The Duchess is an avid tennis fan and has enjoyed attending the tournament regularly since her pre-engagement days. Kate enjoys playing the game too, and tennis is a sport greatly loved by her family. Her parents Carole and Michael, and siblings Pippa and James Middleton, have attended several times since this year's tournament started.
Kate is so passionate about the sport it has reportedly been decided she will take over from the Queen as patron of the All England Club at some point this summer. With the Queen celebrating her landmark 90th earlier this year, she is expected to pass patronages down, and Wimbledon is a perfect fit for the Duchess. Her Majesty has never been keen on the sport, attending the tournament just twice in 35 years.
There was a decidedly official air for Kate's visit today compared to previous years. Before matches began, HRH met tournament officials, service personnel, ball boys and girls.
Kate met several well known faces in tennis including Greg Rusedski.
We usually see the Duchess watching the men's matches (with favourites Andy Murray and Roger Federer on course for the final, Sunday is a possibility), however, today Kate had the opportunity to see the women in action.
No doubt discussion centred around Andy Murray's hopes for the final when Kate met his coach Ivan Lendl.
At this highly competitive stage, emotions are always high. No more so than for Oracene Price, proud mother of not one but two semi-finalists, Venus and Serena Williams. If both ladies are victorious today, they meet each other in a Grand Slam final for the first time since 2009. Kate arriving for the first match between Serena Williams and Elena Vesnina.
The Duchess took her seat in the royal box beside Gill Brook, wife of the chairman of the AELTC. Bee Gees singer Barry Gibb and Dame Maggie Smith were also in attendance.
It was an excellent afternoon of tennis.
Kate chatting with AELTC Chairman Philip Brook.
The Countess of Wessex was also in attendance.
The Duchess appeared to enjoy the matches immensely.
Serena Williams was victorious and will complete against Angelique Kerber for the title on Saturday.
After the match, Serena was delighted to include Kate and Sophia in a Snapchat video joking: "OK, so I'm in the 'in crowd' now," as she poses with Kate. 'I'm with royalty." You can view the video at the Mail Online.
The Duchess brought back the colour-block Roksanda Ilincic dress she wore in 2014 for the beginning of the royal tour of Australia. Memorably, whilst chatting to a member of the crowd in Sydney, Kate told a lady in the crowd William thought she "looked like a banana".
The dress is a bespoke version of the brand's Ryedale wool-crepe dress with the colours reversed. It is described: "Paintings from Brazilian artists such as Héllio Oiticia informed Roksanda Ilincic's SS14 runway show. The Ryedale Wool-Crepe Dress shows just how beautifully such influences were interpreted. It features a bell-sleeved silhouette."
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| Net-A-Porter |
A look at the dress on Kate today.
Rupert Sanderson shared news the Duchess wore their Malory Pumps in nude patent. The pumps feature an almond toe and skinny-set back heel.
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| Rupert Sanderson |
Kate wore the earrings she debuted last night.
They are the Baroque Pearl Double Sided Earrings by Soru Jewellery. They are described as "18ct Yellow gold vermeil on sterling silver earrings for pierced ears. Hand crafted with iridescent baroque pearls edged with multi faceted Swarovski crystals. Slight natural variances may occur between colours, shapes and sizes of the gemstones."
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| Soru Jewellery |
And her Cartier Ballon Bleu watch.
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Kate carried a bag by a new designer - the Victoria Beckham Quincy Leather Tote Bag (with thanks to Packham Gown and What Kate Wore).
The £995 bag is described as a "mini shopper-style tote in moonshine buffalo-leather with a calf-leather trim". It comes in several colours and is available in various hues at My Theresa, Net-A-Porter and Selfridges. The larger version of the bag - The Liberty Tote - is discounted from $1,930 to $965 at Boutique 1.
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| Victoria Beckham |
It was lovely to see Kate at Wimbledon as always. We'll see you tomorrow for the Royal International Air Tattoo! :)
Great to see this dress again! Very pretty but still simple, and very cheery and summery!
ReplyDeleteAnd nice to get a better look at the earrings. They are not as perfect as I thought they were... but nice enough!!
Really nice to see Kate and Sophie interact outside of the more formal family occations :)
With all this talk of Kate taking over, I'm surprised that nothing official has happened yet.. Maybe it will happen more in the "off season"?
Hi - Can anyone answer the question as to what Rebecca Deacon does for Kate when she is at a non-official engagement? Just curious as I can't imagine what she would need her for as she as PPO's with her and they do not sit together. Does she go to the ladies room with her?
ReplyDeleteI think this was an official occation since she walked around saying hi to volonters and things and it was announced on Twitter.
DeleteShe carried her bag, no joke!
DeleteYeah Anett, she did. Since it's the big bag with water and snacks and Kate was walking around and greeting people. Then, during the game, Kate carried the bag herself. Just like Kate had Rebecca with her, Sophie had her Lady in Waiting. That is how the royal stuff works. Don't know why it should be any different for Kate?
DeleteAnett - LOL...I saw that in a pic from the Daily Mail!!!
DeleteIt shouldn't be any different for Kate.
DeleteMelissa you are welcome!
DeleteNo one even suggested it should be different for Kate! Jeez!
Agree, yes on the surface it sounds silly but Kate needed her hands to meet and greet. This is what happens with short twitter, email, text or video "comments" "visuals" about events. Often much is missed. ali
DeleteOr perhaps Kate is carrying Rebecca's bag.
