An arrival video.
A very large crowd welcomed the royals.
Both Kate and the Queen have connections with King's College. Her Majesty is patron and previously visited King’s College London in November 2012 to open the Dickson Poon School of Law and in 2002 to open King’s new Maughan Library. In January 2018 Kate visited The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute at King’s College London’s Denmark Hill Campus.
It's always a joy to see the Queen teaming up with the younger generation of royals.
Since Prince Philip announced his retirement, I've been hoping we would see the monarch accompanied by other members of the family more frequently. The outing is reminiscent of the early years of Kate's royal life, most notably her solo appearances with HM. In 2011, the pair viewed the Royal wedding exhibition at Buckingham Palace. When Her Majesty saw the headless mannequin used to exhibit the gown she said "Horrid". It was a diplomatic reply from the newly married Kate who added "It has a 3D effect".
In 2012, Kate joined the Queen for an 'away day' in Leicester.
And in 2014, Kate accompanied the Queen for a dramatic arts reception at Buckingham Palace.
The Queen looked regal in a rose cashmere Stewart Parvin coat and Rachel Trevor-Morgan hat.
As the fourth oldest university in England, King’s College London provides teaching and cutting-edge research in the heart of London. King’s has played a major role in many of the advances that shape modern life, such as the discovery of the structure of DNA, and research that led to the development of radio, television, mobile phones and radar.
King’s College London has over 31,000 students from some 150 countries and acquired the Bush House buildings in 2015 to provide a home for many of their academic departments, as well as further learning and social spaces and enhanced student facilities. These new buildings include lecture theatres, teaching rooms, a 395-seat auditorium, and The Exchange, an open, collaborative space designed for events and exhibitions.
The Queen and The Duchess arrived at the central courtyard that connects the five Bush House Buildings, before touring the facilities and meeting a number of supporters of the development.
They visited one of two Roof Terraces which boast panoramic views of London and met those who worked on the conversion of Bush House. Kate turned to HM and said "It's a pretty impressive view".
The Queen and the Duchess visited King’s virtual trading floor, and met a number of students from the Entrepreneurship Institute, which exists to support entrepreneurial thinking, skills and experiences amongst King’s students, staff and alumni.
They met staff and representatives.
The Telegraph reports:
'Meeting entrepreneurs Aysha Ingar who has set up an app for Muslim women and Tobi Oredein who has set up a media platform for black women in the UK, the Duchess told them: “I come from an entrepreneurial background and my parents started their own business so I’m all for it! "Congratulations and keep going.”
The Duchess also met medical student Qasim Munye, 22, who has set up an app called Shortly for people who want to read short stories on the go, allowing people to choose a story that suits how much time they have to read. “Oh that would be fantastic for the kiddies when it’s bedtime," she said. “Particularly for tired parents who want the children to go to sleep.”
Kate joked with the architects "Do you still get on?".
Video: Duchess Kate also meets builders and architects on the rooftop of @KingsCollegeLon. “Do you all still get on?!” she laughed after the multi-million pound project. pic.twitter.com/lhVciffpTa— Emily Andrews (@byEmilyAndrews) March 19, 2019
The royals take their seats in the auditorium.
They signed the guestbook.
Kate and the Queen were presented with flowers by students Miss Lei Poon and Miss Asra Polat.
They signed the guestbook.
Kate and the Queen were presented with flowers by students Miss Lei Poon and Miss Asra Polat.
A great shot of Kate before they left.
In a statement Kensington Palace said: "The Duchess has a longstanding interest in both the arts and supporting vulnerable families, and this patronage will further highlight the beneficial impact that art and creativity has on emotional wellbeing. Larissa Joy, Chair of Trustees – Foundling Museum, said: ‘We are delighted and honoured that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge has become Patron of the Foundling Museum. We could not imagine a more perfect Patron. We look forward to working with her as we fulfil our mission to inspire people to make positive impact on society through the arts."
The Foundling Museum tells the history of the Foundling Hospital, the UK’s first children’s charity and public art gallery. The museum works with contemporary artists, writers and musicians to develop learning programmes that are meaningful for young people, especially those who are looked after and care-experienced, to help them see the world differently and imagine new possibilities for themselves.
At the Museum, Kate visited ‘Bedrooms of London’, a photography exhibition that documents the living conditions of London’s most disadvantaged children. The Duchess was shown the photographs by graduates of the Foundling Museum’s ‘Tracing our Tales’ programme, which has been developed to equip care-experienced young adults from London boroughs with the skills to devise and deliver workshops at the Museum.
In 2017 The Duchess visited The Foundling Museum and met the first intake of ‘Tracing our Tales’ trainees.
Kate joined young people in a creative ‘Tracing our Tales’ training session where participants were learning how to deliver a creative workshop on block printing techniques.
Kate was in her element during the creative session.
Admiring the results.
Caro Howell, Director of the Foundling Museum, said: ‘The Foundling Museum is thrilled and honoured to receive The Duchess’s patronage. Her support is a huge boost to our work transforming the lives of vulnerable young people through the arts.’
More from People:
“What’s really impressive about the Duchess is that she has an incredible gift for not just listening but properly hearing,” Howell tells PEOPLE. “It is magical to witness young people who are very often are monosyllabic and, for good reason, are protective about their lives and their life stories – and open up to her.”
“Some of the young people that we are working with have had hugely traumatic lives and their lives are still challenging and we have an incredibly skilled team of artists, for whom art is their job,” the director adds. “When these young people come through the door we are prepared to work with wherever those young people are at that moment – which is often a very dark place. It takes a very special kind of person to come into a room and make those young people to feel listened to enough and have the trust that they will open up and talk.”
During a speech, Kate said: "I have always believed in the power of art, not only to unlock that creativity, but also to bring us joy, and to inspire, challenge and positively change our lives."
"I have always believed in the power of art, not only to unlock that creativity, but also to bring us joy, and to inspire, challenge and positively change our lives." — The Duchess of Cambridge @FoundlingMuseum pic.twitter.com/AJDP8FCYEg— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) March 19, 2019
The video below contains a portion of the speech.
Kate's full speech:
'I feel hugely proud today to be here today to become Patron of the Foundling Museum. Your work connects and celebrates two subjects that are deeply important to me: children, and art.
I am passionate about improving children’s life chances and giving them opportunities, so that they can look forward to the best possible futures, fulfil their whole potential, and have the freedom to explore their creativity.
I have always believed in the power of art, not only to unlock that creativity, but also to bring us joy, and to inspire, challenge and positively change our lives.
Your Museum here powerfully links these two forces for good. By weaving together the moving stories of looked after children, with art and artists of all genres, you create meaningful learning experiences which will have a lasting, and often transformational, impact on young lives.
I could not be more delighted to support such a special organisation. I look forward to working together and, as your Patron, hopefully doing all I can to help your important mission in the future.
Thank you.'
The Duchess selected a bespoke grey belted Catherine Walker dress for the day.
Michelle notes the piece bears similarities to Catherine Walker's Zeline and Blake styles.
The Duchess wore her Lock & Co Fairytale hat.
The £285 hat is a favourite of Kate's; she's worn it on multiple occasions including the day she visited Leicester with the Queen in 2012.
Kate carried her black suede Mulberry clutch.
The Duchess wore her Gianvito Rossi Piper black suede block heel pumps. They retail for $695 at My Theresa.
And accessorised with her Kiki McDonough morganite and diamond drop earrings.
It was wonderful to see Kate with the Queen today and the Foundling Museum is an excellent choice of patronage. Did you enjoy today's events?
I adore what the Queen is wearing! And Kate looks nice :) Love the repeat of the hat that she wore on a previous engagement with HM.
