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.
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 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."
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.
A ponytail! Hooray!
ReplyDeleteI agree, a great hairstyle.
DeleteKate, please walk with your hands down by your side instead of in front of you!
ReplyDeleteWhen her and William went to church on Easter she looked great and confident because her hands were for once by her side. When you have your hands in front of you, it is as if you are holding back.
Her hair looks amazing as usual, still do not know about the dress. I think it would look better shorter.
Totally agree with you. Hands down on her side and not in front of her or on her clutch. She is a beautiful&smart lady and doesen't to feel insicure
DeleteLook at the photo of Bea and Eugenie walking. Notice how many are holding their hands? Abagail
DeleteGreat to see Kate at this event again, especially with the heads together connection. It's always fun to see her at events with the other royals, even though on this event they are usually rather spread out.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if this will be an event where Kate might become a bit of a regular. She is said to like gardening so it might be one she can appriciate quite a bit. Thinking about that... does Charles go to this event often? It seems like it would be right up his alley!
How cute that there was a William and Catherine rose there and that she got to see it. What an odd feeling it must be!
Kate looks really pretty today! I like how relaxed the dress seem, and it for sure fits the theme! It's a good balance of "floral themed" without looking like event camoflauge.
I'm personally not that fond of "t-shirt necks" on clothes, so I would have it more boatneck like but that's a small quibble. The general feel, and especially the skirt is very nice. It's great to see her in this more relaxed silouette at this event! It feels summery and flowy and in general look comfortable and nice. And it moved very nicely as well. You just want to twirl in such a skirt!
Her hair is absolutley stunning. A great ponytail on her! The perfect "poof" on the top and nice curl in the pony itself. Very feminine and pretty!
I'm not so sure about the different greens in the earrings and dress, but again, small quibble!
So in summary, stuff can be quibbled on but the overall effect is VERY pretty in my eye!
And a little thing I noticed, seems like no clutch! I have noticed recently that her clutches have been held more to the side at times and she hasn't looked as "binky blanket" attached to it anymore. And now without it. It's a small thing, but I think she is growing in confidence! We all have those things we "cling to" or our nervous ticks and such, so I have not had an issue with it at all. But her letting go of the clutch a bit is just one of many signs I've seen of her growing confidence in her role. It's very fun to see and interesting to follow in that journey :)
I'm happy to see her having released another video message for her patronage. This is yet another thing I'm so happy to be able to witness her improvement in. It's so great to see her grow in her role!
I hate that such a minor detail sticks out to me in an otherwise flawless look, but I agree with you on the minor quibble about the different greens between the earrings and the dress. I would have preferred to see Kate in her emerald and diamond earrings. I think the deeper emerald green would have better complimented the dress. Pearls would have also brought out the white in the print and would not have been out of place (they looked lovely on the Queen today).
DeleteI too love her ponytail today. I try to do this now when I put my hair in a pony so it's not so flat up front. However, I'm no where as adapt at it to get this look.
DeleteI also noticed the absence of a clutch! And the same at Pippa's wedding where she had her hands full with children anyway. As she always has someone like Rebecca deacon within call she has no need of a clutch and I think she looks more confident without it. I thought she looked lovely today. Thank you Charlotte as always for a wonderfully informative post.
DeleteJulie me too. Her ponytail was spot on. =D
DeleteRebecca, I just wanted anted to say how much I admire your comments and the effort you make to be balanced. You are clear in your support, and also make appropriately calibrated mentions of things that could be improved, while never straying over into the "nasty zone". Brava! Well done.
DeleteWow, thank you so much Helen :) I try my best (and it IS a thing you actively have to train yourself to do and try to do!)
DeleteDefinitely a learned skill set, Rebecca. And worth the effort. It reaps great benefits. Your comments are enjoyable for all. :)
DeleteHow can she join the Queen at the CFS when she(Q) isn t even present? Starchild
ReplyDeleteThere were alot of royals there visiting various projects. They each were acckompanied by some officials etc. The Queen and Prince Phillip arrived last.
DeleteHM was there.
DeleteAlways enjoy seeing the royals wandering among the flowers in their pretty dresses. Kates dress is very pretty although I wish the waist were a bit lower. The combination of the high neck, cap sleeves, high waist and full long skirt makes faux waist up look cramped and short. Otherwise, love the color and the print. The ponytail is perfect. Wish she had worn a bracelet or two.
ReplyDeleteErika, I'd like to see this dress accessorized with the Catherine Zoraida Double Leaf earrings or her Kiki green amethysts. And I agree about a bracelet. Maybe the Zoraida gold bracelet..?
DeleteP.S. I also like the shoes on the model (center photo) in the repli-Kate photos above. Normally, I am not a fan of ankle straps, but here it would work with the vintage factor.
DeleteHer Zoraida bracelet would have been perfect, royalfan. I don't know why we don't see that anymore or any bracelet during the day, for that matter. She has pretty hands and wrists that she should call attention to.
DeleteI like the ankle straps too. I think a lot of her more vintage looks would translate better if she followed through to the shoe. Sigh....
At first glance, I liked the dress, but the more I look at it, I feel like the empire waist makes her torso look oddly short. Also, the seam in the middle of the dress really bothers me. What's the point? The prints don't match up! I usually don't notice things like that, but this is so obvious. It looks like the designer just tacked on some extra fabric after the dress was already finished to make it longer. Criticisms aside, I love the way her hair looks in this curly ponytail and she looks beautiful, as always. Sophie, Beatrice, and Eugenie look great, too.
ReplyDeleteThis would have been perfection if the length of the dress was shorter. We all know how I feel about 3/4 length dresses. Love that her hair is up!
ReplyDeleteAny news on more engagements for Kate?
Sarah, you'd better check out your first lady - I see she wore a white maxi dress today on tour and looked fabulous! I think she must be copying Kate, LOL.
DeleteI loved this dress! I thought it was different and very flattering, and very appropriate.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Jess! Different and very pretty and fresh. That shade of green is lovely against Catherine's dark hair.
DeleteCara
Agree, I think it's a very pretty dress. I like the empire waist and flowing length. I think younger people need to see young people in something other than tight short skirts,etc.
DeleteCatherine looks stunning today. Gorgeous dress, although she looks fantastic in anything. This "off the peg" dress is far nicer than the "couture" dress for Pippa's wedding.
