We do have news on Kate's next engagement! Kensington Palace confirmed Kate will carry out her first solo engagement since the pregnancy announcement on Tuesday, 31 October. In her role as Patron, she will visit the Lawn Tennis Association. The announcement indicates Kate is very much on the mend. Upon arrival, The Duchess will receive a briefing from key representatives of the LTA on its latest grass roots activities and high-performance objectives. The Duchess will have the chance to take part in the Tennis for Kids session. This is an LTA-run programme which introduces and teaches young children aged five to eight years old how to play and enjoy tennis. Her Royal Highness will also watch a wheelchair tennis demonstration. The Duchess will then have the opportunity to meet some of the UK’s top junior talents. Finally, The Duchess will meet some of the Coach Core apprentices who will be leading a tennis training session.
 |
| Kensington Palace |
William has no less than three galas pencilled into his diary for the next ten days. On Monday 30 October, he will attend the Pride of Britain Awards, a glittering event honouring Britain's unsung heroes; on 2 November, as patron of Tusk, William will attend the conservation charity's gala dinner; and on 6 November, it's the Skillforce UK gala, jointly hosted by the Children's Trust. Perhaps Kate will make a surprise appearance at one of the three?
************
When it comes to fashion, without a doubt the autumn-winter season is my favourite time of year. Chunky knits, warm scarves, boots for casual wear and it's the pivotal time of year to don your finery, be it at a Christmas event with family and friends or a seasonal trip to the ballet. For royal watchers, it's undeniably a season full of galas, premieres and other red carpet events. We don't know how many engagements Kate will have in November, but certainly I believe we'll see a couple of glamorous nights on the calendar. With fashion firmly in mind, we're chatting about all things sartorial tonight.
Pieces worn by Kate tend to usually sell out rather quickly, which is why it makes perfect sense for brands to re-release and update those items. This is exactly what L.K. Bennett have done for their new Black Tie Collection. In the photo above, we see Kate at the Widlife Photographer of the Year Awards in 2014. I loved the mix of the blue Jenny Packham gown, Monica Vinader Riva jewels and Kate's gorgeous pink L.K. Bennett Agata Sandals. As part of the collection, the Agata Sandals have been given a new lease of life in Gold Satin and Purple Satin. Either hue would work perfectly with a little black dress.
 |
| L.K. Bennett |
Kate's Nina Clutch in Gold Leather and the iconic Sledge Pumps in black suede.
 |
| L.K. Bennett |
Dresses from the collection which fit in very well with Kate's style include the Elouise Lace Dress crafted in semi-sheer damask lace, the off-the-shoulder Magalie Velvet Dress, the red ottoman satin Delent Wrap Dress, and the Che Midnight Velvet Dress.
 |
| L.K. Bennett |
************
We mentioned the talented Jenny Packham above (if you've been reading for a while you'll know your scribe needs no excuse to discuss her beautiful designs). The current collection offers another fabulous selection of evening gowns. I love the simplicity of the Printed Crepe Gown.
 |
| Jenny Packham |
From the Autumn 2017 Collection, spotted on the runway, this gown is cut from liquid silver satin-crepe. The plush velvet ties add a touch of luxurious texture. It also comes in red.
 |
| Jenny Packham |
The Embellished Tulle Gown is cut from sheer tulle and beautifully detailed with black panels embellished with tonal-gold beads, sequins and crystals that appear as though they are floating on the body. The internal lining provides full coverage. We also see the 'classic Packham' Tulle-Paneled Embellished Gown.
 |
| Jenny Packham |
And the Sequined Half-Sleeve Boat-Neck Gown certainly looks familiar.
************
When the Cambridges visited Canada last year, the Duchess opted for the Ribbed Sleeve Wrapped Coat, later renamed 'The Kate Coat', by Canadian brand Sentaler. One year later, the brand has been stocked at leading US online retailers Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.
The Kate Coat is described: "This double-faced superfine alpaca wrap coat has the Sentaler signature ribbed detail on sleeves. It is the perfect statement piece." The coat features a belted waist, shawl collar, two slit pockets at front and the Sentaler signature ribbed detail on full sleeves. The gull grey hue Kate wore is available at Saks Fifth Avenue for $995.
 |
| Sentaler |
At Neiman Marcus, the coat is available in true blue and dark ruby.
 |
| Neiman Marcus |
And a look at the piece in 'Rose Dust' and black.
 |
| Sentaler |
With chillier days ahead, it's the perfect time of year for Kate to give her Sentaler coat another outing.