ReplyDeleteOh, that's right! She did wear that one, didn't she? :)
DeleteYes it is Kiwi Gal, the Fairytale hat by Lock & Co :)
DeleteAgree with you Kiwi Gal, the queen always looks perfect :)
DeleteListen to the cheers from the people when HM gets out of the car!
ReplyDeleteSo fun to see Kate and the Queen doing events together. I really appriciate these different groupings events with the royals!
ReplyDeleteVery appropriate and very Kate look! I quite like it, and it works well for an event with the queen. Their colours are stunning together! So wierd seeing Kate in a hat for a regular event, but makes sense since the Queen (obviously) wears one.
Is that right? I thought they had a joint engagement sans anyone else a few years ago. I think Emily is wrong.
ReplyDeleteYes I thought there was one not too long after the wedding, before George was born.
DeleteIt's their first just them engagement outside the palace walls appearantly. They really seem to be pulling for some way to say "first".
DeleteThe duke of Edinburgh was with them back in 2012.
DeleteThey've had at least two. One when they viewed W&K's wedding exhibition and one when they hosted a reception at BP.
DeleteRebecca, no it is not. Check here pl: https://www.alamy.de/stockfoto-konigin-elizabeth-ii-und-catherine-duchess-of-cambridge-aka-kate-middleton-bei-leicester-city-center-am-8-marz-2012-die-queen-und-mitglieder-der-koniglichen-familie-sind-leicester-als-bestandteil-ihrer-diamond-jubilee-tour-leicester-england-080312-besuchen-55895421.html
DeleteBut that was not the two of them, Phillip was there.
DeleteI thought they had gone to Fortnum and Mason alone, but Camilla was there too. :)
DeleteOK. Let's count the number of times a wife of a grandchild of HM has ridden in the car without another royal than the Queen.
DeleteOr the number of times the Queen has made a private visit to the home of a royal spouse. EEK!
All those early years the Duke was ever present at HM's side. Any royal at the time would not have been able to "count" the events. These days the Queen is beating the bushes to have royal company for engagements. Seriously, other than the horse races and that dog show, when do we see Camilla alone with the Queen?
She primarily has relied on her sons to fill in for Phillip. Which seems right.
If the reporter's aim was to instigate conflict and controversy, the article achieved its purpose. Otherwise, I don't see he point.
@The Marquis of Mundane: AgrWell said!
DeleteMarquis, why the defensiveneds about it? No one's saying it took an unusually long amount of time for this to happen or something...
DeleteMaggie—many of the headlines and stories actually have been making a very big deal about this, claiming that it’s taken 8 years for Kate to have a solo engagenement with the Queen. And I won’t even get into what some of the comments say! I agree with the others who have indicated that this splitting hairs—she has had several engagements with the Queen over the last 8 years, and the presence of the Duke of Edinburgh doesn’t change that reality.
DeleteThe media’s attempt to list this as her first ever solo engagement outside the palace walls with the Queen is indeed a thinly veiled excuse to keep the comparison/competition game going. And it’s sad.
It’s sad to me, too, how little press coverage Kate’s engagement at the Foundling Musuem has gotten. I have had to search for articles about it, while the number of “first ever solo outing” articles are prevalent.
It was lovely to see the Queen and Kate together. They both looked lovely, were happy to be together, and seemed to have a good and interesting engagement.
The foundling museum visit was much more compelling to me. Her dedication to bringing attention to struggling children and ways to help them is beautiful. I wish the press would give more attention to that than they do trying to create false comparisons and competitions. It must be so frustrating to desire to highlight those issues and have the press basically ignore them for their desire to create drama.
Well said TeaKay, you are on point with your comment!
Delete@TeaKay: I absolutely agree with your all comments particularly the lack of coverage of the excellent Foundling Museum visit in comparison to the nonsensical "first solo engagement with The Queen" clickbait articles.
Delete@The Marquis of Mundane: Sorry for the typo in my previous comment. It was supposed to say: Agreed. Well said! :D
Is it the same hat that she wore when she went with the queen the first time - in the teal peplum outfit? I know it was black with a flower...
ReplyDeleteI very much think so Emma. I was thrilled to see it and I checked some photos for comparison and I am 99% certain that it is the hat.
DeleteI love that Kate is wearing very classic-Kate outfit, not overshadowing the Queen but staying true to her style, and also with a lot of repeats.
She is just like me with her shoes - buys a pair of them, wears them over and over until she finds a new favorite pair. So human, lol.
Ella
HM looks divine! I constantly find myself drooling over her gorgeous coats, hats, brooches and pearls! Kate looks beautiful as always however I wish that she maybe pinned her hair back so that we could see the collar of her coat more clearly.
ReplyDeleteThis dress reminds me of a similar dress she wore, grey, pleated a-line with black velvet floral aplique around the neck back in 2011/2012- wish I could recall the designer but I'm sure you all will know what I'm referencing. Anyways, for that reason, it feels a little Early Kate (and perhaps a bit young?) but I think if I hadn't seen that dress years ago, it might not evoke the same feelings, if that makes sense.
ReplyDeleteRegardless, she looks lovely and appropriate. Perhaps a bit winter-y with HM in bright melon. Look forward to more photos.
Are you thinking of the Orla Kiely dress?
DeleteI think you might mean her Orla Kiely dress?
Deletehttps://www.eonline.com/photos/12153/kate-middleton-s-recycled-looks/530061
It is even closer to one she wore when going to church with the Queen at Balmoral.
DeleteNice link Rebecca, thanks for sharing. cc
DeleteBoth look lovely! The key maybe the first time Kate is on her own with HM. Previously it may have been with others like Camilla or Prince Phillip.
ReplyDeleteThey look beautiful! I believe Emily Nash is incorrect about this being their first engagement. There's been a few including when they viewed Catherine's wedding dress at BP.
ReplyDeleteI believe this is Kate's 4th engagement with the Queen.
DeleteThe wedding dress exhbitin visit didn't make the court circular so not technically an "engagement", and every other time there's been at least one other royal accompanying them. So it's the first time,asS Emily Andrews clarifies, they've done an engagement just the two of them.
DeleteWhat about the opening of the train station one? Kate was newly pregnant? and there was a sign, "Baby on Board," or something. I think the DofE was there but he usually was at that time.Maybe not counted as solo. If so, then very few engagements involving another royal could have been counted as solo because he was usually there. Any royal making an appearance with the Queen now could call it a solo since the Duke has retired.
DeleteThis noting of how many times each Duchess as appeared with HM without another royal (and one source further excludes BP appearances) is picky and just lends to the competitive theme. I am disappointed if royal reporters have made a point of this.
Emily Nash is incorrect. Besides the wedding dress display Kate also had the Arts reception at BP in 2014
DeleteAs the The Marquis of Mundane quite rightly said before his retirement Prince Philip often accompanied The Queen on visits particularly away days so it was very rare to do a "solo" trip with The Queen. It's obviously a different landscape now he is retired.
The fact that people are even discrediting a previous engagement because they were not outside 'in public' is frankly ridiculous. We all know why they are really doing this and it's disappointing they are sinking this low. Seems everything Kate does has to be turned into a competition these days apparently.
What about it is competitive? I don't think I've even seen anyone or any article bringing it up & then comparing to another royal or something. To me its an interesting fact that I was glad to be made aware of. Not a good or bad thing, just a true thing. It seems like someone would have to be trying to compare for it to become a comparison or competition.
DeleteWhen 'first engagement alone with the Queen' has to be qualified by 'not in Buckingham palace' and 'not with Prince Philip', it is splitting hairs. And it isn't a true thing either, for although Prince Philip accompanied them on the jubilee outing, Kate and HM were alone part of the day, they had an engagement ( fashion show) alone.
DeleteI agree with the posters who don't see the point of pushing the first time narrative and who ask themselves why it is being done, when not accurate.
