Thursday 14 September 2017

Styling Kate: Your Royal Ascot Choices (Part 3) & Latest Cambridges News!

We have a fashion feast for you tonight with your remaining Ascot looks, but before we get to that, we have a couple of quick updates to share on the Cambridges. Firstly, as you have probably heard, there was an incident at George's school, Thomas's Battersea after a 40-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of trying to break into the school. The woman has now been released on bail. Details surrounding the case and her exact motives haven't been definitively released. Scotland Yard said: "We are working with the school, which is attended by His Royal Highness Prince George, to review its security arrangements after the incident. Police are part of the protective security arrangements for the Prince and we will continue to work closely with the school, which is responsible for building security on its site." It's obviously a very concerning breach of security; the world has changed so much since Prince William started at Wetherby and it's an entirely different situation now. London has suffered terribly at the hands of terror this year. Hopefully protection has been tightened up considerably to ensure the absolute safety of George and all the other pupils and staff at Thomas's.

Prince William undertook a day of engagements in Liverpool today. Of course, talk immediately turned to the Duchess and he said she's "very well thanks" to a well-wisher. There was a very sweet moment when a young boy named Archie gave William an avacado: "Catherine will love this, thanks."


William was asked how George is adjusting to school. More from People:

“It’s been an interesting week,” William told patients during a visit to the Aintree University Hospital on Thursday in Liverpool. Speaking of George’s first day of school on Sept. 7 at Thomas’s Battersea,William said, “most of the parents were in floods of tears. The kids were all fine.”
William said George has been adjusting to student life quite well — so far. “We are all seeing how long that lasts before he doesn’t want to go!” he told hospital patients. “George has been really easy. He hasn’t said, ‘Have I got to do this for the rest of my life?’  

William very much enjoyed chatting with 87-year-old Teresa who congratulated William on his young children. William replied: "George rules the roost but Charlotte isn't far behind."


Another memorable moment came when William met cancer patient Pagan Tordengrave who called him 'Prince of Hearts'.


The brief videos offer a window into how important and meaningful a royal visit can be. It was just wonderful to see so many smiling faces greeting William in Liverpool today. He was completely engaging and, much like his mother, he's very natural with people who are unwell. I've been enormously impressed with the work he's been doing this month, his first period of full-time duties, and very much look forward to seeing what the remainder of the year holds.


You can read more about William's day in Liverpool here.

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Next to our primary topic, we had such an incredible response to our Styling Kate post this year, with a fantastic selection of possibilities suggested for the Duchess to wear to Ascot. In case you missed it, Part 1 of the looks can be viewed here and Part 2 here. A huge thank you to all who submitted looks, you truly outdid yourselves!


Smiley - First up, we're taking a look at Smiley's picks for Royal Ascot. Smiley chose a Marc Jacobs midi dress and noted: "I would have minor alterations done - place a piece of nude fabric under the sheer eylet part so that the dress is modest enough for Ascot." The dress is styled with a nude straw disc hat with toned roses and quills by Rachel Trevor Morgan, Kate's black suede Gianvito Rossi pumps, the John Lewis Rainbow Club Celina Clutch Bag and new Kiki Amethyst and Diamond Oval earrings.


Mary from CR - We have a white midi dress adorned with black floral detail from Carolina Herrera's Resort 2018 Collection teamed with the black suede leaf detail ankle tie sandals from Manolo Blahnik. Mary would like to see Kate in a more "extravagant hat" such as the Jane Taylor style shown below.


Rasa - Rasa raided Kate's wardrobe for her look featuring the floral-print chiffon Erdem dress with a pleated skirt the Duchess wore for a reception in Singapore during the 2012 tour. The dress is teamed with the grey clutch Kate carried in Singapore, the grey hat Kate wore for Order of the Garter in 2011 and Kate's blue topaz Kiki McDonough Lola hoop earrings.


Inez from Sweden - "I'm gonna go away a little bit from her usual Ascot White style and away from the lace as well." Inez would love to see Kate wear the marigold Emilia Wickstead Miranda Stretch Wool-Crepe Dress with Kate's cream Jane Corbett hat, her Anita Dongre pearl earrings, L.K. Bennett Natalie Clutch and Kate's Gianvito Rossi Praline pumps.


Gabi K - Gabi assembled her Ascot look featuring a black sophisticated Givenchy dress styled with a floral Rachel Trevor Morgan hat, Kate's Mulberry clutch, Gianvito Rossi and the Queen's pearl earrings.


Katelyn from the South - Katelyn selected the striking bright blue Ted Baker Mesh Detail Bodycon Dress with Kate's hat from Ascot the Christian Louboutin Pigalle Follies 120 printed python pumps, the Floraison Beaded Frame Clutch and the Larkspur & Hawk Sadie rose gold-dipped quartz earrings.


Duchess fan from Downunder - Duchess fan chose the Dolce & Gabbana Knee-Length crepe dress in sky blue with red and green floral detail. The whimsical frock is styled with a red bespoke version of the Jane Taylor Perotti hat, Kate's red Miu Miu clutch and Gianvito Rossi pumps.

Erika and Catherine - We have a joint styling effort from our mother-daughter duo Erika and Catherine next. "Although I think the DoC should wear British for this event, this D&G with its 3D flowers caught our eye and we had to style it up for Kate." The apple blossom Dolce dress is from the 2014 Collection. It is styled with the Philip Treacy Statement Side Slice Hat with Silk Flower and Buntal Bow, light green pumps, Kate's pink Prada clutch and Diana's triple strand pearl bracelet and Collingwood Pearl and Diamond earrings.


K - Sophia - We have the Tadashi Shoki Cap-Sleeve Boat-Neck Lace Embroidered Cocktail Dress teamed with the Jane Taylor Grandiflora hat, Gianivto Rossi Pointed-Toe Suede Pumps, the L.K. Bennett Dora Clutch, the Queen's Pearl and Diamond Button earrings and Diana's triple strand pearl choker and Diana's triple strand pearl bracelet.


Laura Claire - "For Ascot let's get some new Dolce in a springy floral with non-nude pumps!". Laura Claire selected the Dolce & Gabbana Hydrangea-print fluted-hem cady dress, the Jimmy Choo Romy Pumps, the Jane Taylor Florence hat, the dazzling Dolce Box crystal-embellished textured leather-trimmed acrylic clutch and Kate's Annoushka pearls.


MAM in US - MAM chose the GOAT Diamond Geo Lace Dress. The midi dress is described as "a contemporary geometric pattern lace dress". It is teamed with a hat from the Edwina Ibbotson classics collection (custom made to match the colour of the dress). Kate's Prada plum sandals and the Queen's Bahrain Pearl Drop earrings complete the look.



German Girl - German Girl would love to see Kate wear the Jolie Moi 50s Style Lace Dress with a sweetheart neckline in grey for Ascot. The dress is teamed with a Rachel Trevor Morgan hat with natural mesh straw disc with delicate flowers, the Carvela Gravel Clutch and the Emmy Elizabeth shoes.


mAndrew27 - From a designer Kate loves, it's the ROKSANDA Pink Lavete Bow-embellished Crepe Dress with bell sleeves styled with the bespoke pink Jane Taylor hat Kate wore to Pippa's wedding, Kate's Kiki Morganite earrings and L.K. Bennett Agata Sandals.


Meredith, Boston - Meredith also chose a pretty pink Roksanda dress -the Turlin Stretch-Crepe Midi Dress with a softly flared skirt and sculptural bell cuffs. The dress would be worn with Kate's pink Philip Treacy hat, Rupert Sanderson Calice pumps, Kate's Kiki Morganite earrings and Mulberry Bayswater clutch.


Rachel Jacobs - The Giambattista Valli Floral Printed embellished silk-georgette midi dress would be worn with Kate's Prada scalloped heels, the Jane Taylor Steen hat, which is described as a "sinamay tilt disc hat with angular twisted diamond and buntal detail". The look is completed with the Bottega Veneta Knot Satin Elongated Minaudiere Clutch and the Queen's Silver Diamond and Pearl Earrings.


Patricia I - Patricia opted for the teal Lela Rose Ottoman Knit Dress with Lace Hem with a crew bodice and half sleeves. The garment is styled with a white floral Philip Treacy hat with veil detail, a Ferragamo Clutch, the Manolo Blahnik Umice Pointy Toe pumps and Kate's Annoushka pearls.


Mr D, United Kingdom - Like many of us, Mr D, thinks Kate looks brilliant in red. With that in mind, he selected the Roland Mouret Ardingly Crepe Peplum Dress. The dress is "artfully draped at the peplum waist and finished with a boat neckline". It would be worn with a red Philip Treacy hat, Gianvito Rossi Tuxedo Satin-Trimmed Velvet pumps, Kate's diamond and ruby earrings and Jenny Packham Casa clutch.


Heather from California - Heather chose a powder blue Dolce & Gabbana Midi Dress with an angular neckline and flattering fitted waist. The piece is teamed with the Jane Taylor Green Pearl Hat with hand painted straw wings, the Christian Louboutin Maripopump Butterfly Shoes and Kate's blue topaz and diamond Kiki McDonough earrings.


Sonne - "I wanted a more ... adventurous look for Ascot, at least regarding colour. I kept some of her old accessories to make it more of a 'Kate' look." Below, we see the coral Roisin Pleat Detail Midi Dress with ruched detail, the Jane Taylor Virgularia hand draped brim hat with hand painted detail, Kate's Jimmy Choo Gilbert Pumps, Natalie clutch and cross pendant.


Julie from STL - For Royal Ascot, Julie selected the Dolce & Gabbana Hydeangea Print Stretch Silk Dress: "A lush garden of blossoming hydrangeas adds pops of periwinkle and lavender to this deftly tailored stretch-silk shift designed to flatter the feminine figure." The dress would be worn with a white floral Philip Treacy hat.


Francis - Francis suggested the Floryday Lace Solid Long Sleeve Mid-Calf Vintage Dress styled with the Lock & Co. Elana hat. Francis added: "With white lace trimming from the floral part of the dress’ fabric (Lock & Co. being the excellent hatters they are, they will surely try to also include the geometrical part of the fabric with the hat still looking neat and clean). Carrying one of her neutral bags, the one best matching (the colour/style of) the hat. Wearing a pair of her neutral shoes, the one best matching (the colour/style of) hat & bag, hopefully also the most comfortable one (or the other way round as the hat can be dyed to match the customer's outfit)." The look would be completed with the Queen's Bahrain pearl drop earrings.


