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Kate Sets Sail in Portsmouth & Takes the Helm in Henri Lloyd UPDATED

Kate brought back Alexander McQueen separates for her visit to Portsmouth on behalf of the 1851 Trust.

Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal)

Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal)

The Trust is a charitable endeavor of Ben Ainslie Racing, “…the British team aiming to bring the America’s Cup home.”  Kate is the Trust’s royal patron. ©Stephen Lock / i-Images

The Trust is working to get more young people from a wider demographic involved in sailing. Kate was at the Ben Ainslie Racing facility to open the new Tech Deck education center.Robin Nunn/Nunn Syndication/Polaris

The Centre is designed to engage people in the sport through exhibits showcasing design and construction elements of World Cup vessels.Kensington Palace @KensingtonRoyal

Below, Kate speaking with students from St. Edmunds Catholic School; they are learning how yachts are constructed to withstand the elements.©Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal)

The Duchess also officially introduced partnerships with the UKSA and the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation. This year the Trust will partner with the Foundation to offer free sailing lessons to young people in Portsmouth and the surrounding areas. From Simon Perry’s People story:

Kate met schoolchildren who are set to try out sailing last summer with Go Sail, a program run by the U.K. Sailing Academy. 

Ashlyn Collins, 15, told PEOPLE, “She asked us if we had ever been sailing, whether we were going to be sailing, she asked us if we enjoy sport and are we looking forward to it. 

“It was so amazing. You see her on TV, you kind of don’t think of her as a real person and then to meet her was amazing. 

One of the Trust’s goals is help grow the number of students studying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) topics. There were digital workshops today, helping students connect with STEM studies.Richard Palmer, The Express (@RoyalReporter)

Kate listens as Mohammed-Asif Akhmad from Bae Systems puts a microphone on her head. More from The Daily Mail:

The duchess was then shown a bone conductor radio kit which transmits sound through a pad placed on the forehead.

After trying it out, Kate said: “It’s fantastic, it’s as if it comes straight through your head.”

©Arthur Edwards/NMA Rota/Nunn Syndication/Polaris

You might remember Kate adding to the mural when visiting Portsmouth in Feb of 2015.Stephen Lock / i-Images

After her time at the new Tech Centre Kate went for a sail with Ben Ainslie and some of his team members.

The Duchess changed into sailing gear for a trip out on the water.©Stephen Lock / i-Images

It was a gorgeous day, much nicer than the last time the Duchess visited when brutal winds and driving rain curtailed some activities. From royal reporter Richard Palmer’s Twitter feed:

Ricard Palmer, The Express (@RoyalReporter)

Richard Palmer, The Express (@RoyalReporter)

More from Mr. Palmer’s story in The Express:

Kate went out in the team’s test boat T1 – a foiling AC45 catamaran – and took control, steering the boat out on the race course for the forthcoming Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series event in Portsmouth in July.

When Kate, a keen yachtswoman in her youth, was introduced to some of the young sailors outside the team headquarters, she told one group: “I’d really like to get out on the water more.”

Ben Ainslie Racing

Ben Ainslie Racing

From The Telegraph’s coverage:

Sir Ben, speaking after the high-speed ride, revealed his team would love to get The Duchess on board for a race. In the world series they are allowed to take a guest. “We would love to get her racing with us as well if we can,” he said. “There’s a lot going on and we will see what the schedule allows.”

He also revealed he hopes The Duchess will bring her children – Prince George, two, and Princess Charlotte, one – to the centre, adding: “She is certainly keen to get the Prince and Princess sailing at some time in the future, whether that is down here or elsewhere.”

Now to what Kate wore. Her Alexander McQueen separates were first seen in August of 2011 when Kate and William visited Birmingham following riots in the area.

©Allpix/Splash News & Splash News

The Duchess was next seen wearing the pieces for an engagement at Bletchley Park in June, 2014.All: ©Polaris

Here is the original product description for Kate’s blouse:

Alexander McQueen’s military-inspired silk-georgette blouse exudes signature sophistication: cream sheer silk-georgette, navy trims, stand collar, gold button-fastening epaulets, long sleeves, button-fastening cuffs, military-style frogging at front, flared hem. Concealed button and snap fastenings through front

 

Kate-McQueen-Military-Blouse-Aug-19-2011

Alexander McQueen

The skirt was described this way:

Upgrade your new season wardrobe with a hit of Alexander McQueen’s covetable military aesthetic. In a nautical navy hue, this button-embellished wool-crepe skirt is a versatile style. Directional front slits lend it an air of It girl cool. Navy wool-crepe, gold anchor-embossed button embellishment, front flap, two side slant pocket details, two symmetrical front slits, seam detail, fully lined. Concealed zip and hook fastenings at side. 100% wool; lining: 71% acetate, 29% silk.

