The Duchess of Cambridge marked Armed Forces Day with shared images of private British Army visits from last year to mark the occasion.
The Duchess shared the following on Twitter and Instagram: "Today on Armed Forces Day, William and I would like to pay tribute to the brave men and women, past and present, serving in all of our armed forces, at sea, on land and in the air, here in the UK and around the world. Thank you for all you and your families sacrifice to keep us safe. Last year, I was honoured to spend time with the British Army to see how they train serving personnel and new recruits. It was wonderful to see first-hand the many important and varied roles the military play day in, day out to protect us all, and I look forward to discovering more about the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force in due course."
The Duchess was appropriately kitted out in comfortable pieces in earth tones.
It looks very much like Kate wore her Seeland Woodcock Jacket.
Yes a great tribute to the men and women who gave so much and still are. Would be nice for her to take on a Military assignment, to make it more believable. She does look good in military gear.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this and so glad the Royal Family always remembers their Armed Forces. I would assume Kate will be given an Armed Forces role in the future. I’ve seen Royal women from other countries dressed as this when getting some hands-in experience to learn first hand, and it’s wonderful. I’m a big Holland Cooper fan- love her clothes! Sue
ReplyDeleteInteresting photos.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, trolls make a habit out of mocking non-military personnel (including honorary officers) who are pictured in military gear and engaging in military-related activities. It's happened to many American politicians, and I've seen the same derisive attacks directed at various royals. I hope the Duchess doesn't come in for too much of that, especially now that she's taking on honorary military appointments.
I love the sweater and jacket. They weren't just appropriate wear; they looked great.
I don’t think it’s always trolls though. There is a difference between coming to support them and posing in military gear looking as if you „play soldier“. I mean, she wouldn’t dress up as midwife posing with a newborn in hospital or as a doctor in theatre.
DeleteWhen she dresses normal and opens a military facility or watches training that’s completely fine. I don’t have a big problem with it either way, but I can accept that some feel differently and maybe even strongly about it. That’s not denying that some are obviously trolls, but it’s too easy to just brush all criticism off with that.
I hope we also extend that “let’s not brush all criticism off with that” to other women in the RF.
DeleteOne can generally tell the difference between valid and intelligent criticism of this sort of thing and trolling. I'm not referring to the former.
DeleteV, I couldn't agree more. 👌. Regarding Trolls, don't rise to it. Anon, I really don't think that the Duchess is playing fancy dress or dress up time here. It's quite obvious she was either on a day out with the military or training exercise. It is very important that the Royal Family show their support for the military. They fight and risk their lives for Queen and Country. I think some people are Trolls and don't even realise it... 👀
DeleteS. ☺
K always looks great in “country casual” outfits.
ReplyDeleteI’m excited for Wimbledon which is celebrating 100 years, founded June 26, 1922 by King George V. Hoping to see several events to mark the occasion.
- celticgirl
Thanks for that info, celticgirl. I’ll be looking forward to it, too :)
DeleteQuick correction: Centre Court is celebrating 100 years. Wimbledon started even earlier than that.
DeleteYes a great tribute to the men and women who gave so much and still are there i knows as pact that all worn armed Forces uniform personal have bigger responsibility to the whole nation ii myself my whole family are both armed Forces they both sacrifice their own service nation family others ways to nation the duchess look greet military gear
ReplyDeleteHow marvellous, well done to the Duchess.
ReplyDeleteWhilst Catherine looks gorgeous in these photographs (I love this hue on her), I don't understand how these picture of *her* pay tribute to the soldiers and those in the army. Wouldn't soldier-centric photos be more appropriate; perhaps, one or two with her in them, but not as the focus?
ReplyDeleteVery true. I don’t mind the photos, but they don’t put the military personal into focus at all. They would be a great fit if she had trained with them and now officially took them on as Patron. But the pictures are very clearly about her and promote her and not someone else.
DeleteAnon 16:03 That's what I mean about the PR -- the photos make it seem like she's lecturing them and I'm sure she's just telling them how appreciated they are, perhaps touching on the use of female as well as male recruits. I'm realizing that it must be hard to not have complete control. When the visit is longer, like a day in a city, there's more opportunity to guide the photos to places and people you want to emphasize.
DeleteAllison in US – The photographs are simply inappropriate if the goal, as stated, is to "honour" those in the armed forces. It comes across like a photoshoot for her with the soldiers as mere "extras" posing peripherally in the background of *her* photos.
DeleteWonderful to see Catherine engaging with her patronages. To people who comment on her uniform I will just say one thing. When she visits critically I’ll babies she wears hospital PP and it’s just the same. Please don’t be negative as there is enough of that in the world.
ReplyDeleteDd
I have never seen her scrubs? She might wear a mask or those protective overlays but never scrubs?
DeletePP is not scrubs
DeleteI admit it looked a little odd to me to see her in uniform at first but it makes sense based on the patronages she will be given per royal precedence. I think the PR did her a disservice -- I suspect she spent her time seeing what is done, learning about it, and expressing appreciation, not actually teaching the recruits. All three of her children will have the opportunity to serve and I don't think her family has a military background (until her marvelous grandmother and great-aunt), so this is a good opportunity for her to get familiar, at a time when women are more accepted in service.
ReplyDeleteIt really doesn't seem to be uniform; it's just dark coloured casual outdoor clothing. And her just being there and talking to the soldiers is honouring what they do.
ReplyDeleteKate looks fabulous in military uniform, too! It's great her tribute to people protecting the country, and I am curious to know which patronage will be next.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see her at Wimbledon, maybe also with Pippa and Carole!? Let's wait & see...
I believe Kate's support is important for the military personnel, whether she expresses it by wearing a uniform or plain green/brown clothes. It's just as important as when she shows her support to nurses/midwives etc. She shows her interest and gets to know more about the respective milieu.
ReplyDeleteWhat in the world am I missing here? Kate is not in military uniform, she is in khaki and earth tone clothing, appropriate to the event, paying tribute to the military much in the same manner her appearance brings attention to and honors the patronage, charity, event she is visiting. She is not teaching the military but participating in their drills and experiencing what is a routine part of their day in their preparations to service and protect their country. As Zora states, she is showing her interest and expressing a desire to understand, were it not for us wanting to see her fashion, what she is wearing is really not the focus here. As the patron of the RAF, she has never donned their uniform, but worn attire that is respectful to the event. It is very important to show support for the military in any manner, as it is important to show support for the hard working people and volunteers that keep programs going who serve others. The point of her being here is to bring focus on the military, its our focus on Kate that detracts from that fact. Good for her that she is actively involved and hopefully we will see more of her involvement in the future.
ReplyDeleteThe duchess is many wonderful things, among them a military wife. Military spouses contribute to the armed forces in very important and often unseen ways.
ReplyDeleteIs there going to be an autumn tour?
ReplyDeleteHi, I haven't heard any mention of any upcoming tours. I'm wondering why no state visits have been announced. I'm sure the other Royals could host on behalf of The Queen. S. ☺
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know why we haven't seen the Duchess at Wimbledon?
ReplyDelete