Can you believe it's June already? This year seems to be well and truly flying past. It's a fantastic time of the year, with the summer season getting firmly underway. It's also one of the best months for royal watchers with a host of annual events taking place - and this year it's all the more special owing to the final leg of Her Majesty's 90th celebrations. On the engagement front, we have a couple of glamorous galas to look forward to as well as a trip to France. So grab a cup of tea and let's take a closer look at Kate's June calendar...
9 June - It kicks off in style next Thursday with SportsAid's 40th anniversary dinner at Kensington Palace. It's an important year for the organisation with anniversary celebrations, and the Olympic and Paralympic games in Rio, taking place later this year. Hosting the dinner at KP is the perfect touch: "Surrounded by parkland, Kensington Palace offers breath-taking and understated elegance within a striking atmosphere helping to create the perfect setting for an intimate and exclusive banquet." The event begins at 6.30 pm.
More from the press release:
'Kensington Palace is truly a spectacular venue set in the heart of London offering everything from elegance, intrigue and glamour. Rich in history and home to our Patron the Duchess of Cambridge and family, this palace really is setting not to forget. Following a multi-million pound renovation, Kensington Palace is now a wonderful mix of contemporary and traditional which really sets it apart from other venues allowing our guests to feel the essence of an event within the grounds of British royalty.'
10 June - A weekend of celebrations for the Queen's 90th birthday begin with a Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul's Cathedral. Coincidentally, the day also marks Prince Philip's 95th birthday, but the Telegraph reports he has specified he doesn't want any celebrations on that date. The congregation will be made up of invited guests only. The service will be televised by the BBC at 11 am.
11 June - Saturday, 11 June is the date for this year's Trooping the Colour - the official annual celebration of the Queen's birthday. It's always a treat to see so many members of the Royal family assembled together. Last year Prince George made an appearance on the balcony, but will we see him and Princess Charlotte at this year's event? Rumours has it, there's a very good chance. :) Televised coverage begins on the BBC at 10 am.
12 June - On Sunday, 12 June, The Mall in St James’s Park will be transformed for its largest ever street party to celebrate the Queen’s patronage of over 600 charities and organisations. The Patron's Lunch promises to be "an iconic event recognising the un-relenting support and service our Monarch has given to the community over her 63 year reign".
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| The Patron's Lunch |
William and Harry are joint presidents of the event; Kate's participation is not confirmed, however, one would imagine she'll be present on the day along with numerous other family members.
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| The Patron's Lunch |
13 June - The annual Order of the Garter ceremonies take place at Windsor Castle. The Duchess has attended the event annually since marriage with the exceptions of 2013 and 2015 due to maternity leave. It is expected she'll be there this year.
18 & 19 June - The festival of polo at the Beaufort Polo Club takes place over this weekend. Kate has taken George to watch William play there for the past two years, so it's entirely likely we'll see the Duchess - most likely on Sunday, 19 June, which is Father's Day.
22 June - Kate enjoyed last weekend at Houghton Hall's international horse trials. The Duchess is set to return to the stately home of her neighbours the Marquess and Marchioness of Cholmondeley on Wednesday, 22 June for a sparkling £10,000 a head exclusive gala in support of her patronage East Anglia's Children's Hospices. It promises to be a glamorous night with the Duchess donning a gown and jewels for the fundraising event.
27 June - 10 July - An avid fan and a keen player the Duchess enjoys nothing more than an afternoon watching the likes of Roger Federer and Andy Murray showcase their skills on the courts at Wimbledon. This year's tournament is particularly special for Kate - it is expected she will take over the Queen's patronage during this summer's tournament. The Queen has never been a fan of the game, so it's the perfect patronage for her to hand down to her granddaughter-in-law who adores it.
30 June - The month will conclude with a two-day trip to France for William, Kate and Harry where they will attend events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. The royals will receive a historical briefing on the battlefields of the Somme from the top of the Thiepval monument. Afterwards, they will view the battlefield site and hear a description of the events that took place there during the First World War.
'The Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme is a war memorial to 72,195 missing British and South African servicemen, who died in the Battles of the Somme of the First World War between 1915 and 1918, with no known grave. It is near the village of Thiepval, Picardy in France.'
The following day 1 July, the royal trio have two engagements scheduled. The royals will open the new Thiepval Memorial to the Missing visitor centre. Their Royal Highnesses will tour the centre, viewing the Somme tapestry and meet visiting British and French school children. Then, they will join other royals to attend the National Commemorative Event to mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Memorial.
Other notable events include the Epsom Derby taking place today, 4 June. You may recall William and Kate attended back in 2011. HRH looked effortlessly chic in her Reiss Peacock Dress, Joseph Nessie tweed jacket, and her L.K. Bennett Sledges. Also, Ascot is scheduled for the 14-18 June, the Cambridges are yet to attend. Will they make their debut this year?
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Moving on to several 'fashion updates' on items worn by the Duchess. You all know red is my favourite colour on the Duchess, especially for evening events. It really complements her colouring and it's a fantastic statement colour...
...so you can imagine how pleased I was to see Kate's Roland Mouret Ella Gown has been released in a rich claret hue. The wool-crepe gown is beautifully tailored with paneling along the hips and gathered shoulders that emphasize the hourglass silhouette. We know the Duchess has a penchant for purchasing pieces she favours in several colours - and with two galas in the offing later this month it would be a show-stopping choice, would you agree?
