It was a family affair today when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge brought Prince George and Princess Charlotte to Cardiff Castle for a special Jubilee weekend.
It's a significant engagement in many ways. Prince William will become Prince of Wales when Charles is king, and then in time Prince George will inherit the title. It is George's first official 'engagement' in Wales. Choosing to hold it over the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Weekend has a poignancy to it. As Her Majesty celebrates seventy years as monarch, her great-grandson takes the first steps in his own royal life.
Of course, George and Charlotte are very young, so it is simply wonderful they have each other and are sharing this experience together. I cannot imagine how daunting it is for adults, let alone children. Whilst scene-stealing darling Louis did not join the family, royal expert Marlene Koenig spotted their helicopter returning to Kensington Palace after the engagement and saw Louis running into Kate's arms.
The Cambridges arriving.
NEW The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have brought Prince George and Princess Charlotte to Cardiff today to meet performers and crew involved in the #PlatinumJubilee concert today at Cardiff Castle #HM70 pic.twitter.com/V8gEGuRK07
— Roya Nikkhah (@RoyaNikkhah) June 4, 2022
The foursome visited Cardiff Castle to meet performers and crew involved in a special Platinum Jubilee Concert due to take place later today. They had the opportunity to learn more about the technical production and spend time with those involved in the planning. The concert will be hosted by Aled Jones and Shan Cothi.
Learning about the production side of things.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte at Cardiff Castle. pic.twitter.com/3J1CdBPwGv
— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) June 4, 2022
Because it's Mum and Dad's job to embarrass you, William and Kate joined in a rehearsal of 'Sweet Caroline', shall we say, to the surprise of George and Charlotte :)
Sweet Caroline royal singalong pic.twitter.com/qnfL53CLst
— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) June 4, 2022
'At one point, the royals joined the orchestra on stage as they played Welsh singer Tom Jones' hit "Delilah." They moved along the stage to then watch a rock drummer do a roll. The live music entertainment will be especially fun for George. Kate previously revealed that the young prince is learning to play the guitar. The family — with Charlotte, 7, clutching her dad William's hand — then went to watch dancers and young musical performers on the castle lawns.
Prince William shared a special moment with Siobhan Lewis, 37, who has cerebral palsy, and her mother Tracey, from Cardiff. Siobhan told the prince that she met Princess Diana when she was at the Peto Institute in Budapest, Hungary.
"He was happy to hear that and said that he knew she'd been to Hungury a few times," Tracey tells PEOPLE.'
Charlotte looked delighted to do a meet-and-greet with performers.
Getting into the musical spirit.
'They also met the crew, before helping with some of the final preparations for the event.
Owain Wyn Evans said Princess Charlotte and Prince George had wanted to have a go on his drumkit, but they got a "bit too shy and so I did a little drum performance for them".
"At the time I was dripping in glitter, but they said I actually needed more glitter - so I'm going to try and find some spray glitter for my fringe now," he said.
Emma Thomas, from Cardiff, met the Royal quartet and said: "Prince George walked right up, shook my hand and said 'I'm George'.
"Princess Charlotte was eyeing up the sparkling shoes of the lady who gave the flowers to Kate."
Applause for performers.
William and Kate kept a constant eye on the children. It's a milestone day for them.
Then it was time for a quick "hello" with a group of locals who were eager to meet the royals.
Charlotte received so many flowers, George had to lend a helping hand.
Kate chats with a young fan.
Two future princes of Wales in Wales.
The look that says..."we're getting the hang of royal engagements".
Artist Nathan Wyburn was delighted to present royal collages to the couple. He told Wales Online: "I created two collages of the royal couple and Her Majesty The Queen, using 1 image from each of her 70 year reign as monarch. The kids loved finding an image of themselves and little Louis in the artwork! Proud to continue my support and be ambassador for Shelter Cymru, who I donated one of the artworks to, and also 10x signed prints of each to raise money for the cause."
An absolute honour to meet and present my work to Their Royal Highness’ Prince William, Kate, George & Charlotte. @KensingtonRoyal
— Nathan Wyburn Artist (@NathanWyburnArt) June 4, 2022
I created two collages of the royal couple and Her Majesty The Queen, using 1 image from each of her 70 year reign as monarch. Continued… pic.twitter.com/UPML3Fq7f9
A very nice start to the penultimate day of the Jubilee.
