The royals arrived in the royal procession.
The weather has affected several royal events over the past week - thankfully it was blue skies this afternoon.
The Cambridges reportedly decided to attend the event in honour of Her Majesty's 90th birthday. Knowing how much the Queen loves Ascot, it seemed the perfect time to enjoy an afternoon at the racecourse, located just six miles from Windsor Castle. There's been varied opinions on the couple's absence until now, with reports speculating they felt Ascot, with its class divisions, does not represent the best image for the monarchy in the 21st century. Aides, however, have insisted the couple haven't attended due to "busy schedules".
We were told "special guests" would be in attendance. They included presenters Ant and Dec and their wives (if I'm not mistaken someone light-heartily said it might be the duo). Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark also made a surprise appearance. Below we see Mary - in a Marc Jacobs dress she's had for several years - with the Countess of Wessex.
The Duchess chatting with Princess Mary.
They all appeared to be having a lovely time.
Today is the second day of this year's event. Wednesdays at the race meeting are described as "more gently paced than other days. Traditionally watched by a slightly smaller crowd, it is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere."
It was the perfect day for the Cambridges to attend as they had the opportunity to watch the running of the Duke of Cambridge stakes. The mile-long race was renamed with the Queen's consent in honour of Prince William 2013, and saw a 25% increase in its value to £125,000. The second race of the day is a contest for four-year-old fillies. The royals mingled before watching the races.
Her Majesty shared a foreword for this year's official programme: "Of my many memories, visits to Royal Ascot with my family are amongst the most cherished. I first attended racing at Ascot in 1945, when I was just nineteen. Throughout my life I have seen the quality of sport at Royal Ascot increase significantly and I would like to thank the owners and trainers who bring the best horses in the world to compete here. I wish all of you good fortune."
Kate looking through the programme.
Royal Ascot is the centrepiece of Ascot's year and dates back to 1711 when it was founded by Queen Anne. Every year Royal Ascot is attended by Elizabeth II and other members of the British Royal family. Over 300,000 people make the annual visit to Berkshire during Royal Ascot week, making this Europe’s best-attended race meeting. It is a major event in the British social calendar.
There are three enclosures attended by guests on Royal Ascot week. The Royal Enclosure is the most prestigious of the three, with recent visits by the Queen and Royal family members. Access to the Royal Enclosure is restricted, with high security on the day. First-time applicants must apply to the Royal Enclosure Office and gain membership from someone who has attended the enclosure for at least four years.
It features idyllic gardens leading on to the pre-parade ring and restaurants offering everything from a fine dining experience to seafood and afternoon tea (with a couple of glasses of bubbly).
The royals gathered in the Royal Box to watch the races. Kate enjoys a laugh with Edward van Cutsem.
Kate and Mary watch intently.
Kate's ID tag for the Royal Box.
Royal Ascot is synonomous with sartorial elegance. The event is considered a spectacle of fashion, with ladies decked out in their finery. There is a strict dress code - varied depending on which enclosure one is visiting:
- For the Royal Enclosure ladies are asked to note that formal daywear is a requirement.
- No fascinators, no headpieces that do not have a solid base.
- Dresses and skirts should be of modest length and jackets.
- Pashminas may be worn but tops and dresses underneath should still comply with the dress code.
Suggestions from the Ascot Style Guide include a Philip Treacy hat and an Erdem dress. In look two, the model wears a graphic print Emilia Wickstead design.
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| Royal Ascot |
I very much enjoyed looking at 'Ascot fashion through the ages'. Below, we see styles from 1924, and models Jerry Hall and Marie Helvin in 1982. It's fascinating to see the transition from the 1920s to the glam and experimental 1980s.
The Queen and the late Queen Mother looked classic in elegant styles in 1958.
"The Kate Effect" has been evident via the stylish choices of racegoers. Journalist Beverley Turner and presenter and model Lisa Snowdon both selected Kate's Desdemona Lace Dress by Temperley London for Ascot.
I was very much looking forward to seeing what Kate would select for her Ascot debut!
The Duchess chose her white Dolce & Gabbana Cotton-Blend Lace Dress. The midi-length white dress is an intricate piece with a nipped in waist and tiered swishy skirt. It's available at Net-A-Porter discounted from £5,995 to $3,597.
More from the product description:
Kate first wore the dress last month for the Queen's birthday celebrations at Windsor. Pairing it with a Zara swing style jacket was considered a faux pas by most, so it was excellent to see the dress in its entirety. I think it's very well suited for an event like Ascot.
Kate's hat is by milliner Jane Taylor. Maria Andrée from What Kate Wore notes it is the £1,050 Una style.
Another new pair of earrings for the Duchess today.
The Duchess completed the look with her L.K. Bennett Natalie Clutch.
And her Gianvito Rossi 105 suede pumps in 'praline' (with thanks to Kate's Closet).
Royal reporter Emily Andrews was one of several who noted Kate's look had a My Fair Lady feel to it (the Ascot scenes can be viewed here.) Of course, you all remember Kate's star turn as Eliza in a play of the cinematic classic (you can view that here and see Kate singing 'Wouldn't it be loverly here).
What do you think of Kate's Ascot look?
Kensington Palace further elaborates on William's efforts to support the fight against bullying:
I think this is a hugely important step. Collaborating with a publication like Attitude means William has the opportunity to send his message to young people who may be struggling with bullying or mental health issues. As the future king, it sends a strong message to have him tell young people: "You should be proud of the person you are." Very wise words indeed. You can read more in Attitude's article.
The Duchess chose her white Dolce & Gabbana Cotton-Blend Lace Dress. The midi-length white dress is an intricate piece with a nipped in waist and tiered swishy skirt. It's available at Net-A-Porter discounted from £5,995 to $3,597.
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| Dolce & Gabbana |
More from the product description:
'Dolce & Gabbana's white dress is a romantic choice for special events or brides. This exquisite design is crafted from pretty cotton-blend lace.'
Kate first wore the dress last month for the Queen's birthday celebrations at Windsor. Pairing it with a Zara swing style jacket was considered a faux pas by most, so it was excellent to see the dress in its entirety. I think it's very well suited for an event like Ascot.
Kate's hat is by milliner Jane Taylor. Maria Andrée from What Kate Wore notes it is the £1,050 Una style.
The Duchess completed the look with her L.K. Bennett Natalie Clutch.
And her Gianvito Rossi 105 suede pumps in 'praline' (with thanks to Kate's Closet).
Royal reporter Emily Andrews was one of several who noted Kate's look had a My Fair Lady feel to it (the Ascot scenes can be viewed here.) Of course, you all remember Kate's star turn as Eliza in a play of the cinematic classic (you can view that here and see Kate singing 'Wouldn't it be loverly here).
What do you think of Kate's Ascot look?
************
One other topic we wanted to share with you today: Prince William has made history by becoming the first member of the Royal family to appear on the cover of a gay magazine. William used the opportunity to speak out against bullying saying: "No one should be bullied for their sexuality. Don't put up with it. Be proud of the person you are."
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| Attitude |
William invited the magazine to bring members of the LGBT community to Kensington Palace to discuss bullying and its mental health repercussions. Kensington Palace said William had been "moved" by the stories he heard.
Prince William told the magazine:
"The young gay, lesbian and transgender individuals I met through Attitude are truly brave to speak out and to give hope to people who are going through terrible bullying right now. Their sense of strength and optimism should give us all encouragement to stand up to bullying wherever we see it.
What I would say to any young person reading this who's being bullied for their sexuality: don't put up with it - speak to a trusted adult, a friend, a teacher, Childline, Diana Award or some other service and get the help you need. You should be proud of the person you are and you have nothing to be ashamed of."
