During the Trooping the Colour post on Saturday, I pondered events which lead us to reminisce and miss Her late Majesty. Royal Ascot kicked off yesterday, and I have no doubt those feelings were very much at the forefront of the family's mind. To say the Queen adored the annual summer racing highlight would be an understatement. Indeed, Elizabeth was credited with an "encyclopaedic knowledge" of horse racing by Queen Camilla in an interview for ITV in 2021. Whilst we may not see the same level of attendance as we did during the previous reign, the tradition will carry on in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and in honour of her legacy. With that in mind, I was firmly expecting to see the Prince and Princess of Wales follow the lead of the new King and Queen in attending this year.
In a joint message to mark the beginning of the week, Charles and Camilla said they are "delighted" to welcome guests to Royal Ascot in the "year of our coronation". The statement noted the race meeting played a "central role" in the late Queen's calendar and the naming of the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes will be "a most appropriate way" to mark this "lifelong interest".
Indeed, there was immense joy for the King and Queen who appeared quite emotional when they secured the first win of the new reign, with horse Desert Hero and jockey Tom Marquand storming the King George V Stakes. What it would have meant to Her late Majesty was not lost on anyone there.
Speaking afterwards, Zara Tindall described the win as "bittersweet" adding: "To think how proud our Grandmother The Queen would have been -- but to have a winner for Charles and Camilla and keep the dream alive was incredible."
Zara Tindall on her Uncle, King Charles’ first win at @Ascot 🐎
— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) June 22, 2023
"It's bittersweet isn't it? To think how proud our Grandmother The Queen would have been - but to have a winner for Charles and Camilla and keep the dream alive was incredible".
🎥 @itvracingpic.twitter.com/5YZCtcF0ce
Below, the Queen watches on as her horse, Choirboy, wins the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot, 17th June 1953 -- the year of her coronation. Seventy years later, her son the King attended his first Ascot as monarch.
Ascot Racecourse shared this video honouring the monarch.
Remembering Queen Elizabeth II at Royal Ascot. pic.twitter.com/dnQLWmnKEa
— Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) June 20, 2023
Today is Day 4 -- the penultimate day of Royal Ascot.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were all smiles as they travelled via carriage procession.
A video of the royals arriving.
The Prince and Princess of Wales arrive in the Royal Procession at #RoyalAscot! pic.twitter.com/1RcAW3Mc7t
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 23, 2023
A wave from Prince William.
And Princess Beatrice.
The Duchess of Edinburgh.
They were joined in the carriage by Princess Beatrice and her husband Edo Mapelli Mozzi.
The full procession list for the day.
It's been a packed week on the royal summer calendar with Trooping the Colour and Order of the Garter preceding Royal Ascot. It's been an added bonus to see such lovely weather for all events.
It was a short journey for the couple -- the racecourse being located just six miles from Windsor Castle.
The Princess appeared to have a lovely chat with national treasure Dame Judi Dench. I simply adore Judi and was thrilled to see her included in the carriage procession today.
Dame Judi with the Duchess of Edinburgh.
The Princess and Queen Camilla in conversation.
Kate mingling with guests.
Royal Ascot is the centrepiece of Ascot's year and dates back to 1711 when it was founded by Queen Anne.
Over 300,000 people make the annual visit to Berkshire during Royal Ascot week, making this Europe’s best-attended race meeting.
There are three enclosures occupied by guests on Royal Ascot week.
The Royal Enclosure is the most prestigious of the three, with visits by the Royal family. Access to the Royal Enclosure is restricted by a heavy security presence.
Guests can enjoy luxury food and entertainment.
Check out the Ascot Magnum!
Scenes capturing the spirit of the week thus far.
From there, William and Kate made their way to present 'The Commonwealth Cup'.
Prince William and Princess Kate make the presentation to the winning connections of Commonwealth Cup winner Shaquille! #RoyalAscot pic.twitter.com/Z2el1A6N7R
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 23, 2023
They were delighted to present the trophy to Oisin Murphy.
Take a look at this spectacular watercolour by brothers Paul and Thomas Sandby depicting vast crowds of spectators at Ascot (c.1755-1765).
