Thursday 9 February 2023

Kate Reunited with Former Teacher & Does the Hokey Cokey During First Cornish Visit as Duchess of Cornwall

The new Duke and Duchess of Cornwall made their first joint visit to Cornwall today to celebrate the area's maritime heritage and meet a number of locals involved in organisations making a difference.

In the days following Her late Majesty's passing, amidst all the events honouring the Queen, there was an incredibly brief couple of days where William and Kate's social media channels changed to 'The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge' before Charles officially confirmed an immediate change to the Wales titles. Despite the brevity of those days with the Cornwall title, I remember thinking many around the world might not realise the equal if not greater significance in William and Kate's life and the immense responsibility it holds.

As the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, commitments to Wales and Cornwall were nothing less than sacred on Charles and Camilla's calendar. The Duchy of Cornwall is undoubtedly one of the most important elements of William's new role in particular. The care and management of the estate is in stout order owing to decades of future-proofing and meticulous planning. William is surrounded by a true and tested team of advisers who have helmed projects for some time. The Duchy covers over 50,000 hectares and per the Telegraph: "Employs more than 150 people, who work across seven offices in London, Bath, Dartmoor, Hereford, Liskeard, Poundbury and The Isles of Scilly, as well as in the Duchy's own businesses – the Duchy Nursery and the Duchy Holiday Cottages." The estate is worth over £1 billion. In Kate's capacity as Duchess of Cornwall, there are a number of exciting organisations in the area which would be very much in her wheelhouse. For example, Camilla has supported the Cornwall Air Ambulance Service, Cornwall Community Foundation, and the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association. I would expect to see several associations solidified throughout the year with the local area. I also expect the Wales family will spend portions of the summer in particular in the area, which has been ongoing since the pandemic.

Falmouth, 'The Spirit of the Sea', is located on Cornwall's coast. It is known for its breath-taking beaches and deep harbour on the Fal Estuary (the third deepest in the world).

Rich in maritime history, it is considered one of the South West's leading cultural and festival destinations.

Upon arrival for their first engagement at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth, the couple were greeted with cheers by locals.

Kate received beautiful flowers.

There was a very special moment for Kate when she bumped into her former history teacher Jim Embury and immediately hugged him. Cornwall Live reports the Duchess told him: "The things you taught me, I now teach to my children."

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Afterwards Mr Embury said Kate was a "fantastic student" and part of a "great class".

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Hello :)

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Another darling photo.

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William and Kate chose the National Maritime Museum Cornwall as their first stop to learn more about the rich maritime heritage of Cornwall and how the Museum is working to highlight the relevance of maritime issues in the present day.

The National Maritime Museum Cornwall is located in Discovery Quay and is celebrating its 20th birthday this year, having been established in 2003.

Kensington Palace said: " It features fifteen galleries, a boat building workshop and interactive exhibits, making it a popular destination for families and tourists across Cornwall and beyond. During their visit, the Duke and Duchess spent time in the museum’s workshop where they will met local people working on the refurbishment of the Kiwi, a fourteen-foot sailing dinghy which was presented to Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh as a wedding present from the Royal New Zealand Navy".

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The museum noted: "It’s not known whether the Royal couple used Kiwi to any great extent, but from the 1950s she was used by a number of sailing organisations and Sea Cadet Units. In 1952 George Vince, Director of the Southampton Sailing Centre, won first prize in her during Colne Week."

William and Kate joined in some...rather tedious...maintenance work. William pointed to the area they worked on and joked, "If she's sinks here, we were never here," much to Kate's amusement.

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A video.

Viewing exhibits inside the museum.

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The Duke and Duchess spent time with a group of young people taking part in the 'Young and Talented Cornwall' scheme which offers financial supports to help yong people realise their dreams regardless of financial means. The fund has given £350,000 to 275 young people over the past decade, supporting future Olympians, musicians and rugby players.

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Before leaving, the couple watched pupils from a local school participate in a model boat race.

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Cornwall Live reports:

'As they left the Dracaena Centre they chatted to a crowd of about 40 people. One lady gave Kate a bunch of flowers while William pointed out some people who’d been at the Maritime Museum earlier to Kate: “See I do notice”, William told them.'

