As we approach the end of the month with just weeks to go until the royal schedule wraps up for 2023, fans of the Prince and Princess of Wales might well have lamented the absence of glittering engagements and overseas tours. Today, however, offered a welcome opportunity for us to enjoy the very best of British pomp and pageantry with a state visit by The President of the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Yoon Suk Yeol, accompanied by Mrs Kim Keon Hee commencing in majestic style this morning.
It marks the second state visit of King Charles III's reign and indeed for William and Kate in their roles as Prince and Princess of Wales.
Similarly to last year's visit by South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Prince and Princess were tasked with the significant role of welcoming the President and his wife at their hotel.
A stylish arrival from the Princess.
The foursome pose for a photo.
A video from the meeting
William and Kate accompanied them to Horse Guards parade.
One marvels at the seamless nature of state visits.
The sheer level of attention to detail and long-planned precision across the board means not a beat is missed as the programme unfolds like clockwork. Overnight rehearsals are commonplace, with those on duty during the visit often exhausted.
One is reminded of the oft-repeated Michelangelo quote "If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery, it wouldn't seem so wonderful after all". I think you'll agree, all the hard work paid dividends today with a spectacular display.
A drummer of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment band.
Flags from the United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea line the mall.
As is always the case with such visits, the sense of tradition and ceremony on display is merely one aspect of an incredibly important visit that will serve to further forge bonds between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea. Reuters reports the President is "hoping to boost economic ties and security partnerships as his country faces what it sees as growing danger from a nuclear-armed North Korea". Speaking ahead of the visit, the British ambassador to South Korea, Colin Crooks, remarked: "It reflects the fact that UK-Korea relations are the closest they have ever been, with close collaboration across defence, trade, science and technology, culture and energy and climate".
A central element of the visit will be the signing of a substantial new long-term agreement which promises to "redefine the relationship" and ultimately "deepen cooperation". The new Downing Street Accord, that will be signed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and President Yoon Suk Seoul, follows negotiations on increased technology sharing, defence cooperation and an upgraded free trade agreement. In fiscal terms, the visit brings a staggering £21 billion investment to the UK, with South Korean firms supporting infrastructure projects and renewables. It's during visits like this, we see Buckingham Palace and No 10 working hand in glove, ensuring vital agreements are finalised against the backdrop of a regal welcome that will be remembered.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
'Long term, global partnerships are vital to our prosperity and security, both today and in the future. As two nations focussed on innovation, harnessing new technologies and defending the international rules-based order, the UK and Republic of Korea are natural partners.
Through our new Downing Street Accord, we will drive investment, boost trade and build a friendship that not only supports global stability, but protects our interests and lasts the test of time.
These close ties have already propelled £21 billion of investment between our countries, and I know a Free Trade Agreement fit for the future will only drive further investment, delivering on my promise to grow the economy and support highly skilled jobs'.
The President and First Lady received a ceremonial welcome. Several presentations were made, before the guard of honour gave a royal salute and the Republic of Korea’s national anthem was played.
The President, accompanied His Majesty, inspected the guard of honour, by F Company Scots Guards.
From there, the President and First Lady joined senior royals in a carriage procession along The Mall to Buckingham Palace, where they were met by a second guard of honour by 1st Battalion Welsh Guards. Prince William serves as Royal Colonel of the Welsh Guards.
The Prince and Princess joined the King and Queen for a private luncheon at Buckingham Palace where the President and First Lady were shown pieces from the Royal Collection with connections to the Republic of Korea.
Below, a beautiful hand-painted fan adorned with roses and Korean calligraphy. It's inscribed with a poem by An-jin Ryu which reads: "Your Majesty from a far-away land of roses and whose grace exceeds those of the roses. We thank you for visiting Ha-Fae in Andong, a renowned and respected place of loyalty and hospitality in the east. The spring shines brighter with joy and light. We congratulate you as you celebrate your 73rd birthday here and wish you a long life".
It was presented to Queen Elizabeth II during a state visit to South Korea in 1999.
During the 1999 visit, Her late Majesty was also given this stunning jewellery box by President Kim Dae-Jung. It's described by the Royal Collection Trust as: "Lacquered jewellery box with inlaid mother of pearl with hinged handles at the sides, decorated with a landscape scene with animals on the lid. Enclosed is a lacquer tray with an inset rack, a locking device and two keys. In a red velvet cream satin lined presentation case with hinged lid".
