It was an afternoon of polo for the Prince and Princess of Wales at the Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Charity Polo Cup 2023 at Guards Polo Club in Windsor.
Richard Palmer reports the day of sporting fun is expected to raised over £1 million for eleven charities the couple support.
The Prince and Princess arriving.
One could say the couple were a stone's throw from home. Take a look at Windsor Castle in the background...
Beneficiaries include Centrepoint, Wales Air Ambulance Charity, Little Village and East Anglia's Children's Hospices.
We've seen reduced polo appearances by Prince William over the past several years. The events are an effective means of fundraising and in 2019 an exciting new alternative was brought to fruition -- the King's Cup Regatta. Held in the seaport town of Cowes on the Isle of Wight, the Duke and Duchess went head to head for charities close to their hearts with family (and the Cambridge kiddies) watching. It was envisaged as an annual event (it remains listed as such on the Royal family's website). I do very much hope we see it return.
Sadly, the children could not join their parents today as George, Charlotte and Louis complete their first full year at Lambrook before summer break begins on Saturday.
Kate photographed with Lee Thompson (the Waleses' Communications Secretary).
Kate enjoyed chats and laughs with Peter Phillips and his partner Lindsay Wallace.
William and Kate's equerry, Rob Dixon, was also there.
Cheering on the players.
This one begs a caption contest :)
A great shot of Kate.
Another view of the action.
The Princess was thrilled to present prizes.
Now it’s Prince William’s turn for a prize, presented by The Princess, as a member of the winning polo team 🏇🏻 pic.twitter.com/iDbtq93B2I
— Cameron Walker (@CameronDLWalker) July 6, 2023
And looked delighted with William's win.
A kiss for her prince!
The couple posed for official photos.
For the same polo event last year, Kate was elegant in the Emilia Wickstead Denvella Belted Crepe dress, Sézane Gabrielle earrings and Camilla Elphick flats.
The Princess wore Beulah London's summery Sonia dress.
The cornflower blue style, £550 piece is described as: "One of our classic shapes and features statement blouson sleeves with an ankle-length skirt." It's available for pre-order with dispatch expected in November.
A look at the back.
Kate's elegant new sunglasses are the FINLAY London Vivian Marble style.
The £150 sunglasses are described as "the epitome of graceful glamour". The British brand notes: "A subtly upswept lens shape blends effortlessly into soft bevelled detailing. Handmade from beautiful sustainable Mazzucchelli acetate and fitted with Zeiss sun lenses for full protection, Vivian ensures sophistication for those sunny days ahead."
They are available in an array of colours on the FINLAY website here.
I think Kate has been doing a bit of chic sunglasses shopping for the family. William was spotted wearing the same brand over the weekend during a cricket appearance with Prince George; he wore the Marshall Smoke style.
Kate carried her Mulberry Harlow shoulder bag.
The Princess accessorised with a pair of earrings thought to have been purchased with Earthshot in mind.
The Gold Spine Hoop earrings are handcrafted in Britain by designer Lenique Louis in her London Studio. They were created "as a playful take on coral reef". UFO No More confirmed Kate's pair are "a bespoke, smaller version of the pair below".
And her Sézane Stéphanie Howlite Cuff.
Kate completed the look with a pair of Camilla Elphick Lucia tan slingback shoes.
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The appearance follows the exciting news Kate's brother James and his wife Alizée are expecting their first child at the end of this year. Sharing the exciting news on Instagram, James Middleton wrote: "It was a very difficult start to the year after losing my beloved Ella however we will end the year with the most precious little addition to our growing family." Congratulations to the happy couple!
The parents-to-be were spotted courtside at Wimbledon today.
James Middleton's wife Alizée Thevent shows off her bump as they attend Wimbledon https://t.co/VgqXIRkWMO
— Daily Mail Australia (@DailyMailAU) July 6, 2023
I've long wondered if Kate may have been introduced to Paris-founded brand Sézane by her sister-in-law Alizéé. I think that's very much a strong possibility with the very chic expectant mom donning a striking green dress by the brand today (with thanks to Middleton Maven). The Ladya dress is in stock in sizes 2-14 here.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
Might we get a surprise Wimbledon appearance from Kate?
I love this look. Especially the shoes. They should be worn more often, instead of her white heels.
ReplyDeleteI agree about the shoes!! These should be the new 'white' pumps!! Love them and the little pearl detailing on the side. This looks feels fresh, understated, and easy.
