Kate attended the annual Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace today.
The tradition of holding a springtime party at the Palace dates all the way back to 1860 when Queen Victoria hosted breakfasts. For today’s function the Queen was accompanied by Prince Philip, as well as Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. This is the second year Kate has taken part in the function.
The British Monarchy website has more information about the parties:
Tea and other refreshments are served from long buffet tables. The quantities served are enormous. At a typical garden party, around 27,000 cups of tea, 20,000 sandwiches and 20,000 slices of cake are consumed. Some 400 waiting staff are involved in the serving.
One of the primary purposes of the event is to thank those who have made noteworthy contributions to their communities, to public life or events like last year’s Olympics.
Also attending, the world’s longest married couple. More from the Mirror:
Karam Chand, 107, and and his wife Katari, 100, have been happily married for a staggering 87 years.
The couple have eight children and twenty eight grandchildren.
One of the most enjoyable parts of today’s function is reading tweets that guests wrote, and looking at pictures they posted. Richard Platts wondered about the propriety of posting on Twitter during the event.
Here is the photo Mr. Platts posted.
Jo Tomlin shared a photo showing some of the food served today.
Ms. Tomlin also shared a photo of Kate chatting with guests.
TeamGB boxer Natasha Jones posted this tweet.
Kate chose another piece by Emilia Wickstead.
She wore a modified version of the “Marella” coat by the New Zealand-born designer.
The Marella is named after another Italian socialite and art collector Marella Agnelli, née Princess Donna Marella Caracciolo di Castagneto. The silk coat features an abstract yellow-and-white pattern, three-quarter-length sleeves, and a collarless neckline. When bought off the rack the garment features vertical darts; I believe Kate’s was altered. This close-up image shows a horizontal seam not present in the standard Marella. This would allow the coat to be taken in when the Duchess returns to standard sizing.
The piece is from Ms. Wickstead’s spring/summer 2013 collection. It remains available at Matches Fashion, selling for $1826 USD.
The sunny yellow pattern is available in other pieces, including the Margerita skirt. Kate accessorized with her Russell & Bromley Park Avenue Clutch in beige patent leather.
The clutch remains available at £185, almost $300 at today’s exchange rate. The Duchess also wore her Russell & Bromley Park Avenue heels. It looked like she wore her Annoushka Pearl Drops suspended from her Kiki McDonough Diamond Hoops.
Kate repeated the Jane Corbett hat first seen at Order of the Garter in 2012.
Many will recall that at last year’s party was May 29th, Kate was also in Emilia Wickstead for that event.
And she also accessorized with a hat by Jane Corbett for that event as well.
Chance Thansamai
Friday 25th of October 2013
My dream retirement would be no bills, no worries and excellent health.
Jenniffer
Tuesday 4th of June 2013
Thank you for all the work that must go into this AMAZING website!! I can hardly wait to start 'dishing' about today's news and fashion... I think Kate's choice of a neutral color was a good one - let the queen shine as it's her day. Love that she recycles! In my opinion, Sophie looks VERY much out of place in a (see through) white lace short dress - who let her leave the house looking like THAT? Sorry to all of you who disagree...
Mari
Tuesday 4th of June 2013
Kate is so classy and elegant and looks so lovely in yellow, it's the right colour for her tones, she's absolutely stunning. Lovely hair too.
sue
Friday 31st of May 2013
Just wanted to share this great affordable look a like for Kate's black velvet bow clutch:
http://www.fashion-conscience.com/bags/sale/fair-trade-black-velvet-bow-chain-evening-bag.html
Meg
Friday 31st of May 2013
Hi guys, Just wanted to let you know I was in Zara today and saw a gorgeous coat that would be a great repli-kate of the yellow one Kate is in - have a look at http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/us/en/zara-nam-S2013/367501/1225531/SHORT+CHECKERED+COAT