Photographer Paul Ratcliffe kindly shared photos of a 'thank you' card he received from the Palace in response to a letter he sent congratulating William and Kate on their fifth anniversary. Mr Ratcliffe has been photographing members of the Royal family for many years, and you can see his work on his website, Royal Family Photography.
The card Mr Ratcliffe received read:
“The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were so touched that you took the trouble to write as you did on the occasion of their 5th Wedding Anniversary. It really was most thoughtful of you and Their Royal Highnesses send you their warmest thanks and best wishes.”
It's great to get a good look at the joint portrait of the Cambridges. We already saw the solo portrait of Kate taken from the shoot, as it was used at the International Children's Palliative Care Network's conference with a message of support she sent. Below we see an enlarged version of the photo.
The photographs were taken by Chris Jelf earlier this year. Readers will recall Wiltshire born Mr Jelf took the Cambridges' family Christmas card photo on an autumnal day at Kensington Palace last year. I expect the new official portraits were also taken outside KP - providing a beautiful backdrop.
We've been hoping to see a new set of official portraits of the couple for some time now. Since 2011, photos from a set taken by Chris Jackson in the grounds of Clarence House - ahead of William and Kate's first joint royal tour in Canada that same year - have generally been used for official purposes and correspondence. The Duchess wore her navy Amanda Wakeley suit.
The Duchess looked stylish in a crisp white jacket and skirt for the new portraits.
Kate's ivory jacket comes from Alberta Ferretti's diffusion line, Philosophy (with many thanks to Melissa J, who shared the ID on What Kate Wore's Facebook Page).
 |
| Lyst |
The $695 cotton blend jacket features a rounded collar, embroidered detailing along the front and rear, a concealed snap button fastening, two pouch pockets to the front, three-quarter length sleeves, and a slim fit.
 |
| Lyst |
As far as we know, this is the first time the Duchess has worn a piece from Italian brand Alberta Ferretti. A firm favourite of celebrities and royals alike, everyone from Princess Madeleine of Sweden to Princess Eugenie and Chelsy Davy have sported their designs. The label is known for its romantic, whimsical, elegant collections covering a wide spectrum from print dresses to bridal looks.
 |
| Alberta Ferretti |
The diffusion line Philosophy is a more affordable collection targeted at younger customers. There's an abundance of options for Kate in the collection which would complement her style, especially for daytime engagements. Below, the Pleated Chiffon Dress, the Chiffon and Poplin Sheath Dress and the Mixed Pattern Jacquard Dress.
 |
| Barneys |
It is very much thought Kate's skirt could be her Whistles Lina Dobby Skirt, first worn in Los Angeles in 2011.
Perth Fashion suggests it could also be a previously unseen piece such as the white cotton pleated skirt by Joseph. Both options are likely possibilities, but it's difficult to be certain without a full-length photo.
 |
| Joseph |
As demonstrated at yesterday's garden party, white, beige and cream looks very much suit Kate's skin tone and hair colour. The Alberta Ferretti jacket and pleated skirt were an excellent choice for the portrait, and hopefully we'll see the pieces again for future engagements.
What do you think of the portraits?
What earrings is she wearing? Any thoughts? The citrine drops by kiki maybe?
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking the morganite light pink drops by Kiki, but it's hard to tell!
DeleteThey look like green amethyst to me.
Deletei like the portrat very much they are very cute together however william looks like he is leaning away from her. could just be the angle.totaly unrealted is a normal fasion in england to wear swede shoes all year round? in the US we do not wear swede from easter to labor day. l think is just to hot in the summer months. kates top is really cute it goes really well with the skirt which is also another repeate and it would be a wise bet that she has on her tan shoes the girl needs to get some style and color on those feet
ReplyDeleteThe nude color makes your legs appear longer. Somethibg that most of us would like. I bever wear red or white shoes as they draw too much attention to my feet and away from my small waist. Just my story.
DeleteIn New Zealand white shoes (not white sandals) are known as Minnie Mouse shoes. The view is that they make your feet look very big.
DeleteWhat are swede shoes? :D Do you mean suede?
DeleteIf yes, I can only speak for my experience here in Germany, but I love to wear my nude suede ballerina flats or navy suede wedges during the summertime. They just match everything and I think suede looks so pretty! This doesn't have to to anything with the season, though. In fall, winter and spring (yes, such a long cold period :/) I adore my black suede boots and booties. I just think they look more elegant and chic, you know? :)
So you really don't wear suede shoes in summer? I am really curious - do you live in the south? I have a friend in South Carolina, I think I will ask her about this :)
i myself like to draw attention to my feet i'm a shoe person probely own 40 pairs of shoes and only two pair of nude or tan i like color and her being in the public eye and all the cute cloths she wears you would think she would want her shoes to look cute and colorfull as well.