One might say the 1999 visit yielded a treasure trove of stunning items proudly displayed today. Take a look at the square cosmetic box of lacquered wood with two deep central drawers. Per The Royal Collection: "the front decorated in inlaid mother-of-pearl: at the top in two rectangular panels with plant sprays; on each of the central drawers with two gilt roundels containing a pair of seal characters; on the bottom drawer with two large panels each with a pair of ducks in a pond with formalised lotus plants".
Of course, in 1992, the then Prince and Princess of Wales visited South Korea. It was dubbed 'The Glums' Tour' due to the palpable sense of discontent between Charles and Diana. In The Diana Chronicles, Tina Brown wrote, "The tour was billed as a reconciliation, but it became a prolonged exercise in animosity". Press spokesperson at the time, Dickie Arbiter would later recall, "The door of the plane opened, and they stood there, and I thought, Oh God, we've lost it. It was as if an aisle curtain descended between them". The tour would mark their last; just over a month later, the Palace confirmed the couple's plans to separate.
Many will remember the lilac silk crepe Catherine Walker column gown Princess Diana wore to the State Banquet in Seoul during the tour. It was complimented by the Spencer tiara, which she greatly preferred to the Lover's Knot, often remarking she found it headache-inducing. (On that note, are you thinking about Kate's look tonight? It would be quite something to see a different tiara selection).
Speaking of sartorial matters, I've been looking forward to seeing Kate's look today (as stylish as the trouser suits are, these occasions are a fashion favourite of mine). I adored the structured plum Emilia Wickstead design the Princess chose for last year's state visit by the President of South Africa. Kate teamed it with a pillbox hat and Princess Diana's Collingwood pearls. We also saw the first substantial jewellery debut from Kate in her new role, the striking Princess of Wales Feathers Brooch.
The Princess wowed today in a gorgeous red Catherine Walker cape. The cape is a fantastic alternative to the traditional coatdress. The colour works beautifully for Kate. With Sarah Burton's departure from McQueen, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Kate relying on the Walker brand with increased frequency.
Underneath, Kate wore her Catherine Walker 'Beau' coatdress with signature bow detail. Below, Kate wearing the piece for 'Together at Christmas' in 2021.
Kate's elegant red hat is a bespoke Jane Taylor creation and she accessorised with Diana's stunning sapphire drop earrings.
The Princess wore her gorgeous red suede Gianvito Rossi pumps.
And carried her Miu Miu Bow-Embellished Suede Shoulder Bag. The £640 bag is described as: "Crafted in Italy from plush crimson suede. This ladylike style has a gilded silver chain strap and opens to three spacious compartments - including a secure zipped section. Use the internal mirror to refresh your lip color on the go."
In just a few hours, we'll be treated to gowns, tiaras and a sea of sparkle for the State Banquet!
Kate looks nice overall, but I think this is one instance where the cape look doesn't work so well. Maybe it's because the length hits just above her ankles, whereas other cape styles she's worn have been full length ones, but today's outfit makes her look like a rectangle. I'm not usually a fan of the monochromatic look, but I think the same color hat, coat, and shoes all go well together.
ReplyDeleteI love a good state visit and am excited to see what Kate wears tonight!
She as the figure of a model, basically she can get away with anything so it is a bit strange to say it doesn’t suit here
DeleteMallory from Cali - The color looks fantastic but the shape drowns her body. Model body or not, it’s like the cape is wearing her.
DeleteAnon 20:52: I have to agree with you, this looks like she is wearing a giant red bag. I think this cape is the biggest miss for me in anything I've ever seen her wear.
DeleteAlso, Mrs. Kim looks stunning! I love her coat and matching scarf, the choice of gray tights, and the black heels and black clutch to break up the gray.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time that I thought an outfit worn by the POW looked bizarre..the tailoring was poor..the hem looked all baggy and the unrelenting red was draining.The hat didn’t sit well or flatter her..perhaps the cape design is a nod to some Korean symbolism but not a look that I personally liked..GAJ London
ReplyDeleteThe Christmas red dress with the bow looks too long to have been underneath the cape ?
ReplyDeleteIt looks like Kate maybe wore a shorter slip dress she usually wears under her coat dresses for the welcome and then changed into the Together at Christmas coat dress for lunch. Otherwise, it would have been a lot of material to wear 2 coats! Also, her hair went from up to down and I wondered why until I realized it was probably because she changed clothes.