Kensington Palace further elaborates on William's efforts to support the fight against bullying:
"The Duke of Cambridge is working hard to support the fight against bullying and to help break the stigma around mental health. He has established a taskforce on the prevention of cyberbullying and along with the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry is leading the Heads Together campaign on mental health and well-being. He knows that LGBT young people suffer unacceptably high rates of bullying and he was grateful to Attitude for facilitating such a serious conversation on this topic. He was moved by the stories he heard and impressed by the positivity and courage of the people he met."
I think this is a hugely important step. Collaborating with a publication like Attitude means William has the opportunity to send his message to young people who may be struggling with bullying or mental health issues. As the future king, it sends a strong message to have him tell young people: "You should be proud of the person you are." Very wise words indeed. You can read more in Attitude's article.
Great to finally see them at Ascot :) They seem to have been a very popular feature because the commenters kept talking about them!
ReplyDeleteCool that the race is Williams name now! Makes very much sense that he presents the price! And nice to see Kate join him! And very nice to see them meet Fredrik and Mary again.
So happy to see this dress again. THIS is how it shall be worn. Perfect! Very beautiful! And the hat is nice! The looks is very "subdued Ascot" which seems a perfect balance since she draws attention without a crazy hat! The whole look is flowy, feminine and romantic and I think it was a perfect choice! Very glamorous and really feels like "summer at the races" to me :) The dress is at it's best in movement though. Very swoopy that doesn't show as much when standing still.
Also, I actaully think the shoes are her new suede ones and not the fern. And the clutch has weaved straw look.
rebecca - sweden you seem to be very able to answer things why is ascot frowned upon?
DeleteHaha, well thank you for thinking that I know things but... I am not very knowledgable on Ascot at all. I'm sure there are many people who could answer better. But my guess is because it can be seen as elitist.
DeleteBellissima! Love her beautiful hat, earrings, and updo - and the dress from the knees up. Such a beautiful combination of fabrics/textures, and neutral white/cream/blushes. The only thing I don't love is that big ruffle. Heavy, dated, and pulls the whole look down. If it was just an a-line, knee-length lace skirt or even pencil it would lighten the whole look up to an angelic level. But it's near-angelic anyway.
ReplyDeleteAgree completely that its gorgeous until that dated frumpy ruffle. Takes the look to the American prairie and I know that's not what she would want. PS - my first post been following for years thanks Charlotte and followers I so enjoy this thoughtful and enagahed community !
DeleteWelcome to the commentsection Samantha :) So great seeing new people peeking out, especially long time readers!! :D
DeleteThanks for the fast post. You are the speed racer of bloggers! The dress looks much better and more appropriate at this event than in its previous wearing, but I still don't love it. Reminds me of the dress I wear to my senior prom (dance) in 1982. I think her shoes are the suede ones she debuted a few weeks ago. Suede and white lace are an odd combo, IMHO. Still, it's been great to see her big smile at all these events the past few days. It's like getting a Royal Tour without having to remember the time zone differences.
ReplyDeleteZip, I think I was at your prom - complete with the dress with the ruffle hem! (All right, my time was a few years earlier.) I suspect many who love this look may be of a younger generation who don't have dresses like this hanging in the back of the wardrobe.
DeleteI do like Dolce and Gabbana, including the Duchess's two previous dresses by them, and I do like lace. I even like a longer skirt on Kate who is tall enough to carry it off. But that ruffle reminds me of those glad to be forgotten Bohemian years of mine - and it is not the timeless look Kate usually features. Hat and hair are fine.
Thanks for the update. Nowhere have I seen the identification of the coup,e who rode with William and Kate. Any info on this?
ReplyDeleteEveryone looks very lovely today.
It is nice to see the prince of Wales and his wife too. Is it my imagination that lately they are missing when all his siblings and William and Kate are with the Queen? This has me very curious
It may be an issue of security.
DeleteOnly Kate could make that dress look good. And the hat certainly helps too. She looks delightful today but I certainly don't like the dress as a dress. Kate carried it off. Looking at the other Royal ladies, she fit right in nicely. Princess Mary's dress was ho-hum (bit of underwear peeking out in that one shot) and she wore a hat very like the one Kate wore at Trooping the Color. Sophie looked lovely and sophisticated. Ascot is Ascot, either wild and outlandish or very elegant and restrained.
ReplyDeleteI'll bet tonight W & K are at home in jeans and t-shirts watching telly whilst George and Charlotte run around and saying "ahhhh, thank goodness this week's over!"
Haha, and William has event tomorrow as well! He's been at it 8 days in a row by tomorrow because he had events the same day Kate had her SportsAid gala!
DeleteMy thoughts exactly! The Duchess looks beautiful in this ensemble but she does have that sort of magic, doesn't she? That ruffle at the bottom.....brings back memories of the floral Erdem she wore that was so divisive in opinion ;-) I hope they get to put on their comfies tonight & just chill.
DeleteRandom but the Daily Mail has a pic of one of Prince Harry's ex girlfriends (Florence something)....next to her in an interesting green coat--is that Rose Cholmondley?
Thanks for bringing us such fantastic coverage, Charlotte! :-)
I agree, only she could do the magic. I really live this look. Hat to shoes.
Deleteyes. That is Rose. You can read her name on her name tag.
DeleteDo we know who the couple who rode in the carriage with will and Kate is?
ReplyDeleteI hope they are from one of their charities. Does anyone know?
DeleteAccording to Daily Mail, the gentleman is Wentworth Beaumont, the fourth Viscount Allendale. I don't know what the connection/relationship is, would be interesting to find out!
DeleteI think Kate looked great. Much better without the red jacket. I am just always disappointed by her choice of shoes. Give the nude heels a rest. Let's see some color!
ReplyDeleteoh i so agree cute sandles and bright colors thats what she needs. suede does not go with white summer lace, the other ladies shoes are very nice and i don't see any suede
DeleteI'm not sure.. but Ascot has fairly strict dress code. Is sandals allowed?
DeleteI, for one, am glad they decided to attend because Ascot is one grand fashion show. I am disappointed that she is wearing this again so close to the first wear although we did not have a good look. Unfortunately, I really can not say I
ReplyDeletelike it. Between the all over white lace, the high waist and the full long skirt, it reminds me of a Victorian era young girl's nightgown. On the other hand the hat and earrings are very beautiful, and she is very beautiful as well.
I agree Erika. I just can't say anything positive about this dress and looking at the price tag, it is a cheat!
DeleteAt the arrival there were some pictures about the Cambridges standing relatively distant from the other royals, I wonder if anybody followed it on TV. It seemed pretty awkward and somehow Princess Mary joined them.
By the way, Sophie and Mary looked very stylish and pretty. But there was anothone person who stole the show, look at her:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGrKVL0KKMS/
I watched it live and it didn't look awkward at all. All people stood in different groups chatting and then moving between groups. Later Kate was at a table with Sophie and Mary etc.
DeleteLady Ella Windsor is a sight to behold in that pic! Would love to see Kate in a beautiful coat(dress?) like that! Beautiful color.
DeleteLady Gabriella Windsor! She's wearing the same dress from the Thanksgiving service. She looks exquisite and the hat is perfection! I wish Kate looked like this. A great pop of color and an amazing chapeau.
DeleteI think that Kate stood out today in the best possible way by wearing something like no one else wore. I think she wore the ideal Ascot outfit today.
DeleteAnett, if Kate had worn what Mary wore today you would have groused about her dress. Mary's hat was almost identical to the hat Kate wore at Trooping of the Color, which you also didn't like. I am not saying I disagree that Kate's dress wasn't one of her best but as you never say anything positive about Kate, I guess you feel the same about Kate's dress as the rest of her clothes.
