The summer brings an array of calendar staples from RHS Chelsea and garden parties, to Trooping, Order of the Garter, Ascot and polo. I love the tradition associated with each of these events, and the history the royal family has with each one.
The royal party made their entrance at 4 pm to the national anthem.
Every summer, Her Majesty hosts three Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace, and one at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland. In a sign of the Queen reducing her commitments, Prince Charles hosted the first this year.
The garden parties were instituted by Queen Victoria in the 1860s when they were known as 'breakfasts', despite taking place in the afternoon. Historically, Garden Parties took the place of presentation parties attended by debutantes, and have evolved into a way of recognising and rewarding public service.
They were greeted by an 8,000 strong crowd.
They then dispersed into the crowd, taking a separate route, known as 'lanes', to ensure as many guests as possible had the opportunity to meet a member of the Royal family.
Over the course of each year, The Queen welcomes over 30,000 guests to spend a relaxed summer afternoon in the beautiful palace grounds.
The Duke and Duchess enjoy a laugh with guests.
The Palace describes Garden Parties as "an important way for The Queen to speak to a broad range of people from all walks of life, all of whom have made a positive impact in their community".
More from the official website:
"Throughout the country, a long established network of sponsors is used to invite guests, who include Lord-Lieutenants, Societies and Associations, Government Departments, Local Government, the Services, the Church and other Faiths. They nominate guests for invitation and we hope in this way to achieve a representative cross section of the community. It is not possible to acquire invitations to The Queen's Garden Parties through direct application to Buckingham Palace."
On Instagram, Kensington Palace shared a very sweet photo of Kate meeting assistance dog Max. They wrote: At today’s Garden Party The Duke and Duchess met Kerry Irving and his assistance dog Max. In 2006, Kerry’s car was hit by a truck, leaving him housebound with chronic neck and back pain. Kerry still suffers with the pain from his back injury, but he credits Max with helping him to get his life back on track. Kerry has since retrained as a locksmith and Max is always with him. Kerry and his wife Angela have held dog walks to give other people the chance to spend time with Max, and helped raise money for local rehoming centre Eden Animal Rescue."
Other royals in attendance included the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
Sophie chatting with guests.
Princess Alexandra in a lovely floral ensemble.
Her Majesty met artist Yinka Shonibare. His work explores cultural identity and globalisation. William presented him with his CBE earlier this month.
The Mail reports Her Majesty told one guest: "Well you do rather hope the sun shines as when you invite 8,000 people to have tea on your lawn it can be a bit of a worry."
An overview of the event.
A view from the lake at the Buckingham Palace garden party in 1897.
Preparations begin months in advance to ensure everything is in perfection condition ahead of the first garden party. Buckingham Palace revealed: "Mowing the lawns, edge clipping, leaf-blowing and sweeping are all carried out across the grounds, as many seasonal plants and flowers come into bloom. Seasonal bedding displays nearthe rose garden are planted, including Osteospermum 'Tresco Purple', which will come into bloom from June right through to October. In and around the rose garden regular work includes dead-heading, weeding and clipping to ensure everything is as beautiful as possible. And in the final days and hours before guests arrive, final touches to the lawns and grounds are made."
This beautiful Magnolia, named 'Elizabeth', was given as a present to The Queen from Brooklyn Botanic Garden to celebrate her 55th Birthday.
A video from the party.
The Duchess tends to opt for repeats more often than not for garden parties. In 2012, Kate wore a pink Emilia Wickstead dress, in 2013 she selected the vibrant yellow and white Marella coat by the designer. In 2014, Kate wore her much loved bespoke lace Alexander McQueen dress and in 2016 the Duchess brought back the cream ruffled McQueen dress she first wore for Prince George's christening. In 2016, William and Kate also attended the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland's Garden Party at Hillsborough Castle. Kate chose a gold brocade coat by Day Birger et Mikkelsen she's had for over a decade. And in 2017, Kate repeated her Christopher Kane coatdress.
This year, Kate selected a bespoke soft pink coatdress by Alexander McQueen.
Kate's coatdress incorporates elements from the Open Necked Pleated Coat and the Ruffle Double Breasted Coat.
The Duchess accessorised with Diana's pearl earrings, we've seen them for a number of formal occasions.
The Duchess carried her Loeffler Randall clutch. UPDATE: Etui Bags report Kate carried one of their designs (with thanks to Ksiezna Kate Blog).
