More from the Mail Online:
'Kate was seen arriving in Windsor on Thursday alongside Prince William for the dress rehearsal of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding on Saturday. The mother-of-three was last seen on the steps of the Lindo Wing on April 23 when she introduced her youngest son to the world.
Despite caring for three young children Kate showed none of the strains of motherhood looking fresh faced from the front of her husband's Landrover. Her famous brunette locks were styled to perfection and she wore a pair of chic sunnies as she sat in the passenger seat while the Duke of Cambridge was at the wheel.
The Duchess of Cambridge is still on her official maternity leave which began at the end of March. Aside from Saturday's wedding she may appear at some family occasions during the summer but is not expected to return to official duties until the autumn, according to aides, and even then her 'primary focus' will be her children.'
It's an incredibly exciting week for the family. Below, Harry and Meghan arriving for the rehearsal, there's just two days to go until the wedding.
Rehearsals for the wedding have been taking place throughout the day.
Members of the Armed Forces were among those taking part in a dress rehearsal of the carriage procession through Windsor Town and The Long Walk today.
More than 250 members of the Armed Forces will provide ceremonial support at the Royal Wedding, including regiments and units with a special relationship with Prince Harry.
More than 250 members of the Armed Forces will provide ceremonial support at the #RoyalWedding, including regiments and units with a special relationship with Prince Harry. pic.twitter.com/O9tT0cVKC2— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 17, 2018
The Duchess wore the very pretty MICHAEL Michael Kors Carnation Georgette Dress. The £215 piece is available at Michael Kors US, Michael Kors UK and Net-A-Porter.
The multicoloured summery dress is described as "MICHAEL Michael Kors' midi dress features a colorful carnation print in shades of red, pink, navy and white. Made from lightweight crepe, it's buttoned through the front so you can customize the neckline, and has softly gathered sleeves. Knot the coordinating leather belt to define your frame."
A closer look at the print.
A closer look at the print.
The Carnation print features across the board in the current collection. Below, the Ruffled Dress and phone case.
Kate's sunglasses are by Givenchy. KateMCambridge notes Pippa wore the same style (possibly the same pair) to Wimbledon in 2012.
There's additional images available of William leaving with George and Charlotte on the Mail Online.
Kate's sunglasses are by Givenchy. KateMCambridge notes Pippa wore the same style (possibly the same pair) to Wimbledon in 2012.
There's additional images available of William leaving with George and Charlotte on the Mail Online.
missed the Duchess! she looks super lovely in the MK dress!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to see Kate again! She's looking splendid! It's getting so close now! I've been kind of neutral up until today but when I saw on twitter the rehearsals and people arriving it all became real and I'm quite excited now :)
ReplyDeleteLove the neckline and pattern on the dress!
So Glad Rebecca! Will you be joining in over on MAM for Charlotte's Live Blogs?
DeleteI wrote that I expected to see some more (Charles landing at KP) non-verbal responses from the royals to the recent blight on Meghan's day. Here one is-The Duchess in red, white, and blue by an American designer. She couldn't have offered her support more loudly if she had shouted it from the roof tops.
DeleteI will probably mostly be on the Order of Splendor blog since that live updates but I will check over here for the William & Kate posts as well :)
DeleteRebecca - I have never heard of the Order of Splendour blog, so I looked it up. Is is the Order of the Sartorial Splendour blog?
DeleteThink I have just added some new reading to my list!
Charlotte, will you be doing a live blog over on Mad About Meghan?
DeleteExactly!
DeleteHello Stevie,
DeleteYes from 8 am on Saturday :)
Do remember- Annoymous @17:37- "red white and blue" is every bit as much the colours of the British flag, too... ;) as such, I'd say Kate's sartorial choice here may be significance of both countries- and nothng more. It can't be read as a sartorial bow to America. She represents the UK, as does the groom and best man- and now Meghan. that said: wise and easy choice.
DeleteThank you Rebecca -Sweden for another blog to follow which appears to also follow royals from other countries.
