Following yesterday's historic Coronation, the Royal family were out in force across the United Kingdom in celebratory form for Coronation Big Lunches and street parties.
The Prince and Princess of Wales attended a lunch on their doorstep, one might say, at the Long Walk in Windsor.
William and Kate arriving.
They were warmly greeted with cheers.
The crowds enjoying (thankfully) nicer weather than yesterday.
A big wave from Kate.
A video featuring plenty of fun interactions.
Kate asked a boy named James "What has been the best thing so far?", he smiles and replied, "you".
The Prince and Princess of Wales surprised royal fans in Windsor with an impromptu walkabout on day two of Coronation celebrations, and a little boy said THIS to Princess Catherine! #Coronationbiglunch pic.twitter.com/gRNlerqll8
— The Royal Family Channel (@RoyalFamilyITNP) May 7, 2023
This little girl was very excited to meet the Princess and more than a tad surprised when she came over to her.
As we've seen throughout preparations for the Coronation, threads of tradition are evident in each step of this weekend -- and today's activities are no exception. The Royal Collection Trust shared this splendid photo from a street party marking Queen Elizabeth II's coronation seventy years ago.
In summer 2021, the late Queen, the then Duchess of Cornwall and the then Duchess of Cambridge attended a 'Big Lunch Eden Project' reception ahead of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
Looking at photos from the engagement, I'm reminded of the significance they hold. Just two years later, we are in the midst of a Coronation, Camilla is now Queen and Kate Princess of Wales.
Founded in 2009, the Big Lunch is the UK's largest annual get together for neighbours. Held over a weekend in the summer, the idea was conceived as a simple act of "community, friendship and fun".
It's very much about the power of food connecting communities...
...and neighbours supporting one another and coming together to mark the Coronation.
Let's take a quick look at several of the appetising official recipes being enjoyed today. Union Jack Cake, Tray of Pizza and Eggless Victoria Sponge.
Red, White and Blue Sherry Trifle, Jam Jar Prawn Cocktails and Crown Biscuits.
Queen Camilla has been patron since 2013. When Camilla took on the role, she shared the reasons she was drawn to support the effort: "Being a friendly neighbour has always been the keystone of community life and just saying 'hello' can sometimes make a huge difference. For some people, particularly the elderly or those who have to cope on their own, it can be a vital lifeline." This is an initiative especially dear to her heart and one I imagine was incredibly important for her to see included in Coronation weekend. Below, the King and Queen enjoying a Big Lunch in London for the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee last year.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh spent the morning in Cranleigh, a village in Surrey.
Below, the couple sampling treats. Sophie wore a geometric cotton-poplin dress by Etro.
The Princess Royal and Sir Timothy Laurence were in Swindon for a community street party.
We were thrilled to welcome HRH The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence to Swindon today as they visited a #CoronationBigLunch street party in Belmont Crescent, Old Town. @RoyalFamily @WiltsLieutenant @wiltscouncilhttps://t.co/S1dtmRk89w pic.twitter.com/e8xKKT4Cif
— Swindon Borough Council (@SwindonCouncil) May 7, 2023
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie were out and about in Chalfont St Giles. UFO No More notes Beatrice wore a blue and white floral skirt by Cara Cara NYC and Eugenie wore the elegant Gabriela Hearst Luz dress.
📸 Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie visit a #CoronationBigLunch the event in Chalfont St Giles ⬇️https://t.co/F2J9zNjFWj pic.twitter.com/1hVWVJ8Ov7
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) May 7, 2023
Meanwhile, First Lady Dr Jill Biden and Finnegan Biden were at Downing Street to celebrate with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty.
A reader recently mentioned the vast dedication of the armed forces; the time, effort and precision which ensure a seamless result representing the very best of pomp and pageantry. With the tireless preparation, it was lovely to see a very special Big Lunch hosted for them ahead of a weekend they'll never forget.
Mel Giedroyc (Yes, of the Bake Off's Mel & Sue; we still miss them presenting!) joined members of the Household Division for a delicious lunch at Wellington Barracks.
Mel gave guards, musicians, cavalry and their horses a much-deserved break from rehearsals.
The Ministry of Defence said: "Mel was sharing top tips about the benefits of The Big Lunch and how inviting neighbours and getting to know one another a little better can make a difference in communities. The special moment was a chance for troops who don’t normally spend time together to enjoy friendship, food and fun, knowing they will be hard at work over the weekend. After learning about the guards, musicians and cavalry duties, and seeing the Foot Guards’ parade ground where they regularly rehearse for ceremonial processions and events, Mel shared how people in streets and neighbourhood in all four corners of the UK are preparing at home for the Coronation Big Lunch."
Now, for a look at what Kate wore.
The Princess chose the pale blue Reiss Hollie Double-Breasted Blazer for the lunch (with thanks to Gabi).
The £298 linen blazer features peak lapels, four button closure, buttoned cuffs and a tailored fit.
It's available in several colours at Reiss, John Lewis, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom. Below, the blazer in neutral.
And lilac.
Below, the matching £178 blue trousers shown at Reiss; and the Hollie Shorts at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Kate wore her Veja Esplar Metallic-Trimmed trainers.
It looks like Kate wore her Annoushka pearls with Kiki hoops.
This evening, the Royal family will gather for the Coronation Concert at Windsor! As you can see, William is preparing for his speech.
