Kate Brings Back Much-Loved McQueen Coat for Garter Day

The Duchess was in a familiar look for today’s Order of the Garter events. 

The sun shone on Windsor Castle for Garter Day, many arrived early to have a good view of the Knights walking to St. George’s Chapel. The Order of the Garter is the UK’s oldest and highest order of chivalry.  Prince William was appointed in 2008, below we see him with Prince Charles as they walk into St. George’s Chapel today.

Via Rebecca English/Daily Mail Twitter Feed

The honor is determined solely by the Queen, input from Ministers and others is not required. It is HM who decided in 1987 that women should also be included in the Knighthood, Lady Margaret Thatcher is one of those so honored.

Many Kate fashion followers were smiling today when they learned the Duchess recycled her Alexander McQueen coat. Below we show Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, Kate and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall as they chat.

The Duke and Duchess after the ceremony.

HM and Prince Philip during the carriage ride following the ceremony. 

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge rode with the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall. 

Many recognized Kate’s coat immediately.  

She wore the Alexander McQueen design to last year’s Trooping the Colour.

The cotton and wool-blend pique coat showcases several signature McQueen elements, including those sculptural lines, technically the lower portion is called a “tiered Samurai skirt”. Originally sold at $3845 at Net-a-Porter, more recently it was discounted to $2691; the item is no longer available.

We believe Kate was wearing her Reiss Peacock dress underneath the coat, previously seen at Epsom just a year ago, below we show it as seen last spring at Reiss. The always-on-top-of-things Carly from Kate Middleton Style and WKW FB friend Rebecca Anne made an early call on this being the dress, I concur.

Reiss

Kate’s choice is sure to delight fashion fans, in last year’s poll WKW readers chose this coat as their favorite.

©What Kate Wore 2011

The Duchess brought back her LK Bennett Sledge pumps and Natalie box bag.

LK Bennett

Kate wore another lovely piece by milliner Jane Corbett, the creamy sisal confection showcased an elaborate bow.

The hat is Ms. Corbett’s Style #31, WKW Facebook friends Katherine, Carolin and Anna of My Small Obsessions, they shared that information.

Jane Corbett Look

Our thanks to WKW Facebook friends Misty & Katherine, they noted early on, as did Anna, that Kate wore the Kiki McDonough green amethyst and diamond earrings many believe to have been a Christmas gift from William.

Here is another look at Sophie, Kate and Camilla, with thanks to Chris O’Neill on Twitter.

Via Chris O’Neill Twitter Feed (@ChrisBelfast)

The color coordination among the three ladies is obvious, something Lilting Limes on Twitter has been pointing out for some time now. More from the Evening Standard:

It was the order of the pastels for the Duchess of Cambridge and other members of the royal family today at Windsor.

Kate, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Countess of Wessex appeared to have co-ordinated their cream and pink outfits as they stood on the steps of St George’s Chapel, Windsor, during the Order of the Garter service.

Many expressed surprise at seeing how the coat looked on Kate now that a full length view is visible, at Trooping the Colour Kate was seen sitting in a carriage and then standing on the Palace balcony, precluding almost any meaningful photos of Kate in this coat last year.  Some thought the piece would be more fitted, others expected it to be longer, some like it more now that they have seen it on Kate full length.

If interested in reading or viewing more, here are some links:

• Learn more about the Order of the Garter here, and the service at St. George’s Chapel here
• Pop Sugar’s story (with 17 photos) is here
• The Wales Online story is here
• The Daily Mail’s story is here
• Watch ITN’s story here, below you see the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh
  

  ITN News