DeleteJennifer, no maybe about it. That was definitely a short dress for The Princess of Wales to wear. She flashed some serious leg getting out of her car. She looks at and very regal. S.🙂.
DeleteIn one of the pictures exiting the car, one can see distinctly the 3 layers. Dress, coatdress, cape. The cape is clever, it changes the look and then she could remove it easily inside.
DeleteI agree with Natacha. I can clearly see the Beau Tie dress under the cape in several photos from today. I think the thinner, shorter dress is acting similar to a slip. The Beau Tie dress’s buttons stop around Catherine’s hip and the dress can (and did) flare open fairly high exposing a lot of leg, and more of Catherine would have been exposed without the “slip.”
DeleteA cape on top of a coat dress on top of a dress?
ReplyDeleteThat’s what I was thinking. Seems bizarre. A fashion mystery right up there up with the Great Coronation Duplicate Dress Conundrum.
DeleteAlso, the above comment (about whether Kate actually put a cape over a coatdress which was worn over a dress) was mine. Hit “send” too soon.
DeleteZipzipzippy
Agreed!
DeleteStunning and such a creative look!
ReplyDeleteI'm just watching the arrival on YouTube. The Princess of Wales looks beautiful. It's a nice strong colour, which suits her very well. Dressed to perfection for the occasion. It's great to see her getting a lot of use out of the earrings. A small sapphire brooch would of been nice at the centre of the bow. Not to worry, I'm sure she will make up for it tonight. The Queen looked very well today also. She seems very friendly. That Russia brooch is always a pleasure to see. Thanks Charlotte, I'm looking forward to your post later. S.🙂.
ReplyDeleteKate is always beautiful but this look is overpowering. The cap was unnecessary
ReplyDeleteI love the red dress underneath. Love the plum coat dress as well. But this red cape with the giant bow and that red hat just scream way too loudly. The giant bow on the cape is not a good nod to the Korean hanbok either, nor is the brilliant red. The ensemble is too big for Kate and the color too dominant for photo ops with foreign dignitaries. This is a state visit. It’s Korea which is a very strategic and wealthy country. You want to be seen as a host, but not overwhelmed. It’s diplomacy. Korea brings in much needed trade deal and investments in light of Brexit. A rare miss for Kate here.
ReplyDeleteUsually Kate wears amazing clothes with panache and decorum. Between the oversubscribed pant suits and this, I don’t know what’s going on with Kate. I hope the state dinner will provide better optics.
Camilla actually looks good here. Her fashion has been spot on lately. You know she’s going to be covered head to toe in OTT bling at the dinner. Lol. The Korean understated First Lady, Kim Keon-hee, looks gorgeous and looks much younger than 51. (Korean beauty products are amazing and their sunscreens are what I favor.) Her clothing is very mindful of this diplomatic mission so looking forward to her state dinner gown.
51 wow. The First Lady is a beautiful woman. I'm sure she will look stunning as well later. S.🙂.
DeleteWhile I’m glad this wasn’t a long coat dress with an a line I feel like this is allover the place. I can’t quite put my finger on it but the hat is out of place, the cape is to big and this is just a lot of red. I feel like the hat wasn’t necessary and seems like it would be more appropriate for a garden party. Why not a sheath dress cut just below the knee and a wool coat. If a hat was necessary perhaps a small Philip Tracey. She was all business for months and she should have stuck to business for this appearance.
ReplyDeleteI'm rather fascinated by the bow on the dress appearing to be part of the cape. I've gotten a bit tired of capes after Meghan wore them but this one seems to be full of energy. I think it makes a great first impression!
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful. Red is a very good colour on her. Such a beautiful lady.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like she’s wearing a dress on top of a coat dress on top of a cape. Not my favorite outfit of hers. But I do like the hat paired with the sapphire earrings.
ReplyDeleteI love this colour on her. Beautiful makeup as well! I agree the dress under the cape looks too short to be the one she wore in 2021.. maybe it's another version of that design?
