Kate Is Elegant In Lacy McQueen For Jubilee Service

The final day of Diamond Jubilee celebrations was marked by better weather, enormous crowds, and a full complement of royals. Queen Elizabeth performed today’s duties alone, as she did last night; Prince Philip remains hospitalized with a suspected bladder infection. Below we see Her Majesty on the way to St. Paul’s Cathedral for this morning’s National Service of Thanksgiving.

The Queen wore another Angela Kelly ensemble. This offers a much better view of the mint green coat, made with silk tulle and embellished with small embroidered flowers and silver thread. One of the more striking design elements is the vee-shaped chiffon draping from the front, over the shoulders, down the back of the coat.

The matching hat featured the same fabric and embellishment, a beautiful look for the Queen.

It was a full house for the Service.

Kate elected to wear Alexander McQueen for today’s Jubilee events.

The Duchess wore what I believe is a bespoke piece, with McQueen’s basic sheath as the foundation for the garment. The knee-length dress showcased exquisite lace atop a white or ivory base, long sleeves, a modified boat neckline, and satin ribbon or sash detailing at the waist. The color was referred to by many different names, including beige, gold, caramel, eggshell, blush pink, and others. I would probably say it is champagne in color.

Kate’s elegant chapeau was by Jane Taylor, described by the milliner as “…a beaded cocktail hat with silk tulle and organza discs. Finished with smoked quarts and veiling.”

It is priced at £790/$1300. The upscale milliner also created the hat worn today by Sophie, Countess of Wessex, another chic look. Our thanks to WKW Facebook friend Michelle Wales, she quickly identified the piece.  Here is a closer look at the back of Kate’s hat. The Duchess wore her hair in a partial updo.

A better look at the coordinating satin sash and lace. 

The sash worked perfectly with Kate’s Prada satin logo box clutch.

The Duchess had on her LK Bennett Sledge heels. 

This makes it three McQueen pieces for Kate during the Jubilee events: the red pleated dress for Sunday’s River Pageant, a McQueen jacket last night at the concert and today’s frock. (The McQueen jacket isn’t included, there are no photos adequately showing the blazer on Kate.)

Here is another look at the fabric and Kate’s earrings.

Anna of My Small Obsessions believes these are the earrings Kate wore when previewing the wedding dress exhibit with the Queen last year. She also thinks that Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, has an identical pair.

This is one of Kate’s best looks, epitomizing understated elegance. The color of the dress ensured the Duchess would not detract from anyone else, especially HM, while the fabric’s texture and dress detailing provided points of interest that held appeal. The Jane Taylor hat was an excellent touch, the netting offering a chic touch that wasn’t overwhelming.

William and Kate leaving St. Paul’s.

 

Stylist James Pryce, who did Kate’s hair for her wedding, handled hair styling for the Princesses.

A broad range of organizations were represented at the Service, including these young Scouts, here we see two just following its conclusion, thanks to Simon Carter of the UK Scouts Association for sharing this photo.

Once again the crowds were tremendous. Below, the throngs moving toward Buckingham Palace, with thanks to CNN’s Max Foster.

An elevated view shows how massive the crowds were along the Mall.

Jubilee celebrations weren’t limited to the Commonwealth, the occasion was marked elsewhere, as with these British soldiers in Afghanistan.

The Camp Bastion Medical Detachment held a fundraiser in honor of the Diamond Jubilee, with proceeds going to the British Legion, Blesma (British Limbless Ex Servicemen’s Association) and Combat Stress, working with former service mean and women who are dealing with PTSD.

Following the luncheon it was time for the major pomp and pageantry. After torrential rains Sunday, yesterday was an improvement, but London’s weather was iffy all morning with cool temps and threatening skies. The decision was made to stay with open carriages despite the possibility of rain, and rain it did, although not heavily. It was an amazing sight.

Crowds were gathered 5, 6, and 7 deep. Once back at the Palace, crowds moved closer in anticipation of seeing the guest of honor and others on that famous balcony.

One of the day’s “wow moments” had to be the flyover of World War II aircraft and the Red Arrows, this image from the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom was taken from the roof of Buckingham Palace.

Before things wrapped up HM was saluted with a rousing “Hip Hip Hooray” round of cheers from the Irish Guards. 

As we have mentioned, the Duke of Edinburgh’s absence was on everyone’s mind. He is said to be improving, although he remains hospitalized. Prince Edward and Sophie paid him a visit today, more from the Express:

The Earl and Countess of Wessex arrived at the London hospital, arriving in two separate vehicles, and stayed for just under half an hour. The Countess of Wessex added: “He’s in good spirits, he’s on good form.”

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said the Duke will remain in hospital under observation for a few days.

The Queen also recorded a message, viewable on The Royal Channel.

Other links you might enjoy:

• St. Paul’s Cathedral Jubilee pages are here
• The Official Diamond Jubilee website is here
• Those seeking souvenirs might enjoy the official Jubilee Online Store
• The British Monarchy Facebook page is here
• The Telegraph’s coverage is here, with its “Best Of Day 4” photos here
• The Daily Mail’s story is loaded with photos
• The BBC’s coverage is here, with the balcony appearance and flypast story here
  

  The BBC

It has been an extraordinary series of Jubilee functions reflecting the life of a remarkable woman. The events showed the very best of Britain, offering a look at royal pageantry on what is only the second Diamond Jubilee for the Monarchy.

We’ll see you for the next official appearance June 13, that is when William and Kate join the Queen and Prince Philip (presuming he is recovered from his illness) for a trip to Nottingham. Trooping the Colour follows shortly after on the 16th.