Duchess Kate's royal schedule for 2018 begins next Wednesday, 10 January, with a visit to Reach Academy Feltham, a school working in partnership with Kate's patronage Place2Be and other organisations to support children, families and the whole school community throughout their school career. She will see the early years provision in the nursery and speak to parents who have benefited from the school's parenting support. Afterwards, Kate will then take a brief tour of the school before joining a discussion with Place2Be staff and a group of pupils from the Academy about the range of support on offer, including emotional wellbeing support, LGBT groups and a girls' group.
On 16 January, William and Kate will travel to Coventry for a day of engagements. They will begin the day at Coventry Cathedral. Constructed mainly in the 15th century, the original building was destroyed by Luftwaffe bombs on 14th November 1940. After a short tour of the ruins of the original building the Duke and Duchess will have the opportunity to meet members of the local community gathered there. Next, will travel on to Coventry University where they will open the new Science and Health Building. The University is one of the fastest growing in the country, with more than 26,000 students. Finally the Duke and Duchess will see first-hand the work of the Positive Youth Foundation in the city. The Foundation works with young people who find themselves living in challenging circumstances.
Vote for Kate's Best Day Dress of 2017
It's time to get our annual polls started! As always, we're asking you to choose your favourite looks worn by the Duchess in 2017. In our first poll, we're looking back through Kate's selection of day dresses. First up, we have the blue belted dress by Eponine London Kate wore in January for an engagement with the Anna Freud centre. From the 2016 Autumn/Winter collection it's a classic silhouette from a brand that specialises in bespoke womenswear inspired by the silhouettes of the fifties and sixties.
I suspect the next option will prove a popular one. For the Heads Together briefing, Kate looked effortlessly stylish in the Erdem Evita Dress in Black Lily Collage. Vibrant lilies in yellow, green and blue boldly punctuate a light weight, textured black matelassé background; intensely gathered around the waist, neckline and down the sleeves.
Kate engaged in a stylish spot of sartorial diplomacy in Paris when she wore Chanel. The bespoke piece was described by the Telegraph as a "striped cotton tweed waisted frock with a box pleated skirt and bracelet sleeves in blue and red".
For the 'Party at the Palace', Kate gave her See by Chloe Lacy Jersey Long Sleeve Dress another outing. The pointelle-knit, cotton-blend dress is underpinned with a tonal slip and has a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette, finished with a ruffled collar and cuffs.
For Pippa's wedding in May, Kate chose an understated pale pink McQueen dress.
The Duchess was aptly attired for the Chelsea Flower Show in a dress by French brand Rochas. The Floral Printed Silk Crepe de Chine Dress features a fitted waist, flared skirt and silk lining. Made in Italy, the piece is "Rochas emerald and off-white".
For Trooping The Colour, Kate wore a vibrant pink McQueen number. The garment is a bespoke version of the brand's Paperbag Waist Dress. The original sleeveless design was described: "Pink silk-cotton-wool blend pleated skirt skater dress from Alexander McQueen featuring a round neck, a concealed rear zip fastening and a short length."
Kate was elegant in white McQueen for Royal Ascot. The white cotton blend and silk lace dress features delicate pleats, a high neck, three-quarter sleeves and a flared skirt.
Kate looked impeccably stylish in the Gucci Tweed Dress With Web during a visit to the V & A. It marked the first time the Duchess has worn clothing by the Italian luxury brand. Made in Italy, the £1,790 cotton-blend mini dress comes in black and white light tweed with blue and red web trim and faux pearl embellishments that are topped with the label's iconic interlocking 'GG' logo.
The Duchess donned a polka-dot Dolce & Gabbana dress for Wimbledon. The dress is cut from silk-blend charmeuse with a scoop neck and cropped sleeves, and flares gently into a knee-length skirt.
Kate wore a beautiful white Catherine Walker dress with a floral print for the Wimbledon final. Another dress I suspect may do very well in the poll.
For a day in Heidelberg, it was a bespoke Jenny Packham. The floral jacquard dress features the fit-and-flare silhouette Kate is fond of. It was another case of diplomatic dressing as the hue channeled the gold in the German flag.