************
We also have updates on the restocking/availability of several pieces worn by the Duchess. Kate's popular Oscar de la Renta Pearl Sun Star Button Earrings are available on the designer's website.
 |
| Oscar de la Renta |
Kate's Temperley London Eclipse Lace Dress remains available in limited sizing at Net-A-Porter and Temperley London.
The Temperley Cypre Pointelle Frill Top Kate wore last year is back in stock in all sizes at Net-A-Porter.
Kate's Prada Printed Silk Dress is available in sizes 10-14 at My Theresa.
The GOAT Binky Blouse the Duchess wore for the Heads Together launch is available at FarFetch.
And for those fond of Kate's Superga Cotu Sneakers...
...they are available in a fantastic array of colours at Nordstrom.
 |
| Nordstorm |
That wraps up our fashion chat for tonight. Are there any specific designers/brands/repeats you would like to see the Duchess wear before the close of the year?
Thanks for the update, Charlotte! I hope George is enjoying the respite from school...I wonder if they have gone to see the Middletons.
ReplyDeleteI hope we do see Kate attend at least one of the galas, I miss seeing her in a flowing evening gown! The LK Bennett Agata sandals are one of my favourite shoes that Kate owns. The Sentaler 'Kate' coat looks so warm & I love it in the other colours, as well as the grey that Kate wore. I definitely need to get me a pair of Superga Cotu sneakers...they look super comfy!
I'm for any gala appearance, but I understand also that a gala is a major engagement that Kate might want to postpone until she is feeling 100%. I have a question: is the Tusk gala dinner the same as the conservation awards William and Kate attended in 2013 (Kate's second official appearance after George was born where she wore the sparkling Jenny Packham) or is this a different event? If we see a gala appearance, I'm predicting Tusk given William and Kate's support for conservation. I fondly remember reading William's speech in 2013, "Catherine and I have recently become proud parents of a baby who has a voice to match any lion's roar. This is our first evening out without him...Catherine and I very much hope to introduce him to East Africa - a place we known and love - in the fullness of time." I am still eagerly waiting for the Cambridges' first family trip to Africa.
ReplyDeleteLove the Nina Clutch in Gold Leather and I'm always rooting for the Sledge to return to rotation.
I'm personally looking forward to seeing Kate repeat some of her fabulous maternity fashion. Before the end of the year I'd love to see Kate in her purple and black Seraphine Marina Maternity Coat first worn on the New York tour. I think it would be a great maternity piece to bring back for the holidays. I could even see it at Christmas with the deep purple hat Kate wore to her first Christmas at Sandringham. This spring I'm hoping to see the pale blue Emilia Wickstead Kate wore to the National Portrait Gallery in 2013 or the pale pink Packham ensemble from The Queen's Coronation Service also in 2013. The Hobbs Dalmaian coat is also a favorite of mine. So many maternity looks that I never thought I'd have the chance to see again!
Anne, I love your choices for maternity re-wears. Those are all some of my favorites too, especially that gorgeous seraphine coat.
DeleteAnne, those are some fabulous choices for Kate to bring back. I would also love to see the plum coat again, it was one of my favourite looks on Kate. You have also reminded me of some other lovely maternity pieces which I forgot about.
DeleteLove Avee in SA
My guess is Anmer. But the mention of Bucklebury has got me wondering.....do Pippa and James have a country home they all may have gone to? If so, it may be the most luxurious and well appointed home out of all of theirs.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post, Charlotte. I want those sneakers in pink! Fingers crossed for Kate to show up at one of the galas...seems likely :)
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, thanks for making contact with us. I hope the Cambridges are getting in some quality family time, especially now that it appears the Duchess is feeling better.
ReplyDeleteWould love to see Erdem again or Carolina Herrera.
ReplyDeleteWould love to see Erdem or Carolina Herrera again.
