The Duke and Duchess were joined by Prince Charles who is carrying out several engagements in the area today.
The royals are greeted by Prime Minister Theresa May.
The royals joined King Philippe and Queen Mathilde once again today. It's always good to see the royal families assembling together especially for important commemoration events.
Prince William with Queen Mathilde and Kate with Commonwealth War Graves Commission Vice-Chairman Sir Timothy Laurence (Princess Anne's husband).
Kate talking with King Philippe.
Tyne Cot cemetery near Ypres in Belgium is the largest Commonwealth burial ground in the world with 11,971 servicemen buried or remembered there - with 8,373 of them identified.
Tyne Cot cemetery near Ypres in Belgium is the largest Commonwealth burial ground in the world with 11,971 servicemen buried or remembered there - with 8,373 of them identified.
The history of the cemetery: "On 4 October 1917, the area where Tyne Cot CWGC Cemetery is now located was captured by the 3rd Australian Division and the New Zealand Division and two days later a cemetery for British and Canadian war dead was begun. The cemetery was recaptured by German forces on 13 April 1918 and was finally liberated by Belgian forces on 28 September. After the Armistice in November 1918, the cemetery was greatly enlarged from its original 343 graves by concentrating graves from the battlefields, smaller cemeteries nearby and from Langemark. The cemetery grounds were assigned to the United Kingdom in perpetuity by King Albert I of Belgium in recognition of the sacrifices made by the British Empire in the defence and liberation of Belgium during the war".
The Cross of Sacrifice that marks many CWGC cemeteries was built on top of a German pill box in the centre of the cemetery, purportedly at the suggestion of King George V, who visited the cemetery in 1922 as it neared completion.
The King's visit, described in the poem The King's Pilgrimage, included a speech in which he said:
'We can truly say that the whole circuit of the Earth is girdled with the graves of our dead. In the course of my pilgrimage, I have many times asked myself whether there can be more potent advocates of peace upon Earth through the years to come, than this massed multitude of silent witnesses to the desolation of war.'
Prince Charles quoted his great-grandfather today.
Last night William spoke in front of 200 descendants who fought, and said: "During the First World War Britain and Belgium stood shoulder to shoulder. One hundred years on, we still stand together, gathering as so many do every night, in remembrance of that sacrifice." Today, Charles echoed William's words of unity "Drawn from many nations, we come together in their resting place... to promise that we will never forget."
The Belgian Royal Palace shared this photo from the service.
The Duchess laid a posey as William read: "A Soldier of The Great War Known Unto God.
Trumpeters from the Band of The Royal Marines play the Last Post and Reveille.
Trumpeters from the Band of The Royal Marines play the Last Post and Reveille. #Passchendaele100 pic.twitter.com/Q1iarNja3D— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) July 31, 2017
Four Belgium Defence F16's fly the Missing Man Formation over Tyne Cot Cemetery bring the ceremony to an end.
The royals watch the display.
The commemorations were incredibly moving and fascinating to watch. I will add a video for those who were unable to view the BBC coverage once one becomes available.
Earlier this morning the Duke and Duchess visited Bedford House, the final resting place of more than 5,000 Servicemen of WWI.
They met interns who help visitors understand the stories of servicemen in this cemetery, before viewing some of the graves.
The Duchess looked elegant in the Catherine Walker Melrose coatdress. The delicate dusty pink Venetian wool coatdress features hand applique taupe corded lace spreading up from the hem and cuff.
A closer look at the details.
Cyrus, co-founder and head of design at Catherine Walker & Co. told The Telegraph the Melrose is one of their most popular pieces:
Anna discovered Kate had the Jane Taylor Fleur hat she wore in Belgium in 2014 for commemorations re-trimmed for today. I actually prefer the updated version of the hat - a nice nod to the previous visit.
"Our coatdresses are made by skilled tailors and in photographs their strong silhouettes work well at every angle. The most popular styles are our Melrose Coatdress worn with the Florence Dress or the Melrose Dress."
Anna discovered Kate had the Jane Taylor Fleur hat she wore in Belgium in 2014 for commemorations re-trimmed for today. I actually prefer the updated version of the hat - a nice nod to the previous visit.
Kate carried her pink Prada clutch.
Several readers pointed out Kate sported a new pair of Gianvito Rossi pumps. The eagle eyed HeavenQRF believes they are the Suede Gianvito Heels. The praline pumps are available at Forward.
Kate wore Diana's Collingwood pearl earrings.
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| Gianvito Rossi |
Kate wore Diana's Collingwood pearl earrings.
Kate selected the striking pair for the State Banquet earlier this month.
And completed the look with the Queen's pearl and diamond leaf brooch. A photo of the Queen wearing the brooch in South Korea in 1999 can be viewed here.
And completed the look with the Queen's pearl and diamond leaf brooch. A photo of the Queen wearing the brooch in South Korea in 1999 can be viewed here.
Kate's updo.
We also have news on the appointment of a new private secretary for the Duchess. Victoria Murphy revealed Catherine Quinn will replace Rebecca Deacon as Kate's new right-hand woman. Catherine has an MBA from Oxford University’s Saïd Business School and degrees from US and UK universities. Her last role saw her working as Chief Operating Officer and Associate Dean of Administration for the University of Oxford. She will begin her new role in October. Richard Palmer noted an assistant private secretary was also hired.
More on Catherine's biography from the University of Oxford:
'Catherine joined Oxford Saïd at its Chief Operating Officer and Associate Dean for administration and operations from The Middle Temple, where her role as Chief Executive combined direction of commercial and not-for-profit activities, including the running of a heritage estate with Local Authority status in central London and a professional membership and training institution for barristers. Prior to this, Catherine led the grant-giving operations of the Wellcome Trust, a global charitable healthcare foundation, where she restructured the Trust’s services and operations and led the establishment of a sister organisation in India. Before Wellcome, she spent several years in Oxford, where she directed the University’s institution-wide Research Services and co-founded Oxford University Consulting.
Catherine joined the Charity Commission as a board member in December 2016 School and is currently a Trustee of The Royal British Legion and on the board of the Met Office. Other appointments of note include serving as Non-Executive Director of the National Memorial Arboretum (William is patron of the National Memorial Arboretum Appeal, which raised £15.7 million to construct the new Remembrance Centre to honour the fallen.). She is also a Governor of the Contemporary Dance Trust and a Trustee of London Children’s Ballet. You can read an interview with Catherine here. On her time at Oxford University she said: "We listen constantly to our students to find out what they want, and we have taken time to tune into our faculty's needs". She is also a graduate of the school’s Women Transforming Leadership course, and has said: “I can vouch for the fact that when women come together, they can create incredibly powerful networks and start conversations that lead to positive change.”
It was also announced the Queen's private secretary Christopher Geidt will be replaced by his deputy Edward Young. It's certainly a period of change for the royal household.
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| Rebecca English Twitter Feed |
Catherine Quinn is a tremendously accomplished woman bringing a wealth of experience in several sectors to Kensington Palace with her. Since the departure of Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton it was felt there was a lack of experienced aides to properly guide the young royals. It's very interesting to see the choice of Ms. Quinn, there had been reports someone from the household would be be promoted. I thought the choice an excellent one. Catherine will be by Kate's side as the Cambridges make the transition to full-time royals. The Mail on Sunday reported they would be a "slew" of changes in the royal household in order to impose greater unity before Christmas. It's no secret, there's been disharmony between the households, and KP's relationship with the media struggled for years with young staff members without a huge amount of experience at the helm. Apparently, William and Harry's private secretaries Miguel Head and Edward Lane Fox are considering their positions at present. Recruiting fresh blood and reorganising senior staff could prove a very wise decision.
to watch outside of the UK
ReplyDeletehttp://tvcatchup.com/watch/bbcone
I wont have time today to watch the coverage but I'm sure it's beautiful as always. I have nothing new to say about the events today (I wrote a bigger comment on the events on the last post) so I'll go right to the clothes.
