Fresh from last night's gala dinner in support of the Anna Freud Centre at the Orangery, the Duchess of Cambridge supported another one of her patronages today, attending Place2Be's School Leaders Forum in London as part of her ongoing work relating to the mental health and wellbeing of children.
Place2Be’s School Leaders Forum brings together senior leaders from Place2Be partner schools in England, Scotland and Wales to share ideas, knowledge and practical insights. A line-up of expert speakers will consider how to provide practical support to children, young people and their families in the school environment. They discussed how interventions in the school environment can improve attitudes to learning, raise aspirations and nurture good mental health in children and young people, to give children the best possible start in life and achieve their full potential. This is the third School Leaders Forum, which this year is entitled "I’m Fine!".
Kate was warmly greeted upon arrival.
The Duchess was accompanied by her new private secretary Catherine Quinn. What Kate Wore points out it appears Ms Quinn wore the Clifton Dress by The Fold.
Kate joined delegates at the forum as they considered the key issues and latest thinking on the role that schools can play in tackling mental health problems early in life. The Palace noted "championing early intervention school support for children's mental health has long been a key priority for the Duchess".
Kate meeting with children from the organisation.
Championing school support for children's mental health has long been a key priority for The Duchess of Cambridge, as Patron of @Place2Be pic.twitter.com/wkckmj3cwM— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) November 8, 2017
The Duchess opened the conference by discussing her own experiences and adjusting to leaving George at the school gates: "As a mother just getting used to leaving my own child at the school gates, it is clear to me that It takes a whole community to help raise a child."
Kate's full speech:
'Four years ago, when I became Patron of Place2Be, I believed what you all know to be true: that getting support to children at the very earliest stage helps improve their outcomes later in life. Schools and teachers are at the heart of this support, and have a crucial role to play. You know your pupils. You know their circumstances. You can spot when a family's having a tough time. You occupy a special position because you can identify issues and take action when it's most needed.
Parents also have a key role to play in this support system. As a mother just getting used to leaving my own child at the school gates, it is clear to me that It takes a whole community to help raise a child.
Whether we are school leaders, teachers, support staff or parents – we're all in this together. We are all working to give children the emotional strength they need to face their futures and thrive. I'm proud that The Royal Foundation is playing its part too after the Heads Together campaign. Collaborating with experts like yourselves, we're looking at providing easy access to information and practical tools to support teachers, parents and children feel comfortable talking about their mental health.
We are all here today because we share the belief that every child deserves the chance to fulfil their potential. When I came to this conference two years ago, I left with a real sense of energy and passion about what we could all achieve together. And I'm looking forward to learning even more today.'
A video of Kate's speech.
Watch The Duchess of Cambridge speak at the @Place2Be School Leaders Forum. pic.twitter.com/HRQlrJVHD1— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) November 8, 2017
Topics discussed included parental mental health, early intervention and support in schools, with presentations by experts including Professor Sir Simon Wessely, Professor David Veale, Dr Richard Graham, Professor Louise Howard, and Professor Edmund Sonuga-Barke.
A letter from Kate was included in the programme for the forum. Kate wrote "Despite the great progress that has been made since Place2Be was founded 23 years ago, there is much to be done. Children and young people struggling with their mental health often wait many years between first experiencing symptoms and receiving help. Parents too often feel ashamed or to blame if their child needs professional mental health support." A new official portrait is included at the bottom of the letter. It very much looks like Kate's wearing the Catherine Walker jacket she wore for her first solo overseas visit to the Netherlands.
Kate looked chic in the £480 GOAT Eloise Tunic Dress.
The 100% wool, plum dress is described as "Simple, chic and timeless the Eloise dress in a deep purple hue is a wardrobe must-have. A line shaped with a high neckline decorated with shine pewter buttons the Eloise is perfect for teaming with flats for a more casual look or heels to dress up." It's available on the GOAT website. (For those interested in purchasing the dress, keep a check on the website over the next few hours as remaining stock will be uploaded to the site).
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The dress is also available in Marigold and Navy at GOAT.
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An evening version of the dress in black velvet - the Eclipse Button Detail Velvet Dress is available at GOAT and Farfetch.
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Kate wore her new Tod's Block Suede Pumps. Masterly crafted by skilled artisans in Italy, this timeless pair sit atop a sturdy block heel and arch to a streamlined pointed toe. The label's signature pebbled sole provides traction for those on-the-go days.
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The Duchess accessorised with her Mappin & Webb Empress earrings.
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| Mappin & Webb |
Kate carried her black suede Mulberry clutch and wore her trusty Cartier Ballon Bleu watch.
A look at Kate's poppy. For anyone considering purchasing a poppy, take a look at the lovely selection available at The Poppy Shop.
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Also today, an exclusive from Richard Palmer reporting Kate will be taking more engagements outside of London in the weeks ahead:
'Kate, who attended a gala dinner for the Anna Freud Centre at Kensington Palace last night - her 33rd engagement of 2017 in the capital according to the Court Circular’s official record of royal duties - has proved reluctant to travel further afield.
Her last UK engagement outside London was on May 3, when she visited a farm for city children in Arlingham, Gloucestershire. Before that there was a visit to RAF Wittering in Cambridgeshire in February and a children’s hospice at Quidenham in Norfolk in January. In part, her approach has been dictated by her decision to make her children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, her main focus.
In September Kate, who is pregnant with her third child, got ill with the severe morning sickness hyperemesis gravidarum, forcing her to abandon trips with her husband Prince William to Liverpool, Milton Keynes, and Belfast. A trip to Edinburgh had also been in the offing. But now she has recovered from the worst effects of HG, which can cause vomiting up to 60 times per day, her aides have drawn up plans for her to go out to the regions.