ReplyDeleteSomehow I doubt that Kate will attend a function that involves eating, just yet. But who knows, she has looked very well at her three appearances. A nice time for a week's vacation, with fall/autumn in full color. I hope they are enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteI love that beautiful blue gown from India. It needs to appear again. And. though the pale grey was totally appropriate for the Canadian mountains, the sweater coat in deep ruby looks especially warm and cozy.
While pregnant with Charlotte, I believe she attended a nighttime reception and stayed through dinner on just her second day back on the job. Given how much they have coddled Kate in general, I don't think she would come back before feeling completely better.
DeleteMaggie, I will give you the benefit of the doubt on the use of the phrase "coddled Kate in general". I have no idea if she has been coddled. I hope you did not mean it to be condescending.
DeleteCoddled? Hopefully you meant treated humanely, respectfully and kindly rather than ignored, chastised, uninstructed, and maligned?
DeleteBTW: I just purchased the Royal Life 'Kate' magazine & it's such a good read :) I couldn't put it down! Really well put together with lots of photos from the early years right up to the Cambridges' recent tour of Poland & Germany.
ReplyDeleteThere are sooo many items that I wish Kate would repeat! She hasn't really repeated many items this year, I think I can count on 1 hand the stuff which she has repeated. I'm not complaining though, it's been great to see her try different brands and watch her style evolve. Although, I do love when she recycles and outfit, especially when she changes up the shoes, bags, hairstyle etc.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many items which she wore in 2011 and 2012 that I wish she would have brought back but I understand that 2 (and soon to be 3) kids later, they may not be the first thing she reaches for. Personally, I think that she has some of the best maternity coats I have ever seen! And it's interesting to me that she has been pregnant around the same time for all three pregnancies, like between October to March. So I'll be very surprised if Kate chooses not to re-wear most of the winter maternity stuff.
I truly hope that she brings back that plum Seraphine maternity coat that she wore on their first night in New York and the gorgeous black coat with white trimmings that she wore the next day (not sure if it's a maternity coat tho) but fingers crossed!
Love Avee in SA
I covet the Sentaler sweater but I just can't justify spending almost $1,000 on it. I loved it in the colour Kate wore but the black is pretty amazing. I hope we see Kate out at one of the glitzy evening events and I would love to see her in the Magalie Velvet Dress. It is similar to the Barbara Cassasola dress she wore but kicked up a few levels. This with the new Agata sandals in the wine colour would be lovely.
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain. While I love a lot of the thing Kate wear, they won’t necessarily fit in my life but that Sentaler coat is just perfect. It is both beautiful, flattering and unusual, not 3 things that always go together. And it would be totally wearable. But no matter how hard I try I can’t justify spending that amount of money on one piece of clothing.
DeleteI bought a different Sentaler coat last winter and it was worth every penny (even though I live in Southern California and don't have real winter -- I just get cold easily). It is beautifully made and I get compliments every time I wear it.
DeleteI totally agree about the Sentaler sweather. I live in Minnesota, and certainly have not held back in spending money to make sure I'm ready to handle to handle the cold when outside, but even after buying one of North Face's top coats that is equipped to keep me warm into the loooow negatives, and then buying all the accompanying stuff like scarves, etc., I still don't think it adds up to me spending a thousand dollars! lol. Maybe if we count my lighter, pea coats as well....
DeleteAnd this Sentaler coat seems more appropriate for the short fall months in Minneapolis rather than winter haha. Alas...
I wear a Canada goose down jacket for winter months, which is almost as expensive but I wear it everyday and so it's not hard to justify the price. I have been coveting this coat since Kate bought it, but waiting for at least 20%off before I pounce. I won't spend the full price because i would use it a few months a year maybe for a couple times a week. I got the davina when it went on sale and is the only thing from lk Bennett that I have liked. I wear it maybe fifteen times a season.
DeleteOn another note for those of you who own the Catherine zoraida earrings how are they holding up? The gold plating is quite faded on my fern earrings but the leafs are better. I will have to wait till I go to London again next summer to get them replated. Anyone else in the same boat? I am slightly disappointed but I've never had plated jewelry before. All of mine is solid gold. Maybe this is normal for plated stuff?
Rosman, I've had the Zoraida silver fern earrings for several years now and they look like new. I'm afraid gold plating just doesn't hold up no matter how much you pay for the piece(s). Its just not worth going gold plated imo if you are going to wear the jewelry with any frequency. Stick with solid gold or silver and you will wear it for years and years.
