The Prince and Princess of Wales visited Coach Core today to mark the charity's 10th anniversary.
William and Kate marked World Mental Health Day by visiting BBC Radio 1 studios to take over a special episode of Newsbeat in which they asked several people associated with charities they've worked with to share their experiences. It comes amid reports William spent the weekend in Craigowan Lodge in Balmoral, his first trip back to Scotland since Her late Majesty passed. We're beginning to see changes to the working schedule, too. On Tuesday, Kate held an early years meeting and met with Amanda Berry, chief executive of the Royal Foundation at Windsor Castle. I think we're definitely seeing a transition taking place which will ultimately culminate, in my opinion, with a move of operations from KP to Windsor.
The Prince and Princess arriving.
Today's engagement was held at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
The Coach Core apprenticeship scheme was designed by the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry (now the Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales) in 2012 to take young people aged 16-24 with limited opportunities, and train them to be sports coaches and positive role models and mentors in their communities. It was envisaged as a lasting legacy of the London 2012 games. Below, the royals pictured during a 2017 visit.
The apprentices learn technical sport skills alongside an inclusive and holistic approach to coaching, with an emphasis on employability and mentoring skills. Coach Core is proud to have transformed the lives of its apprentices with 98% of its graduates now being in full-time employment or education, and 80% retaining strong ties with their employers and continuing to engage in community sport. Apart from qualifications, participants gain the opportunity to grow, support from a network of professionals and the chance to develop personal qualities, including leadership and confidence.
William gets into a sporting moment during the engagement.
An important aspect of the programme is the availability and quality of sports coaching, creating a solid career path. Apprentices attended the ceremony from seven different areas where Coach Core operates (London, Glasgow, Essex, Nottingham, Birmingham, Manchester, and South Wales), with those graduating from London, Glasgow, Wales and Essex.
It's been quite a decade with the numbers speaking for themselves.
Meet just a handful of the 726 young people who have been supported.
Gary Laybourne, Coach Core CEO said:
“As a coach since the age of 17, growing up in tough communities where sport is your main escape, I know first-hand the hugely positive effects of sport and mentorship on influencing a young person’s life. I’ve had the privilege of launching and shaping Coach Core from the outset and I couldn’t be prouder of the young people who have come through our programmes and gone on to make a difference in the next generation’s lives.”
Coach Core has received ample support from leading figures in British sport, including England captain Steph Houghton.
Time for a spot of boxing.
Kate plays Boccia.
'Prince William gave a speech at the event, saying that he and Kate were "as always, delighted to be here with you."
"Sport has an incredible way of providing hope, connection and opportunity, and when Coach Core was established ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012, it was designed to use that power to help change young people's lives," he said.'
William continued: "We all face barriers and challenges in life, and these can sometimes take incredible bravery to overcome. Not only have you faced these down, you have positively impacted the lives of others along the way and inspired many more. We are incredibly excited to see what the future holds for all of you."
A video of the engagement in its entirety.
A wave goodbye.
When I thought of potential looks for today, I was expecting trousers, I was not however expecting Chanel...
I've long been hoping to see Kate implement a little more Chanel into her wardrobe. Timeless, chic pieces which can be worn time and time again.
The Princess hit a stylish note in a vintage 1995 double-breasted trimmed jacket (another outstanding ID by Carly from Kate Middleton Style, who is on quite the roll).
Note the distinctive buttons.
Made in France, the piece is described as:
"Chanel introduced business wear for women after a tumultuous moment in world history. Chanel’s tweed skirt suits became a symbol of power and change. A refreshed version of the style is presented with this double-breasted jacket, made of a cotton-wool blend in a deep shade of cobalt blue. visit Coach Core to mark its 10th anniversary."
It's reminiscent of styles worn in the 1990s by a number of fashion icons, including Princess Diana. Below, the late Princess photographed in 1992.
It looks very much like Kate wore her Roland Mouret Axon trousers.
Kate acccessorised with her £160/$220 Astley Clarke Round Stilla Lapis Lazuli Pendant necklace. It remains in stock here.
Kate wore her Spells of Love medium twist hoop earrings.
The Princess completed the look with her Gianvito Rossi Piper 85 block heel pumps.
Congratulations to Coach Core. It's going to be exciting to see what the next decade brings.
On another note today, Prince William carried out investitures earlier today at Buckingham Palace -- and among the recipients was Emma Probert, the protection officer assigned to Kate before the wedding. She's been by her side ever since. Emma was made a member of the Royal Victorian Order on the Birthday Honours list last year. Click here to view images at Hello!.
It looks like a great organization! And I thought the jacket is beautiful. It looks great on Kate. I remember when Meghan wore some vintage items while pregnant and I know Kate has a lovely embroidered clutch -- these vintage pieces can be quite stunning.
ReplyDeleteWow, another fantastic charity. Sport can be so important to children. Good leadership and and having a positive influence is very important. Especially unfortunately for children who are disadvantaged. I really like the blazer, cut and colour is beautiful on the Princess. I read a headline today, The Princess of Wales channels Diana in Channel.. Diana didn't like Channel over its logo. 😂 😂 😂. S. ☺
ReplyDeleteRegarding leaving Kensington Palace, I really hope they don't. It's a beautiful Place. I'm sure they will have a great life and home at Windsor Castle and it probably doesn't look good keeping both at the moment. If it means more time with the children if working from the Castle then that's exactly what will happen. Charlotte, you also mentioned the Princes visit to Balmoral. It's always very sad going back for the first time, when the person you loved isn't there anymore. 😢. I can not imagine the King moving out of Birkhall. Or what too much change at his age. I hope the Prince gets the lodge he stayed in, its beautiful. He could then give his Balmoral cottage to the Duke and Duchess of Wessex and their children. It's going to be very interesting to see what happens with all the property. S. ☺
ReplyDeleteChanel is timeless and this jacket is sublime. I like the length, the fitted cut, the neckline, the details, even though the association with this pant doesn't convince me.