A Kensington Palace source said: “The Duchess has been very unwell and has been forced to postpone and cancel a number of planned visits around the country this year. “As her health improves in the weeks ahead she will be travelling to many regions of the UK for official visits and engagements.” The Duchess, whose occupation as a Princess of the UK was listed on Prince George’s birth certificate, and William are in high demand.'
We'll see the Duchess on Saturday night when she joins the Queen and other members of the royal family for the annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. The performance begins at 7p.m.
Oh charhlotte your so fast i love the dress and looks so warmer. Im color blind Some say burgundy and some say its red
ReplyDeleteIsn t burgundy a deep and ark red?
DeleteBluefire, I'm seeing different colors in different photos. In some, I can see a hint of plum or purple and in others it looks burgundy to me. If I had to choose one, I would say burgundy. :-)
DeleteThanks for the quick post, Charlotte! The duchess looks very cute in this tunic. I love the plum shade on her.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see Kate beck at one of her "staple engagements". As a person with mental health issues myself the title of this years meeting is hillariously on point. "I'm fine" is way easier to say than going into detail!
ReplyDeleteA very elegant look that still looks very comfortable! Very nice! Very nice with the black tights complimenting the shorter hemline! And the dress has POCKETS! Not something needed for Kate, probably, but for us common folks it's the holy grail of dresses! I've been quite fond of most of Kate's GOAT pieces so I'm happy to see her continue to shop there!
I didn't even notice that it had pockets! What a great feature...makes me like this outfit even more :)
DeleteI can relate to you saying "I'm fine!" being a lot easier than going in depth about what you're really feeling. What an appropriate title for the conference.
I have to agree, Rebecca. This is a great look and my most favorite pregnancy style for her. I think the short dress and dark monochromatic leg is flattering, modern and youthful. The chunky heel is the perfect pairing for the 60s inspired dress while the rich plum color is lovely. A more substantial earring would have looked nice with the bold lines of the dress and shoe but I don't dislike these with the ensemble. I hope we see more outfits like this during her pregnancy.
DeleteEveryone loves a good pocket dress!!
DeleteA thumbs up from me as well. And I'm loving the short dress/dark leg and shoe combination. It has a youthful edge to it and with her legs, OMG, yes!
DeleteOh my! lol:) I haven't gotten too far into the comments yet, but i'm afraid i'm a bit old fashioned and will be in the minority as i just kept thinking this dress was pretty short:) i do like the color and she look so much better. One thing i do agree about is the center cut on her hair, not a huge fan. AND i LOOOOOVE those shoes, the chunky heel is very flattering on her and I would think she would feel much more confident than on the little skinny heels, im a chunky heel gal myself, now if she would just wear those with some nice trousers, sigh:) haha
DeleteShe looks so much more pregnant in this dress than just last night in the Zarita dress!
ReplyDeleteReally? :-) I don't see it.
Deleteme either, rf. It will be fun to watch the bump grow. :)
Deletemake that "baby bump". (much better). :)
DeleteLOL. :-)
DeleteKate looks charming in the burgundy dress. Perhaps she took pointers from their website, as the black tights and shoes mimic how it was styled on the models. A tiny suggestion, a slip would help the dress fall smoothly and freely, and really help with the reduction of those wrinkles. Certainly this is a very charming outfit and she wears it well. I also like her shorter hairstyle, as beautiful as her hair is, at times it appeared to be " taking over"🙂
ReplyDeleteI haven't even though about wearing a slip since they were required with my school uniform in the 1970's and was unaware that they are still available.
DeleteShe has worn black tights with shorter dresses/skirts on previous occasions. It's a great look, isn't it!?
DeleteYes. :)
DeleteI loved the shade too, and it looks we are back on the short dress period. I am not sure I understand. She certainly does not know how to dress her body when she is pregnant.I think it is way too short.
ReplyDeleteHer new secretary though, now she looks polished and very very pretty!!
Oh, I think the length is perfect with this look. A high neck and straight silhouette like that feels quite 60s mod, and with the thicker tights and block heel I think the shorter (but not unprofessionally short) hemline completes the look perfectly. And I've always thought these 60s looks work very well during pregnancy!
DeleteI have to agree with you, Anett. I think Kate does not know how to dress when she is pregnant. Don't like the dress at all, I think the whole look is "too much". I don't know why. But I hope she feels comfortable wearing this kind of outfits while her body is changing.
DeleteWe all have different tastes but I'm with Rebecca here. I think this is a very flattering look that hits all the right notes for me. It's so easy to look too plain, prim or bulky when dressing during pregnancy but the proportions on this outfit are ideal and the total look is quite professional.
DeleteI have to disagree with the assertion that Kate doesn't know how to dress when pregnant. Some of my favorite looks have been during her pregnancies--the Afghanistan Service in navy Beulah, Commonwealth Day Observance in pink Alexander McQueen, and her visit to the set of Downton Abbey in cream JoJo Maman Bebe. All polished looks and very beautiful and stylish. As for the hemline of today's dress, I agree with Rebecca that it is entirely appropriate as styled with the thick black tights.
DeleteI think lots of her day looks during her past pregnancies were a miss for me. Her Hobbs brown shirt dress worn in January 2015, her Madderson black dress during the same days for example. But of course that’s just personal taste. The most important thing is that the Duchess likes herself and feels confident with her changing body.
DeleteI like the look too . I personally would have worn some nice booties instead of a pump. Along with a ponytail, some cuter earrings and maybe a real bag instead of a clutch.
DeleteI though Kate looked great today and with her shapely legs, I think the shorter dresses work well on her while pregnant. But, I liked your ideas, Rosman. Especially the suggestion for a ponytail. I think a ponytail would work great for some of these less formal engagements.