DeleteErika thanks. Glad my experience is typical. I do wear a lot of my jewelry because I like dressing up for work, especially if I am on a trip. I take my time getting ready and bring my nice stuff. I have many very nice pieces. I loved the Zoraida ones for their designs which I still think are divine.
DeleteI guess I am the kind of person who doesn't mind spending money as long as I get a lot of utility out of it. I might check how much they charge for gold plating in my city - might be worth trying it instead of waiting another nine months to go to london.
Completely agree, Rosman. The Zoraida pieces are works of art imo, especially the fern hoops. Having yours replated might be the way to go. Perhaps your jeweler can do several dippings so that the plating lasts longer.
DeleteMy guess is they went to Anmer, but the mention of Bucklebury got me to wondering if Pippa and James have a country home that they all may have spent time at. I imagine theirs to be the most luxurious and well-appointed home of them all.
ReplyDeleteWas wondering why William hadn't any engagements this week. So maybe because of school holidays.
ReplyDeleteThis week I've been reading a book about the queen...about her childhood and how she was raised. So interesting! Did Kate, before marriage, get royal history lessons?
I am always excited to see an engagement for Kate. I do hope she is able to attend at least one of the galas William will be attending. It is so wonderful to see them clearing their calendars for George's fall break. I think he is going to grow up to be a well-adjusted boy due to them putting his needs first.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure they jump at any chance they get to return to Amner for a bit. I wouldn't be surprised to see Kate pop up at one of the galas. At least I hope so! There are so many old dresses I want to see recycled, but I also love any opportunity for a new gown. I agree with Avee, that she'll likely recycle some maternity clothes, especially since she's pregnant during winter again.
ReplyDeleteI like the sweater she wore in Canada in the black or red much better. It looks so comfortable! Maybe she'll pull that out in a different color for a less formal winter engagement.
Charlotte, since I live in the U.S. I wanted to ask what the holidays this week are for?
ReplyDeleteHello Tammy,
DeleteMost schools operate from September - July with three-terms during the school year. For example, the first term for Thomas's is 7 September - 14 December and half way through, around Halloween, a break is taken for a week or so. George will be back at school next week until the 14 December. Then, he will have a nice break for Christmas and return on 9 January when the second term of the school year commences.
im a teacher in the USA and maybe to get my students to stop complaining about going to school so much I should tell them that UK kids go to school in July lol
DeleteThank you Charlotte! We are similar in that we go August-June and have a break in November for a week (our Thanksgiving), 2 weeks around Christmas and a week in spring, sometimes and sometimes not, close to Easter.
DeleteVery interesting!
Agree with al the speculation, bet many in the UK are enjoying time at "home" with kids on break, and if I was William and Kate it would be the country home, or visits with grandparents or who knows were as the BRF has a variety of spots to escape to:):)
DeleteI wish the US schools followed this schedule. The kids go from late August/early September until just before Christmas without a break at all. Then here in Massachusetts they get a week break mid-late February, another week break in mid-late April and then end for the year in mid-late June. The summer vacation is usually 11 weeks, too long in my opinion.
DeleteIn Arizona and Utah the schools have an October break. It used to be for harvest, and then for hunting. Now they just call it "Fall Break." I grew up in California and had no autumn school holidays. The Utah schools give less time over Christmas than the California schools and try to let out before June starts with its hot, hot weather. In California we went to the middle of June. But then the Utah kids have to go back in August before the hot days are gone, so I don't know what the advantage is to ending the school year so early. It seems to me it's not as hot the first week of June as it is the last week of August around here. . .
DeleteAnyway, I'm glad the Cambridges are enjoying their holiday. Maybe Kate will take George back to school and have a photo op next week. That would be fun to see and would make up somewhat for her missing his first day. But of course I doubt it will really happen.