DeleteI know Anett can speak for herself, Valerie but, actually, she likes a lot of things the DoC wears. I know that because most of the time she and I are on the same page.
DeleteGood to know that someone has time to follow what I write, Valerie.
DeletePrincess Mary always on point!
ReplyDeleteAgreed! Was very happy to see Mary and Fred were surprise guests! I can't help but wonder about what the dynamic might be like between Mary and Kate. I'm also curious as to why Mary and Fred were being hosted by Sophie and Edward today as opposed to Will and Kate. Does anyone think that Mary felt slighted?
DeleteSophie and Edward has been the representatives sent by the BRF to royal weddings etc for about 10 years so they have hung out alot with Fredrik and Mary, so it makes more sense that they got to ride with their friends than someone else.
Delete21:01, perhaps it was the Queen's request...perhaps so that E&S didn't feel slighted. ;)
DeleteI think she's wearing her new suede pumps, not Fern.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the speedy post. Has anyone identified the couple who rode in the carriage with Will and Kate? Any insights as to why CPM and CPF did not ride with the Cambridges?
ReplyDeleteThe Queen has seven horses at Ascot this week, with expected to perhaps win The Gold Cup.
ReplyDeleteI think she is wearing her suede pumps , she wore to Buckingham place garden party and has brought back her L. K. Bennett Natalie clutch from her first year as royal.
ReplyDeleteAvid Canadian follower.
Thank you for the quick and thorough update! Being from the US, I don't know much about Ascot, so it's great to get some of the history behind the event. I also love the dress code details.
ReplyDeleteIt's a surprise to see Kate recycle a piece so soon. I love that white lace dress, though, and am glad we get to see the full look, since it was awkwardly paired with that red Zara jacket last time. I think it was an excellent choice for the event. It compliments her figure and is such a sweet, fresh summery cut and color. I LOVE the hat--I actually think it makes the outfit. And--another updo! Kate looks effortlessly chic here. I'd like to see her experiment with a brighter lip color. Maybe a pink or bright berry?
It's so funny to see the "Kate Effect" with the lace Temperley London dress being worn by a couple different women. I don't think it looks as pretty on them as it did Kate, and I hope she recycles it in the future, as it was one of my favorite looks on her.
I thought George and Charlotte might make an appearance...do children usually attend Ascot?
chirldren do not attend ascot
DeleteI would like the dress so much more if the bottom part of it was cut off! Then it would be perfect! I am glad to see she is wearing her hair more up lately!
ReplyDeleteShe's carrying the Natalie clutch today!! One of my favorites:)
ReplyDeleteA favorite of mine too!
DeleteI'm so happy to see William and Kate at Royal Ascot! The Duchess looks amazing, her sartorial choices during this past week have been marvelous! This Dolce & Gabbana dress is lovely, Kate's look has definitely a "My fair lady" feel and a "Downton Abbey" feel too!
ReplyDeleteI love her elegance and grace and I love The Royals' sartorial elegance at this kind of events too! Every year I see lots of "funny outfits" from people at Ascot (LOL), I don't know how to say it properly :D
I was finally able to find a copy of Vogue with the Duchess on the cover! I was really happy! Better late than never :)
And William is on the front cover of a gay magazine, he's speaking out against homophobic bullying! I find this a great cause (especially during these days). His mother would be proud of him, I remember Diana was the first person to publicly shake hands with AIDS victims.
Hi Charlotte, Kate is carrying her straw LKB Natasha Clutch and wearing Gianvito Rossi nude suede pumps, not the LKB Fern heels and Nina clutch :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not crazy about this hat but it's growing on me lol. I usually really like Sophie's hats because they're always so different but this one not so much. I don't like this dress. I don't like the bottom where it comes together and then has pleating. So it almost looks like a seam at mid length. I'm surprised to see her in lace since (other than today) I haven't noticed much lace at ascot. I do like the top of the dress and would like it if it was just straight down(no seam) or even slightly flared, but not mid length. I don't like this length in general :p. I like the shoes but not really with this outfit, but it's a break from the ferns! Even though this shoe has been worn a lot in the last while lol!
ReplyDeleteI have a question about hats. If you aren't allowed to wear fasinators, that to me looks like what the queen is wearing in 1958? That doesn't look like a hat to me, looks more like a fasinator. Just curious what others think of it!
So great to see the entire dress. It looks like it would be very fun to wear. The lace has a nice flow to it.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, I believe the pumps Kate is wearing are suede, and her clutch is not smooth. It has a hatch pattern in sort of burlap looking fabric.....
It does look fun to wear, doesn't it?! I hope she did a few twirls for the kids in this one!
DeleteMaybe fun to wear for non-klutzes. For myself, I would have snagged myself on the carriage and toppled out with a great big rip in it.
DeleteHello-I believe that Kate was actually carrying her LK Bennett Natalie clutch. From the pictures above, it appears to be straw.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for the updated info on the clutch and shoes. I'm multi-tasking with work commitments today and was certain it was the Nina from a side photo (I also thought Mary was Kate for a moment LOL).
Delete**Shuffles off to make coffee**
Thanks for your amazing work, Charlotte! You're so dedicated :) And sometimes I think Kate and Mary could have been sisters, they look alike!
DeleteThey seem to have the same kind and happy disposition also.
DeleteMary and Kate look more alike than they look like their own sisters.
DeleteThe clutch looks like it is part straw and the shoes SUEDE! Say it is not so......
ReplyDeleteWhat's this thing with people and suede shoes? It's just shoes, it looks great, so what's the deal? Is it some dated fashion rules making them self shown or what is the deal with this "suede shoe hate"? :P
DeleteI know there are some people on here who hate suede shoes in general; I don't but something just feels wrong about combining suede, which has a very wintery feel to it with something as summery as straw. Other than some people I've always thought her choices in shoes were just fine, not this one though. I adore the dress and the hat, though, so it's not a big deal.
DeleteI suppose not everybody thinks they look great! I also suppose, there are some who love shoes and think with her budget, she could go for more than like this. Like discovering different styles and colours other than nude or black.
DeleteLet's not forget a good pair of shoes can turn around the whole look!
Oh, I have no problem with people liking and disliking different things. It's just when "rules" come up that I get a bit itchy!
DeleteRaised here in the South by somewhat conservative parents when it came to fashion, I have always heard that Suede isn't a spring/summer type fabric and that is more suitable for fall/winter. I happen to like suede shoes and have several pairs for winter for the most part but have worn 2 of my go to shoes in the summer with pants. Most shoes I wear with dresses during the summer are more sandal type and lighter fabrics, colors, etc.
DeleteAttitudes towards fashions have changed and these old school rules are not adhered to and have become a lot more lax.
Pairing suede with this lace dress wouldn't be my choice but it was hers. Kate seems to favor suede shoes all year round.
"suede hate", cute, Rebecca.
Deletei do alot of shoe shopping for clients in the us and i don't think the shoe stores carry suede shoes in summer they might have a few pairs in back. i know for sure macys and sacks 5th avenue don't carrie them in summer.
DeleteMaybe we should ask Charlotte if wearing suede in the warmer weather is common in Britain. I rarely see it here in the U.S. northeast until the cooler fall weather. It is a heavy material to wear with a delicate lace dress, I think.
DeleteErika, likewise here... :) Although I am seeing a lot of the "Kate effect" with suede popping up in different types of shoes.
DeleteHere in the U.S. you usually don't find suede shoes until the autumn/winter shoes are available.
