It's been a decidedly busy day for royal watchers with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle carrying out their first official royal engagements in Nottingham. Meanwhile back in London, Duchess Kate was photographed at King's Cross Station this morning.
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| Daily Mail Online Twitter Feed |
It is unknown exactly where Kate was travelling, though I would hazard a guess she may have been heading to Anmer Hall. Following a two-day official visit to Finland, Prince William returned to Royal Air Force Marham in Norfolk, as noted by Cepe. Kate may still be experiencing pregnancy sickness, so railway may be an easier means of travelling longer distances.
The Cambridges have long been fans of travelling by train, it also makes sense logistically as the train journey is under two hours whilst driving is close to three. With Prince George's school schedule I expect they are spending as many weekends at their country retreat as possible.
Speaking of Prince William's trip to Finland, if you haven't already seen it, the moment of the visit came when he handed Prince George's Christmas list to Santa Claus. Very sweetly, little George has just one request this year: a police car. I have no doubt Santa will be more than happy to oblige and he'll find one under the tree.
It's always fun to see Kate's "off duty" style. For the train journey she sported her new ZARA Coat (Kate was photographed on Wednesday leaving Kensington Palace wearing it. You can view images on the Mail Online). The $169 Checked Coat is a very wearable day coat. I think it could work very well for engagements too.
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| ZARA |
Kate also wore her Iris & Ink Grace Sweater - first seen during her engagement with the Scouts in King's Lynn last year. Made in Italy, the light grey sweater is described as "100% cashmere, slips on, turtleneck, ribbed trims".
An updated version of the Grace sweater is now available in grey and pink at the Outnet retailing for £125.
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| The Outnet |
Kate completed the look with jeans. her Mulberry bag and chic ankle boots.
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We have news of an unannounced engagement for Kate on Wednesday afternoon. According to the Court Circular, the Duchess of Cambridge convened a roundtable meeting at Kensington Palace with experts in positive parenting and early years support. No images from the meeting were released. Early years support is an area of particular interest for Kate.
When is Kate's next engagement? On Wednesday, 6 December, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will attend the Children's Global Media Summit at the Manchester Central Convention Complex. The Duke of Cambridge will give the key note speech at the summit, which brings together creatives, technology innovators, policymakers, executives and thought leaders from around the globe to inform and redesign the future of media for this generation and explore the impact that digital technology will have in children’s futures. On arrival at the Manchester Central Convention Complex, the Duke and Duchess will have the chance to meet some of the international delegates who will speak at the conference. The Duchess will then join a forum hosted by Sesame Street's Workshop, the charitable foundation of the famous children's TV show, on research commissioned into kindness – a method used to help very young children express issues regarding emotional wellbeing.
We'll also be keeping an eye out for a possible tiara appearance should the Cambridges attend this year's annual Diplomatic Reception. It takes place in early December, making a night next week a strong possibility.
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Finally, the Duchess visited the fascinating Foundling Museum on Tuesday wearing a new Kate Spade dress.
The Diamond Pleated Shirtdress from the Resort 2018 Collection was released on the Kate Spade website earlier today. The $398 piece is described: "Diamonds are a girl's best friend in any form. This patterned shirtdress has a pleated silhouette and feminine tie-neck that knots into a dramatic bow."
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| Kate Spade |
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Hmm duchrss looks healthy and relax she enjoying her time off its nice too see her radiant and stunning hnm i guest the duchess have company on being a royal and alone in palace meghan could give her company i think she hating all the snap when she off duty
ReplyDeleteI love the plaid coat! That's one I certainly would like or one like it! The length is perfect! I'll bet Catherine is enjoying being out of the spotlight for a while with Megan and Harry making headlines! I would be!! Always enjoy your coverage and looking forward to upcoming engagements for the Cambridges.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, artistswriter. I was about to post a very similar comment (almost word for word, lol) before I read yours ;)
DeleteI agree. I love the length. And I think color wise, the coat and sweater combo are great.
DeleteI love plaid everything except plaid coats. Just hate them. She looks great as usual though.
DeleteI said in my comment on the last post that I hoped we'd get a better look at this coat. I never thought I would get my wish this fast. I think it's lovely and agree with you Charlotte that it would work very well for engagements too (with trousers!)
ReplyDeleteI'll be checking in regularly as I wish and wait for a tiara appearance. Maybe even Kate will go above and beyond in the wish department and we'll get to see her in a new (new for her I mean - I doubt the royal family will be commissioning new tiaras anytime soon) tiara!
The Queen is usually in London on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, so the Diplomatic Reception would be on those days. With Cambridges in Manchester on Wednesday that leaves Tuesday or Thursday next week.
