The Cambridges' Easter Plans & the Black Easter Gift Event

Hello again, dear readers,

As we approach Easter weekend - so often a time to spend with family and loved ones - it's going to be unlike any other as we strive to save lives by staying apart. For royal watchers, we've seen a new tradition emerging for the Cambridges, with the couple joining the Queen and other royals at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. The appearance comes ahead of the busy summer calendar which we'll find much altered this year. This year the family will mark the day at Anmer Hall, most likely with a little Easter egg hunt with the children. Below the Duchess on Easter Sunday last year wearing her elegant dove grey Alexander McQueen coat, Jane Taylor hat and her 'wedding day' Robinson Pelham earrings, her acorn brooch and a suede shoes and clutch by Emmy London.

Indeed, in normal circumstances we would have seen the Queen at the annual Royal Maundy service, where the monarch distributes specially-minted money to pensioners from across the UK. The service commemorates Jesus washing the feet of the Apostles at the Last Supper. This year, the Maundy purses and coins were blessed at the Chapel Royal before being posted to recipients. In a letter accompanying the purses, Her Majesty described it as "one of my most rewarding duties as Sovereign to observe this highly significant ceremony at such an important point in the Christian calendar".

Once again across the UK we clapped for our carers and NHS staff at 8 pm. Kensington Palace shared a video of Shout volunteers joining in. The organisation is providing 24/7 support through text lines founded in November 2017 by the Cambridges and the Sussexes.

Great to see @GiveUsAShout's Crisis Volunteers joining #ClapForCarers!

Anyone working on the frontline that finds themselves feeling stressed, lonely or overwhelmed can text FRONTLINE to 85258 for free, confidential, judgement-free support from a trained Crisis Volunteer. pic.twitter.com/lBidBT6omX

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 9, 2020

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With many of us keeping contact with loves ones through technology, buying gifts has become very much an online affair. I've collaborated with luxury accessories company Black.co.uk for many years now and during a chat with director Toby Logue earlier this week he told me he's seen a marked increase in "requests for gift wrapping and heartfelt messages enclosed with orders". With that in mind, they are offering customers a 25% discount (preapplied on the website) as part of The Black Easter Gift Event. Toby offered an additional 10% discount code for blog readers - HRH10 - meaning shoppers can avail of up to 35% off their order.

Normally at this time, we would be beginning to consider pieces for planned holidays - now it's very much about comfortable wearable clothing for home. Some stylish and cosy pieces include the Navy and Grey Cashmere Poncho in a micro chevron design. The 100% Italian cashmere piece looks great with jeans.

The Light Grey and Cream Cashmere Poncho and the Charcoal Dark Grey Wool Cape are shown below. 

Very much in keeping with the "cosy/comfy chic" (How many of you would describe your style this way now? :)) I noticed the selection of stylish slippers on offer.

The Duchess certainly favours shades of green both at home and during trips overseas to Pakistan and Ireland. 

Below, the Emerald Green Cashmere and Silk Wrap, the Military Green Cashmere and Silk Wrap and the Emerald to Sapphire Handwoven Cashmere Shawl in vibrant jewel tones.

A silk scarf adds an effortless touch of glamour to any look. The Carmen Muted Green, Coral and Black Silk Scarf is described: "The striking geometric design of this multi toned silk scarf showcases the meticulous artisan skills of hand spinning, hand weaving and hand printing. A soft palette of sage green, pale coral and ivory works in harmony with black to create a dramatic design.  Made entirely by hand from 100% organic silk this silk scarf is from our collection. The size and weight make it a versatile silk scarf which can also double as a sarong." It was created by a talented young designer who recently showcased his work at Kate's patronage, the Victoria & Albert Museum.

Animal print scarves continue to be immensely popular this spring. The Navy and Grey Zebra Print Silk Scarf is handcrafted from a blend of silk merino wool and like many of the scarves at the brand, it's large enough to be worn as a shawl. The Taupe and Black Leopard Print Silk Scarf is designed by a talented up-and-coming French designer.

Items for your home include Lavender and Geranium Hand and Body Lotion. It is described: "Treat yourself to a luxuriously fragranced hand and body lotion that leaves your skin delicately soft and scented. A floral heart of lavender geranium and rose deepened with woody amber and patchouli is gently spiked with a hint of ginger to give fresh green herbal notes. Our hand and body lotion is hand made from the finest ingredients and specially selected fine quality perfumes. It comes in 300ml glass bottle and is beautifully boxed with a black and white striped ribbon." The lotion also comes in Grapefruit and Cedar.

Another beautifully fragrant item for pampering yourself at home is the Black Rose and Frankincense Hand And Body Wash balanced with spices and amber for a heady distinctive scent. It also comes in the combinations listed above - Lavender & Geranium and Grapefruit & Cedar. The final touch for the best home spa experience is a relaxing scented candle. The Fresh Tea and Ginger Scented Candle features notes of fresh orange and lemon.

Sending a note has taken on a new significance of late. The A Girl For All Seasons Notecards include eight embossed notecards and envelopes featuring Bovary & Co.'s 'A Girl for all Seasons' design with each cameo representing a season.

Not forgetting our male readers, take a look at the very dapper Mackenzie Tartan Scarf, Navy Grey and Bordeaux Cashmere Socks, Grey Tweed Weekend Bag and the Black & Biscuit Cravat set.

A reminder, 25% is automatically deducted, and to avail of an extra 10% discount enter HRH10 at the checkout. It's valid until 13 April. In the UK, there's Free Delivery on orders over £50 and free returns. Internationally, it's Free Delivery on orders exceeding £150. For those sending gifts you can request the addition of gift wrapping with your product order and personal messages during the checkout process. Regarding delivery, Toby tells me UK shipping is operating as normal while US orders are delayed by a day or two. Click here to view the collections.

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Finally it's been heartwarming to see the number of supermarkets and charities ensuring NHS staff have a treat for Easter. Through so much of the coverage I've heard healthcare professionals speak of how much a hot meal or a treat means during these long and difficult days. Below, staff receiving their Easter eggs at North Manchester General Hospital.

I know this Easter will be a lonely time for some of you reading this. We're all in this together and however you're spending it, I wish you all a safe and happy weekend.

I also want to thank you all for your post suggestions. I'll be bringing back the 'Kate Loves' series, working on requested fashion and beauty posts and discussing some of the most memorable events of the past decade in the weeks ahead.