Saturday 14 July 2018

It's a Duchess Duo for Women's Wimbledon Final!

It was a duchess duo at Wimbledon, as the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Sussex took pride of place in the Royal Box to watch a spectacular afternoon of tennis.


A wave from the Duchesses upon arrival.


Although we've seen Kate and Meghan together at events on a number of occasions, it is the first event the duchesses have attended without their husbands. They both love tennis and this was the perfect choice. I thought it a delightful engagement for their first joint outing.


It marks one of a handful of appearances for Kate until she officially resumes duties in this autumn. The Queen passed her patronage of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in December 2016. It was decidedly an ideal fit for the Duchess, who has been attending almost every year since her pre-engagement days. She's also a keen amateur player. Her love for the sport is such, George and Charlotte are said to have already taken it up, and it probably won't be long until Baby Louis is taking up the racket too!


An arrival video.


Prior to the start of play, Kate and Meghan met a number of former Wimbledon Ladies Champions, as well as some of the Championships' ball boys and ball girls to hear more about their experiences at the tournament.


Kate and Meghan met young players.


The royals also met wheelchair competitors.


Kate and Meghan met Tia Carter, representing the RAF Benevolent Fund, who performed the coin toss before the ladies' final. Tia’s father Wayne serves in the RAF, as did her mother Joyce, who sadly passed away suddenly last year. The RAF Benevolent Fund’s flagship youth support scheme, Airplay, has been a great support to Tia as she comes to terms with the loss of her mother.


This year marks the 150th anniversary of Wimbledon.


The animated film below shows the evolution of Wimbledon through a single continuous tennis rally, beginning in 1877 with Spencer Gore and ending with Serena Williams. As each new era begins, the illustrative style evolves with it, capturing historic details such as radically changing fashions, pony rollers used to keep the courts in prime condition, TV broadcasts, and even the switch to yellow balls.


 Kate and Meghan arrive in the Royal Box.


The duchesses take their seats.


They were photographed chatting and exchanging laughs from the moment they sat down. They obviously enjoy each other's company very much.


The royals with Gill Brook, wife of AELTC chairman Philip Brook.


Due to the men's semi-finals going considerably over schedule, not only did Meghan and Kate have the opportunity to see the ladies' semi-finals, they also saw the final two sets of an epic match between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.


It was an incredibly tense match.


Following a spectacular display of tennis Novak Djokovic was victorious.


A round of applause at the end of a very memorable match.


Then it was time for the Ladies' Final.


Serena Williams, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, played for her 24th major singles title. Title number 24 would tie Serena with Margaret Court for the highest number of grand-slam singles titles won by a female player. The tennis pro returned to the tournament after giving birth to her daughter Olympia ten months ago. Following a life-threatening scare during the birth, it's astonishing to see her back at a Wimbledon final less than a year later. Serena and Meghan have been very close friends for several years, and she attended the Royal wedding in May. Serena's opponent is German tennis player Angelique Kerber. The former world No. 1 won major titles at the 2016 Australian Open (beating Williams) and the 2016 US Open. She has also won an Olympic silver medal while representing Germany at the 2016 Summer games. Kerber and Williams have played on numerous occasions including the Wimbledon 2016 Final where Williams was victorious.


Williams, who has met Kate at the tournament before, recently described her as a "badass". More from ET:

'The 36-year-old tennis pro is featured on the cover of InStyle for August, and in honor of the magazine's first-ever "Badass Women" issue, she was asked who she thinks is the No. 1 badass. "Well, obviously Beyoncé," she gushes. "That goes unsaid. Rihanna goes unsaid. Kate Middleton!"
Williams -- who shares one child, baby girl Alexis Olympia, with husband Alexis Ohanian -- continues on, marveling over how impressed she was when Middleton stepped out of the hospital and took pictures for the press just moments after giving birth to her and Prince William's third child, Louis, in April. "She was …  standing!" Williams raves. "So, she’s officially No. 1."

Those seated in the Royal Box included tennis legends Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova.


Alas, it was not to be for Serena Williams this time. Angelique Kerber gained control very early on and won in two sets. It's a very special day for the hugely talented player, her first Wimbledon win.


A supportive hug after the match.