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| Net-A-Porter |
Below we see Kate wearing the Ella Gown in off-white for a dinner at Claridge's in May 2012.
L.K. Bennett has re-released a much-loved favourite worn by the Duchess. The Agata Bow Sandals are now avalable in pink-marshmallow and navy suede for £250. Described as "a timeless event style, the Agata is a statement sandal to see you through many an occasion".
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| L.K. Bennett |
We last saw Kate wearing the pretty shoes in October 2014 when she teamed them with a powder blue Jenny Packham gown for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards.
The £140 Dune London Toulon knee high, block heel, suede boots Kate wore in Vogue have been restocked in all sizes.
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| Dune London |
Kate's Tory Burch Embroidered Tulle Gown is DISCOUNTED by 30% at Net-A-Porter.
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| Net-A-Porter |
Kate's popular Temperley Desdemona Lace Dress has become widely available at several retailers in recent weeks. The dress is available in Jade at Matches. It's sold at Net-A-Porter in black and white at Selfridges. It remains in stock in all sizes at Temperley London.
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Finally, we would like to congratulate Rachel Kerfonta, winner of our StyleRocks giveaway. We asked entrants how they would spend the prize if they won, and Rachel answered: "I'm expecting a baby boy in June and would love to get some pearls, because they will be his birth stone!" Rachel, if you could please email me at hrhcatherineblog@hotmail.com to organise your prize! With thanks to all who entered, it was such fun seeing your entries, and of course a special thank you to the lovely Pascale from StyleRocks for sponsoring the contest.
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| StyleRocks |
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! :)
Congrats to the winner!
ReplyDeleteI read somewhere that they are to attend Ascot for the first time too.
I wonder if we shall raise any expectations with these busy time ahead;-)
Thank you Charlotte for the Very Newsie Post!:) I bet you'll be kept on your toes, but Pleease do remember just how much we truly appreciate your Devotion & Hard Work!:) Coming here to get caught up on all the news gives a lift to my day!:)
ReplyDeleteditto, Becca.
DeleteBecca,
DeleteYou said exactly what I was thinking: coming here gives me a lift. I am always so excited when there is a new post. I am so excited to see Kate out and about this month. I hope she and William attend Ascot and that she wears a really fun hat!
Dear Charlotte, I truly enjoyed your update on Kate´s next engagements. Seems like a "good" selection - meaning us "Kate followers" will have plenty to see and talk about, with certainly a variety of fashion to see and enjoy as the nature of the engagements requires different styles!!
ReplyDeleteAs far as the "summer" is concerned, well, here in the South of Germany, it´s actually quite "horrible" so far. It´s so wet, I fear the water is going to drip from the walls anytime now. Then the sun comes out and you feel like your home has turned into a sauna.... And it doesn´t look like it´s going to improve any time soon. My heart and prayers go out to all those afflicted by floods, hail storms and lightning bolts.....
So your blog is a very welcome change, so THANK YOU for that!!!
Eve, I have friends who are experiencing it right now and my thoughts are with you. Stay safe.
DeleteAgree about the non-existent Summer and the awful amount of rain :(
Deletehmm its bust week for the duchess
ReplyDeleteWondeful! So excited for the month ahead.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I was meaning to ask during the tour - what are those scarves William and Kate were always given while in India? Are they just traditionally used to welcome people?
These scarfs are to welcome and honor a person - a sign of friendship too.
DeleteLike the leis in Hawaii.
DeleteThat red Roland Mouret gown is gorgeous, but not for a summer event. Looking forward to all the events. -Joan
ReplyDeleteThanks for a new post! You really broke down her events nicely for June. Let's hope she goes to the ones that aren't officially confirmed!
ReplyDeleteHopefully Charlotte and George come out on the balcony this year and that Kate doesn't hide behind everyone like she did last year!
I do love that red dress, it is simple gorgeous!
Hopefully we see Kate before the 9th!
Thanks again for the new post!
Kate did not hide, she was pushed back because Sophie's son was with the queen. So he was front and center. Go back and view the video and you will see how it went down. Not Kate's fault.
DeleteThey wanted the Queen and her three direct heirs front and center for the photographs. Katw really didn't need to be in the front.
DeleteCorrect. Kate did not hide, but I believe her place on the balcony had more to do with Charles and Camilla not moving more to their right than it did with Sophie's son being present. Me thinks Camilla, perhaps even more than Charles, wants to practice standing as close to the middle as possible. ;)
DeleteKate didn't need to be in front? She only gave birth to one of the heirs. Hmmm... Where are the feminists on this one?
DeleteHere's one royalfan :) And since the trooping celebrates the birthday of the Sovereign I don't think it matters where Kate or anybody else is on the balcony, except perhaps the direct heirs. Diana's spot varied over the years if you go back and look.
DeleteThe historic images are always going to be the monarch and the future monarchs, especially at an event like this. The past photos of the Queen with King George VI and even King George V are the significant ones, no one asks where Queen Mary was or Queen Elizabeth (Bowes-Lyon) just as no one wonders where Prince Philip is standing.
Last year almost all the UK front pages carried the image of Charles, William and George because it's history in the making. Years from now people will look at that and say "Oh look, a photo of King William with his late father, King Charles, and George, Prince of Wales when he was just a baby" and years past that "Oh look, there's King George with his late father King William and his late grandfather. And that woman next to them was Queen Elizabeth the Second, the longest serving and longest living monarch in British history!"