ReplyDeletethanks, Gemma. :)
DeleteI love that we get to see full-length pictures of this coat. It looks really versatile and would work well with everything from jeans to stockings.
ReplyDeleteI like that they had engagements on separate days this week. Evenly spaced and it works well for us royal watchers because when Kate is off-duty for a few days, we can look forward to a Meghan appearance now and vice versa :)
Love Avee in SA
I have been thinking the same thing about Kate and Meghan appearances. Now we will get to enjoy more royal engagements with two wonderful ladies. When one is off, we will get to see the other.
DeleteHello everyone, it's been a while since I posted but since this is an exciting time, I do have to some thoughts & opinions I would like to share.
ReplyDeleteFor one I and very Happy for Harry and Meghan, I really wish him all the best. Do I think he is rushing the relationship, maybe but he is under pressure from the Firm? Yes. I also believe he wants what Will and Kate has, that family and partner in life, also he wants his grandparents around to see HIS family.
I have always been weary of whoever Harry was going to marry bc I love the dynamics of him, Will and Kate the Royal Trifecta, but do I think Meghan is a good match for him and the family. I really hope her and Kate become good friends and become sisters. Didn't Diane and Fergi have issues towards the end, I don't want any issues to become of the the Royal Square, (hmm, I wonder if there is a better name for them??) I also think there is going to be a Joint engagements soon, too really establish the change in their Royal Foundation.
I don't want to compare Meghan with Kate, but sometimes it's the way of the nature. But I do think Kate is going to have to step up her game bc of Meghan. I feel Meghan is going to be have better PR traits then Kate, and Kate may need to adapt, like giving more interviews to the press or Shaking more hands of reporters.
I do hope we see more of Kate, since she is entering her 2nd trimester. I do hope for more engagements in January for her and Will, before any Winter Vaction, Baby's and marriage.
Over all I am VERY excited for the changes in the Royal Family, and I wish everyone the best!
I really wish Kate would not change. She has a different destiny to Meghan, one she has walked wonderfully in the past seven years. I wouldn't want her to be more showy or to practice less restraint just to be popular. Diana and Fergie both played that game and look how badly it ended. To answer your question, yes, Diana and Fergie weren't great friends in the end, but they were very close in the beginning. I think it all had to do with their respective divorces and personal struggles. It was very sad when the House of Windsor fell apart during those years.
DeleteWe are going to see more of Kate. Her and Will's Scandinavian tour is in January.
Deletebut you did just compare the two Emily.... If you are going to say Kate needs to step up her PR game, you need to be fair and also say something like Meghan will have to acquire a more polished royal persona.
DeleteThanks Ladies. I did forget about the tour next year!
DeleteI don't want to compare the two and I try not too. I do feel the ladies both can learn from each other.
Kate and Meghan both have different paths within the Royal Family, and Harry and Meghan will have more freedom then William and Kate, in many ways. I also don't think wants to lose her shine, her sparkle with the press. So her and Will have to evolve, to stay sparkly. Kate has done well, hardly any bad press since her and Will got married. She works hard for that. But times are changing and she needs to step up get game as a senior Royal. And I think in the next year she will.
Emily, you say, in speaking about Harry, "He is under pressure from the Firm." That is pure speculation on your part and not based on fact. Unless there is a direct quote from the Queen, in a press release from Buckingham Palace, shared by a reliable news source, then we can't assume anything. As far as your comment about Kate stepping up her game, do remember that Kate and Meghan are two very different women. Their backgrounds and experiences are as diverse as they could possibly be. Kate is also a future Queen, Meghan is not. Yes, Meghan likely does have more developed PR skills, due to the nature of her acting career. But Kate has grace, decorum and sincerity. Kate's game is just fine…no stepping up needed.
DeleteThank you Laura, for saying everything i was thinking!! Kate does not need to "step up anything" especially for/because of Meghan. Also i thought we had already talked about the NOT comparing the other day? so if you say, i don't want to compare, DON'T!
DeleteI have feeling for YEARS Kate needs to step up game. Not just BC Meghan is in the picture. Also want 35 year old Man is not feeling pressure to get Married and start a family?
DeleteAlso, these are my opinions and feelings about Kate, Meghan and family, so pleae respect my right to my opinion.
It must be quite a life to have cameras pointed at you all the time.
ReplyDeleteI hope she is feeling well. Love the coat!
Always a treat to see Kate - she looks lovely - Linda
ReplyDeleteNice to see Kate no doubt heading off to a Norfolk weekend. I love the coat.
ReplyDeleteI love her casual style.She wears classical clothes but comfortable every day.
