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Kate in Custom Jenny Packham for State Reception

We are back with a brief update on what Kate wore to the State reception at Government House, a bespoke cocktail dress by Jenny Packham. The evening’s highlight was Kate and William’s unveiling of a new portrait of Her Majesty by New Zealand artist Nick Cuthell.Photography by Woolf/Crown Copyright

Those with a good eye for detail may have noticed the fern brooch HM is wearing in the portrait. It is the same pin worn by Kate atop her red Catherine Walker coat on Monday, loaned to the Duchess for this trip.  Again this evening Kate demonstrated her skill at sending messages of respect and sensitivity through what she wears, her dress had an intricately embroidered fern on the left shoulder.Arthur Edwards/Splash News

Kate’s dress is knee-length, it has long sleeves and a modified bateau neckline, not to mention the exquisitely embroidered left shoulder. We hope to have larger pictures to share in another hour or two.

Prince William made a brief speech at the function, the The Mirror’s story has some of his remarks:

“Thank you also for hosting Catherine, George and me during our time in New Zealand. I hope that George doesn’t keep you up!

“He’s at his most vocal at 3am, as you may have noticed – I swear I heard him doing the haka this morning.

Robin Nunn/Nunn Syndication/Polaris

The Duchess wore her trusty Jimmy Choo Cosmic heels. The pumps are available at Jimmy Choo for $695, and at Net-a-Porter, also selling at $695.Kate Jimmy Choo Cosmic Platform Pumps

UPDATED: Kate accessorized with her diamond bracelet, I don’t yet know what earrings she wore and the consensus is they are the matching pair to the bracelet.  Below we show them from previous events.

PA Wire

PA Wire

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We have an update on the Tory Burch ‘Paulina’dress Kate wore for Tuesday’s Plunket New Zealand playdate.

Tory Burch Paulina Dress at Net-a-Porter

Tory Burch Paulina Dress at Net-a-Porter

It looks like the dress will be re-issued through Net-a-Porter UK, at least from the looks of things. The screen grab is from this morning, I will try to check later today to verify this is the case.

Net-a-Porter

Net-a-Porter

FRIDAY SCHEDULE

  • Late morning: William and Kate fly to Auckland
  • Visit the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) base in Whenuapai, informal meet and greet with base personnel and their families
  • 12:15pm / 8:15pm EDT / 5:15pm PDT:  Travel into the city centre, arriving at headquarters of Emirates Team New Zealand, participants (and winners) of many America’s Cup racing meets
    • 1-3pm / 11pm EDT / 8pm PDT: Kate & William are taken to two separate boats for some informal races (what may be referred to in the US as ‘sprints’) against each other (This is reminiscent of the couple competing against each other in a Dragon Boat race during 2011’s North American Tour.)
    • Return to shore
  • Go back into the Harbour aboard a Sealegs, an ingenious amphibious vehicle that was invented in New Zealand
  • Return to Air Force base, return to Wellington

LINKAGE:

  • the full version of William’s speech at the State reception is on YouTube here
  • NEWS has posted a video story about the State reception, you can see it here 
  • the Telegraph’s slide show of photos from Day 4 of the tour can be seen here
  • the Mirror‘s running blog coverage from Day 4 of the tour is here
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Mary

Friday 11th of April 2014

I agree that I think this dress should have had an updo, it would have shown off the fern design much more effectively. I don't get the comments about the hemline though… longer hemlines don't necessarily mean dowdy. I think it is a lovely throwback vintage style. It reminds me of the hemlines of the 1930s. It is very elegant and sophisticated. I would rather see Kate wearing hemlines like this then some of the ones that she's worn in the past where they have been practically mid thigh. Much more appropriate. You don't always have to show a ton of skin to look sexy and attractive.

Camilla Jilderup

Friday 11th of April 2014

Dressed for success!

Tess

Friday 11th of April 2014

It would have gone a long way if she had taken this opportunity to showcase NZ designers instead of sporting the NZ emblem on a non-NZ designed dress. I mean its nice and all but I'm sure showcasing NZ talent and design would have served as a huge boost, economically and in terms of exposure.

Fashionista11

Sunday 13th of April 2014

Having purchased premium designers before (both of NZ--such as World and Karen walker-- and internationally -- dolce &gabbana, vivienne Westwood, Bally, Burberry, Issa, Chanel, roland mouret, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Diane Von furstenberg, etc), I have to say that I am not surprised that New Zealand designers have been excluded to date (aside from today's Emilia wickstead dress). I hope nobody takes offense, but NZ creations do not seem to bear the same level of craftsmanship, compared to foreign premium designers, in their clothing. I've noticed this in the way items are sewn, the quality of the fabric, and lining. As a result of these issues, I stopped buying nz designers about three years ago. Perhaps this has improved more recently.

bronte75

Friday 11th of April 2014

I agree with you completely, the fern embroidery was a bit much I think, especially so soon after wearing the brooch. A dress from a NZ designer would have been a much better choice for this event. I applaud her longer hemlines and shorter heels, she looks so much more professional, but she still has a tendency to wear costumes sometimes. The red coat with the box hat was very much like a costume too in my opinion.

Yvette

Thursday 10th of April 2014

Following up on Michael's comments, wouldn't it have been wonderful for Prince William to wear a gray suit. It would have coordinated so nicely with Kate's dress. Prince Charles dresses so nicely, in muted tones. Prince William would also look good in other colors besides navy, which looks a bit harsh on him sometimes. Love the Duchess dress tonight.

Stephanie Josefy

Thursday 10th of April 2014

Hello,

For those out there who are interested in getting a look a like black dress, similar to the one Kate wore to the evening reception, Ann Taylor is selling a dress in blue and in black at only $59 (down from $109) It is on their website, www.anntaylor.com and it is described, as Crepe 3/4 Sleeve Flare Dress. Good Luck :)

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