Wednesday 17 January 2018

Duchess Kate in 'Red Pop' Boden Coat for Great Ormond Street Hospital Visit!

For her first engagement of the day, the Duchess of Cambridge visited Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) to officially open the Mittal Children's Medical Centre, home to the new Premier Inn Clinical Building.


The Duchess was welcomed upon arrival.


Kate was given teddy bears by 9 year old patient Ava.


Simon Perry reports Kate admired Ava's sneakers.


The new Premier Inn Clinical Building completes The Mittal Children's Medical Centre and is part of the ongoing redevelopment of the hospital. There is growing demand for its services and the centre will help the hospital to provide world-class care to more children and will increase its patient capacity. The centre delivers the hospital's vision of providing modern facilities for its acute inpatients and will see children moved out of old facilities into brand new, modern wards with ensuite bedrooms where parents or carers can stay comfortably overnight by their child’s bedside.


Several of you noted the centre is named after the Mittal family who donated £15 million to the hospital ten years ago. From the 2008 Evening Standard story:

'The son of Britain's wealthiest man has donated £15 million to Great Ormond Street hospital. The sum from Aditya Mittal, heir to steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, is the largest the children's hospital has received. It will be used to help fund a £321 million medical unit for children with problems such as heart and lung conditions.'

Aditya and Megha Mittal and family at the opening today.


It is very much a hospital designed around children. The focus was placed entirely on meeting their needs and accommodating patients and their families to ensure their hospital stay is as comfortable as possible.


More from Great Ormond Street Hospital:

'In the heart of a Central London hospital, you will find a vast turquoise lake, framed by snow-capped mountains. You may even lock eyes with a pink chameleon as you walk down the corridor. No matter the weather outside, children in the new respiratory unit can peer out onto a sun-drenched lake, sandy beach or lush green field thanks to two remarkably realistic ‘virtual windows’ designed by Accademia. GOSH is no ordinary hospital.
At GOSH, you’re never far from some exotic friends. Each ward is decorated with animal artwork, situated on the floor which best represents the animal’s natural habitat. Level 2 features animals that would live on the ground and Level 7 has animals you would see in the sky. In 2015, more than 100 children voted to help choose seven new ward mascots for the Premier Inn Clinical Building. Patients can now sleep alongside a giant pelican on Level 7, or meet the spotted leopard patrolling the corridors of Level 2.
Patient bedrooms in the Mittal Children’s Medical Centre are spacious, en-suite, and have enough room for a parent or carer to stay by the bedside. This gives each child their own space and privacy, while letting more parents get a decent night’s sleep close to their child. The new wards include dedicated areas for young children, teenagers and adults to relax. Some rooms use coloured lights to stimulate the senses and support development, while adolescent rooms kitted out with game consoles. These spaces give patients a place to be themselves, no matter their age.'

The Duchess met staff and discussed the facilities in the new centre.


Kate joined some of the hospital's patients in the children's play room and participated in an art activity.


She joined them as they drew what they liked most about their bedrooms and the new facilities.


Patient Oriel Gray, 14 from Brecon and her mum Fiona Gray, also had a special visit from The Duchess. Oriel is in hospital recovering from surgery to reconstruct her ear.


Oriel said of the meeting: “She was really friendly and very beautiful. I told her that the hospital feels like a second home because my mum can stay with me and I have my own bathroom. As a teenager that’s really important. The new ward is amazing and all the nurses and doctors make you feel welcome. After my surgery yesterday, it was great to take my mind off everything. She said I must be very brave.”


Kate revealed Princess Charlotte loves olive pasta whilst meeting a young boy.

