The Duchess arriving this morning.
The Duchess was in attendance in her role as patron. The Queen passed her patronage of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in December 2016. It was an ideal fit for the Duchess, who has been attending almost every year since her pre-engagement days.
The entire Middleton family adore tennis, with Kate once revealing Roger Federer is her mother's secret crush. Kate's also a keen amateur player. The Cambridges have a tennis court at their country home Anmer Hall where they enjoy a spot of friendly competition. Kate revealed George and Charlotte are already taking it up - it won't be long until Louis joins his siblings.
Spot the Duchess...
Upon arrival, the Duchess met a number of finalists and winners nominated for the annual LTA Tennis Awards which took place today.
The awards recognise volunteers and supporters who devote their time at grassroots level to growing the sport and encouraging players.
Kate chatted to staff and volunteers involved in the game.
Kate visited Aorangi Park to see the practice courts and warm up area.
The terrace is named after Aorangi Park, the London New Zealand Rugby Club's grounds, which were on the site until 1981. Aorangi refers to the Māori description of Aoraki, the highest mountain in New Zealand. In the 1990s, a huge new screen was installed on the site at the peak of British player Tim Henman's popularity. Over the course of his career, it became affectionately known as "Henman Hill".
In recent years, fans have taken to calling Aorangi "Murray Mound".
Speaking of Andy Murray, it was just lovely to see Kate with him today. It's been an incredibly difficult year for the three-time Grand Slam winner. A painful hip injury led Andy to announce his retirement from singles tennis in January. I remember watching the press conference and Andy was visibly devastated. The whole nation felt for him that day and mourned the end of the career of one of Britain's finest ever players. Since then, there's been positive news for the Olympic champion - following a "life changing" hip surgery Andy is participating in the doubles at Wimbledon this year.
The Duchess chatted with British player Johanna Konta.
Kate talked to Johanna about her match later in the day and asked about her thoughts on the new roof at the tournament.
Whilst we're accustomed to seeing Kate in the Royal Box, her first port of call was Court 14 this morning as she lent her support to British wildcard Harriet Dart. Harriet was nurtured and supported by Kate's patronage SportsAid for years.
The Telegraph reports: "A spokeswoman for the All England Club said: "We are delighted that the duchess in her capacity as Patron of the AELTC was keen to see the full breadth of The Championships and we were pleased to facilitate a visit to watch play on the outside courts and to watch practice at Aorangi Park." Kate was joined by players Anne Keothavong and Katie Boulter.
Dart played a three-set match against American player Christina McHale and proved victorious after a very strong performance. Kate said she "very much enjoyed" the game.
From there, the Duchess moved to Centre Court and took her seat in the Royal Box to watch an afternoon of terrific tennis between Angelique Kerber and Tatjana Maria before watching Roger Federer win his first round match.
A fun video from Hello! of Kate's best expressions.
It was 'Wimbledon White' for the Duchess in the 1940s inspired Suzannah Wiggle dress (with thanks to Caroline Parr).
The £1,850 dress is made from Italian silk crepe and is lined throughout the bodice and skirt in lightweight silk habotai. It's described as: "A re-interpretation from our own archive. The original inspiration derives from a late 1940’s Wiggle Dress, which we have re-cut to have a skimming fit over the bodice and fluid gentle soft movement throughout the skirt hemline. The silhouette is contoured around the waist with delicate pin-tucks. Pin-tucks are also placed at the front yoke detail. The dress is designed to be an elegant tea-length. The silhouette has beautiful half sleeves with buttoned cuff. Contrasting silk covered buttons are a simple closure and a beautiful delicate feature, with the buttons working from double to single breasted down the centre front."
It's available for pre-order with a six week lead-time.
Kate wore her Gianvito Rossi Piper block heel shoes. They are available at My Theresa.
Kate accessorised with her Catherine Zoraida Fern Hoop earrings.
A closer look.
Kate carried Alexander McQueen's Wicca raffia satchel (with thanks to UFO No More). It's available in several colours at FarFetch.
Kate removed the original belt from the dress and added her McQueen Bow-Front Leather Waist Belt.