And wore her Gianvito Rossi praline pumps.
I had a gut feeling we'd see them at this event today. And even more so after seeing that Camilla and Charles were away. It's a nice standard feature in the calendar!
ReplyDeleteA very pretty look. I think there might be a few elements too much bringing the coat into some 80s fashion. Both she and I like a pointed shoulder now and then, and the collar and buttons are also pretty staples in her looks. But all 3 together gives me quite the heavy 80s blazer vibes which I'm not sure I'm ready for yet (and those who lived through it might be even less ready for it!). She's still very pretty in it of course and I like the hat and earrings and the general impact of the look.
I agree with you, Rebecca. With all the elements of this coat dress combined, it does have a very 80s look to it. It's not my favorite, but I do love the new hat and I always like the earrings. Nice to see Kate again today!
DeleteI agree, Rebecca! I'm an '80s kid & I'm not into the trends of that decade being back! I think it's the buttons & lapels that are throwing off this look for me. Her hat is GORGEOUS though!
DeleteCharlotte, you've been kept even busier than usual these past weeks! Thank you for all you do.
McQueen is going to be on trend in terms of current styling, no matter what it is... but I actually like the strong shoulder on this piece with the sort of military styling.I think she has emerged since the birth of Prince Louis with such a strong and regal presence.
DeleteI also think she’d have done better to just choose one of the existing styles.
DeleteCJ
CJ, I think so, too!
DeleteKate is gorgeous but the pleats? This is a style Camilla should wear. Kate is still in her 30's.
DeleteGorgeous couple. I love that hat! Pure class!
ReplyDeleteXOXOXOXO
I normally love seeing Catherine at these garden parties but I have to say I am not a fan of the shape of the coat. Like the hat though it isn't my fav. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteThe coat looks too big for her imo.
DeleteAnd I know she loves her McQueen coat dresses, but really, another one?!
I think she looks beautiful, thanks for asking Jenna
DeleteNothing we have not seen several times before.:(
DeleteI agree. I wish she'd venture into different designs instead of having so many colours of the same. She is tall and fit enough to carry off so many things, I feel she doesn't explore it as much as she should.
DeleteThe more I see Kate, the more I realise what a beautiful queen-to-be she is... Pearl of the United Kingdome, the Children's Princess, the Flower Duchess, a future queen of hearts!
ReplyDeleteAnd yet, ever a candid, modest person always true to herself and so sympathetic to others.
Great thanks to you Charlotte for all those fantastic blogs and posts!
Elisabeth, Carcassonne, France
Well said Elisabeth - I couldn't agree more.
DeleteOn the fashion front I think this is a home run!! Gorgeous.
What a lovely comment Elisabeth!! cc
DeleteBeautifully said, Elisabeth. I agree wholeheartedly
DeletePretty in Pink! And the silhouette is very flattering for Kate's body-type. How spoilt we've been this week with the Cambridges!
ReplyDeleteThis week just gets better and better! Kate looks absolutely smashing and William looks so handsome. Can't quite determine the color of the dress, looks pink, yet pale lilac IDK, but the color is so perfect for a garden tea and signature Kate. And the Queen, well she looks amazing and is rocking sunglasses....good for her BTW for protecting her eyes!! So nice to see Kate and William stepping in to accompany the Queen, the three of them look so great together!! Everybody just look so at ease and very happy. Just makes the day!! cc
ReplyDeleteWhile Kate is dresses impeccably, like always, it does feel like Sarah Burton and Kate is running out if new variations on the standard royal look.
ReplyDeleteI am a big supporter of a “royal uniform”, but it does feel as if when she is not repeating actual outfits (which I don’t mind at all) she is repeating designs.
Today’s coatdress reminds me a lot of the white/cream one she wore to her first? Trooping and a Garter Monday if I remember right. Except that one was a bit more sassy, or at least that is how I remember it.
I think THE "déjà vu" with her clothes is deliberate because all her clothes regardless of the designer look the same.this coat dress have elements from her Catherine Walker clothes.
DeleteAgreed. She looks lovely, but I’m already a bit tired of this dress and it’s only on its first wearing.
DeleteCJ
Wow! I’m getting used to see at least 2 Kate’s looks these days. Will surely get a Kate withdrawal when this ends. What a pretty pink look! Love it! Look fwd to more photos. Hehe
ReplyDeleteThank you once again for your hard work Charlotte.