ReplyDeleteLoving that we are seeing lots of the Cambridge's at the moment and all the excellent work they are doing.
Eugenie's boyfriend is with her!! Does that mean an engagement announcement is very imminent?
ReplyDeleteAH
He was there last year as well so I wouldn't read anything into it :)
DeleteLovely, lovely dress! Just wish the shoes weren't so boring.
ReplyDeleteCatherine shoes are a bit boring but at least they match the dress in terms of formality. Have a look at the shoes Beatrice is wearing...maybe she is going to be doing a spot of actual gardening??
DeleteOh my those gardens are beautiful! I agree with you Charlotte, the Coleridge poem Garden was my favorite of the photos you posted.
ReplyDeleteI thought Kate's EACH PSA was very well done. She spoke well and the charity is so important.
I have been leaving my comments about the Royal dresses to the end because i didn't like any of them. Mainly I didn't like the green colour of Kate's dress--I prefer a Kelly green like she wore last year or to each.
Can you imagine the publicity she had received if she actually had visited the charity? It is not like she couldn't squeez it in her calendar, as now looks pretty empty. But I agree, better speech day by day.
DeleteI don't really understand this whole look, the waist is so high, which makes the whole design unfortunate. But it is new and over 1500£ so everything is good in Kate's world.
Thanks Charlotte for the very enjoyable post, this must be a go to programme in London.😀
Yes thank you charlotte for the lovely pictures of the gardens. I am certainly adding the flower show to my bucket list.
DeleteAnd the EACH psa was wonderful. and I like Kate in green.. Yes the earrings didn't quite match at least in the pictures.. and well the shoes must be comfortable because she wears them a lot. (I get that for an event like this where I assume there is a bit of walking. ) But i am not a fan of those shoes. She does look like she is having a good time!
Well you've got a point about space in Kate's calendar, Anett. I wonder which would get more attention or bang for the buck -- the PSA video or a visit. I'm actually curious now.
DeleteAnd I actually liked the dress, and was OK with the waistline and all that, and then I saw the ruffly seamy thing at the hip. Then it lost me. But I do like that green dress from last faull in blue and blush pink. Lovely. Would have been an excellent choice for Pips' wedding.
The anniversary is today, I think, the same day as the flower show. With William elsewhere, someone had to show up for the Queen. A video is appropriate and will be seen by many people.
DeleteHow many surprise engagements and posts have come right after some have complained of an empty calendar. Patience! With what seems to have happened in Manchester tonight it may tighten up security even more and we may see fewer events announced weeks ahead, other than those that involve other countries. The flower show was not yet open to the public and the area could be well-secured, especially with the Queen in attendance.
I do wonder if William and Catherine will be at Harry's BP garden party next week. Or any other interesting persons. Ha!
Marie
Anett, the PSA was recorded during her on-site visit to EACH in January, for a promotion of this special week which is Children's Hospice Week. I understand people judge her schedule, but did you watch and read the PSA info? Your harshness seemed too much. There are other such hospices and this is a week to encourage and support all of them. Some people are attentive to the royals and their work who are not interested in their clothes or hair and have serious life issues and need help.
DeleteInteresting question of public visit to EACH vs the PSA. These things occur to me: 1) She has visited EACH and clips of that visit are in the PSA. 2) I think actually hearing her speak about EACH was good and important. And a PSA might have more "reach" than photos of another visit.
DeleteVisit was important of course but I think that teaming it with the PSA strengthened the impact of her patronage.
Bluhare, I love that version of the dress. I am partial to blue and any shades of it.😁
DeleteA visit always gets more press and I hope there will be one. The video is useful to the charity but doesn't ever draw too wide attention.
DeleteI am not sure, why anybody should be patient with Kate. She is not a newcomer, she is around quite a time now. There is nothing wrong if we expect something else other than flower shows. Especially, how many charities she has and how keen she is, when it is about children.
DeleteI am also not sure, why the video is better than visiting the charity, especially at the week, when they want a lot of attention and raise awareness. When she is all over the headlines in the news or newspapers that brings attention. IMO. It would be very interesting to see if they measure clicks on the videos or not, that would give us real information.
I think I'm in the Visit Camp, as I think about what would gain the most attention. A PSA *and* a visit or two being optimum. Think about it, when Kate goes somewhere she's in the papers and what she's doing is discussed (sort of). The PSA is to get people's attention, and who wants to think about their child possibly needing that sort of care? I know I wouldn't, and even though it's a worthy cause I'm not sure I'd pay that much attention just because of what i just said.
DeleteEllen, I think your comment was a bit harsh, to be honest. I think the people who tend to be the most critical of Kate *are* the people who care about what she does vs. what she wears while doing it.
Not patience for Kate. Patience for waiting for announcements of schedules. (Which was the obvious meaning. Sometimes it seems to me that certain key words or phrases are taken out of context in order to advance a person's own points, sometimes at a tangent from the meaning of the original remark.)
DeleteOther than highly secured venues such as the BP garden parties and foreign visits, I don't expect much pre-publicity for her engagements. Especially considering last night's tragedy. I felt the recent increased security presence around Kate indicated that there might be an imminent threat to the royals as well.
She visited EACH at least in January. It is only May. I am not aware of any royals who make personal, pre-publicized visits to their charities more than once in five months. This was not meant as a fund-raising effort but as a recognition of hospices during this week. We know ,from reports from families of the children ,that Kate keeps in touch with some of them. There is more than one way to support a charity. They all involve time.
Which begs the question- where are Charles and Camilla instead of supporting the Queen with the other royals? I am sure they are somewhere useful, but their absences from royal events are becoming conspicuous, excuses or not. The flower show is one of HM's favorite efforts. If neither William nor Catherine had shown up, there would have been a loud outcry.Marie
You probably don't realize English is Anett's second or third language, 2257. So perhaps it's obvious to you, but may not be to someone whose language stills are not that of a native speaker. So perhaps your nefarious conclusion is actually really, really wrong.
DeleteAnd whether that PSA was designed as a fund raising vehicle or not, Kate's value as a patron is in that capacity. She brings the charity's work to the forefront when she participates, so it does not seem farfetched that a PSA featuring her would be a vehicle toward funding care for sick children. I am pleased to see that Kate keeps up with children she visits, though. I'd not seen that. Do you have a link?