Kate wore her citrine cocktail ring. She's had the piece for years.
And debuted a new pair of Ray Ban Sunglasses (with thanks to UFO No More). The Wayfarer II Classic style retail for $230 at Sunglasses Hut.
Kate sported an official Wimbledon bow in the official purple and green colours.
I expect we'll see Kate at the tournament at least once more.
I expect we'll see Kate at the tournament at least once more.
Love Kate's Wimbledon fashion! Not sure on this dress, especially with the belt, but the effect of the look is great. And I love the bag! She looks really chic! Love that she has the glasses on her head like that! Looks very effortless but pretty! Looking forward to some nice sports-faces!
ReplyDeleteIndeed!! lol :) xx
DeleteThe dress is lovely but with the belt, the Wimbledon bow and the black shoes there’s a lot going on and she’s detracting from it...I would have liked to see it with simple nude wedges minus the belt for a lighter, more summery look.
DeleteMy observations her dress is perfect with a few tweaks in accessories. She wore in Sept, 2015 a thin simple belt that would have been fine, or just purchase a black leather belt, she has suede black belts. Kate could have wore her Pied A Terre 'Imperia' Black Wedges that would have complimented the new handbag. Her earrings I like, but she could have wore her KIKI Citrine Pear Drop Earrings to match her Citrine cocktail ring. All in all I love the look 💛. In the summer you wear leather and lighter materials and in the colder weather suede and heavyweight materials.
DeleteWell i love the dress especially the bag she looks lovely
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love 💕 Kate at Wimbledon. This is not my favourite dress on Kate though, too 1940’s housewifey, but ok. Maybe if the buttons weren’t black I might have liked it more. Oh well, small problem!!!
ReplyDeleteDo we know anything about the designer of the dress?It looks perfect on her!
ReplyDeleteSuzannah
DeleteGlad to see the Duchess out at Wimbledon. I look forward to the full post. Thanks, Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing Kate at Wimbledon! Her expressions when watching the tennis are priceless :)
ReplyDeleteOn a sartorial note, I like a cool white dress at Wimbledon but I feel that the dress could do without the belt and those shoes are a bit too chunky for an afternoon of watching sport. Maybe it's just me...
Love Avee in SA
I was thinking she should have worn white sneakers....either way, she looks great!
DeleteJMCCain, even though Wimbledon is a sporting event, from the Duchess point of view it is quite formal. Sneakers would have worked for the the game on Court 15. But in the royal box men have to wear ties and blazers, so sneakers would have been a huge faux-pax.
DeleteI am so glad she didn't wear white sneakers! That is not very stylish in my opinion.
DeleteIntriguedByRoyals2 July 2019 at 19:50...of course they're stylish:) trust me!
DeleteRachelZA2 July 2019 at 19:38...thank you
They are for sure - just not in the Royal box.
DeleteWow. What a great look. Duchess looks effortlessy stylish, classic with a bit of modernity.
ReplyDeleteAgree Karolina!! Kate really does effortless classic dressing very well!! Love the crispness of the black and white look and especially the purse! cc
DeleteI agree, Karolina and CeCe! Crispiness is the word. And classic too.
DeleteReally love this dress, she looks fab in midi length! The shoes are superb. Tick tick!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely summary look. Catherine looks lovely, happy and relaxed.
ReplyDeleteVery nice! Enjoy Wimbledon! XOXOX
ReplyDeleteI just LOVE this look! The belt takes the dress from great to WOW! Kate looks terrific!
ReplyDeleteWhat is custom made with this dress? Same cut, same number of buttons. She only added a black belt from my viewpoint.
ReplyDeleteMaybe to made to her measurements?
DeleteDid an earlier version of this post say the dress was custom? I don’t see anything here to that effect.
DeleteCJ
Hello,
DeleteThe lady who identified the piece was told it was custom. It doesn't appear to be the case though as the two dresses seem identical. A lot of Susannah pieces are 'made to order' which explains the confusion.
Yes, CJ, it did.
DeleteI love it. I don't even mind those shoes (I tend to go for pumps over sandals myself). The Duchess sure is busy!