For the final day of the tour, the Duchess was colourful in a bespoke lavender Emilia Wickstead dress. The long sleeve dress has a fitted bodice and flared skirt.
Kate selected a Prada Poppy Print Dress for an official visit to The Sunken Gardens at Kensington Palace in honour of Diana.
In October, William, Kate and Harry joined children from their charities at Paddington Station. Kate wore the Autumn/Winter 2013 Orla Kiely Raised Flower Fitted Dress. It is described: The dress has a fitted bodice and slim sleeve and pencil shape skirt. Dress falls just below the knee. The boat shape neckline is slightly lower at the back.
Kate wore the GOAT Eloise Dress for the Place2Be School Leaders Forum. 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.
It was the Kate Spade Diamond Pleated Shirtdress for a visit to the Foundling Museum.
In Manchester, Kate looked lovely in the berry GOAT Elodie Dress.
This is a tough one! My own favourites include the white floral Catherine Walker worn to Wimbledon and the Chanel design in Paris. Which dress won your vote? Do let us know in the comments section :)
As noted in our previous post, I expect we'll see a photo or two of Princess Charlotte on Thursday when term commences at Willcocks Nursery School.
Nice to see them soon getting back into the swing of things and can't get my head around Charlotte being big enough for nursery!! An exciting year ahead of us!
ReplyDeleteThanks for these recap post! I've not commented on the others but as always they are all very educational and fun! You do such an amazing job year round!!
Hope everyone has had a nice start to the new year!
Looking forward to the coming engagements! I hope to see more of them this year, even with Kate's pregnancy.
ReplyDeleteI chose the Erdem Evita (black lily collage) dress (you were right, Charlotte!), although it was hard to choose between it and the super cute yellow dress she wore in Germany. Yellow is my favorite color and it was nice to see Kate in something different and bright, but the fit and print of the Erdem dress just knocked all the others out of the park, in my opinion. Looking back, I did like the Ascot lace dress, too, although it was very standard Kate. The lavender Wickstead that won most popular for the tour was also gorgeous. I love being able to go back and see all the dresses together. So far, the looks she's chosen for this pregnancy have been my least favorite.
I agree. The fit and print of this Erdem knocked this dress out of the park.
DeleteThis was really hard, I liked so many of them. In the end I have to go back to remembering my initial reaction upon first seeing the dresses, and not over analyze them too much. So I voted for the Erdem Evita Dress. Coming in close behind were #2 the Chanel and #3 the Polka Dot Dolce & Gabbana. My favorite overall, head to toe look however, was my #3 dress, the Dolce & Gabbana - hair, dress, shoes, bag, combined with Kate appearing so obviously happy and glowing that day - made it the best overall daytime look of the year.
ReplyDeleteAnd although we weren't asked to vote for our least favorite, I have to say I would put the Pale Pink McQueen at the bottom. Absolutely yuk! The color, drooping bodice, pointless flaps at the waist, long billowy sleeves, and gathered fabric down the front (forgive me, I am not good with fashion terminology). Boy, Pippa certainly made sure that Kate did not steal the show as she had done at Kate's wedding! Coming in second-to-bottom was the other pink McQueen from Trooping the Colour.
She wore some amazing dresses this year. It was a toss up between the Erdem and Chanel for me. But I liked a number of them.
DeleteI also thought her dress for Pippa's wedding was the worst of the lot. I voted for the Erdem dress but there are several others that I could have supported just as well. The Chanel suit is growing on me, and I loved the Paperbag Waist pink number, it's so classic for her.
DeleteYes, that dress just had too much going on. The reason the dress that Pippa wore at Kate's wedding was such a success was that it was a simple silhouette with a perfect fit.
DeleteAgreed. I just can't get past the droopy bodice and the dated billowy sleeves.
DeleteIn the end, I had to vote for Chanel in Paris - perfect sartorial diplomacy in my opinion. Runners up were the Rochas floral dress from the Chelsea Flower Show and the white McQueen from Royal Ascot.