DeleteOh i love the detail the dress looking forward to the actual dress and what the duchess role in the wedding
ReplyDeleteThose photos of Meghan make me nervous as it appears she's not wearing a seat belt. It just made pictures of Diana doing the same thing flash through my mind. I know this is just a side issue, but it just made me a bit concerned. Kate's always wearing her seat belt. At any rate, so glad things are moving along! A shout out to my fellow S. Californian!I wonder if poppies will indeed be part of their new coat of arms? I like Kate's dress. =)
ReplyDelete🌸 Denise. San Diego says, “Here’s hoping.”
DeleteFrom Canada
DeleteI totally agree with you! Whether they are members of the Royal family or not, no one should be in a car without wearing a seat belt!
SoCal here too! I would love to see poppies on the coat of arms.
DeleteI also noted that Meghan's got some serious blingy earrings--a different style from her typical minimalist preference. Matches her ring nicely, I thought!
ReplyDeleteI love the dress. This is exactly a dress I would wear. Glad to see Kate again as she is my "first love" and always will be - lol!
ReplyDeleteI second that lol.
DeleteSo happy to see her again.
🌸 ditto, Pam. :)
DeleteMe too - made my day😀😀
DeleteI agree. I’m excited for H&M but it’s Kate that really draws my attention. Great to see her looking so fresh and well. I can’t imagine what it must be like to have a baby so recently and the eyes of the world on you - trying to balance the needs of your baby with the demands of the event and the pressure to look your best. She really amazes me.
DeleteI'd love to be in Windsor right now. The excitement must be so palpable! I'm glad to get a slight glimpse of Kate. The comment about her primary focus being her children in the autumn, though, disappointed me somewhat. She was doing so many more engagements during her pregnancy that I hope to continue to see her as much when she returns from maternity leave.
ReplyDeleteI thought that was interesting too and will be watching to see how that plays out.
DeleteActually, she's only been in public officially 25 days this year. And that includes showing off Louis and going to Easter Service. I think it is reasonable to expect that a person with 3 kids under the age of 5 spend time with them. We should see her in June for Trooping the Color and maybe Garter Service and in July with Wimbledon. September and the rest of the year most likely will be as William's date to various events. She does have some charities she hasn't visited yet this year (although she did do a tennis event that involved Wimbledon)
DeleteNatural History Museum
Victoria and Albert Museum
The Scout Association
EACH
1851 Trust
Wimbledon
Air Training Corp
Would be interesting if she started including George and Charlotte in some of the activities like the Natural History Museum and The Scouts.
Fabulous as always! Saturday is going to be a very long day for her. I'd assume she is nursing again? With a busy day that is so closely timed & scheduled, I can't imagine how she sneaks that in or even pumping! Good luck, girlfriend!
ReplyDeleteI was thinking the same thing. Not sure how she will be able to sneak away to pump. But I can’t wait to see her again.
DeleteI miss for Duchess and it 's enjoyable to see her before wedding during more casual event.She looks fresh and beautiful and I want to wear the same dress.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, her dress is still available on the US MK site in xxs, xs and s. And it's only $175 with free shipping and returns.
ReplyDeleteThank you CeeCee, I just updated the post :)
DeleteI have a slightly different perspective as to what might happen. I was thinking given Meghan’s age the pressure will be on to have babies fairly soon, so I was guessing H&M might through themselves into work for a short time to establish Meghan’s role and then ease off to raise children.
DeleteKate meanwhile becoming more available for work as her young family grows.
How lucky are we to have these two lovely ladies to watch and enjoy?
Thanks Charlotte for both blogs. It really makes my day.
🌸 This is one midi I like. The coloring is perfect for Kate. I love the non-Victorian neckline. Very pretty and fresh. So nice to see her. 😊
ReplyDeleteWe probably will see less of Catherine overall, in part perhaps, because Harry and Meghan will adopt a busy schedule and have a high profile, at least at first. Catherine will likely maintain her involvement in her patronages, but I think be default, as we see more of H & M, there might be somewhat less of W & C, especially at first. Time will tell; I hope people don't engage in comparisons between the two women, because each has her own gifts and talents. As for me, I find Catherine so perfectly suited for what's coming in her future. She'll make a wonderful Queen Consort; she carries herself beautifully. In the meantime, she may as well enjoy a short respite from the hectic schedule. It'll be lovely to see her this Saturday.