ReplyDeleteWonderful creme/gray outfit today again. I directly recognized the coat to be a Catherine Walker. It's a bit... mature in look. Which works splendidly for todays event. The hat is alright and a shape she seems to favour so I could see it being repeated well in the future. If I was Kate I would have repeated last nights shoes today though. What interests me the most is the earrings and brooch. Cannot wait to find out more about them!
All in all, a fitting and somber look for a wonderfully respectful occasion.
I really like the dress. Very beautiful. I love how the pattern forms a heart. If you look closely. The shoes match the clutch. The shoes she wore yesterday would have been better for this outfit. I love the earrings and broach.
DeletePatricia 16:10, I really would appreciate it if you would use a more definitive moniker, so that there are not two of us using the very same one! This is the third time I have requested this.
DeleteNo need to be rude to anyone 'the original patricia'
DeleteHello The Original Patricia - this is quite amusing, I believe the last time you may have addressed me regarding this (that was the first time I had ever commented), so there are at least 3 Patricias reading this blog! :0) I did not make the comment at 16.10. Don't worry, I won't comment again, but if I do I'll put a more definitive moniker in the body of the comment!
DeleteCheryl145, I did not intend to be rude, but it is disconcerting to read words I did not write posted under my moniker. Perhaps I need to change it. Patricia 18:41, i do hope you will comment again. My intent was certainly not to discourage you, only to ask everyone to choose a distinctive moniker. One Patricia eventually used 'Patricia Chicago'. If that was you, thank you and I hope you will stay with us!
DeleteThe dress is pink and taupe. Accessories work well.
DeleteHi Patricia 1 - no, that wasn't me. The problem for me is that I visit and comment on other blogs that I have been visiting for years and that don't have as many comments as this one sometimes does, so I'm loathe to change my Google moniker. Anyhoo, as I said, if and when I comment again, I'm happy to make it clear who I am within the body of that comment. Best, Patricia in Canada
DeleteI do think a place does help - of course, it needn't be where you are from - Guilia from Capri - how splendid that sounds!!
DeleteI wish that she did not re-trim the other hat as it was one of my favourites which were not worn enough. I was really hoping to see it again
DeletePatricias- Jennifers everywhere feel your pain. 😉 Perhaps all of you should be Patricia from ... That would fix the problem and be more interesting.
DeleteThats a great idea jennifer from Wisconsin. And very nicely written. Thank you. Alot of people have the same names. Just how it is. Thank you.
Delete"Guilia from Capri", lol. :)
DeletePatricia I. That sounds like a good idea. We know you are waaay more exotic than just a plain moniker like "I". :)
DeleteIn that case, Patricia in Canada, there might be 4 of us! Anyway, since I do not publish from an account, I'll simply be Patricia I from now on, and since you do, I think your solution is quite appropriate. Thanks for conversing about this so that we understand each other! And please stay with us.
DeleteBeautiful dress, but I wish she had worn a different color from yesterday. For a moment I thought she was wearing the same outfit.
ReplyDeleteI almost thought she was wearing the same thing as yesterday, too - till I read it was Catherine Walker.
DeleteApparently it's actually blush pink, but it certainly photographs as white in the sunlight.
DeleteI thought it was a very pale grey. It has a different shape and lace appliques, so not much like yesterday's IMO.
DeleteShe did wear a different colour from yesterday. I'm sorry but is this not perfectly obvious? Yesterday she wore white, and today she wore pale gray with darker grey detailing...
DeleteWilliam and Kate are undertaking a wonderful trip, keeping important memories alive. Kate's outfit today looks amazing, so simple and elegant.
ReplyDeleteThe coat is described as delicate pink but the color is not photographing accurately, I think. The hat as shades of pink...
DeleteI agree Anon 15:28. I can only see a couple of photos where the light is right, and the coat has a delicate pink undertone. The whole outfit is sublime.
DeleteOk now this is a seriously gorgeous look! The coat and the hat work much better than yesterday's coat and hat combination. It is really similar to the blue Catherine Walker coat which she wore last year. Just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAlso, call me silly but why do I think that yesterday's shoes would have worked better with this coat?
Oh i love the duchess recycling again she was great she looks good too
ReplyDeleteShe didn't "recycle" again. Everything in today's outfit minus the jewelry is new.
DeleteThe hat is recycled as is the jewelry.
DeleteThe hat is not new, it is just embellished with a different decoration.
DeletePaola, howdy. :) Good to see your face. :)
DeleteIf memorial anniversary highlights also become a reminder to prevent future wars, it serves more than the sacred honor of observing the day with an official visit. Lest we forget. May they rest in peace.
ReplyDelete----
Kate's coat dress design in the bottom is the idea I had for the yellow Jenny Packhem dress she wore in Germany. If the embossed part was designed just on part of the dress and leave some of it plain background. This is a nice coat dress.
Touching and important visit.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful coat - so similar to her blue one worn previously that I thought perhaps my memory was playing tricks on me. Most appropriate to the occasion but a little more stylistic difference from its predecessor might have been nice although we know the queen and Diana did the same thing.
You do remember well. It looks just like the blue one. I don't like the lower part of the coat, it makes it girlish to me. I would have preferred a straight cut or anything else.
DeleteAlthough i loved the baby blue coatdress she wore last year and i think this one is very pretty, my first thought was: really? Same thing in othet colour?
ReplyDeleteHer fashion is becoming "more of the same". Having said that live the coat per si.
Not very fond of the brooch.
Sisse
I was thinking along the same lines - same dress, another colour.
DeleteShe's in good company. The Queen and Queen Mother found silhouettes they liked and just changed colors and prints. What is wtong with having different outfits that are very similar, especially when one has lots of clothes for numerous appearances?
DeleteI really like the coat (even though it is another white one lol) and I love that she is wearing her hair up more but is anyone else getting tired of those nude suede shoes? I am not sure they even match.
ReplyDeleteThe nude suede shoes are like the Sledges 2.0, they need to be retired.
DeleteLol Sarah and Kiwi Gal, I'm so tired of seeing these current suede shoes that I actually miss the Sledges!
DeleteLove Avee in SA
I liked the sledges better. I hate hate pointy toed heels and I don't get the point of them.
DeleteBring back the sledges!
DeleteSorry, I shouldn't have mentioned the Sledges - I know there is a fan club out there! :) I think I am getting Gianvito Rossi shoe fatigue.
DeleteWhatever happened to Sarah from SC / USA and Courtney from NC? / another one is also Paula.
DeleteHer Catherine Walker coat dresses are always my least favourite looks. I'm sure that's an unpopular opinion but they're just so dowdy and look like something her mother should be wearing! Oh well. The real important part of this day is not the clothes but remembering the sacrifices of 100 years ago.
ReplyDeleteI'm of the same opinion. They are fine and appropriate, but incredibly ageing and rather blah.
DeleteHelmet hair doesn't help. Her beautiful hair is trapped and shellaced to the point of artificial appearance. Her updos used to be nice, but they are peculiarly evolving.
DeleteI am with you, quite odd pairing between the 'lady like' dress and the utilitarian zipper. And the shape is not working for me (like others mentioned before). A less flaired bottom with some nice buttons (either covered or just a nice delicate design) would make for a wonderful, classy but not matronly outfit. If Carole would have worn this, she likely would have altered the design and it would have also been more in keeping with her age group.
DeleteI won't even touch the shoes subject. It's almost painful... :)
First impression: Would have preferred yesterday's grey shoes. They would have matched better with the pattern of the dress.
ReplyDeleteDon't know if I like that she is wearing the same earrings and brooch as yesterday.
