Kate attended the annual Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace today.
PA Wire
The tradition of holding a springtime party at the Palace dates all the way back to 1860 when Queen Victoria hosted breakfasts. For today’s function the Queen was accompanied by Prince Philip, as well as Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. This is the second year Kate has taken part in the function.
The British Monarchy website has more information about the parties:
Tea and other refreshments are served from long buffet tables. The quantities served are enormous. At a typical garden party, around 27,000 cups of tea, 20,000 sandwiches and 20,000 slices of cake are consumed. Some 400 waiting staff are involved in the serving.
One of the primary purposes of the event is to thank those who have made noteworthy contributions to their communities, to public life or events like last year’s Olympics.
Also attending, the world’s longest married couple. More from the Mirror:
Karam Chand, 107, and and his wife Katari, 100, have been happily married for a staggering 87 years.
The couple have eight children and twenty eight grandchildren.
One of the most enjoyable parts of today’s function is reading tweets that guests wrote, and looking at pictures they posted. Richard Platts wondered about the propriety of posting on Twitter during the event.
Richard Platts Twitter Feed
Here is the photo Mr. Platts posted.
Richard Platts Twitter Feed
Jo Tomlin shared a photo showing some of the food served served today.
Jo Tomlin Twitter Feed (@JoTomlin)
Ms. Tomlin also shared a photo of Kate chatting with guests.
Jo Tomlin Twitter Feed (@JoTomlin)
TeamGB boxer Natasha Jones posted this tweet.
Natasha Jones Twitter Feed
Kate chose another piece by Emilia Wickstead.
PA Wire
She wore a modified version of the “Marella” coat by the New Zealand born designer.
Matches Fashion
The Marella is named after another Italian socialite and art collector Marella Agnelli, née Princess Donna Marella Caracciolo di Castagneto.
Vogue Australia/PA Wire
The silk coat features an abstract yellow and white pattern, three-quarter length sleeves, and a collarless neckline. When bought off the rack the garment features vertical darts; I believe Kate’s was altered. This close-up image shows a horizontal seam not present in the standard Marella. This would allow the coat to be taken in when the Duchess returns to standard sizing.
PA Wire/Lyst
The piece is from Ms. Wickstead’s spring/summer 2013 collection. It remains available at Matches Fashion, selling for $1826 USD.
The sunny yellow pattern is available in other pieces, including the Margerita skirt.
Emilia Wickstead Margerita Skirt at Matches Fashion.com
As well as the Bouvier Gown.
Kate accessorized with her Russell & Bromley Park Avenue Clutch in beige patent leather.
PA Wire
The clutch remains available at £185m, almost $300 at today’s exchange rate. The Duchess also wore her Russell & Bromley Park Avenue heels.
Kate repeated the Jane Corbett hat first seen at Order of the Garter in 2011.
PA Wire
Many will recall that at last year’s party was May 29th, Kate was also in Emilia Wickstead for that event.