And any woman/feminist/person can be proud that a 90 year old WOMAN reached those historic milestones, and as Sovereign and Head of State she is rightfully standing front and center as her birthday is celebrated :)
I thought that whole business was the greatest piece of nonsense - especially the suggestion that the Queen should push James - who she was looking after - aside so Kate could be in front. And while I never take any joy in seeing Charles and Camilla up there - as it is always pointed out - he is the next heir. I thought Kate stood where she did so she could keep an eye on George - quite understandable - and she stood alone with William, Charles and Camilla, so there was ample chance for a good look at her.
DeleteAs for being a feminist - I certainly am one - and that's why I believe that Kate's role as a princess and future queen is far more about what she does with it than producing an heir - many women can have a baby - but not everyone can make something unique out of an exceptional and difficult role - to me, being a brood mare is a minor part of it. Our much loved present queen was not the primary heir at her birth - nor was her father or grandfather, Victoria was the result as a last minute scrambling by royal princes to produce any heir after Charlotte died, the first Elizabeth was the rejected daughter of a disgraced and murdered wife, and only took the throne after her half sister and brother - that brother being the longed-for heir who is today almost forgotten. So while I enjoy the birth of a royal baby as much as the next person - that is not the reason for my main interest in Kate.
It has nothing to do with feminism royalfan. The shot of the day was the Queen, PC, PW and PG. Last I checked Kate is not in direct line for the throne. Once they are all out on that balcony, space is tight.
DeleteLet's see-HM and her spouse Phillip, The POW and his spouse Camilla, Prince William and er James, the third son's son? If it was ALL about the succession,
DeleteJames's staying with his grandparents was not relevant, even as a rep of
his father. The succession message would have worked just as well with
Catherine beside her husband. Maybe better.
Just a thought if it was ALL about the succession,-why then wasn't Charles the heir standing next to the Queen, instead of William and his son George? Perhaps because it was George's first balcony appearance
and this fact was being promoted, more than the succession itself. George
wouldn't be there without Catherine and William is not hesitant to acknowledge her importance in George's life.
Just another note, when the current "young" royals were children, they were often in the front row with the Queen on the balcony, because their parents/grandparents wanted them to have the best view of the flyover, just as any of us would do. Going back and looking at the Diana years I noticed William, Harry, Zara, Peter, Beatrice, Eugenie et al were almost always front and center as children. But again, from a national celebration standpoint, it's all about the Queen. Just as it will be all about King Charles, King William and King George in the future if things go as planned.
DeleteI'm with Julia that the fuss instigated by one blog last year was nonsense, bordering on absurd frankly. If Kate hung back I think she made that decision deliberately herself, maybe she was still a little self conscious post-baby, or realized too late she had chosen an awful coat and hat ;)
Ladies, I am with 21:18 on this one. You're shocked, I realize. :)
DeleteThis occasion was not about photographing the Queen and her heirs standing shoulder to shoulder; it was about another generation being included in the celebrations and that has everything to do with Kate (and William of course!). :)
There are no set rules, as past photos suggest (I agree Claudia), but I am not aware of a photo of Diana or Camilla standing behind anyone other than a child. And a young (and short) one at that. :) In some of the photos, we only see Kate's hat above the Queen's and that was ridiculous. Harry was standing to her left and I recognize that, but he had James in front of him so he was not hidden the way Kate was.
BTW, I made the reference to feminism because it is often used to be critical of Kate, yet it would have been nice if it was used to defend her in this case.
For one moment, forget the titles and the impressive BP balcony they're standing on....consider yourself among your own in-laws in a situation where you are not being show the respect you feel you should be... If this was a Christmas photo with the extended FAMILY, I'd rather have hot cocoa with Santa. ;)
Last comment royalfan because I don't want to fuel what I think is a crazy topic ;) but I noted this last year, when William was introduced at Trooping, Charles held him (just as William repeated with George) and Diana was nowhere near them! She was on the other corner, past even Princess Michael for heaven's sake! And I know Diana was often behind the Queen Mum (an established adult!) but because she was so tall - and fabulous! - she still stood out.
DeleteThe only time I remember the balcony attendance being clearly orchestrated was Charles' decisions at the Diamond Jubilee (which I personally thought a bad move) when *only* Charles and his family took center stage with the Queen, so you could say Kate was given prime placement then over the Queen's own children or immediate family! Seems hard to argue that she was pushed aside another time. Just a little nuts in my most humble of opinions :) And anyone with a large family knows group photos are often a free for all!
(also photogs at other angles still managed nice photos of William, Kate and George that made some magazine covers, so couldn't have been such a PR disaster!)
I don't know, I was in the back in rather a lot of Mr Leo family snaps - (for one thing, I'm quite tall - as Kate is in her heels too) and it never bothered me greatly, although my position as wife of senior son might have justified me being more to the front. If it had been Kate's first time on the balcony - but it was George's and he and dad were centre of attention - I saw no problem.
DeleteAt least Kate was beside William and George. When William first appeared on the balcony, Diana was far away on the opposite side. I wish I could see a video that showed why.
DeleteLast year, I watched the Trooping balcony video several times and just never felt the DoC was being left out. I came away with believing that she chose to hang back. I have a mom theory about this actually. Putting myselff in her place, I would have hung back just in case my child did not handle the experience well and needed to be whisked off that balcony at a moment's notice. It would be a much more graceful exit than if she had to extricate herself with a crying stressed toddler from between her husband and the Queen. Just my thought on the dynamics of that monent.