DeleteOh, I'm very fond of Kate's ponytails! I have nothing against her hair as it is, but it's fun with some variation :)
DeleteI like this look very much and Kate can rock it with her legs and figure. At least no one can complain about grandma's curtains with this one. ;-)
DeleteRosman, yes!! A good ponytail would be great with this dress!
DeleteAhh Anett, we can agree on that:) skirt is too short, and im only 42! but there werent a lot of skirts around in the 90's and i was a tomboy! but she does have nice legs. :)
DeleteNope. No grandma's curtains with this one, rf. lol
DeleteAnd William probably gives a sigh of relief. :)
Kate looks wonderful, she definitely has that pregnancy glow! And I’m loving her hair length right now 😍
ReplyDeleteLove that colour on her! Love that color on my own clothes too :) a burgundy nail polish would have made it perfect! Noticed that during her pregnancies she wears shorter hemlines. Think its very flattering on her.
ReplyDeleteCatherine looks fabulous. Welcome back shorter hemlines! Hoping for longer hair.
ReplyDeleteI want...I want...I want. While this might not take the top spot on my best of 2017 list, it is something I would also love to wear, pregnant or not. And if I had Kate’s budget I would buy it in every colour.
ReplyDeleteshe looks absolutely gorgeous. The colour looks good on her,
ReplyDeleteI love this dress and colour on her! What a great piece for fall.
ReplyDeleteMy mother objected when I wore that style in the early sixties! She was not fond of black tights or very short skirts. Makes me smile now to see that look again on Kate. I think she has worn a better shade of burgundy; this one makes her look a bit pale. She does look very happy speaking to the group, a great change. Kate has found her focus, an issue that involves her fully and overcomes her reticence.
ReplyDeleteLove everything about this look! It seems as if Kate is dressing for comfort this time around. The thick black tights, the chunkier shoes, the loose sweater dresses ... She looks very pregnant chic.
ReplyDeleteSo fun to see her here again. I am glad this is an event that has been consistent for her over the last several years. It's a little more serious and more involved that just showing up, smiling and leaving(which is important in it's own way). It also shows Kate is interested in learning about her interests and what she chooses to champion. She's not just using some tidbits she was fed initially but is looking to keep up with new information and trends in children's mental health.
ReplyDeleteLoved the look. The dress is a great color and the minimal accessories work with the look overall for me. I do agree with Anonymous above that a slip might have prevented the dress from sticking a bit to the tights. But that's minor.
Love this look. I think I’ve said before that I’m partial to these sort of “mod” silhouettes. I love the shorter dress with dark tights. I wish that she had gone for it and worn it with flats similar to the models, but the block heals on these shoes do look great with it.
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge fan of these 60s inspired outfits too. I think they look incredibly pulled together and stylish in a surprisingly current way.
DeleteSame here Erika :) But it is a "style" and a "look" in a more concrete way so it is bound to have it's opponents. Which is totally fine. Fashion is art, and art is subjective.
DeleteThats so true, Rebecca. It seems to be a love it or hate it look.
DeleteAs a substitute teacher, Kate's speech today resonated with me. Every day I hear a child (or a teacher!) defiantly say "I'm FINE" when clearly they aren't. But, then, I have also heard "I'm fine [now]" after some caring words and (with permission given) a hug. A totally different intonation then. And I think her comment about leaving George at the gate especially poignant after the tabloids ran a story yesterday that she is thinking of home schooling him after the recent threats. Pure speculation I am sure but I know how I feel as I stand outside the school gates with my class at leaving time scanning the rows of cars lined up to pick up the students and the parents walking up to get their charges. I hope everyone is having a good day and is well balanced.... Sorry to be a downer but it is a reality here in the U.S.
ReplyDeleteI like her dress very much--the cut, the black tights with the chunky shoes--although I agree she looks rather pale. I don't know if it is the color of the dress or just that she IS pale. I find slips are problematic with knits. They are meant to stop static cling but I have found with many slips they become part of the problem. Probably because I don't really know how to wear slips properly.
Jo- if you fasten a tiny safety pin into the hem of the slip at the side seams, it draws the static electricity to the metal and keeps it from clinging.
DeleteIt’s so great to see and hear Kate becoming more comfortable with her speeches for such worthy causes.
DeleteI too love this dress – a chic but comfortable-looking style and allowing for freedom of movement. I like the colour on Kate, and the photo of her at the lectern is just beautiful (love the shorter hair and the off-centre part). And then, O my! As I scrolled down through the post I hit the black velvet version of the dress with the ankle boots, and started to salivate! I’m way too old to wear it, but one can dream!
Also, a shout-out to Marci for the tip about the safety pins on the slip hem! It’s the first time I’ve heard of that and tiny safety pins are now on my shopping list!
Oh Marci, thank you!! I was looking at my Hobbs dress and thinking of wearing it with tights, wondering if a slip would help the problem. Will try it on Sunday and report back!
DeleteJo, your comment was a bit of a reality check in a discussion focused, predominantly, on fashion.
DeleteMarci, thank you for the tip. :-)
Love this look! I'm copying this winter with black tights. You can get away with shorter hemlines with them. She looks youthful, comfortable, and appropriate. Nice pregnancy look:) Love to see the cute, growing belly! I think this is why those of us who aren't typically focused on looks comment & keep coming back. She is always just so well put together.
ReplyDeleteI love this whole look! Adorable!! Love the color of the dress, the style, tights, shoes, and earrings. I think her hair looks pretty today...is it me, or is her part getting closer to the side? :)
ReplyDeleteThe part was off center, thankfully.
