Before leaving, William and Kate enjoyed tea with President Duda and the First Lady at Belvedere Palace.
The Cambridge family arrived at the airport in coordinated blue and navy outfits.
Adorable Video Alert - Kate asked Charlotte to say thank you with a curtsy. It looks like the Princess has been practising and has already honed her curtsying skills :)
Adorable Princess Charlotte pic.twitter.com/QL5I01HhxC— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) July 19, 2017
George takes a last look at Warsaw before departure....
....And after a short flight, Charlotte takes a peek at Berlin.
They travelled to Tegel airport in Berlin to begin the next leg of the tour.
Princess Charlotte was given her very own 'mini-bouquet' of flowers.
I love this shot of Kate and Charlotte with matching bouquets.
Charlotte smells her flowers.
A throwback to this moment when the Cambridge family left Canada last September.
An arrival video (with a diplomatic handshake from Charlotte) from Chris Ship. There's also a sweet "Mom moment" where Kate fixed George's hair.
In Warsaw, Prince George looked bored of it all. Today in Berlin, he looked like a very tired 3 year old #RoyalVisitGermany pic.twitter.com/bGbUP7Ecx8— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) July 19, 2017
Prince George looked like he had just woken up from a nap upon arrival, he held William's hand as they made their way to the car.
There was a huge media presence at the airport in Warsaw and Berlin, it must seem quite strange and daunting for George and Charlotte at times. There's a lot of travelling involved and disruption to their everyday routine, so it isn't at all surprising to see George looking tired.
A great photo of Charlotte in her cornflower blue printed dress and matching bow.
The day's engagements began with an official welcome from Chancellor Angela Merkel.
William and Kate had a private meeting and lunch with the Chancellor.
William and Kate's next stop was the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin’s most famous landmark and a symbol of German unification.
The couple posed for photos upon arrival, we generally see them do this at least once during tours when visiting a landmark. It always lends itself to fantastic photos.
Before making their way to the Holocaust Memorial, William and Kate said hello to crowds gathered on Pariser Platz in front of the Gate.
Once again, the crowds came out in force to welcome the royals.
Prince William meets locals.
A wave from the Duchess.
More on the history of the gate from the official website of Berlin "The Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin's most important monuments – a landmark and symbol all in one with over two hundred years of history. A former symbol of the divided city, it drew visitors who used to climb an observation platform in order to get a glimpse of the world behind the Iron Curtain, on the other side of the barren "death-strip" which separated East from West Berlin, geographically and politically. It was here that on June 12, 1987, Ronald Regan issued his stern command to his cold war adversary admonishing him with the words: "Mr. Gorbachov – tear down this wall!". The speech delivered to West Berliners was also audible on the east side of the Gate and echoed President von Weizsacker’s words which translate as: "The German question is open as long as the Brandenburg Gate is closed." When Germany was reunified following the fall of the Berlin in November 1989 Brandenburg Gate quickly reinvented itself into the New Berlin's symbol of unity".
William and Kate walked through the Field of Stelae. The Memorial contains 2711 concrete blocks and represents the enormity of the Holocaust.
The Director of the Holocaust Memorial, Uwe Neumärker, shows The Duke and Duchess around the the museum in Berlin. The exhibitions in the Memorial information centre show documents, family photographs and maps showing the extent of the Holocaust.
William and Kate had the honour of meeting Holocaust survivor Leon Henry Schwarzbaum, who shared his story with them. One of the most memorable moments of the tour came yesterday when the royals met Holocaust survivors Zigi and Manfred in Stutthof. It's both courageous and commendable to see several survivors recount the horrors they experienced with the younger generation. It's vital to understand the past, in order to achieve a better future.
Next, William and Kate travelled to the eastern district of Marzahn to visit Strassenkinder, a charity which supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, including homeless children. Strassenkinder care for 200 children daily, providing welfare assistance, education and sports activities.
In the charity’s youth club, They spent time with some of the young people who have received help from the charity, as well as meeting individuals from the Robert Enke Foundation. Set up in memory of the footballer, this organisation raises awareness of mental health issues, particularly in sport.
Brilliant artwork on display.
There was a lovely moment when a little boy ran up to Kate for a hug before she left. The look on his face says it all really :)
The child who gave Kate flowers decided a hug was in order too.
The Duke and Duchess returned to the west of the city to meet with President Steinmeier at Bellevue Palace.
Kate chose a Catherine Walker design today. It features several components of Walker styles previously worn by the Duchess. Underneath, it appears Kate wore a blue lace dress with a scalloped hem.
Of course Kate didn't select blue by chance. The blue cornflower is one of the national flowers of Germany. This is partly due to the story that when Queen Louise of Prussia was fleeing Berlin and pursued by Napoleon's forces, she hid her children in a field of cornflowers and kept them quiet by weaving wreaths for them from the flowers. The flower thus became identified with Prussia, not least because it was the same color as the Prussian military uniform. After the unification of Germany in 1871, it went on to become a symbol of the country as a whole.
The Telegraph reports:
'The brand is a thoroughly British institution (and one that was adored by Diana, Princess of Wales in her lifetime) but today’s meaning was all in the colour. Berlin Blue, or Prussian Blue, is a pigment that was first developed in Berlin in the early 18th Century, and became the lead colour for the Prussian Army and for other German military uniforms up until the First World War when grey became the staple.
The hue is also known as Cornflower Blue - the cornflower becoming a national flower in Germany thanks to tales of Queen Louise of Prussia, who fled Berlin as Napoleon pursued, and hid her children in a field of the flowers. Given that backstory, it seemed appropriate that Kate was surrounded by her children dressed in the same hue as they landed at Berlin's Tegel airport.
Coordinating her colour palette with her daughter, Princess Charlotte, Kate cut a graphic, streamlined silhouette on the airport runway, something that Catherine Walker & Co. co-founder and head of design, Said Cyrus, has previously told The Telegraph is a key consideration when he designs. “We don’t usually suggest a jacket, as our coatdresses present a single, elongated look which we think is more elegant,” he says. “Our coatdresses are made by skilled tailors and in photographs their strong silhouettes work well at every angle.'
The Duchess opted for her trusty Gianvito Rossi Praline pumps. Crafted in Italy, the rosy-nude suede pair feature a stiletto heel and streamlined toe. They retail for $675 at My Theresa.
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| My Theresa |
Kate carried a new Jimmy Choo clutch (with thanks to the amazing Perths Fashion). The $935 Vivien Clam Satin Clutch is described as "Confident and sensationally playful, the Clam clutch is an unexpected manifestation for your evening accessories. Blending a retro retrospective with modern details, the satin exterior is pinched and held together by an embellished centre stone. Perfect for carrying in the palm of your hand at your next social event."
It'ts available in several colours at Neiman Marcus, Selfridges, Matches and FarFetch.
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| Jimmy Choo |
Kate accessorised with blue topaz Kiki McDonough earrings and a matching necklace.
Kate's earrings are her Kiki Blue Topaz and Diamond Drop Earrings in White Gold. The £3,500 pair are blue topaz oval and cushion cut stones surrounded by diamonds set in 18ct white gold.
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| Kiki McDonough |
Jewellery expert Anna identified the necklace as the £1400 Kiki Eden Blue Topaz and 18ct White Gold Flower Necklace.
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| Kiki McDonough |
And Kate's Cartier Ballon Bleu watch.
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| Saks |
This evening, the Duke and Duchess will attend a Queen’s Birthday Party held in the gardens of the British Ambassador’s residence.
Oh I love that shade of blue. It really pops. And, dear little Charlotte matches.
ReplyDeleteYes, it looks like periwinkle blue. So pretty! What a lovely little family.
DeleteLove the pictures of Charlotte with her bouquet. So precious.
DeleteUS Reader, I thought it was periwinkle blue as well, but whatever the name it is a beautiful shade of blue. Kate is elegant, Charlotte adorable, William and George quite dapper. Whatever the reason is for the blue, just love how the family looks so well put together. When you research on the internet about the flower of Germany, it states it is the cornflower:
Delete"Germany[edit]
The cornflower (or cyani flower) became a German symbol for its Prussian blue color in the 19th century, although it is not as common as the Oak as a national plant." cc
Somehow this week at work seems to be bearable... because of this tour! It's such a treat to see them every day this week.
