It’s A Bucklebury Christmas for Kate & William, Early Look at Erdem Pre-Fall

We have a brief update to share on Christmas plans for Kate and William. St. James’s Palace announced today the couple will spend Christmas Day with Kate’s family in Bucklebury.  Those looking forward to Christmas Day photos of Kate and other royals walking to/from church services at Sandringham will be disappointed, although it is probable we’ll see the couple at some point.

The news took many by surprise as it is quite unusual. Below, part of royal expert Victoria Arbiter’s reaction via her Twitter feed.

Victoria Arbiter Twitter

The news does not mean Kate and William won’t pay a visit to see the Queen and Prince Philip, or that they won’t take part in any of the traditional festivities. The Huffington Post offers this:

British royals traditionally spend the holidays at Sandringham, a vast estate in eastern England, and a spokesman for William said that royal couple would pay a visit at some point over the festive season. He noted that William’s absence from Sandringham had been approved by his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and her husband, Prince Philip.

Deciding where and with whom holidays will be spent can be challenging. Kate and William face the same choices as many a married couple, in their case, however, the “where” and “with whom” decisions are magnified. I expect we will see the couple at some point, it just won’t be the standard Christmas format.

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A reminder for those still interested in doing some shopping, the major sales are underway at many Kate-favored retail establishments, including Zara.

Zara

Reiss.

Reiss

LK Bennett.

LK Bennett

That includes noteworthy markdowns on items Kate has worn, like the Davina dress in multiple colors.

LK Bennett Davina

For those lucky enough to be in London in early February, one of Kate’s favorite milliners is doing their annual sample sale. Gina Foster Millinery will offer wonderful markdowns on hats and fascinator styles from the 2nd through the 9th, with discounts of up to 70%. 

It is worth checking other stores as well, trade publications report some retailers are starting the usual post-Christmas sales and promotions before the holiday in an effort to boost sales.

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Also today, a quick look at styles from the Erdem Pre-Fall 2013 collection. As mentioned in previous posts, any fall apparel would be post-baby for Kate.  My guess is the Duchess will return to her trim, fit form quickly.

Courtesy Photos

I can see Kate in the green coat as well as the green dress, she has shown a fondness for the color.

The dress below left has the lines Kate favors, while the jacket and skirt on the right bear a resemblance to the Paule Ka ensemble worn to Middle Temple October 8; I would expect different fabrics for both pieces.

Courtesy Photos

Below, three of the four pieces are in that silhouette frequently seen on the Duchess.

Courtesy Photos

Again, several dresses with the lines Kate likes.

Courtesy Photos

We close with a wish everyone enjoys holidays filled with love and laughter.