I don't know how you can say that Charles' absence from royal events is conspicuous. He and Camilla were in Ireland a week or so ago, and yesterday he was in Scotland (wearing a kilt!) driving a refurbished train one of his charitable foundations helped restore. And as his schedule is the busiest of anyone other than perhaps his sister, I don't know how you can make that comment.
Marie(?)
DeleteBut the two things, Kate and her engagements kind of same. There is nothing to advance my point here, and I feel we have already had this conversation, but you were not Marie then. Better to leave it here.
For those who haven't noticed - Charles and Camilla were at a garden party with the queen - much controversy over the queen's yellow coat. Personally, that isn't a colour I would have chosen - obviously, the event couldn't be cancelled but if I had been the queen, I would have chosen one of her demi-mourning colours like violet. Camilla in soft blue was less controversial. I feel as strongly about this as I did Kate in pink in NYC - but like there, opinions differ.
DeleteI never expect royals not to step out because of security - they are the beacon to the nation but with soldiers in London today - there may not be engagements - crowds are being discouraged. I would like to see Kate visit a hospice - no security issues there - the video is good for fund-raising but to encourage support - nothing matches a visit.
Bluhare
DeleteMarie is not the first who is pushing the lazy Charles agenda. I read it elsewhere too. Since he is always on a tour or at an event, I wish some put the same effort to analyse William's working commitments too, and not throwing this in the middle of a conversation, where it does not belong. Food for thought!
Anett, maybe the Queen just wanted her family to go with her to be with her for the flower show she enjoys so much. I try to wrangle and pursuade my family to go with me to events like this. :)
DeleteWhat other languages do you speak, Anett, if you don't mind my asking. Did you learn the extra languages as a child or later? Being multi-lingual is such a cool thing, in my opinion.
I like the dress very much. I love green and I think it goes well with her hair. I like the hairstyle also.
ReplyDeleteI think she looks stunning. Love the dress, adore the hair and she seems happy and relaxed. It's been great to see her more regularly so far in 2017.
ReplyDeleteLong time reader, first time commenter – I love this dress/look! It's so relaxed, but IMO the slightly longer length makes it look quite fashion-forward as well. I sort of wish she'd worn this (or something like this) to Pippa's wedding ...
ReplyDeleteThis & the green wool suit are two of the relatively few things from Kate's wardrobe that I could really imagine myself wearing. (I mean, I could dream of owning some of her flowing Jenny Packham gowns, but I can't really envisage where on earth I'd wear them! But I'd wear her green wool suit to work & this green dress to a picnic.)
Welcome to commenting Bryony :)
DeleteYes. Welcome, Bryony. 🌺
DeleteCatherine looks lovely - simple, chic and totally suited to the event. I am also glad to see a ponytail!
ReplyDeleteI'm always excited for a ponytail sighting! At first glance, I thought this was a repeat of the Budding Heart Silk Tea Dress by Suzannah from George's first birthday pictures. I do like the silhouette of today's dress though. A great addition to Kate's closet.
ReplyDeleteEmily, I love the tea dress you mentioned and would be thrilled to see it worn again. Maybe next year?
DeleteThe Duchess with Mary Berry, The Queen enjoying this year's flower gardens, and a close-up of two adorable royal bouquets... my heart is exploding! Now I am off to look for a snap of those bouquets with their recipients - personally, I hope the yellow and white went to Catherine.
Zoey, please share if you find a picture of who received the bouquets. I love the yellow and white one as well and hope it went to Catherine!! Want to find out about the flowers in the bouquet. Lovely engagement and her hair in a ponytail was perfect! She looks very fresh. The Queen looked quite exceptional as well. All those flowers and gardens, what a bonanza!
DeletePS. I purchased the Budding Heart Silk Tea dress to wear to a wedding and it is a lovely print, but the silk is very lightweight....much prefer this dress and the color of green, love the way it flows. cc
The Queen received one that is very similar to the purple and blue confection on the right. (I hope my link works for you.) Still searching for the other. =)
Deletehttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/chelsea-flower-show/chelsea-flower-show-2017-royals-celebrities-view-gardens-pictures/queen-presented-flowers-caitlyn-james-pupil-swansea/
Thank you Zoey it did work very well! It does look like the Queen received the purple and blue bouquet. Wow, what great pictures...it really is a show. Reminds me a little of the Bellagio garden that changes seasonally, but on a must grander scale. Am always amazed at the workmanship and creative talent that goes into creating these exhibits. Love the picture of the stags. Note to self:
Deletemust go to England during the Chelsea Flower Show. Also looking forward to seeing the all white garden dedicated to Princess Diana. Thanks so much for sharing. cc
That changing Bellagio garden is a favorite of mine. Also the seasonal exhibits under glass at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. They are both stunning. Chelsea is an ideas show, less cohesive but very beautiful and fascinating.
DeleteThis dress was perfect for the flower show! Unlike last year's Catherine Walker, which seemed rather heavy, this dress looked breezy and botanic. I loved the ponytail to complete the look!
ReplyDeleteI love Kate's hair style today!
ReplyDeleteHer hair and make up look lovely. The fabric of the dress moves beautifully but I do not think the dress is the best look on Kate. Agree that the waist detailing is odd, no matter what, and the ruffle and sleeves a bit off. Love the color. Do not like the earrings. The workmanship and stones look inexpensive. Love the event.
ReplyDeleteI like her hair up and think her make up looks good too.
ReplyDeleteHer dress is ok, but when I see the price-tag I have to say I don't think this dress is worth so much money.
It isn't very flattering, nor very special, nor has it very interesting details.
The shoes are boring, but I do not mind them.
There was a comment on Beatrice shoes, but I have to say I like her shoes.
It should be ok in my opinion to switch to lower shoes instead of heels and they look nice on her.
I do like the sweet pink on Sophie, pretty color between the flowers.
I hope the Chelsea Flower Show becomes a regular yearly event for the Duchess. I love seeing the pictures of the gardens and it's the perfect occasion to wear a pretty floral print. I was expecting a repeat today, so was thrilled Kate chose to debut a new dress. I really like the print and the different silhouette. This is one event that I would love to style the Duchess for. Kate has a stunning collection of floral dresses that I would love to see repeated (the Jenny Packham from the polo match in California back in 2011, the Jenny Packham Kimono-style orchid dress from Signapore, or the Project D London Penelope Dress Kate wore at the end of the South-East Asia tour in 2012...)
ReplyDeleteMe too!
