty plus years is shocked - at the suggestion Kate is not attending because she doesn't want to create an expectation - what next?! When William is king, will we be hearing he doesn't want to open Parliament because he doesn't want to create expectations? That he doesn't plan to attend the garter ceremony every year because it might create expectations -already we had Kate sniggering at William in his garter robes - imagine how people to whom achieving that honour for real work is the dream of a lifetime felt having a young woman giggling at her partner who got the honour simply because of birth. I'm beginning to feel that Kate has no sense of history - no real understanding or appreciation of the traditions behind her role.
ReplyDeleteIf this is truly her feeling, Kate has no sense that being present to hand out shamrocks is an honour, not a duty, not a right, but an honour bestowed on her that she is perhaps unworthy of. She also doesn't seem to appreciate that most people - the people who will decide if she will one day be their queen - have expectations put on them all the time -expectations they will get up and go to work every morning on time - or lose their jobs - this is something Kate never experienced, and I think it a pity.
So if Kate can't trouble to turn up, I do say give it to another royal lady - people here are thinking of Kate but they aren't thinking of the soldiers and especially their families - who will stand out in the cold for a glimpse of a royal - particularly a royal lady. It is an insult to them not to show up unless there is a very good reason. And creating expectations is not a good reason.
And please don't tell me the quene approves. I remember when all the fuss was about Andrew - the handsome war hero who could do nothing wrong - Julia was there too. The queen handed him everything - a tasteless house - now razed, the opportunity to serve in the military as he wished and look how it all turned out - where are those people who thought he was so wonderful now? That's why, while I respect those who only want happy news, I wonder if they will be around when William and Kate are unpopular royals of fifty - they are on the road to that.
So in Julia's opinion, if Kate has no extemely good reason not to come, and a school event George won't even remember is not one - these soldiers have children too - then it should go to a royal lady who will embrace it with enthusiasm - Camilla, Sophie, where are you. But I truthfully hope this is wrong and the palace either comes up with a much better reason than the press has speculated - or, better yet, that Kate and William think twice about this - and she does show.
Julia will go now - she has houseguests who will be wanting breakfast - or maybe she should tell them she's not going to prepare it because it might create expectations!
Thank you so much Julia for starting the post with a worning. I might not fully agree with what you are saying (although I do with some parts but not as heavily as you do) but I really appriciate the respect you are showing by giving people a chance to scroll by it! Kudos to you.
DeleteOn the issue at hand. I agree that "they don't want to create an expectation" isn't a good enough reason. Although I understand it, I don't think it's good enough. IF that's the case they need to do a release explaining since this is Williams squadron he will in the future be the person resposible for the shamrocks and has been and will be accompanied and or represented by Catherine on this occation in the future. And also announce in the same breath something she will do with her own military connection. I think that is the only way it can be satisfactory explained at this point.
This is the best post you ever made, Julia, and I thank you because now I don't have to say it.
DeleteJulie,thank you for your voice. I appreciate your reasoned perspective...wisdom of the ages. I can only hope this all turns to the light. Best
DeleteI never thought about it in this way and I appreciate your opinion. This is a very interesting point.
DeleteHahaha, oh Julia thank you for your comment! You're absolutely right - if the real reason is to not create the expectation then that's absolutely ridiculous and says a lot about William and Kate and how they view tradition.
DeleteIt must be something else - I truly cannot believe it's that. But there really is no other good reason for her not to attend. Even something related to her kids. And you're right about popular vs unpopular royals too. The tides can change so quickly and it doesn't matter how pretty or fashionable you are.
I sincerely hope to see Kate on St Patrick's Day, or at least a good reason. Otherwise my opinion of her will drop significantly. It's also not good for their press relations generally! Things have been so strained lately.
Julia, I am with you on this one. Honestly I never see a sparkle of true interest from Kate in any engagement she takes on other than sporting events. There are truly only so many times one can just say, well, we just don't understand these things because we are not in their position, before second and third looks begin and people start asking questions about fitness of duty and expectations not being met, not only not being met but by the royals own words, don't expect these things from us. It is rather disgusting. This is my opinion, which I have every right to have, born of frustration from going through the heady excitement of the first few years of Kate's life as HRH, to.....this. Just is not inspiring, I'm sorry to say.