:)
Lovely couple. Thanks, Charlotte. I look forward to the full post.
ReplyDeleteWow - just wow😀😀
ReplyDeleteI love Kate's metamorphoses: from a mum and a gardener to a garden-party lady! (Oh, I see, it's a garden that provides the connection! 😀) Very pretty look today!
ReplyDeletePure elegance, as always. Beautiful, dignified, a true lady
ReplyDeleteLooking more like a queen each day. Perfection from head to toe. I love the style of this coatdress, very professional yet glamorous. Will looks handsome as well!
ReplyDeleteThey have been such busy little bees! So much going on -- I wonder if it is the new normal? Certain is great for readers, but it must keep you very busy Charlotte. A belated note that I loved looking more leisurely as the photos of the garden from yesterday; very prettily done.
ReplyDeleteThis is very Kate but is very pretty. A great hat, as always! And I like that the dress is a little loose.
I was wondering how busy it will be when M&H are up full speed again, although we may see another little one come.
In the future, would there be anything to keep the two families from having tours at the same time, or would they be timed so as to put all attention on one and then the other?
Thanks!
No matter what your “product” is, it is never a good idea to be in competition with your own company. So while I expect a few glitches and double bookings as the new offices get settled, the goal would be to spread things out. Not that there can’t be more than one thing happening as long as they have different target audiences.
DeleteMakes sense, RachelZA. I can see all four of them going out on the same day, but when it's special like Kate's garden or a tour, one group would probably lay a little bit low.
DeleteKate's earrings always make me wonder if Diana's jewelry has already been divided among the two duchesses. So many questions! :) Would Harry have cared at all about picking pieces before he met Meghan? I don't think Meghan would care and probably would not want the heavier pieces, but there are many pieces we have not seen. I would enjoy seeing more of it.
Thanks, Allison. :-) Whenever I start to pine after pieces like these, it’s good to remember the downside. Arguing over Mother’s jewels is a problem I’m glad I’ll never have to have! (Mother, age 82, has a few paintings of her own work over which arguments may possibly occur, but at least we won’t have to do it in front of the entire world. And hopefully not for a long time yet.)
DeleteCJ
Another fabulous regal look Kate has found what works well for her and she is effortlessly graceful and I am pretty sure she is comfortable too Lots of different looks over the last few days All perfect for the occasion and practical Thanks Charlotte for all the updates on each event xx
ReplyDeletewow, she looks amazing
ReplyDeleteI'm not usually a fan of McQueen but I do like this coat. I love seeing William and Kate looking so regal. Sure it's fun to see them in a more casual setting, like in the garden the past few days, but it's nice to see them looking very much like the future King and Queen consort.
ReplyDeleteThe hat is cute, i like the springy shade of pink, I like how there's only three rows of buttons instead of the usual five or six.
ReplyDeleteBut sigh. Brown socks when she has probably dozens of beige/light pink pumps that go with this outfit so much better? I'll never understand how someone who puts so much care into her outfits by matching jewelry, clutch, hat, dress, etc. often then just decides "oh the brown socks again."
brown socks?
DeleteIf you're referring to the shoes, they don't look brown to me, I do think there is a pinkish tinge to them, they're a similar color to the clutch, and I think they go fine with dress. If she'd carried a pink clutch and wore pink shoes, that would be too much...pink. And much too matchy matchy.
Lol! I'm starting to agree, Ivy. She really needs to buy a nice, light, neutral pair of pumps for Spring and Summer. I don't dislike the "Brown Socks"--in fact, I rather like them--but they are getting old. I just said that to my sister and she texted back: "Maybe they are really comfortable, and if they will work with her outfit, ( even a little ) she wears them. Even Princesses can have bad feet!" But, surely she could get Gianvito Rossi to make her a new pair, in something fresh.
DeleteI thought the exact same thing regarding her socks!
DeleteI suspect it's because she doesn't call them 'brown socks'!
DeleteBorder Terrier lover :-)
I rather like this dress. I like the way the front panel lies flat but the pleats come up and end under the two side flaps. I don't think there seems to be any color that Catherine can't wear, this light pink looks lovely on her. I do like the hat also and her hair today is a 'win'. I love the pearl earrings!