DeleteFunny you should say that royalfan because I was in Macy's this past weekend and one line did have several pastel and jewel color suede courts. There was a brilliant green that caught my eye, I have to admit, but I think I would save it until October. So I did see them in the stores but I can't say I've noticed any on actual people.
DeleteNope, even without the coat I don't like this dress. It's too much of the same, and the waist doesn't seem to sit right. It's a high waist but in some pictures it looks very short. I wish she had a belt; maybe a striped black and white ribbon like in my fair lady :)
ReplyDeleteGlad they attended though, I enjoy the busier summer months with more royal activity!
I love Kate's look, although I wish she had worn something bright and fun. Is there a requirement regarding shoes for Royal Ascot? Do they have to be closed toe? I have just been wondering.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if Kate by choice did not go bright and attentionseeking, since she knew she would always be in focues, a muted colour and repeat might be her way to try and counteract it.
DeleteI think the cream color lets the background speak for itself and doesn't compete with that or the men's handsome attire.
DeleteToday's outfit a miss for me.
ReplyDeleteThat Temperley dress in the turquoise color is just stunning, 100%. I didn't care for it in the black but it could have been that the person wearing it was a little more voluptuous and I didn't care for that dress on that body type. It's almost like it took the dress from classy to vixen and I didn't care for that particular look.
That scene from My Fair Lady has always been one of my favorites and everytime I think of Ascot, I think "Come on Dov-uh, move yuh bloomin' ahhh-ssss"! LOVE it.
Gorgeous hat and earrings, and the fuller skirt of this D&G lace dress gives the illusion of some added pounds on her very slim frame, so that's a bonus too. :)
ReplyDeleteMmm,Charlotte, she actually wore her Gianvito Rossi suede pumps in antique rose and carried her L.K. Bennett Natalie Clutch.
ReplyDeleteLove the whole look, I must admit, I was soooo excited when I was able to identify her hat by myself. :)
This dress is definitely gorgeous, but not when paired with a red swing jacket. ;)
Kate has been on a roll this week with fashion. We`re getting spoiled, eight appearances in seven days!!! Aaaahhhh!!!!
Loving the much improved hair styling. Shame that a dress costing so much should have a lining that drops below the lace in one photo - wouldn't be acceptable on the Sewing Bee so why on a D & G number?
ReplyDeleteNot a fan of the tier in the skirt, as it is it mostly reminds me of a curtain and I think it would look better sans tier. Also I think this dress needs a bit more lift around the chest area, not just on Kate but on the model too because the combo of the high waist + high necklace makes the wearer's chest look oddly saggy. I do really love the fabric though, dolce & gabbana's lace is always gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteAnd as always Kate looks beautiful! I love this hat on her, especially because it looks a bit like a straw hat and I fully support her embracing the countryside aesthetic in subtle ways like this :)
It is wonderful to see William and Kate at Ascot. Finally! I know it's a socialite event and is sneered upon by many, but today was a very fitting first time. Kate looked fresh as a daisy, even if the matching wasn't perfect for me. Still she looked amazing.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte may I humbly request that you update today's post including Prince William's cover story from Attitude magazine. IMO it is such a huge and important thing to do. I am so proud of William for showing solidarity for the LGBTQ community. It is perfect timing too after the horrific event in Orlando.
Hello Carla,
DeleteI will be adding the info from Attitude shortly :)
Yay, nice! I'm very impressed by William for doing that! It's such a huge statement and what a poignant time!!
Deletewhy is ascot sneered upon?
DeleteThe economic and social class are separated by specific areas.
DeleteThe hat is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of a 70s Gunne Sax dress. There are so many beautiful, colorful dresses out there from which Kate could have selected. Please, no more suede shoes in the summer. Put these in the back of the closet until Fall.
ReplyDeleteThe hair, makeup, and earrings are on point. I love seeing the Cambridges on a double date with Mary and Fred.
I'm happy we got to see the D&G dress in full view. It's very pretty, albeit not too unique, but still a good outfit for the Ascot.
ReplyDeleteI loved the whole ensemble today! The flowy billowy dress really is suitable for such a relaxing atmosphere. I'm glad the duchess did not choose a tight dress. I would love to buy a cheaper version of this dress someday in the same length and style as I would not pay 3 thousand dollars for this type of dress even if I were a millionaire!
ReplyDeleteAs for the earrings, I would love to own a pair as jewelry is rather an investment compared to the dress.
I so wish to see Sophie and Edward's son James marry Crown princess mary and prince Frederik's daugther Princess Isabella of Denmark. The two families should hang out more often :) Wishful thinking
I love D&G, but this dress does nothing for Kate - I'm so sick of the coat dresses and the dresses that have her covered from head to toe - so boring. Mary looks so much more stylish than Kate as do the European royals in general. Not hating on Kate, it's just that the British Royal style is utterly dull without Diana...she knew how to "wow" a crowd. Kate is young and gorgeous, but her style is predictable and too old for her age, with a few infrequent exceptions.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you wholeheartedly! I am also tired of the boring coat dresses and wish for Kate to flaunt her looks.
DeletePerhaps Kare doesn't see it as her job to wow the public. Diana enjoyed
Deletethe attention, Kate not so much. She is not there to entertain. We should remember that.
I wasn't a fan of Mary's dress. I don't like the "school girl" sleeves. She did look pretty and she also has an inner radiance that enhances anything she wears. But I thought Kate looked so much more classic Ascot.
DeleteAnon. 19:48 I totally agree. She looks lovely and friendly and warm. Not that Diana didn't but Diana got much more casual once she left the RF. And in her day the only Royal "competition" for fashionista was Fergie. Now there are Sophie and Zara and the York sisters who can share that load. Kate isn't really into clothes and that's fine. She is still instantly recognizable and lovable
DeleteMary was so stylish as to show her bra... didn't you see it?
DeleteI agree, Melissa. Even given that she wants to recycle, there are so many beautiful, seasonally-appropriate choices she has. This is too bridal and too much, even given the strict dress code at Ascot.
DeleteNot sure what's going on with Kate's style but it's not changing for the better, she's falling into the dull, dowdy and old rabbit hole.
Yes, Diana did know how to dress and we know the price she paid for it within the Firm. Kate is doing it her way and staying true to who she is. I respect her for it. And note that both Kate and Mary chose to recycle today. IMO it shows that they're both comfortable in their own skin and having nothing to prove or compete with.
DeleteIs this my favorite? No. But she's been so darned spot on perfect for the past week I give her a total and complete pass. I see this and I think "she wore what she knew, tromping around in the grass in heels (never easy), with unpredictable wind and the unspotted phone/camera lurking every where, what she knew she would feel COMFORTABLE in." No need to worry about the dress flying up, wrinkling after sitting in it, trying to walk in a tight skirt in heels in the grass...instead she went with breezy, light and free. Again, after the pitch perfect week she's had, I say she earned it.
ReplyDeleteCatherine looked lovely today. I'll admit that I was disappointed about the "special guests". I did not think the special guests would be George and Charlotte, but I was hoping the special guests would be Carole and Michael Middleton. It would have been nice to see them there, interacting with their daughter and son-in-law.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of Kate's dress, it looks a bit frumpy to me. Also what is going on with the them in photo number 8?
ReplyDeleteNo way does that look frumpy to me. It is a flowing romantic design. Beautiful.
DeleteTo me it ends up in "romantic" as well, but I can see why some might feel it frumpy.
DeleteI would love to own this dress.
DeleteCatherine looked lovely today. I'll admit that I was disappointed about the "special guests". I did not think the special guests would be George and Charlotte, but I was hoping the special guests would be Carole and Michael Middleton. It would have been nice to see them there, interacting with their daughter and son-in-law.