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that she didn't repeat the coat in another colour and that she wanted to repeat while showing the tie as a nod to hanbok but it's a fail . All that layers of coats and fabric still didn't cover her legs which are awesome but a bit inappropriate for the occasion. She should have repeated the coat with the hat or have a new outfi.t with a crop top. The Korean lady looked more polished and modern yet simple .Kate who always raises to the occasion seemed like a fade copy from Maxima and Mathilde ,lovely ladies but not always elegants
ReplyDeleteSeeing something different is nearly always welcome but all I saw was a big red rectangle which is a silhouette we're just not used to seeing on her! I liked the colour, hat, hair, make-up, shoes and jewellery. So looking forward to this evening. I really enjoy learning more about the meaning and purpose of state visits and think the royals do a great job of hosting. I definitely feel this is the kind of thing that wouldn't work as well if we ever became a republic.
ReplyDeleteVery over-powering look. Cape emphasizes Kate’s height, which is already a head taller than Charles, Camilla & the guests. Would have preferred a proper coat, not so intimidating especially in the red color, and more in line with the other ladies. This is a miss for me. Missouri Girl
ReplyDeleteSadly a miss for me too, very much like she stepped out of a children's book. Just too much. I love the First Lady's outfit.
DeleteI love the red color on Kate. All the ladies looked lovely, and Mrs Kim Keon is so pretty. Wonderful pomp and show.
ReplyDeleteOverall it’s an excellent look. However the cape photographs much better in the videos when she is moving. When she is standing still it looks boxy
ReplyDeleteStunning and loved the pomp and ceremony. Catherine looked amazing. 😍
ReplyDeleteDd
I expect she felt she should look as though she made a great effort as things go this was a rather grand event. The cape was very dramatic but in my opinion just awful, made her look huge and older. Strangely with 3 layers on when disembarking the car her legs were exposed nearly to the top. However once the cape was removed the coat dress was flattering and stylish, perfect for the event.
ReplyDeleteI thought you were exaggerating until I saw the pictures of her getting out of the car for myself; her legs really were exposed nearly to the top. Poor thing; a split second and now those photos will be on the internet forever.
DeleteDidn't love the bow coat in red the first time around and still don't like it this time around. The bow coat in black on the other hand is beautiful. Regarding the overall look today, the size of hat suits the cape, coat and dress, however there just seems to be too much going on. The cape without the bow may have simplified the overall look, it just seemed as though there was so much red material. Not my favourite look, but good on her for trying something new!
ReplyDeleteRed is Kate's colour, but this gives me Madeline vibes, from the children's storybook. I hope you understand the reference.
ReplyDeleteThis outfit looks superb, I love the cape as an alternative to a coatdress. The cape, on movement looks wonderful. Lovely to see a rewear of the red dress. The red hat and accessories look splendid. Love the addition of the Sapphire and diamond earrings beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to add Mrs. Kim looks so stylish, fabulous outfit. Very elegant and chic.
ReplyDeleteWow. Here I was commenting over on "Mad About Meghan" that I hadn't had anything much to say about the Princess lately, and almost immediately she appears in a comment-worthy look -- and a very striking one, too.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I have to point out that the Princess did not wear this cape over the "Beau" coatdress, which is of midi length. I'm not positive that's a coatdress anyway; I think it may be just a coat, possibly worn last Christmas over the same short dress she wore under the cape today. In some photos, you can see when she alights from the car that the dress underneath is quite short -- too short, frankly. It rode up nearly to the tops of her thighs. An open-front cape is going to reveal that, whereas a closed-front coat will not. She'll want to keep that in mind.
In any case, it appears that the Princess changed into the Beau coat after the guests' arrival. Since the color and bow design are similar to those of the cape, I suppose it made some sense to do this, but it would have made more just to wear a dress that would look suitable when the cape was removed.
As for the cape, it certainly made for a dramatic look, and I am normally rather a fan of capes. However, I wonder whether the color and theatricality of this cape, coupled with the hat, might have been a little too much for the reception of state visitors. They draw all eyes, all the attention, to the Princess, and that's not exactly desirable when you are receiving honored guests. However, I do like the design of the cape, the way the bow isn't simply an embellishment but rather part of the piece's structure. That's quite interesting and clever.
I love the jewelry and cosmetic boxes in the exhibition. Asian inlay work like that is often breathtakingly beautiful. I'd love to own the cosmetics box.
The brand CW itself confirmed she was wearing a cape over the coat so I assume they know better than us.
DeleteVittoria you speak with such authority in saying that Kate did NOT wear the "Beau" dress under the cape, whereas the people at Catherine Walker say that she did.
DeleteVittoria has a good eye for detail. It seems like a simple error to me.