ReplyDeleteKate's coat looks almost identical to the red Catherine Walker coat which she first wore on the Canada 2011 tour and then again for Garter day last year. If it is, it's just fabulous. I think that the style, colour and shape of it works well for Kate. I love that they co-ordinate their outfits too :)
Love Avee in SA
PS: Kate has made my day by wearing those gorgeous earrings again! Yay :)
You could be right Avee. Kate always wins with a Catherine Walker creation in my opinion. No wonder her designs were a favourite of Diana. I agree about their outfits, they co-ordinate really well without looking matchy-matchy. I'm curious to know about that necklace too, it looks so lovely and dainty!
DeleteQuite pretty :) The coat is rather pretty but somehow the covered buttons is not a 100% for me. Just a small nitpick ofcourse because she looks wonderful! Beautiful and professional! I do love the slight "poof" at the hips. And beautiful jewelry. A very traditional look that wont set the fashion world on fire but will still look very good 40 years from now. I remember liking the red version, especially on Garter day, so I think this coat will have great repeatability potential!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful little family!
Looking forward to this German part of the tour!
They really are a beautiful family.
DeleteKate's coat is essentially the same as her red - it is a beautiful shade of blue - interesting lace looking dress underneath. Her hair looks good. I would have liked a bit of extra length on the coat - because of the way it is flaring out.
DeleteCharlotte is adorable climbing up those stairs. Looks like there might have been some sort of event with a few other children involved. Departure looks to have been kept intentionally quiet. Perhaps it's me but William and Kate both look quite weary - the usual sparkle isn't there - but will no doubt reappear in Berlin.
They are a beautiful family! There's a lovely video of Charlotte doing a little curtsey as they're about to get on the plane, it is just too precious and then she insists that she doesn't need a helping hand from William to climb the stairs of the plane only to reach the top of the stairs and take a little tumble. So cute!
DeleteI imagine the kids bringing countless laughs and smiles to William and Kate on this trip and I think it's great that they brought the kids. Watching them arrive at the airport to leave Warsaw kind of shows the importance of trips like these. The kids point out things to their parents or sometimes need a little assurance and William and Kate are right there holding their hands and guiding them along, explaining a few things to them along the way and you can just see the love, time and attention that they have for the kids. Even whilst on tour and meeting people.
Hats off to William and Kate for being such great, hands-on parents. It warms my heart to see these small, sweet moments :)
Love Avee in SA
I agree that William and Kate are wonderful hands-on parents. And, their interaction with their children is poignant and uplifting to watch. If William and Kate look slightly weary, there could be ample reasons for this. Trying to cram so many engagements into one week, in 2 countries, is not easy. And even if there is only an hour's time difference, that can still affect one's internal clock. One or both children may not have slept particularly well last night, and that can make parents and children weary, if both were up during the night. As mother to very small children, I certainly know what that is like. And we should remember that W and K are not in their 20's anymore. Running on adrenaline and few hours of sleep is easier when you are younger. I remember when I turned 30 five years ago, I began noticing that that I needed more sleep to function, than I needed in my 20's.
DeleteI think W and K handle all of these demands well and are doing a great job on this tour. George and Charlotte are adorable and I enjoy seeing their personalities emerge. I had a good laugh this morning watching both of them urgently pull their parents toward the plane in Poland. My children do that too.
That is what is so lovely about this tour SCNC, we as parents and grandparents can identify so much with what W & K are trying to do as parents. Yes, expose them to official duties and introduce them to the fact of who they are. But it's in such small, short doses right now that when the airplane door closes and George says exactly what he thinks about it to his mom and dad, or grumbles and gripes, they can quietly explain to him what that peculiar "show" was all about. I care not one whit about seeing George at polo or at any of his dad's other pursuits. But seeing how W & K, and their children, handle family life in the goldfish bowl of official duties, that is very interesting to me. And increases my empathy for them.
DeleteSCNC - I have a feeling Nanny Maria is truly the exhausted one. 😉
DeleteMost parents of young children are loath to disrupt their schedules and routines, and parents today seem even more rigid than we were! So no surprise the children are a bit restless.
DeleteI'm not usually one for reading too much into expressions, as a photograph is a frame in time, literally a fraction of a second. But I agree that there do seem to be more unsettled expressions (so to speak) on William and Kate lately? Going back to the state dinner even. In photos before the reception in Poland the other night they were positively scowling.
Maybe it was just "one of those mornings" getting the kids out of the house today. It's enough to make anyone a bit tense. It doesn't matter if they were 3 adults on one kid. If that kid doesn't want to put the shoes on, it can probably stand it's ground quite a while. :P
DeleteI have this feeling, William and Kate saying to the British foreign service and the monarch asking them to travel, and they go, " well, we will, the deal will be, we will travel with the children". School will open in the fall, and this is a good opportunity for the family to be together and experience places and people. People complain they don't see the children enough, and here they are.
DeleteCharlotte mentioned, "routine disruptive for the children and their reaction is understandable" ( something to this effect). Now Claudia, you mention it. That is it! the key word in children's lives. Routine interrupted, jet lag, a whole bunch of camera lights, a stern and formal groups of adults at landing/ departing, and as someone mentioned in previous blog, men with guns right near them. Children, welcome to your future? C'est la vie?
How to scram engagements in one day:
Delete"Camilla and Charles did 25-plus engagements in 3 days. Kate and William did 30-odd in a week while visiting Canada." But no kids to take care, I give C&C that although they did not start the day at noon.
Penny, so true:). Claudia, I am not seeing any expressions out of the norm. I do wonder why they brought the kids. It is a lot of extra work for everyone for a few extra hours a day to spend with your children. The kids are too young to get much out of the trip, so I am surprised they decided to bring them along.
DeleteJo, you are absolutely right. I have enjoyed watching W and K interact with their children this week, especially as a parent myself. Wouldn't you love to be on the planes to hear their conversations? I can only imagine the questions and comments George and Charlotte have for their parents. I wonder how many times
DeleteGeorge has mentioned his birthday this week, especially if they are having a family party over the weekend.
Penny, I certainly agree with you that Nanny Maria is likely exhausted this week. I suspect that Will and Kate handle any night-duty responsibilities with their children though (i.e. such as getting up with them if they are having trouble sleeping or have a bad nightmare). They are hands-on parents and obviously want to care for their children as much as they can. Plus, nanny needs a break at night, for sure.
I think it was quite a trying morning at the Cambridges, most parents should be able to identify with those expressions.
DeleteI do wish they would get George's hair/bangscut a little shorter. She's constantly pushing it out of his face/eyes. Trooping was the same. Lol. Love this outfit. Although the coat looks identical to the red one she has by walker. Do love this outfit though
DeleteAt the risk of the brickbats thrown at me - no, I wouldn't want to be on that plane hearing them! - I've been on planes with children in front of me more times than I can count - often on business and most often nervous and weary myself with work to do and some of the little ones were as cute looking as George but not so cute to be around, especially if they weren't happy - and frankly George didn't look happy. He showed little interest in anything around him - so I doubt too many questions. (Some lads that age I know wouldn't be able to take their eyes off soldiers even in a crowded situation but unquestionably it is different when all eyes are on them.)
DeleteI will be glad when the children are smiling confident and just a little older on tours. I have great hopes someday George will be a precocious cheerful prince - and I think he may be - I've known lads who couldn't raise their eyes to your face and then suddenly they're hailing you from across the road to tell you what they are doing at university- but for now it didn't look to me like William and Kate were enjoying it either - they looked anxious - hopefully all is better once the children are settled.
SCNC and Jo Ireland, I agree with your comments.
DeleteI love these arrival photos of Team Cambridge (Canada, Poland, Germany...) but having the children there does add stress and subtract sleep from the formula. :-)
George looks tired and Charlotte is beyond adorable. And Kate's outfit and accessories are lovely. I'm a huge Catherine Walker fan and I hope Kate includes more CW in her wardrobe.
I think this is Catherine Walker, very similar to this : http://akns-images.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/2016513/rs_634x1024-160613130916-634.kate-middleton.cm.61316.jpg
ReplyDeleteKate looks lovely -except for her shoes- and appropriate today. The kids are cute, finally Charlotte is on her feet.
ReplyDeleteJulia- thank you very much for your last comment!!!
I think she looks great, and I even like the shoes. She looks like she's put on some weight too, and she wears it well.
DeleteHope you get to see them Cristin. :)
ReplyDeleteAre the children really that grown up already? Seems they were babies not that long ago.
ReplyDeleteThey all look gorgeous as per usual. I wonder if the children get bored when Mum and Dad go off on engagements, and they are left in an unfamiliar place with their nanny. Maybe they are used to it by now. And hopefully they all had yesterday evening together. I wonder how they travelled from Warsaw to Gdansk and back. It would be quite a long drive, but I saw no pictures of helicopters ;-)
ReplyDeleteRoyal Watcher
By plane
DeleteI wondered about there transport yesterday too??
