The Duke and Duchess have been having a tremendous time thus far. Following a hectic few days they enjoyed a relaxing evening at Kaziranga, however, there was surprise in store. Last night a 6.9 magitude earthquake hit Myanmar. Palace officials said William and Kate felt the quake: "Tremors felt across the region. Everyone is OK." A large crowd was waiting at the airport hoping to meet the royals, capture photos and give gifts.
The Duchess was in a familiar piece for the flight: the Tory Burch Chrissy Dress she first wore for the 2014 Place2Be conference. As the couple attended the engagement privately, photos were extremely limited. There's a few of Kate leaving at Just Jared. The £345 dress is from the Resort 2014 Collection. The multicolour garment features a detachable buckle fastening waist belt, button fastenings at the front, and falls to just above the knee.
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| Tory Burch |
Kate's dress is sold out but an updated version of the Chrissy dress in Hudson Blue Linosa is available on the Tory Burch website.
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| Tory Burch |
William and Kate travelled with the royal press pack for what proved to be a very exciting flight. Royal reporter Victoria Murphy said: "Captain tells us not to 'be alarmed' by sharp turns into Bhutan past rocky terrain as it is 'normal approach', eeek."
There were strong winds during the flight and it's a very tight approach. Only a small number of pilots are certified for the mountainous drop in. Below, a photo from the flight shared by Emily Andrews. I expect keen photographer Kate snapped a few shots too!
The red carpet awaited the royals at Paro Airport.
Multi-coloured rice was used to create beautiful designs on the red carpet.
And Royal Visit Bhutan began as Their Royal Highnesses step off the plan.
William and Kate will have seen stunning views as they stepped off the plane. The couple are clearly eager to take in as many sights as possible - they were in the cockpit for the landing. The King and Queen arrange it with the airline.
The Cambridges received a warm welcome from the King of Bhutan's eldest sister, Princess Chimi, and her husband, Prince Dasho. It was a lovely touch for the Prince and Princess to greet William and Kate at the airport. Princess Chimi has studied in America, completing a bachelor's degree with double majors in international relations and economics from Wellesley College in Massachusetts, and a master's degree in public administration from Columbia University in New York City. The Princess is committed to supporting children and services as vice president of the Bhutan Youth Development Fund. William and Kate received gifts from local children.
The couple immediately got a sense of the scenic beauty of the Himalayan kingdom as they took a scenic drive to the capital city of Thimphu.
The sights along the drive.
William and Kate stopped to say hello to children who had lined up along the road.
Such a lovely welcome! The Duke and Duchess stop to say hello to children who lined the road to Thimpu. pic.twitter.com/GOqQY6FXtq— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 14, 2016
The couple arrive at their hotel, the Taj Tashi.
The Taj Tashi opened in 2008 and is the first five-star hotel in Bhutan. It's a beautiful building located an hour from Paro airport. It boasts fifty-three bedrooms and nine suites with sweeping mountain views.
Initially, I didn't recognise Kate's coatdress. I knew it was familiar, recognised the colour and silhouette but it still took me a few moments to realise Kate was wearing her £1,200 bespoke Emilia Wickstead soft-yellow gold coatdress from the 2012 Order of the Thistle service. At the time Ms Wickstead revealed the garment made of yellow gold raffia fabric took six weeks to complete.
It was very much unexpected to see Kate in the coatdress again. I imagine it was chosen due to its colour and a nod to the yellow in Bhutan's flag. The dress has been altered since Kate first wore it almost four years ago - particularly at the waist with the addition of a belt.
A closer look at the belt.
Kate wore her L.K. Bennett Fern pumps.
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| L.K. Bennett |
And carried her L.K. Bennett Natalie clutch.
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| L.K. Bennett |
The Duchess wore a new pair of gold earrings. We'll update when they are identified.
You can watch an arrival video here.
Next, William and Kate will travel to the beautiful Thimphu Dzong where they will take part in a Chipdrel - a traditional welcoming procession. Inside the Dzong, they will have a private audience with the King and Queen of Bhutan.