DeleteI do not love this color on here especially in combination with the hue of her hair.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it that with pregnancies the hems become shorter with so many women?
No offence to any pregnant ladies but I suppose it has to do with gaining weight.
DeleteIf the lady has nice legs, it's a way to accentuate the positive so to speak. Shorter hemlines also help to create a more streamlined look that is less bulky and more proportional I think.
DeleteErika, I believe you are correct. And why not? :-)
Deletehttps://i.pinimg.com/236x/f3/65/03/f36503cf818a08c4cab2ab995ac67d1f--crown-princess-victoria-royal-style.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/736x/fe/05/b9/fe05b9a8a48d6452c251d9faf34a886c--crown-princess-victoria-princess-mary.jpg
http://img.bekia.es/galeria/5000/5917_victoria-de-suecia-y-margarita-de-holanda-charlan-en-el-encuentro-con-el-comite-paralimpico-internacional.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c7/9d/e7/c79de7c681f8a4c9a68495f8b594aca4.jpg
You found great examples royalfan. Why not indeed:)
DeleteFabulous look for her. The color, silhouette and accessories are perfect. I always prefer the shorter hemlines to the midi length, which I feel tends to be dowdy. She looked fresh and chic.
ReplyDeleteHer speech was fine too. I see leaps and bounds in improvement in that quarter. Between last night and today, a big win, A+.
Tedi, I prefer the shorter hemlines too, especially when she is pregnant. Roomy clothing and longer hemlines aren't the best combination.
DeleteAbsolutely Erika.
DeleteI thought her speech was very good. She is getting more comfortable up front. The more she gives speeches the better she will be!
Delete:)
DeleteKate was smiling and lovely as always. 🌷
ReplyDeleteShe is definitely coming into her own. Maybe we are seeing some of Ms.Q's influence already also.
I loved the tunic dress....the whole outfit really.
I like the length of her hair and that the part was offset and not in the middle. Very few people can really successfully pull off a center part even if it is a trend.
I love, love, love the 60's style (Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn and Mod). Awesome design at it's simplest. I particularly love the tunic shown in the black velvet with the booties.
I agree with those who said a slip would have helped immensely to stop the dress from clinging. I wish Kate liked slips. She definitely has needed them in the past, lol. They are not dowdy. There are some very beautiful (and sexy) ones available. Slips are an essential undergarment, in my opinion. (And there are some pretty slip dresses for the appropriate times. Probably not for Kate though although Diana did wear one to an event once.)
I don't think the lady in the purple sitting next to Kate is Catherine Quinn. I've seen that lady before and I don't think that's Catherine.
I really like Kate's new "official" photo. She looks so young in that photo (not that she looks old otherwise, lol). And Place2Be of course is awesome. :)
She looked liked she was a little chilly. Was it cold there today?
SG, Ms. Quinn was seated behind the lady dressed in purple.
DeleteAnd I agree about some of the classic ladies from the 60's. Many of the looks were fun, youthful and very classy.
It looked cold to me too :-) but I think she "deals with it" and keeps it simple, rather than having to take off and then retrieve her coat.
(You can just see Ms. Q seated behind Kate in the photo of Kate and the lady in purple.)
ReplyDeleteHa! I just replied above. :-)))
DeleteIn that same photo you can see Ms. Q's assistant seated next to her on her right. Who is her assistant?
ReplyDeleteAnyone know? It isn't Sophie Agnew. And where is Sophie Agnew these days? Anyone know? :)
I stand corrected from my last comment that we'd be seeing mostly repeats on Kate this pregnancy! This is a gorgeous color. I like shorter hemlines, but this feels uncomfortably short for me, even with the tights. I must feel opposite from everyone else, so far, that her growing stomach makes a too-short hemline risky.
ReplyDeleteNo Becca, I'm with you and I prefer shorter hemlines on her.... but even I thought "whoa it's a wee bit short". I'm an inch taller than Kate and have had to have hemlines let down to get the length right. Considering she has the resources to have the clothing tailored, it's something that's easy enough for her to do. Perhaps she got the garment a few weeks ago and the fit was different then (I've never been pregnant, but I imagine that that can happen as your belly grows?).
DeleteLove the color and the styling, she just needed a few more inches!
Oh, and it looks like she recently colored her hair?
ReplyDeleteShe seems even more secure during her speech, doesn't she?
ReplyDeleteAnd as I was very skeptic when I first saw her with the shorter hair, now I'm more and more in love with the shorter hair styled in that way! ❤
There was Catherine Quinn with her right? And the younger lady that was also present at the tennis engagement.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, can you confirm?
Maybe that's Ms. Quinns assistent?
Hello,
DeleteI'm afraid I don't recognise her. Catherine Quinn has an assistant, it's possibly her? I thought Sophie Agnew might fill that role.
Thought so watching the arrival video from Kate. In the background there is a lady looking like Ms Quinn. And in another goto she is sitting in the second row behind Kate. Maybe I'm wrong?
DeleteNope. You are right, Allegraflora. :)
DeleteI loved it from the top half pictures....but the bottom half :'( the hem was all over the place, up and down and up and down! I don't mind the shaping from the front but I feel it doesn't hang well at the back, maybe if the back seams had been shaped just a tad more. Not fitted, fitted just so it hang a little smoother.
ReplyDeleteThe young woman with Ms.Q almost looks like she could be Ms.Q's daughter. I doubt that she is but there is a resemblance.
ReplyDeleteThank you for a clearer photo of the two, Charlotte.
Could she be Ms. Agnew. It is the same woman that was seen in the car with William a few weeks ago during one of his galas.
DeleteMS Q. only has a son
DeleteNo. I am very confident that Mrs.Q''s young assistant is not Sophie Agnew.