Rachel - Rachel would love to see Kate's Temperley London Desdemona dress brought back for Ascot (in fact, Rachel is the third reader to suggest the piece). It's teamed with a statement Philip Treacy hat, Kate's lavender Kiki earrings, L.K. Bennett Nina Clutch and Gianvito Rossi 105 praline pumps.


Hope USA - The fuchsia Lela Rose Floral Fil Coupé Fit & Flare Dress with a Philip Treacy hat dyed to match the colour of the dress. Hope noted: "As shocked as I am to say a nude shoe, I'd pair the dress with her Stuart Weitzman Nearly Nude Ankle Strap Sandals mostly because they won't sink on the lawn. I'd style this dress with pearls -- single strand, drop earrings, and the bracelet she has recently been wearing."


Christine from NJ - Christine chose the Beulah London Navy Chiffon Gardenia Dress with long billowing sleeves and a midi skirt. Christine described her choice of Jane Corbett hat as "a pop of color in this color block hat a la Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice (a little more daring than Kate is I think but I can only hope!)". The ensemble is completed with Kate's navy Rupert Sanderson pumps, Natalie Clutch and Kate's Mappin & Webb jewellery.


Julie B - Julie B chose Burberry's sky blue Guipure Lace Midi Dress styled with the Jane Taylor Heliconia hat with crin and quills (dyed to exactly match the dress), the Queen's Bahrain Pearl earrings, Kate's nude L.K. Bennett clutch and Gianvito Rossi pumps.


Elle - Elle chose a pink Roksanda dress (another favourite with readers for their Ascot choices) and a John Boyd hat. "It’s a pastel-pink stretch-crepe and I believe it’ll work perfectly for climbing in and out of the carriage and yet also has an artistic flair – note the stitching and the darker color inside the sleeves. A modern hat – Audrey Hepburn style. While I think her lock & Co. hat would be lovely I chose the John Boyd Black Silk hat – as a wide brim would be fitting for Royal Ascot." To complete the look, Kate's Gianvito Rossi Ankle Strap heels, pink Prada clutch, the Cambridge Pearl Pendant Brooch, Diana's Collingwood Pearl earrings and triple strand pearl bracelet.


Emily from Illinois - Emily chose the Beulah London A Line Gardenia dress in soft pink. The dress would be worn with Kate's Philip Treacy hat from Trooping the Colour 2016, her Praline pumps, Kiki Grace earrings and L.K. Bennett Nina Clutch.


Floridagirl - "I would like to see the Duchess of Cambridge in a dress like this, but of course altering it to fit the protocol of the Royal Ascot dress code. It is a little to short for my taste, but having it below the knee would be just fitting for the occasion." The Dolce dress is styled with Kate's Jane Taylor Una hat from Ascot 2016, Gianvito Rossi pumps and Kiki Aurora Lemon Quartz and Diamond Drop earrings.


Jen - Jen shared her look via Photobucket featuring the following pieces: "A Ruffled Floral-Printed Gucci Dress, Kate's Nina Block Heel sandals, her Kiki McDonough drop earrings, the Dillon Wallwork Kentucky Derby hat and John Lewis Abigail Envelope clutch."


Franziska - Franziska emailed her Ascot look - choosing the Jane Taylor Etlingera hat, the rich purple Marc Jacobs Crepe de Chine Midi Skirt, Somerset by Alice Temperley Wrap Neck Blouse, Kiki lavender earrings, Praline pumps and Kate's L.K. Bennett Nina Clutch.


If you submitted a look for Ascot and it has not been included please let me know and I will add it immediately. We'll be assembling your Bond premiere suggestions next! :)

182 comments:

  1. Although its a bit sad that we are not seeing Catherine at the moment, I have to admit I enjoy seeing prince William! And think he is doing a great job!

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  2. What fantastic choices! I love Meridith and Elle's submitions, because I'm dying to see Kate in a dress with bell sleeves! I can't believe she hasn't worn this look before (or have I somehow missed it?)!

    I love seeing William out and about doing engagements, but I sure do miss Kate. The main thing is that she's getting the care she needs though! I'm so happy that Orince George enjoyed his first week of reception!

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    1. Thanks Christy! Kate's gown for the state dinner - that mauve-ish Marchesa - did have a similar sleeve which is what drew me to the dress.

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    2. Well.. she had bell sleeve-ish sleeves on her Chanel coat in Paris, and bell sleeves on her pink state visit gown :)

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  3. Lovely suggestions!
    I have a future blog idea for consideration...what about taking a look at dresses that Kate has worn only one time?
    It might be fun to look back over the years. So much is made of her repeating outfits, but there are so many that we have only seen once. Just a thought.

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    1. That is a brilliant idea for a 'Kate Loves' post :)

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    2. Yes! That would be great :)

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    3. That would be fun. The beautiful light blue dress with the lace overlay that she wore in Malaysia in 2012 to the tea party would be a nice repeat. She wore her hair in a chignon with pearls enhancing it. It was the Temperley London Aster Flower dress. Beautiful dress. One of my favorites.

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    4. You should do a Kate's love about the queen and pregnancy. I know she probably doesn't love the first part of her pregnancies, but she seems to enjoy the last bit.

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    5. Hey, this would be fun. We could offer suggestions on how she should style it for a repeat. Suggest shoes, clutch, jewelry, hair, Etc.

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    6. Yes, I love that beautiful Temperley London dress! I'd love to see it again.
      So many lovely choices for Royal Ascot but I think my favourite is Rasa and German Girl's submittion, who knows, maybe Duchess will wear something smiliar one day?

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    7. Another fun idea would be after she gives birth is to compare all her pregnancy looks. And if she has a fourth baby you can do it again. That is if you think she'll have a fourth child.

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    8. Sonja from Bavaria15 September 2017 at 16:29

      I don't think she will have a 4th child, since she always gets so sick and it has always been reported she wants 3 :)

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    9. Catherine could always surprise us it was reported earlier this year that they would not be having any more children after it was announced that Prince Phillip Phillip would be retiring. It has also been reported for quite some time that she wants to emulate the queen who had four children and had her last child Prince Edward at the age of 38. I think though that a lot of Kate fans wouldn't want her to have a fourth child because how sick she gets. I know a lot of us fans are hoping she gets well soon and is back in action.

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  4. Well done, everyone! This is so much fun. And I'm so glad to hear Prince William say that Kate is doing well. Perhaps she is over the worst of it. Thank you for this blog!

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    1. I wouldn't read much into that comment. To me that sounded like the standard answer. A British tumblr blogger said that you could cut the foot of most British people and when asked how they were they would say "I'm fine, thank you" :P So I think this might be a standard reaction answer, maybe a way to not give out details. But I hope I'm wrong and she's feeling better!

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    2. Sonja from Bavaria15 September 2017 at 15:13

      I think that was just a standard answer, William would never say "she is miserable and throwing up all day long" as he is
      a) a prince and
      b) British ;)

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  5. So many great looks! I'd love to see Kate in the D&G Hyndrangea print Cady dress...it's such a pretty feminine print & style. My other favourites are the marigold EW & black Givenchy - both sophisticated looks. The D&G chosen by Duchess fan from Downunder is lovely, too. I also like both Lela Rose dresses, especially the teal one, & the Beulah Gardenia dress is another nice look. I hope Kate is taking notes! :)

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    1. Duchess fan from Downunder15 September 2017 at 11:27

      Thanks :) it just screamed Kate and I couldn't go past it.

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    2. That Beulah gardenia dress is gorgeous.

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  6. Thank you Charlotte for all your hard work on this post! Great job everyone!! Here are the things that caught my eye:

    Smiley - Love everything about this outfit! Chic, classy, beautiful.
    Mary from CR - that hat is stunning and matches those shoes and that dress so well!
    Erika and Catherine - beautiful big hat! I love it!
    K-Sophia - I love this whole outfit! Classy. Beautiful.
    German Girl - I could see Kate in this whole outfit! Those are fun shoes :)
    mAndrew27 - I really like that dress! I could easily see Kate in this! You teamed it perfectly with those adorable shoes.
    Meredith, Boston - This is a fun/classy look…love it.
    Patricia I - I could see Kate in this dress…adorable.
    Mr D, United Kingdom - love the hat…and those shoes are beautiful.
    Francis - LOVE that hat!!!
    Elle - I LOVE that hat!!! I like the color combo you selected. The hat and shoes just pop out at you with that beautiful blush colored dress…I love it.
    Jen - LOVE that hat! So fun!!
    Franziska - That is a really fun hat!
    Can’t wait to see the Bond premiere suggestions!

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    1. Sonja from Bavaria15 September 2017 at 16:00

      Joanne, I can't wait to see the James Bond premiere outfits either!!

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    2. Glad you like the hat, Joanne:)

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    3. Thank you, Joanne :)
      K-Sophia: I love your whole outfit, very elegant and classy. I see we had the same idea regarding the hat ;-)
      Julie B: I love the dress, very beautiful!
      Mary from CR

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  7. Love floridagirl's ensemble! We don't see the Duchess is that length much anymore and I wish we would.

    Honourable mention to Inez... would love to see your look on her! Perhaps at a garden party?

    Beautiful choices everyone!:)

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  8. Great looks! It's always such a treat to look over these :) Can't wait for the Bond Premiere, both the actual premiere and the looks assembled as well!

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  9. Charlotte, another idea for a post might be Kate’s maternity wear. With the new pregnancy perhaps maternity wear 'styling Kate post' might be interesting.

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    1. I would love to style Kate for her third pregnancy!

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  10. Julia from Leominster15 September 2017 at 04:06

    Last but certainly not least for the Ascot look! - once again I'm dazzled by what I see - once again, I see themes that would appeal to Kate - lace, lovely floral prints and some very sophisticated looks - certain colours, pink, black and white seem to find particular favour. I couldn't choose a favourite and will comment on each in a few hours.

    The response to the fashion challenge has been amazing - I make slides of all the choices so I can remember them later - and I believe we have up to seventy responses - a lot of work for Charlotte but a tribute to the interest, thought and outstanding creativity of readers here. I've seen attempts at this in magazines that weren't a fraction as good.