I like the look :) It's a bit muted. But it's serene, kind of. And sunny! Nice to see her repeat something from 2012. I like how Kate repeats stuff that you've kind of forgotten about now. Also, I have to say, her loose hair really fits here. Because while the Bhutanese royals sometimes have their hair up, as far as I know, having their hair loose isthe usual way they go about it.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I am very fond of yellow gold so I'm really happy to see her in more yellow gold earrings this tour :)
I've been so looking forward to this part of the tour :D
Also, Bhutan surely knows how to welcome guests! That rice art is stunning. And kids lining the streets!
And finally I got my longed for "departing plane" photos :) Yay!!
As soon as I saw the pictures of them exiting the plane I thought of you. I knew your be excited. Lovely photos.
DeleteRebecca, your post made me smile!
DeleteThat welcome is fantastic. I can't even imagine what it was like in person. They are so fortunate to have this opportunity. What a lovely country and rich culture.
DeleteWonderful coverage again! Thank you! I am so excited for this segment of their trip.
ReplyDeleteI just loved the photo where they both step off the plane! I think the dress looks better now after the modifications. And Kate's hair looks phenomenal 😊
ReplyDeleteI agree that the dress looks better with the belt :) (Are there any more modifications?)
DeleteAlso, the styling is better. I think her black shoes and bag with the beige hat was a little odd last time. The beige accesories this time work better :)
It seems that the skirt is less full and flared this time. I think the pleats have been sewn down where they meet the waist band and perhaps some fabric removed from the skirt giving it a less voluminous shape
DeleteI think you are correct, anon 10:54. I believe she was pregnant with George at the time.Might explain styling.
DeleteI was thinking that maybe the belt has always been a part of the coat dress and she chose not to wear it in 2012. I think it would be hard to match the fabric so closely 4 years after the fact.
DeleteI agree that it definitely looks better with the belt. I doesn't look like she altered the skirt to me so the Anons definitely have a better eye then I do if that is true.
Well as always, she looks so elegant, actually they both look like the prince and princess they are. It is very chilly there, especially coming from India. Can't wait for more updates. It is after midnight in California, so I'll be signing off until later.
ReplyDelete47° in Bhutan. After India's upper 90's, quite a change, and perhaps a relief :)
DeleteHaha, I was very confused until I remembered you were fromm the US. Haha, in Celcius those numbers get a whole differnt meaning!
DeleteOh I bet you were confused Rebecca! That's funny!
DeleteI love the duchess look like sunshine I love and love a;; the kids line up
ReplyDeleteIt is a great choice and seems much better this time around, if you ask me.
ReplyDeleteWonderful Charlotte you are so fast 😉 I woke up and i have just read your article. Good thing in the morning to catch news about Royals.
ReplyDeleteI would like to go to Bhoutan but there is a à rocky terrain for landing ? Ohhhhhhh 😱
I like her dresscoat and the colour 👍🏻
The weather in Thimphur Bhutan is totally different from where they have been in India. Bhutan has true Spring weather in the mid to upper 60's. The weather for 10 days shows rain every day except tomorrow Friday the day of their hike. The coat dress perfect for the weather.
ReplyDeleteDidn't recognize this outfit at first---what a difference the belt makes.
ReplyDeleteSpot on again.
Lovely that they stopped to speak to the children
I love that there's a live stream! Great coverage!
ReplyDeleteThe outfit definitely looks better with the belt and seems to fit better somehow, maybe the belt makes it more streamlined. Also lovely to learn that it is a tribute to the flag, I was wondering what the connection was as her first outfit in a country is usually a direct diplomatic nod. I'm also so glad we are getting airport arrival shots here, and in Assam. And finally the nude shoes actually seem to match and not just be bland.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely LOVE the addition of the belt! Wow it is such an improvement. Lovely earrings, lovely shoes and her hair looks gorgeous! Another winner!
ReplyDeleteAlso SO excited to see them in this beautiful place, with such wonderful traditions.
ReplyDeleteEven I felt the earthquake. That coatdress looks lovely this time
ReplyDeleteWhere do you live, Anon?
Deletenice look on Catherine- a bit curious why she feels "compelled" to wear full skirts when disembarking off planes- although she avoided yet another "Marilyn moment" possibly with the weight of the coat dress's fabric- and perhaps some hem weights.