Not only is Royal Ascot a highlight on the racing calendar, it's also synonymous with sartorial elegance. Royal Ascot notes: "Our dress code is traditional, woven into the very fabric of our history. It was Beau Brummell, perhaps Britain’s first fashion icon, who at the turn of the 19th century dictated the dress for men in the Royal Enclosure. His sense of style is still reflected in Royal Ascot fashions today. In 2017, Royal Ascot successfully welcomed the jumpsuit as an acceptable item of clothing for the Royal Enclosure. Ascot continues to recognise key trends in the ever-evolving world of fashion."
Sample looks for the Royal Enclosure this year.
I very much enjoyed this video, Royal Ascot: Fashion Through the Ages, recapping the evolution of fashion and the role it's played at the racing event.
And of course, this recap of unforgettable 1990s looks at Ascot including an unusual piece of millinery inspired by the mobile phone.
Did you know one of Kate's favourite brands is an official sponsor of Royal Ascot this year? LK Bennett is thrilled to be involved and to ensure no guest is left without the opportunity for a last-minute spot of retail therapy -- an on-site LK Bennett store is available.
Below, two potential looks from the LK Bennett x Royal Ascot Collection. The Martha Meadow and Lourdes Cream Meadow dresses are showcased.
Speaking of royal fashion, Princess Beatrice looked lovely in a Monique Lhuillier floral dress and Justine Bradley-Hill hat (with thanks to Royal Fashion Police).
The Duchess of Edinburgh was elegant in the Suzannah Fontaine dress and a matching Jane Taylor hat.
The Duchess of Edinburgh has made her way to the podium to present the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes.#RoyalAscot pic.twitter.com/Ka4kLIxZn1
— Charlie Proctor (@MonarchyUK) June 23, 2023
Queen Camilla was elegant in white Anna Valentine and a Philip Treacy hat with black trim.
We're certainly always excited to see Kate's looks, so here is a quick recap: for her first Ascot appearance in 2016, the Duchess donned a white lace Dolce & Gabbana dress.
In 2017, the Duchess selected a white lace Alexander McQueen dress.
Kate selected the one and only Elie Saab in 2019. The look was exquisite in my opinion, bringing together all of the designer's feminine and whimsical design touches whilst creating something unexpected for Ascot. The macramé trim and silhouette lended itself beautifully to a sparkling princess ensemble. Of course, the look made a reappearance last month at a Buckingham Palace garden party.
Kate evoked throwbacks to My Fair Lady and Pretty Woman in an elegant asymmetric brown and white polka-dot Alessandra Rich dress last year.
For her royal ascot debut as Princess of Wales, Kate very appropriately selected 'Welsh red'. It's such a fantastic colour on her, and a sartorial bonus to see her in more red looks owing to her new title. The bespoke Alexander McQueen creation has a wrap effect, a defined waist and a flowing skirt.
Kate teamed it with a Philip Treacy hat.
The Princess carried a vintage Hermés Rio clutch (with thanks to What Kate Wore). You can see the distinctive logo in the image below.
With thanks to Middleton Maven, it appears Kate's pumps are a Jennifer Chamandi design. Below, the Lorenzo 105 style (Kate wore her pair without the leather strap).
More on the talented designer from Net-A-Porter:
'After spending seven years in finance, Jennifer Chamandi Boghossian immersed herself in weekend classes at London’s renowned Cordwainers College to pursue a childhood dream of shoe design. She then became fluent in Italian in order to secure one of the most skilled factories in Parabiago, Italy - the same village where Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik produce. Look out for the label’s distinct gold-plated ‘eye of the needle’ detail on each stiletto heel.'
Kate completed the look with a pair of sold-out Esme earrings by Sézane.
We'll see Kate on Tuesday for the officially opening of the Young V&A museum.
Stunning.
ReplyDeleteJust what I thought! 😂
DeleteStunning! I've loved all of Kate's Ascot looks, but it's great to see her in a bolder color for this event. Excited to see her again for next week's events!
ReplyDeleteWow. I own a Max Mara dress that's so similar in color and cut to this McQueen dress that at first I thought the Princess was wearing it! I also pair it with red suede pumps, though I've also worn it with a pair of floral Cole-Haan pumps that give it a more whimsical look.
