As hoped this holiday season, Kensington Palace released a new picture of Kate, William, George and Charlotte.
PA Wire
More about the photo from The Daily Mail:
It is the first time the family have released a photograph at Christmas and only the second official portrait of the family of four. A Kensington Palace spokesman said the photograph was commissioned for their own use but that the couple decided to make it public because they liked it so much.
This is the first time we have seen the Duke, Duchess, Prince and Princess together since Charlotte’s christening in early July.
Mario Testino / Art Partner
The new photograph will be used on the family’s Christmas card. The picture was taken in late October at Kensington Palace by photographer Chris Jelf, a former soldier serving with the Light Dragoons. More from Gordon Rayner’s story in The Telegraph.
Mr Jelf, who was chosen through a recommendation from a friend, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed photographing a very lovely family, although you have to be sharp as you don’t have long when there are two young children involved!
“I hope everyone enjoys this photo and I am honoured that The Duke and Duchess have decided to share it with the public.”
On his website Mr. Jelf talks about his love of photography:
My father gave me an old manual Pentax when I was 12 and since then I have been passionate about photography. I never dreamt it would become my career, but after spending my 20’s in the Army, it sort of happened by accident.
The picture was taken at Kensington Palace in late October. George looks particularly happy in a blue Fairisle sweater and shorts, while his sister Charlotte is in the same outfit worn in the photos taken by the Duchess that were released in November.
HRH The Duchess of Cambridge/Chris Jelf-PA Wire
The Palace also released news that prince George will start nursery school part-time in January. He will attend Westacre Montessori school near the family’s Norfolk home; the school is actually located on the Sandringham estate. Back to The Telegraph article:
Both Prince William and Prince Harry attended Montessori nurseries, though the Duchess of Cambridge went to a local pre-school in Bradfield Southend, Berkshire, where her family lived at the time. Prince George’s new school was opened 23 years ago and has 27 children…Westacre, which is housed in a converted chapel, teaches children aged two to five and was rated “good” in its latest Ofsted report earlier this year.
The news is the latest evidence that the Duke and Duchess regard Norfolk as their main home, rather than their London residence at Kensington Palace.
The school is located in a former chapel.
Kensington Palace
Identifying what Kate wore in the new image will be very difficult because of the way the Duchess is situated in the picture. At best we can say she is wearing a gray v-neck sweater atop an open-front shirt that I believe is a button-down, with dark navy skinny jeans or leggings. Kate is also wearing her sapphire/diamond earrings and a pair of navy sneakers (trainers) with a white sole.
Taking a closer look at the shoes one can see the white sole a little better; it looks deeper than that seen on other sneakers Kate has worn, in keeping with the current trend in fashionable sneakers; the sneakers also have gold or silver eyelets. On the Facebook page Jennifer suggest Kate is wearing the Mint Velvet plimsoll similar to the grey pair she has, we show that below left. On the right we show a pair with an even thicker sole, the Gant Alice shown below, although Kate’s have navy laces. (This is illustrative only, I am not suggesting this is the pair Kate is wearing in the photo.)
Mint Velvet/PA Wire/GANT
We will do a search for the sweater the Duchess has on and see if we come up with anything remotely similar. As we gather new information we will update the post! For much more detailed information about what Charlotte and George are wearing click here to visit What Kate’s Kids Wore; today’s post also includes news about a new brand that Kate is fond of for both children.
I think it could be this sweater:
http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/114853/Charles-has-a-day-out-with-Kate
http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/1/285×214/114853_1.jpg
It might also be the one that Catherine wore for the rugby match in Australia.
Oh my, what a great find Rose!! I am going to take a look for hi resolution photos from the agencies where I license pictures and see if we can get some good sized images. What a great memory you have! 🙂
just a suggestion, but i thought Kate’s sweater could also be from Mint Velvet. they have a few like it.
A charming photo.
