Duchess Kate Steps Out in White For Charity Meeting

You wait weeks for a 'Kate Appearance' and then four come along within three days :) Kate joined William in London today to attend a meeting of the Princes' Charities Forum at The Royal Society. To view more photos please visit the Daily Mail article.

Daily Mail/Big Pictures Photo

The Princes' Charities Forum is an initiative started by Prince Harry and Prince William in 2006. The Princes wanted to find a way of bringing together their charitable interests and to explore how they could best lend support to them through working together. Last November Kate attended a meeting for the Forum for the first time. Kate's patronages are also included.

British Monarchy Flickr

The forum meets twice a year gathering all the charities Prince William, Duchess Kate and Prince Harry support. During the two hour meeting the charities share ideas with input from the Royals. 

Royal contributor Victoria Arbiter recognised Kate's blouse immediately.

Victoria Arbiter Twitter

Duchess Kate looked radiant in a white Ted Baker Stardy Bib Detail Blouse. The last season piece is unfortunately sold out. It is described as

"Long sleeved blouse, Front pleat bib detail, Concealed button fastening, Small stand collar, Button fastening on cuffs."

Ted Baker/Asos

I expect Kate wore a skirt with her blouse. Prince William looked dapper in a navy suit and purple tie.

It was an unexpected surprise to see the couple out and about today. They plan to visit friends to reporting attend a wedding before celebrating their anniversary Sunday. 

William and Kate Visit Imperial War Museum

William and Kate attended a reception at the Imperial War Museum to launch the First World War Galleries centenary campaign. It is the couple's third engagement of the day. They privately visited MI6 this morning and attended a reception to celebrate the Scott Amundsen race. See today's earlier post for details

Daylife/AP

2014-2018 marks the centenary of the First World War. Working in collaboration with national and international organisations the museum will mark the centenary by leading a vibrant four year programme of cultural activities across the UK. One of the projects 'Faces of the First World War'  sees photographs from the museums collection uploaded to Flickr. The museum will add a photograph to the collection each day until August 2014, the anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War.

Imperial War Museum

The museum receives less than 50 per cent of their funding from the government. If you wish to donate you can do so here. You can also visit the online shop which sells models, gifts, posters and much more.

Imperial War Museum

Kate chose a dark grey dress by Amanda Wakeley for the event. You might be thinking, Have we seen this before? Kate wore the oatmeal version of the sculpted felt long sleeved seam dress whilst visiting the Royal Marsden Hospital last September.

Express

The dress is unfortunately sold out. Kate bought it in black, grey and oatmeal for £450 each. It is described as

"Sculpted felt knee length fitted dress with 3/4 length sleeves and a slash neck. Features seam dealing. The cut of this dress really contours and flatters the body."

Zimbio/Amanda Wakeley 

Kate teamed her dress with the Alexander McQueen Chain Embellished Leather Belt. (With thanks to Alanna from WKW FB) The belt was available for €1,385 but is now sold out. Below we see it teamed with the McQueen military blouse Kate wore during her visit to Birmingham last August. Kate possibly bought it with the blouse and decided to wear it separately?

Alexander McQueen/Net a Porter

Kate wore her Jimmy Choos Cosmic Pumps. They are currently available for €525. 

Jimmy Choos

The Duchess accessorised with her beautiful Temple of Heaven 9ct Yellow Gold Girandole Earrings by Cassandra Goad. The beautiful earrings are available for £1,220.

Cassandra Goad

Kate chose an Anya Hindmarch clutch for the second time today. This time opting for the hinged Maud clutch bag. It is available for £450. The clutch comes in a variety of colours and can be personalised.

Anya Hindmarch

When I initially heard Kate was wearing grey I wasn't ecstatic but the structured Wakeley dress teamed with Kate's gold earrings and chain belt looked really lovely. Ladylike elegance never gets old in my opinion and Kate pulls it off so well. It was my favourite sartorial selection of today. Which did you prefer?