DeleteLove that they are colour coordinated ❤
ReplyDeleteAnd would like to say a big welcome to Germany :) hope they enjoy their stay here!
It will be a hot day today in Germany. Why is she wearing a coat? She will roast to death!
ReplyDeleteThe material looks lite. It looks respectful and decent / well roast slightly for a brief time then / some prize to pay. She looks beautifully married.
DeleteSorry, A did not complete as Anon15 at 11:51
DeleteAw A what a lovely way to acknowledge her happiness...."she looks beautifully married". She certainly does:)! What a lovely family! Somehow I think Kate can always manage to look "cool"! cc
DeletePoor William has a jacket on too! ;)
DeleteThree shades of blue. Lovely family.
ReplyDeleteOh love this look on Kate and matching Charlotte, adorable ))
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful family !!! Charlotte with her flowers, so beautiful !!! And the little princess does the curtsey, so cute !!!!!!
ReplyDeleteFinally they arrived in Germany!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy that I have a day off from work so that I can follow the news coverage on German television.
Two years ago I moved away from Heidelberg and now I regret it as I do not get the chance to see them while they're here. But I'm still excited and I hope they have a wonderful time in Germany :-) and I really hope to see more from George and Charlotte! They behave so well! And how cute is Charlotte's mini bouquet?!?!
Your enthusiasm, Johanna, is so neat. :)
DeleteI am on cute overload!!!
ReplyDeleteCharlotte is already the star in Germany. They were purposefully thoughtful to give her petite flower bouquet. She looks easily adaptable to different places and people.
ReplyDeleteI think the flowers were given to her in Poland, not in Germany
DeleteI thought the flowers were on arrival in Germany but both countries couldn't have been more welcoming to the children - Poland made it like paradise for them with toys and climbing frames.
DeleteI am very sorry, but the blue cornflower is not exactly a symbol for Germany, at least not a "GOOD" one!! It is very rarely used in Germany as it is heavily "burdened" by its use by NAZI-organisations and it is used today by the nationalistic "FPÖ" party in Austria!! Its origin is more "Prussian"-based as Emperor William I chose it as his favourite flower (because of the story with his mother). Prussia is not Germany, although Berlin most certainly was the capital of Prussia, so maybe this is a nod just to Berlin. The rest of Germany has a rather ambivalent relationship with anything "Prussian" as it is a reminder of a rather militaristic and colonialistic Germany... So, ahem, I hope the turning up in blue has some different meaning - or someone needs to do their research more properly....
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more!
DeleteAccording to Richard Pslmer and a listing of national flowers it is considered the state flower of Germany. Also known as the knapweed . See his twitter feed.
DeleteYou're absolutely right, Eve!
DeleteI have the impression that this blue color is quite similar to the colour of the European flag. Or maybe it's just a coincidence...
Well, than Richard Palmer needs to work on his research. I am sure we, the German readers of the blog, might be a educated about this topic.
DeleteI think the relationship with the Blue Cornflower is complicated. Here in the US we associate it with Germany and as such it is often the symbol or logo of German-American parades. In NYC it is displayed at the annual Steuben Day parade. We also associate it with Queen Victoria and her off spring that represented Germany and Prussia. Perhaps it is the royal connection that is in play today; rather than other meanings.
DeleteEve from Germany,
Delete"This is partly due to the story that when Queen Louise of Prussia..." / this blog's Admin statement above the corn flower photo.
Queen Louisa is also among the ancestors for the Cambridges. Also read the excerpt from the telegraph on this site if you have not already done so. If at all it gives you a little more comfort. I understand your feeling about flags, symbolism, historical, national and political IDs beyond sentiment. It can be ingrained into peoples blood stream especially if coached from childhood.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria,_Princess_Royal
@Johanna: THAT was my second thought, a nod to the European flag!! :-))) It´s very similar, really, and Angela Merkel wore blue as well, so there we are! ;-))))
Delete@JN: I´m not into botanics, but from what I can see "knapweed" is not "blue cornflower"! They are two different plants. So maybe Richard Palmer does need a little bit of "help" with his research... ;-)))
Dear little Princess Charlotte has me melting every time I look at those pictures - she is such a darling! Honestly, I´m team "Charlotte for Queen"!! Let´s skip not one generation, but actually make it two!! I can see HM educating Princess Charlotte as her successor - there you are! I´ve just created tomorrow´s headlines! (Hahaha.... Too much cuteness alarm apparently seems to be getting to my head... ;-))) )
Wow, I didn’t know that about the color blue’s associations in Germany! I wonder if there couldn’t have been a way for someone to inform Kate’s team about that. Surely they could have done more research.
DeleteI think this particular style of coat works very well for Kate. I expect to see her rewear it many times in the future. I like the use of her blue topaz jewelry to match the coat and dress, but not closely match it. It’s in the same color family but of a different hue. It’s great to see such a change.
DeleteIt's the first time I hear about cornflower blue as our state flower... Definitely not common or often used here! My first thought was it may be a reference to the EU flag, but maybe she just liked the colour - what about this?
DeleteI still believe that this colour was a reference to the EU flag...the first thing that came to my mind was the Queen's infamous 'Europe hat' she wore during her speech at the State Opening of Parliament...that hat had the same colour as Kate's coat ;-)
DeleteEve. I think your idea of Charlotte for Queen is superb. 👑
Delete(Long live the very sweet present Queen of course.)
It's a nice coat and great symbolic choice of colour but I think she'll be very hot if she keeps it on for the rest of the day.
ReplyDeleteI love that they gave Charlotte a small bouquet to match Kate's :) The children are very sweet.
Just noticed the video. It goes so fast, made me watch little PC's curtsy three times. That was quite something, a respectfully grateful departure from Poland. When she arrived in Poland, she also shook the hand of the man in military uniform lined up to welcome them in Poland. The other welcoming entourage was all smiles with her ease.
ReplyDeleteA nice coat for Kate and very sweet fotos of the Cambridge family.
ReplyDeleteBeing german myself, however, I admit to being surprised about the cornflower being a symbol of Germany. Never heard that story before ..
Haha so much for symbolism and nods:)
DeleteHeaven knows Britain isn't built on symbolism and nods. Oh wait, that's right. It is. lol
DeleteVideo Cuteness Alert is right, lol. Again, how did George and Charlotte grow up so fast? :)
DeleteWhat a sweet curtsy.
And then there's the photo of Charlotte smelling her bouquet, and George rubbing his sleepy time eyes, and George looking out the window, and Charlotte looking out the window and, and ...... :)
DeleteAnd sentimentalism, so it seems!
DeletePlease, someone explain that to Richard Palmer, he insists on Twitter the color is a nod to Germany.
DeleteMaybe that's a nod to Germany because part of the EU, the color is similar to the one on the european flag maybe?
Charlotte, thank you for your wonderful post. I loved the story of the cornflowers although I understand Eve from Germany's remark that the color is problematic. Colors are a minefield in diplomatic dressing it seems!
ReplyDeleteGeorge certainly is being a three year old. At least he didn't lie down on the tarmac and have a temper tantrum like my nephew once did. He dips his head down in exactly the same way as his grandmother Diana used to in her early days as Princess of Wales. I remember one time when they were on a skiing holiday Charles asking her to put her head up for the photographers; she wasn't in a good mood that day. Not saying that to be critical (heavens I always seem to be navigating sensibilities here) just a memory that popped up when I saw George this morning. This is what I am remembering: http://people.com/archive/cover-story-princess-dianas-royal-retreat-vol-19-no-4/
Charlotte is amazing. There were several beautiful photos of her this morning--I hope that great grandmother Elizabeth is back in England saying "well done!!" And how cute was the quick glimpse of her pantalettes. Wise tailoring there!!
Colours really is a minefield. On another blog a man told us that when he went to Ireland for business he always wore a pink tie because that was the only one he didn't get comments on from a political or social justice kind of angle.
DeleteOh that IS funny Rebecca! My family history is both Protestant and Catholic so I identify so much with the Irish Rovers' song "The Orange and the Green." But the Irish flag has both green AND orange with white (for peace) in between so I like to think of that ;) A few months ago I was wearing a daffodil pin for "Fight Cancer" month and someone asked me if I was making a political statement. They mistook the yellow daffodil for the yellow flower of some Irish political party. Sigh.