DeleteI think the moment a meet and greet, whether it is officla or not, is involved, Rebecca is there to make sure she know the names of the important people ect. If I attend Wimbledon and have no idea who is sitting in the royal box, nobody care, if Kate does not recognise an important person, it is a big story.
DeleteOr even quickly sending a text to the nanny. If Rebecca is on her phone nobody will notice, but if Kate sits at Wimbledon on her phone, again BIG story.
19:32, true. There are many reasons for Kate to have a personal assistant and those are two of them.
DeleteAnett 4:19- Melissa didn't think Kate needed an assistant with her. Since Kate was obviously performing official-type duties and not just "watching tennis,"
Deletewhy shouldn't she have an assistant, as other royals do? Melissa Was saying it
should be different.
"Jeez," a very American expression. I believe at one time you said you said
you were from Austria? There was quite a discussion about tourist sites there,
as I recall.
An assistant accompanying a member of the RF is not breaking news. Why should it be different in Kate's situation, indeed.
DeleteThrilled to bits to see this dress make a reappearance - it's definitely one of my favourites from the Australia tour. I did have a bit of a chuckle to myself, however, as I christened this look 'tennis ball chic'!
ReplyDeleteSince she seems to be wearing a lot of my favourites again recently, I'm keeping everything crossed for another look at Kate's 2011 navy McQueen military coatdress for tomorrow's engagement.
Who would have thought a Tennis Ball Banana dress could look so good?! :P
DeleteI Thought About Tennis Balls Too! "Tennis Ball Chic" I love it!:) The bright yellow did look quiet striking against the green!:)
Delete15:15,
Deletethe navy McQueen she wore when William wore the dress uniform with the ruffles? I also hope she wears that again. That was one of my favorite outfits of hers. She wore that cute little beret type hat, the shamrock pin and the bracelet that Camilla had given her.
I actually love the shape of the dress and blocks but a, not a fan of the yellow:) Just me, but I have never seen a yellow dress I like:) She looked lovely and comfortable and like she was having a nice girls day out, good for her and Sophie. ali
DeleteLove this dress! And her hair has been looking extra fabulous the past two days and she looks amazing
ReplyDeleteKate told a lady in the crowd William thought she "looked like a banana".
ReplyDeleteThe Lady is Sophie countess of Wesex
Hello! Do you know what brand of White bag Kate has? You can see her Assistant carrying it in the second photo on your page, and then Kate has it in her hand as she is taking a seat (you can see the strap handles in the photos with a lady in blue in front of her). Thank you! Great site!
ReplyDeleteIs that Maggie Smith seated behind the Countess of Wessex? Certainly looks like her!
ReplyDeleteIndeed it is :)
DeleteKate looks great. Finally we get a good look at the earrings from yesterday. She is carrying a new bag. Rebecca is holding it initially if you look at the first picture. The new trendy white, a little like (straight strap) what her mum was holding yesterday.
ReplyDeleteFan from Canada.
I liked this dress the first time she wore it, such a bright summery color, not loving it today. I'm not sure why lol. Not loving her hair today, it looks messy, but I think it's because she's pushing it out of her face a lot. I don't know what shoes she is wearing, but I don't think they're patent. They aren't shiny in pictures at all. To me at least haha
ReplyDeleteI'm surprise she isnt carrying a clutch today! Haha. Looks like Kate went alone and so did the countess! I know Rebecca is there, but they didn't sit together.
Often clothes look very different in full on southern hemisphere sunlight, than the softer light of Britian or Europe.
Deletehttps://www.sorujewellery.com/collections/earrings/products/agate-slice-earrings-gold
ReplyDeleteCould they be these or
https://www.sorujewellery.com/collections/earrings/products/agate-slice-earrings-silver
Hmm its recycle time who ever wins the always support each other oh duchess looks sunshine be back tonight
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely loved the Art Fund dress - it is sophisticated and looks fabulous on Kate. She does a minimalist look brilliantly. That is a very hard length to wear and Kate completely mastered it; the shoes were fantastic too. I've been wanting to see her use more imagination as to shoes for some time now. Really a perfect look - Kate has been having a great month fashion-wise. I liked her hair down with it too.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see her catching up with some of her patronages too. For many of them, including the Natural History Museum, it has been a long time waiting.
The yellow Ilincic has always been a favourite of mine too - it looks great on her. Would have paired it with cream shoes but perhaps that shows how old-fashioned I am. She seemed to be taking a more involved role as a spectator. Perhaps a hint of what is to come - if she is to take over either from the queen or the Duke of Kent. If she takes over for the latter, as I understand it, she would present the trophies.
Only quibble in a great Kate month is her absence again at the Order of the Thistle. Surely, that could have been worked in with Wimbledon. With a great question mark hanging over the future of Scotland, it seems a good time for every royal to appear, especially those who draw the most press attention. Dare I hope for a Kate appearance at Braemar? - that would truly crown the summer. The queen has been very much the focus in Scotland this week but good to remind people of the future, not just the present.
I was thinking.. is any of the spouses usually present at the Thistle? I know Kate has been there, but is it as big a thing as the podium with the spouses at garter? Because hasn't Kate only been when he was invested?
DeleteJulia. Prince Charles who is a knight of the order is not present. It seems that spouses don't regularly accompany to this ceremony. Anne is also on her own.
DeleteTelegraph is reporting that Kate will take over from Duke of Kent from next year.
Wimbledon Facebook has a lovely video of Kate meeting an array of people. It is really impressive how much time she gave to all those in the lineup.