ReplyDeleteKate’s been wearing a lot of white this summer and it’s especially nice for Wimbledon. I think the dress needed the belt but was wondering if the pin is part of the even for Wimbledon? It seems to be competing with the bow on the belt and that is throwing me off. The eye doesn’t know where to look with such similar embellishments. If the brooch is required for the visit. Then perhaps a more simple belt?
ReplyDeleteCan anyone explain the pin? I don’t remember it required from past years?
Allison from Vegas
She has worn it since she got the official role connected to wimbledon. It's basically the ladies version of the tie all the men connected to it are wearing.
DeleteThe pin indeed is about Wimbeldon. Looking closely it isin green an dark violet, the colors if Wimbeldon. She has worn it before when in Wimbeldon.
DeleteEver year there is a badge or pin at this event
DeleteI agree! A slimmer belt would help balance the outfit. HRH is still fabulous nonetheless!
DeleteOh, what a major hit! She looks fantastic!!! Such a perfect dress for Wimbledon!!!
ReplyDeleteI like the dress although I wish it had just been single buttons instead of having the weird row of double buttons over the waist. I like the lower V-neckline. I also like the "natural hair." No extensions, no blowout, no curls. Once again though ... the shoes. This summer shirt dress needed a much lighter shoe than the heavy block pumps Kate is wearing.
ReplyDeleteI do like that Kate is wearing sunglasses. Sunglasses protect against cataracts when they're older and I wish the royals would wear them more often.
It always makes me smile when you call her flatter hair "natural hair" since Kate's naural hair is quite thick and curly/wavy. I know what you mean though, it looks more effortless (even though it might not be) and less styled.
DeleteRebecca I smiled too, as I have the same type of hair as Kate & "Natural" is a whole different animal! lol :) She definitely has her signature blowout & some curls to soften the look. If one doesn't blow-out & heat style our type of hair, results are a poofy curly frizz fest in summer! :)
DeleteKate's natural hair looks like this:
Deletehttps://www.pinterest.com/pin/440226932308687341/?%24ios_deeplink_path=pinterest%3A%2F%2Fpin%2F440226932308687341&%24android_deeplink_path=pinterest%3A%2F%2Fpin%2F440226932308687341&_client_id=amp-N9t2I0ju9cplZmdcivi6jg&utm_source=168&utm_medium=2160¤t_page_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fpin%2F141370875776497960%2F&install_id=8126c187de6a4ca1ba0e99f9fe7ca105&%24fallback_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fpin%2F440226932308687341%2F&_branch_match_id=674602604525438695
As someone who has thick curly and frizzy hair, I understand how difficult it can be to cope with; particularly in the summer. However, I wish that Kate would truly allow her naturally curly hair to thrive more often. It saddens me that she straightens it the vast majority of the time.
Oh Ivy, her hair is 100% blown out and professionally styled here. This is not her natural hair style or texture.
DeleteI love that old photo of her with curly hair. It's beautiful in it's own way. She probably has it like this at home sometimes. I have the opposite hair, very fine, straight and flat. I think the thick, even frizzy at times hair looks great. I have seen pictures of her with even curlier hair. I think there's a date she and William went on where it was even more "natural". A lot of people think her hair is straighter though. She's always so polished- hair and clothes.
DeleteAnonymous 15:10, I think even that is a somewhat tamed down version of her natural curl. There were pictures taken of her in a local pub, not too long after George was born. I think a patron of the pub took the pictures and sold them to one of the tabloids. She had still damp, very curly hair, and she and William must have left George with her mother and took a quick break from the new baby. It's a shame she doesn't go natural more often, but it takes quite a bit of work to get natural hair to look presentable and it's always a gamble how it will turn out on any given day, especially in heat and humidity.