Sorry...have to correct myself. Other earrings and brooch...so, everything's fine;)
DeleteDo we know what color this coat dress is? I like it but in other pictures I've seen it looks very grey so I'm confused why she is wearing the praline colored shoes and not the grey ones from yesterday. Seems like an odd choice but maybe the outfit is a different color in person.
ReplyDeleteNot a fan of Catherine Walker in general. Like the hat, but the Queen's is even better.
ReplyDeleteThat said, of course, an important memorial. What a nightmare.
I like this outfit but the hairstyle is not suitable for this. and it looks more greyish so i wonder why she chose the blush clutch and pumps. maybe the outfit is more blush in real? So Catherine will have Catherine.....as her new secretary? I bet she has a nickname so that confusion can be avoided in conversations. anyways she looks smart and i hope she is good for the duchess.
ReplyDeletethe earrings belonged to Princess Diana. so it's heirloom.
Thank you, Charlotte, for your beautiful & informative posts. I am shocked by the staggering number of men who lost their lives in WWI...I never knew the extent of the destruction & casualties. Such poignant words by King George V.
ReplyDeleteI like this Catherine Walker coatdress, the lace applique detail is lovely. Kate's brooch & earrings are nice, too. Not sure about the hat, though.
Wow, quite the accomplished addition to Team Cambridge in Catherine Quinn. I can only imagine (and hope, fingers crossed) that bringing in someone of this caliber truly signals the Duchesses move into a more formal, full time royal role.
ReplyDeleteI was quite surprised and impressed by Catherine Quinn's credentials as well. I wonder what drew her to the role. I imagine there's more to it than holding Kate's purse at engagements!
DeleteI'm sorry, I can't imagine her holding flowers or purses for Kate...she looks rather no-nonsense. I'm intrigued, also.
DeleteAt this point, picturing her doing that would seem a little incongruous with her resume', Kiwi Gal.
DeleteAnd that means that Natasha Archer will remain in her current position. One doesn't have to guess at my disappointment about that. urrg.
I was so very, very much hoping she would fill in for Becca and a REAL stylist would be hired.
I am happy though that Catherine Quinn will be replacing Becca actually. A powerhouse like that will be great. NOW, NOW, if they could simultaneously adjust the PR/Image part of it with a powerhouse stylist EQUAL to Catherine Quinn they would have the WHOLE picture. Can you imagine?
Couple that with powerhouse replacements for Knauf and Head and their team and they will change the world even more dynamically and for the better. No more exasperation and scratching our heads and going, "What?????" lol
What with their concepts of "Heads Together" for mental health, let's hope that translates and conveys also over to the current factions of the royal administrations.
So as for the possibility of new faces and fresh new talent at Kensington Palace, yippee. 🎉That's what we have been hoping and praying for for years. What they have been so needing for years. I pray it really happens and I would so hope that they could have Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton help guide them in those choices. PLEASE be onboard with that Jamie. The future is calling and it needs you. :)
Exactly, surfer girl. No offense to Becca, but I'm also happy that they've hired someone of her calibre.
DeleteYou made me smile Surfer Girl. It would be really nice to get that kind of 'overhaul' as far as an image/fashion consultant/stylist goes. But I'll celebrate with you the new faces/ideas coming onto the team. 🍾 🎉
DeleteDefinitely, Kiwi Gal. Totally no offense to Becca. Again, Becca's presence, especially in the early days, was gold. Being able to marry in one of the Royal chapels speaks volumes, I think, about just how much William and Kate appreciate Becca. :)
DeleteHere's hoping, Liv. 🥂
DeleteWow. Catherine Quinn sure has some credentials. Sounds promising...I think this will ring in a new era for Kate, as William is taking on a full-time role.
ReplyDeleteKiwi Gal I am wondering if Kate will finally have a proper "lady in waiting" (though likely called something else) who will handle flowers and that kind of thing, and Quinn will be the more traditional "executive" private secretary. Deacon was really doing many jobs rolled into one. Maybe that Sophie who was filling in will assume a new, personal assistant type role.
DeleteAlso surfer girl in my opinion Archer could never possibly have been considered as private secretary. Nowhere near qualified, though in my opinion she's not really qualified for her current role either ;) They need a mature, clever, worldly, experienced person in that role, able to navigate many waters, and it seems Quinn meets those requirements and more. Again, I do suspect there are other fingerprints on this hire.
Hope Kate does a lot of joint engagements with William like Prince Phillip has with the Queen.
DeleteI agree, Claudia, about Natasha. And, I feel the same about Amanda Tucker. No offense to either.
DeleteThey are just simply out of their league professionally.
I do think that perhaps Kate might have had more of a say in Quinn's hire than we might think. She didn't have much, if any, say in Rebecca, or in Natasha or Amanda is my guess. Those people came through William's choice. Now with more responsibility expected and required from her I think that that alone could have given her the leverage to hire her own choices. The question is then, where did she meet and get to know Quinn.
Perhaps her parents liasoned some of that or perhaps she met her through the patronages. It will be interesting to find out. I certainly don't think Quinn will be gathering flowers either. Don't know if Sophie is even still available for that. We haven't seen her for awhile.
Claudia, that makes sense. It did seem like Becca wore many hats in her role. I could picture Sophie Agnew as Kate's "lady-in-waiting", but as surfer girl mentioned, we haven't seen her for some time.
DeleteI totally agree, Claudia. The timing on this is interesting too. Rebecca out, Geidt out, rumblings of others out . . . sounds like something might be happening behind those closed doors for once! Plus William and Kate theoretically ramping up to help fill the void Philip leaves. I think something is afoot!
DeleteI agree with you guys on tucker and Natasha. I feel like the Cambridges stick with them because they trust them not because they are good at their jobs. Kate did 100% better with hair and clothes before she had them on her staff
DeleteI want to write her a letter and be like girl fire them pleaseeee
Sarah Maryland USA...I think you hit the nail on the head with respect to Rebecca and Amanda. I think both of them got there jobs because William felt he could trust them. When you consider how many people turned and talked to the media and gave away his mother's secret for there own self interest (ie: Paul Burrell for example) I can understand why trust for him was an issue. Amanda Tucker has been serving the monarchy for years and Rebecca had worked on events for Sentebale (Harry's charity) and the Princess Diana memorial....I think William felt he could "trust" them. But I always wondered how Rebecca qualified for her position (although she has performed admirably) and well.....I think Amanda's work is average at best. So I am very excited about Catherine Quinn joining and leading this team. I think it is a step in the right direction.
DeleteQuite right bluhare, I still have the nagging sense there was something more to that sudden staff meeting than the DoE retiring. I do agree, and can't shake the feeling something else is afoot.
DeleteA lot was made of Jobson's report recently that the Queen was considering the Regency Act. But Gordon Rayner broke that several years ago, I remember reading it in The Telegraph that it was being "dusted off"... His story led to fierce denial by BP, and I often think how quickly and fiercely they deny something is telling ;)
Thank you for the blog update re today's ceremony and also Kate's new Private Secretary. The latter is a complete surprise. Having been a university administrator myself I can't imagine moving from academia to KP. I wonder where their paths have crossed before and what impressed Kate about her. And what impressed Ms. Quinn about the Duchess.
ReplyDeleteThe service today was very beautiful. Charles' suit looked very odd to me though. It was as if, vacationing in Corfu, he forgot to pack a good suit and so he wore one of his tropical suits. It looked baggy and wrinkled and he kept fussing with the top button. (Nice to be able to critique the male costumes instead of the female for once.)
