It was a day of Commonwealth Games in Birmingham for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Princess Charlotte.
If I'm not mistaken, it's the first solo engagement we've seen Charlotte undertake with her parents. Over the weekend, the seven-year-old joined William to wish the Lionesses the best of luck and today she's enjoying inspiring sporting feats at the Games. Charlotte was cute as a button in a breton stripe Rachel Riley dress.
It's been a year of meticulous planning, and Birmingham Sport shared an insight into their vision for hosting the Games: "Birmingham 2022 will shine a light on this vibrant corner of the Commonwealth and work to improve health and wellbeing. This is an event that will help the West Midlands to grow and succeed, be a catalyst for change, and foster the spirit of friendship, athleticism and competition. This is a Games for everyone, a level playing field for men and women with a fully integrated para-sports programme, and a huge emphasis on the Commonwealth’s youth. There is no better stage to showcase the world’s most inclusive, fair and progressive multi-sport event."
The Commonwealth Games bring nations together in a vibrant celebration of sport and human endurance. The Games have evolved dramatically since beginning in 1930. Held every four years, with a hiatus during World War II, the Games have grown from featuring 11 countries and 400 athletes, to a global spectacle of 4,600 sportspeople from across 72 nations and territories. Underpinned by the core values of humanity, equality and destiny, the Games aim to unite the Commonwealth family through a glorious festival of sport. Often referred to as the ‘Friendly Games’, the event is renowned for inspiring athletes to compete in the spirit of friendship and fair play.
More on highlights over the years from Commonwealth Sport:
'At the 1954 Vancouver Games, Roger Bannister and John Landy became the first people to break the four-minute mile in a race that became known as the ‘Miracle Mile’.
Chantal Petitclerc became the first gold medal winner in a para-sport in 2002. An occasion that marked the first time an event for an athlete with a disability had been part of the official programme.
And women’s boxing became a mainstay of the Commonwealth Games in 2014 with Team England’s Nicola Adams taking the first gold medal in the flyweight division.
The encouraging ethos of the Games has stirred athletes to sprint faster, leap higher and push themselves to the very limits of what the human body is capable of.'
Charlotte looked delighted to greet Perry the Games Mascot. Perry was designed by 10-year-old Emma from Greater Manchester following a national contest.
The trio enjoyed the swimming heats at Sandwell Aquatics Centre.
Scenes at the pool.
The Cambridges also took the opportunity to check in with Kate's patronage SportsAid.
TRH The Duchess and Duke of Cambridge are celebrating SportsAid’s support for talented young athletes and championing the ground-breaking #TeamEnglandFutures programme at the #Birmingham2022 Commonwealth Games. They have just arrived at SportsAid House with Princess Charlotte! pic.twitter.com/IgWAej3nGf
— SportsAid (@TeamSportsAid) August 2, 2022
SportsAid is the only national charity of its kind -- helping young British sportsmen and women aspiring to be the country's next Olympic, Paralympic, Commonwealth and World champions. Every year, SportsAid supports over 1,000 athletes -- the vast majority aged 12-18 -- by providing a financial award to help with training and competition costs. The charity also helps develop other vital skills for professional athletes, such as media training, nutritional advice and performance lifestyle guidance. Kate has been patron of the charity since 2013.
The Duchess, Duke and Princess Charlotte have just watched @TeamEngland volleyball stars @TeamBelloVolley jump on two ‘Smoothie Bikes’ for a race! You choose the ingredients for your nutritious drink and blitz them by pedal power….Joaquin with a narrow win!#TeamEnglandFutures pic.twitter.com/sWpfohXLhH
— SportsAid (@TeamSportsAid) August 2, 2022
Almost two-thirds of the British team at London 2012 were former -- and in some cases current -- recipients of SportsAid’s support, winning twenty Olympic and twenty-seven Paralympic gold medals between them. Alumni include Sir Chris Hoy, Sir Ben Ainslie and Paula Radcliffe MBE. The organization celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2016. Their support for British Athletes throughout the Commonwealth Games has been invaluable.
The Duchess, Duke and Princess Charlotte have just watched @TeamEngland volleyball stars @TeamBelloVolley jump on two ‘Smoothie Bikes’ for a race! You choose the ingredients for your nutritious drink and blitz them by pedal power….Joaquin with a narrow win!#TeamEnglandFutures pic.twitter.com/sWpfohXLhH
— SportsAid (@TeamSportsAid) August 2, 2022
They met coaches.
The trio meeting competitors.
A team photo.
Big smiles all round.
They also stopped in on the hockey.
The Countess of Wessex is patron of England Hockey and was in attendance again today with Edward, Louise and James.