DeleteI hope you feel better after getting that off your chest - sincerely. May I gently point out that your very natural disappointment at Kate not attending is being heightened even further by one comment made by one reporter that so far has no confirmation or basis in fact. Richard Palmer is speculating - his job as a reporter is to drum up public interest (positive or negative) and he is doing an admirable job with these provocative comments. However unless he has a direct line to Kesington Palace (unlikely) or a bug planted in Anmer (even more so) it would be fair for us all to seperate our disappointment from the facts as we know them and not upset ourselves unduly until we KNOW for certain that W&K are deliberately being lazy, irresponsible, withholding etc etc. Have a wonderful weekend with your guests!
DeleteHear, hear! (See my comments above) Couldn't agree more. If her actions are disappointing people who are rooting for her, what must the general public think?
DeleteBeth in SF
Wow Julia, that was a rant:-)) it is totally unexpected from you. So many interesting tidbits in your context.
DeleteWell said, the troops deserve a royal lady present to give out the Shamrock. I agree Camilla or Sophie (who know their duty) should take over if Kate can't be bothered. As you say it is Kate's honour andnprivilege to do this not a chore. I'd be thrilled to do it!! Well said Julia.
DeleteUm. Julia, dare I say you nailed it. There are larger considerations, and one day a year to be counted on is truly not asking too much. As the queen mother famously said, "work is the rent you pay for the life you lead." Ariagurl.
DeleteKate's hair looks a bit shorter here than previous engagement, though in some photos it looks longer than in others! A different look for her hair than previous day. Her hair looks thick and glossy too, a good short of her cut from the back included.
ReplyDeleteThe new outfit is refreshingly different, though I didn't realise at first that there were also 'tabs' at the hips (these are hidden in first photo here): feel this is 'overkill' and spoils the design a little. I feel she needs a necklace, it's a bit stark.
I had a wool suit/dress just like this in black and white in the early 60s - it was miserably uncomfortable - like a straight jacket on the top!
ReplyDeleteI think it's fine for Kate to miss the Irish Guards ceremony; she has attended a number of times....perhaps at the moment she & William don't want to be tied into some of these 'ceremonial' roles that need to be undertaken every single year, they want a different kind of focus to their work. They may also want to be more 'spontaneous' and 'unpredictable' about their work at present, the Queen is 'trapped' in a timetable of undertaking certain specific duties year upon year.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting: from the video, (a guess) but it looks as if Kate is perhaps holding her bag right in front of her because she is not fond of the 'tabs' at her hips and want to hide them with her arms! Great tailoring on the back of the coat, fits Kate very well at the back.
ReplyDeleteI will create a separate comment and have refrained from reading other comments because I think we should focus more on the positive and not turn this blog into the Daily Mail.
ReplyDeleteLet me say that this engagement exceeded my expectation. When it was first said that William and Kate would meet youth mentors, I thought it was a simple round table visit. I did not know it was a whole presentation with stories to share. It must have been wonderful to hear them first hand. I also wanted to commend William and Kate today for conveying an image that was accessible to the youth. Looking at the videos, there was just something about their demeanor that bridged the gap. I hope they continue to immerse themselves in these delicate issues.
I heard before that they were going to tackle cyberbullying. I hope that happens. It is extremely common and we could all use more understanding in the subject.
Not a fan if this shape and style. It's similar to the navy dot suit she wears. It just doesn't fit her properly. It's designed for someone with a shorter back and more rounded hips. She looks good but I don't love it. Just not a good style for me.
ReplyDeleteAs for St Patricks Day... How about we wait and see rather than take one journalists 'guess' and carry on as if it's fact.
oh I love the dress about st Patrick I think the duchess have reason for these maybe they have something do it with prince George and the nursery I think a lot of magazines are focusing to mental health and did not focus on her on her outfit as well
ReplyDeleteWe know Becca is still onboard. She was sitting behind Kate today.
ReplyDeleteI love the outfit - gingham is very big this spring and I like seeing her in a bright trendy pattern instead of something that the Queen would wear.