    It's nice to hear from William that Kate is doing well. I feel his comments are always a but generic - understandably so - but if she was still very poorly, I don't think he would have said that. And what a wonderful engagement - what I love best about royals just when I needed a royal boost - the looks of happiness in the faces of those old ladies meeting William and the joy he was bringing them. It really does speak to what I loved so much about Diana - the way she put people at their ease and got close to people - it's become fashionable to mock her warmth - in favour of a 'stiff upper lip' and there's a place for that with the queen, but bringing excitement and colour to those in difficulties to me is one of the most important and touching things royal family members can do - and William seems to be warming to his newly increased role - I hope he'll come to understand the value.

    Nice George is doing well with school.

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    1. Typing too fast - should be bit not but!

      I agree William won't say too much but the fact he said she was well does mean to me that she's improving - there are other vague terms he could use if she was still having a very hard time and he knows people will take him literally.

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    2. Julia, the photo of William with 87-year-old Teresa warmed my heart :) I agree, bringing smiles to those who are going through a hard time must be one of the most rewarding (& important, IMO) parts of the job. It's really lovely to see.

      P.S. Your profile pic brings a smile to face, also :) Such an adorable little dog!

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  11. I looove your posts about William :) He was really on top form! So warm and kind and inviting! He's always really good when visiting hospitals, making people laugh and forget for a moment that they are ill!

    The break in story is really scary....

    And as always, wonderfully styled looks and great work Charlotte in compiling them!

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    1. Sonja from Bavaria15 September 2017 at 17:41

      Couldn't agree more!

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    2. I love the William posts, too :)

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    3. When I saw the Liverpool coverage on KP Twitter I thought...well-rounded royal away day. A hospital plaque unveiling and visit with patients.. So much must be weighing on his mind now but he didn't let it carry over to his interaction with those he came in touch with. I think he is hitting his stride. His future role dictates that he must be the star of the Cambridge family, just as Queen Elizabeth must be the star of the Mountbatten- Windsor family.. I think Catherine's being unable to accompany him as planned allowed us to more clearly watch William in his element.
      I was hoping you would mention his successful day and you did more than that, Charlotte. Keep the William posts coming, please.

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    4. I agree. and, thank you Charlotte.

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    5. YES! Kudos to William. He was in his element and I believe that marriage and fatherhood has done him a world of good.

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    6. For sure, rf. Next. Harry? Hurry up. :)

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  12. So many wonderful options here. I'm really impressed. Also, I agree regarding William - it was so clear from all the pictures at the hospital how much of a difference a visit like this makes. It made my heart really glad.

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  13. Julia from Leominster15 September 2017 at 08:31

    Here goes - in three parts. I always think black and white is a great Ascot look - even without Cecil Beaton - who knew something. We have three fantastic choices here.

    Smiley - that dress would be wonderful on Kate - it has lace and is detailed yet so simple in lines - it would be fun without the modesty panel - but I suppose it does play with the rules - the hat is ideal with it picking up the floral design is the dress. Those shoes of Kate's would be perfect.
    Mary from CR - another great unified look - I love the raised flowers on that dress - it adds so much interest and the princess lines are great on Kate - the shoes pick up the raised floral design - they would be fantastic as would that opulent hat.
    K. Sophia - that hat is popular! Kate should consider it. I love this black and white and lace dress too - perfect for Kate with her great figure - and you invoked one of my favourite Diana outfits - that inspired my main wedding look in the past.
    We have some fantastic florals too...
    Duchess from Downunder - blue and red is eye-catching whilst keeping that lace that Kate loves. It would be a very fun look.
    Erika and Catherine - I always love seeing what Catherine comes up with - Kate doesn't have a problem with wearing D&G and whilst I generally like to see British designers too, Ascot is a good time to splurge out - that dress is a fairy tale with the raised flowers and the hat really captures the romance and the lovely soft shade - Catherine - and you - have great taste.
    Laura Claire - I love hydrangeas so was attracted to this print before even thinking of it for Kate - it would be fantastic on her - and is popular here too. I love the choice of hat and matching bag and the shape is one she likes.
    We have some very sophisticated solids here.
    Inez from Sweden - sunshine amongst the pinks - Kate wears yellow very well - rare for most people - so this would be a great choice. I love the simple, almost architectural lines and how that's picked up with Kate's hat.
    Katelyn from the South - that shade of blue has been called Kate's color here and with good reason - she worn it very successfully. That dress is a wonderful and sophisticated choice - what I would really like to see for Ascot. The hat picks up the mesh in the dress - and those shoes are absolutely fantastic - the sort of fun pumps I'd love to see Kate try. I don't know the designer but those earrings would be great - similar to Kiki yet more dramatic.
    Gabi K. - after two years of white swan - talk about how sophisticated this black lace would be - the lovely floral hat works perfectly with the lace - I wouldn't have believed it without seeing it - and keeps the look in Ascot.
    Rasa - that floral dress was always one of my favourites - I would love to see it revived and Ascot would be the ideal place - the hat was from one of my favourite outfits too - you've done a great job of assembling pieces she already owns.
    All great looks and interesting backs on some of the dresses - I'll continue with Part 2 in a few hours.

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    1. I agree Julia, the dress would indeed be fun without the alterations, but unfortunately not meet the modesty standards at Ascot :( and sadly, I can't think of an occasion where it would be appropriate for Kate to wear something this daring (even though it would look great on her!)


      Smiley

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    2. Notice a lot of spelling errors in these posts - typing too fast - apologies!

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    3. Julia, no problem at all. Thank you for taking the time to do such nice reviews on all the efforts of the people who participated. And for suggesting the idea in the first place. :)

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    4. I enjoy it - it really makes me think about each outfit and the intent of the person who put it together - and I learn so much with fashion ideas I wouldn't have thought of, choices of colour combinations, but without the pretentious faddishness of the fashion magazines.

      What always impresses me is that readers here seem to be thinking of what Kate would be comfortable with - what she would like and could wear - and then taking that as their brief. I was especially amazed on how many brilliant takes on lace there were in these submissions.

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    5. maybe we could do royal doggie outfits next. 🐾

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    6. That they are, Julia, and the thoughtfulness and caring shows. As I've said before, I think Kate would feel very humbled and honored and excited by all the sweet and talented efforts put forth here on DKB each year. 👗👒

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    7. That's exactly what Catherine said when she spotted the dress, Julia. A fairytale princess dress.

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    8. I didn't see that Catherine and you had come up with something, Erika. Nice job . . . and you guys got a bit on the frothy side too! Love the shoe color with it. Catherine was a bit conservative there. Or was that you?

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    9. Very frothy, bluhare. Cat chose the dress. I found the hat. We agreed on the shoes and jewelry. We were on vacation and had one hour in a tea shop to come up with our outfit. Hence, the combined effort.

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    10. If you did all that in an hour, my hat is off to you and Cat, Erika! A very nice and different look.

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  14. Oh, I'm so happy! I meant to join in with the styling, but the only thing I could come up with was the Dolce & Gabbana hydrandea print dresses, and I couldn't think of any accessories to pair them with! Laura Claire and Julie from STL, you have taken those dresses and built beautiful outfits. I had planned on lilac accessories, but couldn't find anything that fit my mental outfit.

    If you visit http://www . dolcegabbana. com /woman/collection/ortensia/ (paste it into your search bar, then delete the spaces), you can see the whole collection. I found it incredibly hard to pick a style from that collection - everything is so beautiful.

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    1. Thanks, Edythe! I just love that print!

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    2. PS I like the hat Laura Claire chose better than the one I did. Lovely!

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  15. Julia from Leominster15 September 2017 at 09:58

    Now for Part 2 - one thing that has really impressed me is the hugely imaginative use of lace in these choices - which Kate has made her signature for Ascot. There are some great examples in these selections.
    MAM picked up this idea with a look I love - a simple white dress with modern lace and a fascinating and contemporary hat - it reminds me a lot of the innovative yet classic look Kate wore in the early years. Love the use of the queen's earrings and Kate's purple sandals.
    German Girl's choice of dress is so pretty - grey is a nice substitute for bridal white and the short sleeves and flattering simple lines reduce the fussiness of Kate's white dresses. That Morgan hat is proving to be a winner with good reason.
    I love the unity of mAndrew27's look - the soft pink is a favourite Kate color - and the bows on the sleeves are picked up with the bows on the shoes and the the bow shape of Kate's hat. The Kiki Morganite earrings are amongst my favourites of hers.
    Meredith Boston has picked up the same theme of favourites with a dress with more flowing lines - and those same popular Morganite earrings. The Treacy is one of Kate's best ever and a great favourite of mine - perfect for Ascot. The outfit reminds me of an early one Diana wore.
    Rachel Jacobs chose an truly beautiful print (wisteria?!)- Valli is one designer I'd love to see Kate try. The shape is one Kate has been shown to love - and I prefer it over the dress she wore to the white garden - it doesn't have the fussy waist treatment. A great choice of accessories.
    Imaginative use of lace has been picked up here by Patricia 1 - I love the teal colour which would be great with Kate's eyes and the dress has a great youthful vibe - the shoes with the straps would be a nice variation on Kate's usual courts.
    Mr D has given the old warhorse from some of our pasts, Lady in Red new meaning here with a really sexy look that still fits Ascot's rules on length - the hat is hugely dashing - Kate would make the headlines with this bold look.
    I like simplicity in design on Kate so I really like Heather from California's dress choice with a beautiful neckline and in a colour Kate loves. It's a very unified look - another thing so many here have done well - with the earrings and the wings of the hat picking up those fantastic pumps - one of the pairs I would love to see Kate buy.
    Sonne has done a great job of making a sexy look within Ascot's rule - that strap is wide enough - I like the picking up of Kate's accessories including the little cross we haven't seen in a long time. The hat ties in perfectly.
    Julie from STL - Another great choice with the hydrangea print - both shapes are ideal for Kate - she would be spoilt for choice. And the hat works perfectly with it and is the small shape she likes so much.
    Will get on the final choices soon.

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  16. Julia from Leominster15 September 2017 at 11:04

    Just asked Leo which look he preferred and he chose the hydrangeas - the man will never cease to amaze me - if I wore that print he would me making jokes about strimmers.

    Looking forward to finishing my third group.