I would assume spouses normally attend, certainly those of the knights. I don't know if Tim Lawrence was there or not - just because he wasn't photographed doesn't mean he wasn't - although he doesn't always accompany Anne. As far as I know, there is no podium - if that is the correct word - but that spouses would be photographed leaving the cathedral service.
DeleteCharles was not there and I don't know if he and William have ever attended the service at the same time. He missed the year William was made a knight in 2012. I'm not sure William has been present since until this year.
I still think it would have been nice if Kate attended - it would have made the service the headline of news instead of Wimbledon and there are other days she could have watched tennis, although the emphasis on the women's tennis is nice.
(I would assume Kate will replace the Duke of Kent - it makes sense, although I've also heard she might replace the queen which seems less likely - Charles will probably become patron after his mother is gone. I don't think we'll be completely positive until the announcement is made, regardless of what the papers say.)
Just hope Kate and William visit Scotland together some time in the near future - the Braemar games would be ideal. It would fit with their keen interest in sports.
I agree that it would have been nice but it seems that not nearly as much focus is put on the Thistle cermony from the royal family.
DeleteI wonder if there might be that she will take over from both the Queen and DoK in a new, more involved version of patronage?
It would be great to see them at the games. William doesn't seem fond of wearing kilts (I remember him calling it too windy for his taste or something of that sort), so maybe he's pushing that one off as far as he can :P
I believe William has attended every year since inducted and Charles rarely attends.
DeleteI'm fairly certain William has missed at least one (at least!) since he got invested.
DeleteFrom your mouth to royal ears Julia! Scotland is critically important these days...
DeleteHa, seems like thistle is only every other year. So he was in 12 when he was invested, not in 14, and now he was in 16. So hasn't been as many as I thought it was!
DeleteGot the answer and suppose I should have known. The Thistle ceremony is every other year. I thought it was every year. William did attend in 2014 - without Kate. So the next ceremony as I understand it will be in 2018.
DeleteIf Kate had been at Thistle ceremonies,it would not have made the service headline news; it would have made Kate the headline news. Wasn't HM there? And Anne? Both are members. Catherine is not.I assume the royal schedulers know what they are doing. Royal couples often attend separate events on the same day.
DeleteCatherine
wasn't just "Watching Tennis"- she obviously was there officially.
I think Catherine has been an outstanding representative of the BRF these past few solo engagements of hers.
Lovely! Rather imagined that she would wear a repeat to Wimbledon and she didn't disappoint. This is the perfect dress for the occasion and she looks, as always, well put together. Think that the bright dress reflects her personality...sunny. Love that she has been mixing it up with the shoes lately.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to see this dress again! After the "banana" comment, I thought it would be discarded. I do not think it makes the Duchess look like a banana at all. She looks like sunshine!
ReplyDeleteI highly doubt Kate cared that William said she looked like a banana! Especially since she felt secure enough to tell the world about it!
DeleteLooks like a fun outing for her! I didn't love this dress when she first wore it, but it has grown on me seeing it a second time. Her hair looked amazing today, and I think the style makes the dress look better. As a side note, she just seems like her old self again lately. :) For a while, you could see the fatigue in her face after George and then with Charlotte. I know they have a nanny, but I suspect Kate was up a lot at night! It would appear that everyone is getting more rest! (Please don't think I'm being negative. As I've mentioned before, I have children around the same age as their kids. I haven't gotten a good night sleep in 3 years!!) As a fellow mom, I'm genuinely happy for her that they seem to be really enjoying this phase of life with two toddlers and an increasing role as royals. I have just noticed the old sparkle in her eye is back again!
ReplyDeleteI wonder why the queen hasn't already passed down that patronage? If she doesn't like tennis, and Kate does, it seems like something that could have been passed along a couple of years ago.
I don't comment much, but I'm a loyal reader! Thanks, Charlotte!
-Jessica from Los Angeles-
Is anyone able to ID the sunglasses? I know they are a pair of ray bans. Just am interested in the style.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
They are classic Wayfarers. I think she has the solid black ones but they also come in tortoise shell.
DeleteThank you again Charlotte!! Such a bright and pretty look! AND I have a pair of earrings like that!!
ReplyDeleteThe Duchess had a beautiful cream bag! Here you are a photo from the Daily Mail: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/07/07/16/360B472600000578-3678807-image-a-69_1467905479385.jpg
ReplyDeleteAnother classy look today! Kate can wear just about any color; we mere mortals are not as lucky :-D
ReplyDeleteThe banana dress! I love it. She looks chic and sunny. There's a cute video going around of Kate on Serena Williams' snapchat!
ReplyDeleteHello, I noticed that she was carrying a white bag, or her assistant was, any idea anyone?
ReplyDeleteI may be criticised for saying this but I really do prefer Rebecca Deacon's dress and the relaxed way she looks.
Not a fan of this dress on the Aussie tour and still not a fan of it - it's one I wish would be retired SOON! I agree with William - she looks like she's wearing a banana peel in it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun post Charlotte. Duchess Kate was a ray of sunshine today. I'm still thinking about last nights magnificent appearance though. That will be hard to beat for a while.
ReplyDeleteI loved the SnapChat, I love how she pulled Sophie close to her :) I bet Victoria Beckham loved the fact she used her purse, I know she wants to dress Kate in her outfits. I love Kate faces during the match, they are so funny.
ReplyDeleteWhy would the Queen be Patron to Wimbledon if she doesn't like tennis? Hopefully they make it official with Kate as Patron.
