It was an evening of sporting and cultural delights for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Trench Town in Kingston.
As the tour hits its midpoint, the pace is gathering in terms of engagements and appearances.
Today offered a whirlwind of appearances: departure from Belize, official welcoming ceremony in Jamaica, and this evening's exciting activities.
Kensington Palace said: "Jamaica has made an extraordinary contribution towards music and sport globally, of which we saw on display today".
Earlier today, I wrote about the possibility William and Kate are undertaking the final official royal visit before the Queen is removed as head of state. It's long been thought Jamaica will follow in Barbados' footsteps. Royal sources told members of royal press corps, the Cambridges are "aware" of this and protests gathering pace, and believe any decision moving forward is for the government and people of Jamaica. It is expected, however, William will address slavery during a State banquet tomorrow.
There has undeniably been tension ahead of this visit. In many ways, the itinerary for this evening lent itself to a far more relaxed atmosphere.
A warm welcome.
The welcome in Trench Town was fantastic.
Mayhem in Trench Towb pic.twitter.com/NiBsbherqx
— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) March 22, 2022
People of all ages turned out to meet the royals.
The Duke and Duchess met Jamaican-born England star Raheem Sterling and Aston Villa and Jamaica winger Leon Bailey.
Raheem was given the go ahead by England manager Gareth Southgate to join the event following a personal invitation from Prince William to attend.
William and Kate meet Jamaican-born England star Raheem Sterling and Aston Villa and Jamaica winger Leon Bailey in Trench Town. pic.twitter.com/HkISI0VCEc
— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) March 22, 2022
'Among the sports stars the couple met were England and Manchester City striker Raheem Sterling and Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey. Turning to Kate, Prince Wiliam said: “Two heroes of mine. These two are the fastest in the team.”
Raheem said he had travelled out to Jamaica, especially for the royals visit and William had a kickabout.
Raheem explained: I thought why not? I came out specially for this.
“Otherwise I wouldn’t have any time to do it. [I should be at training camp].'
With such esteemed company, it was time for William to join in on the pitch...
That’s better! pic.twitter.com/kIzbsoOzgq
— Simon Perry (@SPerryPeoplemag) March 22, 2022
...while the Duchess cheered from the sideline.
A photo with the team.
Time for a group photo with the Jamaican bobsleigh team.
They sat in one of the team's history-making bobsleighs. A moment to remember!
Did you know Trench Town is the home of Reggae music and Bob Marley? Marley's much-loved songs "Trenchtown", "Natty Dread", "Trenchtown Rock" and "No Woman, No Cry" make reference to it.
A lyric from 'No Woman, No Cry': 'Cause, 'cause, 'cause I remember when we used to sit, In the government yard in Trench Town." The government yards in Trench Town, a housing project in Kingston where he grew up, led to the iconic song being written. It's about the strength of women. Bassist Aston Barrett told NME in 2012: "The song is about the strength in the mama of course, strength in the ladies. And we love a woman with a backbone."
In keeping with the musical theme, William and Kate played the bongos at the Trench Town Culture Yard and Museum.
#RoyalVisit2022: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge take part in a drumming session in Trench Town as part of their three-day tour of Jamaica. The Royals are celebrating Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee. - Debra Edwards video. pic.twitter.com/5mLSYjpuPB
— Jamaica Gleaner (@JamaicaGleaner) March 23, 2022
It was a fabulous evening.
'Donnette Dowe, manager of Trench Town Culture Yard, hopes the royal visit will encourage tourists to start visiting again. Visits to the cultural site have fallen significantly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I'm excited about that, that the prince chose to visit our community," she told the Jamaica Gleaner, adding that the planned visit has also provided short-term employment for some residents.'
''Since the rise of COVID-19 in early 2020, the site has experienced a massive drop in tourist visits.
Donnette “Sophia” Dowe, director and tour manager of the historic venue, is looking forward to welcoming its most famous visitors since Jay-Z and BeyoncĂ© in 2018.
“We haven't been getting much tourists; the Culture Yard has been struggling since COVID,” she told the Jamaica Observer.
In 2008 Prince Charles, William's father, stopped in Trench Town during his official trip to Jamaica but he never visited the Culture Yard, which is now likely to receive international coverage due to William's and Kate's expected half-hour stay.'
Hopefully, it will be fine when the Prince visits and it will be much better for us after he visits. Hopefully, things will happen for the people of Trench Town. That's what I'm hoping,” said Dowe.'
Prince Charles visiting in 2008.
The Duchess wore a coral and turquoise 1950s vintage dress as shown at Willow Hilson (with many thanks to Heaven).
More from the product description:
'This eye-catching 1950's dress, in a wonderful striped palette of turquoise blue, coral, and yellow with a black filigree pattern, is the perfect piece to add to your vintage wardrobe.
Her thin shoulder straps join the straight cut neckline, which boast a turned down collar along the edges. Her fitted bodice, is accented by a cinched in waistline. Her wonderful skirt, is set off by small gathered pleats along the waistband, that drape into the skirt, creating an iconic 1950's silhouette. Her matching cotton shawl, is set off by turquoise blue lining to one side.'
Another look at the dress on Kate.
For Kate's third pair of pearls tomorrow, she wore her Maria Black Cha Cha earrings.