DeleteHas someone on her staff been reading Charlotte's Blog???? The "Nude Pumps" are Back..... (as mentioned here!!!) :-) LOL xoxo
DeleteWhat a lovely summery look for a sunny kid-free afternoon out. Kate looks so happy in the loose and cool silk-crepe-de-chine Beulah Sonia dress. I'm smitten by the Elphick shoes -- how strange she should have debuted the same label at this event last year. I love the cute kitten heel and the snappy patent contrast toe. They look especially good with a smaller trademark buckle this year. I also love the Mulberry Harlow bag, so neat and gently smart in pale blue, adding quality to the dress. A winning look!
ReplyDelete❣️
DeleteGreat photos of a laid back, fun and worthwhile event! Also exciting to hear the family will be expanding…Alizee is a beautiful woman and I absolutely love her effortless, high level style!
ReplyDeleteAs for Kate’s dress, the color and pattern are beautiful and the weight looks perfect for a summer day. The dress is very buttoned up and could be more youthful by changing up the jewel neckline and/or long sleeves & hem. I’d love to see this with a sleeveless v-neck and shortened hem.
That's a beautiful outfit. I love everything, but her hair is getting too long. It isn't falling nicely anymore.
ReplyDeleteI like the look as well, the shoes are nice, my only complaint is that the buckle on the back creates an odd glint on the sides of her feet when looking straight on. It doesn’t look as smooth and polished as I’d like. If the buckle could be more hidden I’d like it better.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many sweet photos from today. It’s a nice look and I love polo days- miss seeing the cute kids. Kate looks great and I love her hair with this dress. It’s wonderful to raise funds over the years for these organizations. Thanks Charlotte! Sue from IL.
ReplyDeleteI haven't commented lately because the looks have not been very inspiring. Kate will always look good in clothes, but I remember such interesting dresses from a few years ago. This is a pretty fabric but not very flattering; I think Kate looks prettier from the back because the front is just a long coverup. I do like the shoes but I'm surprised she didn't wear espadrilles. Pretty earrings and pretty bracelet -- she so seldom wears a bracelet, it would be nice to see a variety.
ReplyDeleteWell, I love everything except the dress! Shoes…darling and would love to see them more. Sunglasses…chic. Earrings…perfect for this look. The blue color of the dress is pretty, and I’m happy she didn’t pair the dress with blue shoes. But just my thoughts. Thanks Charlotte!
ReplyDeleteJoanne in CA
Oh, dear. I'm very fond of Wedgwood, but I don't think I'd wear one of their patterns as a dress.
ReplyDeleteSorry, but my blue and white Wedgwood jasperware, left to me by one of my grandmothers, came immediately to mind when I saw this dress. The print is just too fussy for my tastes, and I've never been a great fan of Beulah's designs anyway. They've always struck me as a bit too modestly demure, though possibly just right to wear to a Mennonite wedding or the clothing ceremony of your cousin who's decided to become a cloistered nun. As I recall, the Princess wore a Beulah dress once when she visited a mosque. It was quite apropos for that occasion, but I rather hoped she'd left Beulah behind.
However, the accessories are great, especially the shoes, whose designer was not familiar to me. I'll have to investigate,
Looks like a pretty flannel nightgown.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I like the summery blue color, its design screams "nightgown" because of the pattern on the fabric, the shapelessness, the length, and the uninteresting neckline. This dress is one of the most unflattering I've ever seen Kate choose to wear. However it is probably very comfortable and she looks lovely, relaxed and happy, so her overall appearance is still a win. I agree with Maggie that the shoes are good.
I feel like the blue dress, although a gorgeous shade, is wearing Kate instead of Kate wearing IT. Does it appear big on her and almost as if it just doesn’t fit or the style isn’t right for her body?
ReplyDeleteI like the fit of the white dress on her much better. She looks sleek and polished.
Having said that I thought her hair, shoes, and accessories were on point. Lovely.
The messy fit took away from the sophistication of the dress’s design, but she is lovely as always. Miss the brothers playing polo together.
ReplyDeleteNot a fan of this dress., weird shape, older pattern. Kate looks wonderful herself but the clothes are not flattering.
ReplyDeleteThis would be so much nicer with a different neck, collar. Looks like it was maybe purchased for Middle East trip.
ReplyDeleteI like the dress on the model, and I like the colour and design of the fabric. The dress seems to be a shorter length and the skirt seems fuller than the one Kate is wearing. I don't think the dress does anything for Kate. It looks like very dull dressing to me, and long length of the skirt and sleeves gives it a nightgown look. I think the shoes and the type of heel was a good choice for walking around on a polo field.