DeleteThis is part of the problem I was referring to in the previous post, not sure I should elaborate ;) I will just say young royals plus junior staff does not always equal a smart combination. Easy to find a "national flower" in a book, harder to follow-up to make sure what modern/current interpretations are, as Eve mentioned. Frankly I would have thought on an important Brexit tour like this, some of these details would have been overseen by a David Manning or the like.
DeleteI personally love the blue but as diplomats and dignitaries everything needs to be well thought out... and understood.
I can't think Prussian blue is meant to be a coincidence since it is a bespoke coat from Walker in the a familiar shape. They were perhaps using the same source Palmer was. There's been an interesting response from our German posters!
DeleteLove your stories Jo and Rebecca! Whatever the symbolism, it's certainly a lovely colour on Kate regardless!!
At the risk of protests, I'll gently disagree with you, Jo. I would like to see the children introduced to William and Kate's work to (as I once was, taken to my father's office which I thought great fun, even with the requirements for proper manners) but I would rather see them at home, at short engagements that are well tailored for them - perhaps like that farm engagement of Kate's or a small military one where the soldiers can interact with the children and draw their interest or even a short little meet-and-greet at Kensington Palace as William once had with a helicopter landing (which seemed to make quite an impact on him - although of course he saw them many other times.) I still recall Charles shepherding him about - he must have been about George's age. The reason I said polo was because in a sense it is work - getting used to the cameras that will be ever present in their lives later.
In many ways Australia worked like that with the zoo visit and the children's party. But just being faced with cameras and foreign dignitaries seems a bit much for George at least. If I had ever seen him respond favourably to it, I would feel differently, but only on that last day in Canada, did he seem to relax just a little.
No protest at all Julia :) I see where you are coming from. My further point in our conversation, though, is that I think that sort of engagement does take place--just not always in the public eye. Remember the airshow that they took George to last year? One of Kate's patronages. And there have been stories that Kate (and the Middletons, Nanny Maria) has taken George to farms, to museums. He goes to Montessori. He is going to be going to a regular, if elite, school. So I tend to look at this journey as the one that W & K felt was best for him to be exposed to "officialdom". My thought was yes, it is hard but it only lasts 5-10 minutes. And W & K can de-brief him before and after quite quickly whereas a long engagement might be wearing on all concerned. Especially as I am fairly certain that K doesn't care for horsey events ;) How boring to hang around while the boys ride horses and swat a ball with an oversized croquet mallet (oops, I am showing my bias here.) Length of exposure makes me think of when I used to be trotted out to meet guests at my parents' parties. I had been schooled from toddlerhood to meet them all quite solemnly, shake hands, answer a few questions, and then at a raised eyebrow from my mother, say quick goodnights and disappear to my room. As I got older, I stayed longer, always on appropriate behavior, until I finally got to the age where I could dance up a storm (loved dancing with my father, what a great dancer) and enjoy my father's cocktails. I am optimistic that W & K will expose George little by little although with Charlotte I think they will have to hold her back with one of the ponies' halters!
DeleteBack to George: granted there usually aren't cameras lined up in his regular life (the airshow last year being the exception) but I don't think there are huge cameras at the polo either, are there? The polo shots seemed to have been taken from far away. I still think it really odd that Charles no longer seems to go to the polo; my head is stuck on that fact. Maybe he's just got too busy? If Charles were still going I would think that would be a great place for the Press to have photos of Grandfather and grandchildren interacting. But he's not there either....
I think George is at a difficult age and may also be a sensitive child a la Diana and even Charles but they could hardly bring Charlotte and leave George behind. I remember Diana talking about her concern over W and saying that Harry would probably be the one to cope with the fame and such much better. In this case, it looks like it is going to be Charlotte who will cope. I think it was SCNC (?) who said that George might turn out to be the quiet one, kind of like his great great grandfather. It's really early days but I tend to agree. My grandchildren have grown up to be pretty much behaviorally the way they were as toddlers in terms of coping with new experiences.
Oh Jo thank you! I had the most wonderful relationship with my parents and miss them everyday but I was beginning to think they must have been draconian - except Leo and everyone of my age was raised as you and I were. Exactly like that -we were expected to be on perfect behaviour around my father's business associates especially - from as long as I can remember - stand up straight, no hands in pockets. no fidgeting, meet adults looking at directly them - make a few little remarks using their surnames, and my mum would give me that same look to dismiss me -although we were expected to ask permission to leave the room or the table! My father would never bend down to us if other important adults were present - we were expected to understand the priority, although in private I could climb all over him. Later, like you, I was allowed, even expected to stay longer, serve drinks and clear ashtrays (which were everywhere back then) and make small talk even if we went to conferences with people I'd never met. I have to say it was excellent practice for later life! I too loved to dance with my dad and cocktails - he was so wonderful, I can weep thinking about it and he and mum would have done anything for us. The odd thing is we were treated as children and yet held to higher adult standards than these little ones of today. I don't remember being unhappy or scared of my parents but we knew there were standards to be observed and consequence if we didn't.
DeleteI put George's behaviour down to being frightened in what was unquestionably an intimidating situation he doesn't seem prepared for - but was amazed when someone at another blog spoke of his perfect deportment! If that's their idea of perfect deportment other mums should envy! - but I'm clearly as much a dinosaur as poor Dippy.
I liked the idea of polo because it would give him a chance to get used to cameras where there could be other children around - but I don't blame Kate for not liking it - I love horses but am not keen on sports. The one time George was there, I'm thinking Charles was too but there didn't seem a lot of connection. My favourite photo of George so far was taken then of him smiling whilst rolling, while my favourite of Charlotte is her hugging the balloons in Canada. I know we aren't going to see the same sort of conduct from them we were raised with but hopefully it all sorts itself out in the end. I agree George does look to be the quiet one -but he may blossom later - children often do.
Jo. Good point. Photos of Charles at polo matches, supporting his boys, with his grandchildren would be gold (on many levels).
DeleteOh Julia! I feel like we should wander over to a corner with a couple of cocktails (well, mocktail for me as I don't drink alcohol anymore so am back to what my Dad would make me, a Pink Lady made from milk and maraschino cherry juice) and reminisce about parties with women in taffeta dresses, Al Martino, Guy Lombardo, my dad shaking the stainless steel shaker behind his bar while my mother laughed her laugh that could be heard throughout the room. My dad would dance me around the room to "Spanish Eyes" and then I would go upstairs to my room to secretly read the fan mags about what Troy Donahue was doing. Heeheehee. Mom also always had a small plate for me with goodies from the buffet table to take to my room. Sigh.
DeleteYes, Julia, I remember when Charles was there. He "sort of" made connection but he was reserved. He reminds me of Mr Jo who is very reserved with the grandchildren as opposed to my son-in-law's dad who is uproarious with them. Some children blossom later but some seem set from childhood. I was very outgoing as a child but I was always introverted so the extraversion came across as forced. I remember my mother saying "Don't try so hard! Act natural!" But she (and I) didn't understand at all about introversion. I tell you, Myers Briggs made a HUGE difference to me. When I understood that as an INFJ I could be introverted but still be someone who seems to be an extravert (in small doses) it felt so liberating. Interestingly my dad was introverted as well but my mom was his shield, she coaxed him into social settings and with her taking the glare, he could operate very well, one on one. And he was very handsome and debonair so the introversion didn't matter. I think the world was more forgiving of introverts back then, esp in the business world which WAS more introverted.
DeleteI wonder about W & K. I think they may both be introverts but "feeling" introverts. So they relate to people, care about people, but heavy duty interaction exhausts them. Now Harry is a completely different story! But life events can change someone's intro/extraversion too.... Oops, am getting off the Kate blog stuff so will stop.
I like the shoes, they are neutral, blue would be too matchy and black just no
ReplyDeletehowever I'd would like to see her in just a dress not the coat and dress thing, or a suit
but they all look lovely
where is the video of C curtsey-ing
The sweet little bouquet for Charlotte was such a pleasant surprise. I think it made her feel a little diplomatic shaking hands and smiling.
ReplyDeleteHer esteemed advisor, David Chilsom, was there in case she needed help. :)
*make that David Manning, not David Chilsom.
DeleteI am so sad,that they left my country but they said goodbye in beautiful way. I love this colour. They look perfect. Charlotte is cute, little princess who can curtsey . She is little,sweet lady.
ReplyDeleteOh goodness, Princess Charlotte is my second favorite royal (behind the Queen)! Watching her grow will be fantastic!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful family!
Thanks as always, Charlotte for such good overall information. The story of the cornflower is very touching. I just love your blog.