ReplyDeleteI will be excitingly hoping for photographs of Charlotte's first day at Willcocks Nursery School. I am expecting Kate to take them as she did for George, but would still love a picture of Charlotte and her parents to mark the occasion.
Hi Anne. I chose the same top two, but in reverse order. I think I liked the Rochas best because it is not only gorgeous but I love the floral print - could imagine wearing this myself (in my wildest daydreams, anyway). I agree that the Chanel outfit was terrific for the occasion.
DeleteThank you for this fabulous post, Charlotte.
I voted for the Erdem Evita. Runner up was the Lavender Emilia Wickstead, followed by the Rochas Floral Printed Crepe de Chine.
ReplyDeleteLook forward to William and Kate's day trip to Coventry.
I voted for the Erdem Evita, the Chanel and the lavender EW because I couldn't narrow it down any further. Probably, if pressed, the Erdem would be my favorite as it echoes her 2011-2012 style aesthetic. Besides, her hair doesn't get much better than it was that day.
ReplyDeleteThe Chanel is smart and sophisticated all the way around while the delicious color of the Wickstead and its streamlined silhouette make this dress unforgettable for me.
Erika, I loved all of your choices for those exact same reasons, but it was too hard to choose, so I went with the white floral CW she wore to Wimbledon. The Erdem definitely reminded me of her style from the 2011/12 years :)
DeleteIt is hard to choose, isn't it. I was surprised by how many dresses I liked this year. I had had in my mind that the year hadn't been that interesting fashion wise but seeing them all together in a post gives one a different perspective. The Wimbolden CW is very pretty. The perfect summer dress in many ways. I can see why you chose it.
DeleteYou are right Erika, looking at the clothing collectively gives a completely different perspective....its really interesting to see all the varied and similar reasons for choosing a favorite! cc
DeleteThis was a really tough choice because there were several lovely dresses (Chanel, Erdem, Orla Kiely) but I had to go with the McQueen that Kate wore to Ascot. I know, lace again, but this dress was so gorgeous and she looked absolutely beautiful in it!
ReplyDeleteI chose the pink trooping of the colour dress because when she dresses for her role as she did on this occasion I think she looks amazing and truly like a future queen. I loved the hat too. Thank you for all you do on this blog. It's so well done. Happy new year.
ReplyDeleteExactly what I thought!
DeleteKristine
I also meant to ask about the floral dress she wore at the concentration camp in Poland. Is there a reason you didn't include it here?
ReplyDeleteHello Cat,
DeleteKate actually wore a top and skirt that day. The look will be included in the 'Best Separates' poll :)
The day dress poll wasnt even hard for me. That erdem dress she wore last Jan. tops the list on one of my favorite day dresses she has ever worn. The hair and shoes were perfect as well. It felt like vintage 2011-2012 kate and her style was so on point then! I am interested to see if we will see more repeats of clothes she wore when she was pregnant with Charlotte. She had some lovely coats during that time period.
ReplyDeleteThis is so difficult! I liked almost all of them (my gosh does she look good in her clothes or what?!). My favorites are the Erdem, the Chanel, the Gucci, and the Catherine Walker but I just had to go with the Gucci. It was such a fabulous dress and fit her perfectly, showed off her amazing legs, and was styled to perfection.
ReplyDeleteI loved most the white lace dress at ascot... She looked so lovely and sophisticated at the same time. Then the lavender dress she wore during the Germany tour and the pink dress at trooping.
ReplyDeleteBut there were many others that I liked!
To have her wardrobe...must be a dream 💕
Regarding charlotte starting nursery...I hope they won't public another "old" photo as Charlotte has changed so much.
Voted for the white Catherine Walker floral dress she wore to Wimbledon. Summery, pretty, totally appropriate for the occasion, one of the prettiest dresses Kate has ever worn IMO.
ReplyDeleteThat was my favourite, too. Kate looked very pretty that day.
DeleteThis was so hard! She has so many beautiful clothes and looks pretty great in all of them. Before I saw the pics I thought Chanel for sure. Then I saw Ascot which was divine. But I remember gasping at only one day dress the first time I saw it: the Erdem from January. It was so fresh and perfect, so duchess-like, and styled so perfectly. Truly an all-time top look for me!