DeleteI know there used to be alot of fashion-rules. The new fashion nowdays is "no rules needed". Wear white or suede or lace or whatever whenever you like to. :)
DeleteDo you mean suede shoes? I live in the U.S. and I wear suede in the summer if it's the right color and style. Many people in the U.S. wear suede are year long and it's pretty silly to say the whole country doesn't do it. Not wearing suede between Easter and Labor Day is an old fashioned rule just like not wearing white after Labor Day. Fashion should be fun and it doesn't have to adhere to strict and arbitrary rules. I mean who even made up the rules to begin with?? Also, I agree with the poster above, a nude heel elongates the leg which is a trick that has been around for a while.
DeleteYes, rules are flexible now bu, in my eyes, suade leather has a heavier more cool weather look. Anon 18:21, I'm interested in what region of the U.S. you live because here in the Northeast, it is rarely seen during the sunmer months unless it is a casual, flat.
DeleteFaith - I'm the Anon at 18:21 I also live in the Northeast and I see many, many people people wearing suede shoes in the summer. Sandals, heels, dressy sandals, whatever. Like I said, suede just isn't for the fall/winter anymore.
DeleteSonja - I live in the U.S. and I can assure you people do wear suede in the summer. There use to be a time when people didn't but those rules are old and out dated. I have plenty of summery heels and sandals and dress sandals that are suede.
DeleteMaybe someone should let all Americans know that you can not wear suede shoes from Easter to labor day? never heard that one!! now white pants on the other hand......
DeleteYou are right about suede sandals Anon 18:21. I left them out but, honestly, I can't remember the last time I saw suede pumps during the summer months. I guess no one I know wears them.
DeleteFaith @19:45, *exactly* my experience...and I'm no country bumpkin. :)
DeleteI am wearing suede shoes at the moment, and I wore a different pair earlier today! It is almost June.
DeleteWeighing in: Northeasterner in a major urban city and I would never wear suede in the summer. Nor do I know anyone who would. :-)
DeleteGood to hear royalfan and anon 05:01 :) For a moment I thought, perhaps, I needed to make an appointment with an optician.
DeleteDefinitely good to hear, Faith. I was beginning to wonder. ;)
DeleteI live in the burbs of a major city in the northeast and no suede shoes in the summer here either- though I really love my black suede ballet flats!
DeleteAlison
Faith, you are right. Suede is typically associated with winter and cooler seasons.
DeleteI like 18:21 attitude about fashion. "I mean who even made up the rules to begin with??" 18:21
It can be liberating and at times revolutionary to think this way sometimes, depending on what.
When a person makes their own rules, s/he can be creative and original. Just try not to break the rules at school or working for someone else; that is another territory. Should one be living for the rules of the fashion world? There are many times it is not a good idea to break the rules except be flexible at times. There are also rational reasons to follow the norm most times. In general, once the rules have become popular in society, a person can feel out of place, or degraded as ignorant for not fitting in with the norm.
I agree with northeaster, here in upper Midwest you do not see suede shoes in summer! Stash those away till late fall along with sweaters and coats! It's sandals or canvas flats all the way!
DeleteI live in the upper midwest, and I wear three pairs of suede summer shoes! Two pairs
Deleteare grey and taupe mary janes, one pair is dress loafers in a pale color with a slight metallic sheen. I love them.
Love it. Now I want one! =D
ReplyDelete*I want a photo, I mean. lol
ReplyDeleteVery nice portraits! Thanks for the background info! :D
ReplyDeleteI don't care much for the portrait. The composition feels awkward & it is not one of the Duchess' best looks. She always looks lovely, but I think another color might have photographed better.
ReplyDeleteLovely :)
ReplyDeleteNice top and skirt, good and relaxed chemistry of husband and wife. The picture quality is foggy/blurry unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteNice! I like the more relaxed vibe of these latest portraits. The Alberta Ferretti jacket looks like a very versatile piece that can be dressed up or down.
ReplyDeleteThey both look wonderful but as for the portrait itself....I like it but have ONE issue. There's too much space between them IMO. Just seems a bit off because of that to me. I suppose it's supposed to look "professional" vs a little more "intimate"...? Other than that, for me, they both look great! I like her bangs this length too. :)
ReplyDeleteLove all the posts lately. Thanks Charlotte. Liked the outfits recently but didn't love them. I don't think the Yorks were looking their best..