DeleteThanks, Imke. :)
DeleteWould be nice if Kensington Palace would give the young woman some recognition by telling us her name and official position.
Her public speaking continues to improve, although memorizing her speeches would still be a big help with improving the flow and reducing the pauses. I love her look today, the mod style with the buttons. I think her hair is lovely, too, and she didn't play with it during the speech!
ReplyDeleteLove the dress. Kate looked wonderful.Agree with a few of the more nitpick comments. A slip would help with the clingy issues of the dress with the tights. Yes some slips just add to the problem, but there are slip materials, that do the trick. When I say slip I mean a half slip with this dress. I like the shoe but would have gone with a similar style in patent and with a leather sole. A slightly bolder earring in white gold would have been nice. Finally, her hair to mer needs more volume on top. :) :) But really overall I love the look and perfect for the event. Love the pockets.
ReplyDeleteShe looks happy and comfortable in what she is wearing. The black opaque hose with the chunky heels looks good on her. I like the color of the dress. I wouldn’t trust pins, how shorter a slip can one wear under such a short tunic dress? May be same burgundy or black short slip? May be anti-clinging spray on the reverse of the material will do.
DeleteMy last two predictions a boy, then a girl was correct. This time, it seems to be another girl.
I love this dress - so simple and effortless and comfortable looking.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post Charlotte. I thought Catherine did a great job with her speech.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, I was scrolling through my twitter feed and very disturbed by the comments left on the official Kensington Palace video of Catherine's P2B speech. We know there are some crazy people out there but never I have I seen the feed on the KP tweet dominated by hateful and scary tweets. If I were receiving these tweets I would consider them a threat against me and my family. No wonder Catherine and William are concerned about privacy and protection. I'd hate to think what threats they receive that we never hear about.
Cara, Australia
I went and checked based on your comments. Those comments are one or two trolls. I am weird and like to read the comments and those are way weird. Usually the comments are split between 'I love you Kate/William', 'the monarchy is a waste of money' or 'your issue is stupid/lame' and occasionally a few that are random and just want attention. The comments listed today are not the norm.
DeleteThank you so much for the post, Charlotte. I love everything about today's engagement: Kate's look, her speech, the mission of Place2Be... A welcome source of joy after a tough day. I do hope Kate continues to feel well. It would be so interesting to know how they are getting used to mutual cooperation with Ms.Quinn! I really like Ms.Quinn and hope she is enjoying her new job. She looks like a very smart lady.
ReplyDeleteZora, I would imagine that someone with Ms Quinn's experience (and age ... NOT a negative!) has a lot to offer. Life itself is a learning experience (hopefully) and I believe she has a lot to offer on many levels.
Deleteamen :) rf. Do I ever agree with that. :)
DeleteAbsolutely, royalfan.
Delete:-) x2!
DeleteHer speech was good, and this repeat engagement every year gives it further weight. Great job!
ReplyDeleteLove the A-line shape of dresses that are so fashionable today. I can't wear them, but on people like Catherine, they look good.
I really do hope its true that Kate is going to travel the UK more. She and Will have been far too London-centric, so much so i was beginning to anticipate a crisis in relevance in the royal household.
ReplyDeleteThat dress looks like it came out of my closet, so obviously I love it! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Kate is feeling better and am looking forward to seeing her step up her engagements and visit different parts of the UK. There are so many fantastic things she could do with her role, I hope we'll really see much more of her now that William has taken on a full-time role and her health is better.
I'm with Queen of the South and Leahmarie. I would love to wear this dress, especially the black velvet.
ReplyDeleteSo, what age is "way too old" to wear it? Asking for a friend:)
102!!! Wear what feels right, and looks good.
Deletehi Zoey! I would tell your friend that one can wear what ever one wants, at any age, as long as they're comfortable. I frequently wear things that might be considered "too young" for my age but I love them, they're comfortable and I feel great in them!
DeleteHi Zoey (and you’ll notice I left off the “Old”!) - In my dreams I would look something like an older Ms. Quinn, with that great posture, who I think could rock the black velvet with her pretty grey hair, but the hair would be the only point of resemblance between us! In my late seventies I’ve widened out and shrunk down quite a bit, the knees are pretty knobby, and if I wore heels I’d probably fall into a puddle and drown! But age is such a subjective thing these days, and I have several women friends my age and older, who could wear that dress - and the high heeled boots! - and look fabulous. So it’s only me who is “way too old”! :) But you know, if the skirt was a little longer...hmmmmm...
DeleteLeahmaria, your "fall-into-a-puddle" remark made me smile :) From the way you write I get a notion of you as an "always young" person - young in spirit and fun to be with!
Deleteleahmaria, your comments made me laugh out loud. :)
DeleteI'm excited that Kate's attendance at the Royal Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall has been confirmed. Wonder if we will see a repeat (I'm thinking of the Beulah black lace Amara dress from the New York City tour when Kate was pregnant with Charlotte) or a fabulous new look.
ReplyDeleteThe Duchess of Cambridge looked glowingly appropriate. The color of her dress, for me, was timely, considering the season of autumn with the changing colors of the leaves, etc. I agree with the Duchess of Cambridge’s speech. I am so glad she is family focused and recognizes the needs of children in the area of mental health. Listening to her speak, she is becoming more confident in public speaking; the more she gives public speeches, the more confident she will become. I hope for her the very best. Thanks, Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteOnce again I just so love seeing her! She exudes such positive energy and effortless glamour. No matter what she wears or what she does it seems so appropriate and on point. Thank you for yet another great post!
ReplyDeletePeregrine. In my opinion she is a godsend. :) I may critique her outfits and get frustrated with her public service videos (my bad) but what a blessing she is. Phenomenal really. I think we will find out about the work done behind the scenes for the past five years and watch her influence, activity and creativity sky rocket in the future.