DeleteActually Anon, that pic you posted looks like she had a blow out & it just got wavy in the South Pacific Humidity. You can tell by how non curly the crown & roots are above her forehead. When you have naturally curly/wavy hair & let it dry naturally.... the curl/wave starts right at the roots. There are some pics from back during the St. Andrews days of it truly natural..... If I find one I'll post it. :)
DeleteI had a similar dress back in 1985! It looks a bit dated - I think it’s the belt and bow brooch. Not my favourite look but great to see Kate herself looking glowy and relaxed at Wimbledon
ReplyDeleteShe looks so Summer Fresh! I'm already Obsessed with her bag!! Can't wait for more pics! :)
ReplyDeleteI like the dress but don’t love it- it kind of reminds me of a 40’s housewife or nurse? But let’s be honest- she looks good in anything. I think the bow belt would be a great add if it wasn’t for the ribbon on the lapel. It ends up being too many bows. I have loved seeing Kate with her hair more natural this week. She just looks so relaxed and summery!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great look for Wimbledon. But (always a “but”), she should have ditched the hosiery for this non formal event, and a suede, closed-toe pump is not appropriate for summer.
ReplyDeleteI’ve commented before that these flubs show that Kate needs help with her styling. She either is resistant to the idea or alternatively has no idea that she needs help.
I need to look at better photos but I don't think she has on hosiery.
DeleteShe is just not a shoe person, and the best stylist in the world can't help it if she wants to stick to the same two or three pairs of shoes for 99% of her engagements and doesn't like to branch out in styles at all. It's sort of like Meghan and her love of all things black and navy blue. The best stylist can't help it if Meghan is shown a design of a dress and says "I want black or navy blue."
DeleteOr she just doesn't make fashion that much of a priority in her life. I think she looks terrific & never notice that level of detail. I mostly notice how pretty ones countenance is.
DeleteEveryone has different fashion preferences and opinions. I dont think theres one "right" way.
I agree that she could chuck the hose and that sandal would have worked great with the dress, but who gets to decide that suede closed toed pumps are not appropriate for summer? I wear my sued pumps throughout the whole year.
DeleteCouldn’t disagree more!
DeleteI don’t think it does any harm wearing suede on summer. A lot of wedges are made with suede.
I think it’s a matter of preference.
I wear closed-toe, suede pumps in the summer. That's not a flub either. And lots of professional women also wear hosiery (though I don't). Again, not a flub. That's personal preference.
DeleteI'm also one that wears suede closed toed pumps year-round! It's really more of a 'basic' go too look that works for the workday IMO. I don't consider this a 'flub', it's just a matter of personal preference and style. cc
DeleteWith her shoes, I'm sure comfort is her priority. She needs to go home and take care of three little children and can't just put her feet up when her outing is done. She also seems to do an awful lot of walking on these day events. I do love cute shoes though, so like when she branches out.
DeleteJust looking at some photos from today & I have to say, I don't know what it is.... but Kate has just been looking so happy & relaxed recently, looking so much like her younger St. Andrews self! I don't know why I feel this, but she just seems like she's just Kate! Not the "on" Kate we're used to seeing..... still Absolutely Royal..... but just so unfettered somehow... does anyone else feel this vibe?
ReplyDeleteI agree completely Becca USA. Since Louis birth I have felt the same vibe from her.
DeleteShe looks great - I would have styled it with a mid heel sandal....
Absolutely agree Becca! There's a definite ease in her demeanor...unfettered is a great word for it!! She seems complete and content in her life, at any rate whatever it is, its great to see. cc
DeleteKate is a joy filled person and I think this is what radiates most. Other than sometimes not caring for a certain dress or some accessories, nobody seems to have a negative word about her. She knows and delivers what is appropriate in her outfit, her behaviour and her interaction with others. When one has confidence, one soars. There is nothing fake nor contrived about Kate and people recognize this in welcoming her warmth and grace. When other people like you and you like yourself, you have arrived. Kate has always been splendid, but yes, lately she shines.
DeleteAgree! This past year has brought immense confidence. She also knows how to look her best in front of the cameras. Can you imagine photos being taken of you all the time and everyone staring when you walk by? That photo in the crowd was eye opening.
DeleteLove the dress! I was hoping she would wear white for one of her Wimbledon visits. Great to see different styles, and of course her hair is fabulous as usual.