I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t had time to comment on the Duchess’s last few appearances, but of course I was delighted to see that the Cambridges had released a picture for the holidays, since I had expressed the hope here that they would. It’s fascinating to see how much Princess Charlotte matured between this picture, taken in October, and the two taken by her mother in November. Her features acquired greater definition and identity, didn’t they?
I thought we’d previously had a lengthy discussion of the European short pants tradition for small boys. I believe I posted, or at least referred to, the fact that Princes William and Harry had both worn short pants uniforms to the pre-prep Wetherby School. The tradition was still alive and well then. It will be interesting to see what George is required to wear, in terms of uniforms, once he moves on from nursery school.
By the way, anyone living near a Bloomingdales should hotfoot it there for some terrific holiday deals. This afternoon, I bought a Ralph Lauren sweater dress for over 50% off and also got great discounts on elegant Thomas Pink, Jermyn Street, London shirts for my husband. I can’t help but crow.
Nice to see you back and congratulations on your sales deals. I’m indebted to you for pointing out that Pure do more than just cashmere as I’ve been able to source some plain slim-line wool trousers of a type I haven’t been able to find for love nor money of late. Being short means I fall foul of wide-legs whenever they come back in fashion and have to keep an eye out for genuine slim-legs to stock up on as and when I can
I bought a pair of Pure’s slim-line trousers. They’re wonderful and fit me like a dream.
Wow, sounds hopeful. I have some on order! The last time I was searching high and low fashion decreed that even the slim legs were too wide on me. If these work out I shall be going back for more asap.
I felt for Kate when I heard she wasn’t sure about her hair. I did that too. I lopped off my lovely long hair and instantly regretted it but it grew back and one thing is certain she’ll never do it again if she’s certain it’s not a style for her. More so for her because she experimented publically. I envy women who can change it up and down but so be it. I love the family shot. It’s a far cry from a stiff little Charles shaking the hand of his mother after a long absence. Indeed it was a different time but this is a lovely representation of the monarchy today.
There were some charming family photos of the Queen, Prince Charles, and their children. The one you cite was not, after all, an actual family picture but rather a mere news photo. I think it’s unfortunate that people are not necessarily familiar with some of the more candid and enjoyable photos of the royal family when the Queen was much younger.
Diana appeared in a lot of posed photos with her sons. They sometimes looked very candid but usually were not. Many photographers (Mario Testino is one) are skilled at creating a candid impression when, in fact, the photo is quite carefully planned and lit.
Prince Charles, too, has appeared in such pictures with his sons.
I meant, of course, Prince Philip.
I am familiar with all shots and ones such as these caught by photographers are very candid indeed and not staged. I made the comment that after months of not seeing her smalll son the queen probably wanted to but thought better of any maternal display. It was not me being disparaging just comparing the times. All the images of Kate and William with their children contain no such formality.That is a good thing. None of us would hire Mr. Testino and not expect him to make us look our best and Diana playing it up for the cameras on her returns? Maybe but her love for her boys is well known and evident still today.
… Or Diana I should add in any posed photo with her boys just to be clear…
Love this picture! So fun! A bit frustrated Kate has “given us the slip” as it were, regarding the brands she’s actually wearing, but we can know for sure she’s wearing trainers, jeans, a blue button up, and a grey sweater. That’s a great outfit no matter what brands you’re wearing!
This is such a beautiful photo of the family. I love how the Duke and Duchess always choose such candid photos of their family to show the world much like Diana chose candid photos over formal photos. There’s something so unique about candid photographs because it truly captures the love and closeness of the family over a formal one.
It didn’t occur to me before, but George really has Diana’s beautiful wheat blonde hair. I really hope he keeps that color as hair color can change drastically between ages 3-6, especially because if he’ll be brunette. I was a strawberry blonde until I was about 5 and then I turned medium ash brown. I hope the blonde is here to stay.