4th shades of blue ( Chancellor Merkel) and Kate's jewelry set.
ReplyDeleteOf course I have the utmost respect for Angela Merkel, and realize that fashion is the last thing she needs to worry about, but she always looks nice from the waist up. Her pants always look rumpled, almost like they are Dockers. A beautifully tailored pant in a high quality fabric would do wonders for her.
ReplyDeleteHow i love the coat hmm i bet prince george has not in mood hmm lil sister or princess charlotte is. On the move hmm the.lil royal has. A charm of her mother
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely family. Kate and William are definitely hands-on parents, and it it great to see them as a close-knit team. But I can't help wondering if these photo ops getting on and off planes are'nt the best thing for the children. They are surrounded by photographers in their face and clearly George is extremely uncomfortable. This in turn puts stress on William if George is acting up. As someone said in a different thread, if they want the children to be seen by the world, why does it have to be only on these tours, and not at events in their home country, where they are in their own environment.
ReplyDeleteThey had their own reasons for bringing the children along, perhaps the kids are having separation issues. Or maybe the parents have separation issues! But I hope it's not just for photo opportunities of the children and then a whole year of being hidden away.
I have also been wondering about bringing the children, Barbara U.S. , there must be another reason than separation issues , as'it had been said, after the Canada tour, that the children were not to be seen on such tours for some years..... I would rather think first that there is a BRF tradition of bringing children with the parents during tours , second the children should get accustomed to crowds and press people and photos , as they will have to face such situations for their whole life , and that it will be part of their duty ! Unfortunately, it seems that the more he travels with his parents, the more PG tries to step backward . Charlotte seems to love being with people, while Georges sometimes looks like Diana in her worst moments, he seems to not appreciate new situations and new persons ..... while he seemed very enthusiastic as a toddler, he now seems not very happy .... could it be , as some one wrote yesterday, the same kind of situation as Charles being bullied by Anne ? He is such a cute lad when he smiles !
DeleteThese two children are learning about how to be important members of the royal family and possibly a king or queen. They learn this by being exposed to it at a very early age and watching their parents who will be king and queen consort. They in fact are in school the whole time they are away. William spent 10 years figuring out if Catherine would be strong enough and had the skills to be able to cope with the job. His mother unfortunately did not.
DeleteIt's very possible that W&K were "asked" to bring the children because it would be far less complicated and stressful to keep them at home in familiar surroundings with Grandma and Grandpa Middleton. Instead, this family unit has the "pleasure" of being analyzed backwards and forwards.
DeleteI don't know, I understand Kate needs to dress appropriately due to her royal status however she is always extremly on the boring side. She is young, beautiful, slim (if not skinny) and could afford just a little bit more trendy,modern outfits. I am always amazed by Queen Litizia and her sense of style. Always on point however without being over-conservative (like Kate). I loved geometric white dress form the other night, I though to myself "Finally!!!"...and now we are back to coat dresses, block colours and nude pumps. She could do some much more.
ReplyDeleteDon't go there, Royalfan!! ;)
DeleteKate always looks lovely and tasteful, but I would like to see her dress more modern and sophisticated, too, and put a pause on coat dresses.
I'm willing to bet everything I have that is not royalfan :) In case you're new 13:25, there's already someone here with that handle, maybe try another?
DeleteWhat? Has royalfan gone to the dark side?
DeleteNo way. This must be a different Royalfan!
I completely agree with you she is dressing like the queen Elizabeth when she was younger, using one color dress coat and nude shoes, is boring even queen Maxima has more challenging style and fun choices she should learn from Queen Letizia and Queen Maxima
DeleteOk. I know this is not our royalfan.
DeleteThis comparison with Letizia comes up all the time, but I'm afraid I tend to the view that were Letizia subject to this unbelievable level of scrutiny those elements of her style which are repeated could fast become equallay irritating in their own right. You might see the 'No Mre Pencil Skirts' campaign launched! If we drown ourselves in pictures of Kate as some of us do then can we be surprised if some things become samey?! :-)
DeleteI apologise, I don't follow the comments so I didn't know about another Royalfan. I'll change to Minimeandme.
DeleteI'm thinking we must have a different Royalfan here because the historical royalfan if I can use that term didn't use caps.
DeleteLetizia's style works for Letizia and I wouldn't want to see a direct transfer but would like Kate with a bit more sophistication as she has shown in the past. Maxima - please no! Lovely lady and a hard worker but I don't care for her style.
WOW. I'm glad I have a reputation! ;-)
DeleteThe original comment in this thread is NOT mine (the "original" RF who agrees with Julia on Camilla!) My moniker is all lower case letters, as Julia pointed out.
To be honest, Letizias style is very off from time to time. The leather coulottes with the very prominent zipper, anyone?????? I rather see a perfectly nice but boring coat ;-)
DeleteThanks for your fast post, Charlotte. Small corrction though: the cornflower is not a national symbol of Germany (and has never been. It was really only been popular in Prussia. If there even is something as a botanical symbol for Germany it might be the oak tree but we really don't have this strong connection as for example the scotish thistle.
ReplyDeleteSafe fashion choice but still lovely, and the family coordination is adorable. I have been wondering about the royal kiddies being brought on this tour. At first, the cynical part of my brain wondered if it was excellent marketing for the Brexit tour. But now I am starting to wonder if bringing along George and Charlotte is about a) W&K beinghands on parents, b) showing the children what their parents do when they go away from the family home, and c) preparing them for their future in the spotlight. It seems as though W&K are emulating Diana - trying to give the children as normal life as possible at home, school and family holidays, but also acknowledging they are in a special position where complete strangers care about their every move. George and. Charlotte are very young, but still old enough to look out a window and think "what's with this crowd of people being everywhere we go?"
ReplyDeleteI'm not comfortable with the children being on this tour. I suspect political pressure and a government seeking easy publicity, I thought it was odd how late in the day the children's presence was announced. I'm afraid I see grown politicians hiding behind a three-year-old child. And one, moreover, who is missing his favourite playdate.
DeleteThey are all looking a bit frayed at the edges and I'd be sorry if the parents have been pressured effectively to take their children to work with them. I even support George in helping the images of them to backfire, though I deeply regret that he is being made subject to this kind of scrutiny so young when one childish slip could end up being an image which follows him for life. So sad and badly played by the powers that be IMHO.
I think PG is just finding the sun blindlingly bright... my son covers his eyes like that and ducks his head. PC is squinting in the sun and K and W are also squinting in some photos...
ReplyDeleteI think you are right about that, 13:43. He was covering his eyes because of the sun.
DeleteYes to him reacting to the sun...or a nap that was interrupted before he was ready. :-)
DeleteShe hasn't worn a coat dress in a good while and I was holding out hope she was done with them for good...sigh! I kid, mostly. It is nice to see the family matching. Charlotte is such a darling!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if we will see the kids at an engagement today?
Can anyone identify the cream colored dress that the First Lady is wearing in picture #2? I would love to know. Thank you, fashionistas!
ReplyDeleteThe First Lady is a very stylish dresser, have loved all of her clothes on this trip. The cream colored dress is very nice! cc
DeleteIt's hard to judge how successful a tour is, usually takes some time afterward. But everyone must be pleased at the lovely reception they've been getting, and what large crowds turn out to see them. From what I've seen so far anyway.
ReplyDeleteHow very true. Visually and from the crowds it at least seems to be a great hit with those coming out to see them!
DeleteI live in Germany and I have never heard of that blue cornflower story. And as somebody said before, it might have been a symbol of Prussia, but that is not Germany. They should have done their research a little better! It is so hot today, I can't believe, she is still wearing that coat.
ReplyDeleteGoogle says national flower of Germany is cornflower. US has a "national flower" as well.
DeleteI love the coat and the jewelry. I wish we could get a real look at the dress underneath.
ReplyDeleteGeorge and Charlotte are just adorable. Kudos to George for not having a meltdown. No one wants to be woken up from a nap and then shown off!
So funny(?) about the cornflower blue color. After reading Eve's comments, I did a quick google search 'cornflower blue Germany' and got a ton of hits. Of course, we all know the internet is completely reliable(😉), but it's sad that the team missed the on the ground/real life connection of cornflower blue and Germany.
It was also reported on the BBC last yr in the context of politics in Austria. it does suggest maybe a more experienced "team member/advisor" is needed IMO.
DeleteDoes anyone else think that maybe Kate took her red Catherine Walker from Canada 2011 and Garter Day last year and had it reworked? Perhaps dying it and simply changing the colour to it seems like something new?