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen

Kate accessorized with her Rupert Sanderson Malory heels (£425).©Stephen Lock, i-Images/Rupert Sanderson

She carried her ‘Kate’ bag in quilted leather by Jaeger.

Jaeger/Jaeger/i-Images

Jaeger/Jaeger/i-Images

Kate wore her sapphire/diamond earrings.G Splaash News

She also wore her engagement ring for the first part of the day’s activitiesSplash News

It appeared the earrings and the engagement ring were given to someone for safekeeping while Kate was sailing.©Stephen Lock/i-Images/Polaris

A look at Kate in the separates over the years.©Splash News/Splash News

The Duchess wore Henri Lloyd again. This is the firm that outfits the Land Rover Ben Ainslie Racing team. Just a few weeks ago Ben Ainslie Racing was in New York for America’s Cup races; they wore their Henri Lloyd gear to ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange.

Below, Kate wearing Henri Lloyd during the July 2015 visit to Portsmouth.i-Images/POLARIS

Kate wore the Land Rover BAR Team Elite Jacket by Henri Lloyd.Polaris/Henri Lloyd

The jacket is £395, although US shoppers are unable to see that info online because Henri Lloyd does not offer ecommerce for those in the USA. The company *will* ship to US buyers, but orders need to go through the company’s stores in Cowes. The store’s email address is cowes@henrilloyd.co.uk; the phone # is 01983 291429; the street address is Henri Lloyd Cowes, 96-96 High Street, Cowes PO31 7AW. I don’t yet know which style of trousers Kate was wearing; Henri Lloyd tells me they do not think it’s one of their garments.

Kate sported a new pair of Adidas running shoes.©Stephen Lock/i-Images

We show the style at Nordstrom ($119.95 & free shipping); it is also offered at Adidas ($120, free ship).

Nordstrom

UPDATE MAY 21: It looks like Kate’s trousers are by Columbia Sportswear, you can see the brand’s ‘omni tech’ label just back of the right side seam on Kate’s leg and the pair shown below right. (That pair is very similar to Kate’s, but it’s not identical.) Many thanks to Оксана Кравченко on the FB page (aka RoyalRomance on Twitter). ©Polaris/Columbia

Kate’s pair has seaming at the knee that is distinctive, perhaps a Columbia convertible style that allows one to zip off the lower portion of the pants, then wearing the upper part as shorts.

Kate Knee Seams Sailing Wet Gear Portsmouth May 20 Montage May 21 2016

UPDATE MAY 21: There are a number of new photos of Kate leaving Friday’s engagement, she wears a black cable crewneck sweater/jumper & black skinny jeans. Additional pictures may be seen here in The Daily Mail.

The Daily Mail Twitter

The Daily Mail Twitter

Both Anna of My Small Obsessions and Middleton Maven suggest Kate may be wearing a Ralph Lauren sweater/jumper. Below left, the Black Label Cashmere Crewneck; on the right we show the Ralph Lauren Collection Cashmere Crewneck.

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren

We do not have a decisive identification of the skinny jeans.

There’s a solid video available on the Land Rover BAR Facebook page here.

Land Rover BAR Facebook Page

Land Rover BAR Facebook Page

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Also today, a look at a what might be a new photo of Kate. The image was posted on Twitter by a gentleman named Stephen Connor, he is the Executive Director of the Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance. Mr. Connor is attending the International Children’s Palliative Care Conference in Buenos Aires; he said the Duchess sent a message of support to the Conference.

Stephen R Connor @SRConnor

Stephen R Connor @SRConnor

Both Kate and Archbishop Desmond Tutu are listed as Ambassadors in the Conference program, something Cepe Smith pointed out on Twitter.

ICPCNC Program

ICPCNC Program

It’s possible the video message Kate sent could be made available for viewing; if so, we will let you know.

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And finally, for those who ordered the Royal Mail stamps commemorating Kate and William’s 5th wedding anniversary, word that many customers are receiving theirs. Laura Ashworth shared these photos on Twitter of her stamps.

Laura Ashworth Twitter (@SolidMoonlight)

Laura Ashworth Twitter (@SolidMoonlight)

A quick query: I am working on a post about items ordered by WKWers in the last month to six weeks and seeking input on your purchases. Below, questions conveying the basic info I am interested in.