ReplyDeleteLove the dress, but a slimmer fitting belt, would have been a better option. The AMcQ belt, looks a little bulky. Her 'Office Nina Block Heel Sandals, might have been cooler in the heat. Kate's hair in her crown and glory, but a nice up do ponytail, would have added a little finesse to the overall look.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteShe's also wearing a largish ring on her right hand. You can "see" it here: https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/catherine-duchess-of-cambridge-attends-day-2-of-the-news-photo-1159571976-1562062736.jpg?resize=768:*
ReplyDeleteKate has been looking really young/youthful recently. Whatever it is, I want it too, lol!
ReplyDeleteElla
Me too, Ella!
DeleteElla, I just posted a comment about the same thing & I said "I'll have what she's having!" lol lol lol :) Great minds think alike! :) xx
DeleteThe Duchess of Cambridge does look lovely but I can’t help seeing the dress as a nurses uniform straight out of the movie “Pearl Harbour” sorry 😐
ReplyDeleteShe did move from outer court seating supporting friends of her patronages to the royal box later, and possibly official functions. I’m sure that dictated her ‘flubs’ today.
ReplyDeleteThe purple and green bow is the Wimbledon bow that many wear to represent the colors of Wimbledon. She wears it every year. Kate knows her stuff!
ReplyDeleteI just wish it wasn’t that dark. Every year my first reaction is “Who has died?” And then I remember it is Wimbledon.
DeleteSheila, Here are Kate's outfits at Wimbledon over the years. I only see her wearing the bow once, when she is dressed in yellow. Perhaps the bow is under her hair in other years.
Deletehttps://ca.hellomagazine.com/fashion/royal-style/gallery/2019070274846/kate-middleton-wimbledon-outfits-over-the-years/8/
I agree Rachel, it seems black! I get that it's the colours, but it never looks that way on the mens ties. Maybe theirs has a shinier fabric? Or the amount of colour makes them show better? No clue, but it really looks like some memorial thing on the ladies! So I get why people ask every time!
DeleteShe has only worn the bow since getting an official role connected to Wimbledon.
She wears it since she is patron.
DeleteI stand corrected, Laura! Since 2017, this is actually the third time, maybe just since her patronage. It seems like every year someone asks about it, so it was an overstated explanation. Thanks for keeping me straight!
DeleteShe looks nice. The dress design is a miss for me, too nurse looking. I think the black belt helps to make it look less "nursey" so I am glad she changed it from the white. Agree that a lighter shoe would have been a big plus. The chunky shoes also make it look like an old fashion nursing outfit. Like the bag.
ReplyDeleteBefore the start of the Center Court activities, Kate took the time to watch a young British woman compete on a side court and stayed during her first set. The more I watch Kate, the more she impresses me. She is truly there to support the athletes, not just be seen.
ReplyDeleteBingo! Anon, I totally agree & appreciate her! :)
DeleteThis reminds me of Meghan's ascot dress from last year. It's always nice to see Kate at Wimbledon and embracing modern touches to her wardrobe. That said, I think this dress has too much going on. The belt, buttons, sleeves, and length are too much. I think I'd like it best if it were a knee-length hem with only buttons on the bodice, or no buttons at all to let the belt take center-stage.
ReplyDeleteI am very pleased to see the Duchess of Cambridge at Wimbledon.
ReplyDeleteExactly, Marianne! We don't all have to approve of what she wears. However, I do appreciate the different comments and have learned a lot about fashion reading them.
ReplyDeleteThis world is full of beautiful dresses... especially beautiful white dress... but I'm afraid this ain't one of them. It is far too matronly and really unexciting. Kate is young and beautiful and I just feel she is playing it too safe. The result is not good. I doubt she's excited to have this piece in her wardrobe. I also agree that the shoes are too clumpy for a summers day at Wimbledon. I am a huge Kate fan, but this is a 'miss' for me. Sorry.
ReplyDeleteI see this kind of dress on EVERYONE nowdays, the kind of flowy retro white summer dress with some kind of poofy sleeve. I don't have one myself, but it's a nice casual but not underdressed summer look in my mind.
DeleteOne thing I am getting is sticker shock. 1850 pounds for a simple shirt dress? I have something very similar in my closet for less than $100 down to the buttons.