From there, it was time for fun and dancing at the Dracaena Centre.

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The Duke and Duchess arriving.

William and Kate met a group of local mothers and their young children, hearing from them about how the Dracaena Centre has supported them as parents and promoted their children’s development through play and creativity.

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A Palace spokesperson added: "Their Royal Highnesses spoke to representatives from St Petrocs, a local independent charity working with individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Cornwall. The organisation provides services including outreach, housing advice, emergency accommodation, counselling and training with the aim of supporting its clients to find a permanent route out of homelessness. Finally, Their Royal Highnesses visited the NHS Wellbeing Hub hosted in the centre and hear how they are providing community based mental health and wellbeing support across the local area."

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Cornwall Live added:

'Henry Meacock, chief executive of St Petrocs, said: “They both demonstrated a deep knowledge of homelessness. They’re very genuine and have a keen interest."'

The Duke and Duchess learned about the wide variety of supports and services the organisation provides to local people, with a mission of building a healthy, happy and mutually supportive society.

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Kate does the Hokey Cokey (or Hokey Pokey depending where you are :))

Kensington Palace said: "Located between Falmouth and Penryn, the centre serves both towns and the surrounding rural area. It has been in operation since 2008 and supports around 10,000 people a year. Through services including family and youth support, children’s activities, legal advice, sports and fitness and community food programmes, the centre aims to empower individuals, promote equal opportunity and build a stronger community. Progress is monitored using a range of indicators from improved physical and mental wellbeing, increased self-esteem, better development of relationships and the advancement of life skills."

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A wave goodbye from the Duchess.

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The Duchess was in shades of brown and red today. Now, there's been quite a bit of debate over Kate's very familiar coat. On first look, it appears to be a staple -- the Hobbs London Celeste coat -- however the piece has several different design elements, particularly around the pocket area and it's a longer length. In some photos the fabric looks different, in others it seems to match. At this point, we have a fashion mystery on our hands. Is it another Hobbs style? Simply a modified version of the Celeste or a new garment altogether? I trust better fashion sleuths than I will come to a conclusion on it :)

The £369 brown Celeste coat was described: "Wrap up warm in this stunning double crepe wool coat. In a sumptuous seasonal chestnut brown, this coat subtly flares from the hips. It's given an on trend toughened edge thanks to the leather stud fastening, cuff straps and waisted belt."

The Princess wearing the piece in Liverpool, Christmas Day (when she was expecting George) and Grimsby in the early years of her marriage. 

Below Kate wearing the piece in Bucklebury for Christmas Day 2016.

Kate wore her brown suede Gianvito Rossi custom made boots.


Kate accessorised with her Emily Mortimer Hera White Gold and Diamond Pearl Detachable Drops.

George, Charlotte and Louis are on half-term break from tomorrow until the 20th. It's possible the family will take a holiday during this period (possibly a skiing break) or perhaps decamp to Anmer Hall.

51 comments:

  1. Tammy from California9 February 2023 at 18:41

    If I never see William in blue again, it'll be too soon...

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    1. Tammy, I think it's the whole look, not just the blue. Having looked at the pictures again it's a very bad look. I'm older than the Prince and I wouldn't wear a blazer, jumper and shirt and tie together. Saying that, I was just going to say I'm surprised his wife isn't all over what he wears. If he likes his look at feels comfortable that's the main thing. A bit of advice and guidance is always a good thing. A few tweaks is all he needs. As the new Prince of Wales he definitely needs new suit's. S.🙂.

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    2. Oh lordy, yes! It’s like someone told him 20 years ago that blue suited him and he’s clung to that like a limpet. I have every respect and fondness for William but boy does he need a style update! Annie, Wales

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  2. Such a moving moment , Kate's meeting with her former teacher! Wonderful couple , William and Kate!

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  3. This looks to me like not the coat from 2011, but the same coat as in 2016, with the faux fur collar removed. The early coat was shorter, skimming the knee, whereas this one covers the knee fully. But in 2016, the faux fur had a red tinge and Kate carried a red clutch, so I think this is that outfit repeated, minus the probably removeable collar.