DeleteBorder Terrier lover :-)
I thought of you first thing IvyLin! - I am also not a fan of the dreaded brown socks and was thinking that she HAS to have something that would look better than these, like anything! I like the color of her coat dress and the hat is fabulous. and needless to say Diana's earings are beautiful! im just not sure about the pleating on the skirt and the flaps on the sides, it seems really very busy. the buttons seem loose or something, you can see they have their own shadows? is this too big for her? she seems so joyful and they look wonderful together, love when Prince William is this dressed up, he looks so handsome out of his Windsor blues:)
DeleteI do think that yes, she could go back to wearing those nude colored pumps she used to wear all the time, as in the photos from 2012, 2013 and 2014. They were really a good versatile shoe that went well with almost anything she wore.
DeleteSledges, wedges, brown socks, coat dresses, skinny jeans.... Something will always be a hit for some and a miss for others. When I saw the line of ensembles Catherine has worn to the garden parties over the years I had the thought that 20 years from now the line up will be a continuation of this one note samba. Nice if you love it. Not so much if you don't.
DeleteAs for the 80s vibe, I loved much of though not all of the 80s. As long as you didn't stray too far into line-backer or Diana wedding dress meringue territory (and as a petite person I shouldn't/didn't) there were some wonderful options in the 80s. Yes, there were some misses in the mix, but there were also some fabulous looks.
As I recall, at that time there were many calls both here and elsewhere for her to please _stop_ wearing the nude pumps all the time! ;-)
DeleteCJ
I am a shoe person, so i can think of a number of colours that will go with the outfit. But Kate is not a shoe person and the Rossi’s doesn’t clash with anything. They are an almost perfect match for her skintone.
DeleteSo they just are a non feature.
And with the buttons and pleats and hat, a non-feature is not a bad idea.
She has a number of beige pumps I've seen but always seems to go back to the Rossi brown socks. I also wonder how the women are walking on grass in stilettos.
DeleteI always start with the shoes myself :-), but Kate is simply not a shoe person - just as RachelZA says, a non-feature. She just adores painfully towering heels and has settled for that.
DeleteHonestly, referring to these pumps as "brown socks" sounds half comical, half ☹️ to me. I'm tall and I'm not a shoe person and I can't walk on high heels at all (no matter on what surface) but I agree with Rachel ZA that the pumps are a non-feature and match what Kate is wearing. And as one of the commenters said, she knows that at such a garden party, everybody is going to watch her. So she definitely has to wear something she 1) likes and 2) feels comfortable in. If she likes these pumps enough to wear them in front of 8000 people + HM, she probably likes them quite a lot. 🧦🧦?? 🙃 (I'm not trying to start a fight, Ivy Lin, just defending the shoes a little! 🙂)
DeleteI dont have an unlimited budget but I plan my outfit around my shoes, and cant understand how someone who buys bespoke items from the top fashion designers and matches them with hats, clutches and jewelry can just wear such plain ugly shoes. It really ruins the whole appearance.
DeleteI think it is more than evident that she is in a rut, one year it is nude shoes, the other these beige. I ain't surprised people comment on it.
DeleteI rather like those shoes, they are neutral and elongate her legs. Here I think they tie the whole look in, they are slightly pink, same color as the clutch and the same shade only darker than the hat. With that hat she couldn't wear yellow beige shoes.
DeleteBy the way the hat is a lovely work of art!
I find these shoes fine also. They are not "exciting" shoes, but I have several pairs of classic pumps that I wear with many outfits.
DeleteThe Duchess looks stunning!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic week of Catherine sightings! It’s lovely to see her in different settings, and with HM.
ReplyDeleteI would’ve liked to see a re-wear of Kate’s 2012 Emilia W. dress, but totally understand why she dresses in her “uniform”. She obviously feels very comfortable in coat dresses and - if I was looking at a crowd of 8000 people - I’d want to be as comfortable as possible! 😉
Thank you SO much, Charlotte, for your excellent, wonderful work on your blogs! You’re a 🌟!!
I love this coat dress silhouette and all its variations. Kate looks regal in them, they accentuate her height, and they always look elegant. This is one of her "uniforms" and a very good one it is. The pink is charming and Kate looks lovely.
ReplyDeleteDearest Charlotte
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for all your hard work. I am sure others would agree we owe you a very big thank you for your wonderful informative posts on our lovely Duchess of Cambridge. I am so glad we have you to fill in the blanks for us.
Our Duchess is simply lovely. Oh my I hope we survive our withdrawal symptoms when we don’t see her for a few days.
Once again Thank you so very much.