I'm sure Meghan was disappointed for her friend, however as anyone who follows tennis knows, Serena will be back. I thought this a particularly sweet photo, taken immediately after Serena lost. There's been such efforts in the media and among fans to pit these two women against each other. I think today proved they're firm friends.


The Duchess congratulated Angelique.



As a lifelong tennis fan, it's always a treat to see the royals at the tournament.


Wimbledon in all its glory.


The Duchess looked lovely in a very pretty bespoke Jenny Packham dress. The short sleeve, fitted dress features ruffle detailing. Packham has long been known as the 'Queen of Evening Looks', over the past couple of years we've seen her create a number of day looks for the Duchess, often with a nod to the engagement she's attending incorporated.


My favourite element of the dress? The 'tennis ball' print.


The Duchess carried a new Dolce & Gabbana bag today. The $1695 Pink Medium Miss Sicily Bag is described as "Structured grained 'dauphine' calfskin top handle bag in 'rose' pink. Carry handle at top. Adjustable and detachable shoulder strap with lobster clasp fastening."



Kate wore her Gianvito Rossi Praline Pumps.


Middleton Maven identified Kate's new sunglasses as the Ray-Ban New Rubber Youngster Sunglasses. They are available at ShopBop.


Kate accessorised with her pearl drop earrings by Swedish brand In2Design.


The Duchess debuted the pair during a day of engagements with Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel in Sweden in January. Today is Victoria's 41st birthday, it's been suggested Kate may have chosen them today for that reason.


And completed the look with her Cartier watch.


Kate also wore her Wimbledon pin.


The Duchess of Sussex wore a Ralph Lauren stripe shirt and wide-leg trousers. Pop over to Mad About Meghan to read more.


We'll see Kate in the Royal Box again tomorrow. She and William will watch the men's final at 2pm. It's possible we'll see the christening portraits before then.

106 comments:

  1. Can't tell much yet but both outfits look nice.

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  2. I enjoy her fun dress. The gathers at the waist add interest, and the pattern resembles little tennis balls (it does to me anyway, lol). Her bag also looks similar to the one Meghan was carrying on her arrival in Ireland the other day.

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    1. I like the dress detail very much. And I did think of tennis balls! Lol. Similar to last year's polka dots me thinks.

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    2. The ball imagery could get out of hand (like that scary spot phase Diana went through) but for the moment, I love the dress and it's a wonderful shape on Kate. Miss her polished hair from last year but that's how it goes. I'm not an expensive handbag fan so offer no opinion on the bag, except Kate usually carries a handled bag to Wimbledon- I think last year it was a Beckham but memory may fail me.

      Like everything about Meghan's look except the length of the trousers. The blue shirt is especially pretty. Nice to see them together.

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    3. I’m with you Julia, I was a fan of her shorter hair phase last summer. Perhaps she’ll revisit it for a while once she returns to engagements in the autumn. 😉

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    4. So glad I wasn't the only one who loved her shorter polished look from last year. She had such a pretty face, it brought out elegance and youthfulness at the same time! - K

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    5. What isn't polished about Catherine's hair? I was just thinking how badly I need a blowout. And a hot oil treatment. Or possibly a new collection of really good hats, after looking at beautiful Catherine. I love her with long hair! Maybe that's just a personal aesthetic thing.
      I don't love her dress, but it might be one that looks better in person than in photos. If it were very white or very... something, that would have worked a bit better. This dress is washing her out. JMO, I think she is such a beautiful lady, one not-so-stellar/ won't end up in the V&A dress really doesn't matter much. (I am confused about the "tennis balls" bit. Tennis is the only sport I play, and the er, balls, on her dress seem to have stripes on them, tennis balls look very different. Oh well!)

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  3. Both ladies looking Beautiful!!!

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  4. So excited to see them together! Thank you, Charlotte, for this fantastic blog. It's the best site for accurate and timely news.

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  5. Kate carrying a new small handled bag? Is Meghan's excellent taste in handbags rubbing off on her?!?

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    1. Take a look at the last couple of years at Wimbledon. This is not a new look for Kate. :-)

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    2. She usually carries a bag with handles to this event.

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    3. Kate needs borrow nothing from anyone in the fashion game!

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    4. Yes I thought that too......

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    5. Yes! I think it’s great she finally branched out from her Victoria Beckham white bag!