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased to see that the Princess has eschewed lace and frills for this outing. I haven't been hugely excited by her Ascot wardrobe in the past and find this red ensemble very striking. The hat represents such perfect Royal Ascot attire that it could be used by the designer to illustrate his prowess in this area: "Invited into the Royal Enclosure? See me for your hat!"
But the earrings -- yikes. I didn't like them the first time I saw them, and I like them even less with this dress and hat. I agree that the Princess needed earrings that made a statement, in the sea of red, but those just look, er, cheap. I think that the next time the Princess does a wardrobe clear-out, they should go into the "discard" pile.
Vittoria, I always look for your comments. I agree that the earrings are wrong. They would work with jeans and a peasant blouse when she's not working, maybe. I'm happy that Kate avoided lace and bows this time. They tend to look fussy and rather like a costume. It looks like Beatrice and Kate have swapped dresses today. Beatrice is looking lovely lately.
DeleteAgree Vittoria! The earrings are not right for the occasion or the dress. Maybe with a more casual outfit.
DeleteI would really like to see Kate pair this pretty red dress with nude heels and clutch. I feel it is too much red. But she always looks stunning!
ReplyDeleteAgree. Too much red.
DeleteAgree!
DeleteOne word only
ReplyDeleteWow!!
A very bright look today! At first glance the hat seems too big in photos, the style or dimensions are “off” somehow. I am of two minds about the dress, I think 40’s styles are aging. Okay once in a while but not to be repeated too often.
ReplyDeleteI love this look (except the earring maybe), as did the look she sported at the Trooping the Colour. Like many others, I too thought what the Princess wore for the Order of the Garter was a repeat. But I thought the princess looks resplendent indeed in the new dress. Impeccable to say the least.
ReplyDeleteUnbelievably another new outfit - dress , hat, shoes and handbag .Not one of the last 5 appearances have been rewears . IMO the earrings look cheap and a bit tacky . I honestly thought with interest rates going up yesterday she would choose a re wear . It smacks of not appreciating how many in the uk are really struggling financially.
ReplyDeleteWe've moved from the matronly dresses debate to the too many new things debate.
DeleteThis looks like the dress she wore under her coat for the St. David’s Day parade in March, so it’s not new and is, in fact, a repeat.
DeleteWho's got too many new clothes. 🤣
DeleteIt's interesting the unique cultural conversations on how many new clothes and looks Princess Kate wears. In the Middle East and Africa, we expect royalty to be always dressed to the nines, most especially for public events. It is seen as a sign of honor and respect to the office and to the "subjects", and if a Queen or Princess and even males, were to show up often in repeated/recycled clothes it would be seen as "not caring" for or slighting your audience.
DeleteWith respect to the opinions that Kate should major more in re-wears, I came across this comment analysis below by a royal commentator and I found it apt! and do quite agree:
"Catherine is a Princess and a future Queen. There is pageantry, history and yes, fashion, deeply connected to her position.
New ensembles are part of the job descriptions. It isn't just about boosting the British fashion industry, which she does, it is as basic as her position as a princess- clothes are part of it.
As to the money, no one will have more money if Kate spends less. The cost of living crisis will not change because Kate wears fewer new pieces. But she will boost the economy and support developing countries by promoting fashion.
She is undertaking her royal duties in beautiful and event-appropriate ensembles. She isn't ostentatiously quaffing copious champagne in Ibiza and partying on super yachts.
Kate is a senior royal in the currently most prestigious extant royal family. Clothes and fashion have always been a mark of royalty ({world wide} and she does royal fashion like, well, the princess she is."
She could donate the money she would spend on new clothes to charity to help those struggling to feed themselves .
DeleteEnvironmentally new clothes are not good for the planet .
Many of her clothes are not made in the uk but China and Italy- hardly developing countries .
I so totally disagree with you. Kate and Will are all about sustainability and the environment… that means repurposing clothing..she has great access to taylors who can tweak and make alterations. Also as a Brit with many of my staff worried sick about their mortgage payments this ostentatious horsey event sits poorly. This isn’t helping or supporting her charities, this is doing something that most attendees have actually taken a days holiday for. No one else will get the money… well they could if she said every time she rewore she personally donated £x to the local mothers group supporting early years for eg.