ReplyDeletelooks like kate is wearing https://www.net-a-porter.com/de/de/product/655447?cm_mmc=LinkshareUK-_-Hy3bqNL2jtQ-_-Custom-_-LinkBuilder&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-PTDdAbMNt_4eyD5_8uakhw for the procession
ReplyDeleteCU Amy
Actually, I think William's tie color also ties into the color of the Bhutan flag, along with Kate's dress.
ReplyDeleteSaw the third outfit: white and black top, lilac long skirt and white shoes on the live report. Total miss for me.
ReplyDeleteI think Kate looks wonderful here. The coat color and style is very flattering on her. Thank goodness it wasn't windy though! ;)
ReplyDeleteWow! Absolutely awesome with the traditions. I had no idea. Very exciting. Bhutan should be so proud. Beautiful country.
ReplyDeleteI like this outfit so much more this time around. It must be the addition of the belt, just gorgeous. The whole look is beautiful together with with the gold earrings, her hair, and I don't mind the nude pumps at all, it all blends in just fine . What an exciting experience, flying in to Bhutan! I think it is wonderful for both of them to experience this type of trip. It is something that they will never forget as long as they live.
ReplyDeleteRoyal Watcher
I didn't like the design for the first time either, though the material kind of shiny and the colour is really nice and suit her. Lovely earrings, for a minute I thought, she recycled those cheap ones from the other day.
ReplyDeleteThis whole look a bit surprised me because not in a million years, I would have thought, she picks a full skirt at the airport again. It looked windy out there. I think she plays with fire. This time she was lucky.
That was my first thought, too. Oh, dear Kate, please don't wear full skirts in windy places. Please. Don't. We love you too much.
DeleteThat was my first thought, too. Oh, dear Kate, please don't wear full skirts in windy places. Please. Don't. We love you too much.
Deletevery excited for this part of tour in bhutan... the addition of belt makes the coat look more stylish... but personally i don't like kate's hairstyle. well overall its a good look... specially i love these earings.
ReplyDeletefaiza
Lovely look on Kate. It appears that the skirt of the coat dress has been pressed so as not to appear so full. I think I like it better this way. It is still a very full piece and therefore a brave choice for a possible windy airport arrival.
ReplyDeleteI'm not liking the cape and skirt look. They look like being put together without thought especially with the nude shoes, nothing tie them together. Now, the Queen's outfit looks great!
ReplyDeleteI am amazed by how quickly you get your latest report up on this blog. Thank you so much
ReplyDeleteIf anyone is doing a search for the earrings, I've already checked Azuni, Mirabelle and Felt London. I haven't seen anything like them just yet.
ReplyDeletePerhaps she purchased them in India.....
DeleteThey do have an Indian look about them.
DeleteWhen I try to see the YouTube video it says this channel is private.
ReplyDeleteSo much better the second go round for the coat dress. She looks beautiful and I love her earrings. The tan shoe works okay but I think it would be lovely with a shade of purple to add a pop of color.
ReplyDeleteA windy flight with a difficult landing watched from the cockpit and she still steps off the plane in a new dress and re-curled hair. Wow.
ReplyDeleteI want to know the system for getting all of that done during a flight. Do they create a dressing room?? Does she change in the bathroom? How does a hairdresser navigate the rows of seats?
I was wondering too! Plus, it may get a little tough: imagine you are really sick after a scary turn, and in a minute you just have to get off the plane and smile and greet people... I know they are used to it, it's just a part of their life, but still.
Deletei wondered about the changing room situation, too. the article said they traveled with the press pack. so they weren't in a first class section where they could draw a curtain for her to change. or did they mean the royals were on the same plane, not the same section?
Deleteand even if they were in a separate section, did they kick out the men from the section so they could draw a curtain for her changing area?
I'd expect the chartered flight is divided, with the press being in the back third and the royal party, including Will, Kate and their entourage, taking up the front half or first class seats.
DeleteIn the past, when the queen has flown on chartered British Airways flights, they've removed seats in the first-class compartment to make room for the royal party and their needs. I suspect the same practice is followed with this tour and other tours.
There's a private space for Will and Kate and then an area for her to change and primp, then room for the rest of their party and the carry-on luggage, etc.
With the rows of seats removed, it would give them a lot more room than we think of when we think of flying, even in first class.
The King arranged for them to experience the landing from the cockpit. Love it!
