The Duchess wore emerald green for today’s engagements in Australia’s capital city, Canberra.
Stephen Lock / i-Images / Polaris
Kate returned to a label worn earlier in the tour, Catherine Walker. The Duke and Duchess planted an English Oak tree near the Pod children’s playground.
After the Arboretum it was time for a reception and formal presentations at Parliament House. 
Following the PM’s speech, it was Prince William’s turn at the mic; he noted that “We go away with wonderful memories and George goes with his cuddly wombat, which he has taken to chewing so lovingly”. You can see William’s entire speech here on CNN’s YouTube channel.
The duo also did a walkabout. 
Another view. 
The Catherine Walker coat dress worn by the Duchess is a bespoke piece, created with elements from the Evelyn dress and Lara coat, as shown below in another of our “new math” fashion equations.
Catherine Walker/Catherine Walker/i-Images
It could almost be the Evelyn from the waist down, with that garment’s “…full A line skirt with hand pick stitching.”
Catherine Walker / i-Images
The bodice comparison shows how the upper portion of Kate’s coatdress is almost identical to the Lara.
Catherine Walker/i-Images
The one element I do not have a good handle on is the fabric, if it is the “grass green Venetian wool” of the Evelyn or the silk shantung of the Victoria jacket, or something else altogether. Our thanks to a savvy reader of the popular From Berkshire to Buckingham blog, she suggested the Lara coat as a piece Kate’s garment was based on, and also to Perth’s Fashion.
The first Catherine Walker worn by the Duchess on the Tour was the red Russian Greatcoat in Wellington, NZ; we also show the brand’s dresses worn by Kate during the North American Tour in 2011.
i-Images/i-Images/PA Wire/Splash News
Kate wore her Sledge pumps from LK Bennett, she did not carry a handbag.
The only jewelry Kate wore (aside from her engagement/wedding/eternity rings) were her emerald and diamond earrings.
Stephen Lock/i-Images/www.i-Images.co
This look worked well and on many levels. The green honors the country hosting the Cambridges, it is one of Australia’s national colors; the other is gold. It also ties into the event at the Arboretum: the green of the site’s foliage, one of the literal allusions Kate makes when pairing wardrobe choices with certain appearances.
There is a reception this evening (4am EDT/1am PDT), arguably the most formal event of the tour. We will be back with a post following that event.
EDITOR’S NOTE: If William and Kate looked pensive at times, it is understandable. As some readers will be aware, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall lost her brother, Mark Shand, very suddenly this morning. Mr. Shand co-chaired a philanthropic event last night at Sotheby’s (New York) that raised more than £1 million ($1.6 million) for several charities, including Elephant Family, an organization he founded and chaired. At an after-party Mr. Shand stepped outside to have a cigarette; evidently, he slipped and suffered traumatic head injuries. William and Kate released a brief statement: “‘The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were saddened to learn this morning of the tragic death of Mark Shand. Their thoughts are with the Duchess of Cornwall and her family at this time.”
Elephant Family
LINKAGE:
- the National Arboretum Canberra website is here, its Facebook page here
- learn more about the National Portrait Gallery by visiting its website here, or follow the organization on Facebook
- Click here to see a video report on the Arboretum ceremony, click here to see Prince William’s full speech
- The Daily Mail’s story is here, Victoria Murphy’s story in the Daily Mirror is here
- for a full recap, photos and video, the Courier Mail could be just what you’re looking for, click here to visit the site
- Pop Sugar’s recap and large photos may be seen here
monalisa
Sunday 27th of April 2014
This coat is badly cut. The neckline is terrible and the dolman sleeves and padded shoulders make the whole thing seem stiff. \like the belt and the full skirt.
SallyG
Friday 25th of April 2014
You guyyys! I just got back from vacation and have been catching up on my favorite blog to see what the DoC has been wearing! This post made me sad as there are a few pictures of her looking very solemn. I wanted to say, "Hang on, cookie, you're almost home!"
I too have been divided about what she wore on tour. I agree with ladies who say she seems to be figuring out how to walk the line of protocol and still stay true to her personal taste. It must be additionally hard with a little one in tow. I love the bold colors and distinctive details on her. There just seemed to be a some tension as to how she made it line up with royal protocol or something. I think she will do just fine getting the hang of it though. After all, she does have Sarah Burton on speed dial! :)
Britney
Friday 25th of April 2014
The style of coat isn't so bad but the color isn't to flattering. Kate's best colors are that of a neutral palette in my opinion.
Margo, Thrift at Home
Thursday 24th of April 2014
I love the zipped-up neckline, the wide belt, and the hand stitching on this coat. I think a higher neck would look too wintry, but the neckline with the zipper leans towards a funnel neck and I LOVE that look (reminds me of the dove gray suit she wore on Easter). I've never cared for kelly green, but she wears it well. I think this coat is elegant, but slightly sporty with the wide belt and hand stitching. Love the idea of the nude heels, although I've never been crazy about her Sledge heels. Glad she's wearing an understated shoe with this bright dress - elegant.
I am impressed with her fashion choices for a woman her age. I think she rides the line well between dignified Royal and young chic woman.
Karin
Thursday 24th of April 2014
Thanks for a great blog, I'm a real DoC fan. She was only a metre away from me when I went down to see her in Wellington at Civic Square last week. The whole crowd was absolutely buzzing after she had come over to our area to say hello. I couldn't believe I'd got to see her in person. And to the person who has said there have been small crowds - they are totally wrong there, the crowds have been huge, even when there was only the possibility of seeing the duchess drive by fleetingly.
As for her tour outfits, I'm like some of the other posters, her wardrobe has been a bit to safe for me, not enough wow factor, small jewellery, one colour coats. As an NZer she seemed to have more stunning outfits in Australia. Although she wowed us all in New Zealand with that stunning black evening dress with the silver fern. She looked a million dollars. My favourite outfits for the tour have been the black silver fern dress and the yellow dress when she arrived at Sydney and also the white dress last night was classy.