ReplyDeleteJulia, I haven't been agreeing with you very much lately, no offense, but I do about this. I was surprised that I was so astonished, and not just a little indignant, when I read that Kate was foregoing her honor of gifting shamrocks to The Irish Guard. If I felt that way, what did the men and women in The Irish Guard feel?
ReplyDeleteAnd how can she ever smooth over her absence this year? The Monarchy needs as much of a kind bond with Ireland as they can get. I don't know what her excuse could possibly be. Those soldiers obviously loved having the beautiful princess honoring them with her royal presence. I wonder if we will ever know why she reneged. I am very perplexed and saddened by her decision.
She looks gorgeous I love her shiny hair and style
ReplyDeleteThanks Charlotte!
Sorry but what are you reacting to? I have not heard anything from Catherine about her reasons.
ReplyDeletePalmer did say that it was "suggested" to him that she didn't want to create expectations, so I guess it depends on who made the "suggestion" to determine whether it might be fact or snarky DM fiction. Has all the trappings of the latter to me.
ReplyDeleteRejoice! The Duchess looked amazing today! Finally, an age-appropriate outfit! Her hair looked so beautiful yesterday and today, but today's separates were just beautiful! I'm so happy to see Kate in such a youthful, fresh color and cut. I might have styled it with nude colored pumps and clutch (and, yes, I too am tired of seeing the same black shoes and clutch), but no matter -- she looked so pretty! My biggest pet peeve of hers is that she cannot seem to walk with her hands at her side. It drives me to distraction! I am really surprised no one has pointed this out to her; I'm quite sure my mother would be all over that "bad habit". In my opinion, it makes her look insecure, as if she's hiding behind her clutch. No matter, though -- she and William were perfection today! Bravo, Duchess!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry, but I just do not like this dress. The check is so busy, and the fabric creases in odd places. My husband once told me, when I wore a bold print, to go study Mrs. kennedy's attire, which was always in solid colors. This dress has something of a Jackie style that could be very nice on Kate, but the material is not at all similar to anything Jackie wore. I do really like Kate's hair now, and I love those beautiful pink earrings.
ReplyDeleteI am also sorry to write this rather negative comment just after Julia's rant. I really don't know what to think about St. Patrick's Day, except that William is actually the royal colonel and maybe would like to honor the Irish Guards himself this year. Perhaps that has to do with the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.
I don´t like the dress at all. So many things... just a no-go (for me).
ReplyDeleteNever mind, I like the the haircut more and more and she´s obviously happy and her husband is happy - that´s all that matters in my humble opinion.
Expectations are just that - expectations. Sometimes they are met or fulfilled, sometimes not. That´s life. Get over it. If one´s expectation to see the Duchess at any given event presents a major issue if it´s not fulfilled, well then....
I guess we all know how "nice" it is to have problems... otherwise we wouldn´t "create" them when there is none...
Hi, Julia, these was my thougts too, but my english isn't that fluent, I could put them in this excellent way. Thank you! And I have a question: If George has a schoolparty or a similar event, why couldn't William be with him, he is his father after all?
ReplyDeletegood god, how can such a lovely looking young lady can wear such a horrific clothes !!!!! incredibly ugly to my eyes, colour, pattern, design ... those big black buttons .... can't believe it , sorry if don't agree with most of you, dear readers and writers, this is not elegance !!!! I have terrible souvenirs of clothes around the '50 , beeing a young girl then and already not liking the fashion at that time ... well, the Duchess choose it, nothing more to say ! regarding St Patrick ... I had a good laugh and a good thinking at Julia's saying, great writing Julia ! beeing French I might not well understand what English people expect from their RF , but they sure do hope traditions will keep on for quite a lot of events , and repeat the ceremony in the same way year after year ; it seemed Catherine had been lent the shamrock brooch meaning that she was now in charge of the honour of giving the shamrock every year ..... I do not agree with the "family concerns" excuse, the Cambridges raise their children in a warm and loving way, which is a great improvement (I also remember the Queen meeting poor little Charles after having been away quite a long time ....it seemed she was on the point to shake hand with him ...), but seeing what they are, they must realise things cannot be completely like in any family where parents will rush at any school event or birthday parties of their children's friends .... a lot of parents work full time 5 days a week and still manage to make their children happy and strong-minded, of this Catherine is certainly aware, having chosen to focus on children's mental health .... the Cambridges have a job, like it or not, which makes their living , and they have duties .... just imagine telling your boss - well, I would not like you to have wrong expectations about me, so I won't be showing at the office to day !