ReplyDeleteLovely photos and coverage of William and Kate arriving in Bhutan. It was great to see a repeat on Kate and I like it better this time around with the added belt. What I love the most was they were in the cockpit for the landing. How cool is that? I'm sure they saw unforgettable sights!
ReplyDeleteWow, I greatly prefer the dress this time around, with the addition of the belt and the pleats. The colour also looks amazing on her. Her accessories are much better this time around, love her earrings, and her hair was gorgeous! Win-win all around this time Kate!!
ReplyDeleteI think so too Lily. I did not like it at all the first time around but found it lovely today. I think the neutral color shoes and purse gives it a lighter feel. I never liked the hat
Deleteso maybe its absence today helped as well.
I thought the video with the princess chatting away to them was wonderful. At first when they stepped off the plane I thought Kate looked a bit overwhelmed. But the prince and princess were so friendly and Kate seemed to relax and be in her element again. If I had been in the cockpit they would have had to carry me off the plane!
ReplyDeleteWillam looked a little nauseous.lol
DeleteWilliam is an accomplished pilot. He must have understood what was happening!
DeleteI am sure he did. That is probably why the king arranged for them to be in the cockpit for the approach and landing.
DeleteIMO, the Emilia Wickstead coat was improved by the addition of the belt and pressing the pleats. The color in homage to Bhutan is appreciated. But, the outfit is too everyday ordinary for the occasion. It cries out for substantial pumping up with interesting accesories.
ReplyDeletelol, now whenever William and Kate are photographed disembarking from a plane I will no doubt think of Rebecca, somewhere, jumping up and down with joy. :)
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteWhat is the meaning or purpose of the white cloths that were handed to W&K by the princess and her husband, and then handed back?
ReplyDeleteOfficial function you give a shawl to important person as a symbol of respect and friendship. I am sure they only were handed back to have the free hands but were kept as a gift.
DeleteThe other scarves they were given were worn, so I was not sure if these were the same sort of gift. I hope Kate has a railing at home where she can display all the beautiful scarves they have received!
DeleteI love the pale yellow dress on her she looks beautiful
ReplyDeleteI saw this right before I went to sleep last night and immediately knew the dress. I'd seen it a few weeks ago in a post about the hat from the original wearing. Every time I see an Emilia Wickstead on Kate I think, "But it could have been so much better!" I have to admit that it looks better here than the first time, but I still don't care for it. Love the hair and earrings though! And with the disappointing re-wear, I decided not to stay up and went to bed hoping for more interesting coverage when I got up...and there was!
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte. It was fun doing a bit of twitter time with you as TRH were arriving in Bhutan. Love, Love, Love the shots from the cockpit. I'm not sure how I would have been had I been there, but I would love to try it!
ReplyDeleteFrom all the tweets last night I found the live feed from Paro Airport! I couldn't understand a word they were saying but the broadcasters seemed very excited. Then the plane came out from the fog with quite the scary turn and landed safely. Whew!
I was excited that the Princess and Prince were there to greet Will and Kate. I didn't remember the dress Kate was wearing. I love the style on her but am not a fan of the color. Still, she looked gorgeous. One has to wonder how during a 55 minute flight, she had time to change, fix her hair and make up and walk off the plane looking so chic.
Off to read the next post!
The rice artwork on the red carpet is so colorful. I know if I were there I would walk around it and not on it. lol
ReplyDeleteTick offs after day 1 to 4 and leaving India on day 5:)
ReplyDelete1 Catherine Walker / x McQueen / 1 Beulah / 1 Saloni or Erdem
xxx?x x?x?x ? nod to India / 1 to Bhutan / (x) to Diana / 1 to the Queen
xxxxx fashionable / xx classic / x simple / xxx (chic) casual
xx about knee-length / xx long / xxxx midi/maxi / xx floor-length / +
xxxxx xxx?x new / ?x repeat / (xx) bespoke / (xxxxx xxxx) off the peg+
xxxxx xxxx love/like it / xx interesting / 1 growing on me / 1 divisive
?xxxx xxx dress / ?x (suit) / x gown / x pair of trousers
xxx high heels / xx flats / xx sandals / 1 boots / +++ / ?