ReplyDeleteLove the new calendar Charlotte. Would it be possible to maybe add another or to modify to show all the past events as well!just a thought since you are typing them in anyway maybe save them so we can all look back on them.
Just a thought. Thanks!
Erininnyc
It only looks odd in the second cropped shot of the photo. I do not think it is the best photo of the couple but mainly cause I do not like Kate's hair:)
ReplyDeleteThe first photograph here shows W&K's photo at a slant and, unless I am mistaken, the close up Charlotte included is of this same photo (at a slant). I think this may be the issue with the "leaning" some people mentioned. Otherwise, William has his arm around Kate's waist so they can't be standing too far apart. :)
ReplyDeleteOh my, tough crowd!! There might be a few centimeters of space between them but I think it is a lovely look and fabulous picture. She looks professional, elegant, and feminine and he of course, looks great in his blue suit.
ReplyDeletelol too true!:)
Deleteevery nice portraits the alberta feretti jacket looks nice
ReplyDeleteBeautiful portraits thanks for posting Charlotte!
ReplyDeleteI think it's a beautiful portrait. Compared to the one from 2011, the 5-year difference shows in a very natural way. They both look more mature, a tiny bit more tired, more experienced... just what one would expect, turning from bright and fresh newlyweds to a steady loving couple and parents of 2.
ReplyDeleteI like the three gowns. They are beautiful. I think the day dresses are sweet and different. Kate would look very nice in those. Good choices Charlotte. :)
ReplyDeleteI like the little Jacket and skirt she wore in the photo. The photo quality is not quite up to professional quality though. It looks like I took the photo, on the run, in a hurry, on a busy day, with my phone's camera. Glad to have any photo of them though.
I really like the skirt. That said, the picture is a bit odd - blurry, poor quality, there is a gap between the two of them and the Duchess' smile looks strained.
ReplyDeleteHaha, the picture is not an official release. It's a photo of a photo. So ofc it's not the greatest quality :P
DeleteDid you know that couples tend to stand on the sane side that they sleep?! So Kate would sleep in the left! I am thinking of most of their official portraits and I think she tends to stand to Willian's left.
ReplyDeleteThe photograph is not in focus, which seems odd to me. They both look beautiful, and I love her outfit, but I wish it was a clearer picture. Maybe my eyesight is going!
ReplyDeleteI love the solo picture of Kate. She looks lovely.
DeleteWho is the guy in that last photo with Kate at the Queen's garden party?
ReplyDeleteI had wondered about that too?
DeleteI was wondering this as well. Does anyone know? Thank you.
DeleteThere are other photos in which he appears to be introducing members of the public to the royal family. He must be an official of some sort.
Delete?
DeleteI think he's one of the staff. At these garden parties they get a list of people that should be picked out and talk to the royals so they get positioned when the lanes are made. They put the choosen people in spots along the lane and then the staff member follows the royal and tell them who the guest is, what they do and why they're there :P
DeleteThanks Rebecca.
DeleteThank you Rebecca-Sweden. That makes sense, I appreciate your input as always.
DeleteI think the "space" issue people see is from Kate standing hips straight to the camera and Will's hips are angled towards her. Thus creating a gap. Their hips are touching... you can't get much closer than that with clothes on... this is also a professional photographer for "business use" not a family photo for the mantle or Christmas cards.
ReplyDeleteHaha, true. "Can't get much closter than that with clothes on" Hillarious :P
DeleteAnd I agree. This is an official "buissness" picture and not a family photo.
I think you are right about the angle of how they are standing. I just wish the focus was sharper, but they are a gorgeous couple.
DeleteVery much agree on the "business" aspect of the photo.
DeleteBeautiful portraits. It's fun to have a more recent official picture. Interestingly, I don't really care for the cream color in this portrait. I much preferred the dark navy she wore in the previous official photo you posted. Still, they look lovely.
ReplyDeleteI have no issue with the cream color, it's just that I prefer the navy and the longer hair. Both are beautiful.
DeleteThank you for the post Charlotte. Just thought I would mention we are critiquing a photograph of à photograph printed on a thank you note. The thank you note is lying at a angle which will distort a little, especially when it is straightened and cropped. The actual portrait may not have the 'blurry' look. That may well be the choice for the notes. Also if the photograph of the thank you and envelope was taken with a phone the quality won't be wonderful.