DeleteI totally agree. What the Princess of Wales spends on clothes has nothing to do with the problems Britain is facing. I would think Brexit and the Tories have a lot more to answer for. S.🙂.
DeleteMichelle, thank you for sharing that comment/analysis. It makes some very historically valid points & I totally agree with the premise.
DeleteThis is such a beautiful dress, but man those earrings ruin the entire look. She has so many earrings to choose from, I can't imagine why she would wear those - they are very heavy and really ruin the look - IMHO.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm perplexed as to why everyone wears long sleeved dresses when it's 80 degrees in London today. I thought this was strange at the Garter ceremony when Sophie was in a sleeveless dress and Kate was covered from head to toe.
Although in hot weather lightweight fabric covering your arms can help keep you cooler. I do not have a problem with the long sleeves. I live in a hot climate and long sleeves and long skirts or pants are common.
DeleteLoving this - what a fantastic week we have had
ReplyDeleteGreat dress and hat, a big no on the earrings, not sure if the earring issues she has are her choices or the stylist, but they are often a miss. She did need a great pair of earrings but these were not a bold statement pair and also looked inexpensive. There are inexpensive options out there that look good. Beatrice looked wonderful and William also. I also like that Catherine and William did not bother to match:):).
ReplyDeleteIt's a pretty look, but I think that the earrings are too boho for Ascot.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'm the only one who likes the earrings but I really do - they don't look cheap to me, they don't look too big thanks to the hat, and they somehow compensate for the absence of a necklace, creating a sort of balance. Perhaps they are not exactly what you'd expect for Ascot but that's what I find rather attractive. (And they match the button on the clutch 🙃) Zora from Prague
DeleteThanks you Anon 14:11, I hadn't even noticed that she wasn't wearing a necklace. Point taken!
DeleteI think that it is time for a series of rewears.
ReplyDeleteKate looks stunning in this but I don’t think turning up in a new dress every outing is very environmentally friendly. This would have been a good opportunity to repeat an outfit as it doesn’t need the attention a tour event does
ReplyDeleteA stunning look for Kate today, she looks so good in red. Charlotte, I had the pleasure of meeting Dame Judi at a memorial for a dear friend a few years ago and she was every bit as fabulous as you might imagine (although it woukd have been nicer to have met her under happier circumstances). Annie, Wales.
ReplyDeleteWow, wow, wow. This red is drop dead gorgeous and she is a knockout in it. Not crazy about the earrings with it, but they'd be cute and fun with something not quite as dressed up.
ReplyDeleteFabulous outfit today - I love Kate in red. Much better than the white lacy efforts of yore.
ReplyDeleteI just read the dress is a repeat, same dress she wore under her McQueen coat in march.
ReplyDeleteLooking back at the St David's Day parade it certainly looks like this dress could be the one worn then- is there any official confirmation of that?
DeleteIt's certainly been a wonderful royal week!!!
It would make sense to wear the dress without the coat
DeleteI love the red and how breezy the fabric looks. Thanks for showing all her past looks at Ascot. Always so interesting to see what she's worn year to year.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful outfit. And it’s nothing she has almost identical her wardrobe already. And it’s definitely fit for a rewear (compared to the probably and hopefully never to be seen green from Trooping). I do agree though, the earring were a miss. If she wanted to use statement earrings - the BAFTA ones might have worked. The idea with nude shoes and clutch is also great. I think I was the only one that was sad when she retired her nude heels…..
ReplyDeleteC.
Kate looked wonderful, as did Sophie and Beatrice. The King really seemed to have tears in his eyes - it must have been very emotional. I loved the videos - about Her Late Majesty &Ascot and about the fashion throughout the ages. Thank you, Charlotte! Zora from Prague
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful red dress, the fit is perfect. The skirt has plenty of movement and swish. Not a fan of the earrings. Love her red accessories. The hat is divine. I saw somewhere that this dress is a rewear.
ReplyDeleteI loved the red outfit. I miss Queen Elizabeth.
ReplyDeleteSo do I, Tedi! Zora from Prague
DeleteAgreed Tedi!