Final preparations for this evening’s #Coronation Concert… 👀 pic.twitter.com/3bc8yfiiV8
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 7, 2023
We're also expecting the official portraits later today.
It must be a huge relief for her now that all the planning worked out and now she can relax and just enjoy. I know even I'm relieved!!
ReplyDeleteI think since it is their job they only relax in private. You must always pay attention to what you say or do.
DeleteWonderful coverage yesterday, Charlotte. Thank you for the time and effort in each step. Missouri Girl
ReplyDeleteNice jacket color and the fabric seems very soft. A very good choice for Kate, with her pants and sneakers. It's a look that is both classy and casual, perfect for the occasion.
ReplyDeleteIf I understand correctly, the dinner planned tonight is private ? Only members of the Royal Family or will a few handpicked guests also be invited ?
I've seen dozens of videos on twitter. Everybody was so excited to meet them. Also, the audience when the king was crowned was 20.4 million. Together with the crowds I hope everybody that said nobody cared about this event stands corrected...
ReplyDeleteI like the Duchess of Edinburgh's dress. I think it's a bit of a stretch to say the Royal Family are attending street parties across the UK. There's a big emphasis on the south. I understand the reasons (needing to be nearby for this evening's concert and they would have been criticised for using helicopters to get further afield - for both financial and environmental reasons) but it is a shame.
ReplyDeleteMust admit I felt the same. Like you, I understand the reasons. But there's a lot more of the UK than the South of England.
DeleteI simply could not get enough of the Coronation yesterday and Charlotte, you kept us informed of all the traditions, fashion, and special moments. I look forward to your posts. Well done!
ReplyDeleteReally fun! Yes, I am sure everyone is relaxed today & just enjoying events. Thanks, Charlotte, for your amazing coverage and all the great pictures yesterday and today! So informative. This is my happy news site🙂.
ReplyDeleteI just don’t like the Kate’s outfit for the occasion. It looks to casual corporate for me. Shockingly to me, it’s the Prince of Wales that looks ahead in terms of fashion and over all look here. Never thought I would say this.
ReplyDeleteDid the royal ladies coordinate their colors? Seems they're wearing variations of light blue and white. Whether coincidence or planned, I love it.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, you never disappoint. Thank you so much for all the time and hard work you put into your posts.
Hi All, I've only just begun reading the post & only got as far as "James", when it struck me... that Kate (being raised as a regular girl of the counties) would have had the experience of participating in many of the national celebrations, as a regular UK girl, just like these children! It really hit me that, not only is she naturally gracious with people, but she has that "muscle memory" that None of the other royals have! It's really quite extraordinary when you think about it! Also, did you all notice how long she held onto Jame's hand!??? Not only does she look people in the eye, & make them feel seen, but she is tactile too with them! She's just... incredible! We could all learn a thing or two from watching her, that we could incorporate into our own lives & interactions with others! xoxo
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice to see both William and Kate very much relaxed in their clothing choice to meet and greet so many well wishers. I would imagine it would be quite uncomfortable to wear heels in that area they were in, so I assume they wanted to dress for the occasion being nothing but fun, relax, and enjoyable!! If I ever met them, I am pretty sure I would have reacted the same way as that little girl who cried! Yes, I too probably would cry like a little baby and probably wouldn’t know how to convey a message, tripping on my words like a fool. Gosh, if only given the chance!! Loved the smiles and how personable they were with everyone! ♥️
ReplyDeleteThe Princess looks lovely, her outfit looks great for this occasion. The blue jacket fits well, nice color. The Princess Royal's jacket, I love, she looks great.
ReplyDeleteThey both look wonderful. Hope everyone gets a much needed rest, and that definitely means you dear Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteLovely coloured jacket and as always a beaming smile and lovely interactions with the public. I didn't realise the street parties are a regular thing and that QC is the patron, it is a wonderful idea to help communities stay connected which is so important. Sue in WA
ReplyDeleteI think the focus of the South is something the RF need work on. It is really quite obvious.
ReplyDeleteThat sad, I think it is fatastic that the RF makes a point in meeting the "ordinary" people. I think living in the UK gives you a much higher chance to be recognised by someone representing your nation than anywhere else- even if you are not super into charity, volunteering or excelling at something. Most other countries seem to overlook the normal person, being ordinary and just getting on with their own life, mindng their own business. And they are actually the majority of citiziens. So being seen and hopefully feeling valued as member of your soviety even if you are not super special is a great thing in my opinion.
Fashion wise, I think Kate missed the mark. The outfit is nice enough (even though I am so over blue. Why not use the pink/apricot blazer?) but too casual. It also doesn't know what it wants- being youthful (sneakers) or looking like corporate casual friday (the blazer)? Also- the high sitting round neckline is really not easy to pull off. Many look a bit strange and should opt for turtle neck or a neckline that sits a good 2cm lower. Kate belongs in that group. The neckline ages and the whole white T-Shirt and light blue blazer gives off some 50-60+ vibes. I think she shoukd have either gone more youthful with her tops- which might have been too casual. Or going with a dress and coat. She wore some beautiful sheat dresses in the past. They would be a good alternative if she wants to dress down a bit but still look elegant.
All in all- the look is a harsh fall from the mantle ....
C.
The Princess looks lovely, her outfit looks great for this occasion. she was very good with kids can interact with them with warm and gentle I like the Duchess of Edinburgh's dress. was fantastic
ReplyDelete