ReplyDeleteAgree, the blazer is stunning ( and I usually don't like jackets very much) but the trousers aren't at the same level at all, too wide, limp, cheap looking fabric...I don't like them with this blazer. But Kate looks fabulous, this blue is great.
DeleteAnother great outing by William and Catherine. I love the look and wonder if it is possibly a jacket she had in her closet or found in her Mother's closet:).ali
ReplyDeleteGreat engagement and I absolutely LOVE the jacket on Kate - both the colour and the style!! William's boxing was impressive 😆! Zora
ReplyDeleteAgree Zora!! LOVE this jacket! William is definitely on form!
DeleteYes, sport is vital! Sport is Life! I think it is indeed one of the life-tools, mentioned on the Newsbeat, that can help us getting through tough time. William Is a very good boxeur! I was expecting Kate to try boxing, too, and in a different, more sporty outfit. But can't say anything against Chanel, of course! She looks so elegant. Has she worn Chanel in the past? I don't remember... Maybe once, with a dress for a visit in France...
ReplyDeleteLove this post - the group being supported and the less “stuffy” look are both nice.
ReplyDeleteShe looks lovely, but that jacket just begs for a statement gold necklace, something much more substantial than these tiny lockets she always, almost always, chooses. It's wonderful seeing them out and about. Thank you, Charlotte, for this wonderful blog.
ReplyDeleteI loved the vintage red jacket on the Caribbean tour but I don’t love this one? Maybe it’s just the way it’s styled. Great outing! Thanks Charlotte, sue
ReplyDeleteI love seeing K & W working side by side, I hope they can do this more moving forward. They are such a force for good and carry themselves so confidently and with class. There is only one time that I absolutely did not like what Kate wore, it was a long dress in a gold yellow/green can’t remember the name but it was awful. Otherwise I’m my eyes she does no wrong, always simple and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely. I've never seen her in anything that wasn't gorgeous, except for that dress. Even then she looked good, it just wasn't a good choice.
DeleteI very much admire the aims of this program, preparing young people to become community leaders via providing them with certain and specific skills for employment. A lot of kids in difficult circumstances have had their lives changed by sports coaches, as we learn every 4 years when the Olympics are broadcast. There have been widely-trumpeted abuses in the profession, but I'm guessing that these have been far outweighed by the benefits of mentorship at the hands of a good sports coach -- even when the student doesn't make it to the elite level.
ReplyDeleteOn to fashion: I LOVE the Chanel jacket but think it could have been styled in a more interesting way, which would probably have meant not wearing it for this engagement. I'm a great fan of vintage clothing and still wear some of my well-preserved 1980s pieces (yes, the ones with the shoulder pads), but with more up-to-date items. I think this Chanel jacket would have looked terrific with a just-knee-length black pencil skirt, or perhaps a floatier skirt also in black.
I wonder where the Princess is buying her vintage items, such as the YSL jacket worn on the difficult Caribbean tour? Amal Clooney was buying hers from William Vintage. That site was quite interesting, but I don't know that it's still in operation. The pandemic may have killed it.
A classic and elegant look, love this Chanel jacket, the color is sublime. The pants are a great fit. The Princess of Wales looks fabulous.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the jacket might have been improved with some tailoring? I think the length was too long even if that was the original look or as others have said maybe a more structured pant? Also agree the jacket needed a more substantial piece of jewelry. Ali
ReplyDeleteIt's timeless and classic. And personally, I can't think of a better example of timeless and classic. I say she looks perfect. I'd wear this in heartbeat. Although I wouldn't look even a fraction as beautiful as she does.
ReplyDeleteI'm actually not a big fan of this blazer, even though it is Chanel. Perhaps it's the pairing with the black pants that makes it look odd - the proportions seem off to me. I don't tend to like blue and black together like this, though.
ReplyDeleteAgree with others that the jacket is beautiful but the pants and shoes reduce the overall impact. K seems as though she doesn’t have the confidence to wear such an exalted brand and the overall effect is frumpy.
ReplyDelete-celticgirl
great post Charlotte. Kate looks great. I like seeing that photo of harry with them from the past
ReplyDeleteMagnificent!
ReplyDeleteVery well coordinated for the occasion!
Really love what I see here!
💗💗💗
I absolutely love the color! And the fit looks amazing on her but agree with others, a different pair of slacks - perhaps a wool blend?
ReplyDeleteCatherine exudes enthusiasm and friendliness, as always. Given her good works, I feel almost petty commenting on her fashion, but I agree with another poster that the jacket is too long; the proportions are wrong. I would have liked a heavier necklace to match the heavy fabric of the jacket, as well. But overall, an appropriate outfit for the occasion.
ReplyDeleteKate rarely puts a foot wrong. This jacket looks amazing on her and is tailored to perfection. I for one like it with these pants because I think she's going for a more overall relaxed look. Pairing the jacket with a skirt would look great but maybe not for this event.
ReplyDeleteCatherine lacks, in my opinion, imagination and creativity, especially with regards to fashion. However, her outfits circa 2017 and 2019 were A+. I wish this outfit had more pizzazz, given that the blazer is Chanel. She's wearing it like it's just a regular blazer with black pants. She has a degree in History of Art. One would, thus, imagine her to have an eye for detail, a love of fashion, a quasi-encyclopedic knowledge/appreciation of fabrics, silhouettes and style. Cobalt blue is gorgeous and is deserved to be showcased in a show stopping way.
ReplyDelete