ReplyDeleteLooking at the two official portraits the Duke and Duchess have both grown into their roles. Catherine has alwaya looked lovely but in the latest she looks a queenly woman, poised and confident,and far more sure of her place in time and space. William,in my opinion, has always been aware of his destiny and responsibilities. It is how to deliver that has and is concerning him. And having said that I am very aware of the very divirsive views on this subject.
And on the fashion, what a pretty skirt and how well it suits Catherine and her willowy body shape but not for curvaceous types like the York girls.
as a French woman, I can just admire the way things are said by some of you ! "curvaceous types like the York girls" made my day ! how elegantly a not very nice thing to be said was put ! I learn a lot from this blog, really , and enjoy having news from the Royals at the same time !
DeleteI hope William is ot going to take after his father , always a hand in the pocket, this looks quite rude to me, seems to mean he is not quite interested , physical language can be very indiscreet !
Thank you for the post Charlotte! We are being quite spoiled on the hrhduchesskate spot this week!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Charlotte. I have been busy reading the posts and the comments and have been kept so busy with both I haven't taken the time to comment. We have been truly blessed with a large variety of Duchess Kate.
ReplyDeleteThe thank you photos really show what a big difference 5 years make. I love all of her outfits. I sometimes wonder how many of the critics here would like to spend a week in Kate's shoe and would their opinions remain the same after that experience.
Once more thanks Charlotte for all your hard work. It is really appreciated.
Thank you for your post, Charlotte! Do you know which earrings she is wearing? Maybe the Kiki Green Amethyst drops on her gold hoops?
ReplyDelete-Brooks in South Carolina
Hello,
DeleteFrom what I can see, it looks like either the Kiki Green Amethyst or Morganite. Hopefully we'll see a high-res version soon :)
I love the color of the blazer,, very cream and stylish,, they do make a gorgeous couple! Thank You Charlotte!XOXO
ReplyDeleteI think this a really good photo of them. It's formal but I feel like their love and partnership comes through. In my imagination, they did Catherine's photo and then said, 'William, jump in' and this was the natural outcome. The hand in the pocket, the not super stiff posing, and (I feel like) some laughter in their smiles created a great photo.
ReplyDeleteBack with some of my famed dreaded scattered comments:
ReplyDeleteI love the new photograph - it has a warmth, informality, and relaxed feel to it. I don't think body language means a lot -generally many photos are taken and people move slightly - but for unusual body language, the first photo of William and Kate formally together following the St. Andrews graduation, has some very unusual posing - Kate pulling into William, but tossing her head to one side away from him.
I love the Vogue photographs and am thrilled to see Lupo included. A nice surprise. The article going with it is quite interesting - I imagine Charlotte may be reviewing it. It does shed some light on the style of this new photo too - although I long for formal ones.
The letters are nice but I do feel a public seen visit to a hospice is about due - so supporting to the families - as someone who has lost loved ones to cancer, I know how much it means - and good for the public to see too. Although there have been some serious engagements, particularly the suicide prevention one, several of the relatively few engagements this year at home have been "fun" - tennis, and now sailing. I hoping the new mental health project will bring some serious engagements - but that can't be the only area.
Delighted to see Kate and William at the Chelsea Flower Show and delighted to be going myself - don't count this as a work engagement - although Mr Leo may count it as a "please the wife" one. I thought the bit about the diary conflict odd - twice Kate was either pregnant or had just given birth to Charlotte but in 2012, there appeared to be no conflict and in 2014 - no engagements in May at all. But glad they have attended and am hoping for the Braemar games next.
As for clothes, the green coat was just bounced as my least favourite outfit of Kate's - something about the belt, the zip, and the shade of green - I like Kate in green but not that hue - the Erdam green with blue undertones seemed better - but it is now replaced by the little red riding hood of the Windsor Horse Show. But the Chelsea show never gets the best clothes from royals - so a good place to reuse it - hopefully for a final time.
I loved her use of the Christening suit for the garden party though - she looked splendid. I was glad to see Beatrice and Eugenie there but don't care for their styles - nice little dresses would be so much better than full skirts.
they should not wear full skirts. And then ankle straps make the look even worse. They could look so nice if they only knew how.
DeleteSince there isn't much going in in the Kate front for awhile I thought I would share a fun fact I learned last night:
ReplyDeleteDid you know the trophy they give to conference champions in hockey (NHL) was called the Prince of Wales Trophy? It was named after Edward Viii who, ironically ended up ditching his throne to an American lol. I can't believe i didn't know what the trophy was called until now!