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  17. Prince of Hearts, I nearly got teary for a moment.. and the avocado, a healthy treat for pregnant Kate. People are so very kind and thoughtful. I hope and think that William had a good time with all that love being shared around. So lovely. And some amazing dress choices for Kate! It will be exciting to see if she will choose any of them in the future. Fingers crossed!

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    1. I am sure those words were very dear to him.
      And the avocado was wrapped around with a pretty yellow ribbon.

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    2. That is so thoughtful! I have to admit, when she called him 'Prince of Hearts', I teared up too.

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    3. I agree surfer girl. The avocado was very pretty!!!

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  18. Once again, LOVELY choices throughout!! Well done everybody, great work!
    I immediately took to the "Duchess fan from downunder" outfit - the red, the details, the shoes and bag - exquisite!!
    Erika and Catherine - I LOVED that D&G dress the moment I saw it in a fashion magazine!
    German girl (great to see we have amazing stylists as well! ;-))) ): I could see the Duchess on a really hot weather racing day, wearing this dress. The floral bits on that hat - I would LOVE to have one like that (and the occasions to actually wear it !!)! Where on earth did you find those two very special pieces?

    Ahhh, and those Kiki lavender earrings !! I swear, should I ever be able to get near the Duchess while she´s wearing them, they would be in trouble - and me afterwards, for snatching them.. haha.... the colour, the stones, the design, perfect "bling", if you ask me!

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    1. Thank you so much Eve!

      Germany might not have the fashion reputation of the French, but I think we have some nice designers and stylists (e.g. Escada,...)

      I love all the hats Rachel Trevor-Morgan designed for Kate, so I was browsing her website and as purple is my favourite colour, this pretty hat caught my eye :) then I had to search for a matching dress and as I did not have a specific brand in mind, I just browsed the John Lewis site where I immediately fell in love with the declicate colour and lace of this dress!

      German Girl

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    2. German Girl - Escada was my "dream brand" when I was young!! Margaretha Ley, who unfortunately died so early, was a brilliant designer and truly caught the mood (well, at least mine) of the time.. I loved her campaigns with Supermodel Yasmeen Ghauri whom famous photographer Peter Lindbergh once called "the perfect clothes rack" - because anything she wore looked simply perfect and beautiful.
      And I totally agree - we might not have the REPUTATION, but we definitely got the talent!
      And thanks for introducing me to "John Lewis" - very interesting site indeed... :-)))

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    3. German girl I enjoyed going through your thought process with you as you selected your outfit. It would be interesting to hear how others worked out their plans. Some started with dress, some shoes, the hat--even jewelry as an initial inspiration.

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    4. John Lewis is a great site - but a very dangerous one for one's bank account LOL

      I was so hoping to see Kate wear Escada during the tour of Germany in July, but apparently she didn't find anything she liked...

      German Girl

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    5. Eve, glad to hear you are a fan of the D&G. After we saw it, nothing else would do. Very few people could wear something that over the top but a princess could, I think.

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  19. Sonja from Bavaria15 September 2017 at 14:59

    I am in awe of all the pretty and creative outfits that the blog readers have put together!

    I would like to see Kate wear some of the things mentioned - while it won't happen that she will wear a complete look as suggested here, I am thinking of, like, a pair of shoes, earrings, a hat or dress,...

    What a beautiful hat:
    Julie B, Rachel, German Girl (& Gabi K), Smiley

    I love the dress you picked:
    Erika&Catherine, German Girl, Mr D UK, Francis, Hope USA

    The colour combination is so pretty:
    Franziska (I also love that you chose a top and skirt instead of a dress), Sonne, Erika&Catherine, Laura Claire

    All in all, my favourite looks from this batch are probably German Girl and Franziska's.

    Also, I was surprised to see that so many readers chose nude shoes (mostly her Gianvito Rossi Praline pumps + L K Bennett nina nude clutch) since there've been conplaints about her shoe/bag game being boring and that she should change up the nude for other colours. I like nude accessoires, so I have never had a problem with that, but there have been so many great alternative shoes or bags suggested here that I think Kate should definitely have a look around at other items!

    I've been looking forward to this post all week - I just love cuddling up on the couch after a long day+week of work and browse through the beautiful outfits on this blog :)

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  20. Finally for the third group - there has been so much creativity with this project and people have done so well finding hats that perhaps we can do another fashion feature with hats again - the new little ones christening? Garden parties? Ascot again? All would be fun.

    Charlotte, I hope we get to see your choice!

    Francis - this is very much a look Kate would feel at home with - but less fussy than her choices - and I love the idea of lace from the dress being picked up on a bespoke hat.
    Rachel - Kate's mint lace has proved to be a favourite for an Ascot repeat - it would have been my first thought too. I've enjoyed seeing how people have styled it and the rose hat actually works very well - again seeing is believing.
    Hope USA - I really like this dress - the material is rich, the style is one Kate likes, but the lines are simple - and you're quite right, for this dress neutral accessories are best because the colour is so bold - thoughtful about the shoes, and I like the hat choice.
    Christine from N.J. - this dress has proved popular - it reminds one of the dress Kate wore to Pippa's wedding and the white Beulah she has. The navy is unusual - always a favourite of mine and a colour Kate wore early and looked great in - the pop of color of the hat keeps it lively - just like those York girls.
    Julie B - I might have chosen this dress had I seen it, it has the modern lace look with the elegant guipure, the simple style and relaxed feel I love - and the hat - in the correct colour - would work well with it. Love the use of the queen's earrings.
    Elle- I like pink and black together - it has a flair and works well with this dress - I particularly like the black hat and the pearls. Not as much a fan of bell sleeves but they are very fashionable and Kate likes them.
    Emily from Illinois - I like the pink Beulah much better than the dress Kate chose for Pippa's wedding - more youthful - it's very pretty in pink and I love my favourite - and judging from the response - everyone's favourite - hat with it. (Well deserved it was one of the most stylish Kate has worn.)
    Floridagirl - (hope you are doing okay and see this) A lovely light lace dress with the touch of additional lace - and I like the pops of colour - one of the things Kate's look was missing - the pale blue is an inspired choice.
    Jen - I think you should win some sort of award for one of the best matchings of hat and dress - I like how the black lines cut across the floral dress and then that hat makes the whole outfit hugely smart - it picks up the bow in the dress (a new Kate favourite) without weighing the look down - the block heeled sandals finish that look and Kiki's earrings add sparkle.
    Franziska - I wouldn't have thought of separates and really like the idea - the skirt makes the outfit dress, and love the different shades - from deep purple to soft violet and lavender and the dressy little hat. I can see Letizia - who does so well with separates really embracing this look too if she ever came to Ascot. It's a look she has made her own and one I think Kate would look brilliant in - picking the right accessories is everything - what was missing when Kate wore that white blouse.

    All fantastic looks - all thirty of them!!! Not to mention what came in the two sections before. This has been amazingly fun and thank you Charlotte for making it happen - and thank you posters for wonderful contributions.
    Going to try just Julia and see if Mr Pip appears.

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    1. (It is so nice to see the puppy.) :)

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    2. Julia! Christening outfits! A different vibe from Ascot and theatre engagement.

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    3. Julia. Has he started asking for extra treats yet or his own agent or anything? :)

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    4. Congratulations on your picture thingy, surfer girl! Very nice. If it is a bouquet of flowers in a vase then it reminds me of the lovely Leeds Castle in England which I visited years ago and which had exquisite flower decorations in every room.

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    5. I googled Leeds Castle. It is lovely. :)

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  21. Sonja from Bavaria15 September 2017 at 15:11

    I just noticed that you did not put together an outfit for Kate, Charlotte! I loved your personal picks for the 'Styling Kate for the Canadian tour'

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  22. I don't think I have ever seen a group of such beautiful dresses all in one place before! The florals especially caught my eye followed by the laces, but Duchess Fan from Down Under and her choice is my favorite. What an eye-catching dress - I loved everything about it.

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    1. Yes, the Duchess Fan from Down Under really brought it! :)

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    2. Duchess fan from Downunder16 September 2017 at 08:53

      Thanks, Ladies xx

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    3. Duchess fan from Downunder16 September 2017 at 09:00

      You guys made my night with your kind words :)

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  23. Wonderful to see Prince William visiting the sick and elderly, and making people happy. I hope the Duchess of Cambridge continues to improve and delivers a healthy baby. The style/ fashion ideas are excellent. I would purchase all of them. Great job! Thanks, Charlotte and thanks to all of you who submitted fashion style ideas.

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  24. Charlotte, thanks for your continued hard work on this post. I always find it interesting to see what everyone would choose. I did have some favorites.

    Mary from CR's Carolina Herrera's - who doesn't love CH? - white dress with the appliqued flowers is wonderfully stylish and elegant.

    mAndrew27 - another dress by ROKSANDA is quite striking

    Heather from California - the neckline on the Docle & Gabbana dress is really love and would be stunning on Kate

    Charlotte, thanks for your continued hard work on this post. I always find it interesting to see what everyone would choose. I did have some favorites.

    Mary from CR's Carolina Herrera's - who doesn't love CH? - white dress with the appliqued flowers is wonderfully stylish and elegant.

    mAndrew27 - another dress by ROKSANDA which is quite stunning

    Heather from California - the neckline on the Dolce & Gabbana dress is really lovely and would be stunning on Kate

    Julie B's dress by Burberry is chic and I totally see Kate wearing it (although, I envision it at a different type of event)

    The two Lela Rose dresses are both pretty. Really lovely hats chosen by everyone - as that's my favorite part about this styling challenge.

    Hopefully one or several of use will see our choices on Kate in the future!

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  25. Bravo, everyone! You’ve created beautiful outfits – the Duchess would look striking wearing each and every one of these...

    My personal favorites among these were created by Mary from CR, Rasa, Duchess fan from Downunder, Erika and Catherine, K – Sophia, MAM in US, Mr D – UK, and Hope US – there’s just something in the overall composition of these outfits that resonates with me …

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    1. Duchess fan from Downunder16 September 2017 at 08:59

      Thanks, Miol Mor :)

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    2. Miol Mor, thank you!

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    3. Thank you, Miol Mor :)
      Mary from CR

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  26. Did you experience any of Harvey, Lynn?

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    1. If you meant me - Lynn in SC - yes, I experienced some of Irma, but I was very well prepared and if I HAD thought about whining about my minor flooding and no electricity I hope I would have told myself to "snap outta it".