DeleteHaving seen the pictures of the Princess getting of the car, I have trouble believing that she wore both the coat and a cape, not least because that coat is longer than the cape. The dress she had on underneath the cape was quite short. Someone's confused. If I'm the one, I'll say so, but someone needs to explain to me why she appeared to be wearing a quite short dress under the cape.
DeletePerhaps what CW meant is that she did wear both the coat and the cape but not at the same time?
Vittoria, there's a picture of Kate exiting the car, a profile view where you can easily see the 3 layers. The cape is the same length as the coat. Under the coat she's wearing a short dress
DeleteAll right, Natacha, thank you for that. However, I think it's quite odd for the Princess to have been wearing three layers, a short dress, a long coat, AND a cape. Surely it's not that cold in the UK at the moment? And I reiterate my view that the dress was far too short to allow for an elegant exit from a car. I also still feel that the dramatic and bright red cape wasn't quite the thing for welcoming guests on a state visit.
DeleteIMHO she definitely wore three layers: short dress, Beau CW coat dress, and new matching cape. I searched for how the Beau looked and appeared the first time she wore it for the Christmas Royal Caroles and found this photo: https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/this-photograph-is-provided-to-you-strictly-on-condition-news-photo/1237414514?et=d1KG3ENIQ7BsxsLt_eBEIg&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fkatemiddletonstyle.org%2Fcarol-service%2F In the photo you can see how easily the Beau opens up. And while here the dress looks to be knee length, I think it probably rode up given she was getting into and out of cars and carriages (something that maybe she couldn't as easily control given the layers). The buttons on the sleeves as well as the photo in this post clearly shows the coat dress lining. Maybe it wasn't that cold but she prepared for the extra layer given her event included an outdoor activity. And yes, it's a wool fabric but the fabric could be very thin and fine.
DeleteWhat I find fascinating was the hair up and then down when the hat and cape came off. Again, well planned. The style of the up-do would easily lend to very few kinks or bends.
She looks stunning. A repeat and still completely different. This colour is gorgeous and I love that she tried something new. This will be remembered as an iconic look.
ReplyDeleteStunning! That’s all. Thanks Charlotte. Sue from IL
ReplyDeleteI also do not like this outfit for this particular event. Too much as a host and almost overdressed next to the First Lady. And yes that dress was not the best choice with an open front cape . And too short versus the cape versus bare legs...did not work and the car exit was very unfortunate.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! Love the outfit. She looks wonderful. Ali
ReplyDeleteI like how Camilla chooses her clothes and accessories, always appropriate and understated.
ReplyDeleteIt's the Queen Mother's Strathmore tiara on The Princess of Wales tonight. 👍👍👍. Can't wait to see it in action. It looks in pictures like it is a real sparkler. S.🙂.
ReplyDeleteJ'aime beaucoupe le manteau avec le noeud rouge mais pas du tout la cape. Elle lui fait des épaules très carrées, et une allure trop rectangle comme l'a dit dans un autre commentaire.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the cape fitted around the bow so the cape itself did not have a bow. There did appear to be a lot of layers and standing outside can be a little chilly in November
ReplyDeleteIt was good that Catherine tried something different whilst the red is part of the Korean flag. CT
After looking at the pictures more closely, I also think the cape fits around the bow. And I'm wondering if what we think is a "shorter" dress is actually a lining or slip peeking out through the slit in the dress itself. I absolutely loved the whole outfit.
DeleteI have to say this was a rare Miss for me. The cape is too boxy and doesn’t suit cates tall figure. It also emphasises the too short dress underneath. For me this outfit just emphasises how right cate normally gets it!
ReplyDeleteI like her hairstyle and hat and she does pop in red she always has but not a fan of this cape
ReplyDeleteCatherine Looks amazing. The Cape the bow the hat she overshines the other guests easliy. This was one of her best Fashion Moments beside the golden James Bond Dress 😄
ReplyDeleteHer legs wow William must feel really happy. :) 😉 What I like about her is that no matter the mum style or princess style, she wears everything and never seems dressed up. Camilla looks good too. I think her tailors and hairdressers really know how to support her assets and since she became queen, her wardrobe has become more elegant without she is getting lost. I like that she stays true to herself and her dress at Versailles was the most beautiful of all, she was absolutely the fashion queen of the evening. the train in the wind was crazy in front of the castle.