William and Kate will now visit friends for a celebration before returning to Anglesey to celebrate their first anniversary. I'm planning a special post to commemorate the occasion. Looking back over the wedding and the couple's first year. A beautiful photo of Kate graces the cover of The Lady this week.

The Lady

Kate Reveals Plans to run London Marathon at Reception

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended a reception celebrating the Scott Amundsen Centenary Race at Goldsmiths Hall.

Daily Mail/Zed Jameson/Flynet Pictures

Two teams made up of British servicemen raced across Antarctica to raise much needed funds to help fulfil the British Legion's commitment to help recovering and injured service people. The participants faced 920 miles, 10,000 feet to climb, 140 kg sledges and 120 miles of glacier. If you wish to find out more about the race or donate please click here.

Scott Amundsen

Prince Harry recently suggested William and Kate should run the London Marathon next year. Kate said 'We may run the marathon. I think William's going to have to think of something to get Harry back'  You can watch a video from the event at The Telegraph.

Kate meets beautiful baby Hugo. The Duchess described the baby as 'very cute'.

Daily Mail/PA

And William looked rather taken with Hugo (You see where I'm going with this, Yes they would make great parents :))

British Monarchy Flckr

Kate wore a two piece skirt suit New Zealand born fashion designer Rebecca Taylor. Kate's bouclé, fringe seamed embellished jacket and matching skirt are from the pre-fall 2012/2013. You can order Kate's outfit via the Rebecca Taylor site. (With many thanks to fashion genius Susan from What Kate Wore) Ms Taylor told British Vogue that St. James Palace asked her to send Kate a few pieces. Kate loved them and paid for them.

Rebecca Taylor

Based in New York, Ms Taylor's label is stocked in US and European department stores. She describes her designs as 'urban, feminine, bold, kittenish, modern, sexy, chic, cool.... with a touch of sparkle'. Celebrity clients include Sarah Jessica Parker and Cate Blanchett. A look at the Spring 2012 collection.

Rebecca Taylor

Supporting the British Legions Online Shop Kate wore the Large Crystal Buckley Brooch. It is available for £25. All profits go to support the armed forces.

British Legion Online Shop

Kate carried her Anya Hindmarch Marano Clutch. The sleek clutch box is available in an array of colours for £495. 

Anya Hindmarch

The Cambridges paid a surprise visit to MI6 this morning. The headquarters of Britain's foreign intelligence agency. Would love to have been a fly on the wall there.....

Peter Hunt Twitter

William and Kate's PA revealed a little information about their anniversary plans. The couple are obviously planning a low key celebration in Anglesey.

Richard Palmer Twitter

Kate Wears Matthew Williamson to 'African Cats' Premiere

William and Kate attended the African Cats première at BFI Southbank, London. It is their first joint public engagement in over three months.Despite the dismal weather conditions, the couple were in high spirits. The rain briefly stopped moments before their arrival.

Pacific Coast News

'African Cats' is a nature documentary which follows a lioness and a Cheetah with their offspring in Kenya's Masai Mara nature reserve. The film is narrated by Samuel L. Jackson and Sir Patrick Stewart. A portion of the proceeds for the film were donated to the African Wildlife Foundation. The 'true adventure' documentary offers a rare insight into the struggles animals face in the wild to protect their young. I expect one would need their handkerchief when viewing this movie as it's a real tearjerker. 

The première is in aid of William's patronage Tusk Trust. The organisation has twenty years experience initiating and funding conservation and community development programmes across Africa. Tusk has been a driving force in helping to protect African wildlife, something Prince William is passionate about. If you wish to donate please click here.

The Mirror/African Cats

The Cambridges were joined at the event by one hundred children involved with their patronages. You can a video from the event at ITNSource William and Kate with Charlie Mayhew of Tusk Trust. Mr Mayhew revealed the couple 'absolutely loved the film'.