ReplyDeleteI think the Queen named a race after the Duke of Cambridge perhaps to insure that William and Kate would keep up the Royal tradition of attendance.
ReplyDeleteI think the dress and hat and earrings, shoes, purse are perfect for Ascot. All romantic and feminine and summery. Probably very comfortable and fun to wear.
I think the hat is the perfect one for that dress. I think for the style that the dress is perhaps overpriced and that is a cotton lace. She looks fresh and pretty, very
feminine. Perfect for Ascot.
I hope the Queen's seven entries win. I hope the one expected to win the Gold Cup does.
Firstly, I think its great to see them out and about this week.I do think this past week has been a major success on all levels ,my concern is that for a long time the question of Charles being skipped over in favour of William has been there in the background and I think this week has really added fuel to the fire !! I don't actually believe this will be the outcome but he really can't be happy with being constantly pushed to the side .Even on the balcony on Saturday it was the Cambridge's standing right beside the Queen .As for her sartorial choices this past week ,loved the majority except that hideous coat and hat chosen for Northern Ireland ...I do get a little bit bored with the constant blue / cream theme ,both colours suit her so well but would prefer a little more variety !! Loving her hair at the moment she looked absolutely stunning at the Sports aid dinner ! Sorry about the long post but haven't commented in a while .
ReplyDeleteThere isn't a way for Charles to be skipped without his consent. When the Queen dies, if Charles is alive he is King immediately. Doesn't matter what the Cambridges do or who they stand by on the balacony.
DeletePerfect outfit for Ascot. Elegant as always, and My Fair Lady does come to mind. I loved the hat and her hair. We certainly have had a wealth of events this past week. Charlotte, I don't know how you do it.
ReplyDeleteTedi, I loved the dress on this occasion. Elegant and classy look indeed combined with another updo (yes!) and a another lovely hat.
DeleteBtw, Princess Mary's hat resembled the one Kate wore for the Trooping.
The D&G dress is just beautiful and so feminine, accentuating the Duchess' natural grace and elegance. LOVE the hat! Oh for an opportunity to wear one of those pieces of art. Such fun. Another stellar choice.
ReplyDeleteThe dress truly does accentuate Kate's "natural grace and elegance". Very nicely put.
DeleteI can't get over how glowing and beautiful Kate looks ! The dress is very serene and elegant and Kate lovely in this vintage look. One of my Favourite looks on Kate !
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite looks of hers also. Perfect.
DeleteI am so proud of William! He is a man with so much compassion, integrity, and love for others. He stands up for what is right.
ReplyDeleteI agree. He might not always do the right choices or what people want, but I do belive he truly cares about things even when he doesn't show it in ways people expect him to.
DeleteEverybody looks so nice and I love Kate's hair.
ReplyDeleteThanks for keeping us up to speed on our favorite Royal!
This dress is a lot like my wedding gown, which I made myself. My sister was in Spain that year and bought me several large pieces of hand-made lace, extremely like the lace in this dress. I bet this lace is all hand-made, which accounts for a lot of the cost. I designed mine like this one, with the bodice like this, a round neckline like this, sleeves just like this, and the waist and skirt like this--but not tiered (I like it without a tier better). It was many years ago now, so this brings me some happy nostalgia. I of course think Kate looks a lot better in this dress than I did. I was very thin then, but I have never had the pretty figure Kate has. So my vote is in favor of this choice of Kate's, of course . . .
ReplyDeleteThank you, Charlotte, for all the extra information on Ascot. This was fun to read. Thank you also for the link to the article in Attitude. Kudos again to William for helping this cause.
Oooh! Sounds like SUCH a pretty and romantic wedding dress!
DeleteMarci you make me dream of a nice bride in Utah...
DeleteThank you Rebecca! I did think so . . . mine was lined with silk, a little more opaque than Kate's, but still cool enough for a hot July day. I think her dress is perfect for Ascot, especially with its references to My Fair Lady.
DeleteOh, and isn't it a fun thing that Kate evoked the story of My Fair Lady just a bit. You know--Eliza is taken out of the "gutter" by Prof. Higgins and passed off as a lady at Ascot (and later the Embassy Ball), parallel to Kate being taken out of the middle class by William and turned into a princess at Ascot and everywhere.
DeleteA full length photo of Sophie's outfit shows that it is a long skirt with long sleeves all one color. The dress needs 3/4 sleeves and a shorter skirt, otherwise it is just an over abundance of dress.
ReplyDeleteIt is ALOT of fabric.
DeleteI agree that dress was a bit much even though a simple design, but the color was beautiful on her.
DeleteHi - did they not go to Ascot just after the wedding? I seem to recall a white or cream skirt and jacket?
ReplyDeleteIt was a similar event but it was actually Epsom they went to :)
DeleteKate, William and Harry attended the Epsom Derby after the wedding. Kate did where a Joseph cream jacket and a white dress underneath, not sure of the designer but she repeated it for an Order of the Garder service the next year I think.
DeleteAha, thanks both for clarifying.
DeleteCatherine wears a very nice dress, but I really don't like the lenght of the dress. It is too long for her, i my oppinion. Few centrimeters shorter it would be great :)
ReplyDeleteI like her earrings, and I am on my way to make similar for myself :) <3
The length, to me, is what makes that sooooo
Deleteromantic and elegant.
Another "Kate thing", doing the lacy My Fair Lady take on her first appearance at Ascot. And, doing the Rose hat at the Irish Garden Party.
ReplyDeleteAnother "Kate thing", indeed. No coincidence IMO.
DeleteI would hope any take on Eliza Doolittle is coincidental. Given the storyline, I think it would be silly and a big mistake to purposefully try to evoke that look.
DeleteI really liked the Queen's pink outfit that she wore today. She and Camilla both wore pink.
ReplyDeleteCamilla wore cream today :) But she did wear pink yasterday with her gorgeous pink choker.
Deletecorrect. Thanks Rebecca. She wore all pink the other day.
DeleteThe Queen was today's winner IMHO, her pink-and-white outfit was so gorgeous! She was the only one with a true hat, avoiding this strange way of putting things around the head, which is the prevailing method among contemporary milliners, it seems. A hat is a hat is a hat!
DeleteWhile not my favorite dress overall, this is a perfect outfit for the occasion. Could do without the tier on the bottom of the dress, but the lace, the tea length, the hat are quite fitting. Very My Fair Lady for sure (Jane Seymour in "Somewhere In Time" comes to mind as well!). Kate has a willowly figure and this accentuates it and she looks at ease and elegant. Not sure about why there is so much negativity about nude and/or suede shoes. A fashion designer once told me that nude shoes are very European and have the ability to elongate the leg and make it about the design, the clothes, etc. As for suede, am a huge fan as they are very lux and rich looking. Use them when have a meeting or special event where I want to take it up a notch....winter AND summer. As a shoe fan, am liking very much Kate's new shoe selections, i.e. pointy toe, suede (LOVE the red suede!). Do I think she could go out a little bit more on the edge with her shoes....definitely yes, but her style is evolving and is timeless and not necessarily "trendy". She just always looks so beautiful and genuinely happy!
ReplyDeleteAgreed!:)
DeleteCamilla wore pink yesterday and beige today.
ReplyDeleteYes, and I liked BOTH hats.
DeleteHopefully, no one fell over while reading this. ;)
THUD! Count that as 1!:) lol
DeleteThanks Charlotte for your hard work at this blog.
ReplyDeleteThis outfit is lovely except for the shoes that blend into her stockings they are all wrong!
That they blend in so nicely is exactly why I like them. They are the ultimate "nude shoe" as in they are just there to elongate the leg.
