The Duchess Joins the Queen at Chelsea Flower Show & Kate Supports Children's Hospice Week!

Fresh from a weekend of celebrations for Pippa's wedding in Bucklebury, the Duchess of Cambridge returned to duties today, joining the Queen and other members of the royal family for the Royal Horticultural Society's Chelsea Flower Show.

The Duchess arriving.

Established in 1913, on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has become one of the world’s greatest showcases for horticultural excellence, attracting visitors and exhibitors from across the globe.

Since its beginning, the show has gone from strength to strength. It has grown from 244 exhibitors in 1913 to over 500 today, including gardens, nurseries, floristry, educational displays and trade stands. Today the show attracts 165,000 visitors.

The Chelsea Flower Show is a staple on the royal calendar thanks to Her Majesty's patronage of the Royal Horticultural Society, and the show has been attended by countless royals over the years. Since the Queen's ascension to the throne in 1952, she has only missed it five times. Below, a smashing photo of the smiling Queen.

Other members of the royal family in attendance included the Duke of Edinburgh, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and Princess Alexandra. 

The Cambridges made their debut at the event last year, I think it likely it will become a semi-regular fixture on their schedules. 

Kate talking to an exhibitor.

Kate was accompanied by Rebecca Deacon.

The Queen viewed many of the stands and gardens which make up this year's show.

Her Majesty met staff and organisers.

The royals toured the beautiful display of gardens.

Kate visited The David Austen Rose exhibit where she saw the 'William and Catherine Rose' named in 2012 for The Royal Wedding.

A closer look at the rose.

It is always a complete joy to see the magnificent gardens at Chelsea. This year, another selection of horticultural delights have been brought to life.

The RHS Greening Grey Britain Garden 2017 by Professor Nigel Dunnett – set within an urban landscape, the garden features a tower block and street art for the first time at Chelsea. Packed with 'take home' ideas the garden is a living encyclopedia of solutions to bring horticulture to any urban environment. A combined private and communal space it blends ornamental horticulture with edible planting in an inspiring setting.

The Sir Simon Milton Foundation Garden, inspired by 500 years of Covent Garden and its famous flower market.

The CWGC Centenary Garden is a reflective garden commemorating 100 years of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission designed on a circular theme and featuring a convex mirror and soft, flower-filled planting. More from the RHS "In 2017 the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) celebrates 100 years since its foundation by Royal Charter. It continues to care for 1.7 million war dead in more than 150 countries. The CWGC Centenary Garden is designed to honour the fallen, and to celebrate the CWGC’s century of gardening excellence and the artisan skills still employed by its staff around the world."

The Duchess enjoyed a tour of the CWGC Centenary Garden.

Princess Alexandra also visited the garden. I think you'll agree she's an impeccably elegant lady.

The Anneka Rice Colour Cutting Garden is described as a "luscious patchwork of colour and texture dedicated to cut-and-come-again plants, this garden overflows with the joy of summer".

The Poetry Lovers Garden by Fiona Cadwallader is one of my favourites this year. "Rooftop-pruned lime trees reference the garden’s inspiration – Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s romantic poem This Lime Tree Bower My Prison. The garden alludes to a world beyond while creating a meditative space in which nature, the poem and the imagination come together. References found in the poem include ivy-clad dry-stone walls, a waterfall in the form of a stainless-steel water feature, and beanflowers, while polished concrete represents ease, modernity and reflection. Gates offer a hint of escape into a less-secluded world and the pleasures of human contact. All these elements conjure the uplifting spirituality of the dramatic conclusion of the poem, leaving the viewer afloat on the power of the imagination."

The Silk Road Garden, Chengdu, China is a garden of contrasts, with colourful sloping beds of rhodoendrons and peonies on one side and foliage, shrubs and grasses on the other intersected by a spine of red blades representing the mountainous landscape of the Sichuan Province.

The Duchess meets Mary Berry and Chris Evans at The Chris Evans Taste Garden.

The Mail reports "Presenter Chris Evans offered Kate a cherry tomato from his Radio Two 'taste garden' at Chelsea Flower Show. Despite dropping it on the decking, the royal was happy to pop it in her mouth and munch away. After the snack, she told the Radio 2 DJ: 'It's delicious and sweet.' And on the show itself, she added: 'I loved it. I'm just getting into gardening with the children. Describing her own growing efforts, she said: 'It makes such a difference when you take it from the ground."

The Earl and Countess of Wessex meeting Mary Berry. Sophie wore a pink bell sleeve Valentino dress.

The Duke of Edinburgh was in great spirits as always.

The Great Pavilion is a kaleidoscope of colour.

A gorgeous selection of daffodils.

And a nod to the royal visit :)

The beautiful bouquets created for the royals.

A variety of well known faces attended the press day from Mary Berry (pictured earlier in the day before she changed and greeted Kate) in the aptly named Liberty Wrap Dress in Cerise Garden by one of Kate's favourite brands Really Wild, to model Kelly Brook in the white lace For Love & Lemons Rosalita Dress and the fabulous Dame Judi Dench.

The Duchess was aptly attired for the flower show in a new floral dress by French brand Rochas (with thanks to Japanese Ginger). The Floral Printed Silk Crepe de Chine Dress features a fitted waist, flared skirt and silk lining. Made in Italy, the piece is "Rochas emerald and off-white". As of writing, the dress is available in very limited sizes (reduced by up to 60%) at The Outnet. It originally retailed for $2633.