Zimbio

There was much speculation regarding Kate's sartorial choices for the evening :)

Richard Palmer Twitter

However Kate opted for a classic, dove grey, dress with turqoise and gold encrusted detail on the cuffs by Scottish designer Matthew Williamson. Kate's outfit is from the pre-fall 2012 collection. The dress is not available in stores yet but will be priced at $1695. Kate ordered the dress in January. (With thanks to Lisa WKW FB)  Williamson added beading on the collar to match the cuffs for Kate's piece, perhaps because Kate wanted it for an evening appearance? 

Matthew Williamson

Williamson is an incredibly talented designer and I'm delighted to see his work has caught Kate's eye. Again we see Kate choosing a new designer whilst staying true to her love of timeless elegance.

British Monarchy Flickr

 

A look at the back. The peplum jacket is reminiscent of the LK Bennett Jude jacket Kate wore during her visit to Leicester. Obviously a style the Duchess favours.

Styleite

Kate wore the gorgeous Kiki Classic Peridot , Blue Topaz and Diamond Earrings. (With many thanks to the wonderful Anna who also Id'd the shoes) The beautiful earrings are available for £1,200 and described as

"These runaway best selling earrings never fail to impress. Wearable, elegant and available in a dazzling array of colourways, the flattering green and blue gemstone combination is especially popular."

Kiki McDonough

Duchess Kate wore a pair of dark grey Emmy shoes and carried what appears to be a matching clutch similar to the items below. (With thanks to What Kate Wore)

Emmy

When the movie ended William began his speech with 'I'm emotionally exhausted. There's more drama in that than Eastender's :) To view the full speech please click here. William and Kate have a busy day ahead tomorrow with two receptions to attend. See you all then :)

Kate's Ralph Lauren Purchases, New Wax Figures + More

Hello Kate fans, I hope you're having a lovely Sunday,
Duchess Kate has been spending the weekend in Berkshire with her family. She was seen in outlet shopping mall Bicester Village yesterday. Located in the heart of Oxfordshire and just sixty minutes from London, Bicester is easily accessible for those of you in the UK and every shopaholics dream :)

Bicester

The mall includes Kate favourite's McQueen, Amanda Wakeley, Temperly and Reiss but the 30 year old spent most of her time in Ralph Lauren. One lucky tweeter was standing beside Kate.

Chloe Coy Twitter

Kate's purchases were revealed by Susan S. via What Kate Wore. The Duchess chose three stunning dresses from the Ralph Lauren Black Label. We'll first look at my personal favourite the Aveline Silk Charmeuse Gown. The one shoulder, gold dress is simply beautiful. This would be an ideal piece for Wednesday's premiere, It will be very exciting to see the Duchess in Ralph Lauren for a red carpet/black tie event. It is available for €1798 and described as

"Old Hollywood glamour is conveyed in this bias-cut silk design, finished in a luxurious charmeuse for impressive drape and shine. One shoulder styling with three pleats at the front. Fits closely to the hip, flowing into a flaring hem with a slight train. 100% silk."

Ralph Lauren

The Daphne Ann is also a charmeuse dress. The navy wrap dress is available for $1698 and described as

"The lovely Daphne Ann dress features a flattering wrap silhouette of whisper-thin silk that can be easily styled for day or evening. Bodice has a fixed wrap construction with pleats at the side. Deep neckline. Gently flared silk. Concealed side zipper. 100% silk."

Ralph Lauren

Kate also purchased the Darwin Silk Crepe Dress. At first glance I thought this was quite different from Kate's typical style but Kate will most likely have the length altered. The Duchess has favoured dresscoats over the past year and teamed with a hat this piece will look amazing. It is available for €1798 and described as

"With a nod to menswear styling, the well-appointed Darwin dress is enduringly ladylike in lightweight silk crepe with a classic double-breasted silhouette and covered buttons. Notched lapel. Padded shoulders. Angled besom chest pocket. 100% silk."

Ralph Lauren

 Kate also purchased a beaded bikini and the Santana striped dress. (With thanks to What Kate Wore) What do you think of Kate's choices? Excellent possibilities for upcoming engagements and the royal tour this autumn.