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  4. I forgot how much I loved that faux collar she wore at Christmas. Fantastic colors! Honestly I am a little bored of the monochromatic dresses. I miss her floral/graphic print looks a little. All these sweater/knit dresses look professional and fit her fantastically no doubt, I am just kind of dying for a pattern. Any pattern! Please!
    Also, its making more sense why they didn't jet off on a tour. There is a lot of ground to cover on home base, and I do believe one's home country should always be the priority. I never followed the former Prince of Wales, but it's easy to see that he and the Queen Consort were doing a LOT of engagements without a young family to take care of. William and Kate have to take that on and maintain the home presence they have been able to so far. While I do think they are blessed to have that option of prioritizing home life, I also think it makes a lot of sense when one considers the state of the monarchy. It is in a huge state of change right now; and at the end of the day, if everything else goes away, the only thing we have is our families.
    Charlotte, thanks for your fantastic reporting; you do such a fantastic job highlighting the charities and locations. As an American I really appreciate that. I don't normally comment, but just had to get my desire for patterns to come back off of my chest! :)

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    1. I also think it's more important at the moment to focus on the Kingdom rather than going on tours abroad. I also expect at least one visit to Wales if not two before the coronation. Probably Scotland as well. The King and Queen will travel to France and Germany. That would be at the request of the Government. S.🙂.

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    2. That picture of The Princess waving goodbye is stunning. Cornwall is one of the nicest places in the UK. They both look very good today but I have to agree about Prince William in blue. He needs a makeover and dress a bit younger for his age. Nice to see so many smiling faces to welcome them. In regards to The Duchy, William has been very well prepared to slip into that role. It's a big responsibility running a billion people estate. I can't make a call on the coat but she has been known to get clothes reworked. Charlotte do you know what engagements if any are coming up for The Prince and Princess of Wales? S.🙂.

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    3. Hello, the children are on half-term tomorrow until the 20th, so it's possible we won't see engagements during that period.

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    4. Thanks Charlotte, I just read that at the end of your post. It's getting milder now this side of the world. A break to the country would be great for all of them. S.🙂.

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    5. Hello, I have just read that BAFTA Film Awards will take place on Sunday 19 February, maybe we will see the Prince and Princess of Wales before their children return to school. E.J.

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    6. Fear not, I'm sure Kate will revert to more floral and patterns in the summer.

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    7. It's just being confirmed by the palace that The Prince and Princess of Wales will attend Bafta 2023. Something to look forward to. S.🙂.

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  5. nice to see her with kids and she looks lovely in this outfit. it looks like a beautiful area to visit

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  6. Hello All! :) Cornwall is one of my most favorite places I've never been. I have a lot of actor friends who live there & with whom I've done many films together. In fact, a few are pre-cast in an upcoming Period Drama I will be doing. Several of them were in "Poldark", as main characters, supporting roles & minor roles. It's nice to have an open invitation to such a special place!

    In fact, several of my dearest friends were in both of the "Fishermen's Friends" movies. If you have not seen them, I highly recommend them. They are based on a true story & give a wonderful view/sense of Cornwall.

    Will & Kate looked marvelous today & clearly enjoying themselves. I trust the Duchy is in safe, responsible & visionary hands, with them at the helm.

    Thank you Charlotte for your wonderful post & I look forward to seeing more of Cornwall, as they return again & again over the years! xoxo

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    1. Becca, your film work sounds so exciting, as well as having actor friends in Cornwall!! How fun!

      I agree, William and Catherine looked great today 👍🏻

      Joanne in CA

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    2. Becca, when I think of Cornwall, I remember the first (and best!) "Poldark"! I was very young and working in Boston, and we all gathered each Monday morning to swoon together over Robin Ellis. :)

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  7. Hobbs confirmed it was the new version of the Celeste coat. Which just makes me scratch my head. Why buy the updated version of a coat you own. Especially when she has a similar brand new expensive brown coat from Alexander McQueen? It is long, dark brown and she has only worn it once! It just seems wasteful at this point. I wasn't a big fan of the original Celeste coat or this new one.