I can’t really determine whom Charlotte takes after as she’s a little young yet. I’m sure it’ll be easier as she gets a little older.
I love the nod to Diana with the earrings-even with a casual outfit. Stunningly happy photo!
I thought perhaps this photo was taken after the Shaun the Sheep event where her hair is done and she is wearing the sapphire/diamond drops.
I rather doubt that the earrings were intended to be a “nod to Diana”.
I agree. The combination of diamonds around a sapphire was popular long before Diana chose it for an engagement ring. Yes, her choice increased its popularity for a while, just like popularity increased again when Kate chose to wear the ring.
Kate wore a gray sweater at a rugby match on April 19, 2014, she also had on a scarf so we could not see the neckline but I think it is the same one. She also was wearing skinny jeans and her mint velvet plimsole so I think it is likely that she repeated a version of this outfit as she has done many times before with her casual looks.
It is a nice photo, very real, they seem to be going that direction lately, away from the stage portraits.
I’m in love with George’s Fair Isle (ish) jumper. I know it’s Spanish, but it could easily be Scottish. It’s a nice hat tip to Scotland. Also, each of the family look so happy. I like this photo better than the Mario Testino, as much as I like his work. Clearly, they liked being around Chris, and he was able to get pure smiles out of them all.
I love this shot! Kate looks as though she is clutching George’s arm to keep him from scampering off. Such a beautiful family!
This is crazy – despite the avowed intent of this page I’m just delighted we can’t see what Kate is wearing, she finally managed to give us all the slip!
It’s great that she is in just plain old casual and the whole family look so casual and natural. And I’m deeply touched that they would acknowledge an ex-forces man in this way, showing that there’s life in civvy street when service ends.
Good luck in not identifying that duchess outfit! 😉
wonderfull comment.
completely agree.
amen……love “knowing” what she wears, love “not knowing” what she wore….
Perhaps this is an odd question but I’ll ask it anyways. Why does it seem like everytime we see little George he is in shorts and knee high socks? Even in October in LONDON where based on the way everyone else is dressed, must have been rather chilly. I just wonder why Kate always puts him in knee high socks. Is there some significant to this?
I believe I read somewhere that is is common practice for upper class British kids to wear shorts for a certain period of their childhood. Maybe just royalty? I’m not sure exactly. If I’m making this up, forgive me!
My sons were dressed that way when they were that age. For the very formal occasions they wore their lederhosen – as did my husband when he was little – they wore the ones his parents had purchased for him.
I dressed my sons in shorts for formal photos up to about age 3 and 1/2 maybe 4. Also for fancy parties with extended family or special occasions shorts till age three. I just thought they looked very cute and I knew that very quickly they would not be happy in those cute outfits. My kids actually wore some of the outfits my husband had worn for photos. His Mother had been given or purchased fairly expensive children’s outfits, wool or 100 percent cotton that looked fantastic after 35 years. There is nothing “awful” or “cringe worthy” about putting a child in shorts. Actually a huge number of the boys in Middle School and High School go to school in khaki shorts or athletic long shorts throughout the winter. At least with little boys they will wear knee highs.:) ali
Ohh just to add I am from and live in the USA. ali
I am in the US, too, and my boys wore eton short suits until around 3 1/2 for Christmas and Easter. Shorts allow boys to act like boys – run around and have fun with no worries about putting a hole in the knee.
It’s an upper-class thing. Boys don’t get to wear long trousers until they are 8 or so. I’m not sure why, but it’s just tradition. You won’t see him in long pants for a long time.
It is the British tradition for little boys to wear short pants until about the age of eight. Shorts are very much a part of school uniforms for young boys. It has been said, that historically boys wore shorts so as they grew there was not a frequent need for new pants. Their suspenders were let down and the shorts continued to fit them. If you Google photos of William and Harry as youngsters, you will see them wearing shorts also.