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    6. Rebecca - Sweden14 July 2018 at 18:06

      Kate rarely use handheld bags for official engagements but to events where she actually has to carry stuff (like having stuff at hand at Wimbledon or going about her regular life) she often have these bags :)

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  6. Kate looks spectacular. I like the gathered detail on her dress at the waist and shoulder. Bag is great and no doubt holds her sunglasses. Wish Kate would wear a sunhat to protect her beautiful skin. Meghan looks overly casual for the Royal Box, considering they are both there in an official capacity.

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    1. Well men can wear pants. Those are really lovely dress pants & I think appropriate to sitting watching tennis. After looking at all those skinny jeans that Kate has worn over the yrs Meghans pants look formal.

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    2. Meghan's outfit is perfect, whether or not today's appearance is "officiaL" which I'm not sure that it is. These pants are quite dressy to me.

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    3. Kate is a patron, of course; does Meghan have any official connection? We’ve discussed Scandinavian Royals wearing pantsuits for years, and wished Kate would do trousers. Her dress today is charming and summery.

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    4. I don’t think Kate ever wore skinny jeans in the royal box, at least when working, which was the main point, of Laura’s comment, I think. I doubt the trousers are forbidden even though the duchess is participating in royal duties. Kate is a patron. Meghan is not.

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    5. Pam, I would say today's appearance is official for both Kate and Meghan. It was announced from the Palace a few days ago, that the Duchesses would be attending. The women were met on arrival, fed lunch and taken to meet several people involved at Wimbledon. Had they just been popping in for an unofficial visit, none of this would have been in place.

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    6. Kate is an official patron. Meghan is just there to watch her friend Serena. But both ladies look great.

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    7. Pam from Boston14 July 2018 at 16:35

      Laura, the Palace also announced that Prince George and Princess Charlotte would be in Pippa's wedding. Does that mean their participation in a family wedding was an official appearance? They do sometimes announce in advance things like that, that the general public is interested in knowing in regard to the Royals' appearances at certain events. I doesn't necessarily mean it's an official engagement.

      I could be wrong of course, but I understood today's appearance was official for Kate and that Meghan was tagging along to watch her friend play and of course was treated in the manner that her status requires, official visit or not.

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    8. @Laura: That's how duchesses are treated. 🙂

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    9. Laura, I read that women are discouraged from wearing hats in the royal box because it could block tge view of those behind them.

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    10. Rebecca - Sweden14 July 2018 at 22:08

      I suppose that's more the ascot/wedding kind of hats or large sun-hats. A panama hat or a sunviser (I remember seeing Princess Michael in those at Wimbledon) is probably totally fine. I seem to remember having seen men in panama hats there so it makes sense that women can wear those as well.

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    11. Pippa often wears hats at Wimbledon. I think I've read ladies are asked only not to wear large or tall hats that could block others' view.

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    12. If you watch Wimbledon, you'll see that 80% of spectators are wearing sun hats, I doubt it's an issue.

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    13. Hats are not allowed, or strongly discouraged, at events like this, and again it is because of the etiquette makes things more comfortable for others bit. Can you imagine the papers/blogs/twitterhell the next day if Meghan had worn the hat she carried? "Horrible American Blocks View, Leaves Huge Tennis Legends Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King Blind!"
      And you know that would happen. I think it's very thoughtful to not wear a hat that could block the view, and these very nice ladies do too.
      Am I really the only person who noticed King and Navratilova? Holy tennis rackets, they're Tennis Royalty!!

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  7. Love that Kates dress is more on trend as is her bag! Handled bags or Lady Bags have been in style now for almost two years. Glad to see Kate is exploring new avenues in fashion and not sticking with the usual. The detail in her dress gives it real interest

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    1. Ummm...Kate with a bag with handles isn't new! She brought her even bigger Victoria Beckham Quincy bag the last two years to Wimbledon.

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    2. Yes, Duchess Kate does have a wide variety of bag styles and always selects one appropriate for the occasion - eg. Large tote or large structured hand bag for sporty events or air travel. Small clutches when working. She is always a class act and will one day make a beautiful Queen!

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  8. They both look gorgeous. Love Kate’s dress, bag and hair.

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  9. The shoes i believe are the pinkishsuede Gianvito Rossi Praline pumps, watch is possibly her Cartier Ballon Bleu watch, and the earrings In2Design Baroque pearl drop earrings i think..