ReplyDeleteI`m not trying to be rude but I think they might be the same because the red was kind of "draped" on her the last two times she wore it but today it seems perhaps a little tighter, hence the poofiness around her hips. Again, not trying to be rude, but if she has gained weight (and I think she looks amazing either way), it wouldn`t fit as well as it used to.
ReplyDeleteI seriously doubt she had her red outfit dyed. It is not easy (or even possible) to evenly dye clothes that contain synthetic fibers. Plus why would she feel the need to be that frugal? However, she might have ordered another coat in blue based on measurements taken for the red one so I think your general observation makes sense. She looks great but I agree it's not as good a fit as the red version was last year.
DeleteThe two coats have different collars. Probably the designers Kate works with have a dress form made to her measurements, and I doubt they change it every time she gains or loses a few pounds.
DeleteI don't think a red coat could be dyed cornflower blue. And the collars are different. So I think it is a new coat. But I agree, Kate seems curvier.
DeleteI'm just not a fan of the hairstyle. Despite the striking color and excellent tailoring, the coat is quite ordinary. It projects a bland image and needs something to add interest. So without a pin/brooch or scarf or belt it comes down to the hair. This style of bun is horribly aging. It's stiff and stogy. Catherine looks twenty years older than she is.
ReplyDeleteTwenty years older!?! Wow, I hope I look just like that when I'm 55!! I think her hairstyle is elegant and professional looking, but I can respect that it's not everyone's style preference.
DeleteIf there is one living world leader I want to meet, Chancellor Angela Merkel is among the top three / top of the three. Her own people might praise or denounce her in in the future. There is the world at large observing and watching, some future generations among this group will praise her, and at last, I hope history will give her a prominent place among humanitarian leaders in a positive light. That is, those who she took a political risk on, will make good on her decision.
ReplyDeleteI'm sort of uncomfortable that Kate is ALWAYS carrying Charlotte and Will is ALWAYS handling George. This kind of gender breakdown in public sort of gives the impression of W&K being traditional to the point of absurdity in the way they raise their kids and structure their family. Of course at home Kate is probably a hands-on mom to both but in public it's as if she wants George to be seen ONLY with William (future King of England and all that).
ReplyDeleteThe entire family looks perfect today. Cornflower is my favorite shade of blue, and Kate looks lovely in it.
ReplyDeleteWhoever thought to give flowers to Charlotte deserves a raise and a promotion and a parade! That was the sweetest gesture!!
I also have to say that throughout their time in Poland I thought the First Lady held her own with Kate on the fashion front. She looked spectacular. Normally I feel sorry for every woman appearing in public with Kate because she just outshines them all, but the First Lady was equally perfect at every appearance.
I get a whiff of a heavy 80ies perfume when I see this. I will be in a minority of one here, but I really don't get this style on a 35 year old. No, I correct myself: I simply don't get this!
ReplyDeleteThe hair (will she not have time to do it this evening?), matching earrings and necklace, coat with pleats - over the knees - the tights and the shoes, and a colour co-ordinated family. Good thing this tour is not about fashion, then ;-)
Yesterday's look would've been professional and youthful today, furthermore it would go so well with Chancellor Merkel's intelligent and relaxed appearance (and yes, I know - they have different roles to fulfill...).
Heidi
Kate and kids and even William look great IMO. But am I only one thinking they take color coordinating too far? I think Kate goes overboard here. She seems too concerned about pushing this perfect image and it's a bit Stepford right? Is that why she avoids casual outings like polo? I'm really thinking she's gotta be tightly wound!
ReplyDeleteDon't know a thing about Germany and cornflowers so can't comment on that.
I see it as tasteful and respectful towards their hosts as the represent the Queen. W&K have no "need" to push anything.
DeleteMaryM. As far as I know, the color coordinating thing is standard PR photo op maximizing for sure. They have just started doing that on a consistent basis within the past year or so. To me, if you look at photos prior that, the lack of harmony in their attire was distracting and unsettling. We kept complaining about that here and voila' they took our advice, lol.
DeleteFirst of all, thank you Charlotte for your quick coverage, as always!! You just amaze me every time!
ReplyDeleteI didn't have time to comment on yesterday's post (exam period), and thought I'll do it today. The visit to Stutthof was extremly moving!! As a jew, I felt that was one of the most, if not THE most important engagement on the initinary. It was very sad to read the survivors' stories. I was lucky enough to be born in Israel, to a family that has barely suffered from the holocaust - My grandparents haven't been in Europe during those awful years, they only arrived to France much later. Even so, you can imagine that especially in Israel the Holocaust makes a huge part of the culture, and is very much incorporated into various school-activities and such. As a young and curious child, I used to read a lot of books and biographies about the Holocaust. This may sound crazy, but I remember very clearly practising different things to "get myself ready" in case - God forbid - I ever found myself in similar conditions... Nothing drastic or dangerous, but for example I used to "practice" taking part of my shower in ice-cold water, as those poor jews had to do in the camps. And I used to practice more things of this kind.
Looking back now, as an adult, it's unbeliveable how much effect this war had on me, more than 50 years after it ended, especially considering the fact that I hadn't have a "direct" connection to it.
Can we be 100% sure something like that won't happen again? Unfortunately, I think the answer is no, and even worse, similar things are going on right now, in different places in the world.
I'm not going to comment on Kate's dress choice yesterday, as it really saddened me that it took such a central place in the comments and conversation (not specifically on this blog, but in general).
Zigi and Manfred are two incredibly brave persons, and I would so much love to meet them myself. those survivors are becoming more and more rare, and it is so important to hear their experinces and remember them in every possible way. I especially liked what Zigi said: "People should know that it wasn't just Auschwitch-Birkenau, it wasn't just Bergen-Belsen, look at all the other camps". And this is so true. I had never heard of Stutthof before, and it is one of the reasons why this visit was so important.
The rest of the day looked so fun and packed in activity - I can't imagine how hard it must have been for William and Kate to change moods so fast. Anyone claiming those tours are "vacation" clearly does not know what a vacation looks like ;)
Moving on to today's events (so far):
WHAT A DARLING FAMILY! Kate's coat is beautiful, Charlotte's dress and bouquet were SO adorable, and George's expressions give me life. William looks like such a hands-on dad!! I really hope the future father of my children is taking notes (kidding, kidding ;))
As for Angela Markel - I mean, I don't really know her or anything about her political views, but, as someone mentionned above - can she please get new pants? and get them ironned? Fashion may not be her most important concern, but there is a difference between being a fashionista or being put-together (hope that's the right term to use here).
Looking forward for the rest of the tour!
Very true about the camps having been to a couple of the lessor known ones myself - I'm glad that was their choice for a visit because it brings attention to that. It's hard to describe in print but the atmosphere in those places truly strikes one.
DeleteBoth children seemed to be putting their heads down because of wind, and Prince George appeared to have gotten something in his eye. I expect it hurt. They both look amazed by the scene from the plane window. I love Charlotte's flowers and curtsey. Someone was aware of her reactions to the flowers Kate was given, and then handed to an aide, in Canada!
ReplyDeleteThe controversy over cornflower blue is regrettable. If there is to be symbolic dressing, then great care is needed to get it right. I do rather like this coat, but hopefully Kate could remove it if she was too warm.
I started out not so sure about this coat, but thanks to a flood of pics I've gone full circle and become a fan. I was surprised at the fullness of the skirt at first, I thought it looked bulky, but of course taken from different angles and in different lights I can see how beautifully it falls and how lovely the whole outfit is.
ReplyDeleteAnd I don't like the jewellery in illustration either -- but being perverse as I am -- I think it looks wonderful on Kate with this outfit. Pure dead regal, if you like.
And the warm praline of those court shoes is a perfect balance. The clutch is simply stunning, what a find! And how cleverly it reflects the gathered pleats of the coat. Brilliant post, thank you so much -- love your blog!!!
I do love this coat! This will certainly be my pick at the end of the year.
ReplyDeleteAnd not to complain, because the children are certainly adorable and that clip of Charlotte curtsying is priceless, and her dresses are of course very cute, but I would like to next see Charlotte in something other than a flower patterned dress.