Jo, you did it again, you "naughty girl"!!! ;-)))) You had me laughing out loud again, and, my dear, I needed that SO MUCH today, you wouldn´t believe it!! Your remarks about Charles: SPOT ON. My EXACT thoughts - plus the "Corfu detail" (I had him being disturbed while painting at Highgrove,haha!!) - I LOVED it!! I´m still giggling.... :-))))))
DeleteInteresting remark about "the new Catherine"... I agree with you... My landlord in Britain back in the day worked in university administration - he was one of the loveliest men I ever met - but working for KP, with all the media frenzy and crowds and all that comes with it? Well, he knew his qualities and would have "gently declined"... ;-))) We will see, in that photo at least she looks as if she could be "getting things done", so to speak..
I love the CW coat. The colour is summery, but still "solemn" and "befitting", bearing in mind the occasion. My daughter gasped when I told her this morning about the number of casualties in this battle only, and that winning the battle meant the allied troups gained 5 miles... 5!!! UNbelievable, but "normal" by "WWI standards".... And just 20 years later, they were at each other´s throats again..
Every battle that is commemorated makes me appreciate our 70+ years of freedom here in central Europe even MORE... I see it as my responsibility as a parent to talk to my daughter about both world wars, whenever the occasion arises... The reasons behind it, the atrocities, the stupidness of it all... Lest we forget....
It's even worse when you consider how young most of them were, and all the children that were never conceived. They call it a lost generation, but it's an eternal loss I think.
DeleteThis may be out there but. To me, the flowers on the bottom of the coat represent to memorial field. The blank part represents people who are alive culminating and blossoming into the viney-type pink flower on the the hat representing the free and burgeoning life resulting from the ashes. Kind of like a standing living monument of it's own. Paola, where are you when I need you? lol
DeleteToday was a real misfire for Charles. He usually looks quite natty in his suits but not today.
DeleteI really wonder if that is Charles's suit. It fits so badly that maybe there was some sort of problem and he wore an aide's suit with no time to even get it pressed. Something is wrong with that picture, but his speech was poignant and appropriate.
DeleteThere is a very distinct heart pattern on the front of the dress (amongst the embroidery) also that kind of confirms my interpretation perhaps.
DeletePaola, come va? dove sei? :)
DeleteCiao SG sto bene grazie! e tu? congratulations and thank you so much for your Italian!
DeleteI think I've got it. You said, "I am fine, thank you.
DeleteAnd you?
yay. I love it. :)
Doing fine thank you Paola. How is work? How are your students? Are you having fun teaching?
All my joking aside about Charle's outfit, I was very happy to see him a little disheveled clothes-wise and not so impeccably dressed. How often has that happened with Charles? It was very surprising actually. It makes him seem a little more human. I say that with no disrespect to the fallen regarding his lack of formal attire.
DeleteSmart move picking someone with a lot of experience with charities and non-profits.
ReplyDeleteCan't see the the peach.
ReplyDeleteWhy is Prince Charles' light colored, casual looking suit proper for this? It stands out in a sea of dark, somber clothes. Did he have a full schedule and no time to change or is he just unfeeling to the situation? Does he need better advisors? Seems like it its wrong for one royal it should be wrong for 'next in line'.
ReplyDeleteI think the Charle's suit represents how disheveled he feels inside about all the Diana stuff and it was his subconscious way of trying to let us know. lol
Delete(hey, it was all wrinkled and it did look out of place today. very atypical for Charles really, wouldn't you say?)
(the Diana thing and his boy's doing the video, his wife doing the the book. Yep. His suit today says it all.) :)
DeleteBingo about Charles... he looks like he got the call to attend at the last minute.. or his luggage was lost. Rumpled and totally not proper for a solemn occasion. Catherine looks lovely and so poised.
DeleteShe may not always be the most "fashion forward" but she is always tidy and well groomed. And with her looks and figure she could wear a dress from Tesco and carry it off. (Does Tesco sells dresses..??)
I don't think Charles' look has anything to do with all the Diana stuff. Everybody can have a bad hair day, even Kate had. But the mere thought that she looks disheveled and this is how she feels inside could cause an outrage here.
Delete(I was 99.9% joking, my bad, sorry).
DeleteCharles has of course moved on and now dwells in his "Camilla heaven". And, thankfully, he survived the madness of the divorce days. The Queen with great relief actually came out and expressed maternal relief and said, "Charles has come home safe and sound." (Such a statement from the Queen indicated to me, that at that time, there may have been a possibility that he wouldnt.) But he did survive, thankfully.
I doubt he looks back anymore. (Camilla won't let him, lol.)
He's holidaying on a Greek yacht according to DM with photos to prove it - so that could explain the choice if he flew in from Greece. Not the holiday I wouldn't have taken at this moment in the time of the nation - if I were him - (be happy to be on a Greek yacht myself) - but oh well....
DeleteFirst, her new private secretary, wow she has some credentials. Second the dress is gorgeous and I like the hat. The dress is described as dusty pink which I suspect is not showing up in the photos. You can see some dusty pale pink in the hat ribbons and suspect that is what ties the clutch and shoe color in to the dress. However if it truly is a pale grey or off white color the hint of blush in the hat, shoes and clutch work also. Like the earrings, really dislike the brooch.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Charlotte, for your well-researched posts. Kate looks lovely today. On a more humorous note, that 4th picture of Kate and Mathilde deserves a meme.
ReplyDeleteCatherine Quinn has quite the resume. She seems extremely capable and I can't wait to see how she gels with team Cambridge. I was originally betting on Katrina McKeever but i'm glad they got someone who's not from any of the other royal households. Nice to see someone new and fresh. Rebecca will be missed greatly, of course. I heard that Kate will have an assistant private secretary as well. It seems to me that it will signify a shift in her role as a royal. I'm intrigued to see how the transition will play.
ReplyDeleteThe coat is beautiful and perfect for a memorial service like this. The hat reminds me of a tiny coffee bean but it's quite pretty on top of her head. The jewels too look promising. Ooh la la pearls!! Seems like she's been listening to the royal inter webs about a nice ole brooch. Hopefully, she can transition to diamonds next time and sink into the Queen's jewellery vault :).
I quite like Kate's earrings! They look like they could be something out of the vaults? I don't hate her Kiki collection as much as some, but I do love it when she pulls out old antique pieces.
ReplyDeleteCatherine Quinn seems quite accomplished and promising!
They were Diana's earrings.
DeleteYes, they belonged to Diana. They are the Collingwood Pearl earrings.
DeleteI like Kate's own pearl earrings on the diamond loops best, but I understand her reasons for wearing the Queen's and Diana's.
DeleteLove the coat dress. Especially the hear motif. When carrying the posy, the love shines through. Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteSo tired of the stiff low buns. That is what I find aging. Better to have a controlled half up do.
I love Kate's look today, jewelry, CW, shoes, and purse. Do not like the hair over her ears as a pony or as this updo. Looked messy and amateurish, especially as Mathilde's updo looked great. Katherine USA
DeleteI agree anon 19:23. Her hair looks very "school marm" and as if she had done it herself. Not an attractive or sophisticated look.
DeleteIn the video that Charlotte posted where W & K are talking to the young docents at the cemetery, there hand gestures are almost synchronous. Very interesting. Their body language is so comfortable with each other.
ReplyDeleteRe Ms. Quinn, as the C.O.O. of Said Business School, she will certainly bring a wealth of management expertise to KP. Here goes the M.B.A. thing again. I feel that with her appointment, the "Firm" is moving in the direction of becoming a REAL "Firm" rather than the traditional monarchy of Queen Elizabeth II. I can't see Ms. Quinn bowing and deferring to K somehow (I'm not saying that is a bad thing, not deferring to her) or carrying her purse and flowers. I have a feeling that will be delegated to someone else. At least all the C.O.O.s that I knew never did. They were very media savvy, very much aware of whom to keep happy and whom to relegate to the bottom pile. There I have said it--my concern that it could become TOO businesslike. And that is not a monarchy. The monarchy has to stay in touch not only with the people who can benefit them but also those that they can benefit. And it isn't just about balance sheets. I have served on a few charities too (nothing as grand as Ms. Quinn's c.v.) and I am also probably projecting too much of my university administration experience onto Ms. Quinn but I shan't be too excited about her until I see how things evolve.