DeleteAlso, I would like to add one other suggestion. Obviously, PW wanted to be photographed holding his son so that the four generations of the continuity of the monarchy could be shown. Perhaps, at the time, PG preferred mommy to daddy, and if Kate were right there, PG would have been fussing for her arms.
DeleteAgain, this is all speculation but entirely plausible instead of getting into lack of respect issues which may not exist at all.
Who said Kate "hung back?" That is an assumption to support the rather weak
Deletetheory that Catherine got to decide the positioning on the balcony.Awful coat and hat? Post natal figure. Really? She made several very public appearances
front and center, post-baby figure and all. And to hear some Kate critics, all her choices are awful. Why should she suddenly decide to hide on this huge day in her son's life?
I agree, royalfan. It was rediculous.
The discussion on the other blog-I'm assuming one would be aware of the course
of the entire thread only if one had read and followed it-and possibly added to it?
Claudia, I realize that over the years Diana stood with, and spoke to, different members of the family during the balcony appearance. And, with hindsight, we may understand the possible reasons for it. My point has more to do with overall visibility, and not exact placement. This was George's first appearance and it's a pity that Kate was at a disadvantage.
DeleteErika, I honestly do not believe that Kate suddenly became self-conscious and chose to hide or that standing two feet to her right would have boxed her in if George became fussy.
For those who believe this subject is nuts, let me throw this out one last peanut... If Camilla's children appeared on that balcony, you can bet your [fill in the blank] that she would have made room for them. Let's not forget the 2011 Christmas photo that featured Charles holding her granddaughter on the balcony on W&K's wedding day. This was not a shot chosen at random. It meant something to her. Men can be clueless when it comes to situations like this, but someone like Camilla is well aware of these nutty details.
Call me crazy if you like. One person's "crazy" is another's "naïve". NOT meant in an unkind way, truly, just referring to considering vs. not considering a different angle. :)
@ 18:00, yes, quite possibly. ;)
DeleteI think that if that didn't just happen by chance that Kate was in the background, (and that could be), the most plausible other reason might be that they wanted the four, Charles, William, George and the Queen front and center to indicate strength and perpetuity of the monarchy.
DeleteYes, Diana was off to the side.We all know how that marriage turned out.
DeleteAlso, once at least Diana was holding a very naughty, squirmy Harry. George
behaved like a little gentleman.
Since the rules of succession now give females equality with their male siblings,
I don't understand how shuffling wives off to the side is justified at this
point. And I'm surprised to hear avowed feminists approving such out-dated practices.
Again, if parading the succession was the primary goal, why was Charles the
heir not positioned next to HM?
Where else could she have stood though, royalfan? Quite obviously, the Queen, PW, PG and PC needed to be together for the historic image. In between PW and
Deletethe Queen? Can you imagine the press
that would have received? "Pushy Kate
Infiltrates Historically Significant
Photograph of Four Generatiions of the House of Windsor".
What in the world does feminism have to do with giving birth to one of the heirs, royalfan? In fact, saying she earned a right to be at the front via giving birth is the opposite of feminism! It implies the worth of a woman should be judged by whether she provides offspring.
DeleteOh also (here I go again needing an edit button :) ), I'm not sure how we can know that the event's meaning was based on introducing the newest heir, but not on getting the picture of the 4 monarchs/future monarchs if all goes to plan. You seem to just be asserting that, royalfan. The ability for the monarch and their 3 direct heirs to all appear on the balcony was a historic moment. Yes, George being introduced was historic, but not nearly as much. Heirs have been introduced on the balcony before. This was the first time ever a monarch + 3 direct heirs would appear. That part is much more historic, especially given the Queen's advanced age and the sad chance that there may not be many more opportunities for that to occur, whereas George probably has a lifetime of balcony appearances (that he can do with his mom front and center) ahead of him.
DeleteI don't think even Kate would agree with you, royalfan. Look at most of the pictures released of George or Charlotte. They are all historic pictures, yet Kate and William are not in many of them. According to your logic though, that is wrong, because introducing George and Charlotte to the world has everything to do with Kate and William, right?
But really, clearly the position of everyone was not discussed much, since there was some shuffling after everyone took a place on the balcony. It's ridiculous to expect the Queen, on HER birthday, to make sure certain others are in a good spot. It's ridiculous to expect anyone to do that actually (and is probably frowned upon because excessive shuffling could lead to confusion and the appearance of disorganization). Also Charles and Camilla both outrank her. You can have issues with both of them if you want, but them treating Diana poorly does not suddenly take away their status as Prince and Princess of Wales.
Maggie-if the purpose of the grouping was to provide an historic photo (which was done later on a stamp, by the way and previously at George's christening) why was William positioned next to the Queen, instead of Charles? And if was not about the succession, but about George, why not include Catherine next to her husband as the other spouses were?
DeleteThe stamps and 90th birthday photos were undoubtedly in the works at the
time-there was no need for what some must consider an impromptu photo op- Catherine supposedly backed out of the line-up due to shame over her figure and/or awful coat and hat.Not something likely scheduled in advance.
The tableau was obviouly about couples, not individual rank. When Catherine is
accompanied by William, she shares his rank. Protocol. Look it up.