DeleteGreat dress, hair and color on Kate. Would skip the matchy clutch, pumps, big hat and boho earrings.
ReplyDeleteI’m against horse racing in general and have been against the royal clan accepting race horses as gifts from rich potentate with dubious human rights issue and investing in racing stable. I know it’s a royal tradition and a great way to keep the exclusivity of hobnobbing with the rich, the blue blooded and the connected alive. It’s important for these fashionable social circles to have these events to be seen. I’m sure there’s plenty of charity PR involved here, but I’m not comfortable with horse racing for human gratification. Horses were domesticated and have been working animals historically and then made into a sports. Same with fox hunting or hunting in general.
i hear you ive worked with racing horses and some of the things Ive seen are total abuse and deplorable...
DeleteOverall like the splash of red in a sea of pastels and florals. Quite a standout. Felt same as others the earrings aren’t in keeping with the look of the dress/hat, too heavy. As always, enjoy reading about the history behind these events. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI loved this festive look today. Everyone looks pink in the cheeks, so I imagine it is hot in the UK today. I must be emotional today because the ascot video made me tear up. Man, I miss her.
ReplyDeleteI love this look at a glance, but once I went into more detail I’m not sure. Haha. I love the dress,hat, and shoes. However, I think breaking up the red with nude or cream heels and bag would have been nice; even though I do sometimes enjoy head to toe matching color! I think this dress doesn’t fit the occasion though. I don’t know what it is. Too dressy? The long sleeves? The color? I’m not sure but it seems out of place for this summery event. I do like it though. The hat looks like it should be tilted a bit more on her head. I kept wondering why it looks off and I think that’s it. Shoes are nice. Earrings aren’t for me. Even with jeans I wouldn’t like them. They also make the outfit look… cheap.
ReplyDeleteI like this bodice cut on Kate and the swishy skirt part of the dress is nice. I'd have asked them to reign the sleeve material in a bit. The colour really works on her and I like the earrings. I think I would have purchased the heels with the strap (that Charlotte included a picture of) as a nice change from the plain heels.
ReplyDeleteI like this time of year for royal watching but Trooping the Colour, Order of the Garter, Royal Ascot and Wimbledon are a lot of high profile 'fun' events that bare no relation to most people's idea of 'work'. I think given that they're likely to disappear very soon for the best part of a couple of months they should take care to include more serious, weighty engagements too, if you know what I mean, to balance things. They might well manage that before their summer break so we shall see.
I agree certainly Ascot and Wimbledon are not hard work and need no research . They are seen as jolly days out . Much more serious work is needed before they are off with the children from 7th July . The NPG and V &A are another two easy jobs as they focus on what she likes . Time to knuckle down and do some difficult jobs . Really disappointed no public hospice visit
DeleteLovely princess, lovely dress, excellent chic updo . . .but the earrings are glaringly awful. Not just wrong for the fashion she's wearing, but cheap and terribly oversized for any outfit. Instead of these huge earrings, she could have pinned an embellishment on her lapels or even on her belt. Not sure what it is about the hat, but it is not her best red hat. Like a giant frisbee that is perhaps too big, not at the right angle, too flat? What do you think? Should she have chosen one of her many red hats that flatter her much better?
ReplyDeleteToo flat.
DeleteThis may be controversial but I don’t like the flowing sleeves with the more structured bodice of the dress…and I’m never a fan of sleeves that end in elastic in general. But no matter what, Kate always looks stunning!
ReplyDeleteKate is every bit the princess of Wales now. This is outfit is perfection.
ReplyDelete2017 will always be my favorite Ascot look though!
Normally not a fan of red but Kate looks gorgeous in the dress. It is bold color that not everyone can pull off. Power color in the workplace.
ReplyDeleteI also love the subtle color tie-in with the St Louis Cardinals playing the Chicago Cubs in baseball in London this weekend. I just know Kate wore red in support of the Cardinals. If she had worn blue, she would be supporting the Cubs. Huge rivalry here in Midwest USA.
Go Cards! Have fun watching our boys of Summer play ball!! Proud St Louis Girl
Chicago girl here: I am quite certain that if the Princess were to attend the game in London, she would be wearing blue. No one of superior taste supports the Cards.