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  10. I love how classic looks Kate and how modern looks Meghan.I enjoy to see two beautiful ladies which give us different view of fashion but Kate 's dress and Meghan 's trousers and blouse matches perfectly.

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    1. Totally agree! They both look gorgeous. And they look like they are really enjoying them self too. So fun to see women enjoying sports together. Kate’s dress is just perfect. I think Jenny Packman has done some of my favorite looks for her.

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    2. Rebecca - Sweden14 July 2018 at 18:08

      Me too! I love seeing them playing within the similar restrictions with two such different styles and how they are both comfortable finding their own route to "Duchess dressing" (That sounded like something to get on a sallad!!)

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  11. I kove how classic look the duchess ahe looks classicsl and i love modeen looks of the duchess i wanna steal her look

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  12. I needed this lift on this glum morning: grey monsoons (not that I am complaining, we need the rain!) and an unauthorized charge per an email (have already phoned the supplier and in my half-awake stupor, complained.) They look happy and lovely. I love Kate's dress and Meghan's stripes. Although the design on Kate's dress kind of reminded me of hamburgers for some reason. Must go eat some breakfast....

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    1. Lol, I initially thought it was hamburgers, too! Or tennis balls :P

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    2. USA Today says polka dots.

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  13. This is a great dress for Kate! She has worn some beautiful dresses over the years. I love the details; the dress is extremely flattering and she looks wonderful. The bag is another I would love to have. :)

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  14. They both look lovely! Their outfits are perfect for Wimbledon and complement each other but still each is sticking to her own personal style. I especially love Kate's dress and bag, so pretty! Ralph Lauren is perfect for Wimbledon and I adore the trousers in particular.
    It's lovely seeing Kate and Meghan on TV, they both look so pretty! Still waiting for the ladies' game to start though ;-)

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  15. It is nice to see them together enjoying what they like. This is a win for their husbands too ( the girls get along,life will go smoothly for better or worse).

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    1. I hope to see them attend more events together (sans husbands) in the near future! They seem to get along really well.

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    2. Tammy from California14 July 2018 at 16:22

      AGREED ANON!!!

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    3. I also agree. I had always hoped that Harry would find a loving partner, and that his future wife and Kate would become close, as William and Harry are so close. These photos prove that these ladies are good friends. Engagements without their husbands will only solidify this closeness. Hope to see the duchesses together more often.

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  16. Catherine looks lovely today. I especially like the shoulder and waist detail. Her hair looks beautiful.

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    1. Same here :)

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    2. I love that no matter what the occasion - even seven hours after giving birt - Duchess Kate always takes the t8me and makes the effort to have her hair lov8ng styled and lovely; she never just throws it up in a pony or a bun and appears uncoiffed- she is always a class act!

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  17. I love this dress on Kate. It's very cute and summery. It's so different from the coatdress/fascinator look she's been rocking at all the events since Louis was born. I also think this length of hair is perfect on her and she should keep it. I even like the straighter comb out. It looks more off-duty, more Kate and less BRF.

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  18. Love the gathering/draping detail on this dress. Not too wild about the print though. Love the bag, but would have maybe chosen blue for the shoes and bag...although that might have taken the coordination of her and Meghan’s outfits over to “matchy”, which might have been a bit much. I’ve always loved Kate’s sartorial choices at Wimbledon. This isn’t my favourite look, but it’s still beautiful :)

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    1. Pam from Boston14 July 2018 at 23:29

      I agree, Dayle. I always look forward to seeing what Kate will wear to Wimbledon. My favorite was last year's - the polka dot dress with the square neckline, pleated skirt, sandals (loved those!) and slightly shorter hair. That look was such a winner for me...one of my all time favorites.

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    2. I agree, her choices for Wimbledon are always a treat to see! I think it's because it's not too formal, so she can have more fun with her outfits and wear beautiful summer dresses :) Yesterday's choice was actually my favourite, right before that fun McQueen dress. I also loved the flowery Catherine Walker, blue&green Jonathan Saunders and the white dress that she wore to what I think was her first Wimbledon appearance after marriage.

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  19. The dress pattern DOES look like tennis balls---very cute!!

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  20. Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge is a gorgeous lady.

