Kate to Resume Duties Next Week, an Easter Appearance? & Black.co.uk Exclusive Discount!

Hello, hello!

We're back with several bits and bytes to chat about today. The Cambridges have been spending much of their children's lengthy Easter break in Norfolk ahead of term resuming. They were photographed at the Burnham Horse Trials with the Tindalls last Friday. I expect they will return to London over the weekend. Of course, Easter Sunday service at Windsor is a tradition for the Queen and members of the Royal family. This year, it also coincides with Her Majesty's 93rd birthday. I would say it's a very safe bet to assume we'll see them there. Attendance is not confirmed beforehand, as it's a private service and not an official engagement. We first saw the Cambridges join the monarch in 2017. Reporters heralded the couple's appearance as a result of their full-time move to London and increasing responsibilities. Kate sported her cream Catherine Walker coat and a matching pillbox hat.

Last year, the couple travelled to Windsor from Bucklebury where they were enjoying Easter weekend with the Middletons. Kate, who was in her final weeks of pregnancy with Louis, chose her brown Catherine Walker coat and pearl jewellery.

Speaking of the little Prince, Louis celebrates his first birthday on Tuesday. We can expect to see photos, likely taken by Kate, to mark the day. We last saw a photo of him in December when the Cambridge Christmas card was released.

On Thursday, 25 April, the Duchess will resume duties when she attends the Anzac Day service of commemoration and thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. The annual service remembers the Gallipoli landings of 25th April 1915, and all Australians and New Zealanders who have given their lives in the service of their countries. Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance for Australia and New Zealand. It is commemorated as a public holiday in both countries with memorial ceremonies held at various locations. The Duke of Gloucester will also be in attendance.

Meanwhile, Prince William will travel to Auckland and Christchurch next week to pay tribute to those affected by the Christchurch terrorist attack, and in recognition of the outstanding courage and unity displayed by the people of New Zealand during the aftermath. The Palace said: "His Royal Highness’s official programme will begin on Thursday 25th April in Auckland. The remainder of the Duke’s programme will take place in Christchurch, where His Royal Highness will spend time meeting survivors of the attack and their families, first responders, and Muslim community leaders. Due to the nature of His Royal Highness’s programme, a number of visits will not be announced officially in advance, out of respect for the people the Duke will be meeting with."

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In today's retail updates, Kate's Simone Rocha Beaded Drop earrings are available at Nordstrom in several colours.

Kate wore the earrings with her off-the-shoulder McQueen dress for a party at the ambassador's residence in Berlin in 2017. 

Middleton Maven notes Kate's Smythe 2 Button Blazer has been restocked at ShopBop. The $795 glen check/black corduroy, tailored, single-breasted silhouette has a traditional riding blazer feel, featuring a contrast collar, flattering pocket flaps and oversized leather buttons.

In case you missed it, a reader identified Kate's boots at the Burnham Horse Trials as the £155 Berghaus Supalite II Goretex boots.

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Next, the team at Black.co.uk are hosting an Easter event, offering 20% off all their collections from 17 - 22 April. They are offering 'Duchess Kate' readers an additional 10% off with discount code Easter10 during the same time period. (Note: the 20% is automatically applied; to avail of the extra 10% simply enter Easter10 at the checkout). They also offer Free International Delivery on orders over £100.

The luxury accessories brand have updated their collections with the spring/summer seasons in mind, from holiday essentials to elegant pieces for the coming social season; garden parties, a day at the races or a summer wedding. Director Toby Logue travels all over the globe sourcing prints and fabrics. Below the Dorset, Wilton, Chancery and Lombard merino wool and silk scarves. They are reduced from £55 to £39.60 with the discount code.

The silk scarves are a customer favourite. Below, the Floral Bouquet Print Scarf. It is described as: "A riot of country flowers in wonderful tones of saffron, burgundy, pumpkin and sage, highlighted with touches of ivory, characterise this beautifully composed and chic square 100% silk twill scarf. The central floral design is brought together on a black background which in turn sits on an ivory ground.  Created by a talented young French designer this superb quality silk scarf is a good size at 90cm x 90cm and can be worn as a neck scarf, head scarf or bandana. Tie it to your handbag for a stylish hit of colour."

The Cinnamon and Butterscotch Print Twill Scarf.

The Black Shell Straw Sun Hat and the Cream Shell Straw Sun Hat are embellished with natural shells and woven in Bali from straw from the Pandanus tree.

The Crochet Beach bags are also made in Bali.

The Aphrodite Floral Cotton Poncho Cover Up and the White and Electric Blue Embroidered Cotton Kaftan Top.

The vibrant Aruba scarf is described: "Rich vibrant hues, evocative of tropical flowers and sunset, characterise this colour block Merino wool and silk scarf. Ablaze with tones of flame orange and deep fuchsia, the generously sized scarf is designed in four woven panels, two of which are a melange of the two principal tones creating an effect not unlike shot silk. Soft to the touch the scarf is light and warm and a perfect choice for summer. Finished with a short eyelash fringe."

To view the full collection, please click here.