      You can't live directly on the ocean and be too surprised when a storm gets you, but I experienced mere annoyances; I did not endure life threatening, deadly winds and I had a safe place for evacuation.

      My heart goes out to all that suffered, and are still suffering, from Harvey and Irma.

      And now London with another terrorist attack! It is hard enough to cope with Mother Nature - dealing with the pain humans cause each other is just about too much.

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    2. yep. I meant you. Thankful you and yours are okay. :) You had mentioned you were prepping days ago prior to the storm.

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    3. Lynn, I´m glad you´re ok! And I 100% agree with what you say. What humans are capable of doing to each other - it´s absolutely unbelievable.

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  27. Rasa, excellent choice on the "repeat" from Singapore! And wow-what a stylistic group! Do some of you do this for a living?! If so, can we talk? My wardrobe needs a refresh. :)

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  28. Maggie - Minneapolis15 September 2017 at 20:34

    Wonderful Ascot choices all around! I hope Kate's helpers are paying attention :)

    Also, I didn't get around to commenting on George's first day because of hurricane things (yes, I know, I live in Minneapolis but ended up being in Texas for Harvey and Florida for Irma somehow...), so bare with me while I do it now. George looked so adorably serious/nervous going in! I was really happy to see that before-school picture by Chris Jackson that they released later on in the day - it's good to see that he was in good spirits at least before getting to school. And that smile is just so adorable. And one parent coming along to drop off for school is actually a very "normal" thing, probably one of the most normal things he's had in his life, although of course if Kate was sad to miss getting to go, then I feel for her as I feel for any other parent who would be sad to miss that day. But at least his very first day of school was nursery and both parents made that! A luxury that most families cannot afford, of course.

    I will say, for two parents who spend so much time apparently focusing on giving their children "normal" childhoods, they certainly picked a very posh school! While yes, going to this school will help George *technically* not remain behind palace walls, the lunch menu alone seems to make that more of a symbolic gesture than anything else lol. If they want him to experience a normal childhood, why not send him to a state school?

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    1. Apparently there's been an upsurge of French lentil sales since the menu was published, Maggie! Poor George must only get the mid morning snack if he goes home at lunchtime.

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    2. Maggie, you were caught in the path of both hurricanes?! Goodness me...glad to hear you're OK! & to anyone else who was caught up in those terrible disasters, I hope you are doing OK & are well.

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    3. Maggie. Reminds of The Beach Boys song, "I Get Around".
      The bad guys being Harvey and Irma. :)

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    4. "upsurge in French lentils sales", lol.
      (probably true)

      The headmaster there did say, I think, that younger children will be eased into more routines as time goes by, including eating lunch there,
      George's class most likely hasn't reached that level yet. :)

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    5. Puy lentils!! I got it wrong. Puy lentils must be ever so much posher. :)

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    6. I love lentils. I just prepared some this week. I haven't heard of Puy lentils though. Variety in lentils is a good thing. I'll have to see if San Diego has any Puy lentils. 👩🏻‍🍳
      Thanks, bluhare. :)

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    7. Julia from Leominster17 September 2017 at 22:41

      I've heard of Puy lentils but not sure if I've ever tasted knowingly them.

      I happen to have a Good Schools Guide from 2005, long before George was thought of, and I don't get the impression Thomas's was thought of as any posher than any other private prep - it also seem like a strange fit for shy little George - 'applicants need to have a measure of confidence, be responsive, sociable with a light in their eyes' directly from the head - and 'a big busy school...' it's dubbed 'a lively, likeable school' and a sister school mentions 'not for the withdrawn type.' Schools do change, and Battersea has become more and more fashionable, but it isn't the most obvious royal choice. I suspect it had a lot to do with the private entrance as much as anything - not all schools have that - especially in London, and William and Kate didn't pick the one nearest Kensington. I'm sure special efforts will be made on George's behalf - no matter what is said - but for the average lad with his personality, I would suspect the place would be overwhelming - puy lentils or no lentils.

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    8. I dunno, Julia. He is shy or reluctant-appearing around unknown photographers, --in contrast to that saucy smile in the one Chris Jackson took. I think that is the George the school will see once he becomes accustomed to his surroundings. From the way the head mistress gently, yet respectfully approached him, the lower school may have a less intimidating environment than you described, which is reasonable. When I compare this to Gordonstoun and the like, I have no fears for that one. Not after seeing his fascination with the mural on his first day of nursery school at age three. I also remember his Mum having to scold him after he was apparently a little rough with his cousins at the Polo field. And his very unrepentant expression afterwards. I think once away from parents and Nanny and palaces he will emerge as a curious and fun-loving lad who is eager to learn and do new things.

      I hope these continued security concerns don't put an end to his outside school for awhile. It must be a hard call to make for his parents:the desire to set an example and not give in to terror yet the likely fear for their child. I thought it a strange episode. I doubt we will ever know the whole story around the "attempted burglary." (which is generally, at least in US, an act that occurs at night without the victims presence)

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  29. WoW! Well done stylists!! I've really enjoyed these looks for Ascot. I have to say there are numerous pieces that have become ones I would be thrilled to see the Duchess in and I may look to see if there's some 'repliKate' options out there for myself. ;)

    Just to name a few (cause I could be here a while if I mentioned all the wonderful pieces that I loved):
    I loved the outfits by Smiley, Duchess Fan from Downunder, and Hope USA. Spectacular choices!
    I loved the green shoes that Erika and Catherine found.
    I think K-Sophia's idea for Diana's triple pearl choker with that dress would be awesome on the Duchess. (Have we seen her much in chokers before? I don't recall.)
    mAndrew27--that's a great dress! I love the color. I think pink would be an excellent choice for Ascot.
    Christine from NJ: I like this outfit too, a pop of color would be a great touch (I personally think a red ribbon on the hat would look pretty awesome.)
    My favorite pieces of jewelry are the Kiki Aurora Lemon and Diamond drop earings!! I want these at a price I can afford!! Haha.
    Jen: that hat and the envelope clutch! I love those too!!
    I'll stop there. But seriously, I have to agree with Lacy in L.A. Do some of you guys do this for a living? These outfits are well matched with all the accessories. I love that so many chose flowery prints and bright colors. Or really spectacular shoes.
    Well done!!! Enjoyed seeing all these!

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    1. Duchess fan from Downunder16 September 2017 at 08:58

      Thanks, Jess x

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    2. We couldn't believe we actually found that shade of green Jess.

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  30. First, my thoughts go out to the people in London. My heart goes out to everyone impacted by yet another attack.

    Regarding the styles here, I am seriously impressed by so many beautiful outfits! Smiley, Mary from CR, Gaby K, K-Sophia, and Heather from CA, I want your choices in my closet! Wow, ladies. :-)

    Erika and Catherine, talk about a stop in your tracks look. Very feminine and sophisticated indeed. And I hope you don't mind, but I am also thinking of Princess Michael and Maxima here...I enjoy their styles and I could imagine both of them "rocking" this look (as they say). :-)

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    1. +1, royalfan,as far as London is concerned... More violence... :( I'm only grateful no-one died this time but still, it is horrible!
      Prince William was really great in Liverpool. I'm sure he brightened many people's day.
      The outfits are lovely! My favourite ones are Heather's and German Girl's.
      Thank you, Charlotte and all participants!

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    2. Yes, it is in Max's and PM's rather over the top style, isn't it royalfan. Catherine found the dress and the inspiration for the hat was Lady Gabriella Windsor's that she wore for the Cambridge's wedding. It was a similar style but in blue. I think the DoC can wear bigger and more elaborate chapeaus. Lady Gabriella may be taller than Kate but her facial features are smaller, so I think Kate can get away with wearing some of the more dramatic hats. Not that she would but she could:)

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    3. I agree, Zora. I think William did just fine!

      Erika and Catherine, I think you ladies did an amazing job of putting together an outfit that is feminine, pretty, AND a wee bit daring. Kudos to both of you! :-) And I do agree on the larger hats. I so wish that Kate would wear more of them.

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    4. Thank you, royalfan :)
      Mary from CR

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    5. Mary from CR, you're welcome:-)

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  31. I woke this morning to the news of an explosion in the underground. First reports calling this another terrorist attack. I pray no one has lost their life. My thoughts go out to all the people in London.

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  32. There is such talent, style, and just hard work exhibited in these outfits! Many had the look of a professional stylist. I mean that sincerely.
    A little sad to think she may miss the next Ascot or be limited in her wardrobe choices for Royal Ascot 2018--depending upon when baby Cambridge makes her debut.
    I think of that Packham gown she wore to that gala about six weeks after George (?) was born. And then I console myself with the image of Kate in skinny jeans leaping for that volleyball not long after that. William will most certainly appear. I think she will make every effort to join him.

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  33. I missed out on parts 1 and 2 of Ascot commenting because I was away. I am not a fashion expert; I found it easiest to comment assuming Kate is wearing them. Just as we like, and don’t like some of her style on her, that is how I commented. It is purely from that point of view and the way I saw it.

    -Kate looks well-coordinated in elegant black and white. I assume her make-up will complement the earrings. Style by Smiley

    -It is touch of artistically coordinated black and white ensemble with elegant shoes and hat / sophisticated simplicity. Style by Mary from CR

    -The mellow yellow dress, with the earrings, looks gently feminine ( Kate with her three children at a formal Christmas lunch). Why the blush heels? The hat and clutch complemented… Inez from Sweden

    -Beautiful hat by Gabi K

    -The shoes pick up the dress and the other way around. The earrings and purse nicely coordinated. Those shoes are lovely. Katelyn from the South

    -Kate is complete, beautiful, well-coordinated, well-chosen dress and accessories except my own temptation to make the rose on the hat red too. She has joined the colorfully attires crowd of Ascot, and no longer all in white/ and in lace. That is some style by Duchess down under

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    1. Duchess fan from Downunder17 September 2017 at 11:17

      Thanks, Anon15

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    2. Anon 15, thank you :)

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  34. -Kate looks gently feminine. The clutch and hat work very well. Personally, I don’t care for tear drop pearls/ they remind me of many weddings, and forever for bridesmaids etc/ here they are popular. Those mint green shoes do go with the rest of the items, but if only another item also matches and picked it. Erika and Catherine

    -De ja vous? It looks like the Taj Mahal blue, in black. If only the clutch wasn’t black. The accessories starting from the earrings/ all R side seem to go well with the dress. Then Kate looks good. K-Sophia

    -All accessories are beautiful, and those emerald color shoes are solid. I know the dress from a past life, so will skip on that. The way you coordinated it is fantastic attention in detail. Laura

    -It looks like a nicely cool and comfortable looking dress. I wondered if the pearls were black stone, and also the shoes in black. Or play with color and polka dots in same color as the shoes. MAM in US

    -Sophisticated elegance/ different.. German Girl

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  35. -All the blush color looks calming beautiful and feminine. The sleeves might be high fashion; it is a matter of personal test. By mAndrew27

    -Well-coordinated peach/ blush, and blooming feminine by Meredith Boston

    -At the rate Kate had favored midi dresses / sometimes floral, I see her in this entire ensemble may be at Easter in near or distant future. By Rachel Jacobs

    -Kate has to wear everything as is except I don’t know about the color of the shoes. These days, it seems to be the in thing to wear color different from what matches, mixes or high lights the rest of the outfit and accessories. There is something appealing and adorable about it without being “sexy”. May be wear it in a special date with William.