The Mail Online reports:

'As they chatted Rafael told the Duchess about his love of olives and she replied: 'I love olives. Are they your favourite? What do you prefer, Olives or sweeties?' The youngster replied that he likes olives better and Kate said: 'Olives over sweeties - amazing. I used to eat lots and lots of olives when I was little. They're very good for you.
'What other things do you like eating? Do you like pasta? Charlotte likes pasta too - with olives. Do you like pasta with olives? The lad replied: 'I like olive nachos. Mum Katy Channa, 33, a primary school teacher from East Preston, near Worthing, said: 'He told me he was going to ask her if she likes olives - he really does love them. I have to bring a bag in with us so I can use them as bribes. It's getting to the point where people get a little bit fed up with him talking about them.'

Kate clearly enjoyed meeting the children.


The Royal Family has a longstanding connection with GOSH; Queen Victoria was the hospital's first Patron after its foundation in 1852. The Queen is the current Patron and has visited a number of times during her reign. It would be an ideal patronage for Kate to take on in the future.


Princess Diana was president of Great Ormond Street Hospital; it was one of the six patronages she kept after the divorce. After Diana's death, a spokeswoman for the hospital said her support was "invaluable and incalculable". Below, a video of Diana visiting GOSH just six months before she died.


Following the visit to the wards, the Duchess met some of Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity’s key supporters and donors before the official unveiling.


Afterwards Kate said a few words congratulating the team behind the centre: "It's been my first trip to Great Ormond Street Hospital and I've been so impressed with everything I've seen and the scale of the work that's going on here. It's been wonderful to meet so many families and young people and I've been so inspired by their bravery and courage at such a difficult time. But really, my main message is congratulations to you all."


I thought the off the cuff delivery was very well done.

The hospital noted: "The Duchess officially opened the new facilities 80 years after the hospital’s Southwood building was officially opened in 1938 by The Duke of Cambridge’s Great Grandparents, King George VI and The Queen Mother."


The Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity does tremendous work from raising funds to modernise and develop the hospital to funding vital research and child, family and staff projects. If you would like to find out more or donate please click here. The charity also has an online shop packed with an assortment of pieces from clothes and accessories to toys and games. Below, the £5 2018 Diary, GOSH Travel Flask and Bernard bear which Kate received from Ava.

GOSH

The Duchess wore the £220 Lena Coat by British clothing retailer Boden (with thanks to Emma). The structured design is embellished with ruffles at the collar, pocket and sleeve. It features full length sleeves and front pockets with flaps. As of writing, it's available in UK sizes 6-20 on the Boden website and John Lewis. It's available in sizes 2-16 on the US website. Mallory notes US shoppers can take 20% off with discount code 4C6L


The Lena is described as: "Make an impression in our standout feminine coat. The semi-fitted cut has a bit of extra length to protect your dresses from the elements – yep, we've thought of everything." The hue is called 'red pop'.

Boden
A closer look at the details.

Boden

The coat is also available in navy.

Boden

The 'Queen of Coats' now features on Boden's homepage.


History Mommy via Twitter correctly points out it appears Kate wore the peach dress she teamed her Tara Jarmon coat with for a 2013 visit to East Anglia's Children's Hospices when the Duchess was expecting George. At the time, it was said the dress was made by Kate's independent designer.


Kate accessorised with her Annoushka pearls and Kiki McDonough hoops.

Annoushka/Kiki

Kate carried her Emmy Natasha clutch.


And completed the look with brown pumps.


Kate didn't wear her engagement ring, in adherence with the hospital’s minimal jewellery policy.

Later this afternoon, Kate will visit Bond Primary School in Mitcham to see the work of the Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative.

96 comments:

  1. Rebecca - Sweden17 January 2018 at 10:47

    Looking forward to todays engagements! Impressive with the long royal connection of the hospital!

    Nice to see her in some Boden, I love alot of their stuff! And splendid colour! She always looks great in red!

    Thank you Charlotte for your always fast and thorough coverage!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful coat. I think the pale peach dress underneath is one she wore visiting a Childrens hospice while pregnant with Prince George . It looks the same length and colour

    ReplyDelete
  3. A lovely coat in a great colour - I hope she can use some of these after pregnancy or hand them on - it doesn't even look like a maternity coat.