ReplyDeleteI agree Anon 16:53, Catherine is perfectly suited for her role and her future. There is such a grace to her and it is enjoyable to follow her. I too hope that people don't engage in comparisons, but for the most part, I think both Catherine and Meghan are acknowledged, at least on this blog, as two completely unique women with their own sense of style and purpose who each have much to offer individually. Also, I believe that Charlotte's creation of two separate blogs have helped to minimize the comparisons. As for the public in general and the media, well I am not placing any bets there. Catherine will make a wonderful Queen Consort and so looking forward to seeing her and her children at the wedding!! cc
DeleteI wonder if Harry and Meghan's plan to delay their honeymoon will coincide with Kate's return to royal duties. I dont think this was an intentional plan, more of a fortunate coincidence in planning
DeleteBut I think they are just delaying only a week maybe? Not much of a delay. It also would be nice to have a bit of down time before going on the honeymoon especially with her Mother in town and her out of country friends. She and Harry may spend a few days after the wedding visiting and saying good bye as well as attending the garden party and then take off.
DeleteI couldn't agree more, Anon 16:53.
DeleteSo Exciting seeing the arrivals! Meghan looks Smashing & Kate looks Fab! I love Kate's dress & can't wait to see what She, George & Charlotte will be wearing on the day! This has so much of a Family Wedding feel! H&M have struck just the perfect note with their wedding choices! The wonderful British Countryside vibe, The Regality of Windsor, The involvement of Friends & Family in lieu of it being a State Occasion. Every detail has been filled with thoughtfulness & love. All the way down to the public guests they have invited to attend inside the Castle walls & all of The Military (having special meaning to or connections with Prince Harry) that will be taking part on the day!
ReplyDeleteIt is very exciting Becca USA!! I especially agree with you about the "family wedding feel" and that everything seems to have personal meaning. Kate is lovely today! Can't hardly wait for the wedding, see what Kate is wearing, and see how George and Charlotte manage the day!! The excitement is infectious!! cc
DeleteGo Kate. I like that dress. I wonder if the children get to rehearse? I cannot imagine having that many little ones involved and no rehearsal, so I'm going to guess yes. What do you want to bet that a lecture about "No stepping on the train" is included!
ReplyDeleteMarci, I agree! These kids must be so well behaved in order to make the long journey down that aisle. Back when my sister got married, she had three little flower girls that were young. I was worried about them staying together and making it down the aisle so I had the florist create a single vine with three little bouquets. Each girl carried her bouquet and they were all connected - it worked!
DeleteAnd even though these kids will (we're guessing) have been in the church it's not filled with 600 people
How creative , Elle ! Great idea for little ones. My two nephews were our ring bearers, and my sister was my Matron Of Honor ( US term for a married bridesmaid) I told the boys “follow Mommy” then I went down the grape arbor , it was outdoors in a formal garden.
DeleteHow creative , Elle ! Great idea for little ones. My two nephews were our ring bearers, and my sister was my Matron Of Honor ( US term for a married bridesmaid) I told the boys “follow Mommy” then I went down the grape arbor , it was outdoors in a formal garden.
DeleteKate looks very pretty. What a great way to wear the red, white and blue. We've been told that Kate has no official role at the wedding, which makes me wonder why she was present at the rehearsal part. Perhaps she was just keeping William company. Maybe she is going to help maintain the peace with ten little kids under seven, that includes a two year old.
ReplyDeleteI think George and Charlotte were with so makes sense for Kate to be there and help handle and instruct them when William focuses on best man duties :)
DeleteI think Kate will be there with her's and the other children, as she did for her sister's wedding. She is Harry's "sister" after all ( having known him for so long as an extended family and brother in law ).
DeleteAt my wedding the spouses or significant others of all the attendants were invited to attend the rehearsal and the dinner, and most of them did. If my husband were in a wedding party I'd totally want to come with him for all the fun!
DeleteYes, I too wonder whether there will be some parents of the 10 children in the bridal party - perhaps hovering on the periphery to make sure they go in the right direction, haha! If so, I could definitely see Kate as being one of these, after all 2 of her children are in the bridal party! It will be so much fun to see how the children behave, they're always unpredictable but I can't imagine Kate or William wanting their two to go off at a tangent as it were!
DeleteI don't usually comment but I just had to hop on to say how excited I am getting! Kate looks lovely as usual and I love when she wears high street! Especially as i have a few MICHAEL by Michael Kors pieces myself, eek does that make Kate and I style twins?