She belonged next to her husband.
I'm with royalfan-if a Christmas card showing the balcony scene from W&C's wedding can include Charles front and center holding a child who has absolutely no role in the succession that we know of, why not the wife of one heir and mother of another heir? Ridiculous situation.
We'll see where Catherine is positioned
this year. Any bets?
But-glad to see you are up to a feisty discussion. You've been missed. Much too quiet with you ,bluehare, Elizabeth absent.
Yes, Erika, I believe that is exactly where Kate belonged...next to her husband. And, IMO, it would only be seen as "pushy" if this was intended to be the four-heir photo, and I do not believe it was (they achieved this with official photos). Besides, is anyone even aware of a moment when the Queen turned to acknowledge George? If she did, I missed it.
DeleteMaggie, you may refer to Camilla by any title you wish ... DoC or PoW. It does not change the circumstances behind her being where she is today. Camilla may outrank Kate in royal rank, but as far as character is concerned, Kate needs no royal title to return the favor!
3 heir! :))
DeleteWell, we all perceive things in different ways due to our varied experiences in life. The DoC has never been publicly slighted by the Queen to my knowledge and I really don't think she was here. She is standing with William. I don't think she needs to be standing right next to him to be with him. I do think the goal of this balcony appearance was for the multigeneration image and not solely to introduce PG. Also, even though photographs of the four generations was taken, why wouldn't they also want to perpetuate the image live in real time on the balcony in front of their subjects?
DeleteAnyway, I agree with Maggie that it was the Queen's birthday and not all about Kate. She is a part of the family not the center of it. Im sure she doesn't feel like she needs to prove who she is by where she is standing.
Sorry for the rant. As Claudia said it it was a volatile subject at the time. My ire was piqued when I read many comments about James Wessex having no right to stand where he was because it left Kate
out. Im just making a general observation. I realize no one in this thread did that.
I don't think the point was that Kate should be the center of attention, but that she should be accorded at least as much respect as James-she IS George's
Deletemother and William's wife.
My ire was provoked by those who thought Kate had no right to stand shoulder
to shoulder with her husband because in the past, some wives have been shunted
to the side.
The defenders of Kate's position on the balcony have said: it is the Queen's birthday; it is all about the succession; it's ok since sometimes wives have stood apart from their husbands; Kate was ashamed and hid herself; James was being babysat by the Queen so he of course took precedence over Kate;
or finally, it was about George's first balcony appearance. Sort of a birdshot
defence-spray enough around and maybe you'll hit something.
Talk about historic photos-Catherine's hat peeking out from behind the Queen.
I, too, can imagine what future generations will say:"WHAT were they thinking?"
What a great update of events! Thank you so much. I am very excited to see coverage of the events attended. Congratulations to the winner...and on the impending baby boy.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, what a treat! So much to look forward to in June! Thanks for such a a wonderful sneak peek. Also, can I say that I can't wait to see a recycle of the powder blue Jenny Packham. Sure hope it pops up again this year.
ReplyDeleteHave to agree Emily. That really was my favourite evening look ever. Hopefully she'll repeat soon
DeleteLove this blog. It's truly outstanding. I read it faithfully. Great job! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThe Duchess will be busy this summer!!! I hope we see Princess Charlotte at the trooping of the color this year, that would be wonderful! I very much look forward to the posts to come!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you everyone for the congrats!!! I am absolutely beyond thrilled to have won!!! What an incredible giveaway!!! Thank you Charlotte for organizing such a great blog and this giveaway and thank you to StyleRocks for their generosity!!! I am due June 7th (ahh!! soooooo soon!!!) and cannot wait to order some pearls in honor of my little boys birthstone and commemorate this exciting time!!! I emailed you Charlotte and thank you again!!!!!
Congratulations to the Winner!
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfectly joyful reason to award the gift.
Best wishes to your up coming days through June. If the baby makes up its own mind to show up in July, then let it be. You will figure out what gems to add to pearls.
Take good care...
Wow! All looks very exciting!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to all the upcoming events. That Ella gown, in red, is gorgeous. Thanks for all the updates Charlotte. We all love you.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Rachel winning the StyleRocks!
ReplyDeleteThe Ella gown is my favorite of Kate's evening gowns.
ReplyDeleteHopefully she will wear the red. That would be show stoppingly beautiful on her. I like the lace dress as long as the fit is proper. I am excited about what Kate and Rose will wear to the gala.
I hope Rose will bring out some of the Sassoon or Rothschild's bling on the 22nd. And maybe we will get a photo of her twin boys, Ollie and Alexander, (they must be about 7 years old by now) and her new baby girl, Iris.
DeleteDoes anyone know if there is a swimming pool or tennis court there at Houghton Hall? There are beautiful stables but I haven't seen a pool or tennis court.
Yes to a pool and tennis court. :)
DeleteIf not, they may visit Amner Hall more frequently to play in the pool and on the tennis courts with George. I haven't read of any pool or tennis courts at Sandringham House either.
DeleteI don't know about tennis courts at Sandringham House, but I do recall reading that when Diana was a child and her family lived at Park House (on the Sandringham Estate), the royal children would go there to swim because they didn't have a pool. (Park House is close to St Mary Magdalene Church and today it is a hotel.)
DeleteRF, yes as in there is a private pool and private tennis court at Houghton Hall?
