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.