DeleteLet's not create any expectations!
DeleteCouldn't resist.
Bluhare... put that ladle down and stop stirring! ;P
DeleteHee hee! Hey, I didn't say it the first time! :)
DeletePerfect dress for the occasion. Lovely flow and tailoring. To the suggestion Kate could have worn this dress to Pippa's wedding - absolutely not, LOL.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Jeanne. This dress at the wedding would have been so-o-o-o off! Her dress for the wedding was suitable for the occasion and her supporting role. It probably looked lovelier in person than in pictures. Unfortunately it did not photograph well, especially from some angles and certain light. I've had dresses like that (and have learned from experience to take "test photos" for important occasions). Alas, some look darling in the mirror or on but not not so much in photos.
DeleteThe green one today made my heart skip a beat. It reminded me of one I sewed long ago which was styled very like this one but in a solid, romaine-lettuce green. I always felt like a million bucks in it: polished, feminine and easy to transition from party to business to casual.
I made a suggestion that the blue with blush pink dress could have been worn to Pippa's wedding, not the green one. Although I don't see what's wrong with it for a guest either. I wouldn't have chosen it because of the weird ruffly seam at the hip, but other than that it's a nice flowy dress.
DeletePhilly, thanks for pointing that out! I am gonna start making test photo's for weddings now too. You are so right!
DeletePhilly, that is such a good idea. :)
DeleteYou can do a time set for a self-video also (the one you use for family group photos that you want to be in) and do that "pre-any-event" and get a 360 degree perspective. It shows how the fabric moves, etc. also. Better than a three-fold mirror. :) 📷👗👒👜
lol, Jeanne, "absolutely not" is right, lol. This dress would totally not been appropriate for Pippa's maid of honor. Everything in Pippa's wedding was color coordinated and planned to the letter. I did love her color palette. My wedding colors were pastel pink, cream and green, very similar to the palette Pippa chose. Her wedding was very detailed. Pippa's mini royal wedding. 💐 sans the Rochas emerald green dress.
DeleteI absolutely would wear this dress to a wedding - with a hat, it would be appropriate for anyone. It's exactly the sort of dress I would wear with a lovely straw picture hat if it wasn't for the price and that odd ruffle which I do think was part of the design. The weight of the silk is lovely.
DeleteKate wasn't a bridesmaid but I could understand her wearing something fancier - but thought whilst her choice was pretty - it was more what a mum of bride would wear. The hat placement also made her tower over Pippa who is shorter - I would have chosen a flatter look (and lower heels) if that makes sense. Doubt Pippa cared though - she undoubtedly knew of Kate's choice and nothing outshines a bride - and she was a beautiful one.
But should Kate attend another wedding, this dress would do nicely.
Julia, I agree. For other weddings, that dress, in green, with a straw hat, would be dreamy. Perfect hat type for that dress. :)
DeleteP.S. Julia. Some of Pippa's guests would have done way better wearing that beautiful green dress with a straw hat. Their outfits otherwise had to leave people scratching their heads and going, "Huh?".
DeleteSimply beautiful!! Love the dress and thrilled to see the Duchess wearing this designer!! She seems to always knock it out of the park!!
ReplyDeleteShe looks so great in all her green outfits that I wish green was her go-to color rather than blue. But that's my personal preference. :)
ReplyDeleteI adore Kate in green! Especially dark green. It goes with her eyes & hair, I wish she would wear it more often than blue, too.
DeleteI think she really likes green, because her eyes are green. I think she wears so much blue, because her engagement ring is a sapphire (and sometimes dark blue is a nod to the Union Jack).
DeleteAnon 3:26, you're right, I also think that's why she wears A LOT of blue :)
DeleteHoped she would wear something floral but was sure she would choose something mono color. So... Just saw her photos and she looks so beautiful in this dress. Think it's perfect for the occasion and the weather. Love her pony tail too. Open hair wouldn't have worked with the print of the dress in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteAlso enjoyed watching the photos of the flowers 💐
I love the flowers as well. I think my favorite is Charlottes -- the poetry bower. Lovely. Although that cutting garden is beautiful as well.
DeleteI'm excited to see these wonderful gardens and flowers - AND the royals in them! The daffodils are just incredible. I 'm not a fan of green but Kate looks very nice and comfortable. From the mother-look at the wedding, this is more of a "girl-look" to me. I only don't like these earrings. Her Majesty and Prince Philip look great! And Princess Alexandra... her dress perfectly matches the colour of one of the flowers in the next picture! What a lovely lady. I always wonder who talks most to whom at such events. My guess is : Kate with PP and the Wessexes. No idea about the rest. But perhaps they didn't spend much time together, rather separated. Thank you for a beautiful post, Charlotte!
ReplyDeleteZora my guess has always been that so many royals attend the Chelsea flower show to divide & conquer. Kind of like a BP Garden Party.
DeleteI agree, Anon 03:25. I meant ... within the group of royals themselves. I didn't express myself clearly. Even as they are coming or going or whatever, I'd like to see what pairs or "three-pieces" (sorry, don't know the word) they tend to form.
DeleteTrio is the word, Zara. Your English is excellent.
DeleteI liked this outfit. it suited the setting and looks like Chelsea had some lovely weather. Also, I know this is a blog about Kate, but how lovely did the Queen look i her floral floaty skirt! A little different to her standard block colour
ReplyDeleteI think Sophie looked crisp and youthful in her pink outfit. Of course, Alexandra. Does she ever miss a beat? So glad to see her feeling better
Delete(I hope) Marie
Terrible news from the Ariana Grande concert.
Oh, that awful D&G dress. The one thing Kate has worn that I truly loathe. It doesn't get any better in other colours or prints. For some reason the design looks cheap in any fabric, and the nasty thin pussy bow and horrible buttons just make it worse.
ReplyDeleteI like that dress very much, though the bodice was a bit tight on Kate. The dark green and the graceful skirt are especially nice. I am surprised you could use such negative words to describe it. The light blue version is a bit washed out. The versions in bold prints are dramatic, but would need just the right occasions to be appropriate. I still prefer the dark green.