Kate looks great. I love the coat and especially love her hat. She is certainly working overtime these days. I am sure HM who looks wonderful in blue has noticed. Sophie as always hits the mark.Oh! I love HM in sunglasses.
ReplyDeleteOh gosh. This outfit is a miss for me..al lot of times when people complain that she dresses "too old" for her age...I don't agree. But this is too matronly.
ReplyDeleteUntil I saw the kaleidoscope of Kate at this event over the years, I never realized she always (?) tilts her hats over her right eye. I wonder if we've ever seen her hat tilt on the other side? Is there some kind of rule of thumb for ladies to decide which way to go?
ReplyDeleteThey go over the right eye by design.
DeleteMaybe we can hold a virtual scavenger hunt for pics of Catherine with her hat tipped the other way! ;-)
DeleteCJ
STUNNING!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Duchess looks lovely, I really like this coatdress, the colour suits the Duchess so well. The pearl earrings are stunning.
ReplyDeleteHer designs kills the characteristical Alexander Mc Queen features imho. The Open Necked Pleated Coat has an edgy style.What she wore today is a very trdaitional 80es looking look.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, anonymous. Such an 80s feel indeed. I could imagine Princess Diana wearing this exact dress.
DeleteI find it frustrating that the dominant way of identitying jewelry previously owned or used by Diana, Princess of Wales, when it is worn by either of the Duchesses is to say she is wearing "Diana's earrings." This is not a critique of you, Charlotte, as you seem to be following general practice. I can see making the connection the first time a piece is worn, but for subsequent uses, especially the fourth or later time, I think it more appropriate to say that the piece belongs to Catherine or Megan.
ReplyDeleteMany Royal pieces are identified by their original or previous owner i.e, Queen Alexandra's Kokoshnik Tiara; Queen Mary's Diamond Bandeau; Queen Victoria's Bow Brooch, etc. For me, there is something fascinating about the history of these royal items.
DeleteThat makes a lot of sense. There does seem, to me, to be a difference with many of the pieces associated with Diana. Not all are pieces that originated with her--I have seen other writers refer to the Cambridge Lover's Knot as "Diana's tiara." I think it's purely to play off the sentimentality and passion associated with Diana, but these women are their own people.
DeleteI agree that they are their own people however they are people who happen to be inheriting jewelry from the most famous and beloved princess in history. For me, that is worth mentioning and even repeating.
DeleteActually I think of the spencer tiara as Diana's tiara, the one she got married in. the lovers knot was actually queen Mary's that got passed onto QE2 when mary passed, then QE2 "gifted" it to Diana (with strings) and it reverted back to QE2 when they divorced. I think of the lovers knot more as queen Mary's, I guess it just depends on how much history you know. They still call a lot of QE2's jewels queen Mary's ______. its just a name and I don't feel like it makes Meg and Kate less of a person.
DeleteStunning from head to toe!! :) xx
ReplyDeleteThis coatdress is not something that the average person would have an occasion to wear, but for the future Queen consort it is perfect. Love the pink and that hat is gorgeous. So good to see them with the Queen again today!!!
ReplyDeleteHope from USA
Kate looks wonderful. I love the whole ensemble. Dress and hat are gorgeous. The Garden Parties always look so fun.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started following this enjoyable blog; I did not know what a coat dress was. They are not very common where I live. I can see that a coat dress makes for more streamlined dressing when you aren’t sure what the temperatures are going to be. There isn’t the need to wear all the layers that are necessary in the climate that I live.
ReplyDeleteI am curious though if coat dresses are Royal practice or a U.K. practice?
They were very popular in the early 1960s here in the US. I had a lovely, powder blue coat dress that I adored with its body skimming flared skirt.
DeleteWe wear coatdresses in New York.
DeleteInteresting! Maybe they are worn here in Canada as well and I haven’t noticed. I do like them.
DeleteI would love to wear one, does anyone know where one can buy them? We dont really have them here in switzerland...
DeleteI like the colour, but I wish they hadn't added the buttons to her dress. It has too many things going on at once, and looks exactly many of her other outfits instead of looking fresh and new.
ReplyDeleteDo like her hat and makeup though, as well as the hair style.
And how lovely and happy does HM QEII look? Her smile is always great to see.
Thanks for sharing the other photos, it's always great to look at the other people invited to such events.
I have this feeling that this coat was commanded last year with the three worn when she was in maternity leave.
ReplyDeleteWhat three?