ReplyDeleteShe looks very cool and summery and the colour suits her. The new sunglasses are my favourite item but out of my budget!
ReplyDeleteWow, great look! I love this relaxed engagment.
ReplyDeleteFederica
Completely agree Federica! Love everything about this engagement and about the post....very happy to hear the wonderful news for James and Alizee!
DeleteAnons, I agree! I've seen lots of dresses like this & I Wish I could wear them. However, you really need to be very slender or one would look Huge!! They just are so light & flowy. I understand the comments from those who don't like it. It's definitely a look that you either love or hate.
DeleteRe: it looking different on the model.... I wonder if it would have a more similar fit, if Kate wore it down one size? But I thought she looked light, airy, very relaxed & happy! :)
I want to add my congratulations to James & Alizee Middleton! They sound like they will make very sweet parents! xoxo
Becca, I noticed how the dress looks better on the model. I have been binge watching Project Runway, and I think the difference is that models pull back their arms and shoulders and push out their abdomen (notice the third photo and the space between the arms and torso). Kate (or anyone) of course does not walk or stand like that, so the front of this dress hangs forward.
DeleteVery pretty dress Kate looks lovely, and I like the accessories chosen today except it would annoy me walking on the grass in heels as opposed to flats or wedges ; )
ReplyDeleteJewellery is lovely and understated and suits her look here. Hair looking flat and in one of the photos I thought she looked tired, no doubt she is a little tired they have had a lot on lately. Congratulations to James and Alizee very exciting time for them and their families. Sue in WA
I want to like this look ... but I don't. Lovely blue shade - like bluebells, but once Vittoria mentioned Wedgewood, I simply couldn't un-see it :-). Anyone for tea?
ReplyDeleteOn the up-side: these shoes make her feet look better and less "forced".
Heidi
Would love this dress with a v-neck, shorter sleeves that could be pushed up, a leather wrap/obi style belt, shorter length and espadrilles. Totally agree with Anonymous who mentioned how Kate’s feet typically look “forced” or “stuffed” into her heels and thus look very uncomfortable.
ReplyDeleteFlowing airy dress, very pretty. The shoes are perfect. I also like the bag
ReplyDeleteI like the color of this dress and that it is flowy. I don’t like the horizontal lines of white down and across the entire dress. I do like the shoes too, nice bag. Her hair is looking really messy lately. When she slicks her bangs back(I know they aren’t quite slicked here, tucked in some pics) and just leaves it flat. Like most of the (Berlin?) tour. I joked she must have fired her hair dresser for that tour lol.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like she just blows it dry and goes. It looks very messy. It looks it here too. Doesn’t need to be super “done up” for an outdoor more relaxed event, but it needs something.
Pinks, it does look like she is wearing her hair, perhaps like she wears it in her "off duty" daily life. Kate looks a lot like my daughter, who has almost the identical hair. I have to admit, that as a Mom... I do have to bite my tongue & not ask why she is wearing it so long? But..... that said, I have to admit, my daughter looks like she is wayyyyyy younger than her years!! She is the same age as Kate & I think it's just a style that's in these days, for their generation. If you note, long hair is seen on many models & many celebrities. As for Kate, it's also an asset, when it comes to her amazing updos!!
DeleteI really think Kate looks relaxed, happy & comfortable. That's a win in my book! :)
Pinks, I love your moniker!!!
DeletePretty color, but the neckline is doing her no favors. This dress kind of swallows her up.
ReplyDeleteCatherine looks very pretty in the summery dress. I like the earrings and purse also. Shoes are fine except for the clasp on them. Looks like William had a good day and the group raised some money for worthy causes. Nice that Catherine could catch up with Peter and Lindsay and some other friends at a low key event. Ali
ReplyDeleteKate looks lovely, as usual. This is unrelated, but I do wish that pregnant women could just exist without headlines stating that they are “showing off” a baby bump! What a bizarre word choice & it’s used all the time. The bump is there and impossible to hide, no showing off involved!
ReplyDeleteCait in USA
Agree. As if not hiding at home or wearing a massive tent (which hasn’t been a thing since the 90s) is deliberately shoving it into peoples faces. Most bumps get big. That’s a fact. And most new mothers look still slightly pregnant after birth. I wish tabloids would arrive in reality.
DeleteI rather like the dress (gorgeous shade of blue!) although it's too long. But it looks as if it would be very comfortable in a way that a more fitted dress would not. Also, very cute shoes but they don't strike me as very practical for the event (not that that has ever appeared to be much of a consideration for these types of outings).