DeleteLove it! All of it...I'd love to go to the Chelsea Flower Show, those gardens are fantastic. The Queen & Duke look amazing as ever! Kate's dress is something I would wear (bar the price tag!), she looks great in green & the ponytail is very pretty. Wish the earrings were a darker green, though. Her video for Children's Hospice Week was good, so sad to hear about Isabella's seizures. It really hits home the wonderful work that EACH does to lift a weight off the families' shoulders. I agree with Rebecca above, that Kate is improving & really growing into her role.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I think the powder blue version of the Dolce & Gabbana dress would be perfect for Kate, considering how much she loves light blue garments :)
Yes to everything above!
DeleteI agree Kiwi Gal that she should buy that dress in light blue too!
DeleteI love this casual look on Kate.
ReplyDeleteLove the dress! I think this is a great addition to her closet. It is versatile and can be used for many different types of engagements. And her hair up! I love it. So bouncy and cute but also elegant and polished. I just wish we could get a look at a the back of the pony tail.
ReplyDeleteI will be interested to see if she continues to attend. I think it's s good fit. It's a tradition but also one that seems to fit in line with her past time interests.
I am looking forward to future engagements. I think she was starting well for the year and know there was a pause with the wedding and her needing to help the family. But it will be interesting to watch how this summer plays out as they transition to London life full time.
Beautiful Beautiful Beautiful presentation, Charlotte. I kept reading about all the exhibits in the media and wanted to see them.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this dress! Right up there with the lovely green Susannah. Marie
I really like Kate's look today. She doesn't get as dressy as the other royals but I think her outfit was fresh and very much a garden type of outfit (hair and earrings included).
ReplyDeleteThat green Dolce and Gabbana dress was one of my favorite pieces of hers and the powder blue is absolutely STUNNING. I absolutely love it and if I had $3000 to spend, I'd grab it.
Tammy, hi. :)
DeleteHow are things going on your farm quest? :)
Kate had quite an entourage. No Rebecca, though. I wonder if they are some of her new staff? I didn't see anyone with the huge shoulder bag. I think this show of staff might signal her new, expanding role. Marie
ReplyDeleteRebecca was there. Aren't the other people representatives of the flower show?
DeleteYeah, Patricia. All of the royals were shown around different areas guided by people :)
DeleteRight, Patricia. Usually Charlotte posts a picture with Rebecca prominent when she is with Kate. Where did you see her? I haven't checked DM, etc.
DeleteHa! Yes. I figured that out about the flower show people after I had posted my comment. They didn't look like the ones who greeted the Queen so I did not make the connection. I knew there weren't any huge shoulder bags. Marie
My reply, Anon, refused twice to post here and on the third attempt jumped down to near the end of the comments. Rebecca is visible in the ninth photo that Charlotte posted.
DeleteAh ha, the case of the stubborn and jumping post. :)
DeleteIt has happened to me a more than once also.
God help the people in Manchester tonight. What has this world come too.
ReplyDeleteIt's beyond comprehension. It was such a callous attack planned to strike where large numbers of children and families were. Seeing the news break about the victims, one little girl just eight years old...
DeleteThoughts, prayers and deepest condolences with those affected.
Such a hideous act, attacking the young and killing so many. How terribly sad.
DeleteSadly Jo, many terrorist consider their behavior as noble. Many have been taught that that is the only way to be assured of heaven in their terms. In addition many believe they will be will be awarded 24 virgins who are half angels for their "heroic" efforts.
DeleteIrwin Baxter, Reports on Terrorism
Absolutley gut-wrenchig and disgusting. But also so much beaauty, warmth and kindness in the majority of people! I always, always must remember to see all the good people do!
DeleteI am an oddball, I know, but to me any deaths are sad, not just those of young people. People who kill old, young, middle-aged, whatever, for no reason--they are evil.
DeleteManchester is practically next door to where I was born. And what an awful thing to attack a venue that attracts children and young teenagers, mostly girls. Not trying to say attacking adults is acceptable, but it is just not right to target those so young.
DeleteI hope Kate and William go and visit to pay their respects.
Of couse murder is evil and all violent deaths are tragic. But these innocent children and teenagers were enjoying an evening out at a concert and should not have been atrociously attacked. Neither should pedestrians on sidewalks in France, London, and New York, or people enjoying evenings in night clubs or participating in marathons. Someone used the word depravity, and that is the most accurate word I can think of to describe these irrational terrorists.
DeleteIn Europe, I should have included Berlin and Stockholm which, like Nice, have had awful pedestrian attacks.
DeleteWhat a "bounce back". Duchess Catherine looks very refreshed and pretty. Enjoyed all the
ReplyDeletepictures. Thanks, Charlotte.
Thanks for posting all the content/information on the gardens. So terrific. I feel like I was there.
ReplyDeleteCatherine looks fabulous. Very pretty and fresh. And she looks her age. Such a contrast to the wedding McQ.
The duchess looks stunning in. That dress specially i love the flowers yeah i love she doing floral i love the dress the duchess really. Taking and improving. Her style and her work i love the queen dress too
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers with the people affected by the Manchester bomb. So sad the need for violence and hate.
ReplyDeleteI love this look, and it suits the event perfectly. What a charming afternoon, filled with such beauty. The Queen looked lovely too. Kate's hair looks so elegant. I hope this becomes an annual event for her.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteI saw since france what happened in Manchester and i pray for all families who lost a member of their families :/ and i pray for everyone in england because it's hard to live in terror...
Charlotte, you mention that Kate said something about gardening on the show... does this mean that she was on a BBC radio show? Does anyone have the link so that we can listen? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHello Nancy,
DeleteKate was speaking to DJ Chris Evans at the flower show (he presented a garden). The Queen actually told him she listens to his show.
So cool that she shared that. The Queen does love flowers. She wore a very special brooch to the flower show this year.
DeleteIt is an Iris, presented to her for the Diamond Jubillee in 2012 by Icelandic designer, Kristjan
Eyjolfsson, commissioned by the Royal Horticulture Society (RHS). It spearheaded the special sustainable jewelry collection. The brooch was made from 100% recycled gold, has 100 ethically sourced gemstones and a conflict-free yellow diamond. The collection is done in honor of Henry Vietch who brought the RHS to Chelsea.
The Expert Jeweler, 5/22/13
Speaking of artistic endeavors, Kate did the beautiful etching of St. Mark's Church, The etching was on the front of the Pippa's wedding program. Her brother James mentioned that when he gave his reading during the wedding service. There is a photo of James Matthews mother holding the program as she exited the church. How creative and thoughtful to do that etching, to also include it on the program.