    Kate is a guest to watch a fashion show.. That is some sophistication. Style by Mr. D .United Kingdom

    -Those are beautifully coordinated earrings and hat. Kate is on a tour somewhere wearing those shoes. She is at work with that dress. Heather from California

    -It makes you happy to be a girl or have a daughter. The art and colorful life of women can express themselves. Kate should mesmerize William now and then on a date away from it all looking like that. The cross adds on to the beauty of it all. Style by Sonne

    -Julie from STL. That hat works with that dress. It makes you long for the outdoors field of flowers.

    -I have more fan just looking at the styles first, and then the names. When I first saw this dress, I thought somebody did a good shopping for Kate, and then the name. The earrings and the hat all look comfortably in place. Style by Francis.

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    1. -Kate has to wear everything... ( 4th from 02:21) That is style by Patricia 1. Sorry, I forgot to include the name.

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    2. 22:24 / Anon15 / 5 was missing
      ---------

      -Rasa / I thought that dress has an abstract design and may be not easy to find the right accessories. By blending
      a beautiful burgundy hat. The earrings with that color, makes me think somehow the colors are related colors from the dress with a beautiful hat and earrings, you have the style dressed up.

      -Rachel / You chose in mysterious ways. A good painter might know how and why. The dress is of course beautiful, and makes me wonder in what other color had it worked out.

      -Hope USA /The dress is Kate; she likes that kind of cut. The shape reminded me of the yellow dress she wore in Germany on a recent tour. The material and color is delightful. The color keeps reminding me of Mediterranean fruit, pomegradine, and fruit including even the lite yellow flesh similar to the lite yellow between the flowers of the dress.

      -Christine from NJ / The dress in navy looks very comfortable, and well accessorized with a touch of red for a flag color symbol. It is a maturely elegant look. It can serve Kate well for official engagements too.

      -Julie B / The dress is between the skies some days, and the calm clean ocean other days, or something pure and innocent. The dress is calming beautiful, and perfectly done with the earrings and hat.


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    3. Rasa and Rachel,

      I apologize. I think some words were cut off.

      -Rasa / I thought that dress has an abstract design and may be not easy to find the right accessories. By blending the beautiful hat and earrings which picked some color from the outfit, you dressed it up.

      -Rachel/ That is a beautiful hat with those roses. The colors of the hat and the earrings seem relatable in mysterious ways. A good painter might know how and why. The dress is of course beautiful, and makes me wonder in what other color had it worked out.

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  36. There are nine more left from Ascot 3 to comment, and to be continued. The Bond Premier, the ones with flowing dresses may fit best. There are some of those in that collection which are typical of Kate's favorites. I hope Charlotte will have time to post them and move on to other blogs.

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    1. All of them are beautifully done, and well done sets fit for Ascot. Kate wore white for three different horse shows, and two of those times, lace dresses. Whatever her reason for doing that, she has succeeded, may be to be expected to wear white again. Many of these sets will look wonderful in many other occasions also Kate attends (holidays, weddings, theaters, and some engagements). For now, the fan for me is, as observer of her style, by others. The rest is to be continued.

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    2. Elle / The contrast between the mellow blush/ rose and the deep bold black, is striking all nicely accessorized and presented well. The pearl encased in a round shape with drop earrings complements the very lively style you have coordinated.

      Emily from Illinois/ You chose matured elegance which hat complements those kinds of sleeves.

      -Floridagirl /You kept Kate at her favorite standard for Ascot with a youthful touch and subtly transformed some colors into her all white. She will have to do that; how much all white lace can a person wear? To plan styles from what the person likes is so important. It is as much important to convince the wearer to dare something out of their comfort zone. A lot of the stylists have done that too. You did fantastic / well rules on length, for Ascot? Right now the idea is what matters and a couple of inches longer on the hem, voila, all complete.

      -Jen/ Every time I see this dress I think of Japan. It is an enchanting dress which accessories you chose perfectly fitting.

      -Franziska / pleated skirt is turned into a merry elegance with that hat and those earrings, beautifully color coordinated purple and violet. The blush set seem on their own, although it picked up some color from the hat. It is an interesting mix and match.

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  37. There seems to be some terrorist threat in UK. Please stay on the alert and try to stay safe. Best wishes to all who are in that area.

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  38. Wow such beautiful outfits. I love all of them. I might snag a couple of these ideas for myself. There's so much talent on this blog. Keep it up ladies.

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  39. I think it is lovely when folks compare William to his cherished mother. However I have noticed a bias in that his other parent, Charles, has a way with folks too. In fact, that picture above of William laughing and engaged with the woman wearing the Nike sweatshirt, looks remarkably like Charles. It is pretty well known that I am not a royalist per se, but more of a observer of royal life and interested in media and public relations. Yet, I don't recall ever reading an article where William was favorably compared to his father and his work. And I think that is a systematic failure on the part of those who report on the royal beat and not just an individual reporter preference. Very interesting reporting pattern to observe and take note of. "William is kind, like his father." You never see that written. Or am I mistaken?

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    1. That is kind of true. Charles seem to be more of an aquired taste, very much enhanced by all the drama around him. He seems to be a warm and fun person that goes home well with most he meets but he can also be kind of awkward. In a way, that kind of explains William as well. Harry and Diana are/were the more "in your face"/obvious charming people. And that is wonderful. But that kind has generally not drawn me in too much.. Nothing wrong with it, but it's not much my taste (although... when I think of it... I'm more of the loud "in your face" kind of person so who knows what that says about me!). So Williams warmness is very appealing to me!

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    2. First, nice to see you back Florida Moxie - hope you did all right with that dreadful Irma.
      This is just my opinion but Charles is inherently a reserved man. Years of experience have given him a certain polish meeting people in ordinary situations but he still sometimes over-emotes (so does Kate at times.) He doesn't have that warm-hearted intuitive way Diana did. They were actually a very good team in public - if not personally - because they balanced each other, in a way that Camilla doesn't.

      There are excellent points Charles does have. A strong work-ethic (by royal standards) he does a lot, and also has a passion for making a change in the nation in a variety of ways and a passion for certain causes - from architecture to the environment - one truly gets a sense of his responsibility for the position he has. Whilst it was something of an advert for Duchy Originals, there was a fairly in depth article on Charles and his organic farming in Hello! two weeks ago. Sometimes these passions prove to be mistakes - and some of them seem a bit erratic - like his passion for saving Dumfries House, (as admirable as that is, a lot of houses don't get saved) but the good intention is there.

      William doesn't get compared to Charles in this way because he hasn't yet proven himself on work ethic and on a deep interest in the issues of the nation. So a favourable comparison is not yet there on these points. Charles doesn't seem to have been very successful in getting his sons interested in his causes - so it's hard to say what will happen to the Prince's Trust for instance.

      William has embraced some of the environmental issues but his interest in some ways has seemed more that of fashionable wealthy young men who have also jumped on this with great enthusiasm as long as it doesn't interfere with what they want to do. Head's Together is the closest William has come but again his approach is different. Along with Harry and Kate, another reason I call them a trio, there's their foundation which seems very much a cipher - a way to raise money from the rich - but without the public face of Charles' causes. There has been an undercurrent that William has looked for a way to minimise traditional royal work which is completely unlike either his father or his mother.

      These engagements - really connecting with people, sitting on beds, generating enthusiasm in elderly patients really does remind me more of Diana. Again, I was mocked by Diana critics but one thing I noticed with her was how she got down to people's levels - she didn't bend over people, but would even sit on the floor to get close to them at eye-level. It was a very personal way of dealing with engagements - and William did remind me very much of his mum here.

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    3. Moxie. :)
      You are alive and thriving. :) I am thankful you made it through Irma. yay
      A unique perspective noticing William is not compared to Charles. I haven't ever read anything linking him to Charles' endeavors or characteristics either (except went he was being coached a little about Duchy stuff). There again, why their PR departments don't have photos of them together and also together with George and Charlotte is a PR mystery. Just to show continuity if nothing else. The narratives might even change, a little at least, then. Good to hear from you, Moxie. :)

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    4. Florida Moxie, beware, you might be crucified for that! (just joking...)
      I agree with you. You follow the coverage of his engagements (and he has many of them!!) and there are SO MANY photos where you see him laughing with people, engaging with them and - after so many years - still visibly interested in them.
      I remember very well, how, when he founded the Prince´s Trust, we here in Germany envied the British people for having him (would you believe it!)! Whereas over here everybody was just talking and talking about youth unemployment (which was very high here as well, at the end of the 70ies/beginning of the 80ies), he actually DID something that was useful, targeted - and followed up by him IN PERSON. We were impressed.
      Even back in the early 90ies, he said that the reconciliation of the world´s biggest religions would be one of the major challenges for the next decade, and how right he was. People were laughing at him back then...
      So I agree with you,it would be nice to give Charles credit - but I fear the press writes what they think people want to hear.....

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    5. When has anyone mocked you for being a Diana fan, Julia? Seriously. Disagree with some things you say, yes, but not mocked. I don't think that's a fair statement at all.