ReplyDeleteHappy new year Charlotte! Ke singto Royal announced the 2017 highlights of the Royal Family. I was surprised tha 3rd pregnancy of Kate was excluded. Isnt it imprtant or there's a hidden agenda there, just asking. Or they cant accept most of the highlights were for the Duke and Duchess family....
ReplyDeleteI also went with the Erdem. When I started to scroll through the blog and that dress came up, I could remember how wonderful Kate looked that day and what a departure from her "norm" that the dress felt (especially with the burgundy accessories).
ReplyDeleteAlso while scrolling, and I came across the Rochas Silk midi length dress at the Chelsea Flower Show, I thought, that's a really pretty dress. Lastly, I really like the Orly Kiely and thought it was so perfect for the event with Paddington. Those would be my three "day dresses".
I have to put the coat dresses and more formal attire (requires a hat and jewels) into a different category. Overall, what a lovely wardrobe and how wonderful she can wear almost anything.
Charlotte, thank you for such a wonderful year of following Kate and her activities.
My favorite is the Rochas floral printed silk because of the retro design, colors, fit, accessories (shoes and earrings) and her hairstyle that day. It looked to me like a throwback to the young Queen Elizabeth for the occasion (sans hat). But it was hard to decide. I also loved that bright yellow Jenny Packham, the Chanel, the floral dress worn at Wimbledon, and the Erdem of last January for its beautiful fit and style.
ReplyDeleteIt will be fun to see what she wears for her upcoming engagement at Reach Academy.
That white McQueen peplum is by far my favorite. So you can imagine which one I voted for :D
ReplyDeleteMy favorites include the D&C polka dot dress, CW white floral dress, McQueen pink for Trooping, and the pale pink for Pippa's wedding.
ReplyDeleteI voted for the pink McQueen dress she wore for trooping. I am really excited about 2018, hopefully we will get pictures of Kate shopping for the new baby this year. Maybe we will get a gender hint:)
ReplyDeleteMy favourite is the Rochas Floral Printed Silk Crepe de Chine dress. I love the simplicity of the design, with cap sleeves and a soft drape. Also Kate's hair looked so lovely that day in a casual, low pony tail. I also like the Prada Poppy Print dress with the shirred waistline. It had a lovely flow to it. Both of these dresses were a nice length also. For the most "out of the box: detailing, I liked the hot pink McQueen paper bag waist
ReplyDeleteAnd also misses the soft blue for the first appearance after HG
ReplyDeleteHello,
DeleteThis poll is just for Day Dresses. The Temperley will be featured in the Evening Dresses poll.
Ok,thank you!
DeleteWhile I really liked a lot of Kate's day dresses, I had to vote for the Erdem Evita dress because I loved it instantly and still hunt for the perfect replikate.
ReplyDeleteLovely that they are to visit Coventry. The cathedral is most moving - a place to sit and reflect - a place of peace. Like Charles, I'm not always a fan of the modern but this is special. I have an image of Epstein's archangel Michael on my wall. I'm very much looking forward to Charlotte's write-up.
ReplyDeleteFor dresses my favourites must be the lavender Wickstead - the colour was lovely on Kate, the floral Catherine Walker, and the green Rochas. The last is one of the few dresses I envy Kate - I should love to have had that beautiful green silk dress if it was in my budget.
My least favourites are the short maternity dresses - although I like the other maternity looks, and I confess the Gucci as it screams brand label to me, although I can see why others like it. I do like the floral Erdam very much but not as strongly as the others.
Thank you so much Charlotte for the recap. The standout for me from all the pictures here is how much Catherine has grown in her role over the past year. I have enjoyed following her journey on the blog. I like the monarchy and have long believed that collectively and individually they reflect the country, commonwealth and population. Unlike the more pessimistic commentators I believe Catherine will achieve an acceptable family work balance. The dynamics are all there -the move to a London base, two children at school and a private secretary with a skill set to support engagement and charity work management will facilitate this. I look forward to following again this year. It would be interesting to hear what has been standout for our fellow comentators.