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  21. I think she looks great! I love her dress! (Though my 5 year old son said it looks like pajamas, but I disagree. :-P )
    It’s so great to see these ladies together, too. Maybe the media will quiet down about these “rivalry” stories they are running (which are horrid for so many reasons).
    Can’t wait to see tomorrow’s look!

    Annie
    NY, USA

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  22. Kate looks wonderful. Love the bag will pass on the dress and earrings. Not fond of the pattern or all the "ruffles", or "pleats" not sure technical term at the neckline and waistline.

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    1. ali, I’m pretty sure those are “gathers.”

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  23. Both ladies look lovely. I’m glad to see them have a “ladies” day out. Thanks, Charlotte. I’m looking forward to seeing more pics and reading more historical facts.

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  24. Both ladies look lovely. I’m glad to see them have a “ladies” day out. Thanks, Charlotte. I’m looking forward to seeing more pics and reading more historical facts.

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  25. I'm a lone wolf, but Kate's dress is a bit of a miss for me. The ruffle detail at the neck gets all mixed up with her hair, and it all looks too busy for me. I do like the whimsical print of the fabric.

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    1. I loved the ruffle detail, but would have preferred her in a nice ponytail and sandals to show off the dress and make the whole look a little more casual.

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    2. I agree. I think it's a big fussy for a day at tennis . I like Meghans look but think the pants are too long. They will be frayed by the end of the day ..

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    3. I agree Lynn. I think the dress is a bit fussy for tennis . I like Meghans look but the pants are too long, they will be frayed on the bottom in no time .

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  26. Tammy from California14 July 2018 at 16:22

    Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh this just melted my heart.

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  27. Thanks for the post, I always love seeing Kate's fashion. Small nit-pick: I'm pretty sure that's Billy Jean King sitting behind the duchesses (in the red rimmed glasses) and not Virginia Wade.

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  28. Royal 👑 Watcher14 July 2018 at 16:46

    It’s really great to see our two favourite duchesses together enjoying the tennis and each other’s company. They both look lovely!

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  29. They both look regal, polished and relaxed! Each is remaining true to her style preference (thank goodness we don't all dress alike!) and her body shape. Kate has a very long torso, shorter legs, and gorgeous calves. Dresses and skirts accentuate her figure - optically balancing the torso and showcasing those legs! They likely feel better on, as well. Meghan has a more balanced torso and extremely lean calves. Hollywood and menswear pants are wonderful choices. Meghan also has a stronger shoulder line for oversize coats and shirts. Kate has an overall daintier frame that can be easily over-powered - thus princess coats suit her perfectly. I do hope as joint appearances continue, our comments embrace these ladies' individuality, self-awareness and gifts versus debating our favorite and putting down the other. It's fun to read people's opinions about a certain look. It's not a bit enjoyable to read unhealthy comparisons. Sigh:-(

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    1. Well said Anon 18:02!! cc

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    2. Rebecca - Sweden14 July 2018 at 18:11

      Wonderful comment celebrating these different, but both wonderful, women!

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    3. So well said Anon 18:02! Regardless of whose style each of us might prefer, I’m glad Kate and Meghan have different style- makes royal watching twice as fun!
      -JF

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    4. This is a helpful analysis, Anon 18.02! Thank you for pointing out the different strengths of each lady's appearance. I thought they both looked beautiful today.

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    5. Useful analysis! I'll also add that Meghan seems to have tiny feet, which might account for her oversized shoes. She might want to make her feet look bigger. Kate on the other hand has big feet which might account for her fondness for snug nude-colored pumps that match the shade of her hose.

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  30. The Duchess of Cambridge providing support to the Duchess of Sussex after Serena Williams’ lost shows the kindness of the Duchess of Cambridge and the growing friendship between the two Duchesses. Thank you, Charlotte for the Wimbledon over view and photo shots.

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  31. Kate looked really great today! The dress is darling and so is Kate. I don't believe she's ever had a miss at Wimbledon. I thought she might do a repeat of something today and save the new dress for tomorrow. But now I'm hoping we'll see something new for tomorrow as well.

    I really did like the McQueen she wore a few years back, the Catherine Walker with the flowers along the hem and the LK Bennet Red (Orange) dress. And I believe she's worn more repeats than new dresses to this event.