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    1. How great would it be if she auctioned off her many little-worn clothes and donated to charity? The Food Bank would be a great one.

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    2. Wasteful of what? If Kate wants a hundred brown coats, why should it matter to any of us?

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    3. Catherine may have worn the coat hundreds of times. She does have a life outside official engagements. Photographers do not follow her all the time and I’m sure she would need a warm coat quiet often. Her clothes are not funded by tax payers so she can really buy wants she wants. Also you can tell that she wears clothes she owned 10 years or more ago so I don’t really see the problem.
      D

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    4. wishiwereinlondon12 February 2023 at 20:39

      Thank you Anon 13:40! You have expressed my thoughts too!
      On the rate occasion we get a photo of Catherine out in her private life, she is usually wearing something we have seen previously.

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    5. It emerged that Her late Majesty donated her old clothes to charity. All identifying tags etc were removed and it was done anonymously. We don't know that Catherine doesn't do the same.
      It's the same with donating to food banks. The Waleses aren't about publicising their own charity work. Rather than turn up at a foodbank ostentatiously bearing a hamper, they are much more likely to leave a cheque privately.

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    6. Anon I have thought the same thing. It would be amazing if she auctioned off some of her clothes. Like the ones she has only worn once from tours. It would be great goodwill toward them.

      As for it mattering to us being wasteful. It matters because of Williams green platform. I don't care about cost. But William is telling all of us we need to do our part to protect resources. Buying hundreds of coats is not with keeping with his platform. It comes off as hypocritical. If you want people to change and take you seriously than it starts at the top. So due to Will and his climate change platform, the amount of similar coats does matter. There is no way she can wear all her coats to make them useful. It's a fair criticism since William wants everyone to due their part. I just would love to see less new clothes, especially similar clothing, since clothing is one of the worst on use of resources.

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    7. I wonder if you've ever listened to William and his comments about environment. He has never criticized or sanctioned anything people do or suggested we buy less or we recycle. His prizes and project are more focused on looking for and funding impactful solutions than signaling what we are doing wrong.

      I believe there's no need to have 279 different and similar coats. But she can be criticized on her own, we don't need to include her husband in the discussion.

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    8. I absolutely agree, NC, on both counts. I can't believe that this is an updated version of an old coat? It looks the same, so where is the update.

      I may, or may not like a particular style or look of Kate's, and that is up for discussion in this wonderful forum. One of my pet peeves, however, is the absolute mountain of clothes she owns.

      It's fine that more and more of us shift from fossil fuel to electric, and switch off lights. It's also good and acceptable that sustainability and the green shift is a topic royals find neutral(ish) enough to get involved in. But when your wife spends a fortune, time and energy on clothes, clothes and more clothes, I think it's OK to ask for more and even refer to that glass house and that stone.

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    9. I wouldn't say Kate spends a fortune, time and energy on clothes, clothes and more clothes. If she did, she would have got a completely new coat, not one cut on the same pattern but longer. I think she has some trusted British firms that have her measurements,
      a few patterns she knows suit her, a seamstress that ensures everything she wears is perfectly on size. That's why she wears very similar dresses in different colours. If you think about it, she is very slow-fashion in an old-fashioned and sustainable way and she doesn't seem to throw anything away. It is paradoxicaly when she ( and we) buy cheaper that the impact is greater on the environment.

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  8. Nice to see them both out and she really looks great! And what fun to see her former teacher- I’m a teacher and I always wonder about my former students! Will be interesting to learn more about the coat. Like the dress with the little panel in the side. Thanks Charlotte :) sue from IL

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  9. Love seeing them in Cornwall. It had to be very hard for King Charles to relinquish the responsibility of Cornwall as he put his heart and soul into making it the very viable place that it is. I am sure he has taught William well and it is in good hands. And, Catherine does hug. It was a lovely visit.

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  10. I’m so glad to learn more about the real Cornwall . Beyond the publicity about the Duchy businesses. After seeing Poldark and how the sea was a character in the book, I’ve always wondered about the real-life places and people there. I agree with Tammy , the Prince of Wales needs a wardrobe update.

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  11. That was genuine warmth from the Princess when she hugged her teacher, lovely moment.