    I believe it i her first visit to Great Ormond. I'm trying to remember if there was another.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is her first visit! She said so in her speech. The first of many I hope.

      Delete
  4. What a lovely engagement for Kate today. I think it's great that she was asked to open this medical centre for sick children, she really shines whenever she is around kids and I can imagine many more visits to the medical centre in the years to come.

    On another note, I couldn't help but wonder if this centre is named after the Mittal family who own Mittal Steel, 1 of the wealthiest families in the world. If they are behind this project, I think that they put their money to good use :)

    Also, I see that Kate has added another gorgeous coat to her already enviable coat collection. I really like this bright colour on her :)

    Love Avee in SA

    ReplyDelete
  5. Looks like this dress to me:
    http://www.katesclothes.com/outfit/wedding-anniversary-visit-tara-jarmon/

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love the new coat! The colour is gorgeous and Kate is, as usual, a ray of sunshine. Great Ormond Street is such a close hospital to the royals. I wonder (and hope) that it will somehow day end up as one of Kate's patronages - when the Queen decides to pass it on of course.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Kate made a speech! It looks off the cuff! Well done, Kate! I know public speaking is not her strongest suit, but she's really improved a lot and is now very comfortable with it. Proud of our girl!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Rebecca - Sweden17 January 2018 at 12:03

    Very nice to see Kate make a no-notes (or limited looking at least) speech today! Huge step for her!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It looks like a spontaneous one to me, and a good one at that! Pre-made speeches are usually more structured and detailed. Kate has come a long way in terms of confidence, not just in speaking, but also in doing her engagements.

      Delete
    2. Queen of the South17 January 2018 at 12:45

      I have been very impressed with the way she has recently bit the bullet on the public speaking thing after shying away from it for so long. And she might be one of a hand full of people who does better speaking off the cuff.
      It might never be one of her strong suits but she has, is working on it.

      Delete
    3. Kate is getting so much better at public speaking. Before she was into "reading" rather than "speaking." She is such a naturally warm and engaged person; it is lovely to see her remarks reflect this, with her just saying how she feels, rather than reading how she is supposed to feel. Well done Kate!

      Delete
    4. Another applause for me for this speech. She came off very natural and likeable. It didn't look rehearsed at all.

      Delete
    5. Catherine did a wonderful job. It frustrates me so when people label her as a poor speaker; she is not. As a professor of communications and a corporate speech writer, I've worked with thousands of individuals. Catherine is not an effective speech reader, that is to "read" or "perform" scripted comments. People train for years in that very difficult skill, thus exist degrees in performing arts and broadcast media. Catherine is a natural communicator. She is an active listener. She is authentic. Her body language is engaging. She leaves people feeling better about themselves. Those qualities are pure gifts. Might I add that engaging visits demand more of the patron than performing a speech. And, perhaps the KP communication team (guided by Ms. Quinn) are now trusting enough to let Catherine work her strengths. Many a communication staff has hindered an individual!

      Delete
    6. Zora from Prague17 January 2018 at 19:02

      I agree with what you say about Kate, US Professor. Those qualities are gifts and she uses them well.

      Delete
    7. Intrigued By Royals17 January 2018 at 21:56

      Thank you for your professional analysis of Kate's speaking skills. How true that she is authentic! You can't "learn" that. I thought this off the cuff speech was better than any of her prepared speeches. But I know she has to learn to do both. She is doing well and growing every time she gets up front and does another one.

      Delete
    8. Wow. SO insightful, US Professor! I am fond of the possibility that perhaps she is a strong off-the-cuff speaker; a talent that many work hard to possess! It makes sense given her overall demeanor that she would be ready to present her thoughts with cohesion and candor.