DeleteYou are right, it is a bit loose on her. It could have been made with the primerose yellow for the wedding and the light blue for the RAF.
DeleteThat would explain it! its just off somehow. the buttons in particular as though the bust is too large.
DeletePlease explain "brown sock" - is it an idium unique to U.K.? Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLol... no, it's just the name Ivy Lin gave the Praline pumps, because she doesn't like them. She compared them to brown socks. I guess the way they just blend into Kate's legs. It's gotten to be a bit of a joke, as Kate wears them so often. I was going to mention earlier, that it appears Kate has worn them for the last three Garden Parties.
DeleteI like the pleats in this coatdress. Maybe the Duchess is person who feels the cold , so it’s a perfect way to look great and not worry about the weather. I also love the shade of pink she is wearing.
ReplyDeleteoh what a splendid week she look stunning look and a love her from head to toe
ReplyDeleteNot a fan of this coat dress. It is too bulky of fabric for a garden party. The style is also tired. She needs to get out of the rug of falling back on coat dresses so often. I do like the execution of the hat. It's well made. Wills looks nice.
ReplyDeletebeachgal, I agree. I won't go so far to say I "dislike" this outfit. It's fine. But, it is absolutely bulky like you said. It is a bit of a dated style. The color looks splendid on her, however. I wish she would have picked something a bit more youthful and less bulky. She must have been hot walking around in that heavy coat dress.
DeleteIs there a pink flower in William's lapel or a pink insect? LOL! DWLee333
ReplyDeleteGorgeous as usual! Kate’s smile radiates pure joy! Looks to be a beautiful day and party!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely day! Sun was shining, everyone looks as cheerful as can be. Garden parties look like so much fun! The pinks on Kate & Sophie are so pretty. My favorite color😄
ReplyDeleteI think DoC looks lovely in pink the colour really suits her! I'm so conflicted with the coat dress tho I'd rather see her in a repeat than a new one, as its the same but different to all her others. I think it could do without the pleating and the flaps but then it would be a bit like the blue she wore in 2017!! As a Queen in waiting I often wonder what CP Mary of Denmark would wear to an event like this? Kate definitely is sticking to a uniform. I like the hat, hair and the colour of her shoes but I wouldn't bother carrying a clutch as it appears to have nothing in it! She does look stunning tho : ) Suzanne
ReplyDeleteI noticed something in the pictures from the Garden Party, that I don't think I have ever seen before. The Queen held the handrail going down the steps. I always wonder what would happen if she stumbled? Is the person next to her, or behind her, allowed to catch her if she was to start to fall? I've been noticing as she gets older and seems to be getting a bit unsteady, that no one ever helps her in or out of a car or carriage, or she doesn't take anyone's arm to go up or down stairs, and I'm always worried she might stumble.
ReplyDeleteI’m not an expert, but I’m guessing “just let the elderly lady tumble down the stairs due to her elevated station” is not the preferred course of action. ;-) In all seriousness, that would be an emergency situation and I would hope people wouldn’t stop to weigh the protocol considerations before stepping in. In a non-emergency, it’s her own choice. IIRC, when the Queen had knee surgery some years ago, Prince Philip helped her down some stairs.
Delete:-) "...“just let the elderly lady tumble down the stairs due to her elevated station”.." Hee, hee! Let's hope not. :-0
Deletesometimes its better to let someone older get where they are going on their own steam, helping them can make them less steady in some cases.
DeleteExactly, RM - I'm always worried too but then I'm sure she is very sensible and if she felt unsteady and unable to walk alone she would take William's or someone's arm. She is so brave and I admire her immensely! 🙂
DeleteDuring one of the 70th Anniversary of D-Day events in 2014, President Obama and the New Zealand Governor General helped the Queen navigate some steps before they had a group picture taken. It was a very thoughtful gesture by both of them.
Deletehttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2651273/amp/Obama-charms-Queen-fine-manners-guides-stairs-D-Day-event-Russias-Putin-looks-unimpressed.html?usqp=mq331AQCKAE%3D
“Putin looks unimpressed.” lol
DeleteCJ
Sarah from NC - wasn’t there a little bit of a furor when Michelle Obama put her arm around the Queen? Was it to steady her, or perhaps just a gesture of affection? I certainly don’t think Her Majesty minded a bit!