DeleteI hope Pippa and James have the original framed and prominently on their wall. They own yet another piece of royal history. :)
Thanks for sharing surfer girl. I think Kate has many talents and is a very special young lady. What a wonderful gift! cc
DeleteI love these background stories (that is also why I love Charlottes blog, as she provides so much information), thank you for sharing them Surfer girl!
DeleteYou are very welcome. :)
DeleteI don't know how you find all this interesting stuff surfer girl....but here is a Daily Mail article that I found after reading your comment. The sketch is really very beautiful and a definite keepsake. Also love the picture of it up close in Pippa's mother-in-law's hands. The program is held by a green ribbon that matches her coat! Another picture shows her purse and shoes that are a beautiful shade of dark green. Lovely lady, very well dressed, and what a compliment to Kate from her brother-in-law. cc
Deletehttp://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-4533532/Duchess-Cambridge-s-sketch-Pippa-s-wedding-church.html
Thank you CeCe. That's one of the articles where I got that information. I forgot to reference that. It is a good article. I do wish the photo of the program in Mrs. Matthew's hand was clearer. The ribbon did match her dress. I got some of the information from another article but I don't recall what article at the moment. I wonder if Kate got to keep the original etching or if she gifted the original to the church (that would have been stellar) or if Pippa and James received it.
DeleteThe Iris Brooch reference is The Jewellery Editor
Deletenot the expert Jeweler. I have to write these down from now on, lol. How did my term papers ever pass?
If anyone finds out about the etching please share.
DeleteDid Pippa keep the original etching?
Did Kate keep it?
Or did they let the church have it? That is what I hope they did, :). ⛪️
Thought I read it was a gift from Kate to Pippa.
Deletei want so see Kates hair from behind........
ReplyDeleteYes, I also keep looking for a photo that shows the hair style from the back.
DeleteCondolences to Manchester and all of UK. My heart breaks for these families.
ReplyDeleteSo much sadness for what has happened in Manchester. Beyond words.
ReplyDeleteAs for Kate, she looks lovely. I would have loved the dress for myself - saved from regrets by the odd ruffle effect in the skirt - but doesn't really show when she walks. I like the length. Love seeing her at the show and hope there will be a visit to a hospice this week.
I wonder whether the silk coming off the bolt was narrow, and thus the seam was required. It is a very graceful and pretty dress, in one of Kate's best colors. I don't like fussy prints, but this one is clear and so appropriate.
DeleteI couldn't believe when my Mancunian friend posted on FB last night. Awful, awful. May the bomber rot in hell.
ReplyDeleteAnother act of depravity. My prayers and heart go out to the victims of the Manchester attack.
ReplyDeleteDitto, Tedi. How awful! My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Britain, especially those affected. In a way, we are all affected.
DeleteThe images of what happened have been horrific. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.
DeleteI hope Yahweh has His mighty angels miraculously show up like He often did in the Old Testament to stop and thwart calculated acts of terrorism against innocent people. He is the same today, yesterday and forever. There are answers and solutions through Him.
ReplyDeleteDon't understand why she always wears such dark colors in a month as hot as May? I do love the dress though. Cut is fab! Is because it is quite a bit colder there than here in the states?
ReplyDeleteAccording to AccuWeather, the high in London yesterday was 72 degrees F. (About 9 degrees higher than the average.)
DeleteEugenie wears dark outfits, too. Marie
DeleteWhat happened in Manchester makes me sick. I truly feel for everyone involved.
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly the kind of look I've been hoping for with Kate. I love the more breezy, whimsical cut and print and the color is so pretty on her. I also love her hair today. I had to go back and scrutinize the dress more closely after reading comments about the ruffle, as I didn't see it at first, but I have to say it didn't bother me at all. I think she looks perfect for the event. My only qualm is the mis-matched green in her earrings. I hope Kate pulls more looks like this for upcoming summer events!
Marie, look at the ninth picture above, and its caption. :-) Rebecca is also briefly visible in a DM video, wearing a white jacket, blue and white striped capris, and dark heels. And there is a quick glimpse in the same video of Kate's ponytail, from the side.
ReplyDeleteI tried twice to put my comment in the right place, but it seems to have jumped to the bottom. Hope you see it, Marie.
ReplyDeleteThank-you, Patricia. I must have missed it. Marie
DeleteKate seeing the "William and Catherine" Rose created for them in 2012 had to make her feel good, very special. I wonder if they saw my rose, lol. :)
ReplyDeleteCondolences to those affected by the bombing in Manchester. So awful & sickening. I pray for them.
ReplyDeleteReminds me a little of the green dress that Kate wore to visit the butterfly exhibition at the Natural History Museum.
ReplyDeleteKate's video is not as good as some of the others that she has produced.
ReplyDeleteRebecca English, Daily Mail, 5/24/17, "Inside Pippa's Wedding", has photos of the glass marquee's inside decor. Pippa apparently spent tens of thousands of pounds on flowers for the inside of the marquee. You kind of have to see the photos to believe it. Lots of cherry trees. And, that, in addition to the style of the dress, the tiara, the look over the shoulder, now the trees in the marquee, the flyby and leaving in a little vintage sports car, confirm Pippa's mini royal wedding.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling Michael so happy his third child is a male.
How beautiful. Thanks for finding that, SG. Have there ever been pictures of the palace venue for Kate and William's reception? I only remember pictures of the cake and descriptions of a disco scene.
DeleteThe inside of the marquee took my breath away. The floral arrangements on the tables, combined with the cherry blossom trees, was truly magnificent. I'm so glad Djordje Varda gave us a sneak-peek inside, he & others did an impeccable job.
DeletePatricia. I have yet to find any photos of William and Kate's reception at Buckingham Palace.
DeleteIt is gorgeous. It is like a flower show on it's own!
DeleteLet's not forget that the Middletons have a party company. I think these pictures must be generating some business, as they sure do know how to throw a party.
I am also pretty sure I read at several places that the very rich groom payed part of the bill.
I think it is not Royal, it is a gorgeous wedding between two (very) rich people, who luckily have taste (my opinion) and spend the money on things we actually like (unlike some celebraties).
I have only seen things I loved at Pippa and James day!
Kiwi Gal, I agree. In this situation, I think "impeccable" is a result of "carte blanche" expense account. lol A perfect, lush, extravagant design. What little girl doesn't dream of a reception decor like that? It isn't Buckingham Palace but ......