In the video below you'll hear Bonnie Tyler rehearsing 'Total Eclipse of the Heart'.
The Duchess was in red for Wales.
Kate debuted the piece last May for the release of Hold Still.
The wool crepe coat features a mandarin collar and three-quarter length sleeves. It's from the brand's 2018 Collection.
Kate accessorised with her Alia earrings by Welsh brand Spells of Love.
The Duchess carried a very chic new bag by DeMellier London. The Nano-Montreal is available for pre-order with delivery expected early next month.
Kate completed the look with a navy dress and her navy suede Gianvito Rossi pumps.
Mindful of the fact not everyone who might wish to will be able to join in this weekend's festivities, the Duchess of Cambridge paid a private visit to her patronage Evelina London last night.
Evelina revealed: "Our Patron, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, dropped in for a private visit to meet our patients, families and staff unable to join in the celebrations this weekend."
The hospital added: "Luckily the hospital was already decked with Platinum Jubilee decorations made by some of the children and young people we are caring for. Thank you HRH for thinking of us."
A lovely gesture.
Both William and Charles are expected to give speeches at tonight's Platinum Party at the Palace, kicking off at 8pm.
How lovely! It looks like Kate’s coat is lined with a silky Cardiff plaid. What a lovely touch.
ReplyDeleteLovely as always. So nice to see the children with them at this visit. George seem to be a little camera shy.Charlotte is more outgoing.
DeleteI thought her coat was orange? Or is just the color it gives off in pictures? DM
ReplyDeletecalling it orange.
Great to see George and Charlotte joining in the engagement. Do you think Kate will be at the concert tonight?
ReplyDeleteI loved this coat the first time and still do! So fun to see it with a different hairstyle and skirt/purse/heels combo…what a treat to see the children! Some really adorable photos and moments. William and Catherine are doing a good job of introducing them to the work aspect. The photo from Marlene is so special! Wow! :) looking forward to seeing whatever we can from the concert. Charlotte, you are amazing! Sue
ReplyDeleteI LOVE everything about this!!!😀 ♥️
ReplyDeleteEVERYTHING! ❤
DeleteGeorge is so cute in his outfit identical to his dad’s, down to the shoes!
ReplyDeleteFrom what I understand William won't automatically become Prince of Wales but the title must be granted by the monarch. Charles wasn't Prince of Wales at birth, the title was granted to him when he was 20 years old.
ReplyDeleteYes, that's correct. The title is not inherited but must be conferred by the monarch. However, it is not necessary to be Prince of Wales in order to become monarch. Plenty of British monarchs were never Prince of Wales, including the Queen's father, King George VI.
DeleteI would think it's because Charles was very young when Mummy became Queen. At a guess I would think 6-12 months after Charles is crowned. Hopefully not for a long time. S. ☺
DeleteAlso including the Queen herself; she was never created Prince or Princess of Wales.
DeleteVery busy days for the DOC. Nice that she found time to visit the hospice.
ReplyDeleteIntense days for the children. After the day in Wales they are at the concert. And they had time for a change of outfit.
They seem like a lovely family but I found it quite depressing to see the kids dressed the same as their parents (George especially, right down to the shoes) being prepared for the same life as their parents. I hope they are given a choice or make their own choices in the life they would like to have. (celticgirl)
ReplyDeleteI would imagine the children are dressed like that because they are on a official visit to Wales on behalf of the Queen. As in working clothes, they are always dressed differently when wearing casual clothing. I'm 100% sure that they will be free to do whatever they wish in life. A very long day for both of them. They did a fantastic job. Both very well behaved and a credit to their parents. S. ☺
DeleteThe point of having a monarchy is you don't have a choice. In that case George's parents are more intent in showing him how to embrace the role, how to feel happy with it and at the same time being aware of the responsibility/duty. Very difficult. But telling him he has a choice and can walk away is not helpful IMO, because it isn't true. Not if you want a monarchy, not if you want to follow the exemple of your grand mother. They are celebrating the fact that she embraced her destiny and is happy. It can be done.
DeleteSuch a special engagement and the children are lovely!! They seemed to be so interested in everything it’s truly a blessing for all!!!
ReplyDeleteI love this red coat, the fit and cut is perfect. The Duchess looked radiant. Her accessories, shade of blue looked great, I love this contrast. Her hair tied back looked effortlessly chic.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to see the children! I love the photo of George helping Charlotte with her flowers. They all look wonderful. I have to ask, who is that handsome man behind Kate in the fourth photo? A new protection officer?