DeleteIf I remember correctly, I believe it was the Queen who embraced Michelle 1st
DeleteTheresa, definitely not. And the Queen didn't embrace her at all, she just stood there. But she didn't seem to mind
DeleteI remember the Queen hugging 1st and Michelle following suit Natacha
DeleteLove it!
ReplyDeleteUsual coatdress, with or without pleats, with or without flaps .... at least , it is not Erdem like at Chealsea .... that rather brilliant pink shade is really lovely for Catherine , as she has dark hair , good match . I do wish she would choose different hats , however , they all look alike and can be seen on a lot of heads in the high society .... quite puzzled by the umbrella men carry around with them .... is it mandatory part of their clothes for the day ? They do look ridiculous a bit .... I love the Queen sunglasses , she choose rather clear ones so that people could see her eyes when talking with her, which is a very polite gesture !
ReplyDeleteThe Court Circular confirms Kate was invested with the Insignia of a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order by Her Majesty yesterday.
ReplyDeleteThat explains why she wasn't at the Royal Victorian Order last month.
DeleteThe queen has some cool shades! She looks fabulous!Sophie's hat & Kate's hats are beautiful!! What a fun day and so nice that they honour people for good service at these lovely parties. Such pretty pictures.
ReplyDeleteI do love Sophie’s hat. In fact I like it much better than the dress.
DeleteCJ
Kate’s pink coat dress & hat is beautiful and is one of her best designed coat dresses and William has matched his wife with tie and vest with his grandmother Queen Elizabeth, perfection. Queen Elizabeth’s outfit is from Royal Ascot 2018 that I thought was one of her best outfits with the beautiful hat with peonies flowers. It looks like Kate & William complimented the Queens outfit, very well done, remember they do get to know what the Queens is wearing in advance. This the the best coordinated colors and outfits with the Queen. It would be interesting if Kate & William’s stylist reads our observations and opinions and have step up their coordinating outfits (especially William). 💗💙 Bravo.
ReplyDeleteOh Anon, I just commented on the color scheme before I read your post!! lol :) You have made many other wonderful observations & I completely agree!! :) xx
DeleteBeautiful and chic!
ReplyDeleteThere's a little too much going on with this coat dress for me but I think I'd like it better if the waistline was a little lower and the part above that was a little more fitted (as in the coatdress looks a little too big on her).
ReplyDeleteI'd like it more if the design were more streamlined. Something like the fitted coatdresses Diana used to wear.
DeleteI get the uniform of the coat dress , it’s a formal way of dressing and Kate uses it to reflect her role. Very few people will be wearing one so it makes her stand out and they can look pretty but formal. It is not fashion forward like the Erdem dress but it serves its purpose. I am not crazy about the colour , it’s a bit candy pink for me, I would prefer it lighter, more blush colored. Sinead
ReplyDeleteOne of Kate's best looks ever!!!
ReplyDeleteI love how they all complimented each other colorwise! Kate's ensemble compliments the pink on HM's hat & William's waistcoat seems to coordinate with the color of HM's coat & then his tie compliments the pink on both Kate & HM's hat. Not sure if this was an accident??? But I Love It!!!! :) xx
ReplyDeletenot my fave outfit but pretty colour on her. it just seems a bit matronly. she is still stunning though. Her Majesty looks great. I love seeing Princess Alexandria
ReplyDeletePale colours and pastels are not always her best colour (especially icy/minty blues) but this pink does look very nice. Interestingly beige and white flatter her though. Thanks for the lovely throwback- the white and yellow coat is my absolute favourite.
ReplyDeleteI would have preferred the open neck style. It would have been different for a change but stil very fitting with her style. The double row buttons seem to be her new go-to and I am not too keen on it.
C.
Is there some protocol about sleeve length? I'm assuming it's warm there (writing from America). Also, it looks like a beautiful day. Why the umbrellas? Is this some standard gentlemanly accessory regardless of the weather forecast? Can you educate me?
ReplyDeleteThe weather in England is unpredictable and can change at the drop of a hat 🎩 literally!! Hence umbrellas 🌂 are common even on warmer days. May in the UK can be sunny but cool, so maybe not quite warm enough for short sleeve dresses.
DeleteThe Queen always in variations of the same outfit and people adore her for it. She looks wonderful. Kate is following in her Majesty's footsteps as she trains to be Queen Consort. I think this ensemble is a perfect example and I especially like the hat for a garden party. Appropriate for a ritual event and don't all the guests look like they made an effort? Lovely day.