Wait sunny - who the heck has "discredited" previous engagements the queen and Kate attended w other royals? Has anyone said they were less worthy engagements or even that it took kate too long to get an engagement w just the queen while bringing up the fact?
DeleteAnd there really aren't any qualifiers. "except in BP" is not true - arts reception had either Duke of Kent or prince Michael of Kent I forget which & fashion show at jubilee event wasn't separate engagement or anything. You can define it differently if you want or not care but I have really not seen any reporters bringing up the fact in a way that demeans kate in any way so saying there's some insidious motive is not fair. If anything they sounded excited. And to call it a "narrative" when it's factually correct and also not nearly made a big enough deal of to construe a narrative just seems silly. Royal reporters haven't made a huge point of it, they've just made it as one point along w other points while reporting today's joint engagement.
I dk maybe I'm just weird but Im always interested in various "firsts" and what not- a lot of them don't really mean much at end of day, whether in our own lives or royal lives, but sometimes it's fun to note them for a sec anyways.
Agreed Sunny and Natasha and others—the hair splitting to get the headlines that this is Kate’s first solo visit ever with the Queen has been quite silly. For 8 years her first solo engagement with the Queen has been talked about as being in Leicester, but suddenly this is now the first, and “it took 8 years.” Sadly, the media loves to stir up controversy and create competition and comparison where there is none.
DeleteIt is sad to me, because the focus then is off the event and on the comparisons—and many of yesterday’s articles and the comments after them (which I made the mistake of reading!😑) were about that.
The Queen and Kate had a lovely engagement. They seemed to learn about a wide variety of things and enjoy each other’s company. I thought they both looked lovely. It’s wonderful to see generations working together and learning. It is such a blessing to have a woman like the Queen to work beside!
All right Maggie, I will cross the T s. In all and each of those articles, there is a mention of Meghan's first alone outing with the Queen, just weeks from her wedding. The aim is to draw comparisons, and it is deliberate. The narrative could be completely different: the Queen has relied for more than 60 years on Prince Philip. She now must turn to other family members. The end of an era. Nostalgia, hopes/fears for future. Or insist on how fortunate Kate was to have been able to accompany both of them, to learn from the Queen but also from the most experimented consort in the world. Or comparisons between Kate's first outing with the Queen and this one. How Prince Philip is sadly missing, how Kate has grown into her role. Or what did she wear on both occasions, that has been done a lot, why not now?
DeleteTrue facts can lead to a lot of interpretation, and I don't think the emphasis on "first" is innocent.
@TeaKay and @Natacha: Thank you for articulating this so clearly. It really is disappointing the press have decided to take this needless comparison angle rather than the many other far more interesting angles they could have chosen. Both engagements were great in different ways and there was no need to mention anybody else. For me seeing Kate in her Fairytale hat just as in 2012 was an incredibly nostalgic reminder of that Leicester visit and all the many changes that have occured for The Queen and Kate in the intervening years.
Delete@Maggie - Minneapolis: The Dramatic Arts Reception was hosted by The Queen and The Duchess of Cambridge. Prince Michael of Kent was just in attendance because he has an interest in arts. The same way that Princess Beatrice just attended when Kate and Sophie hosted the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange event last year. I'm sure no one would argue that was a Kate and Sophie solo engagement so I don't see why it would be any different for The Queen and Kate's Reception.
Oops I guess the Duke of E was with them in 2012. I wonder why the emphasis on "first time alone" engagement. Weird.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it feels like they're really trying to make something out of nothing. I mean... it's possibly a small tidbit, but they really seem to oversell the point.
Deletethe queen looks so nice and i love the duchess wears overall the duchess really master queen on repeat queen
ReplyDeleteI love this! Very often when Kate is with the Queen in some capacity she tends to wear either very princess or mumsy clothing. This is just the right mix of youthful and elegant. Love the A-line skirt and gray color and the hat is so cute. HM looks great as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree, and I don’t even mind the pseudo Peter Pan collar on this one.
DeleteKate is dressing and looking more and more like she did in 2011/2012
ReplyDeleteHow does one fit into this dress? There are no visible seams on the front, so I am guessing it has a zipper in the back? If that is the case, it is a far cry from the model's versions. Are we sure of the designer?
DeleteLove the Queen's outfit - coat, hat & the peak at the dress. That's a winning look!
Yes, my thoughts exactly with this outfit! That was my favorite Kate fashion era.
DeleteI review all the photos I could the zippier is in the back counseled and it looks like just a middle seam in the back, great workmanship, Bravo.
DeleteLove the dress and the repeated hat, but with a hat I wish she would take her hair back.
ReplyDeleteHowever she looks lovely and it seems obvious that the muted colours she is wearing allow HM to shine.
I love this look! Very princess-y. And I'm glad she's wearing black tights today because so am I. :)
ReplyDeleteThe Queen always looks so so lovely on all her outings. The Duchess of Cambridge looks nice today also. I like the simple elegance of the Duchess of Cambridge. This is her style and she has not deviated far from it since being in the public eye. Her “repeats” send a nice msg: ‘take care of your clothing and wear them again when appropriate’. I’ll be back for the full post. Thanks, Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteI really do like this dress - A young and smart look. I think perhaps a different hairstyle; up-do or perhaps curled to shorten the length.
ReplyDeleteThey're both so beautiful! I love the joint events! The queen is perfect and Kate looks nice in grey. I love that she's wearing the same hat of the previous engagement with HM.
ReplyDeleteI think Kate looks fabulous! I love this silhouette, and she appears youthful, strong, and lovely. What excellent posture!
ReplyDeleteI’m a bit confused by the car video ... why are both ladies made to scoot and walk bent over through the vehicle in order to exit it? Ouch! And inelegant! Hmm ...
Poor planning? I would have thought there were routines to prevent this sort of thing. Are they trying to save money by employing only one footman? ����♀️����♀️
It puts me in mind of the time HM and Meghan were getting into a car, and Meghan asked HM which side she preferred. (As if HM was going to enter first, then scoot across the seat to make room for her! Or walk around to the other side of the car so Meghan could get in ...)
I think it’s befitting for HM to plan outings with Kate. After all, Kate will be the next queen, and I feel HM should be showing trust in, and support to, Kate.
This is not poor planning at all. If you look at other video and photos of the car arriving, you can see that the security barriers are on the same side of of the car as the Queen. She is always purposefully seated where she is most visible to the public. Also, the design of this car makes this a nonissue. There are several feet between the backs of the front seats and the backseat, therefore leaving a large walkway for the queen to exit the car. It doesn’t appear that she touches Kate while exiting.
DeleteRandiG, Camila will be the next Queen Consort.
DeleteKate will not be the next queen; Camilla will have that role when Charles ascends the throne.
DeleteThere was no poor planning. The Queen sat on the side that she ALWAYS sits on (behind the driver) and got out on the side that she always gets out on (closest to the building she's about to enter). If she didn't wish for it to be so, it wouldn't. Also this is the type of car in which you can actually walk and there is enough space for her to walk past Kate.
DeleteI love seeing the two ladies together!! I always think what it must be like for Kate, being with her grandmother-in-law who, on one hand, is just her husband's beloved Grandma, on the other hand, she happens to be HM the Queen, the longest reigning monarch in British history etc..! 😇
ReplyDeleteOn re-watching the car video, I see that HM crossed over Kate to exit the left door. I can appreciate that HM needs to exit first, but it seems this was poorly planned.
ReplyDelete(I drive my elderly parents, and am always aware of their safety and ease in exiting. I’m curious as to why HM is apparently not given this respectful treatment. Maybe she enjoys scooting across and climbing over Kate?). 🤷🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️
Just a guess, Randi--there may have been a last minute change in route after they were already en route, which brought the car up in front of the building on the left instead of the right side. The Queen has to exit on the building side for security. Besides, it would look awkward for HM to have to walk round the car. Actually, they were each siting on their usual sides of the car. In her arrivals to church and Parliament I believe HM is always seated on the right, rear side, behind the driver. As I recall, Kate usually arrives and exits from the left side.