I am going to look forward to tomorrows event, It is something her and William have a special bond with the RAF.
As Anonymous noted above, it seems likely Kate will take over as President from the Duke of Kent - who hands out the trophies and assumes a more involved role with the club, rather than taking over the role of patron from the queen.
DeleteThe queen is patron and perhaps that role will remain with the monarch - Charles in the future. (Don't think he is much of a tennis fan either, although Camilla is - possible that she could take over being patron - although I rather doubt it.) It may be something that is going to run with the monarchy - whether the monarch is a fan or not.
What a nice surprise to see Kate at Wimbledon today!! I had about decided she wasn't going to attend. Her hair is lovely. I love that she is carrying a purse by Victoria Beckham. I hope to see her wear some Victoria Beckham clothing in the future. They are so figure flattering and would look great on Kate.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteFor those asking, Kate's bag is by Victoria Beckham. The post is updated with all the details :)
I'm surprised it took this long to see Kate with something signed Victoria Beckham. Considering how much the brands aesthetic is very up Kate's alley and the Beckhams being at the wedding!
DeleteYEAH!!! My favourite dress is back!!! Thank you, Kate! After yesterday´s "not my favourite for this kind of occasion", this was a very welcome "recycling moment"!! :-)))). The earrings are not my favourites but I love the bag! I wouldn´t have chosen such a rather "bulky" bag for watching tennis - rather for going shopping - but the bag itself is very nice (I usually like Victoria Beckham´s designs very much, she really gets what women need to look good).
ReplyDeleteLovely to see the Duchess smile so often, she really seems so much at ease by now!
Ok, I will have to stop now and prepare myself for the semi-final France-Germany in just under two hours!! And then Angélique Kerber in the Wimbledon finale on Saturday - I´ll be completely wiped out by all this suspense after the weekend! :-))))
I think yellow is perfect on Kate. I also love the bag, but I'm not a great fan of the earrings. They're too old fanshioned.
ReplyDeleteAs always, Kate looks brilliant and spot-on for the event! This dress is one of my favourites too!!! But I have to say, the Countess of Wessex's outfit is just lovely! Very fresh, feminine and very fitting for the event. Would really appreciate to see a little more of it in this post. :)
ReplyDeleteNadia...Sophie's outfit is bespoke Suzannah pieces that she has worn before. I agree the colors were lovely....very nice for summer and an afternoon of tennis. Not crazy about the cropped top with the full skirt. But hardly noticeable when she was sitting down.
DeleteLoving the earrings, the purse and the shoes, nice updates to the dress. Think the shoes are much better than the ones she wore in Australia. Someone said in a past post that they wish Kate would get away from her "routine" earrings....and she certainly has with this pair. The earrings are interesting and think they look great with both the beautiful dress last night and with this dress. Glad she is carrying a Victoria Beckham bag! Agree with a previous post that Kate would look very good in one of VB's designs....Kate certainly has the figure to carry off pretty much everything! Her personality is shining through lately...she really seems very delightful!
ReplyDeleteKate looked wonderful and relaxed today. You can tell how much she loves tennis. I hope the Queen passes down the Wimbledon patronage to Kate soon, particularly since she herself doesn't care for the sport. I must admit that I am not a fan of the color yellow. And it is because I cannot wear it (with red hair and very pale skin). I think the dress is very nice, but I don't like the color of it. It is only my preference though. She wears it well, but I'm inclined to agree with William on this one. Charlotte, thank you for all of your hard work on these posts. I know, with engagements back to back like this, it requires a lot.
ReplyDeleteAhhh, return of the "banana" dress! : ) Glad to see it again, such a cheerful colour and very nice structure. Not so sure about the earrings, something about the shape is...slug-like?
ReplyDeleteI really liked Sophie's outfit, too!
Perfect dress for a tennis match - looks similar to a tennis ball! I know she must've enjoyed her day. :)
ReplyDeleteI have some questions:
1. NOT complaining in any way but, is a purse required 100% of the time? May be some sort of security/tracking device in there? The James Bond side of me is curious..... :)
2. Where do you all think she/her handlers stores these clothes? Kennsington? Huge closet? Do you think they keep track of what she has/what she's worn in a catalogue, etc? It's neat to me - a woman who digs through her piles of clothes and regularly exclaims, "OH MY GOSH, I forgot I had this outfit!" Lol I suppose when it's expensive, part of your "uniform" and sometimes bought by the public, one keeps up with their clothes better than I do! :)
3. A strange, strange thing to pop in my mind, BUT, I guess they have their own cleaners. The Royal Cleaners. Lol I guess I've been thinking lately about the practical side of Royal Life.
4. And lastly, the Queen rarely repeats an outfit, correct? NOT that I'm opposed to it at all, just wondering what happens to all her wonderful hats and dresses if she doesn't re-wear them.
Love the video of Kate and Serena!!
Kate was seen drinking and eating snacks, pulling out glasses etc so in this case I think the bag was needed :)
DeleteThe behind the scenes of royal life can be very interesting and mostly (probably) because we will never know all of it.
Also, the Queen is a relatively frequent repeater.
I'd love to hear any responses if anyone knows. This interests me as well.
DeleteFor information on the queen's clothes - Angela Kelly's book is a great source. The queen often repeats outfits, although she often, although not always, will vary the hat worn. From her Majesty's Jewel Vault is a good way to follow what the queen wears.
DeleteHello
DeleteI remember watching a documentary years ago and there was a section on the queens and princess Diana's clothes.