ReplyDeleteI don't like the way they have already started trying to set up a rivalry between the two women ... there was always going to be rivalry between fans (I suppose) but I really hate the way the newspaper is trying to make out it's a competition between THEM. I know, I'm naïve but I had hoped it would not happen.
ReplyDeleteJenny, Australia
It was bound to happen. It happened when Sarah Ferguson and Sophie joined the family. I can even predict the trajectory. MM will be built up in the press and compared to Kate for several years. Then they will turn on Meghan and tear her down after the super high expectations they have been hyping fall short. It has happened every single time and I'm sure will happen again.
DeleteComparisons are inevitable. I have my popcorn out because I think that the Meghan show, when it comes on, will be a good one.
DeleteBingo, Erika. :)
DeleteRosman, I am confused. The show with the press tearing Meghan down or the show of watching her be the press darling for awhile? I mean, I think it's a safe bet both will happen.
DeleteSo sad and true Erika.
DeleteErika, thankfully, Meghan said she doesn't read the reviews, yeh? And, the fickleness of the public and the media is something she hopefully is very much aware of. If so, she'll be okay. :)
DeleteKatie - she is not being built up in the press. They are slighting her ever so subtly. None of the articles that are coming out are showing her to be a "darling".
DeleteAnd I think that Meghan will retaliate eventually. That is the show I am speaking about. Meghan will either have to change substantially to fit in with the BRF and their attitude towards the press, or the marriage simply won't make it. Based on the image she has portrayed so far, I doubt that this is going to be easy. That is my prediction.
It disturbs me greatly that the press is already creating competition between Kate and Meghan. I knew it was going to happen and it saddens me. Unfortunately, some people who just read headlines and don't follow these two women will believe it. I believe Kate and Meghan are two mature women who will not let it affect their relationship. Right now, the press are all Team Meghan, but it won't be long before they have to change their narrative to sell more papers. Then they will be Team Kate again and criticizing Meghan. It is just all so sad. I for one love both these ladies for who they are and their very own unique qualities. I am going to enjoy the coverage of them here at Charlotte's blogs, one of the few places that is equally appreciative of both of them.
DeleteRegarding the media and Kate. I can just hear the editor's instructions. "I need some headlines on the Royal family. If there are none, make it happen anyway. Find an angle. Come up with something." (I think I may have watched too many old movies, yeh? lol) 🎞
DeletePlaying with the press is a little like playing with a kitten. At first it is sweet, adoring and lovable....then you make a misstep or mistake and the kitten bites or scratches you and you are reminded of the nature of the animal. cc
DeleteThank you for all you do Charlotte! Kate’s expressions look like she was caught off guard. Maybe she was hoping to slip off of to Anmer and then she saw the photographer? She certainly looked tired but maybe that is because she isn’t wearing make up. I had two photographs snapped of me this week and in one I look so washed out and in the second—well it was good enough to use for my FB profile this month (hahahahaha.)
ReplyDeleteDo you think William knew he would see Father Christmas and that was how he happened to have George’s letter? I always like to imagine conversations and I am thinking “Daddy, Daddy, if you are going to see Father Christmas can you give him this letter?”
She looks good. Love the sweater and coat. I love that length coat for running around doing errands and meeting friends. I loved the Christmas letter from George, how fun.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, I know this is way ahead, but do you have any idea on when and where the third baby may be christened? I wonder if it will be another summer christening at Sandringham or will it be in London?
ReplyDeleteHello Suzie,
DeleteI expect Baby Cambridge's christening will likely be in late June or very early July. There's a number of possibilities. Looking at royal christenings in recent times, Windsor stands out. If we look further back the Music Room at Buckingham Palace was the venue of choice with the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William christened there.
I wouldn't rule out Sandringham again. I also thought it could be possible they will opt for something completely different and choose the local Middleton family church in Berkshire.
Ooh, I like the idea of a Middleton family church christening. The one the family went to on Christmas perhaps?
DeleteI would love to see the baby be christened at the Middleton's family church. That would be so cool. But since the baby will be "royal" the baby might have to be christened in one of the "Queen's churches" Westminster, Windsor, or her music room at the Palace.
DeleteI am hoping that Harry and Meghan will be there. Then we will have Kate, baby Cambridge, and Meghan all in one place. I am so looking forward to the upcoming years of the Royal Family.
DeleteMy guess for Baby Cambridge 3 is another christening at Sandringham. It's in the Queen's and W&K's "backyard", plus the connection with Diana.