ReplyDeleteI try not to flog the cost-donkey to death, but I was scrolling down to say the same thing.
DeleteOver £1000 for this dress? Why?
I can still (barely) get the concept of evening dresses that cost more than my flat. But is a summer dress that will be out of fashion in a couple of years and cost more than I earn in a month.
I wonder if not earning a salary, not paying a mortgage, not reconciling you bankstatement, probably never carrying cash with you means that after a while you start losing touch with what things cost? Is the price just numbers on a computer screen or do they actually understand how expensive this is.
Rant over.
Well...it is 100% silk and habatoi liner and made to order.
DeleteIn the comments on her engagement at the garden yesterday someone complained that she wasn't wearing "real" silk. Today, comments are about the price of a silk dress. Yesterday's dress was 230 GBP and today is significantly more because silk costs more. I understand what Rachel says about costs of clothes but actually I pay more for my clothes now that I am retired and, thanks to an inheritance, have more money than I had in my earlier years. The difference in fit and movement are lovely. But, yes, I DO understand how expensive my clothes are and so I don't have a lot of them. The Duchess of Cambridge does. Oh well, she is still vastly wealthier than I am. I wonder if she, like me, quietly donates some of her clothes every few years without fanfare. Years ago a cousin lived near a very wealthy area in Connecticut and when I went to visit her we would haunt the local hospital charity shop because man, it had some beautiful clothes that were a fraction of the original cost!!
DeleteI doubt she really pays full price for her dresses. With the amount of sales she gives the company by simply wearing a dress, she should get them for free. I think that's against some rule though, so I would think she pays a lesser amount for the dress. If I were a designer, I'd would do anything to get her to wear mine. Whatever she touches sells!
DeleteIts just that you can walk into any high street store this summer and find almost this exact dress. Midi length shirt dress, white, with black trim. It's such a common dress style this summer that I'm shocked she paid 1850 pounds for it. I actually bought a dress just like this except with black pin stripes a few weeks ago.
DeleteRachelZA: thanks for the giggle: "rant over".
DeleteI personally find the gazillion floral 40ies dresses this summer a bit OTT. If you're going to wear the same kind of dress or coat in every colour or print, then do yourself a PR favour; pick two and use them to the max.
This dress looks like a uniform of some kind to me. In California we have a candy shop named See’s where the workers wear a very similar white button down dress.
ReplyDeleteBeth in SF
IMHO this looks nothing like the See's dresses. The pintucks and the size of the buttons plus going from double breasted buttons to single breasted buttons and the light silk material are the stand out differences off the top of my head.
DeleteHere is the See's uniform. Other than being in white with black trim there is zero resemblance to Kate's outfit.
Deletehttps://www.turlockjournal.com/news/local/turlock-welcomes-permanent-sees-candies-store/
I always look forward to seeing Kate at Wimbledon and she certainly never disappoints. Love this dress on her. It's in keeping with her style yet has a little punch-up with the pin tucks. I like the belt she chose much better than the original accessory.
ReplyDeleteI'd really been looking forward to seeing what Kate would wear to Wimbledon this year. They're usually some of my favorites, but I'm a bit disappointed with this. I like the dress enough but not how she's styled it. I much prefer it on the model, with the narrow white belt, and preferably with light colored shoes or sandals. The dark bow, black belt, black hoes, black detail on the bag - too matchy matchy.
ReplyDeleteI like the black but after looking a few more times agree the belt seems a bit large and stiff for the dress. Maybe a narrow black belt like the white one and black "more delicate" sandals?
DeleteThis dress makes her look matronly and is too big on her. She is young and beautiful. I wish she would wear slightly shorter dress.
ReplyDeleteI concur! My thoughts exactly. Kate's been sporting longer dresses lately and I don't understand why. She's young, but she's dressing like an older woman. She can still dress young and be appropriate for her station in life.
DeleteI think it might be a generational thing (or just personal taste). The midi skirt is quite in right now so she's probably just following what is in the stores. I personally love longer skirts because I can just plop down on the floor sitting with my legs crossed and not have to worry about anything, you basically have a buildt in blanket! It's so comfortable and nothing beats spinning around in a swirly skirt. They make me happy and comfortable, maybe they do the same for Kate?