Jo, I've noticed W&K's movements are in sync most of the time, they are almost mirror images of each other. Even when they walk, they are in stride together.
DeleteA most moving and touching day spent commemorating those killed. The numbers do seem absolutely unbelievable - it confounds the imagination. And although it is quite easy to see the 'point' of WWII, I've always struggled to understand the dreadful cost of WWI (With the former leading to the rise of Hitler and the latter.) Yes, old empires needed to go but the dragging on just seems incredible. An entire generation lost. A truly terrible way to usher in our modern world which in so many ways it did.
DeleteKate looked very appropriate as did Theresa May and Mathilde although her dress wasn't as flattering a shape on her - I did like the overall look. (I would have added an inch on everyone's skirt.) The choice of colours were unobtrusive.
There's been a lack of professionalism in William and Kate's staff - even errors in releases and statements so I think a dose of professional will be helpful. It's also said that they have difficulty listening and deferring to their staff and someone with a bit more backbone may also be helpful. Kate also seems uncertain at times and someone with business experience confidence may be helpful. So I'm hopeful - I don't think it will be too business-like. (That would be a long way to go)
Royal staff tends to turn over a lot - the pay isn't good, the hours tend to be long compared to their employers - at least when there are full-time working royals, there's a lot more tact and deference combined with backbone required than most jobs, which can be exhausting, and the work looks impressive on a CV. I've known people who have work at the Palace and that's what they say. (The ones who thrived the most are ex-forces but they're also the ones who seem increasingly having trouble staying in touch with the modern world.) So I would assume future changes will come for all households.
Charles suit is odd indeed although I did read he had other engagements - perhaps the suit had something to do with those although it's hard to imagine what. I do suspect someone (wisely) decided with books and films out, that it would be a good time for him to have an engagement with William and Kate. (I've read that he and Camilla dislike having shared engagements with younger European monarchs because they have to show deference when Charles at least was working before these monarchs were born - no idea if this is true - it obviously didn't apply to the visit of the Spanish king.)
Jo, I have noticed that also. A coffee table book could be made of photos of William and Kate moving "in-sync" with one another. There are that many photos.
DeleteIv;e seen old photos of William and Kate from their University days dancing at events together. They looked Quit "incync" then too
DeleteI agree Jo from Ireland on your thoughts about Ms Quinn. I too was quite impressed with her credentials and resume. Rebecca will be missed and one does have to be intelligent and organized in this role which she has been. I cannot either see Ms Quinn taking flowers etc. It is going to be interesting observing these big changes in the Cambridges next phase.
DeleteWhat was Prince Charles thinking? I suppose he did arrive from Corfu, but if his medals came along on his vacation, in anticipation of the Belgian event, why not a proper suit? This one doesn't even fit, and could use a pressing, in addition to being a very strange color. I looked closely at William and Kate's expressions as they greeted Charles, and saw only pleasure. The Daily Mail will no doubt find a frown somewhere, having already ignored in their latest article the Cambridges' presence at Highgrove for Camilla's 70th party.
ReplyDeleteKate looks lovely. I like her outfit very much, and her hairstyle is better than last night's, although the chignon still has an awkward lower lobe. It looks so nice when her hair is partly over her ears. I love that she laid flowers as William was reading.
The number of men killed in that battle is utterly appalling. I remember that there was a day some years ago when there was no fighting anywhere in the world - just one day. If only that day could be extended forever.
Kate is getting quite an accomplished adviser. Rebecca Deacon has done a great job for the past era. Hopefully Kate will have as excellent rapport with her new secretary, though probably on a very different level. I wonder how KP lured Catherine Quinn away from Oxford.
I am the Patricia who first chose this moniker.
I am actually really surprised because PC always looks impeccable!
DeletePatricia I had the exact reaction when I saw him! He has so many impeccably tailored suits, yet shows up looking crumpled, rumpled and out of place. It was quite strange and out of character for him really. I wonder if there was some mishap en route, because this *in my opinion* is really not appropriate for the event.
DeleteAlso agree with you on Quinn, and I suspect CH or BP maybe took the reins on this hire. It's a bit out of step with the type William has been hiring, hopefully it will be an excellent choice and the first of a few...
Shame another reader is not paying attention to the posts and handles already in use, perhaps start going by Patricia the First ;)
I've thought about doing that, Claudia! I thought this was settled the last time it happened, but here she is again. Perhaps Patricia is her own name and she wishes to use it. Fine, but she needs to make it definitive by adding something.
DeleteA conversation above indicates that there are as many as three Patricias. I have decided to add the numeral to my moniker in hopes of helping to clarify things.
DeletePatricia I. please see suggestions higher up on the page. :)
DeleteI still think "Patricia the First" has a nice authoritative and historic ring to it ;) If another Claudia comes along I will switch to "Old Claudia" or take bluhare's suggestion and become I, Claudius. X
DeleteSpeaks of the popularity of a very pretty name.
DeleteAnother perfect choice to historical ceremony. I love the new coatdress, pearls and updo. Also Mathilde looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, another pair of nude pumps! Ones that look exactly like her others. I give you props Charlotte because I have no idea how you knew these were different than her other G.R. ones. I don't understand wasting money on something you already have in several different almost identical shoes. I actually think her grey pair from yesterday would have looked better today.
ReplyDelete-CuriousKat
The waste is mind-boggling. I honestly don't understand any justification for it, and I am not even a frugal person myself.
DeleteOn a lighter note (with all due respect to the almost one million or more who lost their lives in those five battles at that location.)
DeleteI am surprised that our 'brooch" people haven't been all over the fact that Kate wore a brooch. Not once but twice. However, I have yet to find more info on the brooch she had on today. I looked up the name of it listed here. I thought perhaps it has some provenance specific to this event but don't know yet because I haven't found a link to the brooch. Does anyone know the history of it?
I can't remember who suggested it but she wears these damn nude ones because she likes them and sticks with them. I suppose we have to live with that.:)
DeleteActually I can see the point of more than one pair if they get much wear and these looked like they might have a slightly lower heel - better for walking on these surfaces. But they don't seem to match the coatdress well - I read it was supposed to be blush - then they would make sense but it looks grey.
DeleteThey're lower than the other GR pumps, that's the difference. I think she chose them because she had to walk on grass a lot.
DeleteI think these ones are a good addition as they do not read truly nude to me, they look blush. Agreed that she has enough nude shoes though.
Deletesurfer girl,
DeleteCharlotte left a link to it above. Following her link, this is one also.
http://members2.boardhost.com/royal-jewels/msg/1443921050.html
For serious brooch talk - From her majesty's jewel vault has a big spread on it - with a picture of the queen wearing it on what was apparently its sole appearance with her.
DeleteI'm collecting the queen's brooches this year just for the fun of it to follow the pattern (at least not a hobby that costs money, Leo says with a sigh - he doesn't get this royal business) and trying to figure out if I count this one because it appeared - or whether because it's Kate and not the queen, I don't count it. Decisions, decisions...
Oh i love thE duchess i though she recycling her outfit. Hmm im so happy she had replacement of rebecca deacon i hope she was great and nice rapport with her new secretary though she will be different styles and quality im looking forward to catherine quinn
ReplyDeleteI love Kate but I hate her Catherine walker coat dresses. They age her so much. This one in particular is elegant but so boring and aging. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, do you know if they travelled back and forward or if they spent the night in Belgium?
ReplyDeleteJust curious :-).
They stayed overnight in Belgium. Flew out from RAF Marham on Sunday and returned Monday evening.