I'm sorry for the president's wife Mrs Kim, she totally disappeared in her gray coat and gray tights. so inconspicuous and then Catherine in power red. Later, when took the pictures in the castle, we saw how pretty the president's wife is. great hair, beautiful face, I hope she unpacks a great evening dress tonight
Umm, re: Korean’s First Lady, that’s what diplomacy is about. She’s working and is dressed appropriately as the occasion calls for subtlety.
DeleteI understand your thought but Mrs Kim is so attractive that I thought the gray looked really good on her!
DeleteI thought that Mrs Kim looked sophisticated, beautiful, and stood out because of her understated elegance. Not my favorite of Kate's looks. The hat was too large to be so bright. I'd have preferred a smaller red hat or else a large black hat.
DeleteWhenever I see a woman wearing a cape coat, with partial shortened arms sticking out, I always think of T-Rex arms. I can't un-see the T-Rex!! LOL
Charlotte, I think you really do manage to record every appearance Catherine makes so I thought I'd remind you that she was seen opening the BBC's Children in Need (last week I think). In case you want to mention it in a future post (maybe not the one where you cover the tiara appearance though!). I think Kensington Palace also announced that her relatively new annual Carol Service will be going ahead this year and Early Years professionals will be invited which seems very appropriate.
ReplyDeleteThank you ABCD. I will certainly include it later this week :)
DeleteSadly I don’t like this look the cape just appears too big I think just the coat dress alone would have looked simply beautiful. The hat too appears in the wrong position on her I think I would have preferred it sitting a little further forward on her head. The Korean lady is beautiful I have a Korean friend and I know they really look after their skin! The photos of Diana in the column dress she wore in Korea is one of my all time favourite looks on her. Sue in WA
ReplyDeleteI love the cape, but could do without the squared shoulders. That’s what I think is putting some people off the look. Love that the Princess was in red and the Queen was in blue to honor the Korean flag colors.
ReplyDeleteOhhhh, I love the red cape look! Well done to Kate for bringing back, timeless elegance. As always, I wish Peace for all of our countries.
ReplyDeleteKate is an amazing role model for this generation. Thank you Charlotte for the lovely post. Happy Thanksgiving to all of us!
Negative comments upset me. In this world of hate and war can we not just enjoy Catherine looking stunning. The style may not be your style but no one can fault how beautiful she is and genuine her radiant smile is. Maybe December being Christmas and about good will we can have a positive only comments. As far as I’m concerned Catherine could wear anything and still look stunning. Let’s think about love, peace and goodwill.
ReplyDeleteDd
the princess of wales Ohhhh, I love the red cape look! Well done and love Mrs kim coat as well
ReplyDeleteCatherine’s very slender frame allows her to wear a great many styles very well indeed, but she does look a bit swallowed up by this cape. The color is gorgeous on her, though.
ReplyDeleteJuniper
This entire look is sublime! She is absolutely stunning and every inch the future Queen. This cape look (with the squared shoulders) is entirely on point for the occaison and for fashion trends. Absolutely love it.
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful and different. However, for the occasion, it is just too much and too bold. Probably not the intention but she outshines everybody - Queen Camilla and the visiting First Lady included. It is of course plausible and expected that she and Camilla intentionally "coordinated" in blue and red to represent the UK, but I think, as Queen, Camilla should have wore red. Or at least then a less striking or more subtle red outfit from the Princess of Wales. This brings to mind the beautiful red but also too striking/bold outfit she wore to the Thames during the Diamond Jubilee. She stood out too much and while she looked wonderful she sort of stole the thunder - especially since reportedly the late Queen often chose BRIGHT colours to be seen - and on that occasion she wore cream and she was the guest of honour so to speak... On both occasions, not a ugly outfit for Kate but a poor sense of audience or courtesy for other (more important at said occasion) "limelight contenders".
ReplyDeleteI love this look. She looks very regal. The red is a nod to Korea and is a color that works well for Kate. I do agree that the cape looks better when she is in motion. Her make up is beautifully done as well.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn’t appear that she ever skips leg day.
Hope from USA
I have to agree with the comments that dislike this outfit. It has many great elements but they don't work well together. (1) colour: Kate looks good in colour, but in my opinion more deeper jewel tones than bright ones. This particular shade of red is too strong if you go with head to toe and have nothing to hold against it. Similar to the green from her Earthshot gown last year. Kate owns a beautiful vinatge cocktail dress and a sheath dress in that colour. They work because her visible face, hair, legs and arms balance out the colour. I don't mind one colour head to toe but this time it worked against all the pieces and her overall look.