DeleteI want to start by showing my true colors here. I love HRH The Duchess of Cambridge. Love. (I am here, aren't I? hehe :)) And I want the best for HRH Prince Harry. If that is Ms. Markle, then I am cheering both of them on. I have no opinion about the speed of their relationships. Sometimes people rush these things, sometimes they are in a place in their life that they are ready. Only two people truly know what is going on.
ReplyDeleteThere will be comparing in the media and comparing amongst fans. That's human and their is nothing inherently wrong with comparing (I prefer red vines to twizzlers) so long as one does not pass judgment or worth to it. But here is my little ump. Even as the "The Firm" evolves, it's regal purpose must remain. Kate got married when there was a severe recession and has always been, hmm, down to earth(? ) and not materialistic. (I am not saying Meghan is) So while Kate's clothes have always been, fashionable, but I am not sure the allude the sense of her true position and responsibility. You dress the part, right? And I feel she dresses the part of "working career fashionable woman" Kate will one day become the Princess of Wales (assuming of course nothing out of the ordinary occurs) and then HM The Queen. So I do believe with the arrival of Meghan, Kate must step up her public persona to appear more regal. (And she has started this style evolution awhile ago. ) Not because of rivalry, or anything like that. Partly because it is the job she has taken. And Meghan is (not purposefully) shinning a light in an area Kate could improve.
I pray there isn't any tension within the brothers. By nature, Meghan is more regal, (she is a Leo, like Diana, and has had more experience in pr/fashion, and cares about fashion more than Kate. Even Carole told a fan at Wimbledon, Kate's never been into clothes.) And that's what the media/fans/public want. They want a woman who wears the part.
Agree with several of your points but have to disagree that Meghan appears more regal than Kate. Meghan has more effective PR skills, perhaps, unsurprisingly but I dont consider how Meghan has carried herself or what she has worn to date to be at all regal.
DeleteYeah I agree with Erika. I think that Meghan has many strong qualities and will be great at her job. But I don't think she is in the least regal. She has a lot to learn as well.
DeleteI agree with Erika and Rosman, Meghan may be many things and have her strengths, but I don't think "by nature...she is more regal". Perhaps you meant something else like, more outgoing or confidant, which seem to be her strengths. Being a public personality or a fashionista does not make you regal. I wish her well in her new role, but agree she has much to learn. cc
DeleteI don't know that I think of regal with Meghan. I think Kate's quiet, graceful demeanor leans more regal than Meghan's more down to earth one.
Delete18:46, I see where you're coming from, but I don't think Kate should change her approach. She does step it up and look the part on formal occasions without going overboard for regular engagements.
DeleteKate may not be entertaining enough in the fashion department, but this has never been her goal. As a matter of fact, I think a huge part of her success within the RF has to do with her going out of her way to avoid being seen as a fashion-focused covergirl. She would only trivialize her own position if she started a fashion competition.
Meghan is new to the role and we can expect to see a lot of new clothing in the first year. It's perfectly understandable. But I hope she, too, will recycle from time to time and avoid being seen as a fashionista. This may endear her to magazine editors, but it won't keep the focus where it should be.
Regarding regal, well, I think a bit mystery is a good thing. Too much self-promotion, not so much.
Diana was born July 1st. Therefore she was cancer and not leo.
DeleteI agree with Erika and Rosman. And I don't think the most important thing for Kate is to be a woman who wears the part, even if the media/fans/public want it. Btw, from our forum here it is obvious that different people would like her to wear very different things. She can't oblige everybody. She also needs to remain true to herself. She may have shown she is not into clothes but she has always tried to be elegant. For me, personally, it is a lot more important how she behaves to people around her, whether she is empathic, a good listener etc. She is a wife of the 2nd in line, not yet the Queen Consort.
DeleteOf course Meghan will repeat clothes, ALL royal women do, both British and continental. Queens, Crown Princesses, Princesses, born or married in rewear clothes. I’m truly baffled where people get the idea they don’t. Queens and CPs have engagements almost every day, how in the world could they always wear new outfits.
DeleteIf we're speaking of zodiac signs, interesting both of Charles' wives were born under the sign of cancer.
DeleteThe last Leo I can recall was Princess Margaret and she certainly had an inflated regal view of herself so perhaps there is something to it.
Kate is a Capricorn as is Princess Alexandra and Sophie Wessex - not bad role models of royal ladies.