DeleteWhy would a COO of Oxford and former Dean want a job standing behind Catherine all day/night holding flowers and gifts. I'm sure there is more involved, but it seems like a rather strange step. Catherine looks lovely today - much better today than yesterday...the accessories on yesterday's outfit were awful and ruined the entire look for me.
ReplyDeleteI think so too, that Catherine looks much better today, I dint like yesterday's look at all. The choice of Catherine's secretary seems strange to me because she's way older, also what happened to Sophie? Did I miss some news somewhere?
Delete@Siddhii - I think Rebecca is leaving as she just got married - it's probably a hard job to have if you are married as there are many nights and weekends that you have to work.
DeleteHer job will not be to hold flowers and gifts:) She I assume will be working truly as a private secretary to Kate, someone else will do the flowers and gifts and such. I suspect that William's private secretary did work for Kate and she now needs her own truly full time staff person to hep with setting up trips and visits and doing the research and helping Kate with her charitable causes etc as well as press. It is a good move for Kate we will see how Catherine Q does with the change from a large University to the much smaller Royal Family.
DeleteMelissa,
DeleteFrom her credentials, her experience is most likely sought for her charitable work, seasoned professional experience in business, academics, and other administrative reasons. I sort of wondered if the flowers will be passed to her at engagements, and tours. Immediately, I realized there has to be a younger companion / junior PA whose duties will include that.
Her recruitment is a sign the Cambridge's royal business is getting solid serious.
That's a real quirk of royalty though - any qualified person hired to work for the royals in a professional capacity is going to have a much more impressive resume than his or her employer!
DeleteRebecca was an exception - most older royal ladies use ladies in waiting for the flower collection - they also answer public mail at least in the queen's case. They get expenses paid but not a salary. (There's an interesting book out there called something like a Year in the Queen's Life (I'm not at home so can't speak exactly) that details how things work, at least at Buckingham Palace - well worth reading.
DeleteToday, of course, when most younger women work professionally, this programme may no longer be practical.
Secretaries plan tours and engagements, respond to formal correspondence, write up briefings for their royals and probably have responsibility for seeing a royal household (the clerical/press side of it - not the domestic staff) runs smoothly.
We may yet see a deputy or assistant of some kind emerge to do the flower-holding.
DeleteTrue and I wouldn't be surprised if we do see Catherine doing some flower holding at least at the start, to understand how engagements play out. If I had taken that job professionally - I'd be out there.
DeleteI like this coatdress from the waistdown. The lace detail is lovely, but from the waist up it is a little predictable. I love the reintroduction of the Collingwood pearl earrings to the public. They look gorgeous on Diana, and they look just as fabulous on Kate.
ReplyDeleteMy computer is acting up, so I hope this isn’t a double post. Perhaps Charlotte can sort it out if I’m repeating myself :) I held it together while reading through Charlotte’s previous post on Passchendaele, which prompted me to go to several other sites before returning to this one, but I lost it completely as I looked at the photo of the F16s flying in the Missing Man formation over the Tyne Cot cemetery. What an evocative sight. Both my Canadian great-grandfathers fought in WWI and both came home afterwards, but according to family lore, neither of them ever spoke about their war experiences and were never the same again.
ReplyDeleteI really hope that the Duchess and Catherine Quinn enjoy working together - even with a half-smile, it looks as if there are a few laugh lines around CQ’s eyes and mouth! And she looks quite stylish herself!
I did get a better idea of the dusty pink colour of Catherine’s coatdress in the second photo of two where she has her back to the camera and she and William are talking to the interns in the orange shirts. On one of my monitors (I need two for my graphics work) her coatdress looks white, but on the second monitor there is no mistaking that it’s pink. Given that, I can understand the choice of shoes and clutch. And I love the two brooches with the poppy tucked into the curves of the pearls!
CQ does look stylish...I think (hope) they will make a good partnership.
DeleteIt is heartening to me that 100 hundred years later WWI is remembered and honored. My father and my uncle, my dad's little brother, fought in WWI. Ypres was a specific battle that I can remember. They both came home.
DeleteMy father in law was also in France during the war. A year or so ago I was going through his things and found a ring that was marked "Bordeaux 1918." it gave me chills as I had just visited Bordeaux. I felt that a circle had been closed around a man I never knew.
I thought Catherine looked especially lovely today.
Whoa. Thanks for sharing Theresa. Very special.
DeleteVery poignantl. :)
Kiwi Gal, do you think, just maybe, that CQ can help Kate with her wardrobe or introduce her to a real stylist? (please say yes, lol) :)
DeleteWouldn't that be lovely.
Thank you for sharing Theresa - my granddad and great-uncles served as well but were lucky to all come home - but I recall bluhare's ancestors faced major losses.
DeleteI am very happy with another brooch sighting. As long as Kate continues to wear coat dresses, I'll continue to hope for more brooch sightings. The royal vault truly holds an extraordinary collection, though before today I was not familiar with this one. Also pleased to see Kate wear more Diana jewelry. I find it a fitting tribute to her mother-in-law during this anniversary year, but also a sign that perhaps Kate feels that she has established herself in her own right as a royal and can better withstand any press comparisons to Diana.
ReplyDeleteI agree Anne...I liked the nod to honor Diana. Kate looked great both days. Enjoyed seeing the use of pearl brooches with the red poppy-very nice touch.
DeleteI thought the coat was grey at first and the accessories were beige. I wish the colors would photograph more accurately. Dusty rose and pink accessories should look lovely. I love the coat. It is beautiful and I would go buy it if I could afford it. It looks like a mix of the grey coat for church in Australia and the blue coat worn last year with applique. I thought the hat looked very nice with it. It like the way the trim on the hat laid so nicely. And ...I loved the brooch!! and the earrings! Stellar look IMHO today.
ReplyDeleteThe new private secretary sounds over qualified, if anything. It will be interesting to see the difference these changes make in the future. I will miss seeing Rebecca in the background, though.
The 'lacy detailing' on this coat-dress is pretty but I find the front a bit too low on such a solemn occasion. It is also a bit repetitive to wear yet another multi-pearl brooch, and don't think it is necessary; the poppy should stand alone.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I love brooches, Anne, I agree. The poppy should have stood alone. Unless, there is some special provenance of the brooch particular to that memorial event. So far that remains a mystery.
DeleteAll the royal ladies wear brooches to hold their poppies - it's something of a tradition with them and looks a bit more finished than just a pin - some non-royal ladies do too - I won't mention names.
DeleteI don't like this look at all. The placement of the heart on the front of the coat is unfortunate. I also do not like when her hair is up and covers her ears. She's too young for this look.
ReplyDeleteI think this version of the CW works for this engagment. I know it is supposed to be a pale pink but on my monitor it coordinates nicely with the gravestones. However, do agree with Anett and other posters that this is an " older woman" silhouette and a straighter cut would be more stylish and attractive on the DoC. Can't say I like the refurbished hat much better. Looks like she has a small octopus rolling around on her chapeau. The earrings are exquisite and trump all her other pearl and diamond pairs imo.
ReplyDeleteLovely but difficult commemorations. War is horrific.
I like her dress, but the accessories would look better if it photographed more accurately. She looks appropriate for the event and lovely, but personally I don't like that hat very much. Maybe if her hair were down or not covering her ears. I don't find it a flattering style on her. I do like the hat in the photograph where she wore it trimmed differently, but her hair is down.
ReplyDeleteI think Kate has lots of similar shoes because she needs different heel heights for different occasions.
I'm surprised there aren't more comments about her jewelry--she's wearing Diana's pearl earrings and the Queen's brooch. People have been fussing for brooches, but now that she has worn them the people that complained the most don't say anything.
How odd that people think all Rebecca did was hold flowers when that was one tiny aspect of the job.