How interesting that UK schools have 3 terms. In South Africa we have 4 terms from January to December. The first term is from mid January to late March / early April, depending on when Easter is. Then back to school til mid July where there's a 3 week winter holiday. Then from mid July to late Spetember is the 3rd term with a 10 day break before the 4th term begins from early October til the first week in December and that's our 6 week summer holiday :)
DeleteLove Avee in SA
Marci, I echo what you said about starting school in the dog days of August! And right now here in southern Arizona it is STILL 90 degrees! We had our Fall Break two weeks ago and, as a substitute teacher, I can testify that holiday cake and went in the blink of a eye. This week the kids have been wild because it is coming up to Halloween. Wonder if George will do Halloween? When I lived in England 40 years ago Halloween wasn’t popular but Guy Fawkes Day (penny for the guy please?) was. From TV ads though, it seems that Halloween has gained in popularity?
DeleteI miss seeing Rebecca Deacon-Priestly! She just seemed like such an unobtrusive but steady and reliable presence when Duchess Catherine was out and about, and I was always interested to see what she was wearing, too! Has anyone heard if there may be a replacement for her? I can’t remember any mention of someone else looking after Kate during her last few engagements.
ReplyDeleteHello,
DeleteCatherine Quinn took over earlier this month, but she hasn't accompanied Kate on recent engagements. We'll probably have a proper indication of whether she will be accompanying Kate on duties or working behind-the-scenes on Tuesday, as it's Kate's first solo since Ms Quinn started.
Thanks Charlotte. We'll definitely be watching for her. So exciting. (although, to me, Rebecca will always be missed.)
DeleteP.S. I do think that Rebecca will still always be a part of their lives though. Like for milestone events like George and Charlotte's birthdays, graduations, the new baby's christening, etc. And for William's induction as the Prince of Wales when the time comes and then King, etc.
DeleteWilliam, Harry or Kate might even be godparents to Rebecca's children (when she has children).
DeleteAbsolutely agree with you, SG.
Delete:)
DeleteHello, Charlotte. Thank you so much for this post. I'm really pleased as it gives me a chance to share a really special experience I had recently.
ReplyDeleteMy husband was invited to a charity event hosted by an organization he has done lots of charitable work for here in Toronto. The event was to benefit an organization that provides support for children who have been abused and are testifying against their abusers in court. The charity offers them support while in court, as well as counselling before and afterwards.
I've just started back to work after being home with my son for several years. I had to go straight to the event from the office so was a little grouchy and lacking in enthusiasm. Well...
It turns out the event was quite small-about 60 people but was sponsored by the Toronto flagship of Saks Fifth Ave. And at the head table next to me were the ladies behind Smythe, as well as Bogdana Sentaler. The event MC was Canadian fashion icon, Jeannie Becker (of Fashion Television fame). In the course of the evening there was a mini fashion show, featuring the Sentaler coat worn by the Duchess on the Canadian tour, as well as beautiful versions of her Smythe blazer. These were styled with Gianvito Rossi shoes and Prada accessories. There was a black Sentaler evening coat which was gorgeous. The alpaca fabric looked more like sheared fur or velvet. The Duchess was referenced throughout the show.
I'm very shy but my husband is not. He went right up to Andrea Lenczer, the co-founder of Smythe, and explained how I followed the brand through the Kate community. I ended up having a nice chat with her. I told her about this blog and all of us. She mentioned what a boon the Duchess's patronage had been to the business. Let me just say she was wearing a beautiful version of the famous blazer in a very flattering pink to honour breast cancer survivors.
It was a real eye opener to me about the power Kate's influence can wield. These really talented designers have to work so hard to compete, especially coming from a smaller country with a smaller home market. Kate's deliberate choice of designers native to the places she and William visit is obviously so vital. I never really appreciated it. The Sentaler relationship with Saks that Charlotte mentioned (and which was obvious from their presence at this event) is another example. It leads me to think just how important HRH's involvement with the smaller charities must be to them...
That was my exciting Kate-related adventure. I just had to share...Best to all.
Thank you so much for sharing your story Canadian Friend. It sounds like you both had a fascinating night. It was brilliant to see the boost Smythe and Sentaler had when Kate wore their pieces. It's one of the reasons I believe it's important for royal ladies to wear a piece by a brand from the host country they are visiting.
DeleteAnd well done to your husband on his charitable work, it is so important to give back. When I was in university I volunteered with a helpline which supports children at risk and their families. Sometimes just knowing there's someone listening can mean so much. The charity your husband works with sounds amazing. I'm constantly disappointed at the lack of governmental support for the most vital and worthy charities and the mismanagement of funds with excessively bloated salaries, etc. With all of these issues, volunteers have never been more essential.