    Her choice of shoes and bag were interesting. She could have chosen black accessories. That handbag is beautiful. Her hair looked lovely and I like those earrings.

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  32. Silvia from Tuscany14 July 2018 at 17:17

    Kate looks beautiful. I like her dress, bag and accessories. I like Meghan's look too. In tv they looked really beautiful. Lovely the interaction between the two. They seem to be really close to each other and that nice and important to build a solid and lasting friendship.

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  33. Serena came this far, and well...she lost what could have been her 9th or 8th Wimbledon win. I like her comment after the defeat. Kate may have found the message fitting as a patron. Serena is also a big fan of Kate.

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  34. Kate looks smashing!! Really love the dress and that she has paired it with lighter neutral tone accessories, it makes it a more summery look. The handbag is beautiful. Her hair looks so healthy and lush and I am a big fan of the side part. It probably is no surprise to those of us who follow Kate that her gracious and kind demeanor would be extended to her sister-in-law. I don't think Kate has a jealous bone in her body and truly believe that Kate would be a great friend and sister(in-law) to have. As important as family is to Kate, I can only see her as genuinely embracing her sister-in-law and Harry's happiness. A very nice outing. cc

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  35. Susan in Florida14 July 2018 at 17:51

    The warm relationship of these ladies stands out today more than the fashion.❤️

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  36. Rebecca - Sweden14 July 2018 at 18:04

    What a wonderful day and seeing them having fun and being relaxed together! I love how they both look very appropriate and pretty both for the setting and their roles and still manage to have their own different styles. Very nice to see! Also a bit of fun with Kate's pattern almost looking as tennis-balls!

    Now I'm gonna go read the comments (not done that yet so am probably repeating alot!)

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  37. Charlotte, I love your comments with the picture of Kate consoling Meghan. The media is ridiculous in trying to make a contest between them. It is clear that they are very close and loving to each other. Kate certainly doesn't care what Meghan wears and visa versa. I like them both. Thanks for your careful monitoring of your blogs. That's why I chose your blog!

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    1. Amen!! Thank you Charlotte for keeping this a Decent & Respectful Forum for discussion & sharing!! :) xoxo

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  38. I would not be surprised if Kate and Meghan are eventually each other's best friends. Who else could understand their unique positions? And since they're married to brothers, they will be absolutely safe in being real with each other.

    I think they both look splendid today. Being partial to dresses, I prefer Kate's look but I also think Meghan looks great and very stylish.

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    1. bristowmom, I completely agree!! Not sure if they are besties right now, maybe just kindly, fondly friends while looking out for each other & being supportive of one another! However, after years of what they will go through as family members & both Duchesses to Brothers who are loving best friends.... they will truly experience things that no one else will be able to understand but each other! I see them falling into an easy sisterly/friend relationship that is unique to any that they have with any other women outside their Royal Family!! :) William, Harry, The BRF & The UK & Commonwealth are lucky to have these two Amazing Women!! :) xoxo

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  39. I LOVE everything about this!!! As a longtime Kate fan I adore getting to see her in her role as patron and our for a girls day with her new sister in law! My heart jumped when I saw them together. I had hoped they would be since Meghan is close to Serena. I love seeing them interact in the royal box and Kate’s comforting hand placed on Meghan as she would obviously be disappointed for Serena. Such lovely classy women who I pray have MANY uears to do appearances together but more importantly be dear friends to each other!

    I have three sisters in law (two married to my brothers and my husband sister) and I have close relationships with all of them. I hope they continue to grow close with each other in the years to come!

    I adore Kate’s look. It’s classic Kate to me—the hair, the effortless classiness with her dress. I would wear this dress in a heartbeat! I generally prefer her style to Meghan’s but of course Meghan looked lovely and appropriate today. I so enjoy their differences—how boring if we were all the same!!

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  40. I adore both of these lovely amazing women, they can really do no wrong, but both fashions were a miss for me today. Meghan is dressed too casually for the Royal box at this event. I'm not a fan of too long pants. Tennis in general has a more formal attire than most other sports. I liked the style of Kate's dress, but the print was a miss. It was wonderful to see the two ladies interacting so naturally, they are obviously friends, and I think it must be lovely for them to have each other.