      Delete
    9. I agree ya'll. 😊 Two of my favorite times where Kate was very much being Kate.
      One when she was getting ready to scale down that 40ft. wall and very cutely went, "Ahhhhhh,
      like she was screaming not to have to go. Very cute. Very relatable, lol.
      (that's after she was holding the lead rope as William went before her and she playfully asked him, "How much do you love me?" And said, "It's nice to be in control for a change." Anyone remember that?
      Second, when she was helping a group of young girls get a selfie with her. Actually she handed the camera to Jamie Pinkerton to take the photo. She graciously took control of the situation and with fun. She had on the cream colored knit dress with the lightly pleated skirt with the navy stripe through it. Anyone remember that? Kate's unguarded personality shown through brightly that day also.
      Those kinds of things are what I have been so, so very much hoping to see more of. She's got a gentle, kind, and quick wit that shouldn't be stifled. Today's speech showed a glimmer of that. I'm sure she'll get there and Royal engagements will never be the same. :)
      🎉 Yay, Kate.

      Delete
    10. Thank you, US Professor. Interesting points!

      Delete
  9. Visiting a children's hospital must be very emotional and difficult especially when you are pregnant and has 2 healthy ones at home. But there is also hope there and she must have made the day for a few, a real princess visiting.

    On a superficial note, I am on the fence with this coat, the colour looks pretty, but the frills on her wrist just does not cut it for me, kind of spoils the whole look.
    Hopefully, people can see why she should have removed that coat, because what she did with the sleeves turning up looks awful in the pictures.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love the frills and the colour! Add's a girly touch that makes it quite right for visiting a children's hospital. Vibrant and accessible.

      Delete
    2. Usually I don't mind if she take off the coat, but today I agree with you.
      I totally love her look today.

      Delete
    3. American Army Wife17 January 2018 at 17:28

      I suspect the sleeves are pushed up because she sanitized her hands properly between all of the patients she touched. Obviously it was lightweight enough for the sleeves to push up. One mom had her long sleeves pushed up, too. She may have planned this as well as leaving her extra jewelry off, as is protocol in such a facility.
      It was a lovely visit. I really don't know how she faces so many sick and injured children and hurting families. She brings good cheer to the patients by her genuine warmth. I could not do it, coat on or off, sleeves pushed up or not.

      Delete
  10. She looks great- well done!! One interesting note— is she not wearing her engagement ring? Looks like just the wedding band today!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rebecca - Sweden17 January 2018 at 12:25

      Interesting! Maybe because she's at hospital to avoid germs and such? No clue!

      Delete
    2. I noticed she wasn't wearing her engagement ring and eternity band, either. Could be because her fingers are swollen?

      Delete
    3. Perhaps her fingers are puffy due to pregnancy? Her engagement ring is often shown in pictures to have rotated on her finger (I assume due to its weight and not poor sizing), so normally there's plenty of room.

      Delete
    4. As Charlotte posted, the hospital has a minimal jewelry policy, with which Kate complied. She looks wonderfully cheery, and I'm usually not a fan of ruffles on coats. It's perfect for a day with children though.

      Delete
  11. Lovely engagement.
    Great to see a more relaxed, informal style speech.
    Interesting she's not wearing her engagement ring - I wonder if its being resized during pregnancy.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Kate's speech is very well done. Maybe her issue is a planned speech-that she worries so much about forgetting something that she feeezes whereas here, she just spoke from the heart.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Julia from Leominster17 January 2018 at 12:33

    Kate's speaking was very much more natural. This was a big step.

    I recalled Diana making so many visits to the hospital and just looking at images, it seems she did - so it seems like a very natural connection to Kate - and indeed it seems a likely patronage for the future.

    The new building looks amazing - such a nice write-up on it. It was funded by a fifteen million donation by the Mittals - who are fabulously wealthy and are neighbours of William and Kate too according to Wiki - I'd forgotten about their grand house.

