As expected for August, which tends to be the Royal family's 'holiday' month with few exceptions, all has been incredibly quiet on the Cambridge front. I suspect final preparations are underway to complete the move to London. It's a time of big changes not only with the move and increased duties but also with a very special milestone as Prince George begins school at Thomas's Battersea next month. Perhaps they are enjoying a family break undetected? When will see the Cambridges next? It was announced today Prince William will join his father at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo next Wednesday, 16 August. It would make perfect sense for the engagement to coincide with a planned trip to Balmoral to spend time with the Royal family. If so, we might see photos of the Cambridges at Crathie Kirk for church. A week in the Highlands enjoying the sumptuous scenery and outdoor experiences on the estate would be a perfect getaway before the autumn schedule begins. Last year, Her Majesty invited the Middletons. In terms of engagements, I imagine we'll see something pencilled in for the Duchess by the end of the month.
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As always it was fascinating to see your selections in our post-tour polls. Which looks and pieces won your vote? Let's take a look shall we...
Best Daywear Look
When asked to choose Kate's best daywear look during the tour, there was one very clear favourite: the bespoke lavender Emilia Wickstead dress the Duchess wore for the final day of the tour. The long-sleeve dress has a fitted bodice and flared skirt. Kate teamed it with a distinctive red Anya Hindmarch clutch, Kiki McDonough Lavender Amethyst Pear and Oval Drop Earrings and Gianvito Rossi Praline pumps. I think it was by far the most colourful and vibrant look in the category, a factor which made it instantly 'pop' when compared to the other options.
Best Evening Look
The evening look poll was a truly divisive one with a mere 12 votes separating first and second place. The Gosia Baczynska Monochrome Cocktail Dress almost won 'Best Evening Look' but was pipped at the post by the Markus Lupfer Teal Jacquard Dress Kate wore in Berlin. The swallow print frock was a departure for Kate; quite different to her usual choice of 'cocktail dress' which made it stand out as a fresh selection. The dress was teamed with a Jenny Packham belt, a clutch by Anne Grand-Clement, Prada sandals, Soru Pearl earrings and Diana's triple strand pearl bracelet.
Best Tour Shoes
Kate loves her Prada Quazo Sandals so much she chose them for two receptions during the tour; they are also your winners, garnering the largest portion of votes in the shoe poll.
Best Tour Jewellery
I was particularly excited to see the winner of the 'Best Jewellery Poll' and wasn't at all surprised to see Kate's Kiki McDonough Lavender Amethyst Pear and Oval Drop Earrings take the title. The entire look was a winner, it's interesting to see 'repeat jewellery' proving the most popular - a testament to the fondness for the gorgeous earrings.
Thank you all so much for voting. Did your favourites win? :)
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Whilst we're on the topic of jewellery, I'm delighted to announce the winner of a pair of Kate's Azuni London 'Kate' earrings is Bonnieux who commented: "I love the Kate earrings, need them in garnet." Bonnieux, if you would be so kind as to email me at hrhcatherineblog@hotmail.com we can coordinate delivery of your prize. Congratulations! :)
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I wanted to wrap up our tour coverage before moving on to our next topic. As August is a quiet month, it's always a wonderful opportunity to try something fresh with posts. There's been fantastic suggestions (please keep them coming!) particularly about a new series of posts covering Kate's role as the Duchess of Cambridge and looking back on the past six years through her patronages, speeches, highlighted causes, etc. Do let me know if such a series of posts would be of interest to you. Before we get to that, returning by popular demand, we will be continuing what is fast becoming our annual August 'Styling Kate' post. It's always such fun to see your choice for Kate and a great way of getting to know readers and encourage participation. The only question left is this, what event would you like to style Kate for? I've created a short poll and hope to get the post up and running tomorrow.
See you all tomorrow :)
See you all tomorrow :)
Hi Charlotte great post and excited for another styling Kate post.
ReplyDeleteI think the concept of the new posts sound interesting. I think it's a great idea especially with big changes afoot.
I hope you will continue the Kate Loves posts too. Those are always so interesting and enjoyable
Hope you enjoy your August!
Normally I'd be dreading my Kate withdrawal during August, but this has been a particularly eventful summer and we have the much anticipated "Style Kate" post on the horizon (go Royal Ascot!). Both Prince Philip and the Queen are getting older and I think they deserve to have as many happy holidays with their family in the Highlands as they can. Watching videos of the royal family at Balmoral over the years, it seems to be a wonderful place for the royal family to unwind, especially for the children. I would love to see a "Kate Loves Balmoral" in anticipation of a visit by the Cambridges...
ReplyDeleteI'm on Team Royal Ascot as well, Anne! Though at the rate Kate's been going, I think we can all expect some version of an ivory lace dress. :)
DeleteA Kate Loves Balmoral post would be great! I voted for styling Kate for Royal Ascot, too :)
DeleteTeam Ascot for me too! We have to give her other options than a white lace dress.