ReplyDeleteI love this coat; its sleek, sophisticated lines appeal to my own sensibilities and tastes. I do think that the bracelet-length sleeves are a bit impractical for anyone but a royal with many coats to wear, in many climes, and also that the red color tends more to the orange end of the spectrum than many people can wear. I certainly can't. However, the footage suggesting that the coat is really orange is inaccurate. It's simply red with a lot of yellow in it.
ReplyDeleteAnd the fitted silhouette is terrific. Perfection.
I realize that the royal children must be introduced and accustomed to what Mum and Dad, and Grampa and Gan-Gan, actually do for a living, but the young prince and princess were looking distinctly uncomfortable at various points during this engagement. For reasons that I won't explain here, I learned very early how to cope with public appearances at an early age, but I would have preferred not to do so until I was in my teens. It's not my choice, obviously, but I'd like it better if the Cambridge children could be kept out of the limelight for a few more years.
I have the feeling this Jubilee celebration was an extremely special circumstance and we won’t be seeing the kids at public events very often until they’re older. William knows firsthand how hard it is and Catherine seems extremely protective of her children. But I do think it was appropriate for the children to be present on this special weekend.
DeleteYes I completely agree Anon. As a future King and possibly Princess Royal, it was very important to have them there today. Those children are very well looked after and I'd imagine everything is being explained to them on their level George seems a lot more confident than his father was at that age. I'm reminded of Queen Mary out and about with the young princess Elizabeth and Margaret. That's how we all learn, from our parents and grandparents. It must be a great comfort to The Queen knowing the crown is in very safe hands and willing hands for the future. S. ☺
DeleteI agree with both Anon comments. First, this was an extremely special occasion with highlights and events that the children could attend and even enjoy. Secondly, this is very much a part of their life. They see the roles their mother and father are involved in daily. It's a good exposure for them and am sure William and Kate are doing this in a very measured way so as not to overwhelm. Lastly, very glad that the Cambridge children have the good fortune to know their grandmother to see firsthand the example she has set and are able to have these wonderful memories. It will have great meaning for them later in life.
DeleteI actually was referring specifically to the Cardiff walkabout, not to the children's sitting in boxes for Jubilee events, where they weren't expected to interact with strangers. They looked relaxed at those, as though they were enjoying themselves, and I agree that it was important for them to be seen at such events. They did not look comfortable during the walkabout. That's the sort of thing I think they should be spared for now.
DeleteWalk abouts and meeting people will be a big part of their lives. Have to start learning some time. S. ☺
DeleteOops, I meant to mention: I own two DeMellier bags, a Berlin and a Venice. They are gorgeous and fully worth buying, if you'd like to spend money on a great, very high-quality bag, with interesting design features, instead of on a vastly-overpriced bag from Gucci or Vuitton or Hermes or even Fendi (one of my own favorites).
ReplyDeleteI am not a shill for DeMellier: I promise.
She shoots... She scores. Yet again. Beautiful Duchess, I love the fit, the cut and colour of the coat. The family look very good today. Great to see the children taking on such a high profile over the weekend. I'm a bit sad thinking of Louis and the family heading off without him. 😢. He was a skit on the balcony. Hopefully the weather will be ok tomorrow for the lunch. S. ☺
ReplyDeleteGreat comment S! Kate certainly did score and Louis was a pure 'skit'....cute.
DeleteLovely outing for the entire family. Thought the kids did really well. Very age appropriate event and their reactions what one would expect:).The kids looked cute. Catherine and William looked lovely.
ReplyDeleteAli
Lovely outing for the entire family. Thought the kids did enjoy themselves as well
ReplyDeleteLove the high ponytail. She should definitely wear her hair more often like this.
ReplyDeleteThanks Charlotte for another nice post.
ReplyDeleteCatherine looks stunning in that coat! wow one of her bests. the 2 kids are adorable and look so happy!
Wonderful event and the children looked happy. Catherine and William closely monitored them the whole time and kept close. I think as parents they are doing an extraordinary job and the children looked happy. I don’t believe you’ll suddenly see the children at other events In the future. This is a special weekend and the children are old enough to understand. Both William and Catherine are too protective of them and want them to have as normal as can be upbringing whatever normal is. Normal to some people is not normal for others.
ReplyDelete