ReplyDeleteWe said alimai & I whole heartedly agree! :)
DeleteWell said alimai!! cc
DeleteAmen :-)
Delete+1, alimai!
Deletenicely said, alimai. and a great vote of confidence from you for Kate. She would love to hear that. :)
DeleteI'm just sharing a RepliKate I found for Kate's Prada print dress:
ReplyDeletehttp://us.shein.com/Shirred-Detail-Floral-Dress-p-421928-cat-1727.html?url_from=usadct_Dresses_dress171227201&utm_content=usadct_Dresses_dress171227201&utm_source=Criteo.com&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=uscriteo_lower
I had a hard time with this! There were several I loved. I felt this could have been two categories . . . one more formal -- the wedding, Trooping, Ascot, etc. I ended up picking Trooping McQueen, as it was very princessy. My other favorites were the Erdem, Rochas, and I am probably in the minority, but I loved the Kate Spade diamond print. That is something I could actually see myself wearing . . . right after I hit the lottery jackpot!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to pictures of Charlotte tomorrow.
Hope USA
Hope, I was glad to see someone else thought this could have been at least two categories. I too liked the Kate Spade for the same reason, I could see myself wearing it! :-)
DeleteThe pale pink McQueen from Pippa's wedding is my absolutely favorite of hers. It's so classic and the color really suits her.
ReplyDeleteGlad I'm not alone. :-) I like it too. Very much.
DeleteI loved that it had a vintage vibe to me and Kate looked very pretty styled in that way.
DeleteI voted for the Chanel dress but it was a hard choice since I really liked the Ascot dress, and the Erdem Evita dress!!my least favorite was the Kate Spade diamond pleated shirtdress. Thank You Charlotte!!XOXO
ReplyDeleteVery hard choice, but my top two were the Chanel and the Erdem. Voted for the Chanel because it hit all the marks, was sophisticated, a slight twist to her usual style, and it suited the occasion perfectly. The beautiful floral Rocha was up there as well, it would be a dress that I would love to wear myself. Other strong contenders were either of her looks at Wimbledon and the pink Orla Kiely, she looked fresh, and nicely styled in all three. The Trooping of the Colors McQueen looked very regal on her. Love it that this was a difficult choice and that Kate looked wonderful at all of her engagements....somehow she makes it look so easy.
ReplyDeleteI go back and forth on the length of her hair, especially seeing how beautiful it was long when she wore the Erdem and the Chanel...just beautiful. Then I see the shorter length and think it has a bit more of a professional look to it. Luckily she looks good with either length!!! cc
CC, I'm imagining this length with a side part and more layering. "Soft" and sophisticated.
DeleteYou are right royalfan!! I think you pinpointed what would make this the perfect length! cc
Delete:-)
Deleteomg there its hard for me choose from me there a lot fashion she wore these season my fave is erdem and channel the beautiful floral dress she wore in Wimbledon its super nice it can wear different all occasion hmm looking forward fashion talks and engagements I guess the duchess will drop princess charlotte on her school in thursday
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Everyone! I haven’t commented during the holidays—I had family in town and was fairly busy, but I did try my best to keep up with the posts and everyone’s comments.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite look for day dresses, is ultimately the Gucci dress. Although, how can I really choose? I thought all her looks were fabulous, EVEN her dress for Pippa’s wedding (although I do see why many people didn’t like this dress).
I thought her entire look was so wel put together in the Gucci dress. Her hair was perfect, her makeup and jewelry too. And I thought it was a little different than the norm for her which made it refreshing.
Anyway, I hope you all had fanatastic holidays and I look forward to this year’s posts!
Love, Natalie
Like others I feel that the Erdem Evita dress is my first choice it is really lovely . I also like the Ascot lace dress but felt we have seen Kate in many very attractive lace dresses. The yellow Jenny Packham dress and the prada poppy print dress were also eye catching there were many other lovely dresses but I did not like the dress Kate wore for Pippa's wedding it made her look so matronly and much older than she is Pippa certainly made sure she did not outshine her so different to Pippa at Kate's wedding.