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    1. I agree, Ava! I noticed Mr Embury was wearing a special name label so perhaps he knew he would be meeting her while she didn't? I'd be curious to know how it was. 😍 Any idea, Charlotte? Zora from Prague

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  12. I think the comments here regarding William and Catherine's wardrobe prove that you cannot please everyone. Catherine is criticized for updating her wardrobe and William sticks to his old standards and receives criticism for that. What they wear matters not in the grander scheme of things.

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    1. Hi JB, you are right about fashion not mattering in the grand scheme of things. This blog community started out as a fashion blog, so we do comment on the clothing . To Charlotte’s credit, she has grown this into a community of readers who look forward to reading the comments. She spends a good deal of time educating us about the places and charities that the Princess has supported since she was married. We aren’t bashing them with bad intentions.

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  13. Wonderful post, and I loved the sweet moment when she met her former teacher, who by the way, looked like an extremely nice, and good looking fellow.
    The Princess was lovely.
    Tedi

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  14. Hi Charlotte - Just wondering about an id for her dress and belt? Is that new? I don't recall seeing it before. :)

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    1. I too would like an ID on the dress or is it a skirt and jumper?? I like the tones she is wearing but I am finding her winter looks all being the same sweater dress and coat combo but I tend to wear the same things in winter as I don't like winter and hate the cold so I dress more for warmth rather than look ;) I too am a little perplexed by the need for the updated version of the coat but maybe she loved the first one so much and the moths got to the other one?? Or she has given it to Pippa who won't give it back?? Jokes aside I'm sure there is a valid reason. I'm looking forward to BAFTA dress and I think it will be a repeat?? Sue in WA

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    2. Hello! My apologies for the late reply, I'm visiting family. Several eagle-eyed ladies believe Kate's skirt is by Edeline Lee https://edelinelee.com/products/plait-skirt-burgundy-georgette-champion?_pos=2&_sid=c2709cfaf&_ss=r

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  15. I loved the original coat all the time but now I can't understand an updated version in the same shade.It's not a repeat and it's not a novel piece either.

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    1. I wonder if it is a new one, despite what has been said, maybe her original was adjusted, or maybe it got a hole in it and she replaced? ali

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  16. I love these colors on her and her hair looks so beautiful!! She is such an elegant and sweet young lady!! Love the engagement and how they were interacting with the people of Cornwall. ♥️ 🤎

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  17. The new coat seems to be a big issue for some. I'm just wondering, has anyone counted how many coats The Princess has worn? S.🙂.

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  18. Tammy from California13 February 2023 at 16:57

    For us across the pond, does anyone know: is the "Hokey Cokey" the same as our "Hokey Pokey"?

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    1. Hokey Pokey in USA and Canada, Hokey Cokey in the UK., Hokey Tokey in New Zealand, Boogle Woogle in Denmark, Rucki-Zucki in Germany. Loved the world over, just by different names! M.

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    2. I was just wondering this same thing! I imagine they are the same? "You put your right foot in, you put your right foot out, you put your right foot in, and you shake it all about..."

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    3. Well in Australia is the Hokey Pokey 🤷🏼‍♀️

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  19. I just have to say that the photo of her greeting her former teacher is precious. Truly genuine affection and respect there. What a joy she is to see interacting with others.

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  20. I am missing Vittoria's view on the coat! I can't decide whether I even like it or perhaps love it. The whole outfit is dark but still flattering. As far as Kate needing a new coat, we need to give up. I am the ultimate MAM fan but was at first taken back by wardrobe costs. I think, for Kate, the current issue is coat length. She has so many lovely coats from years ago (and dresses) but they are short, which I still think looks so attractive on her. I also miss those beautiful prints and hope we see some in the spring. And that does look like the US hokey pokey. :)

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  21. It's been a while since I've commented. Are all of your old posts before she became princess of Wales gone?

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    1. Hello, I've been adding them gradually to the archives. The posts from 2016 onwards are there at the moment and I'll be adding additional years. The blog name change presented many challenges I wasn't expecting. If I had it to do again, the blog would be 'Duchess Kate' even when Kate's Queen Consort :)

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