I wanted to add, the photo of William and charles greeting each other looks very much like they are going to hug. That is not the photo of a strained relationship.
ReplyDeleteYou don't think that people can act ?
Deletelol. I think we all realize that Becca certainly had more duties than to carry Kate's flowers. :)
DeleteBut that is how we got to "know" Becca. Becca carrying Kate's flowers. Becca's presence and assistance in the midst of the crowds with Kate in the early days was gold. Becca herself often being backed up in person in those days by Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, her immediate supervisor. Big time stuff. They made sure Kate wasn't just thrown into the fray like Diana was. Even the gathering of flowers for Kate in those days was a lot more than met the eye.
it isn't strained.
DeleteBtw, am I the only one seeing the heart on the skirt? Can that even be intentional?
ReplyDeleteNope. Erika. It is very clear in many photos. And, if you notice the side by side photo of Kate and the model. Kate's heart is clear and complete. The model's is not. 👗
DeleteI think it can be. She is famous for nods. Here, I suppose the undying love for home and country. I hope it is not a stretch.
DeleteThe heart is clearly visible on Kate's skirt. Happily the pattern is different from the model, where you can see something which isn't a heart, and looks quite embarrassing LOL!
DeleteWell I love this whole outfit. I loved the blue one she wore last year that was similar but this one is better. I really like the hat. I have to agree with leahmarie...when I looked on my phone is looked white/grey but when I looked on my computer monitor at home...it was definitely a dusty pink color. If you look at the bottom half of her coat, in the picture with Charles..that is where I first noticed it.
ReplyDeleteCatherine Quinn is definitely an accomplished and successful woman. I think this is an interesting choice that I am slightly hopefully will also prove to be a wise one.
And I suspect her and Katherine will get along famously as they have similar taste in brands to wear. That is a L K Bennet dress she is wearing in her picture. (F/W 2016 I believe!!)
Like you all, I was a little mystified by this colour combination. It's one of those rare pieces that doesn't photograph as true to colour. If you look at the photo where she is talking to the people in orange shirts, and her back to the camera you can clearly see it's a soft shade of pink, hence her shoes and trimming on her hat. I'm not keen on her hair pulled tightly over her ears, not my favourite up do ... but she still looks elegant and beautiful. And, I agree, I will miss seeing Rebecca Deacon in the background, I'll sure Kate will too. xx
ReplyDeleteOkay. The embroidery on the bottom front of Kate's coatdress forms a very distinct big heart in the front.
ReplyDeleteFirst photo of Kate holding bouquet in front of headstones in article listed below.
Rebecca English, The Daily Mail, "Kate's Girl Friday",
7/3/1/17
The heart is also clear in photo one and photo seven on this page.
ReplyDeleteI think Charles and William and Kate at the same international event plays very well. Will and Kate look less immature when paired with Charles and Anne's husband. It provides historical continuity as well. Perhaps we will see more of this in the future.
ReplyDeleteAm I the only one who thinks Charles may have helped with the appointment of Catherine Quinn? I see this woman doing all the work behind the scenes and then tutoring Kate appropriately when Kate is required to engage publicly. I agree with those who note a lack of worldliness in Kate's staff and Quinn ought to be able to guide Kate ably. In so far as Kate will be interacting more with folks on the world stage - really - what has Kate to discuss besides her family life with George and Charlotte? I see Quinn helping Kate to be a more interesting/knowledgeable dinner partner. And no, I don't see Quinn holding flowers for Kate. She's there to guide her in diplomacy - to tutor her when she heads out on public engagements and to run the Foundation. So Kate can be Mom, Wife, workout, socialize and pursue her hobbies. It's a great, interesting, stimulating job for a retiring academic. Should be interesting to watch unfold.
I agree with you Moxie on Charles'/BP's involvement in appointing CQ. In addition to what you said, I believe that she is going to ramp up Kate's involvement with her charities, choose new ones, and probably help her carve out her role , her "identity", what she is known for. The way we know Rania for her work with girls, or Maxima for her work with micro-lending or CP Victoria on her work with water/environment. She will do solid research on each charity and will hand Kate a well-written summary of what she is supposed to know before each visit. So we can expect to hear better questions from Kate. I am looking forward to what happens next.
DeleteI second your analysis! Let's hope it comes true.
DeleteNot the only one, Moxie!
DeleteFlorida Moxie,
Delete"what has Kate to discuss besides her family life with George and Charlotte?" your outlook from one woman to another w/o knowing.
That is demeaning; you don't know. This speaks more about you than your sneering assumption about a person.
I have been googling around looking for further information on Ms Quinn. One of the websites (think it was Hello) said she is 58. Now if that is true, it would be quite interesting. Having known many executive women and men, that is an age at which, having achieved much of what one wanted to, they look for something new and different. But still tracking along the lines of what one's career has been.
ReplyDeleteSo, for Ms Quinn, being able to be involved in so many different charities and organizations through KP would be very satisfying. She can bring her expertise in understanding mission statements and "hot spots" (when a charity may be getting into difficulties) into play, advising the Duchess on how to approach requests, what to focus on, what to steer clear of. It is a mentorship role and for a woman in her middle career years, probably quite an attractive one. Imagine being the one to mentor the future Queen!
So I revise my earlier opinion and think that, for the two of them, this is a great choice.
Jo, I'm glad that Ms Quinn is older because, aside from her professional credentials, she will be more "aware" of other issues. Perhaps she is the right person at the right time. But I also believe that Rebecca was good for Kate in that they are not far apart in age. It could have been quite intimidating for Kate to start royal life with someone 20+ years older at her side. Kate and Rebecca learned the ropes together.
DeleteThat's an interesting observation royalfan, I had never thought of that. I think perhaps a Rebecca at her side, with a Quinn at the helm might have been better in hindsight?
DeleteIn my opinion all the questions about this appointment arise from the fact that Rebecca Deacon was not a traditional private secretary, so perhaps some younger people don't know what a private secretary is meant to be. As I said earlier, Deacon was many rolled into one. That's really a recipe for disaster since no one's looking at big picture, many things can be missed or not handled correctly, as we've seen.
It also would have smoothed the path for Kate to have had a mentor, rather than a buddy. There were too many mis-steps that would not have happened with a Ms. Quinn guiding her. Even HM , if "The Crown" is to be believed, was insecure and needed considerable guidance her first years as Queen. And she had been a royal all her life.
DeleteThat they did, royalfan. And as loyal as William and Kate are towards people they trust, I am hopeful that Becca and her family will somehow stay within William and Kate's social inner circle.
DeletePerhaps even with William or Kate becoming a godparent to Becca's future children. To me, starting a family is most likely the deciding factor in Becca's decision to pursue a position in the private sector. More of an available opportunity for a regular 9 to 5 job. Or, better yet, her own consulting company where she can make her own schedule.
Thank you Charlotte for both your posts. So important to remember what was given and the human cost for our freedom today. The mud man in Trafalgar Square really epitomised the loss over those terrible few days. All the men in our family both sides served and some did not come back. Services like these are so important. Whilst I was reading the comments and so many people saying they had not realised the scale of the war I wondered if because our age is such a visual one and there is so much horror/violence on our screens that we become a bit numbed to it all. Books are different - words stay in one's mind and perhaps we understand more what was sacrified by people from all walks of life.
ReplyDeleteI thought Kate was appropriately dressed for the occasion and I liked both outfits especially the Catherine Walker. Am in the more brooches and hats camp and would rather a hairnet than tons of spray.
I will enjoy watching how Kate's professional role develops over the next decade as I do not believe Catherine Quinn will be two steps behind carrying flowers. I am excited for folowing how the young modern monarchy are going to evolve.