DeleteAgree, that's exactly why they are pefect, your eye goes up and down without stopping at the shoe. The texture of the suede is perfect too, because the color/tone of the shoe can change and doesn't have to match exactly.
DeleteI like them also Rebecca. Kate knows what she is doing.
DeleteDoes anyone else think that Kate and William should riun off and renew there wedding vows? They are dressed for it.They look beautiful together.
ReplyDeleteSorry for the typo...meant run
ReplyDeleteWould someone please explain the difference between a fascinator and the type of hat Kate is wearing?
ReplyDeleteFacinator is just the decoration part of a hat like this. The feathers, flowers etc, without having a base. Usually on a headband or a comb. A percher etc that Kate wears (or her berets/cocktail hats) has a solid and considerable base and is therefore considered a hat.
DeleteThank you, Rebecca!
DeleteOnly Kate could pull of lace, suede and straw. Not a fan.
ReplyDeleteBut, as you said... She Pulled It Off!:) What a Gal!:)
DeleteI don't love this dress in that I wouldn't ever wear it but I think it was perfect for Kate on a summer day at the races. I even lived it when she pulled the red jacket over the top. She was sitting down, it didn't really matter what the whole thing looked like but white and red are good together and I bet it was so warming for that evening in the arena.
ReplyDeleteIn reviewing many photos and some videos of Ascot today, I think Kate was the most beautifully dressed woman there. I think her outfit was perfect for Ascot and went very nicely with all the top hats and dress suits the men had on. I don't think her outfit could have been any more perfect for the day. She gets a ten plus from me. One of my favorite outfits of hers.
ReplyDeleteKate is managing her wardrobe again, thankfully.
The Queen's pink outfit today is one of my favorites of hers. You can tell she is so excited about Ascot and that she is really looking forward to one her seven horses to win. After all the important yet boring things she so dutifully sits through it is nice she gets to pursue her hobby and have some fun.
DeleteAnon 20:48, my thoughts exactly! I can't stop looking at the pictures; it's absolute style perfection. I am not overly crazy about the single elements (except the hat, I WANT that hat) but the way it comes together is incredibly beautiful. Perfect proportions and symmetry. I see her much admired style from 2011/2012 coming back. Style and elegance, sophistication and understatement. And because of her wonderful figure she can do midi length like very few can.
DeleteThe look reminded me of the Queen Mum's wardrobe (then Queen Consort) when she and the King visited France in 1938. Her mother had just passed away and Norman Hartnell created an all-white wardrobe for the Queen, who could not wear colours as she was still in mourning. There is some similar fibe about it. http://orderofsplendor.blogspot.co.nz/2012/03/flashback-friday-white-wardrobe.html
Kate's overall look is very pretty but it wouldn't be my choice either to put all the pieces together. It is probably my least favorite look this week. I'm not a fan of the skirt and as someone else said as well it reminds of the Erdem dress. I did wind up liking that dress overtime but not the ruffle. Same thing here.
ReplyDeleteVery nice to seek Crown Prince/Princess there too. That was definitely a nice surprise and they looked lovely together. I really prefer Mary's dress over Kate's in this instance. However, I do agree with the My Fair Lady references and have such found memories of that movie that it was delightful to see the scene again. Wish Kate had a more similar dress with more character but close enough.
I love the earrings she chose to day, an updated version of the pearls she normally wears. Another stellar piece in her Kiki closet. :-) Everyone looked to be having a great time today and I always enjoy seeing the outfits and hats people choose.
Wow, another surprise with William this week. I do hope that that mental health and all the different aspects of the issue become their life callings. So powerful and meaningful to so many.
If I was going to go to Royal Ascot, I would chose the suggestion from the Ascot Style Guide include a Philip Treacy hat and an Erdem dress.Here's hoping that one day I can make it or to the Kentucky Derby!
Yea Julie! You've Got My Vote! You Go Girl!:)
DeleteRose Cholmondeley was at Ascot today. She is photographed in the Daily Mail today beside Florence Brudenell-Bruce, who is the blonde in the navy dress.
ReplyDeleteFlorence dated Prince Harry briefly after his 2011 split with Chelsy Davies. I do not like Rose's snake dress at all. That has to be one of the weirdest fabric patterns.
Hopefully, she will tone the weirdness down a lot for the gala dinner.
21:18, regarding Rose Cholondeley,
DeleteThat fabric is ridiculously weird. You are right. What was she thinking? Is she Goth? The thing on her hat is strange also. Would I reeeaally want to go to dinner at her house? I don't know.
She may be the one to start giving Beatrice a run for races on bizarre outfits.
DeleteGosh this is a big miss for Kate. I like her hat and earrings but that dress...eeek. It looks like a little house on the prairie night gown or dust ruffle. And once again, she stuck with the same colour palate. Kate needs help accessorizing. She definitely has no similarity to My Fair Lady.
ReplyDeleteThe clear stunner today was Mary! I loved her dress, hat, earrings and especially her shoes!
Funny for me Mary was a miss. I found her dress ill fitting and in the carriage you can see more than clevage. Sophie had too much material going in her dress but loved her hat. Thought Kate looked very elegant
DeleteI agree with several of you regarding Kate's outfit today. I thought the dress very appropriate and agreed, that it is a repeat so soon. I'm glad we all got to see it and I think Kate carries it off well. Personally I thought she might wear the purple D&G dress.
ReplyDeleteHow she makes it work well - IMHO - is that "natural" weave hat. It makes the outfit given the white dress. As many others said, very feminine, summery, etc. And I have no problem with suede shows. :-) I didn't see pictures of Sophie standing up but her hat is beautiful - love the color - and all of the women look wonderful together. What a lovely day.
The strawhat fits nicely, I agree. It feels like a formal Ascot version of "a nice summer dress and strawhat" which seems so summery, fresh and romantic to me. The nude shoes could even be interpreted as barefoot! Add that some pearls and it feels like formal-beachy. Haha, guess I'm getting a bit too artistic in my interpertations now but I think that is why I think it feels so nice and romantic.
DeleteRebecca it's so funny to hear you have this creative interpretation of Kate's Dress complete with Pearls & Barefeet! I believe I said it when she wore it before, but if you made the dress sleeveless, its so very similar to My Wedding Dress (ala Flower Child) complete with Flowers in my Hair, Pearls down the front & dancing barefoot in the grass in an Ancient Gothic Cloister Walk! It was Very Artsy & Very "Of The Moment"!:) But also almost Costumey.... & here that style is coming back! lol :) As they say.... if you wait long enough Everything comes back around!:)
DeleteI'm also Torn.... I both like Kate's light airy look & also Crave a New Smart Knockout Outfit for her Ascot Debut!? I'm so wishy washy!:) I looooove seeing her with Mary!:) I really think they have much more in common now that Kate is the Mother of 2! I love how Will & Kate's lives have just Blossomed!:) Yeah! Keep Bringing it on!:)
DeleteWell said Rebecca!
DeleteIt looks like there is something hanging below her dress on her right calf in one of the pictures. Did the lining get torn and hang down?
ReplyDeletei loved kates hat and hair today her dress is very pretty i don't like the ruffel it looks like a dust ruffle,her hair has been great this past week. now i will not get into the shoes this time except for kate put those shoes away until fall please!
ReplyDeleteMy Husband had a few Elderly Great Aunts that had legs that looked like that. There was edema involved & I believe other vascular issues. I think (I will ask Hubby when he gets home as he's a Dr.) it's something that effects some women of her age?