Also, Charlotte do you think Kate will attend the polo game tomorrow? I think it would be a great time to show off the kids!
That is interesting Sarah! At first I thought, no it's not, it is named for Lord Stanley. But when I re-read your post I realized you were talking about the Eastern Conference trophy, not the ultimate trophy :)
DeleteAlso do you guys think they will make an appearance at the patrons lunch?
ReplyDeleteI definitely think so :)
DeleteI read that Charles and Camilla will not be there but at another official luncheon. I was sure earlier that they would all be out in full force for the patrons lunch, but now I'm less sure. Maybe they will spread the royals thinner to cover more events?
DeleteHello everyone,
ReplyDeleteWilliam and Harry are playing polo over the weekend. I think there's a solid chance we'll see Kate with the children :)
I think it would be a very good opportunity to do so! The public hasn't seen Charlotte out and about since her christianing
DeleteThat would be amazing! I'll be checking back here over the weekend :)
DeleteAlison
Kate usually shows up at the polo match played during the weekend of the Trooping of the Color. I doubt we will see her this weekend.
DeleteDoes anyone know if we've seen Charlotte less than we did George at the same age? I know the Australian/New Zealand tour provided more opportunities to see George. I am NOT complaining. Just curious. :) I'm sure they're aware that George needs to be in the public eye more because of his future role and maybe they feel they can hide Charlotte away - which I don't blame them for at all. Anyone know?
DeleteCourtnee.. I think for two years in a row we saw George at the Audi polo cup and he nor Kate nor Charlotte were there today
DeleteAgain a missed PR opportunity especially since they need some good PR especially since they are getting trashed for taking that helicopter to Norfolk
I would hope she would take the kids to see daddy play. But you hardy ever see her at the mstches. Maybe one out of the whole season.
DeleteLast time Kate attended Audi polo challenge was in 2012 when she handed out prizes. The polo event she attended with George is in June, when other members of the family attend as well. That event is probably more kid friendly than this weekends event.
DeleteHad the children been there with Kate, she (and William) would be accused of **using them for PR**. And if people are going to "trash" the couple for taking a helicopter, well, then I hope they have a lot of time on their hands because it's part of royal life.
DeleteLooks like the "solid chance" wasn't so solid.
DeleteWe had unrealistic expectations because most of us would not have realised that at the end of the 2015 Audi pulled sponsorshop from all but the top end private matches run as major fund raisers for charities. Certainly not the type of events for skinny jeans Breton striped top and sitting with the children on the grass watching daddy play. These are events for the big end of town and A-listers judging by the amount of money being raised. There was also no need for a media scrum to raise the money. Richard Palmer was complaining that in a democracy he should be able to vouch for the veracity of this private fund raiser and not depend on pictures released. However in a democracy one could argue that major sponsors and contributors at private fund raisers also have the right to decide what media presence is allowed whether or not Royal Princes are competitors. Perhaps Richard was wishing to be part of the scene. I don't see the need for Catherine to be present. The Princes presence is sufficent to raise the funds for their charities, just as I do not see the need for William to be present when Catherine hosts the charity dinner.
DeleteAccording to KP twitter, there will be a charity concert by Cold Play on the grounds
ReplyDeleteof KP on June 28. Can't imagine W&C not attending. Add to calendar?
I could imagine them not attending very easily. William didn't even go to the BAFTA event that was held at KP and he is the president of the organization!
DeleteI hops we did see princess charlotte on trooping colour next week with prince george at the balcony there some article i read about these one
ReplyDeleteI don't hate the outfit in the photo but I'm not a fan of all white or all cream, I like an accent color of some kind. I do like that they both seem very comfortable and relaxed. These are the types of photos I like - they feel more personal even when they're official photos.
ReplyDeleteNo problem with the helicopter. The US tax payer spends a lot of money to fly our President, Vice President and various cabinet members around and our politicians can't hold a candle to the Queen, William, and Kate currently. They are the UK's best asset right now. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't think this is a fair comparison. The President generally has a jam-packed schedule...I don't think the same can be said for Catherine and William. At best, taking a helicopter saved them a few hours. Did they really have somewhere vital to be?