ReplyDeleteI may be in the minority but I have to say I love the Duchess's coatdress. I have no idea what the fabric is, but it drapes beautifully, and allows her to move in comfort. Having the buttons, collar, pocket flaps, etc., all in one color keeps it from looking busy to me. She looks tall and slim and regal!
ReplyDeleteUnknown, I agree and commented earlier I love the dress and hat also. It also did not look too busy nor too heavy. Crisp but not heavy to me.
DeleteI love it too.
DeleteFascinated by fascinators? ;) Sorry. It was just too tempting....
ReplyDeleteI like how the fabric does drape and flow. Looks very fluid.
ReplyDeleteI have a question that is not political, I promise, although it does concern a state dinner. Is it correct that those in line are expected to attend and others are not? So when Will and Harry were young, Charles would expected, as might be Andrew? And now william is expected, but Harry is not? It has nothing to with who likes who, right? I would know if I wasn't in the US. :)
If you look at the last couple of years Charles has only attended 5 out of 9 state banquets. Both Anne, Edward and Andrew has actually attended more than Charles. Except for the queen nobody attends them all. While I do think we will see the Cambridges at this banquet we should not expect to see them at every state banquet. I can easily see the Cambridges and Sussexes alternating State Banquets for example.
DeleteBut you are right when you say that it has nothing to do with which countries or leaders each royal like. If the Firm needs them to be there they will be there.
Glad to be back in the US and not running up internet charges on the ship reading your blog Charlotte—kept popping in when I saw the email notice there was a new post.
ReplyDeleteI hear that K & W will be attending the state dinner for the US president next weekend. Tiara time!!
I am excited about the state dinner, I hope we get to see a different tiara, but anyone will do:)
DeleteI keep forgetting to say that I absolutely love Kate's pink ensemble today. I also like the fact that she's establishing her own "working look" not unlike the queen. Some may find it predictable, but I think there is an ease, in that as she rises to Prince of Wales & then Queen Consort, there will be a comforting familiarity at events like this, with her wardrobe choices. I'm a card carrying fan of her coat dresses! lol :) xx
ReplyDeleteI've got my card too Becca!! :) cc
DeleteYou guys are good. 128 posts about a pink dress and beige shoes!
ReplyDeleteWe are very good indeed and the 128 posts very enjoyable.
DeleteAgreed Anon, very enjoyable, 133 and counting!!
DeleteGeorge’s school has half term 27-31 May, so I guess the family is on vacation again. I can’t believe they have a break again, after having 3 weeks off in April. Sure hope my kids never find out about this, I’d have a riot on my hands, lol.
ReplyDeleteThat's so true Laura, my niece is living in London until August and she loves the school schedule in England for her children. She loves their little "mini" breaks throughout the year and not just summer. They are returning to the states this fall and she's not looking forward to that change.
DeleteI think mini breaks sound good. It’s really hard to organise the kids when they are off from mid/end of November until beginning of February (some Melbourne schools). As a parent I run out of ideas and enthusiasm, all I want to do is sleep 😴 😂 but I also have to work. Give me a mini break system any day!!
DeleteSounds like what we in the US call "year-round schooling". It's not the norm but some school systems do this. As a teacher, I can tell you this leads to much less regression than the typical 2.5 month summer break. We spend 2 months each fall reviewing to catch up on math that was forgotten over the summer, among other things. Currently, I'm loving homeschooling where we are always creating learning opportunities all year round. And therefore have no regression & way more social time (despite the misconception out there).
DeleteI know this is off topic of Kate but...
For those parents about to go on break & wondering how to fill the summer, here are a few ideas...
- Get audiobooks (or even audio history lessons- there are some great cds out there that kids love) to listen to when you drive in the car or while kids quietly play for a portion of the day. Public libraries have apps where you can get audiobooks for free. It's endless!
- Get a homeschool math curriculum at the grade level just finished (used are cheap) & have kids do 2 lessons/week when not on vacation. It's not much, could be done in 30 min./day & will prevent much regression.
- Get educational toys (science kits, building blocks, reading toys...).
- Get outdoors & explore, play, walk,... as Kate has given us great examples of this in her garden.
Just a few ideas😊. Hope it helps someone.
Now back to Kate... glad she is on break with her kids. I'm sure they are all having fabulous family time!!
Georges's school also has 2 months off in the summer, so not much "year-round schooling" for them.
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