DeleteGo Cubs!
I am a STL girl too! Have been following this blog since 2011.
DeleteLOL. It would be nice if she really was a baseball fan - Susan in Florida (a Detroit Tigers fan by marriage )
DeleteLol, Cincinnati Reds fan here ... she must have worn red because they have now won 12 in a row!
DeleteBorder Terrier lover
Vittoria, "Fly The W"!! Go Cubs Go!! :)
DeleteI was walking distance to Wrigley for the last 10 years! Go Cubs! But back to Ascot, this is a very lovely and unexpected look. It’s definitely not my favorite one, probably my least favorite as I personally prefer the more subdued looks. But she looks incredible and it’s a great ensemble. I look forward to seeing ways it can be restyled with different accessories. She and William look so handsome together. The pics of her and Sophie are sweet, and Beatrice has a gorgeous dress. Thanks Charlotte! Sue from IL
DeleteIt's a very pretty dress. And Kate will always look really good in most clothes. But how stunning is Beatrice? (And I used to be a big Judi Dench fan but my opinion has changed this year.)
ReplyDeleteWhat did Judy Dench do? S.🙂.
DeleteCurious why your opinion of Judy drench has changed?
DeleteYes. Does anyone know what Dame Judy did? ,🤣🤣🤣
DeleteLooks marvelous but the earrings don’t seem to go with the beautiful hat and dress.
ReplyDeleteOkay, so I love what she is wearing and she does look absolutely beautiful. But one minor thing I didn’t like, it looks as though the earrings on her were a little heavy, causing her ear lobe to droop a little. Otherwise, she is beautiful!! ♥️
ReplyDeleteKate looks lovely she is so elegant in red but i too hate the earrings. Princess Beatris looks very lovely in her outfit! im not usually a fan of her choices but today i am. Also Zara looked lovely at Ascot a few days ago
ReplyDeleteLove the Hermes clutch. A different brand from her usual brands she uses. Hope to see Kate in more Hermes items.
ReplyDeleteI love vintage purses, from almost any era. Ali
DeleteWell, this is a bold look in a sea of pastels and flowers! Agreed that the earrings are a bit too boho for this look--a peasant blouse and jeans would be a better fit for them. I find the skirt a bit too long, but she obviously likes the length as she has many dresses in the same length.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't expecting red today but I like it. The Princess really stands out and a nice nod to Wales as their Princess. It is a beautiful dress,rewear or not I don't care because she looks great. I like the earrings but not with the look or for Royal Ascot. The Queen's small diamond drops would of worked well as would her new brooch or something similar from the vaults. All the ladies looked beautiful. Thanks Charlotte. S🙂.
ReplyDeleteI think Catherine looks stunning. I am in the minority in that I think her earrings look great and I applaud her for choosing them. I think she takes proportions in to consideration and these large earrings look in balance with the rest of her look. I wonder if she might have chosen them to "go" with the logo on her clutch as well. I also wonder if her sleeves have a tiny cuff sewn at the bottom (versus elastic as a commenter presumed).
ReplyDeleteI am also in the minority that I think her long hair, when she wears it down, looks fabulous. Again, I think she takes proportions in to consideration, and with her long figure and thick tresses she can pull it off and still look elegant.
I have followed this blog for several years and have only attempted to comment a time or two. There seems to have been a shift in the tone of the blog, as well as the tone of commenters, with more criticism and less admiration. Although I appreciate "constructive discussion" I personally do not understand the number of comments about her modest dressing or her repeat dressing. I believe Catherine is dressing just like she does everything else... for the long haul and not for the short term. She represents a nation and sets the tone with her dress, and I think she has the right to wear a brand new outfit every appearance she makes if she so chooses. I'm saying this as an American.
I agree with you 100 percent.
DeleteBorder Terrier lover
I agree
DeleteAgree 👍. She is the second Lady of the land and expected to dress as such. S.🙂.
DeleteAnd unfortunately most negative posts are tagged anonymous... It would be helpful if people use or add recognisable tags/names. That way one would know if the posts are just constantly negative, or show positive criticism.
DeleteMost of the comments are about fashion so there’s a lot of personal taste involved. Don’t take it to heart.