Canadian Friend, how wonderful to hear about your experience! And, of course, to hear about that wonderful charity organization the fund raising event was for.... It is HORRIBLY difficult for children to go and testify against their abusers... It is horrible for us adults, but for children.... I cannot imagine how confusing and horribly scary all this must be... after all the torment they had to suffer...
DeleteIt is wonderful that there are people who are there for them before, after and during this testing time.. it is vitally important, so BRAVO!! Kudos to your husband for doing active charity support work!
Yes. Thank you so much for sharing Canadian friend. What a fun and beautiful illustration of the business and social mechanisms of influence at at their combined best. Thank you for the window into that. And now, yay, DKB is within their radar. Good work. :) Kate would love to know about the references to her there that evening and her power to influence. She'd be encouraged for sure. What an all-around great evening that was.
DeleteCharlotte. Thank you for sharing also. It will encourage all of us, I think, to never forget about giving. :)
Canadian Friend, please tell your husband how admirable I think his charity is, for the reasons Eve cites as well as for the general need children have for extra support in any sort of stressful experience. Kudos to you for making the effort to support it as well when you yourself were feeling the stress of making another major change in life, from full time parenting to balancing work and parenting.
DeleteOne of the reasons I turned from my young adulthood position of anti-monarchy to a cautious support is what you cited: the positive effect they can have on charities and businesses if they give careful attention and time to worthy causes and use their position to highlight industries that support the people they serve.
Excellent. Thank you for sharing, KF.
DeleteCanadian friend, that is a most wonderful charity. Bravo to your husband on his work.
DeleteI love seeing gowns at events - but the point is I'm not alone. Royal followers are women to a great extent and they enjoy the jewels and gowns - the press knows this so these events get much greater attention - the people involved and the charity in question get favourable publicity - it's a cycle. Harry is a popular royal male - but his visit to Denmark got comparatively little attention compared to William and Kate's German/Polish tour.
So it's not removing the focus from the event to have Kate - or other royal ladies present at an evening event - it's Increasing attention. That's where Diana did so brilliantly - people might look at the dresses but the charity got attention as well. Today, when blogs like this or even OSS and What Kate Wore highlight royal ladies' activities - they bring attention to what they are doing and in the case of Charlotte's blog, there is always a feature on the work involved.
Maybe in fairness the men should get as much attention - but the world work not on how things should be but what they are.
Julia, I don't know...the men may get less attention but for the same reasons they also get to avoid all the extra scrutiny and the pressure that comes with that for political or royal women. Although like you said, that extra interest is so useful in generating attention and money for very worthwhile causes, so I certainly do think women focusing on charity work should capitalize on that attention like you mentioned by really glamming it up and such. So more easily draw more attention but more downsides too for women...maybe we just call it even :)
DeleteIt makes sense for William to attend solo as his purpose there is to interact with guests and patrons and not enjoy a date night with Kate.
ReplyDeleteThe Cambridge Family enjoys so much time together - they aren't like families with two working parents or even one working parent. And they have nannies and chefs and housekeepers and groundskeepers so it's not like they are bogged down with domestic chores. I'm sure they welcome the company of extended family as it's not very stimulating to hang out with a 2 year old and 4 year old all the time.
WOW, Lizzie, did you take your nasty pills this morning? You speak of Kate's "very dominant mother." I do wonder how you've formed that opinion. I'd say that Carole Middleton is the picture of grace and diplomacy. She is, of course, present in her daughter's and grandchildren's lives. That is usual behaviour for a good and dedicated mother and grandmother. Just because Carole's daughter married into the Royal family, doesn't mean that Carole can't be involved with her loved ones. .
ReplyDeleteAs for Rebecca Deacon, if her presence was intrusive, then it was up to William or Kate to correct the situation. As Kate's assistant, we don't really know what her role required. This was something they needed to work out together. You speak of Rebecca's "bossing presence." Maybe she was just being assertive in Kate's best interest.
You truly are guessing about Carole and Rebecca and being influenced by exaggerated news stories. It sounds like you only have one tool in your tool box…a hammer.
The best evidence in support of Carole is William's relationship with the Middleton family.