xxx up do / xxx half-up / xxxxx x down / 1 ponytail
xxxxx xx jewelry repeat / 1 borrowed / xx whow/new / (x) simple / ?
bonus:
x very good blend with colours of floor, surroundings, offered shawls - 1,4,7,9,10
x literally local designer - 2
x beautiful blend of feminine and (ethnic) chic casual - 2,(6),8,9,10
x beautiful wedges - 2,8,10
x very affordable earrings - 2,6,10
x parallels between pre-tour reception and dress - 2,7,10
x Jenny Packham - 3 / Emilia Wickstead - 4 / Temperley - 5,7
x excellent craftsmanship/standard - 3,7
x (multiple) symbolism/allusions - 2,4,6,7?,8,9
x new designer/label - 6,8,9
xx no watch - 1,2,(3),4,5,(6),7,8,9,10,11
(slowly but steadily increasing quality of the up dos - 3,7,10?)
x very honorable mention - The Duke of C - 2,3,5,6,7,8,9,10,11
:)
I was happy to see this repeat - I might be the only person that liked it the first time. Given the change in temperature it makes sense to do a clothing change. And yes, I believe the color was a nod to the host.
ReplyDeleteWhat kindness from the King to arrange the cockpit viewpoint after all Will is a pilot as well and a tricky approach would be a pleasure for him.
I too was happy there wasn't a flight of skirt. :-)
The yellow of Kate's dress and the color of William's tie are the colors of the Bhtuan flag.
DeleteJust don't care for the color of the Wickstead coat. I did not like years ago, and today still did not change my opinion. I don't think it would be flattering on any skin tone.
ReplyDeleteI recognized Catherine's coatdress immediately and was very glad to see her wearing this piece, not only because it was a beautiful choice for the day, but also because many people were critical of it the first time she wore it, despite the fact that she looks gorgeous in it!
ReplyDeleteI only vaguely remember either of these repeats. I don't think this yellow is a flattering color on her. I liked the yellow of the coat from the garden party & the tour in Australia.
ReplyDeleteHello everyone! I have a rather silly question...
ReplyDeleteWhere does Kate change on the plane? I would imagine that the lavatories are too small (even in 1st class) and I'm curious as to how she pulls off completely changing outfits and refreshing before landing. Any thoughts on how she masters this?
Wasn't keen on this dress first time round but what a difference a belt makes!! Those earrings are absolutely gorgeous and mine are already on pre order from Brora!
ReplyDelete& Tick offs after day 1-4 and departure India/arrival Bhutan on day 5:)
ReplyDelete1 Catherine Walker / x McQueen / 1 Beulah / 1 Saloni or Erdem
xxx?x x?x?x ? nod to India / x to Bhutan / (x) to Diana / 1 to the Queen
xxxxx fashionable / xxx classic / x simple / xxx (chic) casual
xxx about knee-length / xx long / xxxx midi/maxi / xx floor-length / +
xxxxx xxx?x new / ?x(x) repeat / (xxx) bespoke / (xxxxx xxxx) off the peg+
xxxxx xxxx love/like it / xxx interesting / 1 growing on me / 1 divisive
?xxxx xxxx dress / ?x (suit) / x gown / x pair of trousers
xxxx high heels / xx flats / xx sandals / 1 boots / +++ / ?
xxx up do / xxx half-up / xxxxx xx down / 1 ponytail
xxxxx xx jewelry repeat / 1 borrowed / xxxx whow/new / (x) simple / ?
bonus:
x very good blend with colours of floor, surroundings, offered shawls - 1,4,7,9,10,12
x literally local designer - 2
x beautiful blend of feminine and (ethnic) chic casual - 2,(6),8,9,10
x beautiful wedges - 2,8,10
x very affordable earrings - 2,6,10
x parallels between pre-tour reception and dress - 2,7,10
x Jenny Packham - 3 / Emilia Wickstead – 4,12 / Temperley - 5,7
x excellent craftsmanship/standard - 3,7
x (multiple) symbolism/allusions - 2,4,6,7?,8,9, 12
x new designer/label - 6,8,9
xx no watch - 1,2,(3),4,5,(6),7,8,9,10,11,?
(slowly but steadily increasing quality of the up dos - 3,7,10)
x very honorable mention - The Duke of C - 2,3,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12
:)