DeleteThis is a bit off-topic, but has anyone else noticed or does anyone know anything about the area on the Queen's R shin? I had seen it in past photos and noted that it appeared to be growing larger and now it's covered. Anyone have any knowledge? As for Kate, she looks typically smashing. Marla in New Hampshire, USA
ReplyDeleteI was wondering that about the Queen too. I hope she's all right.....
DeleteI have noticed it for a couple of weeks. It looks like she had some type of small wound on her right leg, and it wasn't healing especially well. I think that is why a Band-Aid was placed over it. Because the wound is on her lower right leg, she could easily bump it against things too. Covering it could be about protecting it from getting worse.
DeleteThis is not my favorite dress nor her best look for Royal Ascot. The dress would be fine in a different color, a baby blue, perhaps. But in the white lace, it's far too bridal for this occasion or any occasion. I also am not a fan of the fit, it's not the most flattering on her, with a very high waist and that thick skirt. It just seems heavy, hot, bulky and a bit dowdy for the June race meeting, especially when compared next to the other royal ladies in the enclosure.
ReplyDeleteSomething about this dress pings of a Natasha Archer choice that fell flat.
I think you're on to something with Natasha Archer. From what I can tell she doesn't have any experience or training as a professional stylist, and she doesn't understand how to dress different body types. From pics I've seen, Archer is very petite, but with a much more feminine shape - curves, bust, hips, very va va voom! Kate is stick straight, Archer probably has no experience dressing that silhouette, she goes off her own experience with a style and cut, which doesn't translate to Kate's figure.
DeleteNow Kate is gorgeous, so as someone said recently, she can carry off fashion mistakes that would be glaring on others. For instance, that blue dress at the Patron's lunch did nothing for her. It really hit home when another woman tweeted a pic of herself wearing it (at last year's Ascot funnily enough) and it fit this woman like a glove and the color blocks hit in all the right places. It would probably have fit Archer the same way, but it didn't work on Kate.
I've already said it's time Kate was given a proper, professional wardrobe and styling team. Her fashion and hair choices should really accentuate and compliment her best features and attributes, a stylist takes you to the next level, gives you the finishing touches that pulls an outfit together and makes it a smash hit.
Frankly I think Kate often looks good *despite* her team, not because of them.
(Of course it's possible I'm being too hard on them, maybe Kate is calling the shots, and copying things Natasha wears, but I tend to doubt it.)
Oh my oh my. If I had a dream outfit that would be the most perfect outfit to wear to Ascot, this would be that dream outfit. I loved everything about it. When she walks it flows so elegantly. Another home run.
ReplyDelete22:32,
DeleteI agree. If I were going to Ascot that would be the dress and hat, etc. I would want to wear. I don't know how she is ever going to top that if she does another visit to Ascot.
It's funny. I don't really like the dress in and of itself, however on Kate, I think it looks fantastic. I think the fit on top is great and the color/shade of white works so well against her skin. The hat is fantastic and the earrings, well I would gladly take those off her hands if she is looking to get rid of them!
ReplyDeleteAnd to competely 'fan girl': Kate and Mary! I think Princess Mary is fantastic. Not just her sartorial choices(though I have yet to really see anything I wouldn't wear myself!) but she is actively involved in championing causes and speaking out for things she feels strongly about. My impression is that there is a bit more freedom for Mary than Kate in terms of those sorts of things. I doubt we'll ever see Kate speaking at an international conference on women's rights or health(though a girl can dream). But for now I can absolutely appreciate and respect Kate for the role she is in-mom and patron for causes close to her heart.
Charlotte – thank you so much for including the video of a much younger Kate in her school production. What fun to see and hear her on stage! I really love her hat today, but feel the hem of the dress could have been a bit shorter (that`s only a personal preference, though). What a great week this has been. You`ve done a stellar job of keeping us up to date, Charlotte. Many thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis is another video of young Kate in another play where the``prince`` is proposing to her, and his name in the play is William!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUXaU5p4Ynk
I wanted to pop in but will be back later with my thoughts when I can think straight. I've had a bit of a medical turn & have been in physical pain & laid up watching the non stop coverage of The Orlando Mass Shooting; The Increseasingly Involved Investigation; A Current Fillabuster going on Right Now on The Senate Floor to get Some Improved Legislation to help avoid This kind of Carnage:( Only to have added, The Tradgedy of The Toddler Killed by an Alligator at The Elegant Grand Floridian Resort at Disney World (from whence my Chidren & Grandchidren just returned)..... It's almost too Much to absorb & that's before The Politicalization of it all by our Presidential Candidates!:( I Had to have a break & checked in here, only to realize how much I'd missed & it was so calming & soothing to view all the pictures & read Charlotte's Wonderful Posts!:) I haven't read any comments for any of the appearances, but until I get back I can't believe the First thing I thought when I saw Kate at Ascot was...... "Eliza Doolittle"! Great Minds Think Alike:) Thx for the diversion & Bravo for William being on/in "Attitude" Magazine! Love To You All & I Feel So Blessed To Have This Blog as My "Safe Place" To Share My Interests in British History, The Royals, Will & Kate, The Fun of Fashion & of Course watching Cutie Pies "PG" & "PC" Grow Up! (that my Friends & Family don't understand:) We All Need a Place To Call Home & Thx Charlotte for Providing This "Safe Place"!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Becca, USA
Becca, you take care of yourself. I'm sending positive thoughts and hope you will be on the mend very soon. :)
DeleteAnd as far as watching the cutie pies grow up, I do understand. You see, I am the American Aunt W&H never knew about. ;))
Not liking Kate's hat with that dress - they just seem not well paired. The dress is just OK in my book - she borders a little on costume in it, harkening back to Audrey Hepburn's dress at Ascot in My Fair Lady - Kate's might have needed an off-set of color like Audrey's had. I adore Mary's hat today - and Sophie's hat is really something from the back! It's an art piece - perfect for Ascot. I think HM looks great in her pink coat and hat today.
ReplyDeleteSince William and Kate have been so busy all week, I wonder if Maria and the children might be at the Middleton's for the week. That would be a lot smoother for the children. And they get to visit with their doting grandparents for a whole week.
DeleteWhat I think of Kate's Ascot outfit?, you ask.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE her Ascot outfit. Truly Iconic.
Both Kate and Sophie looked wonderful. I especially liked Sophie's hat and dress, so classy, elegant, and tasteful. I did not care for the dress Mary wore and the mismatched hat. Her dress continued to show more of her chest than a lady should show. This American lady says Bravo to the English royals!!
ReplyDeleteLove the dress and hat!! I think she looked very regal, elegant, and just plain beautiful! Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't Kate have cream colored court shoes?? Didn't she wear for Charlotte's baptism with the McQueen? Couldn't help but wonder how those would have looked rather than the suede Gionvito Rossi's. I'm hoping for more outings this week! We're being spoiled!
ReplyDeleteLove the dress and hat!! I think she looked very regal, elegant, and just plain beautiful! Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't Kate have cream colored court shoes?? Didn't she wear for Charlotte's baptism with the McQueen? Couldn't help but wonder how those would have looked rather than the suede Gionvito Rossi's. I'm hoping for more outings this week! We're being spoiled!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I'm in the majority or minority, but I'm really not crazy about the dress. It just doesn't do anything good for Kate's figure. I mean, she is slim and can wear just about anything but I don't feel like the bodice does anything at all for Kate's torso. I really don't like the combo of the high neck and the high waist especially being all one color.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I liked Princess Mary's dress. Of Kate, Sophie, and Mary, I thought Mary looked best.
I'm always pleased to see pics that show Kate getting along with other members of the family like the pic of her with Anne today and the DOE a few days back. Along with a pic of her speaking with Andrew a few days ago too. I mean, it has been 5 yrs but it is always nice to see that she seems to have a good relationship with everyone.
