Kate In Midnight Blue Mulberry As She & William Are Circled By Sharks

Kate & William followed their very busy morning in Honiara, Solomon Islands, with an equally hectic afternoon. The Diamond Jubilee Tour continued with a visit to a Coastwatchers memorial, the couple laid a wreath at the still-new monument.

Keith Jackson & PNG (Papua New Guinea) Friends Blog

Then it was time for a lunch reception hosted by the Prime Minister, the event benefited Solomon Islands charities, it was also attended by representatives of the Diamond Jubilee Trust.

Here we see William after the luncheon, he changed out of his suit and into a lightweight linen shirt.

WKW Facebook Friend

And here’s Kate, she also made a change.

WKW Facebook Friend

The pair then flew to Marapa, below they are seen arriving on the island

Chris Jackson – Pool/Getty Images/PA Wire

That ‘shark’ you see swimming in the background? Part of the welcoming ceremony. More on the sharks from Victoria Murphy’s story in today’s Mirror:

 Solomon Islanders have traditionally worshipped the shark and when warriors went out on raiding parties to rival islanders, some of the tribesmen would usually swim alongside in shark costumes.

When the royal couple arrived, their boat was flanked by three warriors swimming beneath shark costumes constructed from a wire frame covered with black plastic

Next, a ride in a traditional war canoe.

Mirrorpix / Splash News

The Duke and Duchess were being taken to the private island of Tavanipupu. This is the only private island in the Solomons; it is also a 5-star resort. William and Kate are expected to do some snorkeling and dine alone this evening, more from the Daily Mail story by Rebecca English:

On Irish chef Paul Carr’s menu: a wide choice of exquisite international and Solomon Islands cuisine, including the island’s own coconut-fed chickens, and freshly-caught ikamata – yellow fin tuna in lime juice and coconut milk – and chilli mud crab.

‘The menu that we have tonight, we’ve practised for two weeks,’ the chef said.

As mentioned in a previous post, the island is actually for sale, it can be yours for $12,000,000, or if located in the UK, that’s just £7.5million.

It looks like a stunning spot to get away from everything.

Kate chose another eyelet (or broderie anglaise) dress, this one by Mulberry.

Svpply.com/Chris Jackson-PA Wire/Mulberry Courtesy Photo

The knee-length frock is sleeveless, with a defined waistline, full skirt and zipper back. It is from the label’s Resort 2012 collection. Below, a better look at the necklace Kate was given upon arrival, and the thin belt she wore.

Chirs Jackson/Pool/PA Wire

Kate brought back the Stuart Weitzman Corkswoon wedges (available in four colors at Stuart Weitzman for $375).  She also kept on the Kiki McDonough Citrine Drop earrings on she was wearing earlier today.

Fashion fans may want to watch the spring/summer 2013 Mulberry runway show, it is tomorrow at 10am London time/5am EDT, you will be able to watch it here. It is always fun to see what designer Emma Hill comes up, I very much enjoy the touch of whimsy she inserts into every collection. Below, another look from the Resort line, in honor of Kate Middleton Style Blog.

Mulberry Courtesy Photo

It’s good to know William and Kate will have some downtime away from the spotlight.

Linkage:

• Read more about the Coastwatchers here, or their role in the fight for Guadalcanal here (Honiara is on Guadalcanal)
• The Mirror‘s story by Victoria Murphy is here, with a nice photo gallery
• The Daily Mail’s article from Rebecca English is here, also with photos
• Read about Tavanipupu Resort here, or look at the real estate listing here