The Princess of Wales Holds Windsor Castle Audience

The Princess of Wales welcomed the HMS Glasgow crew to Windsor Castle today.

Last year, Kate was announced at the ship's sponsor. Last June, Prince William travelled to BAE Systems Shipyard in Govan to view work on the Royal Navy's HMS Glasgow -- the first City Class Type 26 combat ship. When completed it will play an important role in maritime security and overseas engagements. Speaking about Kate's role as sponsor, William said, " I know that Catherine will be delighted to join you here in Glasgow for the naming ceremony in due course." The Palace said it will mark the beginning of a "longstanding, strong and enduring personal connection to the vessel and her crew, often supporting milestones, events and deployments". The Princess will be called on to "christen" the ship.

I thought it interesting to note the Princess held the audience at Windsor Castle. It's my belief the Waleses' base of operations will ultimately move from Kensington Palace to Windsor Castle, and it is understood the family will move from Adelaide Cottage into a suite of apartments in the Castle in the coming months. I imagine it makes logistical sense to begin conducting more official business from Windsor rather than commuting back and forth to London for a short meeting or audience. Over the course of Her late Majesty's funeral, I was completely struck by how majestic Windsor is -- it's also now incredibly convenient for William and Kate.

It looks very much like the audience was held in the Green Drawing Room. In 1992, the fire at Windsor Castle severely damaged the Semi-State Rooms, including the Green Drawing Room. By good fortune however, the contents of the rooms had been removed at the time. Each room was subsequently restored to its 19th century appearance using the original designs supplied to George IV. This watercolour shows the Green Drawing Room after restoration.

The Green Drawing Room in 1848.

In recent times, the Queen's official 90th birthday portrait with her two youngest grandchildren and five great-grandchildren was shot by Annie Leibovitz in the Green Drawing Room. It's always a treat to see this one :)

The Royal Navy shared more information regarding today's visit: "The Type 26 vessel is currently under construction at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Govan, Glasgow. To date, fifteen sailors have joined the vessel, the first contingent of the eventual complement of 161 Royal Navy personnel. The crew were invited to Windsor where they met with The Princess of Wales for the first time since her appointment as HMS Glasgow’s ship’s sponsor was announced in June last year.

"It was a huge honour to be invited to Windsor Castle and to meet Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales,” said Warrant Officer Darran Sullivan, the ship’s Executive Warrant Officer. The appointment of sponsor signals an enduring connection between the ship’s crew and Her Royal Highness.  It is clear from meeting her that she has a real interest in HMS Glasgow and in the lives of those who will serve onboard.”

Petty Officer Colin Chalmers, who joined as one of HMS Glasgow’s Marine Engineers last month, echoed the sentiment: “It was amazing meeting The Princess of Wales, particularly as there was such a small group of us in attendance.  The moment she walked into the room her enthusiasm and genuine interest in us really shone through and put us immediately at ease.” Commander Phil Burgess, the ship’s Senior Naval Officer, added: "The entire ship’s company is looking forward to the time when we can invite The Princess of Wales onboard the ship and further develop the relationship between HMS Glasgow and her sponsor."

More from the Royal Navy media release:

'The ships’ main roles are anti-submarine warfare and air defence, although their flexible design means that they can also perform other duties such as counter-terrorism missions, disaster relief, and martime security missions.  The vessels will also deliver critical protection for the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD) and the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Groups.

Each Type 26 will be equipped with the Sea Ceptor missile defence system, a five-inch medium calibre gun, a flexible mission bay, Artisan 997 Medium Range Radar, and towed array Sonar.

There have been nine ships of the Royal Navy named HMS Glasgow, datingback to the 1700s. 

It is estimated that more than 25,000 Royal Navy, merchant, and passenger ships have been built on the River Clyde since the first yard opened in 1711'.

The Princess was elegant in a navy trouser suit.

It appears to be the same suit worn for a January 2021 video chat with nurses.

Kate Middleton Style suggests it's a past season Alexander McQueen suit. It looks a perfect match.

You'll note similarities between the style and the fabulous pink McQueen suit Kate wore in June for the first anniversary of the Royal Foundation's Centre for Early Years.

Kate most likely also wore her white bodysuit by British brand Holland Cooper. The £119 piece is described as: "Our stunning shirt bodysuit was designed with a day to night concept in mind. Thanks to our nylon elastane thong base, made with our superior knitting technique this ensures our bodies have a flawlessly smooth fit every time. This piece creates the impression of a seamlessly tucked-in blouse. Inverted dart back pleat and signature gold buttons, this well designed shape creates for a flattering silhouette."

Kate accessorised with her £160 Astley Clarke blue lapis necklace. Described as: "A celebration of vibrancy, this demi-fine Stilla gemstone pendant features a captivating table-cut lapis lazuli gem, set in 18 carat yellow gold plated sterling silver, and uses a spectacle setting to display the entire blue gemstone and show its complexities beautifully. This gemstone pendant is finished with a gold nugget detail and our signature Astley Clarke star-set lapis lazuli tag."

As noted by Carly from Kate Middleton Style, the Princess wore her Patrick Mavros Ocean Tide earrings in 'Milky Quartz'.

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