DeletePlus, Rebecca, a longer skirt makes sense for sitting in the stands and climbing up and down the stairs- all whilst numerous cameras are aimed at her. Even a skirt hanging just below the knee in standing would ride up to a immodest degree, once she was seated, when camera angles are considered. By the way, I think the closed-toe shoe reflects that she was there as royal patron making a number of stops and contacts. Not just a
DeleteRoyal tennis fan.
I really like the dress on Kate. She can wear this style well with her height. A couple things I would tweak...no belt, because to me it distracts from her official Wimbledon bow and I would have loved to see a sandal that matched her purse. That purse is adorable! I agree with others that Kate looks really happy.
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte for the post. What is there not to love about Wimbledon! Really liked that Kate came early spent time with younger players before going to the Royal box. How good is it that one of the players is there because of the support of one of Kate's charities. Such a positive outcome. I sometimes think when we comment on the cost of clothes we dont break down the actual cost. The fabric alone would have cost more than 100 pounds, then there is design time made to order time etc etc. There are people like us workinging in these industries. Do we really want Kate supporting the use of sweat shop labour just to bring the price down. It is I acknowledge a contentious issue but one that bothers me. I liked the white and black and the flow of the dress as well as the quirky buttons thought the shoes were a good choice for the amount of walking on uneven surfaces. The nature of her engagement dictated practicality over fashion strappy sandals would have been fine if she just went to the Royal box.
ReplyDeleteLibby, so well said & I agree!! :)
DeleteI liked this look. It immediately reminded me of an updated version of one of Julia Roberts’ dresses in pretty woman:
ReplyDeletehttp://lisapriceinc.blogspot.com/2011/12/pretty-woman.html?m=1
Today’s attendance is a perfect example of Kate’s approach to her work. When she got married HM could gave passed the patronage to Kate immediately, because it was always a perfect match and fairly generally excepted that Kate with her love for tennis would become patron of Wimbledon at some point.
ReplyDeleteWhen she became patron she could have immediately taken over all the official roles, but she didn’t. I remember how disappointed people was when she did not had over the trophies that first year.
Every year we have seen her attend more and take on more official roles, like the award ceremony she attended today, which has always been attended by the Duchess of Kent (I think)
She is very aware that she will be patron of Wimbledon for years to come, and the Duke of Kent is doing a great job, so there is no immediate need for her to take over.
Correction I got my duchesses confused. It is the Duchess of Gloucester that normally attend the lunch time award ceremony.
DeleteIt's wonderful! She's wonderful! All the times people have questioned her motives, she's always had a plan & was confident enough to stick to it, along with the support from William, Charles & HM! Now we are seeing the fruits of a woman who's been doing important work all along, taking the time (she may not have in future) to be hands on raising her family... & not being rushed or burning the candle at both ends! Well Done Kate!! :)
DeleteI love your enthusiasm, Becca, and I agree!
DeletePreach, Becca!! 👏🏻💙
DeletePerfect dress for Wimbledon!
ReplyDeleteCool and breezy, perfect for a tennis outing. I love her expressions ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Charlotte, for shining a light on the fact that HRH wasn't just at Wimbledon for a Royal Box "jolly". She was present all day, supporting young players on the outside courts and learning more about the work of the All England Club.
ReplyDeleteAnd, for what it's worth, I think she looked marvellous!
Insanely Marvelous!! She's just been radiant these last months!! Next Level!! I Love Kate!! lol :)
DeleteJudith, agree with your points! Catherine looks fresh and classy. I love the handbag, and her other accessories are appropriate and nicely complement the dress, which I love. I personally love the vintage inspired looks that Catherine wears, although I know a lot of the people who post here do not.
DeleteAnd, I had to laugh at the comment that a nude shoe would have been better. Heaven forbid she wears a nude shoe with anything as the "brown sock" hating people will shout their dislike of them immediately.
I also appreciated reading that Catherine took the time to visit with and watch athletes away from the royal box, especially the competitor who has been involved with one of her patronages. Very nice!