ReplyDeleteWith both George & Charlotte school terms starting in the first week of January W & K's time at Sandringham at Xmas will not be as long as in the past we don't know but I suspect they may have been at Bucklebury for the New Year closer to KP for the start of term. I hope charlotte starts school today but so far no word from KP. I look forward to Kate's engagement on 10th but hope we have others before 10th.
Surprised no mention was made of pregnancy in write up of 2017 events by KP quite an underserved snub to W & K.
You should not assume there was a snub. Many of us in Britain regard making a fuss about pregnancy as a little ill-bred.
DeleteI found one headline today that said that Princess Charlotte did start nursery school today but when you click onto the article it says Princess Charlotte "to start nursery school". Very misleading. Did she start nursery school today?
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte for this review of Kate's style. I voted for the lavender dress. She looked so young and stylish in it and it is also my favorite color. I have to agree with the choice of the Erdem Evita dress by many of you, and her hair that day was beautiful. So many beautiful choices!
ReplyDeletePerhaps not. Suspect that many of the staff have been given time off over Christmas and New Year. Certainly Natasha and Chris Jackson are in Morrocco.
ReplyDeleteThis comment was meant in reply to Lizzie's comment regarding seeing an engagement sooner than the tenth
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteA quick update on Princess Charlotte. At this point, there is no official confirmation she attended nursery today (term commenced at Willcocks this morning). Hello! reports the family may still be in Bucklebury and she will start next week when George returns to school. However, Paris March reports Charlotte did attend and both William and Kate were with her.
There's been no word at all from royal reporters or KP. Unless it's possible photos are being held until tonight for tomorrow's papers, It's looking likely Charlotte hasn't started yet.
Was checking Kensington palace twitter a few times today too...who knows?! Maybe she will start next week and the Cambridges took that week for holiday. Or maybe she started today and they didn't release a foto?
DeleteThanks for the update. I'll keep anxiously checking back to see if this is the case. I really hope that Charlotte did not start today and the family simply chose not to release a photograph. I think occasions like the first day of school warrant a photograph for fans and well wishers who want to respect the children's privacy for the rest of the year, but also want to watch them grow up as members of the royal family.
DeleteStuff NZ are reporting Charlotte starts tomorrow. Nothing official from KP or the royal reporters though.
Deletehttps://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/life/100348406/inside-the-preschool-fit-for-a-princess
I wondered if maybe she did start but that they weren’t able to get a good photo. Sometimes boisterous 2 year olds just aren’t in the mood for such things. ;)
Delete(I also have a two year old who spent most of a recent family photo session with a pouty face)
I like the lavender, I like the Gucci (preferably with less hair), and I like others. I voted for my favorite of the year, the See by Chloe. I know I have always been alone in that, and the poll reflects it, but I just like that dress on Kate, and it was a nice choice for the two events for which she has worn it.
ReplyDeleteI don't normally have time to read the comments (a quick skim through my favourite royal sites in the evening is as good as it gets) but have really enjoyed these. It's fun seeing how differently people view the same outfits. I loved the Catherine Walker dress at Wimbledon, the lavender Wickstead and the Rochas dresses. I also like both the Goat dresses she ahs worn recently. I thought the Ascot dress was awful and did nothing for her and the outfit for Pippa's wedding was insipid and washed out and a real disappointment. it's great that others view it all differently. Love this blog. Thanks for all your hard work keeping us up to date.
ReplyDeleteYay! Two royal babies and a royal wedding. Very excited for the spring and summer
ReplyDeleteI just re-read this whole post? Did I miss something? Two Royal Babies? I'm Confused!
DeleteZara's baby and William and Kate's baby.
DeleteZara Tindall is pregnant
DeleteOh, how wonderful for them! :) Two new cousins growing up together is always fun! :)
DeleteLovely news! So happy for the Tindalls :) This year is already off to a great start!
DeleteI was so happy to see the news that Zara Tindall is pregnant again! How fun that her children are the same ages as Will and Kate’s.
ReplyDelete