ReplyDeleteRandom musing but could she be pregnant again? She suffers babdly from morning sickness in the first trimester, maybe that's why she's not doing the St Patrick's Day engagement?
ReplyDeleteThe Eponine outfit looks like Kate is wearing a jacket back to front. It's very retro 60s. Overall I don't like it, especially the A line skirt. The coyr us good Kate always looks good in red and should wear it more often.
ReplyDeleteAs to St Patrick's day that's just a shame, why spoil a tradition of a royal lady presenting the Shamrock? I'm disappointed too. In fact this year William and Kate have been a huge disappointment with how little they have done. Quite unbelievable.
My first thought regarding Kate's St. Patrick's Day cancellation, is that there is an event at her son's school that she doesn't want to miss. I can see many of you are thinking the same thing. I know from experience that when your child starts school, and all the way through, there is an unspoken pressure to "keep up with the other mom's". There are always those mom''s that seem to be doing more, and showing up more, than you are. Also, your child notices it big time if you are the only mom not there at an event.
ReplyDeleteWilliam is the first Royal Colonel of the regiment and so his presence is more important. The constant belittling of their character is becoming quite rediculous. These character assertions should only be made if one has met and spent some time with the individuals involved. Tradition is good,but tradition is also there to be broken and sometimes it is for the.better. All in all no treason has been committed, no valid reason has been given, so move on in a respectful manner without demeaning characters.
ReplyDeleteWe should have known something was up with her appearance on St Patrick's Day when she repeated the green Erdem and the green Christmas coat in recent engagements. It was almost as if she was saying, "I won't need these for St. Patrick's Day so I'll get a couple of rewears in now. "
ReplyDeleteI've often wondered if Kate has a set number of days she agreed to make appearances. Such that in her world - the EACH engagement, a patronage, replaces the St Patrick's Day appearance. And her Cadet patronage ticks off her "military" box. I agree with Julia, that they are missing the mark on tradition and continuity and are making mistakes in this regard.
ReplyDeleteAny word yet from KP as to why Kate will not be gifting shamrocks this year?
ReplyDeleteJulia, that was thorough and nicely thought out. It notates all the particulars inherent in the seemingly very rude decision by Kate to not fulfill the sweet honor she was given. I have to admit I am still actually angry because of the fact that she is going to be a no show for this. Of course I don't know her so technically shouldn't be feeling like this but I have been praying, even intermittently as it was, for years for Harry and William after their mother passed. I especially prayed for a good wife for both of them. I was so happy that William "found" Kate and still am. If I were her mother, I would definitely be trying to pursuade her to seriously reconsider. This is very important in my opinion. Let's hope we don't find photos of her off shopping during the ceremony, like we did that one or two times when she didn't go to her friends weddings but instead chose to go shopping. Do they not have advisors or public relations people who can actually help them? Sadly, they don't seem to be connecting the dots very wisely recently.
ReplyDeleteSome good news,
ReplyDeleteAccording to Richard Kay, 3/10/16, guess who stayed with The Queen at her house during Christmas, 2015.
For four days, he said, Carole, Michael, Pippa and James were house guests at her personal house/palace on the Sandringham estate. I think most people had assumed that they were staying at Amner Hall with William and Kate. Richard Kay says otherwise.
I found this, if it is true, to be amazing and most welcomed news. Can you imagine how honored (and vindicated) Carole, Michael, Pippa and James must have felt. "Door to manual" teasers, take that.
Yay for Kate! I love her outfit, her hair, earrings, her EVERYTHING!!! She looks smashing and is doing a wonderful job as the DoC. It shouldn't matter what the reason is why she is not attending the Saint Patrick's Day event, I do hope it's to simply spend time with her babies, she's a mother first and foremost. If the Queen was not ok with her not attending she would have insisted. We have no idea what happens behind closed doors, and we truly have no idea what type of pressure Kate and Will are under. Let's just be happy and thankful that this intelligent, strong woman is part of the "family" :)
ReplyDelete