Deleteflorida girl,
DeleteWith all due respect to your choice, each system is obviously a different system, and varied forms of service. I think the grueling preparation and all around perpetually engaged performances of US Presidents and vice presidents go through to secure their positions is, worlds apart from at least William and Kate's duties in practice. To state the obvious, US Presidents and VPs compete for campaigning money, have the reasonably proper preparation to lead their country, constantly deal with the other three systems to balance power and sign laws which affect people, fulfill promises to the people who elect them, and be commander in chief of the army whose decision can affect the world. The Queen who continues to reign through a span of almost seven decades is a living history. Even with limited power and hardly giving any interviews, her contributing status in the same position is unique. Still, not comparable to the kinds of services the POTUS and VP give during and after their terms. They do their jobs by the virtue of struggle, drive and education, and like it, or not, the skill to raise money, or to have it in abundance. The monarchy does it by the virtue of accepting what they are born with, and not all are destined to be the best fitted for the position.
I have never seen Princess Anne criticized for using a helicopter. As has been pointed out above, flying is generally safer than driving, and certainly speedier.
DeleteWe hope candidates for president are reasonably prepared. They usually have been in the past. And then there is the present. Democracy is being tested everywhere, it seems.
The main point not to be forgotten, is regardless of party politics, US elected high officials are in their position because, for the most part, they are representatives of the people who elect them. Helicopter or whatever comes with the position is already "deserving" in place.
DeleteAt the beginning of President Obama's first term, there was a plan to replace his helicopter, Marine One. His comment, "It seems like a perfectly fine helicopter to me, but then I've never had a helicopter before." For security reasons, the president and vice president travel in coveys of copters; just as it is somewhat hard to distinguish the president's car when his motorcade passes by in a flock, multiple helicopters increase safety. The royal helicopter is a lone bird by comparison, though there must be airspace restrictions when it is flying.
Delete14:39,
DeleteThis is a very interesting observation you shared. It seems the likelihood of many other people at risk is with the POTUS and the VP, than the BRF lone helicopter. Even if no fly zone is trespassed, the risk is exclusively to fewer people for the lone helicopter. The same is true with the motorcade where the BRF is obviously identified in a car, traveling by train and so on ( focused target is easier. PC and Prss Anne have been attacked in the past driven in a car as well as QV riding in a horse cart. I don't know of any attempted attack on QE. Regardless, all best wishes for safety to all human beings.
Blanks were fired at the Queen, riding back to the palace from Trooping the Color. Fortunately she is a skilled rider and could control her frightened horse. Prince Philip and Prince Charles rode up beside her as human shields, and the gunman was apprehended. It was a frightening moment.
Delete12:22,
DeleteIt is so nice you shared this information. Your post is a good alert to know more about the story, which I googled. Both the Queen and the attacker were lucky. He shot point blank at the Queen because he could not get access to pistols. She could have easily died. At least he was not one of those potential assassins with a hatred plot. I wonder what sound volume a blank shooting makes. Even if she had nerves of steel to continue riding the horse, the poor animal could have been agitated, and the higher livelihood his fear thrown her off balance. The attacker’s story is between silly, crazy, cartoonish, and the frustration of his failed effort to stay in the Marines, or be accepted to the police. He wanted to be famous too. That was 1981, BRF at the height of its own famed popularity with Charles and Diana as a couple.
The difference is that princess Anne used the helicopter for an away day with multiple engagements and returned to London. She did not use the helicopter to fly to her country home
DeleteSo. . .if Kate and William were staying at Kensington Palace and flew to a couple of out of town engagements, then flew back to London, that would be OK? But if they fly from Notfolk to London for two days of appearances, then fly back to Norfolk, that is frowned upon? I fail to see the difference.
DeleteWhat Anne did or did not do on any given day does not mean that she has never flown in the helicopter to or from her country home.
DeleteDidn't the BRF buy the helicopter recently? Or, an official and exclusive private helicopter for BRF was bought by the "system's" purse. System? well, don't know the source of payment to be exact.
DeleteIt all probably is dependent on ownership and purpose. If people expect W&K to do enough engagements and at times commuting to distant places, have William continue with his job, have the family raise a future king and a spare,a certain compromise should be reasonable from the public. Helicopter saves time obviously, and in some cases "safer" and more private in some ways. For a travel on road, or rail which takes more than three hours, the helicopter is definitely practical. My vote.
Wow Kate is really pretty. I wonder if she is even more beautiful in real life, or not.
ReplyDeleteMy personal rule is to dress according to the weather rather than the season, so white is in & suede is out for most of the year. I also would not wear suede at a garden party because I'd be worried about stains.
ReplyDeleteFabulous maquillage in the new portraits. Thank you for all your wonderful work Charlotte.
ReplyDelete