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    6. Rebecca. Your "Charles is more of an acquired taste" made me laugh out loud. Very aptly put.
      Aside from the thing with Camilla, him trying to bulldoze his wife and a few way out there ideologies, I like Charles. But I agree that he could very easily be perceived as an "acquired taste". lol

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    7. Moxie, I recall that you are in a medical profession. Were you working during the two hurricanes? If you were among those who went to help the victims, you are to be applauded, and I hope the onditions were conducive to good outcomes.

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    8. Sorry, I was addressing Maggie from Minneapolis! I know Moxie lives in Florida and am glad to know you are safe!

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    9. I do think that Charles has mellowed a bit with age and he has his moments. But as for being given credit for William and Harry turned out, I don't think it's difficult to see why he doesn't receive it; the man wrote his own bio years ago and the title was "Diana".

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    10. Julia from Leominster17 September 2017 at 10:23

      bluhare - not on this blog - I should have made that clear.

      Maggie from Minneapolis - what an experience!!! Glad you're okay.

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    11. No worries, Julia, I was just frantically reviewing in my mind as I didn't think people had been mocking here. And don't feel alone. I get mocked for being a Kate sugar when I post on some sites. It's true! Not so much any more, because I can't be bothered to post much any more.

      To get back to Moxie's original point, though, I do think it's a bit unfair that Charles gets no credit at all, and a testament to the strength of Diana's narrative after all these years.

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    12. I think that the reason Charles does not get any credit is that he was very absent from the boys' childhood. I imagine that they would see him a few times a week in early childhood, during vacations and occasionally during weekends. Which is probably more than how much Charles and Anne got to see the Queen and PP, but miniscule compared to the time William spends with his own children. On top of that Charles also traveled extensively, both for duties and also for many 'alone' trips or 'painting' trips. And of course he was conducting an affair with Camilla this whole time. I seriously doubt that he was a steady presence in the household between ages 4-12. So I think that William has the sense that he hardly ever saw Charles in his childhood, and probably saw him less than Diana. And then of course he was packed off to Eton and then Diana died and that was that - he had to grow up in a hurry by himself.
      Compare that to Michael Middleton's role in his household - daily presence, dressing up at Christmas, the anchor of the home.. On top of that Michael probably spends more time with George and Charlotte now, while Charles is trotting off on his royal duties. So with all of this in the background W probably judges Charles very very harshly, maybe even more harshly than Charles should be judged, given his own crazy upbringing with no Queen or PP to be found anywhere. So I am not at all surprised that Charles gets no credit at all. I am not sure his opinion of Charles is colored at all by Diana - I think it is colored entirely by seeing how the Middletons raised their family. I think both William and Harry hold this as their model. William might mellow towards Charles with time, though. It might take a few more years.

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    13. The story that Charles was absent from their childhoods is a bit of a myth, Rosman. When they were older I think that was probably true and also I've read Diana didn't make it easy for him to see them either. But he certainly stepped up to the plate when their mother died.

      No question Michael Middleton was around more. From all accounts his marriage to their mother was solid and they were a middle class family that apparently didn't have a houseful of staff either. Much more relaxed I'd say. However, other than the story about his Christmas outfits, you don't hear much about him, unlike Charles - whose wife was critical about him more than she should have been publicly in my opinion. No one wonders how much damage that stuff did to her children. It had to have had an effect too.

      However, no desire to get into all that again. Enjoy your chats.

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    14. Having been following the royal family right along, I'm not convinced Charles was a huge presence in the boy's lives after their mum died. I'm not saying he was absent all together but the impression I had then - and still hold - is that during those years he was obsessed with his relationship with Camilla and getting it to the stage he could marry her. By the time he achieved that, the boys were grown with little interest in his activities and rather wild - allowed too much freedom with too little supervision and too much of it delegated in the hands of others.

      William himself has stated he doesn't want to be a father obsessed with work but as the child of a very busy father myself, I know a lot of it is time management - and I suspect not all of Charles' free time was devoted to his sons. Again in these recent programmes we're left with the impression the boys didn't feel they had enough time with either parent.

      This doesn't mean Charles didn't care and that there weren't holidays together (hence the release of that recent photo) but that his main attention was on Camilla and her acceptance - that's where we saw most of the articles and photos. It's sadly not an uncommon scenario that a parent's new relationship detracts from the relationship with his or her children, even unintentionally.

      There has been such unpleasantness written about Diana in late years, I suspect that's where the connection with Charles has suffered fractures because unquestionably a lot of this comes from his and Camilla's supporters and his sons must know that. I get the impression there has been a growing distancing in recent years - that before the relationship may have been more indifferent. But I do think the Middletons stepped in and filled a void for William.

      People often parent the way their parents did to a considerable extent, even if they really didn't like that - they simply don't have a good image for how to do it differently (hence I think it was George V who said his father was frightened of his mother, and he was frightened of his father and he was going to make sure his children were frightened of him) I don't believe there was such an intent with Charles but from reports Diana had to push him to be more hands on - I doubt Camilla carried on with such pushing - probably quite the opposite. It's too bad, but Charles is hardly the only father to find there's a price for turning his attention elsewhere at crucial stages in his sons' lives - just one of the most famous.
      https://www.google.com/search?q=george+v+quote+on+terrified+of+father&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS710US710&oq=george+v+quote+on+terrified+of+father&aqs=chrome..69i57.9138j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

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    15. Rosman and Julia, I agree with much of what you say.

      Charles may have regretted some of the circumstances from his own childhood, but it does not appear that he ever made a conscious decision (unlike Diana) to see to it that his sons had a very different experience. And I think his recent comments about George (on his first day of school) support this; he is more about philosophy than hands-on reality.

      I realize that work related obligations played a role in PC's presence in his son's lives, but so did "other priorities". And I think the "other priorities" became increasingly important to him after his divorce from Diana when he put campaign Camilla at the top of the list. If the boys were his priority after Diana died, I think we would have seen his sons accompany him on engagements over the years, or travel with him on father and son vacations. And, had he built a solid foundation with his boys (and it's not like he could blame Diana for keeping them away from him after her death!), I suspect that a better relationship with G&C would have been the next natural step.

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  40. I have been wondering about exiting a carriage in a sheath dress and high heels. Then Princess Victoria of Sweden nimbly demonstrated how to do it! So probably the lovely sheaths in this round of styles would work at Ascot for Kate, who is at least equally agile. I particularly like the G&B sheath chosen by Duchess Fan from Down Under - what luscious red roses! And I love the pretty Burberry lace dress Julie B found. Wonder how it would look with those pale grey pumps Kate wore in Belgium.

    Speaking of accessories, both the shoes and clutch I chose have now turned up in nude versions for fall. I wondered if black made this look too dark for Ascot, but liked it with the dress and hat. Nude could be used with the teal dress for a different occasion, though, along with Kate's leafy gold earrings. If you can enlarge the picture of the dress, you'll see it has nice vertical lines of reverse stitching that make the knit quite graceful. Thanks to those who like the teal dress.

    I am so sorry to read of another terrorist attack in London, and so glad that apparently no one died.

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    1. Julia from Leominster16 September 2017 at 15:05

      And Sophie demonstrated how it can go wrong - and in a full skirt. I suspect the heels are the trickiest part.

      I remember seeing Diana going down a flight of steps in that gorgeous gold and cream Edelstein gown and a pair of evening courts and thinking 'goodness how can she do it without holding on' and later reading that she said she was thinking the whole time she hoped she didn't fall down those stairs!

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    2. I think Sophie was thrown off balance by a sudden motion of the carriage, probably thanks to a restless horse. Fortunately, she was not on her way down the steps yet, and therefore fell toward Kate who was still seated. I loved the "safe pair of hands" headline!

      The Queen can still descend from a carriage safely at 91, even in her Opening of Parliament gown and slippers, although Prince Philip's hand is always nearby. This must require royal practice and sense of balance much better than mine! And I am still quite a few years younger.

      Gracefully removing oneself from a horse drawn vehicle in a sheath and four inch heels is another matter. And yes, Kate like Diana goes up and down stairs without holding the rail or even looking at the steps, though she has become more careful when carrying a little one. William's hand is ignored unless Kate has recently had a spinal block!

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    3. Julia from Leominster17 September 2017 at 22:43

      I believe you're correct - it did make for fun photos. I noticed it was a bit of a challenge for Letizia to step down in her heels on the state visit.

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  41. Patricia I for me is the winner of this group.
    Thank you Charlotte for such a fun!

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    1. Thank you, Paola, I am honored!

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    2. How are you doing, Paola? How are classes?
      your students? :)

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    3. Hi SG, I'm fine thank you! Working hard as always. A new book is on his way, so I have little time to read the blog and to answer. And you? A big hug to you and all of you, readers and commenters!

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    4. Thanks, Paola. I receive that hug, :).
      So glad to know you are doing good and doing what you love. Please keep us apprised about your book. We think that Meghan might be doing "Kate things" and Kate has also, but not as much as usual. But I can fill you in on all of that later, lol. Keep writing away and changing the world by teaching. Pop in a lot to say hi though, okay.x

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    5. SG, you are a very shrewd super-sleuth, no Kate-thing will escape to your magnifying glass!

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    6. awh, thanks Paola. I do try, lol. :)

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  42. For a private school that is so expensive, I would have thought they had better security.....
    Sunny

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  43. The apparent lack of security is preposterous. If the overall lack is true, the lady may have been a plant by the security powers that be to expose the lack and to get the school and parents onboard with installing security levels designed for a king. It is incredible that William and Kate would have entrusted George into anything less.

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    1. I agree, SG. And it's scenarios such as this nightmare that I consider when people talk about how good they have it. Yes, they do, BUT....... No, thank you. I'd rather walk into Starbucks as "Anonymous."

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    2. I know, rf. It is such an unusual existence. Challenging to even comprehend that level of scrutiny and living with always possible danger. And, all the while having to be smiley and "perfect", and politically correct.

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  44. P.S. That kind of thing is not uncommon in political/military situations. It is textbook classic.
    There is a name for it but I forget what it is.

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  45. I'm so glad we all got the chance to style Kate for Ascot. I would LOVE to see one of our Duchess Kate blog looks on the Duchess next year. If she wants to keep with the white tradition, we've certainly given her enough modern choices. The consensus I'm getting looking at all the looks is a desire for bolder hats and accessories that are not matchy-matchy with the outfit.