DeleteThese ladies are dressed to be seen and admired so I think it’s fair game to say what you like and don’t like. Plus times are hard right now for the average person so even if these people are fabulously wealthy and funded by taxes as is their privilege, it’s understandable people might be more grumpy or may look at things a bit more critically.
I agree :)
DeleteIt’s very difficult for a lot of people in the UK to actually feed and keep roofs over their heads at the moment .
DeleteWilliam and Kate live a very privileged life with very few difficult work engagements . Indeed they undertake a low number of public appearances.
Many people are working two jobs . Indulgence in so many new and expensive clothes , shoes and hats and fun engagements don’t show much respect for how people are struggling.Practical and down to earth engagements are needed in my opinion to support their subjects. This is especially important as they will be taking a two month break soon. GT
Thank you for writing exactly what I’ve been thinking. You worded it perfectly.
DeleteDd
I feel exactly the same way,fellow American!
DeleteOkay, so I love what she is wearing and she does look absolutely beautiful. and i love that she bonds with , Duchess of Edinburgh and i love princess Beatrice
ReplyDeleteWhile Kate looks lovely as always, I wanted to see something different for Ascot, I was hoping she would wear something fun, summery and floral but I hope for next year. I would have liked her to have worn different colour shoes and clutch not matchy matchy and I agree with others the earrings are totally wrong for this outfit. I love the D & G dress from 2016. I think Bea looks lovely and Zara in Leo Lin the other day was gorgeous and Sophie has worn some lovely dresses to Ascot this year. Sue in WA
ReplyDeletePrincess Mary of Denmark wore almost the same dress on June 2016 ... to Ascot !
ReplyDelete"My fair Lady" : not polka dress ! No ! Never ! It's a mistake !
White lace dress : yes, of course.
Polka dress : no, no, no ! No way !!
Love the outfit and I love the earings as well. Most of all I love her smile
ReplyDeleteI'm going against the crowd to say I love the earrings. Kate loved big earrings before her marriage and I really like the fact that she sticks with them now, often quite unexpectedly. Good for her for sneaking some of the 'real' Kate into work outfits in the way that most of us do.
ReplyDeleteLouise, London, I love the earrings as well. But now with all the negative reviews of them I keep looking at the pictures again to see if I there is something I'm missing!
DeleteWhat strikes me the most, is the way Kate actually radiates her beauty.. both inside & out! I couldn't help but think of the juxtaposition to the early years of her relationship with William, when she was thought of as an "outsider". Yet she held her own, despite a sometimes frosty welcome, at best, by those in William's world.... To this day at Ascot, all these years later, when as a genuine beauty (inside & out) she has earned such respect, that as Catherine The Princess of Wales, she was clearly the "Bell of The Ball"!!
ReplyDeleteThere is an effortless confidence she has grown into & yet she's so approachable. I think what makes her so unique & beloved, is at the heart of all of her roles.... she is still Kate, a naturally authentically, beautiful person!
I think she looked spectacular & the earrings offered her ensemble a bit of whimsy, that makes the look completely "Kate"!
I think those who mentioned this are right, that her new wardrobe is a hat tip to the "Coronation Year" & her own elevation to Princess of Wales. I think we will also see her grow into/take on an even more regal iteration, when she becomes Queen. As always.... just my 2 cents!! :) xoxo
You have just written what I couldn’t put into words. She is truly a beautiful lady with a wonderful caring personality. I love the Earings as well. They suit her and like you said a very Catherine look.
DeleteDd
Thanks Dd! Kate strikes me as that caring person, who while entertaining at her home, is always keyed into who might need extra care. I imagine, that she is not one to be so caught up in what she is saying in conversation, as to always being able to sense if someone else needs attention. At least this is what I imagine. :)
DeleteI think this is definitely her best Ascot look so far. Even with the earrings.
ReplyDeleteIt’s interesting that she seems to make an effort to really stand out. Even against other royals. I feel like this is fairly new. It seems as if they are slowly preparing us visually for the inevitable moment when she will be the Queen next to Wiliam. With QEII it felt as if she would always be there. C&C will leave a big mark but it will be less directly visible. Right now, Kate is the visual fixture and she will be for decades to come.