I have to say George's (Charlotte still seems too young to tell) behaviour during this and Canada's tours speaks loudly of how hiding the children is affecting the little ones. Look at the Swedish Royal Children (Who are still chased by paparazzi whether in London or Stockholm), who attend events frequently and are used to the cameras to the point they barely notice them anymore, compared to little George always looking overwhelmed in public - the only time we've seen him relax was perhaps when leaving Canada and at the children's garden party (the latter where there weren't that many cameras nor too close, and the first when the cameras were far away). Getting adjusted to royal life is not easy, as I'm sure Kate knows, but by hiding them instead of getting them used to the attention they might be doing more wrong than good. With the Cambridges moving to London (at least progressively) this autumn, I don't think the children will be ready for all the attention, and in the long time - if this behaviour continues - may grow up to dislike the media, much like William, and for better or worse, the Royal Family needs to be in good terms with the media or we'll continue to see complains and backlash as we do now.
ReplyDeleteThe curtsy... BEST PART OF THE DAY SO FAR!!!!!
ReplyDeleteTammy, abolutely!
DeleteYes! :-)
DeleteAngela Markel is quite an amazing lady. She has her doctoral degree in Physical Chemistry after doing her doctoral thesis on Quantum Chemistry. She has won prizes for her proficiency of Russian that she learned at school. She has been innovative her whole life so far in facilitating peaceful solutions to situations without compromising humanitarian values. When applying for a certain position of employment she was offered the job if she agreed to spy on her peers. She refused and searched for a different job and got it. There is much more amazing stuff on the Wikipedia article regarding her.
ReplyDeletewikipedia
surfer girl,
DeleteShe is amazing. This morning I was thinking, the next serious book I will get is on Angela Markel. You condensed her achievements in a good summery.
Canada's outgoing Governor General, David Johnston, presented the Queen with a GORGEOUS sapphire brooch--called the Sapphire Jubilee Snowflake Brooch--today at Canada House in London. I know the Queen already has serious bling but this brooch is so beautiful that even I would wear it (I don't like big bling, not that I ever had the option to wear it.) And it would have looked splendid on K's coat dress today.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jo. Going quickly to the internet to take a peek.
DeleteJo, that brooch is gorgeous. Thanks for the reference. It said that the sapphires in that brooch are from the one and only sapphire find in all of Canada so how special is that. Plus, the Queen looked so pretty in her white with blue flowers skirt/dress and white jacket. It was also very touching that she had on the Canadian maple leaf diamond brooch. Kate has worn that and now it is back on the Queen. Just a visual reminder that Kate is inexorably part of the senior royal contingency and is family.
DeleteReading through these comments yesterday and today, there seems to be some confusion about royals and their roles. When royals live at taxpayer's expense, they need to show fiscal restraint. Yes, they should take care to dress appropriately, tastefully and professionally. They are working for their country. Their dress and demeanor should reflect a consistently steady and stable character,,,yes, 'boring' is good because it reassures us, gives us a sense that all will be ok. This is their job. These are work clothes -- for their job. She does not have the freedom to dress like Pippa or the latest celeb. She is not on holiday. She is working at her job. She is not a walking advert for designers or bloggers. Trendy styles (clothes, jewels, hair, shoes) have no place in her work wardrobe. QE, Camilla, Sophia, Princess Anne,,,all have a working wardrobe filled with staples. We can be certain who they are and confident they will show up ready to work. A working uniform (coat and sheath dress) works very well. It saves time, effort and agony of what to wear. At her age, she should well understand this. How odd she doesn't.
ReplyDeleteJane
+1
DeleteBut brwosing through the comments, she is not the only one who does not get that.
"When royals live at taxpayer expense..."
DeleteI am American, but I often hear this mentioned by Brits. What is usually NOT mentioned, however, is the benefit to Britain from increased tourism and PR worldwide. The royals give their lives over to the cause, which is why it is sometimes hard for them to find spouses. They are not employees and should not be considered as such.
I don't understand. You just described exactly what Kate was wearing, a coat over a dress. How is it that she doesn't understand that is her professional uniform?? I would also include a dress or dress with jacket, or a suit. And of course, evening wear. All of which Kate regularly wears when she is working.
DeleteIf she recycled, there would be cries of she doesn't get it...she is being disrespectful towards her hosts and acting like she doesn't care. Any bets??
DeleteI love Kate's sense of style and appreciate that she seems not to be in any sort of competition with anyone else regarding her style. As far as the coat goes, I get it! It's probably terribly cold in the plane (air conditioning) and she'll be in and out of air conditioned places all day. I would absolutely prefer being a little hot outside then freezing inside.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte has a tendency to walk on her toes. Apparently i used to do that as a kid :) so sweet
ReplyDeleteIt could be she is modeling what she sees and thinks her mother is doing. George does the same thing. In the video, he even looks like he is trying to curtesy as Charlotte is.
DeleteIt's wonderful to see the enormous crowds showering them with love. The pictures of Kate greeting and hugging the children is delightful, and movingly reminiscent of Diana.
ReplyDeleteTedi, honestly, I thought the very same thing. When I saw some of the "aerial" coverage all over the internet with crowds surrounding them and people standing in windows, I thought, with the exception of this beautiful family, we haven't seen this since Diana was alive.
DeleteFor those who haven't been, I would most certainly commend the Berlin Holocaust Memorial. It is a deeply moving experience. Photographs can't do it justice or even seeing it from the outside. You have to walk within where the sense of loss and oppression becomes overwhelming and the sense of disorientation and the harshness of being surrounded by the increasingly huge columns is intensely powerful. I was left too shaken to cry although I was in floods later.
ReplyDeleteGeorge and Charlotte would be too young to go of course, but we have to remember children as young or younger than they were torn from their parents and faced death in those camps! It's almost impossible to bear thinking about.
I'm not a believer in collective guilt or burdening a new generation with the sins of elders but as the generation of those who survived the camps leave us - it is important for all to hear their memories and to think of their suffering. We have focused on Poland and Germany because of William and Kate's visit but we are aware there have been horrible acts by mankind so many places elsewhere - where numbers that are hard to fathom have perished.
On a more cheerful note, Berlin a wonderful and vibrant city with extraordinary museums, well worth a visit - the welcome there for William and Kate has been fabulous with fantastic crowds - certainly bringing the good will that was hoped for by this visit. It must make William and Kate so happy! (Although I confess my German friends all seem to be republican minded!) For those who do have a chance to go - don't miss Potsdam with the amazing gardens and palaces.
I particularly loved their visit to the children's charity and the wonderful affection and openness of the children and William and Kate's response to them. Lots of hugs! It reminds me so much of the effect Diana had - we often hear she must be smiling from above and I would certainly like to think so - (along with my own lost family and friends.) If that is possible, today she surely must be.
Try searching on the internet for National Flowers and Harvard and you will find an article from 1938 from the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard on the subject of National Flowers. The person who wrote the article, the Superintendent of the Boston Parks, wrote to many of the European Consuls and governments and he noted that at that time no government had passed legislation recognizing any particular flower but the results published are from his correspondence. He was considering making a garden representing national flowers and he gives the cornflower for Germany. The article also lists the flowers for each state of the United States and the year the legislation took place. It is fun to locate references like that and see just how long people have been asking the same question!
ReplyDeleteHow bloomin' sweet of you 17:30. :)
DeleteKnowledge is so fun.
I usually try to find something positive to say about Kate's outfit....but this is just all bad imho. This hairstyle should be retired for all time. I am personally so bored by the coat dresses! This outfit is so beyond overly mature for her. I'm also pretty played out on the Kiki jewels. They don't look very fresh or modern. This is something that would look perfectly lovely and appropriate on her mother, or even The Queen, but not on a youthful/modern woman such as herself. Ok, off my soapbox. This is all just surface criticism on outward appearance only.
ReplyDeletekatefan
DeleteSpot on!!
"Well, if you cannot find anything positive to say to DAYLE, why say anything at all?"
What an offensive remark to say to someone on a blog that allows comments about Kate's clothes. She's a public figure, wearing a tax-funded wardrobe - of course there is a right for people to speak their mind. I've loved some things she worn - haven't liked others - and the language people are using in posting about her fashion is nothing like the offensive language used by people attacking other posters. I'm really shocked people here are stooping to personal attacks just because people don't like an outfit - I'm not going to suggest you move on because that is an inappropriate remark to make on this blog - but I would suggest a very deep breath and some thoughts about people's rights to express themselves honestly.
DeleteI actually really admire Kate. I would say that I like most of what she chooses to wear. My comment was my opinion. When I love something she wears (which I do more often than not) I comment on how beautiful her outfit is. I don't think I have unrelenting harsh criticism. This was one of the only times in recent memory that I made a negative observation of her clothing choice. Feel free to find my pervious comments on this blog with glowing and gushing things to say about her sartorial choices.
DeleteKate looks so smart and he colour is divine. I must say the First Lady is very striking and dresses very chic.