DeleteSurfer Girl, I love your optimism and positive outlook! I agree with you. I think eventually it will come out that Kate has done a ton of work out of the spotlight-for the kids, her patronages, and other family support.
DeleteI thought Kate looked great today! A mod, shift dress with an a-line flair is perfect for her early pregnancy days. I thought the same thing - that a slip would help given she has on tights - so I looked to see if it was lined. The website says it is, 100% Wool. Lined. Dry clean only. Made in the UK. Love that it has pockets and the pewter buttons near the face add a little pop to this dress.
ReplyDeleteKate just looked great and Catherine Quinn's dress was perfect for her as well. All the ladies - those sitting next to Kate I thought made a great photo with their various colors.
Just read this, very surprised it is lined as it bunched up on both her legs and a bit on her chest. If it is lined a lip would not have made a difference, unless there was something about the lining that was clingy...Odd.
DeleteOh my gosh Catherine looks absolutely lovely in this dress! And I love the wine color on her,she looks positively radiant. Ive been reading all the recents posts by Charlotte but have not been able to comment due to a super full schedule but Ive just managed to get a breather :) Thank You Charlotte and I look forward to your post on Saturday!XOXO
ReplyDeleteI thought it was a very well-written speech and a very good letter as well. I always like seeing Kate at this sort of engagement.
ReplyDeleteHer speaking style is improved - the pacing is much better but at the expense of long pauses and she still seems tense - the smile not coming until the end - but the more done, the more improvement - and her hair was well controlled. I'm glad Catherine Quinn was watching her - she seems a lady who knows her work in a way Rebecca did not - and she may have guidance.
The dress is not to my taste - I'm one of those who doesn't care for the short skirts that seem to come out when Kate is pregnant - but I respect the views of those who do like it and other than the length, it's professional enough.
For what it's worth, I've always worn slips - I like how they make a smooth line with clothes although they are becoming difficult to find. So many odd things like seventies styles have come back in I would be pleased to see slips (and brooches) return too.
I've never had a problem with them and knits. There have been times we've seen less than a smooth line on otherwise good outfits for Kate - a slip might help. I'm thinking of the Amsterdam suit.
They have slips with fabric designed not to cling to
Deleteknits. I don't know at the moment what that fabric is called but it exists. :)
I wear half slips with lots of items, to make for a smooth line and reduce the cling. I especially like to wear them with my St. Johns knit skirts. I also wear them under lightweight skirts, both for a smooth line but also so you do not see through them in the sunshine or just with certain lighting. Many of the modern fabrics actually are see through with any light behind, much like many silks. I find a big selection of great slips here in the US at Nordstrom.
DeleteKate would be so well served if she embraced broaches!
DeleteI agree with you, slips are a great addition to your wardrobe. Especially if you are a fan of the dress with tights look. I just wish they were more widely available. I love a beautiful slip, but they are impossible to find.
DeleteI believe Ms. Quinn's exceptional resume speaks for itself and she certainly exudes a professional image. I think her role might be quite a dramatic change from that of Rebecca Deacon. And I say that not in a negative way. Ms. Deacon's role appeared to be that of a trusted friend/assistant and not a mentor and private secretary with the credentials and experience of Ms. Quinn.
DeleteI would have liked to have seen greater progress in the Duchess Catherine's role in areas such as public speaking, level of involvement and confidence in a role she undertook 6 years ago given her education, age and "worldliness" in areas such as travel.
The optics of Ms. Quinn at this event are interesting to me. I wonder how the Duchess feels about Ms. Quinn observing her speaking performance, especially when in my opinion the Duchess appears uncomfortable with public speaking to begin with and has not given many speeches. Is there a debriefing and critiquing of the Duchess by Ms. Quinn? Or is she more of a organizational strategist? And if either or both, how accepting will the Duchess be with the dynamics of this new relationship. Afterall, the Duchess is the boss- so to speak! I hope Ms. Quinn is comfortable and successful in this new role.
From my understanding Carole Middleton has been the prominent mentor and parent throughout Catherine's life. I don't know how easy it would be for her step back and allow a
new mentor to enter Catherine's professional life;
Especially if there are differences in opinion between Ms. Quinn and the Duchess and her Mother in various areas.
I am also very curious to know whether Buckingham Palace, Clarence House or the Kensington arm of the Royal family hired Ms. Quinn. Palace intrigue I guess!
It is nice to see the Duchess at engagements and looking healthy, and I hope she has a joyful pregnancy going forward.
ER - My guess is that CQ is an organizational strategist and won't be advising Kate on matters like speaking. Somehow I don't think that would go down well with Kate or William, for that matter.
DeleteI agree that Kate's public speaking has improved a lot, but honestly, in the professional world one expects this rate of improvement in four weeks, not six years. Not to pat my own back, but frankly I was a better speaker at the end of college than Kate seems to be now, and I was just an "average" speaker in my cohort. Many people were much better than this right off the bat.
I think that Kate could keep getting better, much better. And I think she will. She just needs to want to do it.
English Rose. Are you English? :) (Just the Anglophile in me wanting to know. Sorry, lol.)
DeleteYes. It would be really nice to know how her being hired came about. I personally don't think Carole would have any misgivings about Ms.Q's role at all, regardless what that entails. Quite the contrary. I think she is probably elated and grateful and possibly relieved, especially if Kate had say in Ms.Q being hired.
Sufer girl, I appreciate your response. I am not sure how you define Anglophile, but I am not a British Citizen; and have enjoyed this interesting and informactive site. Please explain how my citizenship is relevant.