For all of their formal appearance outfits after each wear they are dry cleaned and stuffed with non acidic tissue and put into clothes bags and hung in vast "wardrobes" - each item is labelled and catalogued on computer with details of the date and occasion that it was last worn and with what accessories.
I thought it was one of the most fascinating things I had watched hence I remember it :-)
Sara Jane
I remember it too.
DeleteI would say the opposite Julia, that she usually wears the same coat+dress+hat combo since they are made for eachother. Sometimes a hat is retired and exchanged for a new one with an old coat or vice versa but her outfits to me seem to be very much "package deals". At least what I've seen from the Royal Hats blog!
DeleteI know I've been so curious to know about the maintenance of Her Shoes??? They Always Look Brand New!? Especially The Pumps!
Delete1) How do they spare her heels & the soles from the insults of gravel & grass?
2) How many duplicates do we think she has of favorite styles & colors?
Inquiring Minds Want To Know!
Becca USA:)
Actually Charlotte.... This All Might Make For A Fun Post Topic, for When We Are In A Lull?
DeleteIt Could Focus On The Maintenance & Curating of The Royal Clothing Collections? With Sections for Seasonal Attire; Gowns; Jewelry; Accessories (ie: Hats, Scarves etc); Handbags & Clutches; & Of Course Shoes! (Esp about how they keep them looking So Pristine?
Thoughts Anyone?
I think the Queen has worn her coat and hat "uniforms" or "package deals" for years now. The small details (flowers, buttons, netting), fabrics and colors are the only things that differ.
DeleteSounds like a good plan to me Becca. Like everyone here wouldn't LOVE to take a tour of Kate's closets. lol
DeleteFlorida Girl, I've mentioned this before, "Dressing the Queen" by Angela Kelly is a great resource, anyone interested in Kate and her fashion should read it. Kelly has also done a few informative interviews over the years, very unusual for a member of staff, but Kelly and the Queen have a very close, almost familial bond. She lives in a house at Windsor I think (a gift from HM), and the Queen is known to pop round frequently.
DeleteI believe she heads a team of 12, which includes 3 or 4 dressers who help the Queen get dressed and maintain her wardrobe, I think there's a lot of hand washing! They each have individual diaries noting the details of each outfit and the event at which it was worn. The Queen's recycles are reportedly "staggered strategically" throughout the year.
One tidbit I thought Kate fans would appreciate - they test fabrics with a fan to see how flimsy they are :) and add hem weights when necessary. And the Queen apparently told Kelly just to squeeze a fabric first in her hand to see how easily it wrinkles, if it didn't pass that test it was out in HM's opinion!
If you Google Angela Kelly you'll see some interviews that will probably interest you :) Good luck!
(I also remember reading that an assistant dresser to HM - maybe it was Kelly - was stunned Kate didn't bring wardrobe staff on the Canada tour. When asked how she thought Kate managed, she said her PA (Natasha Archer or Deacon) probably relied on hotel housekeeping staff to help steam/press outfits ahead of time)
Thanks Claudia.
DeleteI know I've seen the queen change out hats - for the outfit she wore to the Jubilee for instance - she got rid of that strange "shower cap" looking hat. I've seen her change out hats for her lavender outfits too - sometimes mixing and matching them. Other times she does wear the same hat. But she does reuse her outfits. I remember seeing her wearing a white gown with the symbols of Trinidad on it - a Trinidadian friend was so pleased - but it was explained that these embroidered symbols can be removed and replaced so the white dress can be used for a different nation. She just recently re-wore the yellow outfit she wore to William and Kate's wedding too. Royal Hat Blog is another great source.
DeleteDiana used to re-wear outfits and gowns frequently too and had them completely remade at times. Anne is notorious for wearing very old and sometimes dated-looking clothes and Sophie is re-wearing an outfit as noted above. So all royal ladies do - abroad as well.
Thank you! Will be checking this out. It's all so fascinating to me. Always looking perfect in almost every situation considering weather, the audience, personal condition (pregnant, sick, tired, mood), and good point on the shoes - I bet someone takes her shoes and cleans them/touches them up after each use (they never even look dirty 9n the bottom!).
DeleteAll of it reminds me of something William said I believe in their engagement interview. He spoke of being like ducks - seemingly calm gliding through the wayer smoothly but with unseen feet paddling furiously underneath. :) A good way to describe all British ceremony which you all do so well!
And, true, I guess HM does repeat things, I must not be paying attention like I do to Kate and I don't have an AWESOME blog like this one to help me "keep up" with the Queen like this one foes with Kate - hey, Charlotte, new blog idea - Keeping Up With Kate?! Lol!
I really like this dress and it was another great look for today. So sunny and bright, it really brightens Kate up as well. She seemed really excited to be there and engaged with everyone she met per the pictures. I like the earrings too and glad we were able to get a better look at them today. Rebecca's dress is very pretty and I really like it. It looks great in the pictures with Kate. They really compliment each other today very well.
ReplyDeleteI like her hair from Australia better than I do today but it still looks lovely. Like you said Charlotte, this was a more formal engagement then the previous years Kate has attended. I know not everyone thinks there is going to be a patronage hand over but this had the feel of a very formal engagement for Kate. Not just a day out watching and enjoying sports. Rebecca being there also makes this engagement seem more formal.
I like Sophie's outfit too and it appears her and Kate are having a nice day out together.