ReplyDeleteI have always had a real soft spot for Harry so this is a bit emotionally charged as I hope that this is the start of a wonderful new chapter for him and Meghan. Thanks for always keeping me updated and giving me a place where I don't feel as crazy as my family thinks u am for being a royal family fanatic!
~Mary D. USA
Rest assured Mary, that you aren't! You are definitely among Friends here!! Many of us or All of us are in the same boat!! lol :)
DeleteHappy to see Kate. I love her grace and composure. Very nice her dress. I'm looking forward seeing her outfit at the wedding. After tomorrow, it's incredible!
ReplyDeleteWell for years I have assumed that Windsor Castle was at least an hour away from Kensington Palace and Buckingham. I finally googled the directions (along with Clarence House) and all the places are within 20 minutes of each other. I had no idea.
ReplyDeleteI checked again, looks like the fastest time from WIndsor to Kensington is 40 minutes and most of the time close to an hour, not sure why I initially got a 20 minute drive time. But Kensington, Clarence and Buckingham are all within 20 minutes, i did not know that.
DeleteWe always say "Buckingham Palace", to distinguish it from the town. In the same way, we say "Kensington Palace" unless we mean the area of London, and "Clarence House". So sorry to be punctilious, but I thought you might like to know.
DeleteCecillia, good to know. Thanks.
DeleteThat's helpful, Cecilia, thank you. Ali, thank you for posting the information on the drive times. Very interesting. I remember going to all these places from our London base when I was in school there in the early 1980s, but I didn't remember at all how far it was or how much time it took. I probably wasn't paying a bit of attention. Too busy looking at things, no doubt.
DeleteI actually thought I would buy my first "RepliKate", but everyone is sold out. Lovely dress. Wonderful to see Kate again. I hope she is able to enjoy the weekend.
ReplyDeleteIn the newest update to DM article, you can see Princess Charlotte in the back seat of the car while William drives and a PO sits in the front passenger seat. The countdown is on! Looking forward to a lovely weekend of following along on both of your blogs, Charlotte. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful to see our lovely duchess again. She looks beautiful as always.
ReplyDeleteI was walking near KP this morning and was very surprised to see Prince William drive right by! He waved and was gone in an instant.
ReplyDeleteHappy wedding watching, everyone!
Zoey, what a thrill!!!! :)
DeleteWow, you saw Prince William driving by, Zoey???? Thanks for letting us know! Such comments as yours really help to make the whole thing "real" for us from afar!!! I'd LOVE to walk near KP any morning! 😃
DeleteShe does look wonderful and I like this dress. Still not a fan of the florals, but Kate loves them and this one works well. Love that she went with the open neckline.
ReplyDeleteSuch a cheerful, retro print on Kate's dress. Reminds me of things I wore in the Seventies. I am looking forward to a day of beautiful clothes and joyful times.
ReplyDeleteI wore them too Greybird!! Loved the prints and the soft, flowy drape to the dress!! cc
DeleteLovely dress, and as I'm also nursing a newborn, I immediately thought she had made a smart choice; button-downs and wrap dresses are really the only good dress choices when you need to nurse!
ReplyDeleteI love Kate’s dress. She looks great!
ReplyDeleteThere's also a short sleeve version of the dress... could only find it on the Austrian page https://www.peek-cloppenburg.at/michael-michael-kors/damen-wickelkleid-mit-taillenguertel-rot-9768039_10/
ReplyDeletehttps://www.peek-cloppenburg.at/michael-michael-kors/damen-wickelkleid-mit-taillenguertel-rot-9768039_10/
ReplyDelete...short sleeve version of this dress also exists, although I think she opted for the long sleeved one
This is a lovely dress - one I would definitely wear. Hmmm....wonder if I'll see it somewhere. Typically you can find MK across a wide variety stores here in the US.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Charlotte. Rest up. You have a lot of work ahead of you. But, you can handle it. Enjoyed the post.
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte for this update. The Duchess looks great in her floral dress.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day
Montaine
The Duchess' dress immediately reminded me of the dress the Princess of Wales wore at Prince William's christening.
ReplyDeletecool! cant wait to see what kate wears and see her kids in the wedding!
ReplyDelete