DeleteOn another note, I do think that with this beautiful, detailed, formal setting the disco lights and flashing the videos of their childhood on the house seemed incongruous.
I would have maybe had a nicely done table to showcase the photos for anyone who wanted to see them rather than kind of forcing people to see them by flashing them on the wall of a house. Just my preference, no offense.
I would have had soft pastel lighting at ground and mid-level with the perfect amount very small white tea lights in the trees. Again, just my preference, no offense.
(Just to clarify. Kiwi Gal. My bottom three paragraphs were general. Not responses to you specifically. I just kind of bunched a couple of things there together. lol)
DeleteLOL surfer girl, I totally agree. When money is no object...an 'Enchanted Forest' is possible! :) I also thought that the lighting & projections on the house clashed with the setting of the marquee. It was a bit weird...cool, but weird :) I know Buckingham Palace had projections put on it, so maybe it's the 'thing' to do at the moment. The Middletons are in the party business, so they should know all the latest trends etc.
Deleteliz, I'm sure Pippa's husband would've shared a big part of the cost of the wedding. The price tag was astronomical! But it was a very beautiful wedding, the flowers alone were out of this world!
DeleteAccording to Stephanie Petit, People, 5/23/17, Pippa and James are headed to French Polynesia for their honeymoon. They were photographed at the LAX airport. It is 9,555 miles from London to French Polynesia. Why didn't James whisk his bride off to the islands in his jet? Perhaps it doesn't have intercontinental fuel capacity would be my guess. Not enough to make it trans Atlantic or trans Pacific. Just a guess. Maybe not the required instrumentation for that might also be a factor. Hope they plan to stay there for awhile to rest up from the wedding planning, wedding and loooong flight. Hope to hear they are with child soon. Maybe a honeymoon baby?
ReplyDeleteKate certainly likes the color green :-) and it works with her hair and complexion. Nice choice for today.
ReplyDeleteAs far as gardens are concerned, the cutting garden is my favorite. Add a good book and a cup of coffee and I'm a happy gal.
My deepest condolences to those off all the people affected by the bombing in manchester it so sad and threating by large huge people i love the duchess dress i love to have it yes how many lives are affected its a terror attack
ReplyDeleteI've noticed Kate's dresses are longer in length, more so over the last year. I do like the flowing of the dress not doubt, it can be either youthful or matron looking depending on the patterns, fabric, so on. Is this the new style trend or personal choice? Thoughts?
ReplyDeleteMaybe a bit of both? It absolutley is a style trend and longer hemlines is the "it thing". But since she does the same with bespoke pieces, it's probably also a personal choice. Probably like most of us, influenced by the trends :)
DeleteThe Vogue lady that attended Pippa's wedding had a long dress on.
DeleteI am speechless for the atrocity in Manchester. No word can express the horror and the abomination for the massacre of girls and young people and parents. No word.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, could you please tell us the name of the garden in your 15th photo? I would like to look at more pictures of it. And thank you for another very beautiful post. You have covered Kate's recent important occasions splendidly. I have really enjoyed the Luxembourg visit, the garden parties, the wedding and the flower show.
ReplyDeleteSome of the pictures remind me of my own visit to the Chelsea Flower Show some years ago. That was a very special experience. The photo of the blossoming cacti especially reminds me of a conversation with one of the exhibitors. My favorite garden was one in which everything was round. Later I saw pictures in another year of a very natural garden designed by children, and it was wonderful. Chelsea is a great inspiration for a gardener. I have a feeling that is one reason the royal family love it and return every year.
Condolences from Australia on the senseless loss of lives in Manchester. Thinking of you all from far away x
ReplyDeleteTo all who have expressed dismay regarding the attacks,
ReplyDeleteStudying the history, tactics, ideaology, and goals of Jihad can give you some understanding of why these absurd things are happening.
Kamal Saleem was trained in Jihad from the age of 5.
Later he had an amazing conversion of idealogy. Now instead of killing people and training others to kill, he teaches about his experiences. He is one of many who have defected from Jihad and are bravely sharing their information to help others.
Even though the affiliations of some of the terrorist attacks may not as yet be clearly proven, it helps in understanding the "random" violence. It is not so "random" at all. Knowledge is power. The brave defectors do not want people to perish for lack of knowledge. They don't want people to perish.
The violence is reprehensible but it doesn't have to be perplexing. Understanding the history, tactics, idealogy and goals of Jihad can help in today's world. It doesn't take a long time to learn these things. Dr. Tawfik Hamid is another who has shared his experiences and is teaching people about Jihad and how to reach out (safely) in peace where you can. In my opinion, It is very much worth the effort to educate yourself on these things if you can.
It's murder.
DeleteSurfer Girl, Like everyone else, I’m absolutely horrified by the seemingly senseless violence in Manchester, but I’m going to try to find out more about the Jihad and Kamal Saleem in particular.I’d really like to know what turned this young man aside from such a destructive path.
Delete23:42. It is murder. But once you know what jihad is,
Deleteyou don't have to ask WHY is this happening. You will know. And, yes, it is totally reprehensible. It is not random. And it needs to be stopped. Pray, pray, pray.
I think you will be glad you did Leahmaria. Brace yourself. And when you read Kamal's story prepare to be amazed. (and have some kleenex handy.) it is a truly amazing story. x
DeleteJust read this article on who was the winner at the Chelsea Flower Show...the quarry garden! It is one of my favorite pictures of Kate in Charlottes post. She looks very fresh and like she is standing very tall with her shoulders back. cc
ReplyDeletehttps://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/may/23/chelsea-flower-show-james-basson-abandoned-maltese-quarry-wins-top-prize
I thought this dress looked fresh and pretty on Kate, and loved her hairdo. I didn’t much care for the pink dress she wore to Pippa’s wedding, but from the neck up I thought she looked beautiful! Later on, I toddled over to Getty Images to see if there were more photos of the wedding party and guests, and oh, my....some of the guests! I rather liked the tartan trews, but several of those folks CAN’T have looked in a mirror before they ventured out! I truly felt that Kate’s dress was a winner in comparison.
ReplyDeleteI was truly shocked by what some of the guests showed up in! Such an eclectic (or should I say 'eccentric'?) mix! I thought Kate's outfit was classically beautiful, compared with what other people were wearing, IMHO.