DeleteI do not know how my perspective as a US citizen, a mother, wife and professional impacts my opinions regarding the professional life of the Duchess of Cambridge. I think it is significant in begging the question as to who hired Ms. Quinn. I am making my point by referring to your comment that Carole- Catherine's Mother -may feel "relief" as to Ms. Quinn and her hiring. Goodness! I was sincerely asking if the Duchess was responsible for hiring Ms. Quinn. Has this ever been confirmed by their PR, as was confirmed about Kate's initiative in creating the mental health focus?
It is actually a bit telling to me that you comment about the professional life of an Ambassador of Great Britain is in part directed by her Mother. It opens up a slew of interesting questions by commentators much more knowledgeable than I am.
It is my opinion, based upon published information, that the Duchess has a wonderful and close relationship with her family. How this translates as to the Duchess's professional role is a different matter.
I think many of you are overthinking the hiring of Ms Q. She applied, Kate liked her. She was hired:). Ms Q applied cause she was interested in the job, she wanted a new challenge, she wants to use this experience to springboard in another job, or who knows why. Kate liked her, likes she has a bit more experience, thinks she can keep her mouth shut:)... etc.
DeleteJust for future silly questions I might have about anything and everything British. That's all, English Rose. No hidden agendas. I promise. :)
DeleteWhoa. lol. I didn't "open up" anything pertaining to Carole. Someone had mentioned they thought Carole had been a prominent influence in Kate's life and then tied that into the presence of Ms.Q.
DeleteI don't know that Carole influences Kate's professional life. I don't think Carole would be presumptive about that in any way. Nor would she have such close favor of the Queen if she was. That still doesn't mean that Carole couldn't be "relieved" at Kate having all the help she needs. :) I didn't coach my son in soccer (his team was no doubt very happy about that) but I was "relieved" and happy to know that a record winning coach was.
I am sure Kate might, upon occasion, take advice about her profession from William, the Queen, and the the Palace. I believe that that is where her professional guidance comes from.
Ali, that is *not* how senior administrators in universities are hired. They are headhunted. An office that wants to hire a senior person will hire a headhunting firm which will go out and SOLICIT people like Quinn. Trust me on this. Quinn probably stopped applying for jobs approximately a decade ago. When you reach senior administration nobody applies for jobs. They come to you. I know what I am talking about - don't ask me how.
DeleteMy guess is that Charles' office suggested a couple of names to William's office. William probably picked out a couple of names. Then their team approached these people. They set up interviews. Quinn came and visited, probably more than once. Kate spent time with her. Then she was given an offer she could not refuse. That is how it worked. Unless Quinn is getting something major (which could be entirely non-pecuniary) she would not have taken this offer. What she is getting I don't know.
DeleteRosman, perhaps what CQ is getting out of it is a new challenge, honor, prestige, etc.
DeleteI have been most impressed with Kate over these last engagements. She has clearly grown in confidence and what has struck me is how genuinely pleased the Charity leaders have been to see her. I know she has been patron of both Place2be and the other one for sometime but I do feel that it is now coming across that she is really liked and appreciated that she is their patron. She is also growing in confidence when making speeches and I felt her voice was less affected this time more natural. Regarding the young lady with Catherine Quinn looking at photos of the gala I noticed that she was also accompanying Kate for that event there was no sign of CQ but to be honest I didn't think she would be at that type of event. This is total guess work on my part but in view of the fact that the young lady was also the one in the car with William I am wondering whether she is Laura Baker who was appointed an assistant Private Secretary to William about a year ago. I have been unable to find a photograph of her but at the time of RD retirement Laura was mentioned as a possible replacement Once again guesswork but it could be that she is acting as assistant to both W & K Mrs Quinn with all her experience could well be doing an overall advisory role within the Cambriges office as well as helping Kate raise her game they certainly needed such an experienced person.
ReplyDeleteNice to see the Cambridge family having a weekend with friends I would think George and Charlotte will have enjoyed the fireworks if that is where they were which I strongly suspect they were. The ride on the train home will also have been fun for a young boy I know it is intrusive but it is good to hear a little of their private life and this time it was not due to pap intrusion.
Nothing but praise for Kate including the dresses she wore for both events but I am not impressed with William's decision to not attend the RBL Festival of Remembrance on Saturday preferring to have a fun day out at a Rugby match. He may be patron but he usually attends one match in the group of four there are three others to choose from he clearly feels that the festival is not of any importance and is not even prepared to support his wife at the event well done Kate for attending even though I expect she is not totally recovered from her sickness. I have a friend who also suffered as Kate has & she told me that although like Kate she was better after the first trimester it left her so tired and washed out it took her some weeks before she really felt fit. Williams schedule this week has consisted of receiving one or two dignitaries two afternoon receptions one for the Foundation with Kate & one Charity which he is not Patron of and two Black Tie Gala dinners we all know he enjoys those and now a rugby match. I know some readers will not agree with my attack on William but he is rather too fond of enjoying himself and I am disgusted at his attitude to the Festival of Remembrance and lack of support to his wife.
I thought that Rebecca Deacon did an amazing job, and I, for one, will miss her. But I think Kate's emerging increase in confidence might have to do with the fact that perhaps Kate sought out and hired, all by herself, Ms.Q.
DeleteWilliam had furnished Kate with the assistance of Rebecca Deacon, and thoughtfully so as the assistance was no doubt helpful. But now, Kate is suggesting things (Heads Together) and creating a supportive team of her own I think. I believe we will see great things from them, including that her public service videos will be light years better also allowing the real Kate to come through. :)
Lizzie
DeleteI have a different opinion on The festival of Remembrance. On such an important weekend I would love to see the royal family at a variety of events commemorating veterans all over the country, instead of 16 of them attending one event. Remember veterans are not only eldery soldiers from WWII. It is also thirty something guys that might feel more connected to a rugby game than a concert. Afterall the Festival of Remembrance celebrate veterans through music, why can’t the same be done through sport.