DeleteDid the Queen really climb over Catherine's legs? I am in awe! What a Trooper.
Anon 17:36 - It appears that there are several feet between their legs and the front seats, so no HM did not climb over Catherine's legs. I don't think there was any scooting either, she is not very tall and she simply stood up crouched over a bit and headed for the door. At least that what I saw, her and Kate didn't even touch.
DeleteThe cut of HM coat is fabulous. HM is truly a style icon for her age. Her hat collection should be put on display, I think it would create great revenue and create much pubic interest. Kate's look today is old time Kate. The princess cut and overly long curls are in need of retirement. Unfortunately, she appears stuck in a look that she only venturers out of from time to time. Hopefully, by the time she is 40 we will see consistent business attire that leans towards smart sophistication. Sophie is a wonderful example of someone who has hit the mark and owns it.
ReplyDeleteUSA Granny, I wholeheartedly agree about HM’s fabulous hat collection; I’d love to see it go on public display sometime. I wonder how many of her hats have been re-made over the years? Think of how many she must have...
DeleteI'm not sure what you mean. I'm an attorney and I wouldn't hesitate to wear this to work or court (minus the hat). And I wear my hair with long curls on an almost daily basis. It's totally appropriate.
DeleteUSA Granny, I agree. The outfit and hair look nice but IMO this look is very very close to looking twee on Kate. I think the grey and black saves it. I also agree that Sophie balances the business/sophistication/fun look with her clothes.
DeleteCynthia UK
I disagree entirely -- I think the horrid matronly updos and older-than-her-time coats she's been wearing make her look dreadful. She's still only in her 30's and looks both sophisticated and stylish today. I, for one, am relieved to see the easy curls back, as opposed to those boxy chignons.
DeleteI agree with you azaluckyj. The collar gives it a conservative twist, but definitely this is professional/business attire that is age appropriate, as are the other two dresses shown. I like the material of all three, it looks like suiting in dress form. We have a new attorney (late 30's) who opts for this type of dressing vs. the two piece suiting and she is always on point for Board meetings. Both Kate and Sophie have their own sense of style and I would agree that Sophie has a very nice working wardrobe; both are always appropriate for the occasion. cc
DeleteThere is nothing innappropriate with this silhouette. The reason it is seen on younger women is because they have the figure for it. The fact that many older women can't wear it because they are not slim enough does not make it juvenile or twee. Lucky Kate can, and should, wear many styles.
DeleteKate is a duchess not a business woman and she is dressed like a duchess, not a business woman.
DeleteGreat comment, anon 21:48! This is true, actually.
DeleteI think Kate looks great, as always: however, I think the dress would have looked better if it was about 2 inches longer and hit just above the knee (as shown on the models wearing similar Catherine Walker coat dresses in the post).
DeleteThe Queen does look absolutely amazing!! She's always beautiful but this outfit is truly lovely. A softer pink than sometimes, and her jewelry is beautiful. I am wondering how she got out of the car without help -- I would be hanging onto the door and probably trip anyway.
ReplyDeleteKate looks very schoolgirlish but she's younger and much taller, so it is hard not to look that way. Her hair looks pretty long and maybe a bit flatter than usual. I do remember that similar dress with the black embroidery, and I agree that seems to have been "young Kate" times. Seems like the perfect dress to wear -- very attractive but nothing that could overshadow HM.
I was just thinking that it was not that long ago that a future Queen of England would be expected to have some royal connection (although genealogy seems to show that everyone is related anyway). Kate has shown that just the opposite is desirable, I think.
Catherine looks absolutely stunning!It reminds me of her 2011/2012 looks,So nostalgic!
ReplyDeletePlease forgive my ignorance, but what makes this appearance require a hat? It is because it's with the Queen?
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think it's mainly because the Queen will wear one so she does too so they look cohesive. If Kate was alone at this event she would not be wearing a hat, as seen during this next event during the day.
DeleteYes. You are right, Kate does not normally wear hats to this type of engagement, but the Queen does. Hence Kate does when she is accompanying HM. That is why Meghan purposely or accidentally made headlines when she accompanied HM without a hat. Of course the empire did not fall but it was fairly unusual.
DeleteI don't think Meghan wore a hat when she did her appearance with the Queen
DeleteTheresa, she didn't but it is thought that she was expected to.
DeleteAnonymous21 March 2019 at 18:47 - thought by whom?
DeleteTheresa, it was reported at the time.
DeleteWhat I think is interesting, is the roundabout and ceremonial way the Queen communicates with her family. She truly embodies the institution.
what was reported at the time Natasha? Meghan was going to wear a hat? The Queen wears a hat all the time because that is who she is. If it's not required, then I don't see why people expect Meghan and Kate to wear one when they are out with her.
DeleteI don’t know if there are specific “rules” or if it’s just all made up. HM always wears a hat outdoors, except on the occasions where she wears a hairnet thingy or nothing at all on her head to the Chelsea flower show. But Kate has worn hats with HM like this outing and the Leicester outing, yet she’s also gone hatless at the Fortnum and Mason outing with Camilla (also hatless) and HM. So if there are rules, which we don’t know for sure, it maybe varies on the event?
DeleteThey look great together! HM is so stylish and I love that broach she is wearing. Standing next to Kate she looks so small.
ReplyDeleteKate's Catherine Walker is lovely. It's quite chic and yet so practical. I can see her wearing this many times. Love the pleats and the full skirt. I must say I really like the two examples that Charlotte shared as well.
I agree, Elle. Standing next to Kate, a lot of people look small, but HM looks almost "tiny" - I love it, though! 😃
DeleteHM’s brooch is stunning! 😍
ReplyDeleteKate looks stunning as always Love the coat dress it does look elegant and youthful And nice to see the queen and Kate together Kate will be our future queen and has certainly grown into her role - she is just perfect x
ReplyDeleteI couldn't have said it better!! :) xx
DeleteI love everything about this first engagement of the day- love seeing The Queen, love seeing her with Kate, love what both of them are wearing and how they complement one another. I think Kate chose a very appropriate outfit today- one that worked well with a hat for the first engagement and looked just as nice without for a slightly different look for the second. I'm excited about this new patronage!
ReplyDeleteCan somebody more knowledgeable educate me please? Is it a requirement that when participating in outings with HM that one would wear a hat? I noticed that is not consistently followed?
ReplyDeleteAs far as the aestethic, both women look spot on!! Kate is quintessential Kate - the look is gorgeous on her. It is polished and appropriate. It has been suggested that a few inches off her hair would be more professional and age appropriate and I agree with that. I also love the way her makeup has evolved. Her eye makeup was much more severe on their last outing together. She has softened it particularly the lower liner. Much more appealing. She is just a beauty.
I doubt it's required at all. Some royals choose to wear one with the Queen (I assume for balance), some do not. Some would have worn a hat with or without the queen. I think it's just a generational thing and personal choice for events like these.
DeleteProbably just out of respect for the Queen or what they are doing.
DeleteHM often wears hats, so maybe Kate is doing it out of deference? I don’t think it’s required though and if she didn’t she hardly would be in trouble. Meghan did not and she still looked very very appropriate.
Yes, it is a requirement. The Queen is wearing a hat, she expects the person accompanying her to do the same. Kate would have received a note indicating hoy HM was going to be dressed for their joint outing, colour, hat or not, to be able to dress accordingly.
DeleteYes, it is expected to wear a hat if the Queen is. Kate's people would have been told by the Queen's people that the Queen would be wearing a hat. Translation of that is: Kate needs to wear a hat too.