DeleteI voted for Royal Ascot as well. Let's change it up!
DeleteI voted for Royal Ascot also!! While I have loved what she's worn, think she could certainly step outside of her comfort zone there! Would love to see the suggestions from everybody! Wouldn't mind a Kate Loves Balmoral post if nothing more than to get some great casual ideas for myself...lol. Always look forward to the creative and stylish thinking!! cc
DeleteWow !!I can't believe I won! I seriously never win anything! this is so amazing I'm so excited! Thank you
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Bonnieux :)
DeleteThank you everyone for your feedback, it's very interesting to hear your thoughts.
Fun! Hope you enjoy it.
DeleteCongratulations Bonnieux! I like your choice of garnets.
DeleteYea! My favorites were the most popular. I thought Kate looked well styled throughout the most recent tour. Look forward to events coming up in September.
ReplyDeleteIs anyone in the US watching The Story of Diana on ABC. While we'll never know the entire story, it's interesting to hear from her brother and those that were close to her.
Charlotte, thanks for all you do.
Yes. I watched "The Story of Diana". There is supposed to be a program on in September about her also on NBC. I don't know if it a remix of previous ones or a new one. I think it is called, "Diana, 7 Days" or something.
DeleteHas anyone heard when the second season of
"Victoria" is beginning?
Surfer Girl, the documentary "Diana, 7 days that shook the world" is on NETFLIX. Absorbing and inciteful about the death of Diana, the responses by the BRF, the government and the public, up through the burial. Worthwhile watching.
DeleteNone of my favorites took the crown (where's the voters with a "slightly rebellious" streak when you need them?), but I still love you all! :) And to be honest, I still love those winning looks. There were plenty of wonderful sartorial moments from the tour.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations bonniex!
ReplyDeleteAnnette New Zealand, I left a comment that includes two links for you, after your message posted at 17:25 on 3 August in the Passchendaele post of 30 July. I just found your comment yesterday, and I wanted you to know about the many American military cemeteries on foreign ground, including those in Europe. I hope you will find this interesting. There are quite a few photos in the linked articles.
ReplyDeleteHmm its quietr. August Im sure the cambridges. Spending Summer in barmoral i love. Your post
ReplyDeleteFor obvious reasons, I sincerely hope that the Cambridge's and Harry have peace and privacy during the next few weeks.
ReplyDeletePerhaps a post outlining ways in which W/K/H have honored Diana's memory would be appropriate....
Yes, I would love to see a series of posts on Kate's role as Duchess of Cambridge. I also would love to style her for Royal Ascot. Her two appearances were exciting, but I wish she would up the fashion at this venue.
ReplyDeleteIm interested in dressing her for Ascot too. Where both of her looks were so similar, it would be fun to take it in another direction. Plus, I think the hat element would be fun.
DeleteI am completely satisfied with the tour fashion poll winners. Yessss!!! Thanks, Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteHI Charlotte, here are there suggestions for posts. . more opinion pieces than anything, and I'd really like to your hear your opinion on it (I really appreciate blog writers who give their opinions!). . .so here goes:
ReplyDelete1. Royal child rearing in Europe--the different approaches
2. Kate's reticence in wearing fashionable slacks, tailored crop pants, etc and yet her let's-go-for-it 100% skinny jeans approach for professional engagements.
3. A post on what Pippa has been up to. . .and what can be expected of her in the near future
4. A post on your thoughts of the Diana tribute her boys did. . .and other thoughts as the anniversary approaches
5. Kate's fashion choices for her kids. . .regarding little deviation in styles, brands, and repeat garments (e..g George wearing the same pair of shorts for all 3 of his airport "engagements), etc
Anyway, just suggestions. :) Thanks for all you do!
Yay, my faves topped the polls! :) Loving Kate's fresh style choices of late, let's hope it continues. I would love a series of posts looking back on Kate's patronages & speeches etc. I think things are gearing up for an interesting time for the British monarchy. I'd like to see how Kate's role has evolved.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Bonnieux!!:)
ReplyDeleteI can't really buy into the whole "preparing to move" narrative. I just think they have two identical house set ups and move between them as they wish. Just like how the Queen moves around Buckingham, Windsor, Sandringham and Balmoral. And Charles moves between Clarence House and Highgrove and his places in Wales and Scotland. Kate and William aren't packing up anything. I think they are hanging out with friends and family and relaxing like they do every August.
ReplyDeleteI'm kinda looking forward to some William/Charles engagements. Hope we get to see the coverage in some William recaps if you decided to include monthly summaries in your reporting. There's really no one covering him.