18:46, I agree about Kate, as her mother said, not being that much into clothes and fashion, nor has she ever been, having grown up heavily involved in sports and living in the countryside, and I have said as much here in the past - (only to be told I'm wrong!). I have thought it unfair to her almost that we who comment on this blog (myself included) critique what she is wearing each and every time we see a photograph of her. She is a woman with a job to do and children to raise. She is not a fashion model, a clothes horse, whose only purpose in life is to look good. I agree she needs to look the part of an HRH, but that doesn't mean being a slave to fashion and we must remember that it is not her priority. I will comment on her clothing if I especially like what she is wearing, but if I don't happen to care for it, then I don't say anything.
DeleteI love the coat. Kate looked terrific, I always like her hair in a ponytail.
ReplyDeleteIf I was the cambridges I would go to my country home too in the weekends and escape the city, especially for the children. Maybe they will spend Christmas there and Kate is preparing the house with lots of Christmas decorations 🎄
ReplyDeletePs Georges letter is too cute 💕
If I had a country home, I would spend as much time there as possible. I hope she is prepping the home for Christmas for George and Charlotte and making sure George has a little police car under the tree!! Too cute!! cc
DeleteYes, lots of decorating and baking and maybe a Christmas card photo shoot?!
DeleteKatie. yay. A Christmas card photo is (hopefully) soon to come. :)
DeleteKatie C.H., December 3 is a bit late for a Christmas card photo shoot. Even with today's modern processing of pictures, they'd still have to select the right one, send it off to be printed onto card stock, sign and then address the envelopes. I'd say the Royal Family do these things several months ahead.
DeleteI think they will release a Christmas card photo in mid December. They released one two years ago and they said Prince George is starting preschool in January. Hopefully this one will tell us when princess Charlotte is starting preschool:)
DeleteAlways a special treat to get candid shots of Kate. She makes casual chic look so easy. Love, love the coat, the sweater and her hair and would love a peek at her shoes. She is a beautiful woman who makes looking pregnant look elegant!! It's nice the Cambridge's like to travel by train...hope she has a lovely weekend! cc
ReplyDeleteShe does, doesn't she.. So graceful and elegant.
DeleteDoes anyone know specifics about train travel? Is there a special car for royals? Do they just sit in first class? Are there separate compartments? I would travel by train if I could -- all the pleasure of watching the scenery without having to keep an eye on traffic
ReplyDeleteInteresting questions Emmy, I would also like to know the answers. Being from the US, I rarely travel by train.
DeleteI thought Kate looed smart in her casual outfit today. Her coat was lovely and I always like seeing her hair in a ponytail.
ReplyDeleteI very much hope she was on her way to Norfolk to join William who flew there from Finland probably for a relaxing weekend possibly a shooting party with friends so I hope Kate was there as well getting away from what is probably quite a busy time around KP with H & M. engagement.
Their joint engagement on the 6th appears to be quite a high profile event around Media & children. Both William & Harry are very involved with the media in many different aspects Kate not very much so it is good to see Kate attending such an event no doubt CQ will be able to give her good advice.
I am saddened at a great deal of the press coverage comparing Kate and Meghan trying to fuel rivalry between the two most unfair on both Kate & Megan.
Changing the topics I see that Prince Andrew has taken over from Prince Philip as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards so no doubt Andrew will now be in Guards Uniform for the Trooping of the Colour.
I am also sorry to learn that Lord Frederick Windsor's wife Sophie has been badly injured in a road accident their daughter Maud started school at the same time as Prince George at Thomas Battersea.
I very much hope W & K attend the diplomatic event and I wonder when we will get further information on their planned tour to Norway & Sweden
I was surprised that she seemingly takes the train on a regular basis to and from Amner. Not happy that they broadcasted that fact today.
ReplyDeletemy prayers go out for Sophie and her daughter.
ReplyDeleteSophie, that is Lady Frederick Windsor has two young daughters - it must be frightening to have mum in hospital. I hope she recovers soon.
DeleteI just had to google that:( Horrific sounding, there is no "few weeks" of recovery with a "suspected broken back". may they be blessed with a lot of help and that her little girls are well taken care of.
DeleteSophie is still working as an actress too despite having married Lord Freddie. Wonder if she knows Meghan.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know what boots she’s wearing in these pictures taken at the train station? I love them!
ReplyDeleteI don't understand all these comments about competition between Kate and Meghan. I thought this blog was about Kate. What is the need to compare them? Ridiculous. Let's just focus on the wonderful events ahead for both of them this spring, and their outfits.
ReplyDeleteIs this the Duchess Kate Blog or the Mad About Meghan Blog? I entered this blog believing that is was about the Duchess, but upon reading so many comments about Meghan Markle, I'm having doubts. It would be really nice if all those people that have anything at all to say about MM would go the blog about her to air their comments. No need to invade Kate's space; MM has her own.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Plus the admin has specifically asked us to keep them separate!
Delete