  • How was the item(s) when delivered, was the packaging acceptable?
  • How was the ordering process, was your order filled as expected or did you receive a notice saying it was canceled? How was that handled by the company?
  • What about the quality, is it what you hoped? Did it surpass expectations or disappoint?
  • Was the item as described? (Those purchasing the Anita Dongre dress have been surprised at the weave/weight of the fabric, finding it very sheer. (I don’t know one person who wants to return their dress, the reviews have been positive with that exception, but it *was* a surprise for shoppers.)
  • How was communication with the company you ordered from? There has been discussion on Twitter and Facebook (not to mention direct messages and email) about one brand in particular and its struggles to deal with the onslaught of business brought about by Kate wearing their merchandise & ensuing communication issues.

If you are able to take a moment or two and share your feedback that is outstanding. The best email is Susan@WhatKateWore.com. Please be sure to let me know how you would like to be referenced in the post (first name only? full name? a “shopper in Sydney”?) I won’t be able to use all of the comments, but there’s been good feedback about the Glamorous dress & tunic, the Anita Dongre dress, Accessorize earrings, Breton stripe sweater by J Crew and I thought it might be helpful to share information.

We will see you Monday when Kate and William join HM and other royals at the Royal Chelsea Flower Show

LINKAGE:

  • The INternational Children’s Palliative Care Network site is here; the Facebook page is here & Twitter feed here
  • The photo intense Daily Mail story is here; Victoria Murphy’s article in The Mirror is here; Richard Palmer’s story in The Express is here;
  • PopSugar’s photo gallery is hereThe Telegraph’s photo gallery is here; a Telegraph column by Bethan Holt on Kate’s ‘Literal Dressing’ is here; Simon Perry’s People story is here

 

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Sstude

Tuesday 24th of May 2016

She could wear nothing next to Dreamy Sir Ben and I would never notice. :)

Emily

Monday 23rd of May 2016

I don't remember what my previous opinion on this outfit was, but today it looks costume-y to me and I don't care for it.

Susan Cronin

Sunday 22nd of May 2016

Gosh I have always disliked that outfit and am tired of seeing it. I also feel it looks like a costume or worse a uniform. Sheneedssome jewelry coaching. The sapphire earrings seemed too dress and even worse were the pearl drops for sports... Can she get a gold hoop or a simple stud??

Melanie

Sunday 22nd of May 2016

Perhaps the black cable knit sweater and skinny jeans are what she wore under her sailing gear? The nylon (or whatever) pants looked like what you would wear over jeans to stay dry. She just changed shoes perhaps?

Amy

Sunday 22nd of May 2016

Two thoughts. First, seeing the comparison photos of the times Kate has previously worn this ensemble confirms for me that I just don't care for her new way of doing her hair. I thought her hair was stunning in the 2011 photo, less so in 2013, and really "meh" now. She can't look bad, but I find that she has more apparent "bad hair days" than she used to. Change of stylist? Hormones from pregnancy? Less time to devote to hair styling? I don't know, but I wish for the old hair days.

Second: This isn't my favorite outfit of Kate's, but one thing I love about her is that she shops her closet. She looks great in this outfit, and while she might mix the separates with other pieces in her wardrobe, this combo clearly works for her and for the event. I'm as eager as anyone to see a new outfit, but I am also happy to see a repeat of something lovely, just as I love to re-wear outfits I love in my own closet.

Heather

Tuesday 24th of May 2016

Hear, hear. I know I'm late to this party, but I couldn't agree more. I've been bemoaning her hair ever since Amanda Cook Tucker took over. It was around that time that you really started to see more subdued styles, and not in a good way. She lost the curls, but also all of the bounce, volume, and "swinginess" that made it look so healthy. And this was before she had children, so pregnancy hormones and having two little ones and no time can't be the entire reason why.

I think there is room for "less is more" styling, but I've found Ms. Tucker seems to struggle with her styling more than James Pryce and Richard Ward ever did. Her blowouts aren't always completely straight or frizzless, the curls seem to start to fall halfway through the engagement, and her casual half-updos look limp and halfhearted (does anyone else remember the banana clips of Royal Tour 2013?). She has gorgeous hair; I do wish she would give someone else a try.

gmg

Monday 23rd of May 2016

Interesting re the hair. Though I am surprised to find myself politely disagreeing, as I too recall her 2011 hair as being fabulous -- I think in hindsight that the hairstyling in the first McQueen pic looks a little over the top. Lovely, luxurious etc, sure. But arguably a bit long and overly full (even a bit frizzy if you look closely) for businessy charity engagements and the like. In fact, that pic is from an engagement they undertook to give condolences to people whose kids were killed and neighborhoods damaged in riots. I think if that look/hair on that sort of visit happened today, we'd deem it a misstep. She was still at the beginning of her learning curve. I think "less time for styling" is part of the answer, because the "before" is before 2 kids among other things. But she has also faced criticism for "hiding" behind her hair and it may be that taking a bit of length off and styling it in a more toned-down way is a response to that.

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