Fresh from attending their final engagements in Jamaica -- the inaugural Commissioning Parade in Kingston for service personnel across the Caribbean who have completed the Military Academy’s officer training programme and a reception -- the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said farewell to Jamaica.
The Duchess arriving at Norman Manley International Airport.
The Duchess of Cambridge is wearing a green Emilia Wickstead dress and the Queen’s hummingbird brooch, gifted to her when she visited Jamaica in 2002, for the departure. pic.twitter.com/uGCUHhUZi7
— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) March 24, 2022
A number of dignitaries met them at the airport to say goodbye.
Saying their goodbyes #RoyalVisitJamaica pic.twitter.com/7mATqLCbPI
— Emily Nash (@emynash) March 24, 2022
As William and Kate leave, it may very well be the closing of a chapter in Jamaica's history. It's more than possible it will mark the final official visit by members of the Royal family before the country removes the Queen as head of state. In terms of diplomatically significant moments, Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared Jamaica's intention for an independent future almost immediately after he met the Cambridges. Local media reports the process could begin as soon as this summer.
At a banquet last night, William touched on the "abhorrent" history, saying, "I strongly agree with my father, the Prince of Wales, who said in Barbados last year that the appalling atrocity of slavery forever stains our history. While the pain runs deep, Jamaica continues to forge its future with determination, courage and fortitude."
And that's a wrap for the second leg of the tour.
Next stop...the Bahamas.
The Duchess was in a familiar Emilia Wickstead dress. Again, like her Jenny Packham gown last night, we're seeing Kate pay homage to countries she's visiting with her sartorial choices.
Kate debuted the short sleeve green dress for the Wimbledon Women's Final. It's the first repeat look we've seen during the tour.
Kate sported her Kiki McDonough citrine earrings. The hoops are solid gold and different to the jewel encrusted pair we normally see with the citrines (with thanks to Emma).
William and Kate will be landing in the Bahamas at 4.30 local time.
Absolutely radiant!!
ReplyDeleteVery nice rewear. I love green on her. The texture of the fabric is lovely. That's a unusual brooch she's wearing but I like it. Nice gesture to wear in while saying goodbye to Jamaica. S. ☺
ReplyDeleteJewelry loans from the Queen are the best! Lovely dress worth wearing again.
ReplyDeleteDP
Definitely. đź‘Ś. The Queen has been a lot more generous with sharing her jewellery with the Duchess compared to other members of her family. Her wedding bracelet being a perfect example. I always wondered, is it a case of requesting something and it's delivered or has she full access to the Royal vaults. S. ☺
DeleteWell, full access has only the Queen and it is up to her to decide who gets what but it is obvious that she appreciate Kate and how well she carries her duties so it must be a pleasure for her to see the Duchess wearing royal jewelry.
DeleteDP
I love this dress, partly because of the green color, but I have this fraught relationship with Emilia Wickstead. I tend to fall in love with her designs as presented on the runway, but then, when I see them on someone, they aren't nearly as effective, and there tend to be fit problems. That's happened a couple of times with the Duchess, though not with this dress, which is sleek and simple enough not to present any major fit issues. (I also think that the dark green Wickstead the Duchess wore for St. Patrick's Day in 2012 remains one of her best looks.)
ReplyDeleteI fell in love with a Wickstead not too long ago, one in this same fabric but in a pale-green shade. Sadly, when I tried it on, it didn't work on me at all. I don't know whether that was because EW doesn't have my body type in mind when she's sitting at her drawing board or whether it was just a poorly-designed piece. I was very disappointed.
All that said, this dress might not have been the best choice for tarmac-wear. It's long enough not to have resulted in any embarrassing moments, but it was blowing tightly against the Duchess's body at one point. I note it's well-lined, which helped, and I know the Duchess's hems are weighted, but I'm thinking that perhaps elegant trouser suits might be the best choice for airports, unless the arrival or departure really calls for a dress.
I agree re the fabric choice for windy runways.HRH looks gorgeous as always though.
DeleteEverything is perfect from the start of the tour. Very happy to see this dress again and the brooch is beautiful. I ask myself the question: Kate wore new outfits each time when leaving Jamaica and when leaving Belize (we had perhaps never seen it but the jacket dates from her university years)...so I think for the end of the Bahamas tour Kate will be wearing something we've seen before or "old". We'll have to wait until the end of the tour to find out :-)
ReplyDeleteMarie if I were Kate I’d be wearing pj’s or sweats at the end of a tour like this ;) But maybe she does once she’s in their part of the cabin :)
DeleteI would say "except living Jamaica and Belize"
DeleteValerie, I agree she must be exhausted. What a gruelling program, long days, lots of travel, and high heels.