DeleteI know there are public ones in the park but I was asking about ones available for David and his family to use by their "house".
20:17, Google maps shows the tennis court and pool very close to Houghton Hall so I am assuming they are private.
DeleteThanks RF
DeleteI wonder if there are tennis courts at the Queen's house, Sandringham?
DeleteW&K do have a tennis court at their country home. And they also have a poor. They were having the tennis courts redone.
DeleteI didn't mean Amner Hall. I meant the Queen's huge abode about two miles from Amner Hall.
DeleteCongratulations Rachel on the baby and the pearls.
ReplyDeleteThose bow shoes are so beautiful. Almost as beautiful as the ones Michelle Obama wore to diner at KP.
ReplyDeleteIt looks as if June is going to be a busy month for your blog, Charlotte. I don't know how you do it, but I'm a happy fan and anticipating your usual level of excellence. Thank you for all you do here.
ReplyDeleteLooks like we picked a good week to travel to London, we land at 7 am on the morning of the 11th!
ReplyDeleteAmy, perhaps we'll meet in London. I should be there from the 10th till the 13th and I can hardly wait! :-)
DeleteOh I hope you two do get a chance to meet, Zora and Amy, and have a "spot of tea" together, or some fish and chips. You will have to share your news of the visit please and some scenic photos if you will.
DeleteLucky, ladies! Enjoy your visits! :))
DeleteThank you, royalfan! Oh, absolutely, Anon 00:35. I'm going to tell you all about it when I get home. I got the journey as a birthday present from my family - on Saturday I was half HM's age so this is a great way to celebrate :-). I suppose there will be a lot of RF fans there, perhaps some more Kate fans from this blog too. I wish we could really meet!
DeleteRock and Sole Plaice on Endell in London has the best fish and chips, btw. They have been there since 1875 or something like that.
DeleteHappy Birthday Zora.
DeleteThank you, Anon 22:04, and thanks for the tip, Anon 20:43! :) I haven't started packing yet. But I've bought a pair of shoes for walking round London today! :)
DeleteThank you for the post Charlotte. I did indeed grab a cup of tea to read all about June.
ReplyDeleteI must say, on a hair note, I really like the shorter length on HRH. Looking back over older photos, the length that we were all used to now looks heavy and weighted. I love the shorter length (at the point it was in the Heads Together video).
On another note too, I recently saw a video if Prince Harry speaking to a morning show host in America. He was saying that the private and public space in his life is often blurred, and how people want to know all about the detail of his private life, which he believes is off limits and irrelevant to the cause he is promoting. Actually, he used the plural 'we' and 'our' and I believe it gave a great insight into how the three of them think. I can't find the video clip now. BTW, how awesome is Harry and seeing him take on more roles and forge a focused royal career is delightful.
Anyway, my 2 cents for what they are worth!
Cara, Australia
To be honest I think we the public are intrusive. The hallmark popular TV showsof our time are all reality shows such as Big Brother and I often think we, the public, regard the Royal Family in the same way. We justify this to ourselves by saying they are both privileged and public, but never acknowledge or realise how budget made shows to fill the endless 24 hour watching cycle and maximise profit for the big media companies have altered our psyche. It will provide an area of interest for social historians of the future. I wonder how they will judge us for the living vicariously phenomenon. I fear not well.
DeleteIt's part of being royal and it's not just part of our age. Jane Austen was discussing the private life of George IV, his estranged wife and his daughter, same with Victoria and the public. The press used to censor more - but I don't think we would want to go back to that - it was rather patronising to the common man. There was tremendous interest in the queen and Margaret as children - even before it was known the queen would inherit.
DeleteThe problem for royals is that it is very unclear where the public/private line should be drawn - we are to celebrate birthdays and births but turn our eyes from things they don't want us to see. We are to see them as part of our family - the queen as a mum figure - only not. The queen has handled it by most living in her palaces - why, some would say, that's why there are palaces. But as today's royals live in public - there will always be a blurring.
I just watched The Queen again, and the public reaction to Diana's death was strong - but when you realise a fairy tale was built up by the royals - the archbishop of Canterbury said as much at the wedding, and then it was destroyed in front of the public eyes - no wonder feelings pent up over five wretched years exploded.
I'm a royalist but don't have much sympathy for whinging royals among the young. They get a huge amount of privileges - many such as the opportunity to attend any school they wish - to serve in the military as they wish - aren't even always open to the wealthy, not to mention deference, for relatively little work that lies almost entirely in their discretion. No helicopter pilot has a home like William's, it's unclear Harry would have risen to the rank he did with his educational difficulties if he hadn't been royal. Yes, there are burdens but so there are for most of us. So I'm a royalist as long as duty is primary. But of this current generation, I believe too much is taken for granted and there would be less focus on private life if there was more of a public one to report. So take complaints elsewhere.
Thank you thank you dear Charlotte. I am so excited to see so many events scheduled. It will surely be a busy month. It is so sweet of Prince Phillip not wanting anything to detract from his wife, Queen Elizabeth's birthday celebrations not even to celebrate his 95th birthday. I am looking forward to all the fashion choices for all these events. I am sure some will love them, some will like them some will feel so so and others will not like them. Let's hope the one who complain about lack of engagements will be satisfied for a change. Have a wonderful weekend. Charlotte you are truly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the winner of the giveaway and I hope she has an easy delivery of her baby boy
ReplyDeleteThank you as always--I am holed up inside because of scorching weather outside so it is nice to think of all things English. Doesn't seem as if she went to Epsom although I guess the Queen brought Andrew along. Trying to cheer him up perhaps. I do hope that Kate goes to most of the events you have mentioned--it will be such fun to see her!!!
