Kate and William spent much of the day in Auckland, starting with a stop at Whenuapai Air Force Base. The RNZAF (Royal New Zealand Air Force) plane carrying the couple from Wellington to Auckland landed at the Base, where the Duke and Duchess spent time chatting with Base personnel and their families.
Then it was time to head over to the Harbour, crowds lined the streets on the route from the Base to the Harbour.
After changing into seagoing clothes and shoes, it was time for a scene reminiscent of the 2011 dragon boat race in Canada, as William and Kate squared off against each other in races on the Harbour. This time the watercraft were a little bigger and faster, Emirates Team New Zealand Americas Cup yachts. More on the races from Gordon Rayner’s story in the Telegraph:
The couple were in Auckland to visit the home of New Zealand’s America’s Cup team, and took to the sea with young sailors from a local yachting club.
Once they reached open water, the Duke and Duchess were invited to take the helm of their two yachts, and race around a series of buoys.
William looks very intense.
A better view of what Kate was wearing.
The competition was fierce, but Kate prevailed and her team won both races.
The Duchess avenged her dragon boat loss in Canada 3 years ago.
It was a stunning day on the water, as seen in this picture from CNN’s David Wilkinson.
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Now, to what Kate wore, starting with the Zara jacket.
The jacket has more of a military feel than most navy blazers, due in large part to the additional buttons, as well as the way they are spaced more closely together. It is a poly/rayon blend with a touch of Elastane to provide some stretch and give. The jacket sells for $139 in the US.
UPDATED 4/11: ME + EM says they will have the top back in stock in May.
Kate’s Breton Top in cobalt/white is from a British company, ME+EM.
From the product description:
The top has a scoop neckline, ¾ length sleeves and ruched detailing to the bottom hem are flattering design features.
The top sells for £38, about $68 at today’s exchange rates. ME+EM is an online only retailer, offering basic pieces made in Britain and Europe.
There is debate about whether Kate was wearing skinny jeans from J Brand, or whether they were from Zara. I will update in the morning as soon as I get some sleep and can look at things with a clearer head.
UPDATE: The jeans are definitely from Zara, I should have recognized their tag on the back pocket in the photo below.
When looking at one of the photos showing Kate’s jeans I noticed there was something in her back pocket; I queried some fashion-savvy friends who told me they thought it was the case for a pair of foldable sunglasses. After seeing the Ray-Ban logo on Kate’s sunglasses they suggested it was a pair of the Ray-Ban Folding Classics in dark tortoise.
I think they are right on both counts: that is a folding sunglass case in Kate’s pocket, and it could be the pair shown above, the tortoise.
The Duchess’s look today is one she favors; I don’t think anyone who follows her fashion was surprised to see the skinny jeans or the Corkswoon wedges. We show her wearing almost identical outfits below: on the left, she plays volleyball at a SportsAid function, on the right she enjoys the London 2012 Games with William.
Kate’s wearing the Corkswoon wedge at Stuart Weitzman, where the shoes retail for $398.
Zappos also carries the shoes, their price is $385. Both retailers offer free shipping, I believe Zappos also offers free shipping for customers who return merchandise.
When it was time to step aboard the yachts Kate changed out of the Corkswoon, opting for another familiar pair of shoes, the Sebago Balas.
With apologies, I forgot to include jewelry in the post. Kate was also wearing her Grace earrings from Kiki McDonough.
When leaving the Marina Kate stopped to chat with some youngsters who had been waiting in hopes of seeing one of the royals.
SATURDAY’S SCHEDULE
- Kate and William begin the day with separate engagements in the town of Hamilton. Hamilton is located in the country’s Waikato region, on the North Island.
- The Duke spends time at Pacific Aerospace, visiting the company’s factory
- Kate will spend her time at Rainbow Place, a children’s hospice. She will meet children taking part in art therapy, as well as volunteers, nurses and family members.
- After reconnecting, the couple journeys to Cambridge, a town located in the center of New Zealand’s agricultural heartland
- The first stop will be at the Cambridge Memorial where they will pay their respects, and the Duke and Duchess enjoy the town’s central district
- Travel to New Zealand’s brand new velodrome, William and Kate officially open the facility, known as the Avantidrome, meet some of New Zealand’s Olympic medalists, watch races and see a BMX exhibit
LINKAGE:
- the Waipa District Council has outstanding info on tomorrow’s royal visit to Cambridge activities, including event times
- the Daily Mail’s article and photos can be seen here
- click here to read Richard Palmer’s story in the Express, Gordon Rayner’s story in the Telegraph is here
- The Standard’s story and accompanying slide show are viewable here
- Emirates Team New Zealand has *really* well-done video coverage here
Sophie
Sunday 13th of April 2014
http://www.joules.com/Women/Tops/Harbour/Womens-Cotton-Top/Navy-Breton-Stripe?id=Q_HARBOUR|NAVSTRP
A slightly more budget option of the Breton stripe tshirt from joules and they seem to have lots of stock!
Jennifer
Sunday 13th of April 2014
Is the Zara blazer part of the current collection? I cannot seem to find it on the Canadian Zara site.....
Jennifer
Sunday 13th of April 2014
Does anyone know if the Zara blazer is a current season piece, I cannot find it on the canadian website
Jade
Sunday 13th of April 2014
Can you please provide a link to the Zara Jeans if possible? Thanks :)
Diane
Monday 14th of April 2014
Yes please- cannot find the jean on Zara nor J Brand
emily
Saturday 12th of April 2014
Love, love, love. Classic Kate.