DeleteHow can HAIR, I repeat, beautiful, groomed, healthy, clean, human HAIR be unprofessional OR age appropriate? How is it inappropriate for a 37 y.o. woman to have long hair? I will never understand this type of comments. If I had hair of Kate's length and quality, I would be extremely happy and proud and would wear it with pride until I could, so happily until my retirement.
DeleteElla
Anon 06:33 - I'm with you on the hair. I've never understood why women think they hit a certain age and they all must cut their hair off and then they get these horrible perms, blucky. I'm sorry but some of them look not as good as they would with natural long hair. I don't understand why women don't stick with what looks good on them and what works and instead fall for the "your too old for long hair" pressure from other, probably older, women. ??
DeleteNo, I've seen Camilla out with the Queen sans the hat
DeleteElla, I agree with you
DeleteAs others have said it is a requirement she wears a hat. The Queen's staff will advise the accompanying Royal that The Queen is wearing a hat and the understanding is that a hat is required. Notice Catherine Quinn was also wearing a hat (and looking impeccable as always). There would only be no hat worn if it was made explicitly clear that no hat is required by the accompanying Royal. Good example would be Fortnum & Mason visit where neither Camilla or Kate or any of their staff wore hats but the Queen did.
Delete@Ella: I agree with you!
Anon 6:33, Caroline, Theresa, Sunny: +1 !!
Delete(How could a lot of wonderful professional women 50+ wear wonderful updos if they didn't have long hair? 😉)
Two of my favorite people on the planet! ❤❤❤
ReplyDeleteDitto florida girl! :) cc
Delete+1 :) xx
Delete+1 🙂!
Delete+1 more florida girl!
DeleteLove Catherine's ensemble today. I would wear this if I could. So often when with the Queen she dresses matronly, but here she is totally age and event appropriate. I have said this before, there are those who would say that Catherine needs to dress to her future station as Queen Consort. But that standard is measured against how Elizabeth dresses at 90+ years old; and maybe how she has dressed for the last 20+ years. Catherine is still in her thirties. When Elizabeth was at that age she dressed more trendy or consistent to society at that time. Moreover we are missing a sartorial generation in between them with Diana's absence. We all know that Diana would be appropriate in her attire, but wouldn't be dressing to a 90-year old standard. Perhaps the better standard for Catherine to emulate, with of course an English perspective, are the current Queens (Letizia and Maxima) who are closer in age and the Crown Princesses (Mary and Victoria). I welcome Catherine's shorter hemlines, longer hair and the fresh style she exhibits today.
ReplyDeleteAgree 100%!
DeleteYes!! The Queen is terrific but should not be the fashion standard for the younger generations of royals. Her work ethic-absolutely, her current fashion-not so much.
DeleteKate looks fantastic and so appropriate for an engagement with the Queen.
ReplyDeleteI think QEII and Kate both look lovely today. I love that shade of pink on the Queen, and even though it’s a bit jarring seeing Kate with her hair down in a hat since she doesn’t often wear it like this anymore, it looks youthful and reminds me of the early years. It was easy for her to take the hat off and transition to the next event.
ReplyDeleteI think she looks much better without the hat at the 2nd event today. Erininnyc
ReplyDeleteBeautiful occasion! Loved the outfits!
ReplyDeleteXOXOXOXOXO
The Queen looks beautiful, and when she smiles, I see the young Elizabeth of years gone by. Her charming demeanor was on full display. Together they are a great team. Kate looked marvelous, I loved her outfit. Two beautiful women.
ReplyDeleteSo well said & I agree whole heartedly!! :) xx
DeleteHM and Duchess Kate make a good team. It was fun to see this report of their outing.
ReplyDeleteI love the throwback to „old-time“ Kate. Her latest looks were all to frumpy and old fashioned (and not in a good way). I would preferred a deeper neckline though. The other Catherine Walker dresses show that a deeper neckline would still look professional enough. I just feel that this younger style works much better with Kate’s features. That is why I still hope to see the dress and hairstyle of Charle‘s birthday. What we saw was incredible beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHM looks just smashing. I agree with the posters that I hope she will do more outings accompanied by Kate and Camilla as well as Charles and Wiliam. They should have started it years ago to smooth the public into the fact that there will be a change in the forseeable future.
C.
I agree Kate looks wonderful and her age today, but disagree her latest looks were frumpy. She has been looking incredibly polished, sophisticated and elegant lately.
DeleteI agree. I like conservative clothing but she is young, beautiful and slim. It would not hurt to be a bit more updated.
DeleteThe Duchess looks lovely, I prefer this dress it suits her well. Love her accessories, not a fan of her hair, but personal preference only. The Queen looks absolutely gorgeous. Such a beautiful colour she is wearing, love her jewellery.
ReplyDeleteI just love seeing Kate & The Queen together. They have such a lovely relationship. I play a little game with myself, at times looking at Kate attending a current engagements & I visualize her back when she was at St. Andrews with William.... I remember how many initially assumed he'd never marry a commoner & then I focus on the present & am just thrilled at how well she's done!! :) Seeing her with the Queen today brings to mind other aspects too.... for instance, how important it was to HM for W&K to have some time (just as she & PP had in Malta, before her father died) for W to work with the RAFS&R & then with the AirAmbulance & how important it would be for his development & for Kate to have time raising their children & making a home for their family life & marriage. She knew that time would serve as a strong foundation, when it came time for them to become full time Royals, then Prince & Princess of Wales & ultimately Kind & Queen Consort. The Queen is wise & always adapts & learns from what has worked & has not worked over the years, always with a site on the future of The Monarchy & The Country & Commonwealth. I look & Will & Kate & their wonderful priorities, current balance of work & family & marriage & I feel it must fill HM with comfort, knowing that they will be well suited for the tasks ahead! To anyone who reads this.... thanks for indulging my ramblings. :) xx
ReplyDeleteBecca, I agree with everything you say! Thanks for your "ramblings" - I enjoyed reading them! 😃
DeleteWell said Becca!! I've always believed the Queen, in her wisdom, has had a plan in place, and her longevity as a monarch is due not only to her strong commitment to service but also to the patient, steady path she has taken....all good things in good time. cc
DeleteThanks Zora & CeCe for your kind words. :) xx
DeleteBecca USA, I always enjoy reading your thoughts. Keep 'em coming!
DeleteI agree with you Becca. Great insight❤️
DeleteOh Marci, you are so sweet & kind! :) xx
DeleteKate & HM both look absolutely lovely today! I love both of their ensembles & especially their bright & delightful smiles! :) xx
ReplyDeleteYou’re amazing, Charlotte! Thank you for managing both blogs so well x
ReplyDeleteIt was nice to see the Duchess with the Queen @ an engagement after such a long time. I hope that they'll do that again soon. Thanks for sharing & the great photos.
ReplyDeleteLove the pink on the queen. The dress/ coat on Kate is lovely but so like other coat dresses she has. I thought this was the dress she wore to Leicester a few months ago , when I saw it first. I would love to know the thought process that goes into Kate’s outfits. She has several versions of this look, did she want one with a black collar? She has so many lovely coats that were only worn once, it’s seems strange to me that she would buy an expensive new version of what she already has rather than rewear some of the lovely coats in her wardrobe. Sinead
ReplyDeleteWe are told this is not a coat, but a dress.
DeleteMy first thought when I saw this dress was that I would love to be a fly on the wall of her meetings with designers.
Delete“Would you like the belt or the buttons YRH?”
“They both beautiful, I can’t choose. Can we do both.”
“Of course, in what colours, YRH?”
“Don’t even show me more options, just use the same material.”
To me this looks like a standard dress.
DeleteDo you know why the queen is covered by a blanket in a car, I can understand in a carriage but in a car ? Is it related to protocol rules?