ReplyDeleteWow! So many engagements this month!
ReplyDeleteIt will be a busy one!
Thanks for all the information! :D
Thank Charlotte! Looking forward to seeing Kate in June!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if anyone could tell me what the scarves signify that Kate and Will were always given in India? Are they just traditionally used to welcome people? I must have missed that info when going through the tour posts.
They are like the leis given in Hawaii. A gift of welcome and aloha.
Deleteyeah indeed it was busy day for the duchess congrats to the winner maybe she will bring back the jenny packham for sure maybe a little treat to see prince George and princess charlotte one of event
ReplyDeleteWonder if Carole and Michael will be at any of the June festivities. Wimbledon, maybe? How long has it been since they have been at an event?
ReplyDeleteCarole and Michael haven't been in the news recently, nor has James or Pippa, at least not as much as they used to be. Maybe the media was told to leave them alone more. Will Pippa marry the guy she is living with do you think. Has she ever moved in with her boyfriend before?
DeleteSo looking forward to the next weekend!!YAY for summer and warm weather!Can't wait to see Kate's fashion choices for the engagements!!Thank You Charlotte!XOXO
ReplyDeleteI do so hope William and Kate start attending Ascot. I think they will have to at some point anyway. They should start now. England, the aristocracy, and the royals are all very horse loving it seems. They need to represent that by attending Ascot.
ReplyDeleteI hope the start attending Ascot, too. I don't know why they don't attend at least one day, but that is their business. I just want to see Kate in a fun hat and clothing like everyone seems to wear at Ascot. I also wonder if at some point they will have to begin attending?
DeleteI'm going from memory here, but some of the royal correspondents talked about this a year ago. Apparently they were told or surmised from aides or KP sources that William did not "approve" of Royal Ascot and the society/tradition/history of it. Approve may not be the right word, but basically he didn't like what Royal Ascot had stood for, or some of the customs. I can't remember all the specifics, just that the conversation was something to that effect. I don't know enough about Royal Ascot either but I can guess there were some antiquated society customs! Someone else may be able to fill in the blanks...?
DeleteHi Claudia. I believe William was quoted as saying he felt Ascot is elitist and, therefore, not something he wants to associate himself with.
DeletePolo is not exactly that far removed from the exclusivity of Ascot. Does he realize that?
DeleteThank you Erika! I think it also had something to do with people who were previously banned at Ascot, divorcees etc?
DeleteAnd I agree Anon, it seems like a strange distinction given his other lofty pursuits :) And I'll give William the benefit of the doubt, maybe it's not a true report, but as Erika said, I do think there was some link between the explanation and KP.
I'll try to find the source of that. I want to say that it was a statement that came from PW's PR when asked if the Cambridges would attend Ascot in the near future.
DeleteClaudia, our very dear Charlotte is the source:-) On her June 2, 2015 post in the comment section in response to a question of Moxie's, I think, Charlotte quoted two reporters she spoke with as saying that the Cambridges will not be attending the Royal Ascot anytime soon. According to her second contact, it is because the Cambridges view the event as an "outmoded part of our class system". So, not directly from KP but from press that Charlotte trusts who may have heard it from KP themselves. Interesting!
DeleteHello everyone,
DeleteIt's interesting regarding Ascot. Reporters have always been very certain in their opinion William and Kate have no plans to attend in the near future. There seems to be a feeling this would be a very good year to make an appearance with the Queen's 90th. We could be in for a surprise, but it's very hard to know.
A busy week coming up! Tomorrow's event begins at 6.30 pm, and Kate is now confirmed for The Patron's Lunch on Sunday. :)
Thanks for the update, Charlotte.
DeleteRegarding Ascot, perhaps W&K feel that the RF is more than adequately represented in the this type of setting. Although I admit to secretly wishing that they would attend and Kate pulled a Maxima (in the hat department!) :))
So Kate is most likely going to be given Wimbledon as a patronage this summer. Isn't there some other title that she is to be given there also like President or Director or something?
ReplyDeleteI think Princess Charlotte will be on the balcony this June. She is 4th in place to the throne and a favorite of the Queen. Charlotte seems to be calm, cool and collected enough to do just fine. I wouldn't be surprised if she is positioned very close to the Queen on the balcony and I wouldn't be surprised if the Queen isn't just a bit giddy about sharing that premiere experience with Princess Charlotte. She might even be wearing the same color as the Queen. A "Kate thing". Or, Kate might even put Charlotte in the same (updated though) outfit that Princess Elizabeth wore when she first appeared on the balcony. The way they archive things, Elizabeth's actual dress might even still exist and be in good condition. How much would the Queen enjoy seeing Charlotte in that.
DeleteI thank you also, Charlotte, along with many others here, to say thank you for your excellent work.
Rachel, let us know when your little one arrives and what you decided his name will be. There will be a time when he will be very interested in those pearls, lol. You might have to retire them for a short season then.
It's been unclear to me whether Kate will be taking over from the queen as patron or the Duke of York who I believe is president. The queen is not a fan of tennis - the Duke is but he is also past eighty and not in the best of health - although he attended the garden party of late. My initial impression was that Kate was taking over from the Duke of York and thus would hold the title of President but I'm thinking from what Charlotte says that I'm wrong and it's the patronage she'll be taking over.