I met some of the most beautiful people when in Jamaica. Such beautiful, happy souls that really made the impression that happiness doesn't come from "things". Children running home from church in their Sunday bests- beautiful people.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting pattern on the Duchess's dress. I would not have thought to put that pattern on that print.
I love that she wears vintage. That is a good message ♻️👌🏻
ReplyDeletehmm i love their culture and there warm hospitality like asian country always love the duchess wearing beautiful summery dress
ReplyDeleteI wasn't sold on this dress until I saw a shiny, metallic stripe in the video. That brought it up a notch in my book. Also, the shoes and earrings and the fact that is a vintage dress all help me to like it better. I couldn't wear all those stripes going around, but that isn't a problem with Kate's athletic and slim figure. The colors are nice!
ReplyDeleteThe Jamaicans seem happy to meet Willam and Kate. And the couple seem to enjoy their visit. fashion side: I would not have liked the dress if it had been worn in the UK but it is perfect for a tour in the Caribbean
ReplyDeleteLoving this colourful tour, just what we all need after 2 years of pandemic gloom.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting change to the straps from the spaghetti ones. My guess is that she had a dressmaker turn the shawl into the wider straps and color. A real win!
ReplyDeleteGuess Trench Town didn't get the memo. What a wonderfully warm, energetic, genuine welcome for William and Kate! The entire vibe was so uplifting and inspiring. Everybody looks so happy! Comments online from Jamaicans have been incredibly positive and quite in contrast with what some media would want us to believe. Great night of events.
ReplyDeleteIndeed there is a sharp contrast with what the media reports.
DeleteKate is killing it on the fashion front. Love this vintage dress, its like the Jamaican flag in a beautiful print! Loving her shoe game as well this trip, she is stepping out! William looks like he is enjoying himself!
ReplyDeleteWell, this dress is not to my personal taste, but it's an interesting choice. I don't really recall my mother in her 1950s wardrobe -- my early memories are of her wearing her Jackie Kennedy-style early-60s clothes -- but she saved some items, and I enjoy looking at them.
ReplyDeleteEvidently, the shawl was used to provide this dress with wider straps. In any case. it's a fun look, and the casual slingbacks are sweet! They could be worn with trousers and jeans, too.
WOW, just WOW. So glad to see the warm welcome for W & C from the lovely Jamaican people. A brilliant beginning to their stay in Jamaica. This tour seems to be going by so fast, I don't want it to be over! I love how joyful W & C are, so relaxed and easy in their roles as ambassadors for the Queen. I can't leave out a comment or two about what Catherine is wearing - I LOVE the outfit. It is superbly put together - just a home run. The dress is gorgeous, fun, cheerful, comfortable looking, I just love everything about it. It if were in my closet it would be a favorite go-to summer dress. The shoes are fabulous - classy, casual, and a stunning accessory for this look. The simple bracelet beautifully completes this look. Catherine seems to have devoted a lot of thought to her wardrobe for this tour, and her taste is impeccable. She is really stepping up her game and it's wonderful. Thanks for a great post!
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful dress! I wonder how they found the fabric to alter the top? As far as turmoil, it seems to be an island divided as equally as many people showed support for them. I wonder what happens exactly when a British territory becomes independent? Do they no longer pay taxes to Britain? Remove the flag?
ReplyDeleteI love this look!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this dress and love the fact that Kate is wearing low heels with this dress. Sometimes I think Kate's adoration of stilettos gives her an awkward look: she is fond of sky-high heels with more casual looks. Love these low slingbacks.
ReplyDeleteLove this vintage choice. How optimistic we were back then. As another poster said, it seems the shawl was used to make the more flattering neckline. The shoes are a style I wore often in the 70s, classic. They both are doing a fine job in a difficult time.
ReplyDeleteKaren in Virginia
That makes sense Karen, and whoever did the tailoring did a wonderful job, sorry the shawl was sacrificed but a great example of repurposing clothing! Really love the shoes, a modern take on an old classic....good design generally comes back around.
DeleteLove this vintage dress. It is a great dress and looks wonderful on Catherine. Works beautifully on this tour.
ReplyDeleteThis is a marvellous dress, beautiful, love the shoes and jewellery, excellent ensemble.
ReplyDeleteKate looks lovely in this dress, so youthful and fresh
ReplyDeleteGreat dress. What a warm and welcoming evening.
ReplyDeleteDitto Tedi!
DeleteDss Kate wore some lovely outfits. She is very slender so everything looks good on her. Kate must be a designers dream.
ReplyDeleteAn earlier comment of mine seems to have been lost in the shuffle…I don’t believe this gorgeous dress was altered using the matching shawl, the thought of which would break my preservationist heart. If you look carefully at the original, you’ll notice that the breast placket runs under the arms and around to the center back. On the DOH’s version, the placket is only horizontal on the front, and with beautiful dressmaking the placket becomes the widened shoulder straps. There is no placket running under her arms to the back. I could be completely wrong, but I hope I’m not. This dress is a smashing success for me. She looks gorgeous, fresh and summery. Truly like the breath of fresh air needed right now.
ReplyDeleteThis event just put a big smile on my face. The people were so happy to meet them. I’m so glad William and Kate were able to feel the love from the people of Jamaica.
ReplyDeleteHer dress is so cute. I just loved how relax and comfortable she looks.