A group photo with gymnasts Alice Kinsella and Ondine Achampong.
The Duchess wore her crisp white Alexander McQueen suit.
Kate wore her Camilla Elphick Alicia shoes.
Kate accessorised with her Mappin & Webb Empress jewellery.
I'll leave you with this lovely mother-daughter photo. It was a treat to see the little Princess today :)
I wouldn't rule out the possibility of another Commonwealth Games appearance.
I'm thinking this is the same white belt we got the tiniest of a glimpse of back in May of last year. She did a video message wearing her white McQueen coatdress with a white belt with silver buckle.
ReplyDeleteI like Charlotte's dress and she managed very well - I'm sure that she enjoyed it but it's a long time to be in the 'spotlight' and she'll increasingly be aware of all the photos that are out there (on the DM website there's about a million photos with her showing every expression under the sun). I think W & K are doing a good job of managing privacy/exposure. I also like Kate's suit and I particularly like that she wore flat shoes.
ReplyDeleteWhy Kate no have Diana ring??
ReplyDeleteIts probably being 'maintenanced'. Engagement rings, or any rings with 'set' stones, need to be checked and cleaned periodically, and sometimes have the prongs tightened to avoid loss of the stone(s).
DeleteThanks
DeleteRegarding not wearing her ring. We’ve learned since she took the train with no security. Leaving her rings home may have been a smart move.
DeleteThat was a lovely story, showing her kindness. Unfortunately with the times we are living in, I think most people would be on guard when seeing a young child on their own. I know his father wasn't far away. She asked was he with someone, stayed with him till Dad got back. Exactly what you should do. S. ☺
DeleteLove the suit! Looks great but not a fan of the shoes.
ReplyDeleteI agree
DeleteVery fun to see Charlotte getting some time with her parents at an engagement. I love expressive she is. You can really see that’s she got a big personality for a young girl.
ReplyDeleteOn an unrelated note, Kate’s not wearing her engagement ring or the other ring she normally wears on her ring finger, the latter I’ve assumed was an anniversary band). I noticed she took them off (as well as her wedding band) before sailing on Sunday. I assume it’s a safety hazard in case one’s ring gets caught in the boat’s rigging). When I saw her sans rings, I thought “can you imagine being the assistant entrusted with holding that ring for safekeeping?” But the lack of rings today is curious. Maybe they’re at the jewelers for stone tightening?
zipzipzippy - I noticed the same thing! I wondered if it was because she would be clapping all day for the athletes - so maybe it is just too cumbersome to wear that huge sapphire? Interesting to note though because Kate is rarely without her engagement ring! Such a lovely day to see them both with little Charlotte!
DeleteI thought it was unusual to see her without The Ring as well, especially when she wasn't taking part in anything. That ring was bought for a future Queen of England. Unfortunately it wasn't to be. Some say 250,000, others say that it is priceless. It would definitely sell for many millions. Zip, I would think its either with her jeweler or in their safe. It is a beautiful ring but I always wondered why he didn't use his Grandmother's sapphire engagement ring. S. ☺
DeleteMy father is of the idea she wears a well made copy of the original and keeps the original in the safe.
DeleteSomeone with more knowledge may have more insight on the meaning of Kate's engagement ring. I am unfamiliar with the Grandmother's sapphire engagement ring, but I remember William said the symbolism of the ring given to Kate, was for his mother to be a part of the day. I believe he made this statement at their televised engagement interview.
DeleteAlso, the ring was given to Diana, to be titled the Princess of Wales after the wedding, and this will be Kate's title in the future. If someone knows better, I am fine with being corrected and always like to learn new info about the BRF.
I have read many times that Diana was given her choice of several rings and it was not unique or extremely expensive. A very unromantic gesture, so I think the overwhelming sentiment is that it belonged to William's and Harry's mother. I am glad that the sons exchanged heirlooms so that Kate could wear it. She will be attending state events, etc, and often wears RF jewels. I don't think it suits Meghan's preferences, whereas Diana's watch (and aquamarine ring) do.
DeleteG.A, Apologies, I meant the original giver of the ring which was The Prince of Wales. His Grandmother got engaged with a very similar large sapphire ring. Which she wore for the first few years of her marriage. She replaced it with a large pearl ring and the diamond ring now worn by The Duchess of Cornwall. Diana's ring was bought from Garrads and cost 28,000. Diana loved that ring and continued to wear it after her divorce. William said as ye know it's a very famous ring. "I choose it so my Mom wouldn't miss out on all of this and the big day" A beautiful thought and gesture to his beloved Mother. S. ☺
DeleteAnon: I don’t remember seeing Diana wear that ring after the engagement. TBH, I’m one of those who thought it odd that Wm chose to give Kate his mother’s engagement ring. To me, it symbolized a very bad start to an unhappy marriage. (Recall Charles’ very awkward comment about “whatever love means” on the day he and Diana announced their engagement and showed off the ring.) Honestly, I thought William or Harry would opt to use the setting in another piece of jewelry like a pendant. If Diana didn’t have hard feelings about it, I guess that helps explain why Wm was comfortable with it as an engagement ring for his bride.