Thanks Charlotte for the post. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes about in the future in regards to the patronage for AELTC. I am hoping that the rumors are true and we get a few additional surprises for patronage hand overs.
This was one of my favorites from the Australia tour, also!! I was surprised to see it today because it seems more formal than necessary for Wimbledon. But, since she was meeting with people behind the scenes I can understand its use today. I still love the bright and cheery color which looks so nice on the Duchess! I am so glad she reversed the color and changed the sleeve from the one on the model!! Much, much better! I am not a huge fan of the earrings. They look heavy.
ReplyDeleteKate, as usual, looks amazing -- and so full of life. A summery pop of colour with that fun dress, great shoes, adore the earrings and I WANT that bag!
ReplyDeleteI think this dress is so yellow and banana that you can wear it once in a lifetime.
ReplyDeleteLove Serena's Snapchat with Kate and Sophie. They all looked cute together. Fun.
ReplyDeleteLove the "banana" dress and how fabulous Catherine looks today. She looked great head to toe. My only quibble is that I would find a sheath very confining to wear in a stadium seat for all the hours of being a spectator. I would prefer something more relaxed.
ReplyDeleteOkay. This one might be a stretch, but maybe not, when you consider that in 2011 Kate wore to Wimbledon, the Temperly London "Moraiah" white dress that had the very unusual straps of circles that resembled tennis balls. That the straps resembled tennis balls on that dress was certainly my first thought when I saw it. So, today she wears yellow.
ReplyDeleteWhat color are the tennis balls at Wimbledon? And white. Tennis whites, anyone. Love.
(Remember? Kate said Wiiliam had said she looked like a banana in that dress?) Men. lol
Definitely a distinct preview of her impending new patronage for Kate with today's unusual protocols of Kate meeting and greeting and being met. She had a smile on her face from ear to ear the whole time. She will be treated like a Queen there from now on. She will have fun with that for the rest of her life. She certainly deserves it, IMHO. A fun patronage to help undergird her for the more somber ones she is patron of and all the often tedious events she will have to attend throughout her tenure as Duchess, Princess of Wales, Queen and even mother of King George. Did anyone notice how very posh the seating is front and center of the Royal box compared to the other posh seating in the box? Nice.
I thought Serena's comments were unnecessary and tacky, rather patronizing. Not really gracious towards Kate. Not nice.
Glad that Kate and Sophie got to spend some r&r time together. They seem to be enjoying each other's company, sincerely and equally. No tension like that I have noticed before. Nice.
Not a stretch AT ALL, 22:25,
DeleteKate's dress has already been dubbed here as the
"Tennis ball banana dress", the "Tennis ball chic" dress.
lol. "The Tennis Ball Banana Dress". What a legacy for that poor dress.
DeleteThat white Temperly with the "tennis ball" straps was the most unusual dress I have seen at Wimbledon yet. It was cute, fun and flirty, almost borderline kitschy. Only Kate could have pulled that off. Talk about "Kate things", that was definitely one of them.
Deleteyep. we didn't even know about the "Kate things" then, but this was definitely one of them.
DeleteVery much prefer Sophie's look. She is much more interesting than Kate to me, these days, both in personality and fashion choices.
ReplyDeleteHahah, sorry, but what an odd comment to leave on a Kate blog :P It's certainly alright to feel so, and I am in no way meaning this comment as a "please leave", but there is a great Sophie blog out there :P (I really don't mean this in a mean way!)
DeleteIt's not an odd comment at all Rebecca for what is an "objective" Kate blog, where Charlotte has repeatedly said she welcomes fans and critics alike. And even Kate fans may find their interest ebbing and flowing as the years pass, depending on her activities and fashion choices.
DeleteYeah, I didn't mean it in a mean way at all. Odd might be the wrong word. It just took me of guard and made me giggle. Probably because it was a stand alone comment and not in a context!
DeleteNicely put Claudia, long time no see :)
DeleteClaudia, it is both an odd and not odd comment:) Just depends on the weather:)
DeleteReverse the original comment (in Kate's favor), post it on a Sophie blog, and then let's revisit the odd factor. I understand, and second, Rebecca's initial reaction.
Deletelol, good one, RF.
DeleteIs It Just Me or Is Kate Rocking It, Back like in her Pre Baby Days? The Hair, The Hair, The Hair! & Her Confidence! She justs Owns it! :)
ReplyDeleteNo, it isn't just you, Becca. She IS rocking it lately! :)
DeleteKate looks beautiful. I'm glad she brought back this dress (it's a quiet favorite of mine) and her hair looks gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteWow, Catherine looks so relaxed and happy.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure the earrings go with that particular dress, I think they looked better with the other evening dress. But she looked great.
Love the length of her hair too.
It's nice seeing HRH taking up a more formal role in a sport/event she is so passionate about.
Cara, Australia.
Rebecca Deacon looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteShe definitely is holding her own admirably. She looks healthy, relaxed and rested.
DeleteShe does. Although, I thought todays dress looked like she was going to the beach :P Great looking, and nice dress, but felt a bit informal. Oh well :)
DeleteI didn't like Rebecca's dress either.
DeleteIt's more beachy, like you said. I googled Rebecca Deacon just to find out what she's worn to Wimbledon before. What I found were lots of photos of her with Kate that I had never seen before. In a lot of them she has a very nice fashion sense. In a few, she really looks better than Kate, actually. She has trimmed down a lot in recent years and her look is more polished and sophisticated for sure. Not surprising, as her life experiences have become more polished and sophisticated as her tenure with the Royal family continues. I would guess that she was there for Kate for the dinner William and Kate had for President Obama and his wife. She was there for the birth of George and Charlotte, and to help during the visit from the Chinese leader, etc.
can you imagine having such an enriched position? Living history.