    Smiley - I love the combination of white and black with a pop of color from the Amethyst Earrings
    Mary from CR - This is one of my favorite dresses that has been suggested. I love Carolina Herrera and I agree on wanting to see a more "extravagant hat"
    Rasa - Way to shop Kate's closet! I love the Erdem dress with the 2011 Order of the Garter Hat
    Inez from Sweden - I love the lines of this dress. I feel like Emilia Wickstead has the perfect classic style for Ascot.
    Gabi K - I think Ascot can handle black. I love that the black dress makes the hat the standout piece.
    Katelyn from the South - My favorite clutch that has been suggested!
    Duchess Fan from Down Under - I love the red accessories with the white and red dress. Very Edgy!
    Erika and Catherine - I love the 3D flowers on the D&G dress!
    K-Sophia - This dress reminds be of the dress Kate wore to the Taj Mahal - an all-time favorite
    Laura Claire - Love the print and we know Kate looks good in this dress!
    MAM in US - I love the polka dots on the hat (we know Kate can rock the polka dots)!
    German Girl - Excellent shoes!
    mAndrew27 - This is a stunning color for Kate and I love the sleeves
    Meredith, Boston - Great Color! I think the hat would be perfect for Ascot
    Rachel Jacobs - One of my favorites! I love the sleeves and the length (and the print)!
    Patricia 1 - I like the white hat with the teal dress.
    Mr. D, United Kingdom - We all know Kate looks good in red. Perfect accessorizing!
    Heather from California - Great color choice!
    Sonne - Beautiful color and I like that you picked familiar accessories for Kate with a more daring color
    Julie from STL - Beautiful print!
    Francis - I'd be happy with a white repeat at Ascot if Kate wore this!
    Rachel - I'd love, love, love to see this dress again and the purple accessories are divine
    Hope USA - I like the new take on a nude shoe
    Christine from NJ - Eugenie and Beatrice sometimes miss the mark, but it always look like they are having fun with fashion which I think is the most important part (when appropriate)
    Julie B - Such a pretty color and I like the pattern and detailing
    Elle - I like the pink styled with the black and the BROOCH!
    Emily from Illinois - what a pretty dress! Pale pink is certainly popular with our stylists
    Floridagirl - I like that you honored Kate's love of lace but changed the color. Beautiful earrings
    Jen - One of my favorite hats of the bunch!
    Franziska - I always love the idea of separates for the Duchess! Love the mix of nude and purple

    Thanks everyone (especially Charlotte) for your hard work. I can't wait to see the James Bond looks!




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  46. Like Sonja (I think), I could not wait to open this post and languish over it with a nice cup to tea ( iced as it is hot and humid today). As with the first two, this did not disappoint. All the entries are beautifully put together and each would look great on our DoC.

    Smiley- This Marc Jacobs dress is so pretty and I love the silver grey of the ensemble with the purple of the Kiki amethysts. Nice cool color palette.

    Mary CR -I really like the 2D flower theme that you carried into the shoes and that lovely over the top hat.

    Rasa_ Such a pretty dress that I hope we do see again. Will never tire of the Kiki blue topaz hoops either.

    Inez Sweden- It would be amazing to see that Jane Corbett again. Reminds me of a cupcake lavishly decorated with fondant. The hat would pair beautifully with this Wickstead dress.

    Gabi K- A lace dress with some sass and a to die for hat!! There is a whole bouquet peeking out from under that brim. Lovely!

    Katelyn from the South- What a beautiful blue!! Fantastic shoes!

    Duchess from Down Under- Brilliant pattern. Red roses climbing a lace trellis. Love the pop of the red against the crisp white.

    K Sophia- Can you imagine Kate's already flawless figure in this dress? Wow! Another RTM masterpiece. Kate really needs to look into wearing some of her bigger and more elaborate creations.

    Laura Claire- Lovely summer print and the hat is gorgeous. It is like her Jane Taylor berets but on steroids. Great clutch.

    MAM- Now that's a hat!! Wow, I can just imagine.

    German Girl- So pretty and feminine. Love the colors.

    mAndrew27- I love all the pale pink Roksanda dresses in this collection. The sleeve detail on this one is simply lovely. Perfect with her Agatas.

    Meredith, Boston- Again another Roksanda homerun. Georgeous sleeves.

    Rachel Jacobs- Very pretty floral pattern. The color palette is beautiful. Love the elongated clutch.

    Patricia 1- Beautiful hem detail on the Lela Rose. Striking hat!

    Mr. D, UK- Red is one of Kate's best colors and this true red shade would be fantastic with her coloring. The 3/4 sleeves are eye catching as is the almost to the tip of the shoulder boat neck. Great hat! .... and yes to a rewear of those rubies.

    Heather from CA- This is my daughter's favorite. She loves the butterfly motif. I think Kate would just glow in this color dress.

    Sonne- Kate would look amazing in this dress. Lovely color.

    Francis- Incredible hat! Great take on her well loved white lace dresses.

    Rachel- I would love to see Kate wear this dress again because I don't think India did it justice. Love the pairing with the purple.

    Hope USA- Such a pretty colored dress with a delicious hat.

    Christine NJ- Love the idea of navy. Very pretty neckline and sleeves.

    Julie B. - Great color and the hat was just made for the dress.

    Elle- I really do love this dress. The Margot, Lavette and Turpin are all lovely variations of the same. I wish the DoC would wear one of them. Nice contrast with the black.

    Emily IL- I really like how you styled this beautiful dress.

    Floridagirl- The lemon quartz are gorgeous and the perfect complement to this dress. How did you ever find it?

    Jen- Incredible hat! Can you imagine if she wore this? Perfect dress for it.

    Franziska- I LOVE this hat. I think it is a piece of art. The petals look as if the wind is blowing them across the brim. Amazing!

    Many thanks to Charlotte for all this work! I know my links were a nightmare but you made it work. Very appreciative.

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    1. Thanks, Erika!

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    2. Erika, thank you :)
      I love your and Catherine's hat!
      Mary from CR

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  47. So many pretty outfits. This has been so much fun. Thank you, everyone, for your hard work. You are all such talented stylists!!

    Favorites: My two favorite looks are probably German Girl's and Patricia I's.
    German Girl. I'm generally not a big fan of lace, but this gray lace dress is so pretty and sophisticated. Kate would look gorgeous in it!
    Patricia I: Teal is one of my absolute favorite colors. I love this dress. I'm also crazy about shoes with straps. These are so classy.
    Runner Up: Hope USA. I love the color (what a pretty shade of pink!) and simple lines of this dress. I also like flared skirt.
    Honorable Mention: Christine from NJ. I've always loved navy. It's a color that Kate should wear more of. And the chiffon looks so soft and wearable.

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    1. I am glad you like the teal dress and the shoes, Betsey. I was hoping for comfort as well as elegance. I wanted to give a nod to Ascot black and white in the accessories, though I really like the teal and the subtle use of lace for the dress.

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    2. Thank you, Betsey, for your kind words, I'm happy you liked my pick!

      German Girl

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    3. Julia from Leominster17 September 2017 at 22:42

      Wonderfully astute comments from everyone - it makes the fashion feature so much fun.

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  48. I like all the designs that use Kate's existing pink hats and earrings - and those elegant pink sandals! (Are bare toes allowed in the royal box at Ascot?) Obviously, that certain shade of pink is a favorite of Kate's, and she looks lovely in it. Maybe Pippa chose it for her wedding because she knew how lovely pink is on her chief attendant, and on the children of course, and among the beautiful flowers. When Kate wore soft pink again at the state dinner, it became a theme of this year's spring. I admire the way our worthy designers have been inspired to use it.

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  49. What a great post Charlotte I'm impressed ! I love those blue circular earrings I'm praying for Kate to have a healthy pregnancy

    It's so nice to see william interacting with people like his mother did he truly is his mother's son!

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  50. Sonja from Bavaria17 September 2017 at 07:52

    Oh, I totally forgot to add that I love the Beuluah Gardenia chiffon dress in both navy and pink - that is a Kate dress for sure and I wouldn't be surprised if she actually wore it someday!

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  51. I am known to think of chintz curtains when I see flowery prints. But some of these are lovely. I already commented about the red roses, which are scattered so beautifully. The hydrangea dresses are so skillfully styled that I love them. And it is great to see a dress from Malaysia. I wish Kate would wear several of her dresses from that tour.

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  52. ...as his mother did and his wife does. I see Kate in a lot of his interactions. He even has the broad, laughing smile. I doubt we will ever know just how much Kate was influenced by Diana. If she was, at least she modeled Diana's more admirable behavior. However, I see more Carole's brand of down to earth, jump in with both feet sort of approach than I do royal family tradition in his more recent engagements. I think the OK2Say campaign helped him open up as well.
    Charles may appear to be a regular fellow but he continues his extravagant lifestyle. It concerns me that modern technology and PR campaigns allow people to present whatever face draws the most approval. People put their faith in leaders they don't really know. I long for the days of town meetings being the primary means of knowing a leader. Of course, publicity can just as easily destroy an image, realistic or not.
    CH via KP Twitter published a photo showing a wreathed-in-smiles Charles sledding with a delighted Harry. Harry looks to be around 8-10 years old. The photo was quite reminiscent to me of the Diana photo with the boys
    enjoying a water slide. I think that photo is imprinted on the minds of all who follow the royal family and Diana. I had not seen that Charles/Harry picture before . Harry's Mum was still alive. It was a time when both parents needed to publically demonstrate parent-worthiness. I am curious why that particular photo was chosen over a more recent father-son photo to honor Harry's birthday. Perhaps, except for that rather awkward photo with William at the recent battle memorial, those father-son photos are few and far between now.

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    1. some interesting points, and nicely said, 17:10.
      Thanks. :)

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    2. Really, surfer girl? I was a little worried some commenters might object to some of it. That photo is so like the Diana photo with her boys that it startled me a little.
      Have you seen any recent photos of Harry and his Dad? Other than at royal events.
      It is a sweet photo but ...

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  53. Lovely outfits, everyone. I am really having kate withdrawals. I hope she does an engagement before they announce her due month. If she is feeling well of course

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  54. Avocado Ascot, Battersea Batter, Catherine's Choices, Duchesse Dreams, Elegant Ease, Fashion Fair, Gorgeous Gift, Hospital Heroes, Indigo Island

    "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."

    Jollily keeping larking :-)

    ReplyDelete

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