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    1. Maybe S. But in this article from Harper's published July 2, suggestion #3 looks alot like Meghan's trousers! The same article shows several jumpsuits as well. I saw similar suggestions in other articles. I wonder once the general spectator attire rules were relaxed a few years ago (jeans allowed, even shorts ok) if the absolute requirement for formal attire was loosened up in the royal box.

      https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/what-to-wear/news/g34830/what-to-wear-to-wimbledon/

      I didn't really like the print of Kate's dress either. Maybe it was supposed to be tennis balls but it just looked a little faded to me.

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  41. It's been great watching Wimbledon and the Duchesses today. I had been looking forward to Kate & Meghan's first outing just the two of them and wasn't disappointed.
    It was a lovely moment when Kate consoled Meghan over Serena's loss and I'm glad to see that they get along. To be clear, I've never expected them not to get along. They both seem like very nice and kind women who generally seem to be getting on with people easily, they share some interests and a very particular way of life, neither of them seems like the jealous type, so why wouldn't they get along well?
    I think it's good because they'll obviously spend a lifetime together both as a family and within their roles as Duchesses. It's also great for Meghan because unlike when Kate married into the family, she has someone her age and in a similar position that she can go to for advice or just a chat.

    I was sad myself to see Serena loose but she still did amazingly well. I can't think of anyone else that could have gotten that far, less than a year after a difficult birth and several surgeries. And as Charlotte said, she will be back :)

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  42. I think Kate looks great today. I always enjoy her Wimbledon look. I love the earrings and am glad to see them again. I like the match of light shoes and purse to compliment and soften the black and white dress.

    And I like to imagine what she had in her handbags. Since they are always larger At Wimbledon, I imagine some delicious little snacks and some water.

    It wa a fun to see Kate there with Meghan. It’s always cute to see William with her at this event, as I feel like it’s a bit more relaxed than a typical engagement. I was a bit sad there were no great facial expressions. But there’s always tomorrow!

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  43. I love Kate's outfit from today. The dress is so pretty and flattering - I love the gathering details at the shoulder and hip, and the print was so cute. I would totally buy this dress if it were available. I love the earrings, too. My only quibble here is the cost of the D&G bag - I think D&G is SO overpriced.

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  44. Lizzie, I did read that pantsuit were now allowed at Ascot---Sophie wore a beautiful one.

    I hope Florida Girl is having a good time!!

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  45. Both Duchesses do a very good job with their fashion statements. Having to select clothes and hair styles for these high profile engagements is not easy, I’m sure. I do not publicly critique them too much because if we were them, we would have critics too. Thanks, Charlotte. Looking forward to tomorrow.

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  46. It is impressive how well Kate looks after having the baby. She looks great and love today’s dress! It is so nice to see her and Meghan together. They are lovely young girls and one can see that they get along very well. ❤️❤️

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  47. I think both ladies looked wonderful today. I like Kate’s dress and I thought her hair looked great. It was so nice to see their warm relationship.

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  48. It's great to see Catherine and Meghan working together. They are both such an asset to the Royal Family. It must be most enjoyable for Kate to now have a colleague in the "Firm" with her now, since William and Harry are so close. No doubt this will be a wonderful relationship for years to come.

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  49. I was so excited for their first joint engagement and they didn’t disappoint. I think it’s great to see them without their husbands, it really gives insight into the relationship they have, they are obviously friendly and today just solidified that they will be a powerhouse duo on their own.

    I really loved Kate’s dress - it looked incredibly comfortable and the ruching was perfect. I also appreciate that she’s not super rail thin after Louis. So many times it seems as if anyone in the public eye needs to look perfect and thin within weeks of having a baby and it’s not realistic for many people.

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  50. Rita in Florida15 July 2018 at 11:40

    Wonderful to see the ease and comraderie between Catherine and Meghan. There is so much excitement around Meghan now (rightly), but for me I am elated Catherine will be Queen. She is pure elegance. Today another example.

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  51. It was fun to see them together. I liked the style of Kate's dress with the gathering details and I thought it was flattering. I thought Meghan's outfit was casual and professional. I loved her hat too. The only thing I didn't like was the length of her pants, but I didn't notice that until other people pointed it out.

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  52. they both look lovely and glad to hear and see them getting along so well. I was sad to see Serena lose i really wanted her to win but she was played by an awesome opponent who deserved it

    cheers

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