It’s just the way upper crust English people dress their little boys. If you look at photos of the royal family over the years, you will see the boys are all dressed in short pants and knee socks, all year round. Also, search for photos of John Kennedy, Jr. when he was George’s age. His mother was, of course, from “old money” and was VERY into European culture. Caroline wore adorable little smock dresses and John wore shorts.
Good question! 🙂 I remember seeing this article from People addressing that very topic last year:
http://www.people.com/article/prince-george-short-pants-tradition
Thanks for posting this! I was trying to dig it up and having no luck, it was wonderful to see your comment! 🙂
Ah thank you so much!
There were some pics we’re not supposed to be looking at of Kate with George at the Natural History Museum and there he seemed to be normal long-leg jeans-style pants. Seems he gets the short-trousers treatment when he’s on official duties.
Thats what I meant. We’ve seen him just out and about with his nanny and he’s wearing pants, but when is official photo’s or anything he’s always in shorts.
I think the official-thing might be down to his Mum’s taste in the fashion for retro. That and the fact that he is still tiny, only been here a couple of years and off to school already! 🙂
It’s tradition for boys.
I suspect George has some long pants, jeans and the like, but he is dressed in shorts and knee socks when he’s on public display. William probably has some influence in this. We dressed my nephews similarly until they each were in primary school. At one point, I was dispatched to find knee socks and I bought them in the girls’ department.
I can’t help feeling that the tradition is a bit retro and it’s a retro theme Kate may be picking up on. I’m not so sure that such a strong tradition exists any longer as small boys in short trousers are liable to become the laughing stock of their own mates.
George’s school mates and friends will all dress in short pants. It’s not “retro” it’s tradition and there will be no laughing.
It’s possible they’re in a warmer part of the country than mine as short pants for little fellahs have been a no-no for some time no matter which side of town you’re from:-)
Having said that of course, there are occasions when they set out in skirts as per Scotland’s national costume — in which case they depend on ferociously thick socks for comfort. Imagine George in his first kilt! 😀
I think it’s not only a British tradition, I’d say it’s european. I live in Milan, Italy and very upper class families do that too, also in France.
Such a happy photo! I am enjoying the relaxed feeling the Cambridge’s are presenting to the world. They are a modern young family.
Prince George steals the show in my opinion!
What ever happened to Lupo?
Having Lupo in the picture would have made it even better. But maybe its too difficult to get Lupo and the kids to cooperate long enough to take pictures.
Exactly. I can imagine the children would be looking at Lupo the entire time and this shot would have been impossible.
This picture was taken in London. I expect Lupo is now based at Anmer
I love that their family seems to prefer “candid” photos, rather than “staged” photos. There’s a feeling of authenticity about this family and I like that 🙂
I love this photo! I really enjoy candids but love staged photographs as well. I think there is a place for both. Sometimes its nice to have the formality of a posed picture.
The princess’s shoe has fallen off and is lying in the grass…I love that detail.
It’s always interesting to me that they don’t choose “perfect” pictures where everyone is looking at the camera and smiling. Perhaps none of those were captured…I think it more likely that this picture captures a dynamic or a glimpse of personality that is meaningful to them. Lovely picture!
Ha, good job on noticing the baby’s shoe! It’s a really lovely unintentional detail that reminds us they are not so different from the rest of the families in the world. 🙂
It was such a nice surprise to see this on the morning news. Such a wonderful pictures….George and Charlotte are adorable! You can tell they are all extremely happy! I love it!
My goodness! Charlotte looks so much like Carol Middleton in this photo! Absolutely perfect picture of the four of them.
Sorry my phone… The Jigsaw or the Superga, both available at John Lewis!
Maybe the Jigsaw of the Superga ?both available s’y John Lewis. http://m.johnlewis.com/mt/www.johnlewis.com/jigsaw-ayda-flat-trainers/p2337428?colour=Navy%20Leather&_requestid=53342697&un_jtt_redirect#page_loaded ?
Love the new pictures!