Hi Alimai, I do think that we as a society have become quite desensitized to violence, given the 24 news streams and constant visual bombardment from social media and the internet, that we can sometimes just look past an event with appreciating the loss. I wonder how future generations will remember the Vietnam War or the Gulf War or any other major conflicts. I wonder if people will continue to have services for events long past? As George Santayana once said, ‘Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.’
DeleteSierra I think rememberance depends on the country and the peoples and the circumstances. Though in my opinion it is a bad thing not to acknowledge and remember one's history both good and bad and also not to acknowledge what previous generations have contributed. For example I fully understand why women who were young in the seventies and eighties become upset at lack of work ethic. They were allowed to work but still had to do everything they had done for home and family before and also had to work much harder than males to prove their worth. Today's young women should be at least aware of what this entailed and the cost to individuals and that without this effort there would be absolutely no semblance of equality in the workplace. History is important.
DeleteThere are so many war memorials that on one hand recognition is always there - on the other, there's a tendency just to see it as local decoration especially amongst the young - the way we do plaques in churches.
DeleteThe tremendous loss of life in WW1 has I feel only hit home to today's generations through these remembrance services and I am very glad that the BBC covered both events extremely well I feel really bringing it home to whose who watched the dreadful loss of life that occurred. I liked both of Kate's outfits and like one other blogger I found a photo that showed yesterday's coat as blush pink and looked well against the clutch and shoes, I think the write up on the garment describes it is blush pink. So often with pale colours the true colour doesn't show up in photos. It was good to see W &k being included in the service yesterday even though Charles was present representing the Queen.
ReplyDeleteLike many other viewers I am surprised by the appointment of such a highly experienced and qualified person as Kate's new private secretary and find it hard to visualise her collecting flowers or looking after Kate's clutch on public engagements but someone of her calibre has been needed in the Cambridge team for a long time how well the rest of the staff accept her could be interesting. Officially she is there as Kate's advisor so one presumes it is Kate's team she will be working with. It would be interesting to know just who knew of her and approached her. I just wondered whether William had met her as Patron of the Arboretum as she is on the Board although I doubt if he would have wanted someone much older and so highly qualified judging from all his previous appointments.
Mention has been made that a deputy personal assistant has also been made does anyone know any thing about them? Sophie was Rebecca's assistant she hasn't been seen for a while.
Like others I thought Charles looked somewhat unkempt in his dress not the usual smart man. I also thought he looked rather tired and old considering he is only 68 years one wonders all this Diana business is affecting him I doubt even W & H expected it to escalate the way it has dragging up all the past after 20 years is in my view very unfortunate and I would think upsetting many people within the Royal family I think the next few weeks will be difficult for many and will continue until this Statue, something of which I am against, comes to fruition.
I expect there will now be a break in engagements until September.
I noticed W & K flew directly from an RAF station in Norfolk to Belgium & returned to Norfolk.
She is gorgeous and looks amazing!!!!! I love this outfit from head to toe. Thanks Charlotte for this great post.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the fabulous job you do on this blog, Charlotte! It must be so much work... and I know that the "choose your dream outfit for Kate" events for certain occasions we have already done on this blog mist have been even more exhausting for you. I could understand it if you said that you would not want to do something tha is connected to so much work again; I just wanted to let you know how much I always enjoyed playing stylist for Kate and that I am hoping you will host such an event again in the future, for whatever occasion. I would love it!!!!
ReplyDeleteS. from E.
What a great post for such an important event. Thank you, Charlotte. It was nice to see Prince William and Prince Charles together, especially for something like this.
ReplyDeleteI love Kate's coatdress. It was appropriate for the day and she looked stunning in it. I love the pink prada clutch as well! The updo isn't exciting but it looks nice for the solemn day. Love her in Diana's earrings!
Now I understand why she wore the lower heeled shoe on the second day, she had to do quite a bit of walking and through the grass, the much taller heeled shoe wouldn't have worked at all!!
ReplyDeleteSo I went looking for why Charles was so crumpled up when he arrived to the presentation the other day. And I found out that he was actually in Corfu Greece for vacation with Camilla and Camilla's family prior. I saw a picture of Camilla's son which means that Camilla's grandchildren are not far behind. Good. Now Charles can read them bedtime stories and be fantastic with them.
ReplyDeleteI am not prone to cattiness so I don't know why that pinched me a bit, but it did.
Rodman, it pinched you because the irony is pinch-worthy.
DeleteResist the urge to be catty Rosman :)
DeleteAnyone who takes on another person's children or grandchildren, and loves them as their own, is to be admired in my view. Whatever you think of Charles or Camilla, the children in the middle of these things deserve nothing but love, nothing but the best. If he's fantastic with them, good on him, that's how it should be.
Amen, Claudia. :)
DeleteOn the re-trimmed hat, does that mean it is a permanent change? Or does that the hat simply has a different accessory that can be interchanged with the other pink accessory/bow depending on the outfit/preference?
ReplyDeleteI'm betting it's because I don't follow the royal family overmuch (I do follow the blog but otherwise not a lot) but this bit jumped out at me regarding Catherine Quinn's hiring -- "The Mail on Sunday reported they would be a "slew" of changes in the royal household in order to impose greater unity before Christmas. It's no secret, there's been disharmony between the households, and KP's relationship with the media struggled for years with young staff members without a huge amount of experience at the helm."
ReplyDeleteWhat am I missing with regard to disharmony? William and Kate aren't fighting, are they?
Nothing to do with royal private life - the competing households - Buckingham, Kensington and Clarence are at issue - this has become an increasing problem of competing egos and goals amongst staff - how much it reflects those feelings by royal employers is hard to say but that's probably there - but not all. Unity would be truly helpful at what is an uncertain time but achieving it is another matter.
DeleteAnother day, another pair of nude suede shoes that look exactly like her other 50,000 nude colored shoes.
ReplyDeleteIf she actually looked good in these types of shoes I wouldn't mind. But she doesn't. First of all, I don't agree with this concept that in order to delete "shortcomings" one needs to create a complete negative or blank space. When Kate wears above the knee coat-dresses/dresses, with tan stockings that blend in with her nude suede shoes, she's essentially saying "Don't look at anything below the knee." I understand that her proportions are a bit odd (the short calves and large feet) but simply deleting that space doesn't look good.
There are a number of ways to dress creatively around a perceived shortcoming. For instance Jackie O had very much the same issues as Kate -- tall, but long-waisted and not leggy, with huge feet. But she found very creative ways to dress which weren't "just don't look at anything below my knees." Flared pants/trousers, colorful shoes that draw attention to the whole body from head to toe, and not simply head to knee, they all could do wonders for Kate and they don't involve buying another 5,000 pairs of identical nude suede shoes.
Well, with her legs she has no need to say don't look at anything below the knee. Perhaps she simply likes this type of shoe.
DeleteI've noticed the boxy look Jackie used really suits Kate - and so a good description. I think the 'at knee' is the best length for Kate - shorter tends to look skimpy.
DeleteI'm very curious to know what has or will become of Sophie Agnew. I thought she was in lne to replace Rebecca. My apologies if this has already been addressed; I don't currently have I'm to read through all of the comments.
ReplyDeleteNothing conclusive on that yet, bristowoman.
Delete:-)
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."
r 200 pages
ReplyDeleteWhat's happening with Harry and Meghan anyone think an announcement around her birthday. (This Friday, and she's hiding out somewhere in London with her mum)Wasn't that the rumour.
ReplyDeleteSomewhere I wrote a question about Kate's second brooch, but it seems to have gotten lost. After seeing a picture of the Royal Irish Regiment on parade at the ceremony, I wondered whether the Queen's three part brooch was chosen in their honor. That would seem appropriate, especially as it is an obscure piece in the collection, unlike the other royal jewels Kate has worn. As with the heart design, the retrimmed hat worn at a previous Belgian WWI event, and Diana's earrings, the brooch seems symbolic.
ReplyDelete