    I don't love the coat as a garment so much now I see the frill details but it is festive and looks very nice on Kate.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the information about the Mittals. I have no problem with buildings named after benefactors. Better than having no building at all, I say. I am happy to see Great Ormond St doing well after many years.

      Delete
  14. Maybe she didn't wear her engagement ring because of hand hygiene in healthcare settings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's a very good possibility! Meticulous handwashing is essential in health facilities where patients are immunocompromised. On the other hand, her fingers might be swollen due to pregnancy. She still has her wedding band clearly visible either way.

      Delete
    2. Julia from Leominster17 January 2018 at 13:21

      She was wearing the ring yesterday, even though she was wearing gloves. (They must be very loose to fit over the ring.) In one photo, it seemed to be turning on her finger a bit but her fingers do look as if they could be a little puffy. We'll see if it appears for the second engagement.

      Delete
    3. The Daily Mail isc reporting that the engagement ring was left at home due to the hospital's policy of minimal jewellery. It makes perfect sense for infection control.

      Delete
    4. Yep. Mildred. 😊 I read that that is why also.

      Delete
  15. I thought the speech was well done! I am not a huge fan of the coat as I don't like the ruffle details. But the bright colour is nice and she looks well and like she brings a lot of joy to those on these engagements.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I thought it was her best speech so far. Very natural and comfortable.

      Delete
    2. Zora from Prague17 January 2018 at 19:00

      Ditto, Nica! And that's the point, I think. What more can one bring to a sick child than joy? Kate brings plenty of it. With her smile, eyes, kindness, concern for others...

      Delete
  16. I really like this look, a lot of colours (more than one at least). when I saw her speech, I said:" yes, yes, yes kate". It looks more spontaneous and credible. A great step for a future queen. As a fan, I appreciate this progress. She looks more confident and generous in her smiles. So yeaaah, after seven years, finally we can see a little bit of the real Catherine.
    PS: yesterday, she did a very clever note when she said to a woman I think, "don't believe every you read". unfortunately, the press and the media didn't help her at all to make her progress. she is just a strong woman who fights "softly" for herself and her family.
    As always, thanks Charlotte for this post.
    Amy.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Red coat, pink coat, blue coat - it's all so boring and dull for such a beautiful, lovely woman. I wish she would spice it up a bit with a great dress and some accessories, but I don't think it will happen.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rebecca - Sweden17 January 2018 at 13:36

      She's working, it's her working uniform. Most of us have a go to look we use and sometimes mix it up a bit. This is her run of the mill working royal day so her having a run of the mill working royal look makes sense.

      Delete
  18. The peach dress does look similar, but it was so short during the first wear compared to today. Is it possible they lengthened it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't think it's the same one...

      Delete
  19. This was a lovely engagement! I hope that in the future she takes on the hospital as a patronage; it would be a perfect fit!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree! This is right up Kate's alley and I hope, eventually, she becomes their patron.

      Delete
  20. In case anyone is interested, there is a tiny clip in this interview between Sali Hughes and Bobbi Brown where they discuss Kate, Pippa and Meghan & Harry. Heres the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzae7ohoZc8

    ReplyDelete
  21. A very nice visit. I wonder if this means she wants to build a relationship with the hospital to eventually become its patron?

    Very odd to see her without her engagement ring! I suspect that her hands are swollen.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I like it. Give me understated and dignified over flashy any time of the day. It will serve her well in her future role as Queen consort.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Lovely too see the duchess i love the speech

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'm so happy to see her in Boden! I've been wondering for a while now why she hasn't been seen in anything from them. Their catalogs are so cute and British..it seems the perfect fit for her.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree! I’ve been wearing Boden for a few years and suggested a whole look for Kate - blouse,trousers and cape - from Boden a couple years ago for the “choose a dream look for Kate” post.

      Delete
    2. I've been wondering for months why we never see Kate in Boden because their offerings seem perfect for her. The company must be thrilled that she finally wore their brand in public. I hope she takes a look at their shoe collection!