I like the dress, but the length is not ideal for her position.
DeleteOn the issue of Royal patronages. This past weekend there were a number of interviews of Princess Diana circulating in recognition of her birthday. On one I saw, after her divorce she dropped many of the patronages although she wasn't expected to, in favor of concentrating on the few charities/causes she felt strongly about. Diana said that there were so many organizations to which she lent her name as Princess of Wales, that there wasn't really sufficient attention paid to many of them to be effective. I'm happy at the thought that Catherine may be designated patron of Wimbledon. Seems a good fit to her interests. But as Elizabeth and Phillip hand off patronages to younger Royals, it begs the question, when does too many interfere with effectiveness? Just pondering.
ReplyDeleteIt's a hard balance that all the royal families and royal individuals are trying to find. I don't think there is just one hard line answer.
DeleteI have been thinking that the younger royals have given thought to that vexed question and that Heads Togther with like patronages under an umbrella might be the way forward for the Royals.
DeleteI have been thinking that the younger royals have given thought to that vexed question and that Heads Togther with like patronages under an umbrella might be the way forward for the Royals.
DeleteDiana's actions came at a stressful moment in her life and I wouldn't take it as her best moment. Taking on many organisations is a huge help to small charities who might otherwise be left behind without a royal patron. Even if the patron only visits occasionally, their name can be used for fund-raising and a royal visit even once brings attention to less known causes. To limit this might mean only the major charities have royal patrons. Smaller charities don't go away, they simply have to find a patron outside the royal family and there is already a move towards choosing celebrities. This decreases the relevance of the royal family.
DeleteQuite honestly, I believe the current system is very effective and Diana was at her best visiting a number of charities. It does mean more work for the royals though. But it brings encouragement to volunteers who are helping with relatively small charities and people who need their aid.
As odd as it seems, Sophie once said that she found charities don't want or need deep involvement from their royal patron - the symbolism is the most important thing. Obviously, a royal should be well-briefed on the charity and it should be reputable - but limiting areas of interest can end up making a royal something of a specialist who has less meaning to people not directly involved in those areas. For instance, in talking to charity workers, it's been noticed William and Kate seem to only have aid charities involving the young for the most part, while people remember with great fondness Diana visiting the elderly - she was truly the people for all ages. If she had limited herself earlier she might not have been seen as "the people's princess" like the term or not. There is much to be said for a generalist royal - and that is one of the reasons the queen is also loved - she is often seen visiting lesser known causes and small events - that still matter so much for those involved.
I have said this before-patrons exist as a name-dropping promotion to use in letterheads and in fund-drives, similar to
Deletea Royal Warrnt being displayed in a shop window and advertising. When a royal has scores of patronages, relatively few are
personally visited even yearly. Royals do have charities and interests that
are more closely followed: for example,HM, horse events; Sophie eyesight-oriented groups;
Camilla the women's issues; Charles,environmental concerns .
I noticed Sophie turner was there! And Maggie smith! Screw the tennis game I'd be chatting with them the whole time
ReplyDeleteI would for sure be grilling Sophie about the next season of game of thrones! My favorite duchess of Cornwall story is when kit Harrington said she asked him at Wimbledon last year if his character was really dead
She is a fan girl just like me!
I am for Kate 100%. She is a very sweet, funny, talented, friendly, dutiful, humble, beautiful and intelligent woman, a true asset wherever she may be, including being an asset to the Royal family and monarchy. I do not, though, like her new earrings at all.
ReplyDeleteI like your comment so much, Anon 23:33 :). What a marvelous series of positive adjectives followed by a short comment about your not liking the earrings. It made me smile. I agree with you in both points.
DeletePlus, I like the way Kate talked to the waiting people and how everyone melted after a while of being shy or nervous and started to smile and felt visibly at ease.
I will chime in with the opposite opinion on the earrings: Love them, they are very artistic!
Deletethere's a link to the full snapchat vid on this twitter! sophie was there too
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/SWilliamsFans/status/751042130278227968
I love totes, but VB's, if it is going to wide like that,
ReplyDeleteit needs a zippered top so contents will be secure and
so no one can casually look in and see your stuff.
I have seen a lot of totes I like better. Ones that are not so thick and boxy and stiff looking. Also, kind of a big tote for a tennis match, particularly when Rebecca Deacon was there to help,like she usually does, with any stuff Kate would need. Not a fan of the purse.
That purse looks like a tank, not a tote. Becca Deacon has carried some nice totes over the years.
DeleteBig enough to get the job done but way more stylish and "comfortable" than Victoria's.
So does Deacon carry Kate's purses or her own? I haven't seen a new purse on Kate in ages until now since the gray one she carried a lot
DeleteHee hee have to agree.
DeleteRebecca,
ReplyDeleteYour suggestion that the Queen's position as Patron and the position as President be combined for Kate is a good one. I don't know specifically how much the two positions currently do or do not overlap, but on the surface it seems like the perfect solution.
The Queen is a patron by name only. Usually it's only one royal connected to a charity at the time, but when the Queen is just a patron on paper but wont attend the general events, they sometimes have a minor royal as president :) Or at least that is what I've gotten explained to me.
DeleteThanks Rebecca,
DeleteSeems easy enough then. Just combine the two positions and voila'.