People don’t seem to realise that the test matches on Remembrance weekend has a big millitary & comemmorative aspect to the pre-game activities with paratroopers & millitary bands. I attended a test a Twickenham a few years back and found it quite poigant.
Queen of the Souh. That is a great idea. But William and Harry going to a ruby match does not fit the bill honoring the veterans. It is just a way out of spending time with family. And honoring all veterans.
DeleteI agree Queen of the South. I think with the emphasis on the poppy in the UK and Canada, we tend to focus on the World Wars. But we sadly have many veterans of many conflicts and wars whom we remember on November 11th.
DeleteHere in the U.S., we don't use the poppy and we call the day "Veteran's Day" but we still honor all vets. There will be a Veteran's Day Parade in our small town with cars and floats with veterans and currently serving soldiers aboard. My granddaughter is in the school marching band; there will be several bands. I will probably tear up and we will all wave and clap and cheer like mad. It is one way of honoring vets just as the Festival is. Given the number of trips William has made over to Europe this year honoring those who suffered and died during the two World Wars, I think that going to a rugby match as patron (esp. as he replaced the Queen as patron) instead of attending a concert with a goodly portion of his relatives is fine. Kate loves theatre and she hasn't had a chance recently to enjoy a show. Who knows but what their conversation was: "Kate, I can't face dressing up yet again after going to the rugby match. Do you feel like going?" "Why, yes, William, I would love to go. You get the babysitting and by the way George has been making a Remembrance Day booklet at school. Maybe you can read it with him before he goes to bed and tell him about all of his great great, and great uncles who fought for the UK?" (We won't mention the great greats who fought on the other side.)
Jo who spent much of Tuesday with first graders cutting and coloring Veteran's Day booklets.
If you watch the parades they do indeed cover all ex-forces from the first world war to the present. Some royal family members do go to other locations and I agree it would be nice for younger members to spread out more - at the same time those in the parade come from all over.
DeleteSporting events, even if you are a patron should always come last after other engagements - I'm not pleased about this but I often thing William and Harry are like big children - well-meaning but not terribly in touch or mature, who have been allowed to do what they want and given too much too easily.
Worth noting Tatler of this month has a tongue in cheek article about 'the coming revolution.' Tatler in many ways picks up the mood of the nation.
did you stay within the lines, Jo? hmmmm? :)
DeleteI always stay within the lines SG--too deeply ingrained to depart although many of my first graders did. And I didn't chide them for it
DeleteRe sports and morale. This is a very interesting website of what happened with professional sports during World War II: http://warfarehistorynetwork.com/daily/wwii/sports-during-world-war-ii/ Scroll down to the bottom to read about the importance of English football and what people were prepared to risk. I am not a sports fan myself and personally am not thrilled that my dgs misses church to play soccer on Sunday. But I am in the minority re sports on Sunday I won't go there....
More people (from both Wales and Australia) will see William at the rugby--and won't judge because they will all be rugby fans too--on Saturday than would see him at the Festival on Saturday night. Now if he were going to a rugby game while the wreath laying was occurring on Sunday I would have an issue. Just an observation.
In my part of US, little poppies are still sold near Veterans' Day and sometimes Memorial Day. They have never been as pretty as the British versions, however.
DeleteJo in Arizona, I hope you as well as your first graders had a nice celebration of the Veterans' Day :)!
DeleteI am back again ref. possible name for lady with Kate & CQ. I have sourced a photo of Laura Baker under her maiden name when working for Prince Charles in 2013 before joining the Cambridges a year or two later she is the same age as W & K although slightly fuller faced I am almost sure she is the mystery girl. Her maiden name was Osbaldeston
ReplyDeleteThank you Lizzie. 🎉 Do you have a link to that photo/info?
ReplyDeleteKate looks wonderful. I know she buys multiples of some items, so I hope she bought the yellow version of that dress. I think it would look wonderful on her.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Rachel. That yellow dress would look nice in Kate although she risks William telling her she looks like a banana again, lol. Men.
DeleteI have sourced some more photos of Laura Baker and I don't think the young lady who was with William in the car and has been at all Kate's recent engagements is Laura. Trawling through photos of Kates recent engagements including coach Core with W & H I came on one of W H & k sitting together & in row behind them were three ladies one behind Harry our mystery lady behind Kate and a lady behind William who was a much better likeness to Laura Baker I must admit I do think KP should acknowledge who the young lady is considering she has accompanied Kate on all her recent engagements & even William. Incidentally the young Lady has been very smartly dressed at all the engagements as has Catherine quinn
ReplyDeleteThanks for all that effort, Lizzie. Hopefully, Kensington Palace will oblige and give the young lady a proper introduction (and soon). :)
DeleteHow great to see Kate out and about, looking radiant. I love the outfit and the shoes are AMAZING! I am completely in love with the black velvet version of this dress. It is too expensive for me, but I hope we see Kate in it for a funky evening appointment, maybe?
ReplyDeleteKate was apparently photpgraphed doing the school rum with George before her tennis engagement (but why isn't George wearing his uniform??)
ReplyDeletehttps://mobile.twitter.com/royalspotlight/status/929119890681876480
Kate has helped Judy Murray encourage and teach youngsters about tennis. William awarded Judy Murray an OBE recently. Sweet. :)
ReplyDeleteI like this outfit if I were pregnant I would wear the same! The poppies they wear in Britain are so different to the ones we wear in Canada :)
ReplyDelete