DeleteChildren, as adults, may not be able to recognize a parent's domineering behavior and/or stand up to it, but a boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse certainly can and would not go out of his or her way to embrace the in-laws. Certainly not if one has a set, and I do believe that is one issue we all can agree on.
Again, I have never perceived Carole as domineering at all. Sadly, accomplished women often get maligned as being pushy in one way or another. I think in most cases that is a cultural/gender bias at best for sure. Having a penchant to be there for your children and grandchildren even when you are uber busy is laudable in my opinion and her inclination to do it in as much of a stylish and organized way as possible is laudable also in my opinion. Some women just have the knack for it. The rest of us just stand by wondering "HOW does she do it?", lol. It is an artistic and administrative talent, a gift, I think. And, btw, having a woman like that as a neighbor can be very helpful. I know. :)
DeleteThere is an article I referenced here a while ago that included an interview with Carole. She said she had never asked for any of this (the royal spotlight) and that Catherine wasn't her only child that she was raising but that she had two other children to be concerned with also, and that her children and her business were her primary areas of focus. If I can easily reference that article again I will. I think Kate's grace is a testimony of not only Carole's grace but Michael's. I don't think they are social climbers at all just diligent people doing the very best to live an excellent daily life. I think Carole's and Michael's parents did the same. It came naturally to them.
SG, it's my turn to tell YOU to save your response for future reference. I think every word you wrote is on the money and I agree wholeheartedly with your opinion. I wish Carole would read it.
Delete🥇👍🥇👍🥇👍
Actually, I wish she could read all the supportive texts here about her. I am certain the encouragement would be most welcomed. And thanks for your indefatigable support, rf. :)
DeleteWell deserved, SG. :-)
Delete+ 1
DeleteJust took another look at the gowns and truly hope to see Kate wear the JP Boat Neck again. It's regal!
ReplyDeleteAnd I must admit that the sliver and red gowns here look like high end bathrobes. They don't do much for the models, IMO.
Just read an article in the DM (sorry!) that ISIS has posted a photo of Prince George and his school with a threatening message. So sad. Reminded me of the story about an Ancient Greek king who was wandering through his kingdom in disguise when he heard a man criticising him and his fancy lifestyle. So he invited the man to be king for a day. The man thoroughly enjoyed it and then, at a banquet that night noticed a dagger hanging by a thread above his chair. Alarmed the man backed away. King Damocles told him “Now you know what I live with every day.” It is awful enough to think that we may get caught up in a terrorist attack or school shooting. But to think that we or our precious children might be deliberately targeted....Horrible.
ReplyDeleteSo much for their wealth and privilege. I cannot begin to imagine how W&K feel.
DeleteTrue but we all live with it sadly. This is mostly posturing on ISIS's part. Security around royal family members is tight and ISIS has not attacked any high profile targets yet in Europe.
DeleteBut what happened in London in the last months - all to non-famous civilians is very real - and those people are just as important as George. Children have died in ISIS sponsored attacks already - they just weren't princes.
I agree Julia but it takes it up a notch when it is your child’s photo plastered all over the Internet and his school as well. Imagine how the parents of the other children at that school feel? Probably wish that George stayed behind Palace walls. Personally I no longer go to any concerts or events where there are large numbers of people gathered. Paranoid maybe but I walked Las Ramblas with my grandson three weeks before that attack and several friends here in Arizona had friends who were injured or died in Las Vegas.
DeleteAnd of course I know that children have died in terrorist attacks—and not only ISIS attacks. I just feel that as we discuss these particular parents on this forum, I wanted to express my sympathy for them, not to the exclusion of others.
the conversations on this blog about the ISIS Prince George press should stop right now!!! dont give it oxygen!!!!
ReplyDeleteTrue.
DeleteI'll second that shut it off now.
DeleteI still want to hear that Pippa is expecting concurrently with Kate. That would be so special. Hope Pippa's mornings/days have no sickness to them though. For them each to have twins would be even better. 🍼🍼
ReplyDeleteThat's easy for me to say, yeh? lol And, yes, I know the Palace gave the due date of the baby, not babies, but we know they don't always get it right. :)
I just love the Agata Sandals. Didn't we first see them on Kate in 2011? At the ARK gala when she wore the Pink Pearlescent Jenny Packham gown? Kate looked like a dream that night, I will never forget it.
ReplyDelete