ReplyDelete(2) the cape: nothing against capes. But this one is extremly bland and extremly bold at the same time. Capes only work if they are either standing out dramatically, provide some visual interest or accentuate the outfit underneath. This does neither. It hangs like a massive tablecloth and has nothing going for it.
(3) The bow dress: I cannot say anything nice about it. I had hoped we would never see it again. The bow is is bad and only with a lot of imagination a nod to a traditional hanbok dress.
The cape over coat over dress combo didn't work as well. Without the horrible bow dress she might have gotten away with the look.
All in all a massive miss.
I don't mind seeing some leg. If history has tought us anything than that the ladies of aristocracy and the upper classes often showed way more clevage for public functions than it was accepable for ordinary people. People always act so scandalised, you'd think we live among victorian nuns. there is nothing wrong with showing some good centimeteres above the knee or some cleavage. If anything, Kate is probably the most conservative in terms of showing skin. And it didn't go further than mid thigh - so not exactly dangerously close to an embarassing situation.
C.
I liked this look at first and then saw photos of K standing next to Charles and Camilla and the Korean visitors. Way too much red, the high heels plus the hat put her much too tall over the visitors. I know K can’t change her own height but it must be intimidating for others. Not a good diplomatic look, perhaps in blue would work better. I find it bizarre that K did this beautiful up do and then changed it once she was inside, a bit theatrical for my taste. The focus should be on the guests not her today - celticgirl
ReplyDeleteI am tiny, and I think it would be very strange if someone didn't wear heels not to "tower" over me. Like being short should be treated with special consideration by those privileged to be tall! I mean , that's a bit ridiculous. I am very happy about my size and am definitely not intimidated by tall people, what an idea. The first lady is gorgeous and the fact that Kate is taller makes her look even more slender and delicate. Nothing inconsiderate here.
DeleteA perfect outfit for the occasion. I would love to see this red cape worn at Christmas time... A style that would also suit Meghan.
ReplyDeleteI love her hat! I don’t love this look. At first glance I did. A cape looks so elegant to me but maybe it’s the bow I’m not liking on this. It looks awkward and in the way. I agree with others that Catherine walker bow dress is too long to be underneath that cape. You can see too much of her leg for it to be that dress, I don’t think it’s just a slip either because you would still see some of the walker original bow dress. Maybe she is wearing a shorter version with the bow? I think the bow is definitely in the dress and not the cape itself.
ReplyDeleteI don’t think it’s the cape, a coat dress, and a dress like some mentioned. It would be way way too bulky. I agree it’s like the “duplicate coronation dress” lol. A fashion mystery!
I like the matchy matchy in red though!
Charlotte, could you do a picture of Camilla, or anyone wearing a hat at any “hat type events?” Like Sophie,Zara, whoever etc. I realize it’s a fashion blog for Kate but I love hat appearances so it would be nice even just to get a Quick Look at other outfits with hats! If possible, Please :)
Hello Sparkle, l am going to give it some thought. I'm thinking of adding a couple of changes to expand my royal coverage in keeping with other time commitments. I will most certainly be getting back to you on that one :)
DeleteThank you for your reply! Looking forward to whatever you decide :)
DeleteOne comment only.Those legs!!Oh my God!
ReplyDeleteBoth ladies were the epitomy of diplomatic dressing wearing the colours of the South Korean flag. I really like Kate 's outfit but can see why it is off-putting for some. From Galway
ReplyDeleteI think people need to look at the Korean flag. It’s not just red (and white) like the Japanese flag. It’s a big no-no to get those two flags confused. While relationships have improved between Japan and S. Korea (due to joint security concerns over China), there’s a lot of bad recent history that lingers, especially among the nationalists and political parties in both countries. If you know anything about current Korean politics, it’s best to steer clear of this nationalist ruckus as it involves the US, Japan, China and the Korean Peninsula and archipelago. China’s aggressive influence is a huge security issue/threat. For the UK, perhaps this visit is more about trade and trying to assert its importance in global geopolitics.
ReplyDeleteBlue would have been a good color if you were going for that type of appeal. Sadly, the hollowing out of the educated, experienced professional staff (the ones who are multilingual with vast in-country experiences) from the Foreign Service this past decade is really affecting the country’s performance on the world’s stage these days.