DeleteI’m rather tired of seeing Kate wear the colors of the flag every time she makes a foreign visit. It seems very insincere even though she is trying to pay homage. A nod here or there is fine but this is too much.
ReplyDeleteHer symbolic dressing has never been particularly nuanced and I think often comes across as simplistic and costume-y. I wish she had worn more local designers. I think that is more meaningful and impactful than just theme color dressing.
DeleteI'm glad she's repeated an outfit and I prefer this occasion (to Wimbledon)because with her hair pulled back we can clearly see the neckline. I think this tour has been difficult for them with the constant talk of republicanism (not a criticism of the countries as I'd want a head of state from my own country too, if I were them) but, still, I think they'll be pleased to get home and I'm impressed that they both (but particularly Kate) have been able to keep a smile fixed at almost all times).
ReplyDeleteAgain great look and super color Dss Kate looks stunning.
ReplyDeleteThis goodbye to Jamaica could be very symbolic, and if it is indeed a farewell to Jamaica with HM the head of state, then I have to say that the Cambridges showed dignity and grace throughout the entire tour. The Queen should be very proud of how they represented her and presented themselves. Love this departure dress with the hummingbird brooch, it's a beautiful piece of jewelry. I feel like perhaps the Queen had a hand in recommending pieces for Kate to wear on this tour, at least I hope she did. They are a very handsome couple and love the looks they share with each other, Kate truly is William's, 'strength and stay'!
ReplyDeleteEvery time they leave a tour, I imagine W&K sharing their photos with their children, and I hope that one day they will get the chance to return with their children. It is a very beautiful country.
Great time to throw in a repeat. I was so excited because I thought she brought back the praline pumps (a favorite of mine). But these are gorgeous too!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea to add this dress to the line up. I just saw a photo of their arrival in the Bahamas. That’s a treat too!
ReplyDeleteWonderful 'rewear' and happy that she is mixing them in. Definitely interesting choices on this tour including the vintage dress and small purse. She looks lovely in a wide variety (we should all be so lucky).
ReplyDeleteThe loan of the hummingbird brooch from HM is wonderful and perfect on this dress. Thanks for the close up Charlotte!
On to the Bahamas and something aquamarine.
Great rewear. I loved this dress at Wimbledon, the updo and the brooch give it a different feel.
ReplyDeleteExactly, it looks completely different and yet new!!
DeleteI agree, I didn't remember the dress at Wimbledon and it looks completely different. I like it much better with the updo, the lovely neckline and proportions stand out much better. Also the brooch is perfect
DeleteI just can't get over how colorful Kate's wardrobe has been for this tour! A veritable rainbow! And her coloring goes with so many vibrant hues. I'm so glad we haven't seen a pale blue number (I'm so tired of seeing her in blue even though it suits her). I love the greens, the yellow (the Big Banana returns!) and the orange/white suit was so crisp. Such a pleasure looking at the pictures. Thank you Charlotte, for the quick and thorough coverage. I've missed the tours so much!
ReplyDeleteI am wild about that brooch, being a bird lover. The dress is simple, flattering, elegant, and nods to the flag.
ReplyDeleteKaren in Virginia
A darling brooch. A great dress. And I like the slicked back hair. I think it shows a lot of confidence.
ReplyDeleteI like the cut and color of this dress, and how special to pair it with this brooch. Like the dress better with nude pumps, and it’s nice to see the top part with her hair up. Thanks for your amazing work this week! Sue
ReplyDeleteThank you for your commentary Charlotte. Such high standard as usual. This cannot be an easy tour for the Cambridges. I love the variety in looks - each appearance a bit different. I wish Catherine would get rid of all the towering heels. The shoes look uncomfortable, and are most certainly unhealthy. But hey, I really know very little about fashion.
ReplyDeleteeverything is prefect from head to fit she flying like uk would be proud of I'm wild about that brooch, being a bird lover. The dress is simple, flattering, elegant, and nods to the flag.
ReplyDeleteI love this dress, the colour is gorgeous, the silhouette is very flattering. The hummingbird brooch, was a wonderful addition and looks fabulous.
ReplyDeletei have my wish a very nice re wear, a lovely dress..
ReplyDeleteLove this dress, really liking this emerald green shade. It pairs so well with brooch as well.
ReplyDelete