      Delete
    3. MizBev from Colorado17 January 2018 at 22:59

      If you look on the Boden USA site the main picture is the "Queen of Coats" and shows this coat. Big deal for them I guess.

      Delete
    4. Julia in California18 January 2018 at 05:05

      How funny - I've always wondered the same thing! I adore Boden and think it's very much her style!

      Delete
    5. Like the other commenters, I’ve been waiting for her to wear something from Boden! They are my go-to store for work clothes in particular. So exciting to see her in one of their coats. Johnnie P. must be over the moon:)

      Delete
  25. A lovely visit from Kate. On a fashion note so pleased to see her wearing Boden. I've been hoping for years that she would. It's a brand I like to wear. Not inaccessibly expensive but good quality. I suspect she's finally wearing it because John Lewis now stocks it & we know she shops there.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Again, wish she was in maternity today. Love the Boden brand. Think this is a great coat but don't think its doing her any favors. Its just making her look thick in the middle not pregnant. Unfortunately, we probably won't see this dress paired with the spring peach coat again. That was a very pretty pairing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Erika, I'm not crazy about the cut or the ruffles, but the color was ideal for today's engagement. IMO. :-)

      Delete
    2. I agree, royalfan. The color is fantastic. Bright and cheery.

      Delete
  27. Absolutely lovely engagement. I love Boden clothes and this looks lovely on her. Her spontaneous remarks were great... it's nice to see her branching out there.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Melissa from Idaho17 January 2018 at 16:06

    Her peach/nude dress underneath looks longer to me than when she wore it the first time.could she have let out the hem to get more length? Or is it just a difference in bump size?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it’s differnce in bump size - your skirt will seem much shorter with a bigger belly and bum! I think she was much farther along the last time she wore it.

      Delete
  29. I am loving the quotes coming from the hospital - it is very poignant when you've worked with sick kids. For instance, coming from the DM, apparently that little boy who high fived Kate is obsessed with olives! He just loves them, could not stop talking about them, and the staff always go out of their way for him to have them. Children are amusing like that, and especially more so when they are sick. Kate did well with that. She said she ate a lot of olives herself especially as a child and that they are good for you.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Kate reminds me of the Queen with her succession of bright coats! For me, the frill details makes it look too much like an elderly woman's robe, and I prefer the dress paired with the light coral coat she wore back when she was pregnant with George, but it's a nice, standard working-Kate look.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Also really enjoyed her speech today. Speaking naturally seems to work for her and I admire her coming up with things to say in the moment.

    ReplyDelete
  32. She's simply the best. Genuine, caring, intelligent and pleasant. :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. The little boy with the olives is precious and shows how well Kate relates to children. (I love olives too, kid). Love the color of that coat. Boden is having a sale, I just snagged a dress at half price.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Wonderful engagements for Kate today.

    An unannounced engagement for William today as he received an honorary fellowship from the Royal Society of Medicine for his work in search and rescue in the Air Force and with the East Anglian Air Ambulance-https://www.rsm.ac.uk/about-us/latest-news/2018-rsm-news/his-royal-highness-the-duke-of-cambridge-receives-an-honorary-fellowship-from-the-royal-society-of-medicine.aspx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Congratulations to William! That is a huge honour! I'm sure Charles and Kate are very proud of his contribution and work in the rescue forces.

      Delete
    2. Yes.

      🏅🎉Congratulations William🎉🏅

      Delete
    3. Excellent! Thank you for sharing that.