Loooooooooooooooove your post! So much information and photos!
ReplyDeleteI like the hat, it's a piece of art!
The dress is too much lace for me (I'm not a 100% fan of lace) but she looked great!
Good for William and the cause! Excellent initiative!
Thanks for all your hard work! It is truly appreciated! :D
She looks lovely as always. The dress is described as a cotton blend which I think would provide a different look to the dress structure in person. She simply looks so elegant and polished. Everyone else seems to pale beside her. I often note that the designers selected by Sophie of late have been quite expensive with many more non English designers and yet, although she looks very nice, she simply does not have that special something so innate in Kate.
ReplyDeleteThere is also a video on you tube showing Kate as a young girl singing, "All I Want Is a Home Somewhere".
ReplyDeleteCharlotte,
ReplyDeleteThat video of Kate singing in "My Fair Lady" is exquisite. She sings beautifully. Perhaps you could provide a link on your blog for that also. That is one for the history books (or blog). I think people will thoroughly enjoy that.
hmm I love the duchess lace dress hmm seems they lot having fun crown princess mary looks so good and pefect and dashing husband so nice too see them love mary and the duchess they seems nice daily mail told their lookalikes HM looks good too
ReplyDeleteIt's a perfect Royal Ascot look, don't adore the dress but she looks well in it. As an avid racing fan, I was thrilled to see my favorite American stable take a victory today when Lady Aurelia won the Queen Mary. The Queen as ever looks wonderful. Sorry to see her right leg remains swollen. God bless her.
ReplyDeleteOkay. who was in the carriage with William and Kate?
ReplyDeleteI think it was Martha Beaumont, whose father is the 4th. Viscount of Allendale, owner of a 20,000 acre, 200 year old estate in Northumberland. With her was her husband Arthur Vestey, son of Lord and Lady Vestey, whose father is the chairman of the Cheltenham races, and has been for years, and who is the owner of Stowell Park. Martha and Arthur's wedding was covered in Vogue.
Charlotte, thank you so much for the wonderful posts this week. It was my birthday on Monday so it's been like an ongoing series of presents that I keep getting to open every day!
ReplyDeleteMy few "cents worth" on Kate's Ascot appearance:
1) I like her hat quite a bit. A big improvement on her Irish Rose hat which I didn't like, except for its side and back views.
2) I don't like the Dolce and Gabbana white lace dress.It's too much lace. I wish either the top or bottom were solid, maybe silk duppione. In some of the photos, it looks like the dress really needs a full slip or better lining. And that ruffle! Please be very careful when harkening back to the styles of the 1970s!
3) I really feel a sense that Kate is modelling herself on the Queen Mother as a young woman. I can't quite put a finger on just what it is lately but some of her sartorial choices have reminded me of the Queen Mom when she was Duchess of York. I've always felt that Kate's strong performance has echoed the potential for the type of long term contribution to the BRF that the Queen Mom gave.
4) Kate's name tag- "Who's that with Prince William...?"--what a hoot!
Absolutely LOVE the Ascot look! The design of the dress is perfect. The lace and swishy skirt, the midi length -- so graceful and elegant. . .and fun! I think this hat is my all time favorite! Just smashing! SO classy!! Well done, Kate!
ReplyDeleteI think this outfit looks fabulous on the Duchess! I love seeing Kate and Princess Mary together, they are two of my favourite royals. I also like the outfit put together with Kate's Desdemona Lace Dress in the teal colour, it would have been a great repeat for the Duchess as well.
ReplyDeleteThe hardworking staff over at Watching Kate Watching Sports thought she looked delightfully appropriate for a day at the races. In case anyone was wondering. Would love to see outfits the Queen wore in her mid 30's - as a royal mother - to see how she presented herself. Perhaps in the summer lull.
ReplyDeleteA vision in the white, frothy D&G lace midi and a hat to die for. Love it.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all,delighted to see William and Kate at Ascot. While I'm not a fan of horse-racing, Ascot has been a traditional royal event for a long time, and along with the Chelsea Flower Show and - dare I hope - the Braemar Games, provide a chance for multiple family members to come together and provide continuity.
ReplyDeleteAs for Kate's outfit, I love the hat and Ascot is about hat. The dress - well, Ascot is as good a place as any to use it, the lace is pretty and no more Little Red Riding Hood out of Sleeping Beauty - that was awful. I would have preferred she saved this dress for a decade or so - but unlike many of her outfits - this one has an expiration date - that ruffle will date it to this Seventies revival (don't I remember that ruffle) and she will either have to have it altered or use it - in a reverse Scarlet O'Hara for loo curtains. Mary looks better although the back of her dress is creased and orange is not my favourite colour. I do like the blue shade on Sophie but that's the only good thing I can say - the dress is dowdy.
So not a winner Ascot fashion-wise for me but that's not the point. In the previous comments, someone said the critics -such as myself - are silenced. We aren't silenced - we are rejoicing and feel we have been heard - for the moment. Yes, there are multiple reasons for this sudden rush of appearances in my opinion - the Queen's birthday and the present traumatic political situation when royal family unity is urgently needed - but I do believe that those of us who thought they were crying in the wilderness have finally been heard and heeded. The recent pleasant but defensive Vanity Fair article supports the fact William and Kate have sensed there was some unease - as did William's interview. I don't expect big changes - the idea that George and Charlotte will be deprived of their parents for a fraction of the work the average mum and dad have to do - isn't credible - but this is a tremendous start - and speaking of magazines - I'm thrilled about William's cover. This blend of modern and traditional that we've seen this much is exactly what I've hoped for from young royals. If enough speak up - we may be heard.
First of all, delighted to see William and Kate at Ascot. While I'm not a fan of horse-racing, Ascot has been a traditional royal event for a long time, and along with the Chelsea Flower Show and - dare I hope - the Braemar Games, provide a chance for multiple family members to come together and provide continuity.
ReplyDeleteAs for Kate's outfit, I love the hat and Ascot is about hat. The dress - well, Ascot is as good a place as any to use it, the lace is pretty and no more Little Red Riding Hood out of Sleeping Beauty - that was awful. I would have preferred she saved this dress for a decade or so - but unlike many of her outfits - this one has an expiration date - that ruffle will date it to this Seventies revival (don't I remember that ruffle) and she will either have to have it altered or use it - in a reverse Scarlet O'Hara for loo curtains. Mary looks better although the back of her dress is creased and orange is not my favourite colour. I do like the blue shade on Sophie but that's the only good thing I can say - the dress is dowdy.
So not a winner Ascot fashion-wise for me but that's not the point. In the previous comments, someone said the critics -such as myself - are silenced. We aren't silenced - we are rejoicing and feel we have been heard - for the moment. Yes, there are multiple reasons for this sudden rush of appearances in my opinion - the Queen's birthday and the present traumatic political situation when royal family unity is urgently needed - but I do believe that those of us who thought they were crying in the wilderness have finally been heard and heeded. The recent pleasant but defensive Vanity Fair article supports the fact William and Kate have sensed there was some unease - as did William's interview. I don't expect big changes - the idea that George and Charlotte will be deprived of their parents for a fraction of the work the average mum and dad have to do - isn't credible - but this is a tremendous start - and speaking of magazines - I'm thrilled about William's cover. This blend of modern and traditional that we've seen this much is exactly what I've hoped for from young royals.
On another note, I love that Wills is on Attitude magazine-an important gesture of solidarity and support towards the LGBT community by the future king of England.
ReplyDeleteAnd totally off-topic I know, but I wish Kate goes for some Color on her lips, sth which I have never seen her doing. Colourful lips brightens up a whole look and I know she will look very lovely :)