I believe I already shared that I'm interested in those posts - and actually think they would make good pages to be added to the blog. As time goes on it will be fascinating to see the history unfold in those timeline narratives. I think UK State Events would deserve it's own page as well - The visuals of Kate at the State Dinners and arriving at the Diplomatic Receptions would be lovely to see. They've welcomed some Heads of State too (Obamas - twice? and was it Singapore they officially welcomed?) Eventually they will find themselves at Parliament Opening. Another lovely narrative would be the opposite - The Foreign visits. I would do it as one select picture with that country's highest official that they met with - marking the year and dates and you can reference the actually posts you wrote if you like. (William and Kate with the Thoreaus, Kate with King Willem-Alexander, Kate with the King and Queen of Bhutan, Kate with the King and Queen of Belgium etc. Perhaps do an evening look if there was no government official meet and greet.) In 10 years how cool would that be to scroll through? It would actually be cool to scroll through now. According to the DuchessKateTracker - she's been on 22 foreign visits now.
Alright let me know if you need more chores! LOL I really do think those would be fun catalogs/indexes to compile and maintain and reference. I would always put the most recent on top - but make it all one page.
Completely agree about the Cambridge's homes being fully set up and independent from one another. I think they flawlessly go from one to the other, and this will not be a move for them in the traditional sense with all that encompasses. They will simply be spending more time in their London home now. I think they are enjoying their summer vacation also.
DeleteWow you have great ideas, Florida Moxie! To run with your "identical house" theory a bit, how do you suppose this works for George and Charlotte? Would they double up on their favorite toys in each place, or would they bring these items with them? Because of the young children, I have a harder time thinking they seamlessly move from place to place with mirroring set-ups. Seems like they'd need one sort of "home" to center them throughout the year. But then again, kids are often far more adaptable than the adults!
DeleteI also agree on the two house rule - pretty sure it is seamless. Also pretty sure they have two sets of different toys and the kids actually look forward to the new set on the weekend. It adds variety and kids really like to rediscover toys that they forget about. I used to swap out toys from our basement every month to keep them interested.
DeleteHappy that the lavender dress won! :) Although my first impression was "boring", but at the end it was my favorite outfit of the tour!
ReplyDeleteMe too! Best dress of the tour imo. Usually my favorites don't win in the polls, so it was nice to see most people loved the Wickstead as well. The color is fantastic.
DeleteI see the "evening" look is in the lead at this point. Ugh, I hope it doesn't win. So boring. You choose one gown, shoes and some accessories. I voted for the casual outdoorsy look, because I believe that's what Kate needs the most help with, and there are so many components to that kind of outfit....jeans, trousers, sweaters or blouses, tops, blazers or jackets, footwear...boots, sneakers, boat shoes. All so much more fun to choose than one "pretty" dress and some jewelry. Is it okay if I go ahead and do the casual look even if the evening look wins in the end?
ReplyDeleteI agree. I feel like we have been there and done already with the Gala look. I chose Ascot because I think she needs help there but an outdoor look would be interesting to do as well because she does struggle in that area too.
DeleteI was thinking casual too Erika but I think you've changed my mind, Ascot could use some help.
DeleteYou know I was one of the ones voting for evening dresses but mainly for selfish reasons. I never have time to do the stylist thingy and know I wouldn't participate, but I love to look at the beautiful looks you ladies put together. But I do agree Ascot would be more practical. Casual - I think Kate needs most help with, actually.
DeleteI admire the way Charlotte hadled it - picking a sepcific event (movie premiere) instead of the tiara occasions we've done in the past (state banquets etc). This meant that there was a possibility for more daring pieces!
DeleteThe Foreign visits, I have been wanting to suggest for a long time, but kept forgetting. Moxie, your last paragraph is excellent.
ReplyDeleteSorry rushing to work. That is comments paragraphs 3&4 / Moxie at 08:04. Ultimately something concretely archived reference in one place is easier to debate in all fairness to all concerned. It will be a lot of work for Charlotte although a very worthwhile undertaking. Everyone's suggestion in this area will be contributing to the outcome. The good old debate regarding Kate's work ethics had been over exhausted by now. At least a reference page after six years is due for its own category.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Bonnieux!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree Florida Moxie. For smooth transitions the Cambridges are not doing huge moves back and forth. It make perfect sense to keep both households able to operate independently and consistently.
That has always been what I've thought about it. They may take a few items, like current favorite toys, certain jewelry, etc., that they take back and forth but not much more than that.
DeleteNot that you need help adding to your growing list LOL but I am interested in seeing Kate's non-recycled clothes. So a post on which clothes we've only seen once and where we may see them again or a poll on which ones we'd like to see her repeat would be good !
ReplyDeleteThat is a good idea, Rosman.
DeleteI like this idea too. There are quite a few pieces that were only worn once which I find odd as many of them are very nice.
DeleteI'm torn on this idea. On the one hand it seems fun on the surface. But I have a very strong inkling that the tone of the comment section might not become the most fun one.