I was wondering about the Wimbleton ribbon, is that something that Catherine has to return at the end of the day so someone else sitting in that area can use on a future visit or is it hers to keep?
Border Terrier lover :-)
Border Terrier Lover, the ribbon Kate wears is in her position as Patron of LTA (Wimbledon) not everybody who sits in the royal box wears one. So I suspect she keeps the ribbon from year to year.
DeleteAh, that makes sense. I didn't realize it was an official ribbon as Patron. Thank you, RachelZA!
DeleteBorder Terrier lover :-)
Love this dress & the detail of all the darts tapering the waist. This is not a matronly look with the details. Only thing that could improve this is the black strappy sandals she wore years ago with the black & white polka dot dress. She looks lovely & effortlessly chic!
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Bring back those sandals
DeleteAgreed. Love the retro 1940's sophisticated dress. I agree black sandals would complete the look nicely. Kate sure looks like she's enjoying the day out at Wimbleton very much. Her confidence has grown quite a bit.
DeleteYay! I got the sunglasses!! Happy Birthday To Me! :) Love everything about today!! She just looks Amazing... Such a light & young vibe lately & those smiles... she just reminds me So Much of young single Kate! I'll have what she's having!! lol :) But just as Royal & confident as can be!! :) xx
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Becca! Lucky you! :-)
DeleteBecca, (in reaction to what you wrote above), now we just have to find out what the youth elixir is, lol!
DeleteElla
Becca, now we just have to find out what the youth elixir is, lol!
DeleteElla
The Duchess looks lovely, the detail and cut, suit the Duchess well. But I am not a fan of the dress. The accessories are a miss. The belt I preferred on the model, white. Black strappy shoes would have looked smashing. The earrings are nice but not with the dress. A pair of pearl earrings would have been nicer. Personal preference there. The bag is gorgeous, just love it.
ReplyDeleteLove love love this dress!!! It really suits Kate, so fresh and with a 1940’s military/nurse vibe - in the best possible way! So pretty, elegant yet relaxed, and that darling bow tie brooch or embellishment, so cute! Don’t love that purse, do they always have to carry purse? It seems silly sometimes, kind of a contrived afterthought. The dress is so flowey and beautiful and that purse is so small and boxy and tight. Oh well, she looks incredible and happy!
ReplyDeleteI've seen Kate pull up water and sunglasses and such during wimbledon from her bag so in these cases where she's sitting for a long time it makes sense to pack some stuff.
DeleteThat makes total sense Rebecca!
DeleteI see Carole and Mike is at Wimbledon today. I do hope at some point in the future we will see Kate with her mom or sister at Wimbledon.
ReplyDeleteThere is no reason why she can’t ask them, Camilla’s sister join her most years and other royals have also taken friends/family as their guest. It would be so much fun seeing them share something that is obviously a shared passion.
Maybe we will see them tomorow on the Fourth of July. Serena Williams plays on the Fourth, and, so does Roger Federer. Parthenia
DeleteWhat a lovely event, I always look forward to seeing Kate at Wimbledon. She doesn't disappoint with her sartorial choice either. The dress/look is fantastic. Love the vintage vibe, and the flow of the dress. It's simply gorgeous on her. She looks so confident & at ease with herself. She's growing into her role in a really beautiful way. Thanks for a great post!
ReplyDeleteVery chic and understated! Love this white “tennis shirtdress’ with the en vogue, vintage vibe. In my view the suede shoes are absolutely right with this dress, and are as patron, she did a lot of walking. I’m often puzzled by so many comments that suede is not for summer - is this an American rule? Suede is absolutely worn in summers in Europe! I love her little purse - - looking for a similar online right now :-D
ReplyDeleteIn the picture of Kate walking through the crowd, there are several men taking pictures of her. Love it!! :)
ReplyDeletewow kate looks absolutely stunning i adore this whole chic look
ReplyDeletethanks charlotte
There’s a great clip of Roger Federer being interviewed saying he had played with George at the Middleton house in Buckleberry.
ReplyDeleteJust read that Kate was seen using a Clarins lip product at Wimbledon. Is this the first time we've seen her use makeup (or similar product) in public?
ReplyDelete