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Kate Mixes New McQueen and Old Favorites at Irish Guard Armed Forces Day Event

Armed Forces Day mandates a solemn tone, and that was very much the case today as Prince William and Kate spent time with the Irish Guards. Below, the couple arriving.

This was also the first time the Duchess was making any kind of official military appearance, clearly a function heavy with symbolism.

Additionally, this was William and Kate’s first visit to the regiment since he was made Colonel of the Guards; it was the deep red uniform of the Guards he wore on his wedding day.

The couple spent time meeting privately with families of Irish Guardsmen killed in the line of duty. She was given a flower posey by a young lady named Jessica Harris, seen in the pink and white outfit. The young lady looked just a little shy.

The Duchess was in a navy Alexander McQueen dress. 

The fitted navy piece had a high collar, three-quarter length sleeves, and double-breasted styling; the shoulder epaulets and shining gold buttons added to a classic military-influenced style. Alexander McQueen confirmed via Twitter Kate was wearing the line: HRH the Duchess of Cambridge wore a navy Alexander McQueen PreAW11 dress in Windsor, England today.  We continue to wonder however, if both garments (the coat and whatever is underneath) are by McQueen…?  Although the Tweet said Kate was in a dress, she wore both a coat and something else beneath, be it an underskirt, a dress, or another garment.   

The piece(s) appears to be custom-made, blending many of the elements seen in the Pre-Fall (Autumn/Winter) collection referenced in the tweet.

Kate’s coat is not identical to any of the designs shown in the collection. Here is a snippet about the AW’11 collection via  this Women’s Wear Daily review (subscription required):

“Sarah Burton showed a military-inspired pre-fall lineup, packing it with a feminine take on traditionally masculine fabrics and details. Like the men’s collection, it’s about uniformity and has a regimental feel with the richness of ceremonial dress, Burton said.”

The always-on-top-of-things Leisa pointed out on Facebook that Kate carried another Anya Hindmarch bag, the Marano Clutch.

The Duchess wore her Kiki McDonough Citrine Drop earrings.

And she also had on a gold shamrock brooch with a storied history: it actually belongs to the regiment, they determine to whom it will be loaned. Previously it has been worn by the late Queen Mother, as well as the Princess Royal, Princess Anne.  We were also able to get a look at the charm bracelet believed to be a gift from the Duchess of Cornwall.

One side of the charm features Kate’s cipher, the script “C” and ducal crown seen above, while the other side has the Duchess of Cornwall’s cipher. 

We also saw the return of Kate’s navy Prada pumps.

Our fab friends at Kate Middleton Style blog confirmed the Duchess’s fascinator is by Rachel Trevor-Morgan

Ms. Trevor-Morgan also created the piece worn by Kate at the Order of the Garter.

The Duchess definitely stood out in the sea of camouflage, her ensemble was effective, conveying honor and respect. Altogether another splendid outing for Kate.

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Legallyblondemel

Tuesday 28th of June 2011

I pink puffy heart adore that McQueen coat. TDF.

That being said, I agree with the commenters who note that the midsection could fit a bit better - I spy some pulling going on there - but I'll forgive her since it's all otherwise so gorgeous. That clutch is particularly delicious.

michelle

Tuesday 28th of June 2011

I know that the dress under her coat is probably mcqueen as well. But I found this burberry number which could be similar

http://us.burberry.com/store/womenswear/brit/dresses/military-shift-dress/sku-37591511002-military-shift-dress/

what do you think

tina

Tuesday 28th of June 2011

I think more royal lady dress for the occasion, but I think we do remember Diana the most. Mayby that is why whe are thinking now that Catherine copies Diana.

Diana was 5 years younger than me and I followed her true television and newspaper from the start of her engagement, I must say, I still miss her. Although I have nothing against Catherine, Diana was really a fairytale prinses, espacially in her first years as princess, her dresses and espacially her ballgowns where like how you imagion a princess looks like in fairytailbooks, Altough I like Catherine's clothes verry much they are more like a modern bussineswomen. Diana was a shy lady and you had the feeling you want to give her a hug for comforting here. Catherine is a verry modern self-assured lady, she is now older than diana when she became a princess, but you can see from pictures from the beginning of her friendship with William that she was not even shy on a much younger age. Diana had the X-factor, Catherine looks nice, but is missing that X-factor.

Catherine was always slim, but now she is really skinny, you can see sticking her bones out of her chest, the same as here sister. I hope this wil not trigger women in anorexia because they really want to look like Catherine.

About here jewelry, well the engagement ring and the earring are enough for me ;) I find it a little bit difficult to see diana's jewelery on someone else, even when it is her daughter-in-law.

Lin

Monday 27th of June 2011

Is it just me...or does poor Prince William look like he is being pushed into the background in the first two photos? I'm sure he's just being a gentleman and letting the Duchess walk in front of him; but, my gosh...in the second photo doesn't it look like he had to twist his body to avoid running into the wall? Nonetheless...Catherine looks amazing. Love the entire look. I actually had to go buy some citrine earrings after seeing how great they look on "Kate." I can't wait to see what the Canadian trip will bring!!

Kitty

Monday 27th of June 2011

I noticed that too Lin. Of course, we don't know what the situation was.. I'm trying to find a video of that 'moment' (if there were any!) so we don't jump to conclusions based on photos. Hopefully Kate will be more aware of her poor hubby next time! ;)

kate

Monday 27th of June 2011

anyone know anything about the c charm bracelet? i'd love to know who made it.

kateandmary

Saturday 13th of August 2011

Kate - The rumour is that Kate’s bracelet was given to her as a gift from Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.

There is a pretty good replica version available from Jewellery Personalised - http://kateandmary.wordpress.com/2011/07/25/princess-kate-inspired-crown-bracelet-by-jewellery-personalised/

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