ReplyDeleteOtherwise beautiful girls !
I always thought it was because she gets cold or since the windows are so large she can sit comfortably without having to worry about someone getting a picture up her dress.
DeleteRolls Royce’s of that time period do not have heating inside, and the royal family does not want to compromise the integrity of the vehicle.
DeleteThank you 23:12! Didn't know that!
DeleteIt seems so homely and cosy to share a blanket! :)
DeleteYes to this look, Kate! Like so many, I agree that this is a delightful and welcome throwback to her 2011/2012 style. She still looks perfectly appropriate for both the engagement AND her age. She looks sophisticated and a touch flirty. I reject the opinion that Kate has to look matronly just because she's a (possible, if the monarchy survives) future queen. I would not be upset if I didn't have to see her sport another stiff chignon ever again.
ReplyDeleteI don't think anyone is saying she should look matronly. In fact for me at least the issue is that this outfit isn't at all sophisticated. to each their own of course-I'm not trying to "argue" in any way with your opinion that it is sophisticated-just saying, I think most of us calling the outfit rather "girlish" probably would like sophistication and not matronliness. I think youthful and girlish honestly mean different things at least in my mind. I also see a distincion bw things like mature and matronly, but that may just be me. Anyways no matter how we define these words personally, ppl wishing that kate would avoid one extreme in fashion doesn't mean they're wishing for the other extreme.
DeleteHM looks so lovely in pink! Love that Kate wore pink stones in her earrings. Kate looked very youthful and charming in her choice of silhouette and perky hat.
ReplyDeleteThe Foundling Museum seems like very worthy cause and a perfect partnership for DoC. Just to clarify, are “looked after” children the same as foster children here in the United States? All too often, foster children are largely ignored, especially after they age out of the system and have no safety net. It’s so important to bring attention to these vulnerable kids and I’m very happy to see DoC doing just that.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's children who would have been in the care system so staying with foster carers or in children's homes.
DeleteHi, I'm from the UK and work in this area. So, yes, looked after children is one of the terms used (it means they are looked after by the Local Authority (local government)). We also say that they are 'in care'. And, yes, statistics show that looked after children are often overlooked. The UK has tried to put in place measures for Care Leavers so that they can stay with their foster carer until they reach 21 and the remain entitled to a degree of Local Authority support if they remain in education (until the age of 25). So things are improving slightly but there is still lots of work to do. I think this is an area Kate could do a lot of good work in.
Delete@ABCD: Thanks so much for your comments. I am also from the UK and know people who have been part of the care system. I didn't know that they were trying to increase the age care leavers can stay and how long they are entitled to support. I hope they do. I have known people who turned 16, 17, 18 and were suddenly completely on their own and it's an incredibly scary and bleak outlook when you have no support.
DeleteVery happy seeing Kate support a programme like this which supports, trains and gives looked after children a safe space and creative outlet. I agree I would love to see her doing more work in this area.
Completely off topic..... I will be flying back to London for the screening of the film that I was over there shooting last summer. I have meetings & other business to allow days for, but I do want to set aside some time to see a bit more than I did last summer. I've loved touring with my family over the years & enjoy being over there for work, but the time just seems to get gobbled up. I've never been to Windsor & I was wondering what thoughts are on making it a day trip? Or if I stay overnight, what recs people may have of nice places to stay? What are the best ways to travel to Windsor from London? Train, car? Thanks in advance for any insights you all can share. :) xx
ReplyDeleteWindsor is really so close to London that you can easily make a day trip by train. (If I remember right it goes from Paddington Station)
DeleteDon’t forget to take some time to wander in the Park, we didn’t and I am still sorry.
Very easy to make it a day trip from London, wither by train, bus, or on a tour.
DeleteLook at the Windsor castle website https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsorcastle
Becca, every time I read something about Mary Queen of Scots, I think about you! You are the only person I "know" working in the film industry, I love reading your comments!
DeleteThank for all the great tips! I'm excited, seems very manageable! :) Awww Natcha, you are too sweet!! :) xx
DeleteHi Becca. I hope you will get out to Windsor. I suggest booking your ticket to tour the Castle first, to make sure you can get in on the day you want to visit. It is easy to catch the train and walk to the Castle and town from the station. I did it by myself a few days before H&M's wedding, and loved the experience. Even with jet lag!
DeleteOh, how I wish I could tour London, too! Maybe someday! Becca, are you allowed to tell us what film yet? How exciting!
DeleteYou may need more time than you think at Windsor Castle as there is so much to see. Make sure to spend some time looking at Queen Mary's Dollhouse! It's amazing. If there is an attendant around ask if it's possible to see the pull out bits which make up the garden. The detail is amazing!
DeleteHello Isabella, alas I can not as yet. The private screening will be in London & then it will tour the international film festival circuit. Films must not be seen in public or by the press prior to their festival premieres or screenings, which are for industry, press & festival attendees. After the distribution has been set, I can then share about this film & how any of you may see it. I'm also happy to share that I had such a good experience working with this UK production company, that I will be working with them again & attending meetings while I'm in London for the screening of the last film. I do love London, so & my trips there give me a great chance to explore & indulge my passion for UK History & The Monarchy without the nagging & dragging of my family in tow... do I sound too terrible! lol :) xx
DeleteThank you all for your wonderful tips & suggestions! I feel more confident already that I will be able to work it out in a day trip! :) xx
DeleteOh i must say i love the duchess Cambridge speech And i love the the duchess approach is very youtful
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful, so nice to see them together! I love the Queen in pink and I love the cut of Kate’s dress, she looks more beautiful than ever, just the way she moves and the swing of this dress, just perfect!!
ReplyDeleteAfter looking at the pictures of Kate with the kids in the artists' smock I really think going forward that Kate's work should focus mostly on kids' mental health, their education, and general wellness. When Kate is with kids her entire body language and persona changes. There's no holding the clutch in front of her body, as if to block off the world. There's none of that reticence that's apparent in her other engagements. I mean this in the best way -- she does not look like a princess. She just looks like that cool, pretty big sister/neighbor/teacher next door. Every royal sort of has to find her groove. It took a long time but I think Kate's really found it -- her engagements since Louis came back have been very kid-centered, and that's where she's best.
ReplyDeleteIt seems this is already her intent but I actually disagree about whether it should be. It is indeed clearly her comfort zone but I also think all the kidie engagements get old and repetitive after a while in terms of things like media coverage and press/public interest. I think variety helps bc it can add some novelty to engagements. But also, and perhaps more importantly, I think it's important she forces herself to branch out of her comfort zones more. I'm all for having specific areas of focus ofc but now-before she is busier as PoW or Queen-is the time to explore and look into finding some other areas as well. She seems to very much focus only on issues affecting her own life like sailing & kids early yrs & tennis & that's fine for a starter royal but I think at some point esp for future queen, it's important to be seen & actually doing work related to much larger variety of issues and population. she never really worked in real world job etc so she's never been exposed to so many other parts of life most of us are and a future queen must not ignore. I wasn't huge fan of Williams air ambulance job but I do like that it truly seemed to open up new interests for him like male suicide & workplace mental health. Kate can't really use a job at this point for same purpose so only way to do it is by trying out engagements in different issue areas etc more. Anyways no matter what, this seems entirely the wrong time in a "career" to be giving up on weaknesses and just going all in on strengths and hoping they're enough. She's just now doing part time but more regular duties so she's like a worker bee in training in a lot of ways. Once she's promoted it can be time to think abt giving up on some weaknesses & specializing to take adv of strengths but not now!
DeleteThat's an interesting point. But let's face it, the kind of social activism of Charles and Camilla just doesn't seem to interest Kate, nor does she have the niche talents like Meghans cooking or Harry's work with kids with disabilities. Nor does she seem as focused as Willism on trauma and adult mental struggles. So shes found one thing shes awesome at -- walking into a room and connecting with kids. So why wouldn't she focus on that? Just asking questions.