The Outnet

The dress is from the designer's Pre-Fall 2016 Collection.

The Outnet

Rochas is a fashion, beauty, and perfume house founded in 1925 by French designer Marcel Rochas the first designer of 2/3-length coats and skirts with pockets. It is currently owned by the multinational Inter Parfums. Rochas' clients include Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Aniston, Kirsten Dunst, Kate Bosworth, Jennifer Lopez, Rachel Weisz, and Sarah Jessica Parker.

For those searching for 'Repli-Kates', Kate's Closet and Royal RepliKate posted the $23 Olrain Vintage Floral Tea Dress at Amazon, the $56 Eva Mendes Collection Grazia Dress and the £435 Vivetta Midi Floral Tea Dress.

Kate wore her favourite L.K. Bennett Fern pumps.

L.K. Bennett

Kate accessorised with her £125 Monica Vinader Siren Wire Earrings. They are described as "These simple, sophisticated earrings are great for everyday wear. The organic, irregular shaped multi-faceted Green Onyx gemstone is encased in 18ct Gold Plated Vermeil on Sterling Silver."

Monica Vinader

Kate wore her hair in a ponytail which perfectly showcased the dress and earrings.

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To celebrate Children's Hospice Week, the Duchess has released a video message praising the extraordinary "dedication" and "inspirational" staff and volunteers. In the message, the Duchess highlights the fact there are more than 49,000 children and young people across the U.K. with life-limiting conditions. As patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices, Kate noted the "incredible difference" it makes to families. "They deliver first-class care in a safe environment that feels as close to home as possible, full of colour, warmth, love and support". The video features the track Lego House by EACH ambassador Ed Sheeran. 

The Duchess added:

"Today as we mark the beginning of Children's Hospice Week - I hope you will join me in shining a light on the dedicated and inspirational staff and volunteers, and the lifeline services they provide for children and their families. The work they do is extraordinary, and it really does make a world of difference."

Barbara Gelb, chief executive of Together For Short Lives, said the organisation is thrilled to have Kate's support "The Duchess's words, and her amazing support for Children's Hospice Week since 2013, have been transformational, helping to raise awareness of the needs of seriously ill children and families and to show that help is at hand. Families coming to terms with the heart-breaking news that their child will die young often say that it is the most isolating time and they simply don't know where to turn for help. That's why the Duchess's words are so poignant - it's a clear message that help is available from the remarkable children's hospice and palliative care services right across the UK. This support can make a world of difference for families."

The video was filmed during Kate's visit to EACH in Quidenham in January. The Duchess wore a rich green Hobbs London skirt suit, the Gerard Darel Josephine Blouse, black suede Gianvito Rossi pumps and Kiki McDonough Morganite earrings.

During the visit Kate met Isabella Benton.

In an interview with The Mirror, Isabella's family discuss the progress she has made thanks to EACH:

"Little Isabella, from Dereham in Norfolk, has up to three tonic-clonic seizures – a type of generalised seizure that affects the entire brain – and takes four anti-convulsant medicines twice a day. She had the seizures mostly in her sleep, so Michala and dad Roger have a camera in her bedroom to keep check. Although the seizures have reduced in frequency over the last few years, they appear to have become more violent. After undergoing unsuccessful surgery in 2015, the family hit an all-time low and 42-year-old Michala was diagnosed with depression.

But Isabella has since made progress, with new medication giving her more freedom and more mobility than ever before. However, she still needs constant supervision. Support from East Anglia Children's Hospices (EACH) has also helped her to learn and develop life and social skills, through creative activities such as painting.

Michala says: “I can’t imagine what life would be like without the care and support from EACH. It gives us the time to do things with our other girls - simple things like going to the park, baking cakes, going for a picnic or to the seaside - things which are a challenge for all of us to do with Isabella."

Children's Hospice Week runs from today until 28 May. This year, the focus is on "turning up the volume" on children's palliative care to raise awareness about the number and needs of children with life-limiting conditions and to celebrate all the lifeline services that children and families rely on. The goal is to amplify families' voices and change people's perceptions about some of the myths surrounding children's palliative care. If you wish to find out more or donate please click here.

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Finally, an update on the green Dolce & Gabbana dress Kate wore in Canada last September. 

Middleton Maven shared news it has been re-released in several colourways and prints. The Short-Sleeved Fluted-Hem Cady Dress works particularly well in powder blue with pink trim. It is described: "It's the powder-blue hue and calf-skimming length that makes Dolce & Gabbana's stretch-cady dress so perfect for summer parties. Pale-pink chiffon trims the short sleeves and fluted hem, while slender neckline ties and decorative cream buttons enhance the ladylike appeal. Contrast the powdery hue with gleaming gold sandals." We know the Duchess loves having her favourite pieces in multiple colours - I think this would be a fabulous addition and perfect for a summer engagement. It's available at Matches.

The dress is also available in the pastel hue Hydrangea Print and in 'Bread Print' taken from the designers' bold picture of Italian heritage for the SS17 Collection.

And that's a wrap for today. I expect we'll hear an engagement announcement for the Duchess shortly.