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William and Kate's fourth set of waxworks were unveiled at Madame Taussauds in Blackpool last week. 

Madamae Taussauds/Dayife

Kate is dressed in an exact copy of the rose Jenny Packham dress she wore to the Ark gala last year. Kate's Links of London earrings and engagement ring were also recreated. William is dressed in a sharp navy suit.

Daylife

A closer look at the figures. The detail is quite amazing.

Madame Taussauds Blackpool Facebook

Madame Taussauds in Blackpool celebrated it's one year anniversary with the company of their new royal additions :)

Madame Taussauds Facebook 

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Kate and Pippa feature on the cover of US Weekly this week. The media has been having a field day since Pippa was photographed in a car where one of her friends was jokingly aiming a gun at the paparazzi. Reportedly the Windsor's are quite displeased about the incident. I understand Pippa is not a royal but considering Kate's position, I'm not sure antics like this are appropriate. I would love to hear your thoughts?

US Weekly

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InStyle kindly asked myself, What Kate Wore, Kate's Wardrobe and Kate Middleton Style to choose our favourite outfit from Kate's first year as Duchess of Cambridge. Please vote for your favourite here :)

InStyle

London 2012 Plans, Anniversary Souvenirs, Kate's Favourite Tights + More

Hello Duchess Kate readers,
William and Kate have been keeping a very low profile in recent days. Kate was spotted having lunch and shopping in grocery store Waitrose located on the Kings Road, beside Kensington Palace and William is reportedly working long shifts at RAF Valley, Anglesey. Meanwhile plans for the couple's role as Team GB ambassadors are coming along nicely. On July 26th William, Kate and Harry will welcome the Olympic torch when it visits Buckingham Palace. The trio will watch as three torchbearers carry the Olympic flame through the grounds of the royal residence, the day before the opening ceremony. 

Clarence House Twitter

In just under 100 days London 2012 will officially begin. I'm looking forward to seeing Kate's role as ambassador unfold in the coming months. Are any of you travelling over to London for the games? A birds eye view at the venue, looks amazing.

London 2012 Facebook

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Speaking of upcoming engagements. Buckingham Palace has published details of The Queen's processional route from Westminster Hall to Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, June 5th. Her Majesty will be joined by senior royals including William and Kate. The jubilee weekend promised to be a memorable one. View a 3D google map of the processional route below.

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William and Kate's one year anniversary is just ten days away. According to the press the couple are planning to celebrate it privately, perhaps with a romantic dinner or weekend away? A number of souvenirs marking the couples anniversary are flooding the high street and the internet. A documentary DVD William and Kate: First Anniversary Celebration is available for £9 at HMV. The DVD chronicles the couples first year of marriage. 

If you enjoy playing cards the Royal Wedding Playing Cards could make the game a little more interesting :)

My personal favourite has to be the Royal Wedding Anniversary iPhone Cases. Available in a variety of designs for $40-$60.

For Royal fans who plan to celebrate the anniversary with a party take a look at the Royal Wedding Anniversary Invitations. 

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Kate is responsible for making sheer hose fashionable again. They look understated, classy and work seamlessly with every outfit. The wonderful Ashley from WKW FB finally got confirmation from a sales associate at Wolford that Kate wears the Satin Touch 20 Tights. They are available for just under €20 and described as

"These 20 denier tights benefit from a stunning subtle shimmer, which means light can reflect from them making your legs look even more flattering! We guarantee you will notice a difference in the way your pins look."

Wolford

Kate also wears the ultra light Naked 8 Tights which are available for €16. 

Wolford

Again, I'd like to say a huge thank you to Ashley. A wonderful discovery. No doubt Wolford will be noticing quite a few Kate fans popping in to their stores now :)

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Kate graces the cover of Stylist wearing her dove grey Catherine Walker dress and Wolford tights. (With many thanks to Susan from WKW)

Stylist