DeleteIvy Lin, I agree that engagements with kids (and sporty events) are really Kate’s sweet spot, but part of the royal job is bringing that same focus and interest to something you have no connect with. Whether it is attending a jazz concert when you can’t stand the music or handing out prizes at the local pumpkin growing competition.
DeleteSomething I felt for a while now is that the younger royals must be very careful of just focusing on their personal interests. I understand their argument that they want to be involved more in less, but their job is to represent the UK by giving support and publicity to all manner of organizations. It is different from a millionaire-philanthropist who can just focus on their interest.
Let’s take royal tours, it is fine to have royal tours include things/places that the couple are interested in, but that should not be the main focus of the tour. They are not on a personal trip but on behalf of the foreign office.
I have now gone way beyond the scope of your original comment but it is something I have wanted to comment on for a while.
Ivy Lin, I completely agree with you. I don't think these engagements get old, I think they are important in helping create-hopefully- a more stable adult citizen of the UK. She does tennis, but she is also the patron for the military (can't remember which branch) and now Bush House. The patronages will come steadily and I am in complete agreement with you Ivy, she has found her niche and why not make it blossom?
DeleteI actually quite agree, Maggie. Since Kate is in line to be queen, it would help her in her role and the monarchy's impact if she branched out of her comfort zone. I also agree with Rachel that that could extend and be applied to the other young royals, as well.
DeleteI think the RF has to encompass all aspects,but on the other hand it makes sense that each member has a different focus, so they don't step on each other and are more efficient.
DeleteI guess her focus on mental health, including her visits to conferences and prisons, speaking with parents, teachers and child minders, meetings with experts in the field, and using her voice to influence thought on the issue and, by the way, influence her husband and brother-in-law don't count.
DeleteGood to know.
One thing I will say ... I do think Kate's work with kids could be more diverse. The UK is a very diverse place, and I have noticed that (and there's no other way to say it) Kate's kiddie engagements tend to be with a very homogenous population. Kate could branch out to working with kids with serious disabilities, or who have suffered severe trauma. Refugee children. I hope she's moving in that direction.
DeleteBut ever since the focus on kid engagements, there's been several developments:
1) Kate has worked more. The once-every-two-weeks schedule seems to be past.
2) Her working wardrobe has undergone a transformation. Less princessy, more working royal look.
3) She seem more engaged when she is working.
So these are all positive developments IMO.
I agree with @RachelIZA about all the younger Royals with the exception of William who is probably the most diverse in terms of engagements. I don't want to go into too much detail as this is a Kate blog but I have had the same feelings about Harry for a long time who mainly seems to focus on veteran/military, Sentebale, young people and since last year added Young Commonwealth. Can't really comment on Meghan as she hasn't been around long enough.
DeleteBasically I think they are fortunate because there are still a large number of people in The Firm so the "young Royals" can be a bit more choosy about their engagements. The quiet backbones of the Royal Family, the Queen's cousins, who do a lot of the less glamorous and more mundane work are ageing. The Queen's children and spouses are getting older too. The younger royals will all eventually have to pick up a greater variety of engagements particularly the Sussexes who currently have a very narrow spectrum of engagements for supporting players.
A lot of interesting points. I'd just like to add one thing: I believe that Kate is now working with the kids not just because she's a natural with children and it's her comfort zone but also because at this stage in life, kids are what occupies her mind most. I can imagine how busy she is with her own 3 (I'm a mother of 3 as well) - having a schoolboy, a nursery school-girl and a baby/toddler is a very demanding thing 😉, whatever amount of help she has. Given the kind of mother she is, I believe a great part of her mind, time, abilities, attention etc. is now dedicated to young children. Her own in the first place but also in general. As her own kids grow older, I think she will have more time and energy for a broader scope of topics, charities, activities etc. She may even find a completely new sphere of interest. Not just now, however. So, if I respond to you, Maggie, I don't think Kate is giving up on weaknesses - just naturally focusing on a very important area, and IMO she will try out different issues areas in the future.
DeleteSunny I see your point. On the other hand I do think it's important to meet people where they are at. Camila is never going to be glamorous, nor will she have the widespread popularity. Nor does she have the people skills to charm wide swaths of the population by stepping into the room. What she does have is a passionate interest in causes that aren't necessarily glamorous or "royal": advocating for sexual abuse survivors, animal welfare, environmental causes, poverty, homelessness. So that's her niche. I could say the same for Charles.
DeleteI'm just happy to see Kate's engagements finally have a focus and direction, and the fact that she's no longer doing the extremely brief meet and greets. When the older royals slow down she will have to diversify, but first I think it's important to meet her where she's at -- she's had a very privileged, sheltered life and it might not be in her comfort zone to tackle the really thorny social issues.
I don't think Kate is avoiding thorny social issues. Quite the opposite. Sick, terminally ill children, children who live in very precarious circumstances, broken families, foster children, the impact of adults mental health, of addiction on young children, poverty...all issues that are hard, difficult and emotionally draining. Moreover, they are rarely highlighted, because they are not glamorous, and perhaps because adults would like to forget them. Seeing children suffer is terrible.
DeleteI remember, at the very beginning, when Kate chose her first charities, thinking she was someone of common sense and courage. For they weren't the usual politically correct issues, those on which there is universal agreement. Addiction in particular.
Eugenie has just been made royal patron of the hospital where she had her scoliosis surgery. Sophie is involved internationally in eye disease concerns; her daughter Louise had congenial eye problems. When someone is personally involved in a concern it shows. Why wouldn't that be encouraged? Catherine has a wide variety of interests--it's not just all about children and sports. I would be happy to discuss them, if given the opportunity.
DeleteI do think it would not hurt her to also promote women’s issues a bit more. She appears hesitant; as if it will term her a feminist, or too pushy or progressive. Go for it, Kate!
DeleteI was just thinking, after this engagement... that Kate's work with young children & such programs, is where she can ultimately have the greatest impact. These children & new programs beginning & being cultivated today, will be the things that help improve the quality of life for the teens & grown up young people of tomorrow, when she is Princess of Wales & then Queen Consort. How amazing to be doing work today, that you can actually see take effect & changes peoples lives in your lifetime. Then these programs can continue to grow & become better, thus helping to improve the lives of children & thus ultimately adults for years to come!! I never quite thought of it in exactly that way before. :)
DeleteShe is a young mom and I understand children and their mental health being a top priority for her. But she is also a woman, and with her high visibility it would be extremely helpful to give attention to more women's causes.
Deleterunnergirl27 March 2019 at 10:37...there's plenty of time for Kate to add/change. In the meantime, she has plenty of charities to occupy her time
DeleteWhat specific women's causes,issues do you have in mind that are not being addressed by other BRF members? For example: Camilla and Sophie sexual assault and abuse; Beatrice-women in business; Meghan-education of women in third world countries. Check the official BRF website. There are profiles of the royals detailing their patronages and charities and interests.
DeleteI don't believe any royal woman other than Kate focuses on child development and supporting women in the early months after childbirth.
Anonymous2050, The comment dealt with Kate, not the entire BRF. As queen consort, Kate is the most powerful female in the BRF. She is very tactful and that is good, but she does not break any ground in suppprting humanitarian causes like Diana did with the AIDS crisis. Diana took a leadership role. She touched AIDS patients when few people were. Despite the lack of support from the royal family in that time, Diana was quite courageous. But Kate is becoming more confident. She is becoming more appreciated over the past year. She is a strong woman and we are starting to see that more as her public speaking has improved and her nervous smiles have decreased. Exudes more confidence.