ReplyDeleteI along with the rest of the United States are absolutely in love with this family! That Charlotte! To say the least she is the star of the show. How amazing that those children? And Kate? I find it hard to believe that anyone could find any form of criticism with this amazing lovely brilliant beautiful amazing mother. Above anything else I am most impressed with the Duke and Duchess as parents. Having said that they are all certainly a pleasure to be able to view as well! Completely perfect and on point every time. The concept of criticizing the duchess for anything she wears is absurd to me. She is as stunning as a woman can be.
ReplyDeleteGoogle isn't infalliable either, but if you google "national flower of Germany" the cornflower comes up as the answer on multiple websites.
ReplyDeleteWatched all of today's engagements in a German tv live stream. It was almost like being live there with them. They both seemed so natural and at the same time so professional. Now I'm even more in love with this couple ❤
ReplyDeleteHappy for you Allegraflora. :)
DeleteI just love the Duchess in this shade of Blue. She looks lovely today as does the whole family, I like the color coordination for photo ops like this. The children are just darling. Little Charlottes curtesy.. wow! I will have to see if my granddaughter just two can do that.
ReplyDeleteAnother impeccable post, Charlotte!
ReplyDelete"Is everyone aware of the Load More button below the comments? You need to keep clicking it until it disappears, in order to see all of the messages. It appears when there are 200 comments, and continues in 50 message increments until the current number is reached."
I love the whole family in blue - they are just lovely. I'm sure "The Firm" is very happy with their appearances thus far. Princess Charlotte is quite the scene stealer with that curtsy!
ReplyDeleteThe Cambridges look lovely together today. Kate's outfit is ok but not memorable. I used to be wowed by Walker on Diana but only the gray CW from the North American tour has had the same effect on me. The jewelry is very pretty. I can't understand how her chignon is still that size with her new shorter hair.
ReplyDeletePrincess Charlotte stole my heart today. It will be a joy to watch her grow through the years. What wonderful forethought on someone's part to provide her with her own little posy... and the cute little curtsy is beyond words. These will be iconic photographs.
Erika, I think the Queen must have been in 7th heaven seeing Charlotte enjoying her first official diplomatic bouquet and handling the situation with flair, with a curtsy and ever so grown up hand shakes. And how old is Charlotte again? Two? Amazing.
DeleteThe cornflower is not the German national flower. The Telegraph is misleading you and a good part of the readers, Charlotte. Surprised at how superficial a research was done. Unless the royals never meant it at all as such, and all the noise (and implementations of lack of depth/interest) are strictly the Telegraph's doing. Don't get me wrong, I am a Telegraph subscriber myself, but the need is clearly there for more than one source. German newspapers would be a good one, I suggest, although I imagine that you or your close ones don't speak the language, so it would be a little more difficult.
ReplyDeleteEither way, misleading information aside, this was a good trip so far. Not sure how good it was for the kids, there are lots limitations to how much they can be pushed around, regardless of good intentions and original plans. Perhaps an engagement that would include them will balance that, but so far just the time spent together on the plane and occasional meals appears to me like a push that didn't necessarily get thought through properly.
Wonderful gesture from the German officials to give little Charlotte her own mini bouquet. She certainly seems delighted, much more adapted to the trip schedule than her brother. Seems to me that she has a great, happy personality and that will help her a lot.
Richard Palmer wrote on Twitter that KP has told reporters that the colour was chosen because the cornflower is Germany's 'national flower'.
DeleteIs the cornflower the German national flower? That's not an easy question to answer because it's not a national symbol in the sense that all of Germany thinks it is, as with the maple leaf in Canada for instance. A lot of (mainly English) websites say it is, the story about Queen Louise and her son turning it into Prussia's national flower is true but that was Prussia and this is Germany. It is also a symbol that was used by nazis and is still being used by neo nazis but not all Germans know this, so it doesn't have negative connotations for everyone. It's also not like cornflower blue is a colour that's avoided in Germany, not at all but if someone wears a cornflower on their lapel, they usually do so because they are nazi sympathizers (the same is not true for simply wearing the colour).
German newspapers have not picked up the story of Kate's cornflower blue coat - I think they simply didn't make the connection when looking at her coat.
This is the only English article I found that might shed some light (it's about Austria but the same goes for Germany where the flower's nazi symbolism is concerned): http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-36342362
I read the Blog for a long time but did never comment. So thats my first comment. Today I was in Berlin and I saw them at t he Brandenburger Gate. William gave me a handshake and Kate a Royal wave :-) it was an amazing day for me. I am still totales flashed. And I can tell you kates earrings we're awesome. A real Eyecatcher:-)
ReplyDeleteOooh, you're so lucky! A handshake AND a wave, how awesome :)
DeleteAmazing!!! Lucky lady! As they say, don't wash the hand for a long time... to keep the royal spell.
DeleteSandra, I'm thrilled for you! It's always fun to hear first-hand accounts. Thank you for sharing with us.
DeleteLucky lady! I'm jealous. :-)
Deletehow nice that you went and was rewarded with a handshake and wave! would love to hear more of your observations!
DeleteThanks :-) well I still can´t believe it. I checked all my photos and I got a shoot with me and my friend and Prince William in the background. I also a got pic from Kates face and a lot from both together. I am very satisfied.
DeleteI must say Kate is so much prettier in nature than on photos. Of course she looks always good, but in real She looks just stunning. But what did she think about the dress? Yes it was really pretty, but it was 35 degrees in berlin yesterday. It seems to me too warm. I observed that Rebacca was always behind her, wearing a dark blue dress. It was also nice to see her.
Thanks Charlotte. Just love everything about today and I am definitely in with the ones who think Princess Charlotte stole the show today. Bravo Kate and William for doing a brilliant job in bringing up George and Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteKate is just underwhelming. There is no pizazz or sparkle. It's disappointing, really. I understand what you are saying about it being their job and having a uniform etc., but Diana was very fashionable and glamorous and she was doing the same job. I love Kate. She is fabulous and a great role model for us all. I was so hoping/expecting that she would dazzle us with her fashion choices and rock the royal jewels, but I accept that it just isn't going to happen and that that isn't who she is. There are times that she hits it out of the park with her outfit and accessories and she looks stunning, but that isn't her norm. Diana was a glamorous princess. Kate is a happy princess, and that matters most, I think.
ReplyDeleteI have fan envy, Sandra. :)
ReplyDeleteIs Kate even more beautiful in person?
Giving Charlotte that sweet little bouquet was gold.
ReplyDeleteCristin. Did you get to see them? :)
ReplyDeleteLove the total look of Kate's outfit. The blue topaz! Yummy!
ReplyDeleteCharlotte's dress is adorable!
Wow they are getting so good with their Tours now. Everything is perfect and on point. Lovely to see them with their gorgeous family! Well done Cambridges keep up the good work. You make a great team and are bringing much joy & happiness to other peoples lives. Love the impromptu pic of Kate hugging the German boy......beautiful. Fashion selections & accessories have been perfect! Go Kate & co!!!!
ReplyDeleteHmm i love how the cambridge. Dress as blue. Hmm its looks like the duchess and duke are nicest parents and there hand ons hmm lil george is not shy. Everybody media outlet saying he shy he just kid Even public figure he still young
ReplyDeleteReally enjoying the tour with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. What a lovely family. I hope life continues to treat them well. The family's color coordination of their clothes on this trip has been excellent so far. Thanks, Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteJust love the curtsy of Charlotte... ;-) She seems to be very charming ... Somewhere I read a critical note that Kate always carries Charlotte and William always is with George. I noticed that, too, but do not think this has anything to do with traditionality or whatever. Maybe this is just to give the kids some reassurence. Or maybe one of them is very attached to one parent. So, I wouldn't fuss so much about the always same "setting".
ReplyDeleteWhen I see pictures of them all smiles and chatting and shaking hands in public I wonder how they cope with the terror situation in Europe at present. There must be security issues...so I am impressed how relaxed they seem to be even though it can't be that easy. However...just wondering.
I am German and have never heard, read or seen anything about this flower. My first thought when I saw the colour of Kates clothing was: why blue?? I was expecting colours of the German flag like yellowish/ gold, red or black. But blue...I don't get it. But I love them all being in shades of blue and I think they are a beautiful family!! :-)Very excited for them to be in Germany!
Thanks Charlotte for a great post! Princess Charlotte looks adorable and Kate looks beautiful what a great family poor George looks like he has had enough it is a lot of travelling for a little tyke!
ReplyDelete