DeleteI am so happy that HM the Queen has visited the wounded children in hospital!! She is truly amazing and doing what she saw her mother do during WWII. Nothing could show more clearly how she feels!
ReplyDeleteI know, leahmaria.
ReplyDeleteI found some of the outfits of the wedding guests astonishingly strange. It almost seemed that they had gone out of their way to look strange. Of course they obviously thought they looked good. It was a sartorial circus.
Haha, I think 'sartorial circus' is an apt description for what some of the guests chose to wear!
DeleteAccording to various outlets, Pippa has taken legal action against Varda
ReplyDeletefor putting the photos of the inside of her reception marquee on his Twitter site. Apparently, his has removed those photos from his twitter site. Glad Rebecca English jumped on that and got the photos published in the Daily Mail.
When I read that Varda had removed the photos from Twitter, I hurried to Rebecca's article to make sure it and the photos hadn't been removed also. They are still there.
Oh Lord, more ligation - what a tiresome out of touch lot these Middletons are. The pictures were fine - have they not the sense to ignore them.
DeletePerhaps they are concerned because Country Life just had an issue against big weddings. But the marquee was quite lovely and Pippa would have done well to leave things alone.
Pippa's attorneys also went after someone who listed her wedding menus on sale. They have been taken off E-Bay.
Delete"Pippa E-Bay Rage", The Sun, Jack Royston, 5/25/17.
I just saw that the Queen has visited survivors in Manchester Hospital. What a lady.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely lovely to see the queen in Manchester today but where are William and Kate!! Having a lie-in whilst young people suffer? Visiting young people in hospital would have been so appropriate for them. William could have escorted his granny. I hope soon this in absentia duo finds a voice for their country because the country is moving on without them. Sorry to sound harsh but they are badly out of touch. Their message was formal and stiff. I hope we get an appearance ASAP.
ReplyDeleteAfter the fun but trivial fuss of Pippa's wedding Kate needs serious engagements soon. It's hospice week - why isn't she out there!
"Having a lie-in whilst young people suffer?" I'm sorry, Julia, but I think that's uncalled for. We have no way of knowing the circumstances of this visit by the Queen or of the availability of William and/or Kate.
DeleteMaybe the Queen wanted to be the first one. To emphasize more the extent of her grief.
DeleteI know someone would say this. You do know that William visited after the Westminister attacks?
DeleteJulia, the threat level in your country has been raised to critical, the highest level. The Manchester explosion may be one part of a larger plan. The Queen is taking whatever danger there is on herself, rather than exposing the younger royals to it. If the royal day at Chelsea had been the day after the bombing, rather than the day before, you would not have seen their exposure as you did. The Queen is protecting the future of the monarchy, as well as taking the monarch herself to visit these injured children and adults, which is also totally appropriate. William, Catherine, and Harry attended the Westminster service after the nearby attack on pedestrians. They will no doubt be visible when it becomes safe, and probably to visit and participate in the memorials. In the meantime, the Queen has done a wise and loving thing, for the injured and for her successors.
Delete"Having a lie-in while young people suffer."
DeleteI agree, Marny that is a little harsh for sure. Doesn't sound like someone who actually likes William and Kate does it, and we know Julia does.
Yes, I know the threat level of course, and ordinary people have to keep going. Life doesn't stop. Royals should be impervious to threats - the only consideration is the level of policing necessary for a visit. And if the queen was there, the young royals could be as well. There's not much point in protecting the future of the monarchy if there won't be one because the young royals forfeited good will at a crucial time.
DeleteThis was an event involving young people. The queen is a lovely woman and it was right she should be there - even if she was already on her way to Lancaster, But she is not the sort to give hugs or even sit down - it's not her style and at 91, I don't expect she would change. But that's where the young royals could do so much - they could even be like the Swedish royals and go out amongst their people. This absence will be noted as much as the Irish Guards. People know the present of the monarchy - they want to see the future and know that those members care. And that sort of spontaneous caring is where William and Kate have proved deficient.
Already there is criticism that politicians are being more protected than the public. Here is a place for all members of the family to show they are connected with the public - not hiding behind their security guards. "Visible when it becomes safe"! This is not about their safety! They're not supposed to be huddled behind palace doors. And yes, Rebecca, I will speak. Your royals were right out there...
Yes, I know William was around at Westminster and laid a wreath - after Charles visited those in hospital. As for Kate, she showed up for the memorial - and possibly will again - but engaging with people spontaneously is clearly not her thing. I can't remember her last visit to those in hospital other than her rare hospice visits.
I am upset. I don't know what William and Kate are doing - that was sarcasm - shared by many - I only know what they are not doing - not being seen. Since I'm a supporter of the monarchy still at this hour - I hope they step out and soon.
Julia I understand your comments. However there is an ongoing threat investigation in Manchester and I think the last thing needed is the added complexity that Royal visits add. At the moment the threat needs to be neutralised without resources being drawn away. No one knows if they wanted to go and were told no. It is easy to be critical without true facts. Let us just be kind to each other.
DeleteMy first thought when I saw the Queen at the Manchester Hospital was that she wanted to be there first. It is appropriate because she IS the Queen and I felt that she wanted to make a statement that she is still Queen. Theresa May also visited. They are the figures that need to come to the fore right now. It could be that others will follow in the next week. I don't know. Right now the police have their hands full, the media is in full cry and the U.S. and the U.K. are at loggerheads over security leaks and fails. If I were a parent whose child had been killed or a child whose parent had been killed, the last thing I would be thinking about was whether another Royal came to visit me or not.
DeleteWe may discover in the next weeks that William, Harry or Kate have paid quiet visits to those affected. Are we then going to say then that they didn't go fast enough or stay long enough or say the right words? It seems so darned petty to me right now when there is so much else to emotionally process. But I respect, Julia, that you are processing it in your way so I don't mean this as a criticism. I am just wailing to the world in general.
The queen visited victims in the hospital in Manchester. Great to see her do that.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, do you expect Kate to do a visit too?
As several of the victims are young girls I thought a visit of the duchess might be nice for them.
I agree Will and/or Kate should go to the hospital to visit some of the victims. Their lack of being seen during this tragedy other than issuing a statement does not look good in my opinion.
DeleteHer dress is gorgeous and so is her hair. I agree that princess Alexandra is elegant and glad to see her majesty and prince Phillip looking well. Thanks for the great post Charlotte
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