DeleteThank you for the updates. It was so nice to see Kate with The Queen. Loved The Queen's pink outfit today. It was fun to see Kate back in this hat. Not only was it a blast from the past but she wore her hair down which we rarely see when she wears a hat these days. The grey worked for both engagements and I like that she just removed her hat for the next engagement rather than change into a new outfit.
ReplyDeleteI guessed after the announcement of a second visit that Kate would become Patron of The Foundling Museum. It's a lovely little museum that does great work with young people and families so I'm thrilled Kate is supporting them. Their work definitely chimes well with Kate's beliefs and causes. The pictures and videos and videos from today are really lovely and I always love seeing Kate doing arty stuff.
From watching Kate's speech, it seems to me like she's making a clear effort to have a little more flow and less constant long pauses between sentences and such,which is great to see. It does also seems like this may have led to some rather esp frantic looking head bobbing from her, which I was amused to see lol (I really don't mean this at all meanly or as criticism-I'm happy to see what looks like effort at improvement in her public speaking) . However what I DO mean as criticism is the following - I really really wish someone would teach her to open her mouth more while speaking to articulate all parts of words clearly bc I struggle to understand her pretty often and the little clip of today's speech that I watched felt worse than usual to me. Though it may be a bad sample or of course could just be another side effect of trying to "speed up" for the purposes of flow. Can't fix everything at once and I'm just happy to see her continue to more "regularly" give "speeches" or comments in front of everyone.
ReplyDeleteThe BRF is known to have a certain kind of pronunciation. I actually think it’s visible with many British aristocrats. I wonder if Kate tries to emulate it but doesn’t get it quite right. This might be totally unaware on her part. Many pick up a similar sound/use of words to the social circle they live in.
DeleteC.
I tend to mimic accents. I don't mean to, it's just something that I have to actually work on avoiding. Perhaps it was because I grew up in a bilingual province or because I watch so much British TV. When I am back among my friends in the UK I slip back into our old way of talking. Funny enough, I never picked up the Irish lilt when I lived in Ireland though.
DeleteJo nice to hear from you again. It's been a awhile :)
DeleteI enjoy when we get to see and learn about the Queen's fashion as well as the Dutchess' on your two blogs. I guess it's because ladies in my family always wore beautiful hats, and the Queen always has a pretty one, and it just makes me smile! Wanted to mention that. Thanks for all you do, Charlotte! The Kate and Meghan blogs are the first sites I look at each morning to start the day fresh, positive, inspired and they always make me smile. Your hard work on your sites is making a positive difference in its special way for many people, for many years, and I thank you!
ReplyDeleteI am impressed by how Kate and HM interact. Kate is very respectful, minding protocol but she is natural and relaxed at the same time. It is obvious she has spent a lot of time in the Queen's company and knows how to behave.
ReplyDeleteDid anyone notice that Kate's outfit was very similar to a grey dress recently worn by Princess Mary of Denmark except Mary's dress was not flared and the collar was white. Kate's gets a lot of criticism for her style but her fashion is in line with many other royal ladies .
ReplyDeletehttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6822291/Princess-Mary-Denmark-wears-optical-illusion-dress-launches-environmental-challenge.html
I saw that the other day. Mary tends to wear more exciting shoes than Kate though.
DeleteI just saw Princess Mary of Denmark event and I love her shoes, and was just thinking that Katecan wear this style pump because it holds the whole foot and that is one reason why you will see all the royals wear pumps. That type pumps is called a T strap pump.
Delete@Unknown: I like the dress very much and could see Kate in it. I usually like Mary's style and she generally has great taste in shoes but those T-straps look dreadful with that dress.
DeleteI apologize if this is a repeat—I had commented early this morning, but I think it disappeared into the internet abyss😁
ReplyDeleteI thought Kate’s patronage of and engagement at the Foundling Museum were wonderful. Those in care situations so often feel cut off and abandoned and have come from such difficult situations—this is an important focus.
I love the quotation from the People article that spoke of how at ease people there felt around Kate. The woman quoted is correct, people who have lived through traumatic situations are generally very guarded about their experiences, and to hear how easily so many there opened up to Kate is a real complement to her character. Where they could have seen barriers because she is “such a perfect princess,” they saw someone they could trust with their experience. I think that speaks very positively to how she conducts herself and who she is. Kindness and genuine emphathy are so important in this world, and those seem to be great strengths of hers. I thought her speech was lovely and showed her genuine happiness for being there and passion for the work that is being done.
She looks incredible! So young and so happy, and wow that ensemble is gorgeous! One of the few times I’ve loved the black tights, and a girlish collar. Both look great here. And the hat is win win WIN! Lovely and radiant Duchess!
ReplyDeleteshe looks like a little doll so pretty and perfect thanks Charlotte!
ReplyDeleteThe Queen and Kate looks absolutely fabulous together. I love the Queen's pink outfit she looks beautiful and perfect for the Spring weather and Kate looks elegant and classy as always I'm sure she wore this outfit so the Queen can shine and it shows how humble and respectful Kate is.
ReplyDeleteTo all of my Duchess Kate blog commentors on here, I just read this great charity in the UK that I thought Kate would be a great patron to. Its about focusing on women's mental health.
Website:https://www.womenatwish.org.uk/
From observing a few of the photos, It was the first thing I thought was the
ReplyDeletebeautiful pointed velvet collar and velvet buttons on interesting sleeves that made this coat dress look rich and different. I also observed that Kate’s outfit did not out shine the Queen and that Kate worn her Kiki McDonough morganite and diamond drop earrings to compliment the outfit the Queens is wearing. I just read somewhere that the Palace gives the other attendees what she will wear in advance. Kate is dressed so appropriately, as always.💗
I compliment the Duchess on her speech, her appearance, her clothing, her shoes and her jewelry. In my opinion she attempts to rise to every occasion, (with the QUEEN) and succeeds. Would any of us stand up to such scrutiny when speaking publicly? I admire her and compliment her speaking. Public speaking is unbelievably difficult, and as DOC she is under extreme scrutiny. In addition to being phsyically beautiful, clearly intelligent and informed, an amazingly skilled parent and a completely supportive partner to the future King, what other standards of success should we require of her?
ReplyDeleteKudos to her for even trying, knowing the critics. Every single second is captured, every pause, every breath, every gesture, and there are hundreds, if not thousands of frames and and videos captured. Imagine every fraction of a second captured forever and recorded as significant. Every single second,walking,shaking hands, tilting your head just so ... Well, she is a stunning example to us all. Compliments, congratulations and thanks to the DOC. I hope she stays strong and continues her work. I couldn't do what she does, and stay mentally and emotionally strong, even with every resource she possesses. She amazes me.
How absolutely eloquently said! I totally agree!! Bravo Duchess of Cambridge!! :) xx
DeleteIt is not possible to discern Kates' motives, aspirations, or commitments from photos. We can listen to her speeches, and watch video clips of moments (a few seconds to a few minutes) which can provide us a bit more insight, but none of us will ever comprehend the stresses she faces. Give her strength to perservere!
ReplyDeleteI just completed rewatching S1 & S2 of The Crown. I hadn't seen it in some time & I don't know why, but I saw it with entirely new eyes. I wish the original cast could have continued, but alas. It has served to only grow & strengthen my esteem & respect for both HM The Queen & HM The Prince Phillip, DOE. It also makes me even more keenly aware of how well suited The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge & their family are for their jobs ahead! This is all thanks to the wisdom & ever sensitive evolution, judgement & examples set forth by The Queen & PP as Monarchs & leaders of the BRF. Bravo!! :)xx
ReplyDeletePrince William will visit New Zealand in April on behalf of the Queen at the request of Prime Minister Jacinda Adern. It is not cleat whether or not Catherine will accompany him. He is to meet with victims and families of the mosque shootings.
ReplyDeleteBy the sound of the release it seems just William.
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