DeleteAllison, a tray of rings were presented to her from Garrads. Read a quote somewhere that said she picked it because it was the biggest. 😂. Her Mother had a very similar ring. I'm just surprised she wasn't given a royal heirloom. The Cullinan diamond ring would also of been a good choice. It was meant for her and she loved it, as does the Duchess. Hopefully she will build a nice selection of sapphire jewellery around it. S. ☺
DeleteCharlotte any word on why Kate was not wearing her rings. Just a bit strange and the fact that shvarrived separated from William and Charlotte
DeleteWhat nice family outing. I like Kate's suit, very well fitting. Charlotte is already a very well representer of the family. Lovely dress on her. css
ReplyDeleteI love that she's re-worn this suit a few times over the summer. It looks great on her! And its what normal people do, even when they have a lot of money. They buy something great, and wear it multiple times!
DeleteSome great expressions on Charlotte's face today. Just as there were some great expressions on George' face when he was at Wimbledon.
ReplyDeleteI really dislike the shoes. The engagement was great and happy to see Charlotte there.
ReplyDeleteSuch a nice treat to see all 3 of them out today, and to spend a little time watching with the Wessex family. Great idea to give Charlotte a treat to go to a sporting event too! And this is more low key than the Euro tourney. Kate always looks nice in this suit and looks like she probably wore all repeats intentionally. There are some really beautiful photos of all 3 and individually. Thanks Charlotte! Sue
ReplyDeleteSome have notice that Kate is not wearing her normal rings. She is just wearing her wedding band. I wonder were her other rings are.
ReplyDeleteLovely to see Charlotte. I like her close-lipped smile.
ReplyDeleteKate looks fabulous! These photos, perhaps because some of them are more candid, remind me of how Kate looked in the early days (before the wedding).
Charlotte, Catherine and William all looked great. Love Catherine's suit. Nice that they showcased SportsAid also.
ReplyDeleteThanks Charlotte, as usual you chose the very best photos. A really nice day out for them. I love the white suit on The Duchess. Charlotte's dress is beautiful, her Platts are very cute. Look how she holds her hands in the group picture. Exactly like her Father. I can't help laugh, thinking she skipped out the door Knowing it was her day and the boys were staying at home. 😂. Charlotte, can we expect to see them at more events? Thanks again. S. ☺
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't rule out the possibility, there's nothing confirmed at the moment though :)
DeleteThanks Charlotte. I thought the boys might go to different events. They might attend the closing ceremony to support The Prince of Wales. S. ☺
DeleteDo you think William and Kate will attend the closing ceremony. Ny word when their next engagement is. Also any word on what is going on with her not wearing her rings except the gold band.
DeleteThis is a beautiful white pantsuit. The fit and cut is perfect, its great to see the Duchess wearing it again. I love the addition of the M/W Empress jewellery blends in well.
ReplyDeleteI was quite taken by Charlotte -- she's very cute and looks like she's fun to be with.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, Catherine and William all looked great and based on some cute face and expression o charlotte they litterlaly enjoyed
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, Catherine and William all looked great and based on some cute face and expression o charlotte they litterlaly enjoyed
ReplyDeleteCharlotte is absolutely gorgeous! Great to see Kate in low heels for several reasons!
ReplyDeleteLove this!!!!
ReplyDeleteFrom The Times:
ReplyDeleteGetting the royal treatment
A visit with my son for the table tennis at the Commonwealth Games on Tuesday. Five minutes before pulling into Birmingham International for the NEC, I use the bathroom (we are travelling first class) as Ted waits outside. As I am doing my thing, I hear him talking to a woman in the vestibule. “Are you here alone?” she asks. “No, my dad is in there” – he says, pointing to the lavatory.
They continue chatting as I use the soap, then tap, then dryer. Judging by the laughter, they are having a whale of a time. I hear my son telling the lady that his father once won Commonwealth gold and sense that he is brandishing the medal he has brought along for the occasion. I hear more laughter. By the time I am finished, we are only a couple of minutes from the station.