DeleteIf you are talking about Tennis, it is the Duke of Kent, Michael. Not Duke of York, Andrew
DeleteWhich Duke, Julia? I hink you meant the Duke of Kent?
DeleteVery true, my mistake - read right over it.
DeleteActually, not only is it the Duke of Kent, I believe his name is Edward. Michael is his younger brother.
DeleteAndrew of course is Duke of York.
I wonder who the other people are in the Epsom Derby photo. Kate, Prince Edward, a woman who looks like a younger Cherie Blair, etc. Kate looked beautiful.
ReplyDeleteOf the long gowns above, I only like the one from the Chinese state dinner. The red Roland Mouret could be very nice if the slit is not quite so high and the bodice fits. It appears to be a lovely color. The lace dress in black or cream could also be striking, though the chopped off lining seems more odd in those colors.
Regarding the gala on the 22nd at Houghton Hall, apparently those who donate $6,000 will be able to attend the gala. Those who donate $10,000 will be house guests of David and Rose for that weekend.
DeleteWhich Epsom Derby of Kate?
DeleteAnon 18:28, if you are referring to my message at 02:49, I was wondering about the people in the photo Charlotte posted above.
DeleteHas anyone seen Becca Deacon in the recent photos of Kate?
ReplyDeleteShe was with Kate at the sailing engagement that she recently attended.
DeleteDefinitely, 15:01.
DeleteRebecca was pictured at the Heads Together launch on May 16th...
Deletehttps://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MdrOZ7k82Jo/VznW_QKOgVI/AAAAAAAA7yk/RyXhyes1cIo5-c-Ke9tI6v3lSUgFq4q0ACLcB/s1600/harry%2Band%2Brebecca.jpg
DeleteThanks. That's good to know.
DeleteThe Queen is one of the world's leading experts on horses as far as horse breeding, horse geneolgies, racing histories, etc. goes. Hopefully she got to share a lot of that knowledge with someone younger so all that expertise won't be lost. She was probably hoping to share that passion with one of her children but I don't think that happened. I think her mother did share that passion with her to a certain extent. There are of course many experts in that field throughout the world,
ReplyDeletebut the Queen has been involved with that for probably at least 70 years or more and no doubt has some special wisdom after all those years. (That field is a very close knit world all unto it's own.)
Anne would be my first guess.
DeleteOne memorable line from “The Queen at 90” documentary was her remark while feeding some carrots to one of the horses. She was telling the man next to her, “This one is a prima donna”, QE sort of shook her head to one angle, turned to her attending companion in a lively way, “do I look alright?” That was horse-speak all about the horse in quotation. It said how much she is as close to horses as to her corgis. That was also a cute moment revealing a part of her personality as she lit up and was playful. Horses are the one of the best animal creatures.
DeleteI actually suspect the queen's stables will be quietly shut down and her racing stock sold after she is gone. Both the queen and Queen Mum were keen on breeding champions - the queen for flat racing, the Queen Mum for hurdles. But none of the next generation seem to have that interest - Anne is much more involved with eventing and while Charles and Camilla attend races - horses seem to be the one bond Camilla has with the queen - they have never shown interest in assuming responsibility for the stables and William and Kate clearly have no interest (although I hope they will attend Ascot more as a royal tradition than anything else)
DeleteIt is an expensive hobby at a time when royal finances are said to be stretched and Charles is said to be soliciting his rich friends for help supporting the palaces. While no one begrudges it to the Queen as it is her main private passion - one she has certainly earned, I don't think it will necessarily be carried on. How lovely if she could win the Derby before that happens.
I think you are right about her stables and racing stock, Julia. She has certainly had fun with them.
DeleteI am assuming from what you said, the she has yet to win the derby?
Princess Anne loves all things horsey as does Zara of course.
ReplyDeleteAnne and Zara one would think.
ReplyDeleteOh you mean little tidbits like the fact that Henry Astor, of The Astors, brought from England to America,in 1788, a thoroughbred horse named Messenger, who is the founding sire of all American Standardbreds. Queen Elizabeth would most likely know that, not so sure Anne and Zora would. I don't think they are into the breeding and geneolgies. More the the dressage and performance. Just a guess.
Delete*dressage and eventing
DeleteWho else is very excited for the action packed days with Kate starting tomorrow?!!?!
ReplyDeleteIt should be a great few days for royal watchers :)
DeleteVery excited! Im hoping for five days in a row!
DeleteI am very much so :)
DeleteME
DeleteI would be over the moon if she wore that beautiful long dress she wore when she subbed for Prince Charles when he was ill--just a few months after the marriage. It was gorgeous!!!!
DeleteThat was pretty. It is about time for it to be given an outing.
DeleteI wonder if or when we will see Kate repeating any of the outfits from the India tour.
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting question. Most of the India outfits were quite a departure from her typical style and would be bold for her to incorporate into her usual engagements. Kate seems to be experimenting more though, so it is a possibility!
DeleteI LOVE the Roland Mouret dress in claret. If only I were taller I'd buy it for myself.
ReplyDeleteVery excited, and on a coach heading for London!!:)
ReplyDeleteZora, yay. ENJOY, :)
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am genuinely happy
ReplyDeleteto read all at alone place.