      Delete
  35. I love the ruffles on this coat! I don’t like the color though. It looks more “orange red” which I’m not a fan of, but it could be the camera too. I wish she wore nude shoes to go with the dress instead of brown! Which, for the most part, I’m tired of the “praline heels” Lol. But I do think a nude shoe would have went nicer with this outfit! Maybe the ferns. The color seems like it would be similar to the dress!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Not a fan of the coat, but the bright color suits Kate as it does the occasion. It's still signature Kate "working look" but she seems to be taking some pages from the Queen's playbook with these bright coat dress looks the last two days. She is always warm and engaging and particularly so with children and I do hope that she will be patron of Ormond Street Hospital one day!! I also agree with US Professor's comments on Kate's skills as a communicator....she seems to be playing to her strengths these days. It's very nice to see Kate grow and evolve in her role. cc

    ReplyDelete
  37. I loved her speaking off the cuff today - I think she did a wonderful job and I hope to see more of this as she blossoms even more :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. Wow, Kate's impromptu speech was terrific. What a marvelous facility, kudos to the Mittal family. She brought her own ray of sunshine to the children.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Finally!! I've been a fan of "Boden" for years now and I always wondered when Kate will finally wear something from them. For me (as a German customer) the brand is very British, very unique and simply charming. Everytime I look at the catalogue I imagined Kate in the dresses and coats:) It suits her so well:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. YES! I'm with you all the way!

      Delete
    2. Yes, i chose the Betty Ottomon dress from Boden for a dream look for Kate awhile back, in addition to a blouse/trouser/cape combination. (The current version seems to have a sort of belt embellishment at the waist that it didn’t have before ..i like it better without it).

      Delete
  40. At last a change of clutch bag + shoes!! Coat is very pretty + bright but i don't think she will wear it much when not pregnant. I think the blue coat would get more wear.

    ReplyDelete
  41. BODEN?! I can't contain my excitement!! This is one of favorite brands! I always feel it gives a little quirky British flair to my usual style. Will someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this is the first time Kate has worn a Boden piece! Maybe there was a striped shirt from them a few years ago, but seeing a bold coat like this one from Boden is so fun.

    ReplyDelete
  42. I'm not keen on the frills on this coat! But her speech without notes was excellent! Very impressed!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Wow! I've been very critical of her speaking skills but am impressed today. I like how not having notes allows her to use her hands and show her smile. It comes off as much more genuine and approachable! Well done Kate!

    ReplyDelete
  44. I’m American, what do they do with all the bears given to them?

    ReplyDelete
  45. Great coverage, Charlotte. The Duchess of Cambridge did impress with her speech. Very generous of the Mittals to give to the hospital. It is beautiful to see people to give to worthy causes.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Not a fan of this coat - and if indeed this is that same peach dress from her pregnancy with George, it's WAY too short, and not at all professional looking. But who would know, as she never takes her coats off!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Carmen from Texas18 January 2018 at 05:24

    Fabulous! Kate did great with her off-the-cuff speech -- the first one I've heard from her! She was a natural and I hope she keeps speaking without notes. And she looks amazing! I'm usually tough on our fair Kate, but I think her hair looked fresh and lovely, and her coat was absolute perfection. Not crazy about the brown court shoes, but she was wonderful today! Bravo Duchess!

    ReplyDelete
  48. I love the colour of this coat but not the frills. On a youtube video Kate is sanitising her hands before speaking with the patient who had ear surgery and after washing and drying her hands makes the comment that now we can talk properly, hence the rolled up sleeves and probably lack of engagement ring. Long sleeves are a hygiene risk in medical environs 😊🏨

    ReplyDelete
  49. this colour suits her and she is glowing! i love the charity work she does with children.

    thanks for your hard work charlotte.

    ReplyDelete
  50. The thing I loved most, is that she spoke without notes! It sounded so natural and so more like Kate :)

    ReplyDelete

Comments are most welcome! Constructive discussion is always encouraged but off topic or hateful remarks will not be published.

We ask you use a name when posting (a pseudonym such as the name of a royal you like or anything you wish). If you do not wish to use the sign in options, simply select the "Name/URL" option on the drop down menu and insert your name, and if you wish the country/state you're from. You can leave the URL blank.

If there are a large number of comments, it is necessary to click the 'Load More' button at the end of the comments section to see the latest additions.