ReplyDeletewow Catherine looks very pretty in the summery dress. I love the earrings and the shoes and everything the prince raised some money good cause hmm its Nice that Catherine could catch up with Peter and Lindsay are close and some friends are there catching up congratulation james and ailleze
ReplyDeleteIt’s a lovely event for worthy causes. Such a pretty, summer dress. Kate looks gorgeous in anything, but I agree the dress would be perfect, for a summer outing, if the neckline, sleeves and length were altered.
ReplyDeleteThe dress really does nothing for Kate. It looks tight around the neck and the colour, pattern and cut have been commented on already.
ReplyDeleteI also have to agree with the commenter wondering about her hair. It looks dry and less polished. I love her long hair but it does look as if it needs a bit of a chop to get rid of the ends. It’s not so obvious in a more casual event like this, but it has happened with higher profile events too. If anything I would have thought her rise up the ranks would have brought more emphasis on good hair and clothes for work. But to me her style is actually deteriorating a little bit right now (not the price tag though). Let’s hope she turns that around again. Kate can look beautiful be it casual, sporty, glamorous, sophisticated corporate or elegant. I would love to see more of this again.
I just LOVE this look! I'm very fond of this type of dresses and it reminds me of William and Kate's trip to India and Bhutan. It was definitely my favourite trip fashion-wise and I loved Kate's choices! I can almost feel how pleasant it is to wear this dress. I also like the shoes & accessories. The photos are fun and capture Kate's natural beauty really well! Thank you, Charlotte. Zora from Prague
ReplyDeleteI agree Zora!! I love these type of dresses as well, they feel light and airy and the pattern evokes in me more of a henna pattern. I really like the matching lighter pattern of the trim and sleeves. These shoes are my new 'wanna have's". Hadn't noticed but believe that the color of the dress matches one of the charities that they are playing for...right? Kate is definitely a natural beauty!
DeleteHRH The Princess of Wales, is always so humble, appropriate, and refined. Her wardrobe and mannerisms always, impeccably fit the occasion; she is a true asset to crown & country!
ReplyDeleteI like this dress for a more casual look. She looks beautiful as always. For the day that was in it she looked perfectly dressed. I love those earrings , I lovely design. Delighted for James and his wife. Hoping to see Princess Charlotte at the tennis this year. S.🙂.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to add, over 1 million raised for charity. A good days work and well done to all involved. S.🙂.
DeleteI really doubt Kate needs an introduction to Sézanne. It’s a similar price range as Max Mara. Both brands are well known but she hasn’t worn them. She seems to prefer British brands in that range. But iirc she wears either more affordable pieces (think M&S, ASOS…) or much more expensive pieces. It’s a bit like Reiss or LK Bennett and we haven’t seen her wearing them in years. I do think Sézanne would fit well into her current style though.
ReplyDeleteAnon, Kate has worn Max Mara. I agree that she probably prefers British brands tho and I love it. I do think she should favor and champion british fashion.
DeleteElla
Well, I like her dress but wish the neckline was a little different. That long flowing look for summer dresses is back with high necklines this year. I do like that the sleeves are different from the toros pattern. Depending on the person and occasion , these dresses do look old fashioned. I can’t unsee the Wedgwood , thanks to Vittoria’s humorous remark. I love the bag and shoes. It’s always been a puzzle to me why women wear heels at a polo match.
ReplyDeleteWhat I love about Kate' s style is that it is fairly modest and not show-offy. She is incredibly pretty and attractive and that shines through everytime. Whatever she wears. It also allows her to wear stuff that would drown most women or make us look matronly or frumpy. The dress here for example is quite covering, without a streaking silhouette, without showing cleavage, legs and arms not on display here. I think I would look as if I were wearing a nightgown if I wore it. Kate can pull it off perfectly, managing to look incredibly pretty and not tacky, not show-offy, just peerfect.that is her great talent, if I may call it so.
ReplyDeleteI think you are so spot on! Love this look!
DeleteI was hoping we would see Kate appear at Wimbledon again. It looks like we are going to see an even further lack of appearances due to summer break. I hope they plan a tour in the near near future
ReplyDeleteSummer is always quiet on the royal front. Makes me sad but actually last week with the polo, NHS etc. was great. I expect to see Kate once or twice more for Wimbledon, I expect she will be handing out the main trophy and I hope she will pop in for a women's semi final as well. Ella
DeleteI adore the fabric, but I agree that a different neckline might have looked prettier. But as always, she glows with happiness. Goodness. William looks handsome!
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