DeleteGreat idea, Rosman! There are so many wonderful pieces Kate has worn that deserve to be seen again. I'd love to do a poll on what we'd like to see again and hear from other readers why we think she hasn't.
DeleteI love that idea. And maybe use the 'unrecycled' only to dress Kate for whichever type of engagement ends up winning the poll. That way it will make us feel (and who knows? maybe even someone in Kate's entourage will catch onto the idea) more responsible and less waistfull. I would really love that 'Shop Kate's Closet' as a principle in all (or at least most) of these annual 'events'.
DeleteLove it!
DeleteI actually like that too Rosman! Though I know where Rebecca's coming from :)
DeleteI also agree that a poll "which ensemble/gown would you most like to see again" would be interesting.
I don't have the ability the rest of you do for the styling, but my vote would be for casual, as in a casual work look, what you would like to see her wear to more informal but still official engagements. Actually Ascot needs a lot of help too. Not that I can contribute to any of this, but I do enjoy looking through all your hard work and think there are amazing stylists here! X
Oh thanks ladies.. I suggested this mainly for selfish reasons. I just want to see those dresses because I don't keep tabs very closely and probably have forgotten them. It's like when you find a dress in your own closet you haven't worn in a while and it's like getting a new dress LOL.. So I personally would love to see those dresses and obsess over them.
DeleteAs for comments.. I don't know. People seem okay with clothes discussions. There seem to be a couple of hot button topics that set people, including myself, off here. Or maybe I am missing something.
I love this idea Rosman! She has so many gorgeous clothes she only wore once and I wonder why... I always hope for a return of the strapless black Velvet McQueen gown!
DeleteIf I ever visit the highlands, you'll never see me again.
ReplyDeleteAll ideas sound excellent -
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update. I enjoy your blog Charlotte. I'm a royal family fan. Would love to see more of The Duchess of Cambridge since the beginning.
DeleteI read that Diana wore Kiki earings and that Diana was friends with Kiki Mcdonough's sister.
ReplyDeleteMilo. Thanks. I didn't know that Diana had worn Kiki jewelry. Do you know where that article is about being friends with Kiki's sister? (If not, no big deal.)
DeleteSince Kiki does come into the conversation here as Kate increases her Kiki cache, I thought I would give a little info about Kiki.
Kiki has been designing jewelry for about thirty years. Her father had an antique jewelry store. Kiki's shop is in the Sloane district of London. I thought that might have been how Diana found out about her since Diana was a "Sloane Ranger". Or, perhaps she learned of Kiki's design through Kiki's husband being part of the aristocracy. He is John Randle Siddeley, 4th Baron of Kenilworth. Randle and Kiki have 2 sons. Randle is a world renowned landscape architect. Kiki and Randle are divorced. Kiki takes her inspiration for design from the ballet (she loves ballet) and from flowers. She finds her greatest times of inspiration are when she is at the beach. (Wikipedia)
In Hello, 12/28/11, "Did William Surprise Kate with Earrings for Christmas", no specific author, Kiki is quoted as saying,
"I once counted Princess Diana as one of my most loyal customers and we always had such fun choosing designs for her to wear -- she took great pleasure in wearing jewelry. It is a very special added extra that Catherine now enjoys wearing my designs too."
Kiki is expanding her business and mentioned bringing her designs to the United States. (from her website.)
Thank you Surfer Girl for the story on the Kiki jewelry. It is so cool that Diana also wore Kiki. I really do enjoy this line of jewelry on Kate.
DeleteKatharine, you are welcome. Kiki is classic and beautiful. I also like the Rocks jewelry that Charlotte has featured here. I think that's the name of it.
DeleteI have a suggestion for a page, Kate's tour map. It would be like Kate's calendar in theory but it would be a map of the world & all the countries she's visited after marriage could be highlighted so that over time we could see all the sountries she's been to on tours/in an official capacity.
ReplyDeleteGoing on from a comment above, when you click on the country you would see pics underneath the map of meetings with heads of state/evening look and date the pic was taken.
How fabulous is Charlotte? Not only does she maintain the highest level of excellence when it comes to coverage of Kate's engagements and wardrobe, she also makes sure she's always providing superb content for her readers when Kate's not out and about. It's an incredible workload, yet she makes it look so easy and never misses a deadline. Just an amazing blogger, reporter, producer, editor rolled into one :)
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Claudia! Charlotte truly spoils us & she is very skilled at what she does :)
DeleteCouldn't agree more Claudia!
DeleteTrue, and thus "The Bentley of Blogs". :)
ReplyDeleteI just forgot to add I chose a state banquet for the Gala look rather than a dress for the Bond premiere. Couldn't resist the dress II choose but it isn't right for Bond and I was feeling tiaraish.
ReplyDeleteJulia. I know the feeling. :)
ReplyDelete