Loved the outfit. Was a bit surprised at the red but better than white again! The only No for me were the earrings. Not a fan.
ReplyDeleteStunning - there really is not another word for it; our future Queen looks stunning!
ReplyDeleteIn times of turmoil, some people gravitate toward things and people that are reassuring to them. For others, the daily struggle eats up too much of the energy. Joy and hope become more scarce. I see increasingly this sense of hopelessness and burnout among my workmates, friends and family members. We try to stay cheery for each other, but the worry talk and lack of patience are there. Hence, I think the diverse opinions of the readers here reflect the mood of our times.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I can still ooh and aah over the posh outfits and their ridiculous price tags, even when they are reworn twice in a row. But admittedly there’s a nagging voice that can’t help juxtapose such luxury, scrumptious setting, dripping jewels, bank holiday, endless social events of this fantastical version of England against the restless anxiety this nation seems to be under. My slice of distraction here doesn’t take away the fear of our ability to keep up with the mortgage payment and watching our child’s first contracted professional job out of university is now deferred till next year. In the meantime, he and his roommate just signed a year’s lease n a rental a month ago based on a job that now has disappeared. To watch the next generation starting off their young adult life, after following all the rules and working hard, in such blind panic is terrifically hard because I can’t fix it for him. No doubt he’ll go back to waiting tables while trying to look for a better paying job.
I guess what I’m trying to say that what used to be fun and worked as a welcome distraction no longer works. I like to see these royals get down to more serious business. The country had the splendid pageantries which taxpayers paid a hefty price tag for. It has a new King and Queen, a newly titled Prince and Princess, Duke and Duchess. Let’s move on. Let’s see the receipt of all the good works. How many new children received quality early childhood learning program this past year? Was there an increase? How many homeless housed? How many left unhoused? How many food banks have their needs met? How many have not? What are the dollar needs?
I think in tough times, people need tangibles, not fairy tales.
I have to say I totally agree with the comment above it is time to knuckle down to serious engagements and really make a difference to their subjects . Wimbledon is to Kate an enjoyable engagement.
DeleteI’m lucky in that I’m retired with no mortgage and sufficient income to pay my bills and run a car .I’m involved with a few charities and it’s heartbreaking to see people surrendering their pets who often are their only company as they can’t afford to feed them the impact on their mental wellbeing is awful. I see people unable to buy nappies , basic food supplies or heat their homes . Victims of domestic abuse who unable to leave their partners due to financial constraints. Parents each working two jobs to try and survive .
Kate said the Royal Family are here to support everyone it’s time for them to do this .GT
Anonymous 10.26, for the first time I get where you're coming from. I had the impression that some people are never happy, no matter what Kate does. GT, you seem to expect from her so much that they you are bound to be disappointed. It will never be enough.
DeleteBack to anonymous, as I said, I get it. I am not British but in Europe and indeed in the rest of the world we feel the crisis too. And watching wonderful dresses and hats at Ascot is not the same as it was. But there is something in that fantastical image of Britain. Not Ascot but the funeral and the coronation. It is soft power at its best. And the UK can only benefit of this attractive and powerful image, even if it's not real, but when was it real? Showing to the world a dreary and sordid image won't help. The RF plays a great part in that soft power, and that aspect of their role is important. The other aspects you wish them to develop, I have the impression they are aware and willing to do something. Both Kate and William truly seem to want to make a difference and tackle real problems. Perhaps not the way some people would wish but I give them credit for trying. I like your suggestion of showing tangible results, not bragging but to uplift. People need positivity.
One can support a variety of causes....there is no one in this world who is only self sacrificing all the time, please these comments....
DeleteNatacha I’m not expecting them to show dreary and sordid images .
DeleteI’m expecting them to undertake difficult engagements and more visits .Rewear more clothes not only due to the cost but to show more environmental awareness.
In my opinion the RF need to modernise and be more relatable to the general public . They have an amazing life of privilege and I feel they should give more back and provide tangible results .
It’s is of course my opinion and the majority may not agree with me .GT
Love the bold color. But, I just find that the style of dress is a half generation older than Catherine. She looks 10 years older to me.
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