I think Wimbledon is somewhat unusual - although not unique - in having both a royal patron and a royal as President. The two posts are different and I think unlikely to be merged - and the President isn't necessarily seen as a lessor role - he or she is more directly involved and hands out the trophies - it is just that the role of president has long links with the Kent family - it was held by the very popular George, Duke of Kent and then by Princess Marina who certainly didn't see herself as a lesser royal and after her death, her son. But as the next generation of Kents are no longer active royals (Although Amelia is getting a lot of attention) it seems likely that position will move on perhaps to Kate - but I think the two posts will remain separate and the role of patron may stay with the monarch.
DeleteDid William attend The Order of the Thistle event today?
ReplyDeleteYes. He, the Queen, Prince Phillip, The Princess Royale.
DeleteIndeed he did :)
DeleteGreat post! I thought she was watching the Wiliiam's sisters (that's what the tweet said) but I see that she only watched one of them
ReplyDeleteShe looked lovely today! That hue of yellow is so vivid and bright, without being too much :)
Thanks for the info!
She watched both of them :) and watched some of the wheelchair game as well from the balcony :)
DeleteShe watched both matches involving the william' s sisters. She also watched some Paralympic tennis.
DeleteOh Really? Thanks for the information! :D
DeleteRebecca Deacon, Hi, :)
ReplyDeleteIf you are reading this, please find out if there is a way to do a new documentary on the wardrobes and wardrobe management of Kate and the Queen. Please. :)
And, :), do you think any of Kate's gowns will be, could be auctioned for charity? I think displaying her wedding gown at BP generated something like $11,000,000 or more during it's time displayed. There does seem to be interest.
I wish Kate would find a better hair colorist. She has far too much orange in her color. It just does not go well with er skin tone. The older pictures when her hair was a cool brunette with just a few highlights was so much more becoming to her complexion and eyebrows. In photos it looks like she has an orange glow to her hair. Her updos have been so matronly. Mother of the bride Lady Brabourne had Kates hair at her daughters wedding. The updo Kate has worn a lot recently.
ReplyDeleteUpdos are not exclusively for the over 50 crowd. Runway models are styled with updos all.of the time. Elegance is always in stye.
DeleteI don't especially like the earrings, and they don't go with this dress, but how very Kate to wear them again the next day, visibly so that all those sites trying to identify them could get a good look! I do like the bag, and I think there is a zipper since a zipper pull is visible in Charlotte's closeup picture. But I can't imagine really using such a costly tote bag. The yellow sheath dress is very beautiful. I was startled by the color blocks the first time around; now they look completely normal, lol.
ReplyDeleteCan someone point out Sophie's lady in waiting? I don't see someone who could be. I am always surprised to see Dame Maggie Smith in modern attire, but she looks very nice in her white jacket. She just became so much the Dowager Duchess all those years that her own persona has been overwhelmed.
hmm i really love the banana thing but for me she like sunshine hmm I cant everybody knows that duchess watching the game of thrones with prince harry looking forward to women single finals serena Williams and Angelique kerber and men semi finals
ReplyDeleteI would for Kate to wear that beautiful Ice blue dress
ReplyDeletewith the white lace overlay that she wore with the pearls in her chignon in Malaysia, the Temperley "Aster Flower Dress" that she wore in September of 2012 to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Tea Party there. That dress is one of the most beautiful dresses ever. I hope she wears it again soon. It is so unique and beautifully feminine. I am surprised she hasn't worn it since then. Does anyone remember that dress?
And when she was in Malaysia she wore that sheer dress and veil to the mosque that matched almost exactly what Diana had worn years before. I wonder if that was an early "Kate thing"? The media certainly made that correlation.
Does Rebecca Deacon have an apartment at Kennsington Palace? Some of their employees do, I think.
ReplyDeleteThank you, that news for me was hard to find. ali
ReplyDeleteI do love her makeup. I like that she has been changing it up a bit for different occasions. I am also a fan of cooler tones for the eyes; bronzy colors turn me away lately. There are a lot of speculations regarding what products she uses, but regardless she does a great job. Very flattering.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with the comment about too much orange in her hair. Aside from suiting her complexion, it brightens up her face. Maybe it’s a phase, but it’s good to change your look sometimes. It’s refreshing. Btw most people’s brows look different from their hair color.
Thanks for the post!
I'm glad to see this cheerful summer dress. It's a favorite and perfect for the event. It's great to see Kate and Sophie supporting women's sports. Serena's selfie is cute!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great day! I always enjoy watching Wimbledon. It's my favorite Grand Slam. Congrats to Serena and how awesome was that Kate & Sophie were in her SC video. I love Snapchat since it's a great platform to upload short videos on. Also really nice to see Sophie and Kate together outside of formal family engagements. The two seem to enjoy each other's company. Love the banana dress. She looked great though I'm not so sure about the earrings. They look clunky. Interesting to see that she bought a VB handbag. Wonder why it took so long...
ReplyDeleteTwitter world in overdrive. Prince George is at the Air Show.
ReplyDeleteBluhare, hope you and you mom are doing okay. prayers to you and your mom for strength and grace.
ReplyDeleteYou are lovely! I wish the same!
DeleteShe looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteGone bananas for tennis.
ReplyDeleteI must say I didn't like Serena Williams' comment: "I'm with royalty" it's not something you say if you are next to Kate. It's a bit cheap to say. She could have said something more elegant such as: "Look, I'm with the Duchess of Cambridge".
ReplyDelete