“Come on Ted,” I say, “we have to get off!” “Oh, and thanks for keeping him company . . . ” I say turning to the woman waiting her turn when I am stopped in my tracks. My brow furrows, my face works. “Kate?”, I blurt out. There are no security guards in the vestibule; no armed guards. But here is the Duchess of Cambridge, chatting merrily with my son.
We are still going at it when the train has stopped and is on the verge of heading off to Birmingham New Street. “We’d better get off,” says Ted. “Did you realise who that was, son?” I ask him. “No idea but she was really nice,” he responds.
The Duchess had no idea she was chatting to the son of a journalist so I take this to reflect her character and sense of duty. The monarchy is in consummate hands.
How lovely!
DeleteWhat a sweet story to read. Thanks for sharing The Times with us.
DeleteYes, very lovely. By all accounts it would appear that Kate is very much herself and down to earth, most always. Really like the comment 'the monarchy is in consummate hands'!
DeleteThank you for sharing all these cute photos ! I’m happy Charlotte got her own day out. Just a side story about rings: my fingers swelled up last summer . I wore my rings 24/7. Only took them off for cleaning. They made a mark on my finger, I couldn’t take them off. I went to the jeweler and both rings had to be cut off. The jeweler said I couldn’t wear my rings for six weeks to let my finger heal. Now I take them off overnight. I would imagine the Duchess is having some issue with her fingers. Any jeweler entrusted with a priceless ring would have it done and returned in one day.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree on both points! Some of Kate’s shoes look so uncomfortable. Yet she has the amazing ability to walk in stilettos on any surface.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of Charlotte, Kate and William. Charlotte looks like she will follow in her parent’s footsteps and be tall. She seems like a lovely young lady, with a playful demeanor.
ReplyDeletewhat a well behaved little girl and she must have found it daunting being followed by cameras all day. kate looks lovely in white
ReplyDeleteJust out of curiosity. I read on another site that William flew a helicopter to the games, with Charlotte as a passenger. Kate took a train. Why split up the transportation to the same event? Any insight?
ReplyDeleteBased on what has been reported, it could have been because Kate had an earlier engagement that required her to be there at a different time. If one is to believe that the Queen was a little upset about the Cambridges traveling together on the helicopter, perhaps this was a way to split up the transportation by not having everybody on, or in the same vehicle, and gave William a chance to pilot it himself. They may have dovetailed these events in order that they may split up, to address the Queen's concerns, but it may have just been how everything worked out. We can speculate, but the inner working's of the why's may never be known to us publically due to safety concerns. All in all, it seemed like a logical approach IMHO.
DeleteI also just assumed it had to do with everyones particular timing and prior obligations. I know my family often needs to arrive seperatley to events or meetings. ali
DeleteWhat a great engagement! Charlotte is such a sweet and gentle girl. Love everything about it. Also, I love that the Wessexes were there too: Louise is a very pretty young lady and James - oh my! Gone is the little boy - there is a handsome young man!😉
ReplyDeleteJust drooled all over my computer at the Duchess' hair...
ReplyDeleteI especially welcome Catherine having a sense of style which is less than predictable. Nude and white are not generally worn together, but where fashion is concerned, rules are made to be broken, and I welcome a sense of things jarring to wake me up to a new way of doing things. This is the third time that a nude shoe has appeared against white fabric on Catherine this summer. She had off-white spectator shoes at the Grenfell memorial, and again when she wore these shoes with the Wickstead to join William at polo. The pearl buckle is a very minor departure in embellishment and surely well within the range any seasoned fashion follower can accept.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who does not like white shoes, on many occasions I wear a nude or a neutral color with white clothing, even if doesn't fit conventional fashion rules. I rather like these shoes with this white ensemble, and I've seen more of this combination of late this year, not only by Kate, but in other fashion venues. The buckle does not bother me, in fact it dresses up the shoe just a tad, and agree with Bertie's comment, its well within range of acceptance. Also, I think Kate has mixed up her shoe game this year and it's refreshing to see.
DeleteDear Charlotte. I hope that you are well. I've missed your amazing blog these last few weeks and can only hope that you are off having a wonderful vacation. Take care. I miss you.
ReplyDeletePam
Hello Pam,
ReplyDeleteThank you for such a kind and thoughtful comment. I'm finally getting back into the swing of things after time with family over the summer :)
Glad to hear you’ve been having a lovely break! Came on to see if you’d posted…was hoping you were ok as it’s been a while 😊
DeleteCharlotte, do you think there will be photos of the children on their first day at their new school?
ReplyDeleteHello, Yes absolutely, we should see them Thursday morning.
DeleteThank you. I can't wait!
Delete